Jack Claffey, formerly Jack Gallagher of the WWE, will debut in the BKFC in 2022. His release from the WWE followed sexual assault allegations in 2020. Claffey issued a statement where he took responsibility for drinking heavily and behaving inappropriately with a young woman at a 2014 New Year’s Eve party.
Mid-year will mark the lightweight’s first professional venture outside of the WWE.
The “Captain” also falls in line with a number of other WWE wrestlers that either left to join another promotion or participate simultaneously. Brock Lesnar and CM Punk have records in the UFC, and Bobby Lashley fought under Bellator and various other MMA promotions.
Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley, CM Punk; Photo Credit: Getty Images
Impressively, the England-born fighter won both of his amateur bouts by submission—one by armbar and one by guillotine choke.
Fans of Jack “Captain” Claffey have not seen him in action since his loss to Jake Atlas during a live WWE event in June 2020, and are surely anticipating his debut in the bloody combat sport.
22-year-old French MMA fighter Pierre Ludet committed suicide weeks before his 23rd birthday and next bout.
Pierre was found in his apartment on Sunday with a fatal gunshot wound from his service weapon. He was an outstanding mixed martial artist and member of the French national police force.
Ludet followed in his father’s footsteps and became a police officer, then followed his dream of being a mixed martial artist. His future was bright in the MMA world. Ludet had only one loss in his amateur and professional career combined. And most of his wins are by submission and TKO/KO.
Pierre Ludet, Photo Credit: L’EST REPUBLICAN
The 6-1 MMA fighter was set to fight again after his last win in 2019 this February 26 against Antoine Hidrio at Hexagone MMA 3 in Reims, France–nine days before his birthday. February would have been a celebratory month for the impressive young man.
Suicide Affects Everyone
We expect MMA fighters to be tough inside and outside of the ring.
Multiple hits to the face and body may improve a fighter’s physical toughness, but it does not make them any different than civilians who fight their own inner battles.
In 2021, “The Notorious” Conor McGregor earned more than $150 million through endorsements alone.
McGregor took home the L twice against Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier in his only two fights of 2021, yet the Irishman still made millions off both bouts.
With fighter pay being a concerning issue in the UFC, some may be astounded to see a fighter pull in so much money without winning a single fight in the year.
But the real shocker is the amount of money Conor accrued outside the Octagon.
From sports betting site DraftKings to his shares in Irish whiskey brand Proper No. Twelve, McGregor totaled $158 million before the year ended, according to a report from olbg.com.
Conor McGregor, Photo Credit: Lawrie/Getty Images
The former two-time UFC Champion outearned Roger Federer, one of the greatest Tennis players of all time, who came close at $90 million. He also earned more than Lebron James, winner of three National Basketball Association championships and 4-time NBA MVP, who earned over $90 million less than McGregor.
McGregor is ranked at the top of the list when it comes to making money beyond his profession.
Conor McGregor Is UFC Royalty
Conor McGregor, Photo Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images
McGregor’s wins and irreverent persona have brought big money to himself and the UFC.
The OG champ-champ has certainly earned his respect. 19 wins by knockout and becoming the first champion in two weight classes(flyweight and lightweight) is no easy accomplishment. His 2013 UFC debut was a win by round 1 KO/TKO. And his 22 wins include famous names such as Max Holloway, José Aldo, Nate Diaz.
The list of headlining accomplishments is lengthy for the 32-year-old Ireland-born fighter.
There is no question that when it comes to “The Notorious,” the UFC is always listening. Although other lightweights are hungry for the title shot, McGregor, ranked #9, might be first in line.
2021 was a losing year for Conor, but he could turn it around with another championship win.
Win or lose, his popularity steadily increases. Companies invest in Conor because his name is on headlines and billboards, and the size of his fanbase is unmatched.
A title match between Oliveira and McGregor would rock the house and be a PPV cash cow. And with the astronomical monetary gain he acquires from his endorsements, 2022 could be his richest year yet.
Do you think Conor McGregor will increase his net worth in 2022?
Although the former UFC Welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley is on a six-fight losing streak, he is still determined to get back on the winner’s circle.
2021 presented many challenges for Woodley. A loss to Vincent Luque at UFC 260 and towards the end, he lost twice to Jake Paul, in December by a vicious knockout.
Social Media reacted negatively to the fighter’s shortcomings, but Tyron Woodley is not fazed, rejecting suggestions for him to hang it up after the abysmal run he’s been on.
“And people want you to quit because it makes you their equal. They’re willing to quit. It’s something they always do. They quit jobs like a motherfucker. They quit on the treadmill, they quit. Even after they said 30, they quit after 10. They quit on their diet one week into January. (To) People and humans, it’s so much easier to quit. So when you can try to encourage somebody else to quit, it makes us feel equal. We’re not equal because I’m built different,” Woodley told Ariel Helwani in a recent interview with MMA Fighting.
“The Chosen One” refuses to allow his last bout to signify his career.
“I never thought that, and everything that I had before, all it did was basically, I was gonna fight three times this year anyway, maybe four,” answered Tyron Woodley when asked if he thought his recent loss shrouded his image permanently.
The Comeback
Tyron Woodley could shock the world in 2022.
Tyron Woodley, Photo Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
The former Welterweight Champion wants to get back out there and show MMA fans what he is capable of. Woodley’s KO loss on December 18 was a setback for his next match, but he still plans to fight this year.
“But it’s just basically when I fought in December, it kinda took away a chance for me to fight in January. I was gonna fight in January, most likely. So all it did was replace that. I’m still gonna fight a couple more times this year, go out there and kick some ass, get back in the winning side, and just show people who I am and remember. Like, it’s so easy to quit,” Woodley continued.
Many incredible fighters have hit snags in their career. For example, MMA legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva has made a comeback through boxing after suffering several losses towards the end of his UFC career, not to mention, Robbie Lawler who got some redemption with his win against Nick Diaz at UFC 266.
And 42-year-old Glover Teixeira fought for the belt and lost against Jon Jones in 2014, but became the UFC LightHeavyweight Champion last October at UFC 267.
Top: Anderson Silva, Bottom: Robbie Lawler, Right: Glover Teixeira; Photo Credit: Manuel Velasquez / John Locher/Associated Press / Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
So, Woodley has a message for those who want to see his downfall:
“Yeah, I just need people to know I’m not that dude. I’m not that dude. I’m not gonna quit because it’s easy for you.”
Having six losses back-to-back is enough to break many people, but Woodley’s strong fighting spirit may be the deciding factor in his next bout.
Are you excited for a Tyron Woodley fight in 2022?
Canadian MMA Fighter Nick Felber wants his self-defense program, Kotawe, to break out of its pilot stages.
Since formerly working with high-risk youth and teenagers, Felber has wanted to do more for them.
“Working with a lot of Indigenous youth and teens [in that role], it opened up my eyes to that culture a lot more and made me want to do more for that community,” said Felber, according to Cochrane Today.
And the 26-year-old has stayed true to his passion.
Now, as a mixed martial artist, Felber works with the youth again, but this time in his own way.
He and Justin Sander, owner of the Ludus Martial Arts Academy where Felber coaches kickboxing, have created the program Kotawe, or “to catch fire” in Cree.
A major step in the program’s development is the addition of the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society. Program members struggling with abuse can depend on the installment of the non-profit to be a safe space.
Felber and his team break their backs to support the indigenous community, however, hurdles remain.
Of course, COVID-19 is a negative factor against the program’s expansion, but lack of funds is the major issue.
For instance, Felber wants the program to cost little to nothing to indigenous women and girls ages 15 and up.
But, before that can be possible, the issue of transportation needs to be resolved.
“Sometimes it’s still difficult for a lot of these women and girls to even get to the gym,” Felber added. “If the program were to get enough attention from companies that want to support it… we could start funding for buses or some kind of transportation to get more people there safely and reliably,” Felber commented.
Plans are in place to advertise the program in Edmonton to more indigenous women. Hopefully, more exposure will get Kotawe the friction it deserves for such a good cause.
Fighters at UFC 270 will pioneer representation of the UFC’s new official footwear: Project Rock.
On January 21 the famous actor, former professional wrestler, and entrepreneur Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson announced via Twitter his athletic gear, Project Rock, will be the official footwear of the UFC.
As a huge fan of the UFC, “The Rock” could not be more grateful for the opportunity.
“Historic. I’m honored & proud, @ProjectRock is the official global footwear partner of the @ufc. Starting this weekend at #UFC Ngannou vs Gane, all athletes & teams will rep @ProjectRock footwear,” tweeted “The Rock”.
In 2019, the former WWE wrestler helped promote UFC 244 at the weigh-ins and on the night of the event, wrapping the BMF belt around Jorge Masvidal‘s waist after he defeated Nate Diaz.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jorge Masvidal, and Nate Diaz/ Photo Credit: Getty Images
And now, he gets to witness MMA fighters wearing his design at the first UFC PPV of the year on January 22. Since the endorsement for Under Armour in 2016, this is another major accomplishment for “The Rock” and his athletic brand.
You can view the entire Under Armour Project Rock collection here.
Bellator Women’s Featherweight Champion, Cris “Cyborg” Justino, aided the launch of Africa’s first and only Women’s MMA Commission.
Last November, Cyborg attended Mixed Martial Arts Zambia’s first Symposium and helped make the event a success.
MMA Zambia President Benjamin Bush could not be more excited about the Symposium’s turnout.
“This was massive because Cris for us represents everything we are about in terms of female empowerment and gender-based violence awareness. And it was the perfect opportunity for us to launch the Women’s Commission, which is the first in Africa,” Bush commented about the event.
The efforts of MMA Zambia to promote positive change and introduce more people to the sport captured Cyborg’s attention.
“So, this project helps to empower vulnerable youth and women and to bring awareness to the sport in this country as a tool for positive social change for its people and their communities,” said Cyborg, according to SunSport.
She wants to help the organization get more women and girls in Zambia to participate in MMA. While in Zambia, Cris Cyborg took pleasure in leading a self-defense class at one of the orphanages.
Cris Cyborg, Photo Credit: SunSport
“It is this part of my life that I enjoy the most, helping others wherever I am and using my experience and platform as an example to give hope to people of having a better life,” Cyborg continued.
And who better to learn self-defense from than one of the greatest women mixed martial artists to grace the sport?
A Fighting Chance
Benjamin Bush and Members of MMA Zambia Photo Credit: SunSport
Unfortunately, much of the youth in Africa are subject to undesirable living conditions.
On top of poverty, child labor, and drug and alcohol abuse, gender-based violence against women and girls is a widespread crisis in Africa. When you give people the foundation to protect and better themselves, it can really make a difference in the community.
Benjamin Bush has faith that MMA can turn the tide of their lives.
“MMA Zambia believes that the sport of MMA can change lives not just through athletic endeavor but also through its inspirational qualities, the values within martial arts practice, the work ethic and sportsmanship within combat sports and the personalities the sport will create,” says Bush.
Mixed martial arts can empower the young hearts of Africa by showing them the fundamentals of MMA. There is much more to the sport than winning and losing.
In comparison, Cyborg’s desire to be a champion of her people signifies the former UFC champion’s ultimate goal.
“Being a world champion is a big responsibility,” Cyborg said. “Whatever place God puts you in, if he makes you a champion, it’s not to be champion for yourself, it’s for something else, whether it be to make a difference in the world and to change people’s lives, but I want to be Champion of Hearts for my people.”
Cyborg and Bush’s goals are aligned and together they have already created significant positive change for the young people of Zambia and MMA in Africa.
What do you think of Cris Cyborg and Benjamin Bush’s efforts to change the lives of the young people in Africa?
Irish MMA Team has selected MMA fighter Jordan Scully to compete in the Adult Mixed Martial Arts World Championships in Abu Dhabi at the end of January.
After taking home the silver medal last August at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Bulgaria, the 18-year-old’s athletic career continues to soar.
“I am an 18-year-old man and I have autism. I am so proud of myself for getting to this level, winning silver at the previous youth world championships and I hope to make it to the UFC,” Scully said on his GoFundMe campaign created on January 4 to raise €2500 to enter the Adult Mixed Martial Arts World Championships.
Fast forward to today, Scully has the funds to compete in the amateur bout at the international tournament before entering the big leagues.
His no-quit attitude is what got him this far. Since the age of 13, Jordan practiced MMA with SGB Tullamore and has shown tremendous effort in proving his dedication to the craft.
“He is so dedicated. We literally have to kick him out of the gym every night. He’s here morning, noon, and night. He is brilliant,” said Jamie Houlihan of SGB Tullamore.
And don’t be surprised to hear the autistic fighter’s name in professional MMA headlines in the future.
“He has had his own challenges. He has focused himself on MMA and dedicated himself to it. He has created a life for himself and hopefully a future for his family. You can be guaranteed that Jordan will be in the UFC in the next three to four years,” Jamie continued.
Autism & MMA
Jordan Scully will not be the first autistic contender to compete as a fighter in professional MMA.
There are strong examples of MMA fighters representing the autistic community.
For instance, Serena “The Southpaw Outlaw” DeJesus is one of the first autistic MMA fighters and won her first professional bout back in April 2018.
The Fusion Fight League mixed martial artist views herself as a positive role model.
“It’s a big reason why I fight,” she said. “I want to show that there can be good role models in the autism community. Everybody looks up to fighters. I can be that strong example that you can do it; even if something is hard, just try, try again. It’s great. I have two siblings who are also autistic, and they’re doing it too. One of them wants to fight like me when they get to be of age, and the other one wants to be social and be healthy, so it’s nice,” DeJesus told Montana Sports prior to her winning debut.
Welterweight John “Doomsday” Howard sets another example. Diagnosed with autism during his MMA career at age 33, the 38-year-old has seen success in many fight promotions, including the UFC and the PFL.
John “Doomsday” Howard and Ray Cooper III Photo Credit: Ryan Loco, PFL
The veteran fighter does not keep his “gift” hidden from the world. In fact, Howard wants children with special needs to see that a person with autism can achieve greatness.
“I want kids in special-needs classes, kids who get teased and bullied, to watch me fight or at least know about what I do,” he says. “I want them to know there’s someone out there who’s just like them and who’s doing great things,” said John Howard according to ESPN.
Dejesus and Howard have broken the mold—and faces—and refuse to slow down.
All fighters possess the motivation and drive to succeed. Having the courage to put yourself out there and crush your goals while facing adversity is a beyond outstanding achievement.
If Jordan Scully is victorious on January 29, his professional career is sure to skyrocket from then on. His progress and story are encouraging to many, even those of us outside of the autistic community.
How soon do you think we will see Jordan Scully in a professional bout?
Dana White, Francis Ngannou Photo Credit: Heidi Craig / USATSI CBS Sports
With a list of outstanding achievements on his record and currently being on a 5-fight win streak, the 16-3-0 fighter has simply felt underappreciated.
The results of UFC 270 may have no impact on the fighter’s stance with his current contract, but it could be possible to see just one more fight if Ngannou gets his wish.
One thing that could help make this possible would be if that fight were to take place in Africa. Francis Ngannou has always shown pride in his African roots, and with the support of other African-born champions, he could possibly bring his dream to fruition.
In an exclusive interview with Stake, Ngannou touched on his dream bout in Africa and making it a reality in the UFC:
“It is a big dream to fight in Cameroon, but I also know it will be very hard to make a reality at this point. However, I believe eventually we will figure out a way to make it happen to fight for our people. It’s very important to each of us – myself, Israel and Usman. Ideally with the UFC, but even without the UFC that is going to happen one day.”
On January 22, Francis Ngannou has the opportunity to add “defending heavyweight champion” to his stellar résumé. The battle against his former sparring partner and Interim Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 is widely considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight matches of all time.
Francis Ngannou’s path after the UFC is sure to deliver more headlining performances. And perhaps after UFC 270, regardless of the outcome, Ngannou fans will see his next bout in Africa.
Do you think the UFC will ever consider an event in Africa?
André Muniz doesn’t just break arms, he has knockout power, too.
#13 middleweight contender André “Sergipano” Muniz is coming into the new year hot with another first-round armbar submission.
Fans watched the armbar from the edge of their seats that night in December in anticipation of Muniz possibly fracturing Anders’ arm, as he did to one of the best grapplers in UFC history, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, back in May at UFC 262.
Andre Muniz and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza Photo Credit: Getty Images
Triangle choke, guillotine choke, arm-triangle choke, armbar—the list of beautifully executed submissions just gets longer for the brutal middleweight.
But do not let the 15 wins by submission sway you from his ability to knock an opponent out. As of now, Muniz has only 4 knockout wins, none of which are in the UFC, but that coulbe subject to change this year.
“This is all the result of very hard work, and people, don’t be surprised when I get my knockout because I’ve got really heavy hands, too. I’m working to get a knockout besides the submissions,” Muniz told MMA Junkie after winning their award for 2021 submission of the year.
But we should expect to see a different winning approach at his next UFC bout.
Who Is Up First?
Andre Muniz, Daniel Oliveira, Photo Credit: Alan Oliveira
“Sergipano” is no stranger to a knockout win. In 2013, he put Daniel Oliveira on the ground in round 1 at Watch Out Combat Show 24 and delivered a vicious pounding of punches to Joao Paulo Dos Santos in 2017.
So, who will be the first UFC knockout win for the Brazilian?
At UFC 269 Andre Muniz got his third round one submission win against Eryk “Ya Boi” Anders and has since already called out prospect fighters for his next bout in the Octagon.
Andre Muniz and Eryk Anders, Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie USA Today Sports
Not trying to jump the gun, Muniz wants either Darren Till or Uriah Hall, the #8 and #9 middleweight contenders, as his first opponent.
With six straight impressive wins in the UFC, the 21-4-0 fighter is speeding through the middleweight rankings and has already proven to be a solid competitor in the division. Now, André Muiz may give it his all to soon show us the greatness of his knockout ability.
Do you think André Muniz can knock out UFC competition?
#1 middleweight contender Robert Whittaker will go against Israel Adesanya in a rematch at UFC 271 this February to reclaim the championship. He knows firsthand what it is like to lose to “The Last Stylebender” and refuses to let it be his downfall.
Robert Whittaker (left) and Israel Adesanya / Photo Credit: Michael Dodge/EPA
Since the UFC 243 loss, the New Zealand-born fighter has been on a winning streak, including a win against Gastelum and the middleweight division’s #3-ranked fighter Jared Cannonier, who bested Gastelum by unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 43.
In contrast, Kelvin Gastelum has experienced a setback after his loss to Israel Adesanya back in 2019 and questions his place in his current weight class.
“I don’t see him going back down to 170. He’s a thick dude. He hits like a ton of bricks as well. I don’t see him going down to 170. He’s just in that awkward spot that I think a lot of guys get in, where they find it hard, they’re coming up against the highest tier up at the top of the ladder, but they crush a lot of the dudes coming up onto the ladder. So he’s kind of getting caught in that gatekeeping sort of spot,” Whittaker said about Gastelum in a recent interview with MMA Junkie.
The middleweight division certainly is home to some incredible UFC talent such as Sean Strickland, Jack Hermansson, Derek Brunson, and, of course, Israel Adesanya. Every fighter is hungry to be the champion. And with only one win out of his last six fights, Kelvin Gastelum may have a long journey ahead.
But despite the defeats, “The Reaper” had nothing other than positive things to say about the #10 middleweight:
“I’ve got a lot of love for that guy, I really like him. I’ve got a lot of respect for him as well. He’s had a bit of a rough skid lately, just because he’s been fighting hard guys. He’s been fighting top-tier opponents. It is not easy… fighting, playing, and trying to advance up in the top five. It is hard. Everyone up there is the best in the world. Everyone up there could be the next champ. We’ve seen that with him. He’s been fighting the highest-quality opponents,” Whittaker told MMA Junkie.
Image Credit: Steve Marcus/Getty Images
Struggling to make weight caused Gastelum’s move up to the middleweight division in 2016. But following his Ultimate Fighter 17 win in 2013, Kelvin Gastelum sped through the welterweight rankings. Despite fewer losses at 170 and talks of hiring a dietician to help maintain his weight, we may see Gastelum in a welterweight bout in 2022.
With seven knockouts under his name, the veteran fighter possesses the potential to move back up in the rankings just like other fighters have done in the past, Whittaker believes.
“He’s my age, I think, so he’s got years to evolve and change his game, and to develop new skillsets. I see him developing himself and coming back with better versions of himself. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Kelvin Gastelum,” Whittaker continued.
Junior dos Santos is ecstatic to get in the ring with vicious European boxer Kubrat Pulev for his debut boxing match.
Although the former UFC heavyweight champion dos Santos ended his contract with the UFC on a four-fight loss streak in March 2021, his love for the sport of fighting remains intact.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
However, fans of Junior “Cigano” Dos Santos are worried the fighter might be biting off a bit more than he can chew. His very first opponent, Kubrat “Cobra” Pulev, holds a professional boxing record of 28 wins and 2 losses, was the European heavyweight champion twice between 2012 and 2016, and recently destroyed mixed martial artist Frank Mir by first-round TKO at the first Triller Triad event.
In a recent interview with ESPN, dos Santos expressed his gratitude for the fans’ concern but has a message for them:
“Well, for all of those, I (know there will be) some bad comments but also some comments coming from people that believe in me and support me. And like you said, they will be worried about me, you know? But I appreciate that. Thank you for the comments and for the worry. But you know what? This time, I took to myself and to my family to think about everything, decide what to do. Man, I’m 37 years old now, and I was feeling like—I was thinking about stopping. Maybe it’s not for me anymore. But that’s not my truth.”
Despite the defeats and controversial departure from the UFC, “Cigano” is happy and doing what he loves. Now that the spark of joy is once again within him, we could see an improved version of dos Santos when he steps in the ring.
Goodbye UFC, Hello Triller Triad
The end of February marks the beginning of Junior dos Santos’ boxing career with Triller at Triad Combat II.
dos Santos wants fans to understand that his exit from the UFC was crucial. The fighter blames the promotion’s “unprofessionalism” for hindering his success within the platform but does not allow the situation to negatively impact his goals.
“My truth is I love this thing, and I still can do it. I’m 37 years old, like I said. If you go to the gym and see me training, man, I’m getting better, with some great skills every time. So the moments I was going through right now in the UFC, that’s not me. This fight now will show all those people, all the people that support or those who doesn’t support, this fight will show everybody who I am for real,” he continued in the interview with ESPN.
Lest we forget dos Santos has wins against Derrick Lewis and Stipe Miocic, two renowned names in the heavyweight division, in his MMA career. Now, it will be former heavyweight champion vs former heavyweight champion when dos Santos’ boxing debut commences.
Are you excited to see Junior dos Santos’ boxing debut?
Paulo Costa’s manager insists that “Borrachinha” is staying put in the middleweight division.
It was unclear if Costa could handle the weight at 205 and make it all five rounds against Vettori. As commentator Michael Bisping mentioned early in round one, “I’m tellin’ ya, Paulo Costa’s fading already…” Dana White echoed these comments in the post-fight show. However, “Borrachinha” hung around after everything “The Italian Dream” unleashed.
The days leading up to UFC Vegas 41 kept MMA fans confused and Marvin Vettori frustrated as to whether the fight would happen at middleweight or catchweight, but despite the one-sided weight hurdles, both men put on an outstanding battle, throwing heavy attacks until the final bell. The pre-fight tension certainly let everyone know these two meant business, and it was an exciting matchup to see.
Photo Credit: MMA Fighting
After Costa failed to make weight for a middleweight fight—moving the fight from 185 to landing at 205 pounds—and did not take home the victory against Vettori, Dana White made the call to move him to light heavyweight.
“He’s a light heavyweight,” said White. “I mean, you guys saw him tonight. He’s massive.”
Costa’s Manager Claims Costa Will Remain At Middleweight
Despite White’s insistence that Costa move to 205 permanently, Costa’s manager, Wallid Ismail, remains determined to see his fighter become a champion at middleweight and claims White’s notion of Costa moving up a weight class has changed since the post-fight conference.
“The UFC is not the biggest fighting company in the world by chance,” Ismail told Sherdog.com. “They know that ‘Borrachinha’ was injured and that’s why he had problems with his weight. There is no doubt his next fight will take place in the middleweight division.”
So why was it difficult for Costa to make weight? He initially kept the MMA world in the dark about why he could not hit the 185lb mark. It was only during the post-fight press conference that Costa informed us about his weight-cut journey, in which he reported he “needed to stop some weeks in training” due to an injury to his left bicep.
Of course, Vettori shunned the excuse, claiming this explanation didn’t make any sense and that he didn’t buy Costa’s explanation.
Either way, Costa, now 13-2-0, is headed into a new UFC journey after his loss to Marvin Vettori, 18-5-1, during UFC Vegas 41 on October 23, moving down to #5 in the UFC middleweight rankings.
We now anticipate what comes next for “Borrachinha” and whether or not he will indeed remain in the middleweight division.
Do you think Paulo Costa should compete at middleweight or light heavyweight moving forward?
