MMA News

Author: Doug Murray

  • Archives: Moreno Declares Figueiredo Ugly, Dumb, & An A**hole (2021)

    Tonight at UFC 270, Brandon Moreno will look to retain the UFC flyweight championship against Deiveson Figueiredo to bring a close to their trilogy in his favor. As you’ll find in the following article from last year, there hasn’t been much love lost between these two competitors in quite some time.

    The following article is brought to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MAY 31, 2021, 8:13 PM]

    Headline: Brandon Moreno Declares Figueiredo To Be Ugly, Dumb, & An A**hole

    Author: Doug Murray

    There is no love lost between flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo and Mexican challenger Brandon Moreno ahead of their UFC 263 showdown.

    Last time, Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno met at UFC 256 last December where the fight became an instant candidate for “fight of the year” honors. Despite the fight between Figueiredo and Moreno not having a clear winner, there is an unsatiable appetite to see these two flyweights run it back. After all, since their last bout ended in a majority draw, it’s only right that these two fighters square up again to determine who is the rightful undisputed champion.

    Going toe-to-toe for twenty-five hard minutes, each fighter had big moments in the first fight. However, it was the champion’s right-hand piston that continued to stagger Moreno throughout the night. As the rematch approaches, Moreno had no kind words for the champion leading up to their rematch on June 13 in Phoenix Arizona in front of a sold-out crowd.

    “Man, I told you, the guy’s not really smart. He’s an asshole and it’s fine, I don’t care. He’s ugly. Man, the guy’s so ugly. My goodness. I can’t believe it,” Moreno said to TMZ Sports.

    It seems Brandon Moreno didn’t have anything nice to say when asked about fighting the champion in June. In fact, it seems some animosity is building between the two flyweights as we lead into their last few weeks of fight camp.

    Overall, the initial fight was closely contested and for the first time in many ways, fans got to see Figueiredo fight out of some bad positions. In particular, Moreno was able to time and score some effective takedowns. For the most part, “Deus Da Guerra” managed to get back to his feet pretty quickly, but the takedown pressure certainly wore on the Brazilian champion as the rounds progressed. Undoubtedly, it will be interesting to see how each fighter approaches the rematch since the first fight was razor close.

    Who is your pick in the flyweight title fight between Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo?

  • MMA Fighter Pleads Insanity After COVID-Related Stabbing of Doctor

    Professional MMA fighter Akmal Khozhiev has pleaded not guilty by reasons of mental illness/defect to the murder of a doctor after a dispute about COVID-19 vaccines.

    The 3-1 MMA fighter was arrested on Sunday, Nov. 7, by the Guam Police Department. According to a report from The Guam Daily Post, Khozhiev was charged with aggravated murder as a first-degree felony and aggravated assault as a second-degree felony.

    Dr. Miran Ribati, 42, was a local radiologist for Guam Memorial Hospital. According to a witness, Khozhiev and Ribati knew each other because they both exercised at the same gym. The witness also informed police that the two may have returned home for dinner after spending time at the beach. Court documents revealed the pair of men began arguing over COVID-19 vaccinations.

    When the argument heated up, Khozhiev is alleged to have put Ribati in a rear-naked choke before a bystander broke it up. After getting involved, the witness was struck in the head twice. At which point, Khozhiev went into the house and retrieved a sharp animal bone that was left over from an evening meal.

    While Ribati tried to run away, Khozhiev caught up to him and repeatedly stabbed him in the neck with the animal bone.

    Police responded to the scene, where Ribati was lying in a pool of his own blood. After witnessing the gruesome discovery, Khozhiev immediately confessed to the murder.

    “Sir, it’s me, it’s me, I killed him,” Khozhiev allegedly told police before being arrested.

    Akmal Khozhiev Appears In Court

    During Khozhiev’s most recent court appearance this month, Superior Court of Guam Magistrate Judge Jonathan Quan ordered that he must undergo a forensic evaluation to determine if he is fit to stand trial.

    Khozhiev is currently being held in prison on a $1 million cash bail. The welterweight last competed in 2020 after earning a ground-and-pound victory against Jose Ramirez.

    Below, you can find the news coverage of this story provided by KUAM News, with friends of Khozhiev sharing their thoughts on him and the days leading up to the tragic incident.

  • Conor McGregor Donates To Bellator Fighter Paralyzed During Training

    Conor McGregor is feeling the holiday spirit, as the Irish star donated to Ian Coughlan’s cause after the fighter was left paralyzed during a training accident on July 31, 2021.

    A somber tone filled the room when Ian Coughlan’s accident resulted in doctors telling him he may never walk again. During MMA practice, the fighter fell directly on his head in a freak accident. Just one second after the impact occurred, Ireland’s Ian Coughlan was completely paralyzed.

    Doctors also indicated that Ian Coughlan would more than likely need carers to help with mundane, everyday tasks for the foreseeable future. In response to the tragic circumstances, supporters of Coughlan put together a GoFundMe. The effort is ongoing and he is accepting donations to help him recover from spinal damage.

    Conor McGregor Donates To A Good Cause & Helps A Fellow Irishman

    According to TMZ, Conor McGregor is donating $11,000 to help provide for the costs of stem cell treatments.

    “Guys let’s get together and support this young Irish fighter who suffered a terrible injury at a gym in Ireland. Coach John and the team at SBG are hosting a training day and my own recovery permitting, I hope to be in attendance. There will be signed fight wear also!” Conor McGregor shared.

    When Conor McGregor was made aware of the tragic accident, he immediately donated 10,000 euros ($11,339) after hearing the stem cell procedure could cost up to $80,000 USD. “The Notorious” donated the money on Thursday.

    Conor McGregor and his coach, John Kavanagh will be hosting a fundraiser on Dec. 18 in Dublin to help support the young Irish fighter. Despite being away from competition healing up injuries, it appears McGregor still has some time to spread holiday joy.

  • Nicco Montaño Says She Was Viciously Attacked And Injured

    Former inaugural 125-pound champion Nicco Montaño revealed that she was recently a victim of a violent assault and recounted the trauma on Instagram.

    According to Nicco Montaño‘s Instagram stories, which were posted several hours ago on December 1, 2021, the former champion claims she was involved in an altercation with Justin Watson. Montaño maintains Watson is a former NFL player.

    Montaño alleges that Justin Watson stepped on her neck, stomped her face, and kicked her repeatedly. After running away for a moment, Nicco Montaño claims she ran down the hall screaming for her life until Watson began dragging her back by her hair. Following the screams for help, a naked Montaño maintains that a bystander heard her wails and came to her rescue.

    Below are quotes from Montaño’s Instagram stories just hours ago.

    “Tonight Justin Watson stood on my neck and stomped my face in then kept kicking me and shoving my hair into his fist and the corner of the bed frame. I got away for a second to run doown the hall (naked) screaming for my life as he tried to drag me back by my hair. Luckily someone from the hotel heard my screams and came to me rescue. I’m stuck in Texas, not knowing where he is and scared.” Montaño shared.

    “I’m in the hospital and I’m so lucky to have the technique and strength that I have to have defended myself. Montaño said. I’m doing okay everyone. Thanks for the love.”

    Currently, Montaño is safe inside of a hospital having her injuries assessed. MMA reporter Frank Mika shared that he spoke with Montaño’s manager who informed him that Montaño was awaiting x-ray results from the suspected head damage. As of this writing, the plan is for Montaño to travel back to New Mexico.

    “Just got ahold her Nicco’s manager and he says she’s at the hospital getting checked out after some facial x-rays she should be released and on her way back to New Mexico” Frank Mika shared.

    While details are sparse at the moment, if any pertinent pieces of information arise, MMA News will keep you up to date.