MMA News

Author: Harvey Leonard

  • Rafael dos Anjos On Injuries: I’ve “Paid The Price” For Abusing My Body

    Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos has described the torrid run of injuries that has left him out of action for the past 15 months.

    After some uncertainty, owing to the late withdrawal of Rafael Fiziev, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, dos Anjos is set to return to the Octagon this weekend at UFC 272. He’ll face compatriot Renato Moicano, who’ll share the cage with the former titleholder on just four days’ notice.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CakmD0qu96G/

    Saturday’s co-main event will represent RDA’s first taste of action since a five-round victory over Paul Felder in 2020. Prior to being on the sidelines for the entirety of 2021, the Brazilian had consistently competed two to four times a year in the UFC since 2009.

    As the longest layoff of his career comes to an end in Las Vegas this weekend, dos Anjos has lifted the lid on the issues that have chained him to the sidelines for the past 15 months.

    dos Anjos “100% Healthy” After Brutal Run Of Injuries

    During an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, dos Anjos admitted his recent injuries represented him paying the price for the abuse his fighting career has put his body through since 2004.

    “I’ve been away for 15 months having injuries back-to-back. I was abusing my body for over 15 years,” said dos Anjos. “Last year, I paid the price so I had to fix some issues on my body, but I’m 100% healthy right now. I want it so much.

    “I had a sports hernia, which was on my abdomen wall. That was back in March, it’s going to be a year. I fought Paul Felder with that injury. I couldn’t kick, I couldn’t squat down, I couldn’t do any sit-ups. I signed up for the fight and I fought with that injury,” dos Anjos continued. “The other one was the meniscus on my right knee. I was just training, getting ready for Islam [Makhachev]. I had something they call a bucket handle on my meniscus. I removed it and now I’m 100%.” (h/t CBS Sports)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CalmjcSBq3u/

    Having returned to full health, dos Anjos will be hoping to add a 31st professional victory to his record when he makes the walk to the Octagon again this Saturday. If he does manage to get past Moicano, RDA will have secured a second consecutive win for the first time since 2017.

    Who do you think will emerge victorious in the UFC 272 co-main event, Rafael dos Anjos or Renato Moicano?

  • Dana White To Those Criticizing A McGregor Title Shot: You’re An Idiot

    UFC President Dana White has responded to those criticizing recent comments he made about Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon.

    McGregor hasn’t been in action since his second defeat of 2021 at UFC 264 last July, a setback that marked the end of his presence in the cage for some time. Having been knocked out by Dustin Poirier in January, the Irishman suffered a broken leg six months later when the pair completed their trilogy.

    Now, nearly eight months beyond his gruesome injury, McGregor has stepped up talk of a return. Having kept fans updated on his recovery and return to training, McGregor has suggested he’ll come back with a vengeance later this year.

    But despite riding a two-fight skid into 2022 and losing three of his last four outings, it’s seeming increasingly likely that we could see the “Notorious” megastar compete with gold on the line immediately.

    Dana White appeared to confirm as much in a recent interview, during which he suggested McGregor’s return opponent will depend on who the champion is at the time and what they want to do.

    “We will see what’s what with the lightweight division,” said White to The Underground. “It’s going to depend on who the champion is when Conor McGregor comes back, they have a say in it. What do they want to do? If it’s Oliveira who is still champion when Conor comes back, maybe Oliveira wants Conor we will see then.”

    Having revealed the promotion’s plan to re-book Islam Makhachev vs. Beneil Dariush in the summer rather than grant the Dagestani the next shot after Justin Gaethje, it seems the stars are beginning to line favorably for the former two-division titleholder.

    That will especially be the case if Oliveira retains the gold at UFC 274. The Brazilian has already approved McGregor’s request for a championship opportunity. A Gaethje victory, meanwhile, would perhaps prove trickier for the Dubliner.

    White Tells McGregor Detractors To “Calm Down”

    Following White’s latest comments, a wave of backlash was sent his way by some fans and pundits, many of whom suggested an immediate title shot for McGregor would be a ludicrous decision.

    But according to the UFC President, being annoyed by it is even more ludicrous.

    During a recent appearance on My Mom’s Basement with Robbie Fox, White responded to those slamming his recent remarks. After suggesting the media was to blame for asking about McGregor in the first place, the 52-year-old branded those frustrated by the possibility of a McGregor title shot as “idiots.”

    “The problem is, every time I do a f*cking interview, all anybody wants to ask is, ‘You think Conor McGregor will get a f*cking title shot?’ That’s all they f*cking ask,” said White. “So, I’m gonna say, ‘Well Conor McGregor isn’t anywhere near coming back yet, so I don’t know, let’s see what happens..’ It’s a dumb f*cking question for the media to ask, but the media asks dumb f*cking sh*t all day, every day. That’s what happens.

    “And anybody who’s p*ssed off because Conor might f*cking get (a title shot), you’re a f*cking idiot too. If that p*sses you off, Jesus Christ. Calm down, buddy,” concluded White.

    Having consistently announced his intention to return straight back into the title picture this year, White’s remarks will certainly be encouraging for the Irishman. However, it will also serve as another reminder of the overriding importance of star power, even over rankings and form.

    Do you think Conor McGregor should return from injury straight into a title fight?

  • Usman Offers To “Relinquish” BMF Title For Covington/Masvidal

    Believing himself to be the rightful owner of the BMF title, UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman has offered to vacate the belt just for this weekend’s UFC 272 main event.

    On Saturday, an animosity-fueled grudge match will reach the Octagon on the pay-per-view stage. Two-time undisputed title challengers Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington share the history and hatred to mark themselves as an apt pairing for a rare non-title PPV headliner.

    Despite the absence of official gold, many have suggested a ceremonial strap should be on the line. In 2019, Masvidal took home the specially-created BMF belt following his victory over Nate Diaz.

    With the title firmly slipping into the background, perhaps the only man keeping it relevant is Usman, who claimed ownership to BMF status after consecutive successes against “Gamebred.”

    After some brought up the possibility of the belt being on the line this weekend, “The Nigerian Nightmare” took to Twitter to offer a generous loan of it for UFC 272.

    “I will relinquish the BMF Belt just for this fight #UFC272”

    The BMF Title Would Be The 5th Belt On The Line, According To Covington…

    While to the eyes of most, Saturday’s event lacks the presence of UFC gold, Covington believes they’ll be as many as four at stake on fight night.

    During an interview with TMZ Sports, the topic of adding the BMF strap to the mix at UFC 272 came up. In response, “Chaos” branded it a fake belt and claimed he’ll be carrying four titles with him to the cage on March 5.

    “I have a real title; he has a fake title. I could care less about his title. I have all the titles that matter: the people’s champion, America’s champion, Donald Trump’s favorite fighter, and Miami’s title. So I’m gonna put ’em all on the line (at UFC 272) to show you why I’m the king of Miami.”

    We can’t imagine Bruce Buffer will be including those titles in Covington’s pre-fight introduction…

    https://twitter.com/danawhite/status/1499582961372389379

    Should the BMF title be on the line when Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal share the Octagon this weekend?

  • Masvidal Names The Weaknesses He Hopes To Exploit Against Covington

    UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal has revealed the weaknesses he believes he can exploit against bitter rival Colby Covington at UFC 272.

    It’s perhaps rare for two fighters who know so much about each other and boast as much history between them as Masvidal and Covington do to collide in the Octagon. That, along with what’s at stake in the context of the 170-pound weight class, makes this weekend’s main event so intriguing.

    In the third UFC pay-per-view headliner of 2022, two former roommates and teammates will share the cage in a grudge match that has everybody talking.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CafVdDShuAv/

    One thing that’s become clear, thanks to both the pre-fight insults and discussion of each other’s styles, is that both men enter the contest with the belief their history as training partners will give them an edge.

    That narrative was recently evident when Masvidal discussed the weaknesses he hopes to exploit in his former friend’s game.

    Masvidal: Covington Is “Fragile”

    During a recent interview with ESPN’s Max Kellerman, Masvidal, who enters this Saturday’s event off the back of consecutive losses to reigning welterweight king Kamaru Usman, claimed he’s seen Covington’s fragility first hand.

    That, as well as a power edge over the former interim titleholder, is something “Gamebred” plans to use to his advantage inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on March 5.

    “(I can exploit) his heart, and he’s fragile. I know him. I have, just like he has things to say about me and math on me, I know him,” said Masvidal. “I remember the times that I hit him a little bit too hard in the body—he took his gloves off and had to walk out of the cage. He would tell trainers, ‘Ah, we don’t have to spar, me and Masvidal. We could wrestle all the time, but we don’t have to spar.’

    “It shows on his record. He doesn’t hurt anybody. He doesn’t have any power,” added Masvidal. “I know what I have to do; just be a dog, be a dog that I’ve always been, and just get in front of his face, and let him have it.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CakZ10bI0qK/

    While there may be the absence of a championship on the line this Saturday, the animosity between the two headliners more than makes up for it. With a place in title contention and bragging rights on the line, UFC 272’s main event promises to be a must-see affair.

    Who do you think will win UFC 272’s blockbuster grudge match, Jorge Masvidal or Colby Covington?

  • Covington Describes Masvidal As Fidel Castro Junior, Masvidal Responds

    UFC welterweight Colby Covington has been met with a stern response after comparing upcoming opponent Jorge Masvidal to Fidel Castro.

    It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that Covington has approached fight week for UFC 272 with his usual mindset. We’d have been stupid to expect anything else.

    We’ve come to know the former interim champion as a man who will say controversial things in order to attract attention and headlines. That’s something that even partially led to the downfall of his friendship with former roommate and teammate Masvidal.

    Ahead of the pair’s heated clash this Saturday, Covington once again hasn’t held back. That was evident at UFC 272 media day when he compared “Gamebred” with Fidel Castro, who was a Cuban revolutionary and leader of the Caribbean nation between 1959 and 2008.

    “I never ask for handouts, I’m not like Jorge Masvidal. That guy is the definition of handouts,” Covington told reporters. “He used to use an Obama Phone. He used to food stamps from the government. He’s Fidel Castro junior. The guy is the definition of communism and here he is trying to act like he’s a right-winger now. It’s just funny, the hypocrisy.” (h/t The Mac Life)

    Having previously attacked the entire nation of Brazil and used rival Kamaru Usman’s Nigerian heritage as an insult, it’s hardly surprising to see Covington go down the route of utilizing Masvidal’s background as a weapon.

    Masvidal Fires Back: He Is Clearly Trying To Get Emotion Out Of Me

    While Masvidal was born and raised in Miami, his father was Cuban. According to “Gamebred,” his father fled Cuba in a self-made raft at a young age. Masvidal has never shied away from criticizing the politics and regime his father’s country is run under.

    With that in mind, Covington’s insult certainly crosses the line for Masvidal. During his own appearance at UFC 272 media day, the 37-year-old had the opportunity to respond.

    Noting the immense pain caused to his family by the Castro rule, Masvidal described the deceased leader as the only person he dislikes more than Covington. With that said, “Gamebred” acknowledged that Covington used the comparison to try and force emotion out of him, something many have pointed out as a key factor heading into their main event bout.

    “Due to Fidel Castro, family members of mine died,” Masvidal said. “My aunt is actually missing a breast because she tried to cross over from Cuba to Guantanamo Bay and the whole area is rigged with landmines. She’s now missing a tit because as she was crossing over, a landmine exploded.

    “So for him to say that is clearly trying to get an emotion out of me and to get in the newspapers. The one person I dislike more than Colby Covington is no longer alive and it’s Fidel Castro,” concluded Masvidal.

    Having previously referenced Masvidal’s family and children, it’s safe to say that there isn’t much left for Covington to comment on that could get under Masvidal’s skin. However, the topic of Castro and Cuba is clearly something the #6-ranked welterweight won’t entertain, and understandably.

    While this grudge match certainly didn’t need more insults and back and forth to make it intriguing, that’s exactly what we’re getting so far in fight week. But when the cage door shuts, the time for talking will be over.

    While Masvidal will be hoping to make his former teammate pay for his remarks and historical actions, “Chaos” will be targeting the comfortable victory he claims the UFC 272 main event should be for him.

    Did Colby Covington take things too far by comparing Jorge Masvidal to Fidel Castro?

  • ATT Founder: The Best UFC 272 Outcome For Us Is Masvidal/Askren 2

    American Top Team founder Dan Lambert says the best outcome for his gym at UFC 272 would be a replica of Jorge Masvidal’s knockout of Ben Askren in 2019.

    While ATT’s interest in this weekend’s pay-per-view recently increased with the late-notice addition of Brazil’s Renato Moicano to the card, the gym’s main attention will no doubt be on the headlining bout, which pits current influential member Masvidal against the ousted Colby Covington.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CahnVsRrfXi/

    While Covington’s individual history training and living with Masvidal has provided the main narrative heading into the event, “Gamebred” isn’t the only member of the ATT roster that “Chaos” got on the wrong side of during his time at the Coconut Creek, Florida-based facility.

    With that in mind, Dan Lambert, who founded the gym in 2001, is after a fast and emphatic victory for his man in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena this Saturday.

    Lambert: Quick KO For Masvidal Would Be “Satisfying” For ATT

    During a recent interview with ESPN MMA’s Marc Raimondi, Lambert discussed the upcoming grudge match between one of his gym’s current fighters and perhaps the most notable former athlete, who he even used to manage.

    Given Covington’s history with ATT, and feuds with the likes of Dustin Poirier and Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Lambert believes the best-case scenario for his gym would be a “satisfying” early finish, perhaps similar to the downfall of a certain “funky” former welterweight in 2019.

    “I’d be lying if I said this was just another fight. We’ve got fights every week. This is a monstrous fight…You throw the personal side into it and it’s a monstrous fight,” said Lambert. “And I can’t help but look at what a fight like this means to the individual at our gym. This is a big fight. Jorge wins this fight, his career goes a certain way. Jorge loses this fight, it’s gonna go another way.

    “Best outcome for us (ATT) would be Masvidal/Askren 2. That would be pretty satisfying for a lot of people at this gym,” Lambert continued. “It didn’t really seem realistic against somebody as good as Ben Askren. But I think Colby is a whole other level than that. Outside of Usman, Colby is gonna be favorited against everybody. So, yeah, it’s probably an unrealistic expectation to have a short fight like that. But I think it’s also an unrealistic expectation to think that Colby is gonna go in there and dominate Jorge.”

    The source of Masvidal’s current stardom perhaps largely derived from one flying knee. At UFC 239 in July 2019, the Miami native was matched up with Ben Askren, who, at the time, boasted an unblemished 19-0 record and had emerged victorious in his promotional debut against Robbie Lawler four months prior.

    In one of the most memorable moments in UFC history, Masvidal rendered Askren unconscious after just five seconds with a brutal flying knee, marking the fastest KO in the promotion’s history.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CahuQothlft/

    Now set to face another decorated wrestler, will “Gamebred” bring the acrobatic maneuver back out of his toolbox? Only time will tell.

    Do you think Jorge Masvidal can replicate his quick victory over Ben Askren against Colby Covington at UFC 272?

  • Makhachev Makes A Promise After Dana White’s Title Shot Snub

    UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev has responded after seemingly being snubbed of a title shot by Dana White.

    Makhachev was in action last weekend at UFC Vegas 49. After the withdrawal of Beneil Dariush, the Dagestani was matched with short-notice opponent Bobby Green, whom he dispatched with ease inside the first round.

    Following his 10th straight triumph, it was clear what Makhachev and his team wanted—a title shot. But despite Khabib’s claims that White confirmed his man would get the next opportunity, it now appears Makhachev will need an 11th name added to his win streak before fighting for gold.

    After turning down a quick turnaround to face Rafael dos Anjos this weekend at UFC 272, a fight that would have come on just four days’ notice, it was confirmed by White that Makhachev will have his clash with Dariush re-arranged.

    While there’s no confirmation Makhachev’s decision to turn down the short-notice “RDA” fight played a part in his title shot snub, many in the MMA community have speculated as much.

    Nevertheless, Makhachev isn’t phased. Taking to Twitter to respond, the Dagestani displayed a ‘bring one, bring them all’ attitude.

    “I don’t care who you will put in front of me. I’ll smash this whole division”

    Makhachev: Dana, You Went To Bed Too Early

    Prior to White confirming that the title eliminator between Makhachev and Dariush will be arranged later in the year, it appeared the #3-ranked contender was preparing to jump in and face long-time rival dos Anjos.

    RDA was left without an opponent at this weekend’s pay-per-view after the withdrawal of Rafael Fiziev. While Makhachev called the Brazilian out on Twitter for a fight at 170 pounds and seemed more than willing to enter the cage for the second time in two weeks. It’s now come to light the 30-year-old turned the short-notice bout down.

    That came as a surprise to White, who told Barstool Sports’ Robbie Fox he’d gone to bed under the impression the deal was done. Responding to that, Makhachev reminded the UFC President that late nights are required if deals are to get across the line.

    “Dana, you went to bed to early, you gotta stay up late to get things done [Laughing emojis]”

    With Renato Moicano taking up the opportunity to face dos Anjos at UFC 272, it seems certain Makhachev will now return to training with a familiar foe in mind.

    Do you agree with the decision to have Islam Makhachev vs. Beneil Dariush re-booked for later this year?

  • Dana White & Khabib React To Cain Velasquez’s Attempted Murder Arrest

    UFC President Dana White and Khabib Nurmagomedov have reacted to the recent arrest of former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez.

    Velasquez, who hasn’t competed in the Octagon since a 2019 defeat to Francis Ngannou, was arrested on Monday following a shooting incident in California. The 39-year-old reportedly pursued and attempted to shoot 43-year-old Harry Eugene Goularte, who is accused of molesting an underage relative of Velasquez.

    After shooting and injuring a 63-year-old man, believed to be Goularte’s stepfather, Velasquez was incarcerated and held on numerous charges, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a firearm, shooting at a motor vehicle, and willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle.

    As the facts and context behind the incident have emerged in recent days, a number of fighters and influential individuals in the MMA and UFC community have sent messages of support for the former elite heavyweight.

    Now, the promotion’s top man Dana White has addressed the incident, describing his former champion’s response to Goularte’s alleged crime as something “we all say we’d do.”

    “I obviously feel sorry for him and his family,” White said in an interview with Barstool Sports. “It’s a horrible thing. I don’t know enough details to speak on it, but from what I’ve heard—we all say we’d do it if it ever happened to us. Cain did it.”

    Khabib Sends Support To Long-time AKA Teammate Velasquez

    Velasquez, who remains in custody awaiting arraignment after being denied bail, also received support from one of his long-time teammates and fellow former UFC titleholders.

    Having trained alongside the Californian at the famed American Kickboxing Academy, Khabib, widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, has spent a lot of time with Velasquez and experienced the veteran’s character.

    Taking to Instagram, “The Eagle” assured Velasquez that the entire AKA team will always be with him, signing off with the hashtag, “#weareAKA.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CanZVpsBZ6U/

    “You are the man Cain. We love you and we always stay with you. @officialcainvelasquez #weareAKA”

    As the incident continues to develop and the facts emerge, it’s clear how serious the situation is. If found guilty, Velasquez will be facing between 20 years and life in prison.

    Velasquez’s fate is set to become more clear in the coming days and following his court appearance.

    What was your reaction to Cain Velasquez’s arrest?

  • Dana White Reveals What Covington Must Do To Earn Shot At Adesanya

    UFC President Dana White has shut down the idea of welterweight contender Colby Covington moving up and immediately challenging for Israel Adesanya’s middleweight title.

    With two valiant performances against reigning 170-pound king Kamaru Usman, Covington has cemented his place as the second-best welterweight in the UFC in the eyes of many.

    But having fallen short against the titleholder twice since 2019, the former interim champion’s path to the top looks to be blocked by a large Nigerian hurdle for as long as the divisional status quo remains.

    With that in mind, “Chaos” has hinted towards a potential pursuit of gold in a different weight class. Having announced his intention to chase champ-champ status following his UFC 268 clash with Usman last November, Covington continued his callouts of “The Last Stylebender” following his defeat.

    Now, as he approaches a long-awaited grudge match against bitter rival Jorge Masvidal, Covington has once again had the middleweight kingpin’s name on his lips. And with the controversial welterweight’s feud and remarks towards Adesanya’s compatriot Usman during their saga, the backstory would certainly write itself.

    But while Covington is hoping to put an emphatic end to his rivalry with former teammate and friend Masvidal and advance towards a meeting in the Octagon with Adesanya, the UFC president isn’t so keen.

    During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, White revealed what “Chaos” would have to do to enter the title conversation at 185 pounds, and it’s likely more than Covington would have been hoping for…

    “I mean, Colby would have to go up and beat [Jared] Cannonier or [Robert] Whittaker or somebody like that to even be in the discussion with a fight with Adesanya.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

    Covington Has To Get Past Masvidal First

    Before setting his sights on Adesanya, another middleweight contender, or anyone else at 170 pounds for that matter, Covington has a stiff test in front of him this weekend in the form of “Gamebred.”

    In the UFC 272 main event, scheduled for this Saturday, March 5, in Las Vegas, two former friends, roommates, and teammates at ATT will collide, and will certainly bring an intense level of animosity into the cage with them.

    While their non-title fight headlines the UFC’s third pay-per-view of 2022, the likes of Edson Barboza, Bryce Mitchell, Kevin Holland, and Marina Rodriguez will also be in action.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CahnVsRrfXi/?utm_source=ig_embed

    While Masvidal will be hoping to rebound from consecutive losses to Usman and potentially return to contention, Covington will put his place as the #1 welterweight on the line and look to keep his hopes of a middleweight title shot alive.

    Would you like to see Colby Covington challenge for Israel Adesanya’s middleweight title down the line?

  • ATT Founder Backs Covington Over Masvidal In Origin Of Bad Guy Story

    American Top Team (ATT) founder Dan Lambert has recalled the moment that led to welterweight star Colby Covington chasing his persona, seemingly confirming a story that Jorge Masvidal recently disputed.

    This weekend, Covington will lock horns with former friend and teammate Masvidal. In the lead-up to the fight, insults have been thrown and animosity has been high, something that will likely become more and more prominent as fight week rolls on.

    But this hasn’t always been Covington.

    One night changed it all—that night being UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Machida in October 2017. The event, held in São Paulo, Brazil, saw Covington make his ninth walk to the Octagon. But despite boasting a 7-1 promotional record and being on a four-fight win streak, “Chaos” was apparently facing the chopping block.

    He altered his future with a collection of words that included: Brazil, dump, filthy, and animals.

    Whether it was confirmed by Covington’s respectful interaction with Kamaru Usman following UFC 268 or long before, most in the MMA community acknowledge that Covington has developed a character that has brought him attention and headlines.

    According to the founder of his former gym, ATT, which Covington was a part of until his first loss to Usman, it was either the character or free agency.

    Lambert Says He Was Warned About Covington’s Likely Cut

    During a recent interview with ESPN MMA’s Marc Raimondi, Lambert, who established ATT in 2001, harked back to the moment that forced Covington to change. According to him, that moment came in Singapore on June 17, 2017. On that night, “Chaos” comfortably defeated Dong Hyun Kim on the scorecards.

    But while he left Asia with a victory over “Stun Gun” on his record, Covington also apparently left with a word of warning from matchmaker Sean Shelby, who’d alerted Lambert that the promotion wouldn’t look to re-sign the stylistically unappealing Covington following his next fight.

    “Colby was a little bit of a problem for the UFC. Kinda like that Jon Fitch issue. He’s a guy who is going to beat just about everybody that he fights, but his style was not very exciting at the time,” said Lambert. “Case in point, he was fighting ‘Stun Gun’ in Singapore, who was obviously the favorite of the crowd, and he (Covington) went out and basically 30-26’d him. The crowd’s booing the whole time, which, for a crowd over there, is fairly rare; they’re a pretty respectful crowd. But it was not a very eventful fight.

    “After the fight, Sean (Shelby) came up to me and basically said, ‘Hey man, he’s got one fight left on his contract. He’s beating guys we want to promote. Fans aren’t getting into him. If you wanna start looking for something else for him to do after his next fight, go ahead, cause we’re not gonna re-sign him,’” Lambert recalled.

    Following that conversation, Lambert says he was quick to relay the message to his man, who began developing ideas on how to rescue his spot on the UFC roster.

    “I went right to him in the locker room that night, right after I talked to Sean. I said, ‘Hey man, here’s what Sean told me. Obviously, we’re not gonna be able to change things overnight with the way you fight; your style is your style. But there’s other things you might be able to change.’ And I asked Sean if he could fight Demian Maia next in Brazil and he said yes,” continued Lambert. “That was a wake-up call. That was a slap to the face from Sean. Pretty Much that night he started thinking, ‘What can I do to set myself apart?”

    Jorge Masvidal
    Jorge Masvidal (Photo: Simon Cooper/PA Images)

    Interestingly, Lambert’s narration supports Covington’s claim and directly goes against Masvidal. “Gamebred” recently accused his upcoming opponent of lying about the UFC’s threats to cut him.

    Given that Masvidal was in Singapore to corner Covington for his fight against Kim, it is strange that Lambert and Masvidal have different versions of the same story. Either way, this is a contradiction between the two ATT allies that not many would have expected.

    What do you make of the alterations Colby Covington has made to his persona since his 2017 victory over Dong Hyun Kim? Has he gone too far?

  • Usman: Covington Doesn’t Have Big Grappling Advantage Over Masvidal

    UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman doesn’t believe Colby Covington will have an overwhelming grappling advantage against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 this weekend.

    Ahead of Saturday’s main event, not many are better placed to provide a prediction and breakdown of the contest than Usman, a fighter who’s spent nearly 50 minutes in the Octagon with Covington and over half an hour in the cage with Masvidal.

    Leading into the clash between “Chaos” and “Gamebred,” many are expecting the former to boast a considerable edge in the grappling and wrestling department. But despite securing five takedowns and managing over 10 minutes of control time in his first meeting with Masvidal, Usman believes the Miami native can hold his own.

    Usman: Masvidal’s Grappling Shocked Me

    During a recent interview with Megan Olivi for ESPN MMA, Usman was asked whether he expects Covington to utilize an “overwhelming” grappling advantage inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night.

    “The Nigerian Nightmare” responded by suggesting Masvidal’s ability to return to his feet was surprising to him and leads him to believe any advantage in that realm for Covington won’t be substantial.

    “No, I don’t think so. I think the thing that Jorge does very well is his ability to get back up,” said Usman. “And I was actually shocked in my fight with him because I am more of a control guy, and so his ability to get back up a few times let me know that this is something that he’s done for a long, long time. I think Covington understands that as well.”

    With that in mind, the reigning welterweight titleholder expects Covington to plan accordingly. Rather than push for top control on the ground, Usman expects the former interim champion to employ a grueling approach that will have the aim of fatiguing Masvidal.

    “I don’t think that’s Covington’s plan. I don’t think his plan is to hold him down. I think his plan is to drag him down, make him get back up, and drag him back down; make him get up and drag him back down. Eventually, wear him out,” Usman concluded.

    With high praise from the 170-pound king, Masvidal will likely have the chance to prove Usman right and display his grappling this weekend when he goes face-to-face with his former friend, roommate, and teammate.

    While some have branded it a classic striker vs. grappler contest, Covington’s displays on the feet against Usman and Masvidal’s ability to avoid ground control means the clash has many more dimensions to it.

    Do you agree with Kamaru Usman’s take on Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal’s grappling?

  • Bryce Mitchell: I Don’t Try To Out-Smart People, I Out-Stupid Them

    UFC featherweight contender Bryce Mitchell has revealed how he attempts to get the better of other individuals during interactions and altercations.

    Mitchell is certainly an interesting character. While the likes of Colby Covington and Sean Strickland have become known for making headlines with their controversial statements, it was “Thug Nasty” who stole the limelight with his recent remarks on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani.

    https://twitter.com/AceBoxingMMA/status/1495850564466454531

    Among other things, Mitchell claimed the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged, said the 2017 Las Vegas shooting was an inside job, accused the government of attempting control through inflation, and suggested health care is not a “right.”

    Given the controversial nature of the opinions he gave, it was unsurprising to see a portion of the MMA fanbase speak out against the rising featherweight. However, Mitchell won’t be concerned about any altercations or challenges, because he believes he has the perfect way to emerge victorious in every exchange: act stupid.

    During an interview with UFC play-by-play commentator Brendan Fitzgerald, which took place a few weeks prior to his appearance on The MMA Hour, Mitchell discussed the perception that people have towards the intelligence of “Thug Nasty” and his fellow Arkansas natives.

    “People look at that stat (Arkansas poverty) and look at that stuff, and they think because of the poverty they’re gonna be stupid,” said Mitchell. “Now, I would have to beg to differ. Because of the poverty, you’re gonna be really smart. You’re gonna learn to be efficient. I tell you what, you can look at it as an advantage… People look at a statistic about where I’m from and will naturally assume, ‘Oh, poverty—they’re stupid.’ That’s a great advantage for you.”

    Harnessing that advantage, Mitchell believes the best tactic is to play along with what he perceives to be a misconception. Revealing his “secrets,” the #11-ranked UFC 145lber claimed the best way to handle altercations is to out-stupid the other side, rather than out-smart them.

    “I’m giving away all my secrets, brother. Let me tell you this. Real easy trick for you, and I’ll just let you know this and you can use this anytime, and I guarantee you it’ll work. If you’re in any type of negotiation or something, some type of altercation, act stupid,” suggested Mitchell. “Don’t be the guy that acts smart; be the guy that acts stupid, like you kinda don’t know what’s going on and you’re kinda just—act slow, act stupid, even talk slow.

    “You wanna see, ‘How does this guy treat a dumb man?’ A dude who he can completely take advantage of. You wanna see if they completely take advantage. You wanna see how this person really is,” continued Mitchell. “So don’t try to out-smart somebody, out-stupid them… If you’re gonna out-stupid somebody in a conversation, which I’ve done, you take them in circles and boy you keep that conversation so damn stupid they don’t even know what’s going on.”

    Mitchell Targets Rise Up FW Ladder At UFC 272

    While his beliefs and recent comments have no doubt divided opinion, Mitchell has certainly drawn more attention to himself ahead of his return to action.

    Having not entered the cage since a 2020 decision win against Andre Fili, Mitchell will hope to pick up where he left off when he shares the cage with top-10 featherweight Edson Barboza. The pair are set to collide on the main card of this weekend’s UFC 272 pay-per-view.

    While the Brazilian will be looking to rebound from his loss to Giga Chiakdze last year and prove he still has what it takes to compete towards the top of the ladder, Mitchell will hope to add an established name to his record and move closer towards title contention.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZHwUXALaMl/

    What do you make of Bryce Mitchell’s “act stupid” advice?

  • McGregor Takes On Poirier & Diaz In 3-Way Twitter Exchange

    UFC stars Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Nate Diaz have come together in a three-way Twitter exchange.

    McGregor has never shied away from insulting and interacting with other fighters on social media. That’s been the case even as his form in the Octagon has dipped. Today, the Irishman found himself battling two former opponents.

    The back and forth began when Diaz, who defeated McGregor at UFC 196 and fell on the wrong side of a decision to the former two-division champion at UFC 202, reacted to a recent Dana White interview. In it, the UFC President suggested a third battle between the two superstars is inevitable.

    Sharing the video on Twitter, the Stockton native claimed McGregor has to “prove” himself again before earning a trilogy fight.

    “Conor’s gonna have to get him some wins and prove he’s not so fragile first ..”

    As expected, the former lightweight and featherweight kingpin responded. McGregor once again mocked Diaz for a knockdown that occurred in the pair’s rematch, linking back to a clip of it he posted last month.

    Also, as expected, the Dubliner’s posts were quickly deleted.

    Conor McGregor tweet
    Conor McGregor tweet (Image Credit: @1_mma_w on Twitter)

    “Bounce them titties for the dollar”

    Given the number of enemies he’s made across his career, it’s perhaps never surprising to see McGregor up against more than one individual. That was no different today.

    Poirier Comes To Diaz’s Aid Against McGregor

    Waiting in the wings to provide support for Diaz, not that he can’t hold his own in online spats, was Poirier, another of McGregor’s rivals. While the Irishman’s feud with Diaz sits at one win apiece, he’s behind against “The Diamond” after back-to-back defeats in 2021.

    Responding to McGregor’s clip, Poirier reminded his foe that Diaz isn’t the only man in the conversation who’s been sent to the canvas. The former interim lightweight titleholder posted a zoomed in video of his memorable knockout of McGregor at UFC 257 last January.

    https://twitter.com/DustinPoirier/status/1499048260392173573

    Turning the attention away from his defeats to Poirier, McGregor hit back by mentioning the Louisianan’s own setback in 2021.

    Following consecutive victories over McGregor, Poirier hoped to end his year with a title crowning. Instead, he was submitted by Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 269, marking his second failed attempt at capturing undisputed gold.

    With his response, McGregor appeared to remind Poirier of the result, whilst also utilizing Tyson Fury’s trademark “bum” insult.

    Conor McGregor tweet
    Conor McGregor tweet (Image Credit: @UFCFanBoy50 on Twitter)

    “You blew it you bum.”

    Diverting the focus back to his own victories over McGregor, Poirier suggested the “it” in the Irishman’s response referred to his own in-cage career following two setbacks in just six months to “The Diamond.”

    “‘It’ meaning your fighting career”

    While Poirier and Diaz have been going back and forth themselves about a potential meeting in the cage, they’ll undoubtedly always have time to interact with their former rival when the opportunity arises.

    Diaz or Poirier are possible opponents for the Conor McGregor next fight.

    Which side got the better of this exchange, Conor McGregor or Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz?

  • Dana White On Makhachev’s Claim To Title Shot: Let’s Not Forget Dariush

    While Islam Makhachev is expecting to fight for gold when he next enters the Octagon, UFC President Dana White has reminded the Dagestani that he’s not without competition.

    Since the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has quickly risen to fill the Russian void left at the top of the division. With dominant victories over Drew Dober, Thiago Moisés, and Dan Hooker in 2021, the 30-year-old extended his win streak to nine and entered 2022 inside the top five.

    In his first appearance of this year, a main event triumph over Bobby Green last weekend, Makhachev made it 10 straight wins and rose to #3 at 155 pounds.

    Makhachev’s first-round victory at UFC Vegas 49 saw him rise above Beneil Dariush on the lightweight ladder. The AKA product was initially scheduled to face the Iranian-American in the February 26 headliner, but a broken fibula forced the 32-year-old to withdraw.

    While Makhachev has added another name to his record’s win column and now has his sights set on the belt, the UFC president doesn’t believe the title picture is as clear-cut as the Dagestani and his camp believe.

    Following Makhachev’s victory, his compatriot and mentor Khabib gave some insight into the UFC’s future plans. According to “The Eagle,” White revealed the promotion is targeting a Makhachev title shot in Abu Dhabi later this year.

    Now, in an interview with TMZ Sports, White has suggested nothing is set in stone and reminded Makhachev of the presence of Dariush, who is on an impressive win streak of his own.

    “He’s (Makhachev) obviously in the discussion but let’s not forget Beneil,” reminded White. “Beneil is still around too, you know. He’s ranked number three [now four] in the world right now, so we’ll see what happens.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

    White Still Wants To See Makhachev vs. Dariush

    While there’s no timeframe known for Dariush’s injury, it was recently revealed that the #4-ranked contender will likely be able to avoid surgery on his damaged leg.

    With a fight between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje set to represent the next championship fight in the division at UFC 274 in May, it appears there’s plenty of time for the 32-year-old to recover before the titleholder would be ready to defend his belt later in the year. That’s led many to suggest Dariush and Makhachev could have their title eliminator re-arranged.

    During an interview with Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole, White admitted he still wants to see the pair of elite 155lbers share the Octagon. If that doesn’t come to fruition and Makhachev does get the next shot, he expects Dariush to be close behind in the queue.

    “I would still like to see Islam vs. Beneil. I’d still like to see that fight. Or, he fights the winner of Justin (Gaethje) and Charles (Oliveira), and Beneil is the first challenger to the title (after),” suggested White.

    How do you think the lightweight title picture should play out for the rest of 2022?

  • Usman: Masvidal Has The Tools To Steal Covington Fight

    UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman has given his take on the upcoming UFC 272 main event between his former opponents Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington.

    Following blockbuster 2022 headliners at UFC 270 and 271, which saw a heavyweight unification showdown in California and a long-awaited middleweight rematch in Houston, Las Vegas is set to play host to the year’s first non-title pay-per-view main event.

    At the top of the UFC 272 card, set for this Saturday, March 5, will be two former friends and teammates-turned-bitter rivals who appear to boast as much bad blood between them as any feud in the UFC right now.

    Heading into this weekend’s welterweight collision, many have understandably branded the headliner a classic grappler vs. striker contest. One man who’s faced the different attacks of both Masvidal and Covington is Usman.

    Having defeated both men twice, “The Nigerian Nightmare” is in a unique position to provide analysis and a breakdown of the third PPV main event of the year. He did just that while on desk duty at UFC Vegas 49 this past weekend.

    Discussing Masvidal’s skills, Usman suggested “Gamebred” has all the tools to battle Covington’s imposing wrestling game and land damaging shots on the feet.

    “I think he (Masvidal) can potentially win this fight because one thing about Masvidal is he’s one of the only guys who is, in his stance, he’s so tall in his stance,” said Usman. “But he’s able to defend takedowns from some of the best wrestlers. He’s very, very good; his striking is so relaxed and so fast, and if he’s able to touch you, it might not feel as hard, but he can touch that button and shut the lights out.

    “Being able to run across the Octagon in five seconds and land a knee like that (against Ben Askren) just shows the different level of athleticism,” Usman continued. “He’s an athlete, he’s a skilled striker, he’s a skilled fighter, and he definitely has the tools to be able to land that shot to steal this fight away from Covington.”

    Usman: Masvidal Won’t Be As Easy To Take Down As Covington Thinks

    The leading narrative heading into UFC 272 fight week is the history between the two headliners. Having trained together, cornered each other, and lived with one another, Masvidal and Covington head into their grudge match with perhaps more information than they’ve ever had on an opponent.

    But despite that, Usman believes both may be underestimating each other’s growth since their unceremonious split.

    The reigning welterweight king suggested Masvidal will be a lot harder to take down than Covington will be anticipating, a sentiment he believes also applies across the cage to Masvidal’s standup expectations.

    “One thing I will say is I think in this fight, Colby’s going to realize that it’s harder to take Masvidal down in an actual fight than when they were in practice,” Usman suggested. “I know in his mind, he’s gonna expect it to be like it was when they practiced. But they spent some time apart now, and I think he’s gonna realize it’s a lot harder to take him down in a fight than it is in practice.

    “And Masvidal, on the flip side, he’s gonna realize that it’s a lot harder to strike with this guy now than back when I was beating him up when he first came into the sport,” concluded Usman.

    Jorge Masvidal Colby Covington
    Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington

    While predictions may be split and the result up in the air, one thing is certain as we enter fight week: We’re set for an animosity-fueled and hostile pre-fight build. For those set to attend the press conference on Thursday, that’s undoubtedly a mouth-watering prospect.

    Who do you think will have their hand raised in the UFC 272 main event, Colby Covington or Jorge Masvidal?

  • Logan Paul Confirms MMA Offers, Expects To Enter The Cage Eventually

    Logan Paul has confirmed an interest in potentially crossing over to MMA in the future, and has revealed he’s already had offers to do so.

    A few years ago, the names of the two Paul brothers were far from the MMA circuit and reserved for those indulging in the pair’s YouTube and Disney ventures. Fast forward to 2022 and both have competed professionally and become prominent names in the combat sports world.

    While Jake has built an unblemished 5-0 record that includes knockout victories over former MMA welterweight champions Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley, Logan has fought once as a pro, falling to a split decision loss to fellow Internet star KSI.

    Most recently, the 26-year-old shared the ring with legendary 50-0 pugilist Floyd Mayweather in an eight-round exhibition clash.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CPz2apKJ84z/

    Now almost nine months beyond his clash with “Money,” Paul is looking to don the gloves again. But while his sights are currently set on a boxing contest with Brazilian YouTuber Whindersson Nunes, “The Maverick” boasts aspirations beyond the squared circle.

    Paul: Idea Of MMA Crossover “Excites Me”

    During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Paul discussed the possibility of swapping the ropes for the cage down the line.

    Given his wrestling background, which saw him qualify for the state-level Ohio High School Athletic Association 2013 Division I Wrestling Individual Championships, Paul has previously suggested he’d be much better suited to MMA than boxing.

    With that in mind, Paul expects to foray into another realm of combat in the near future, and revealed he’s even had offers from MMA promotions in recent months.

    “Probably. I get bored. I get f*cking bored,” Paul said. “I have so many interests and do so many things, it’s like, why not? Who the f*ck else is doing it? Or can? I think it’d be entertaining, I think it’d be great. A few [people have offered]. There was one in Japan actually, that I still might end up doing. That excites me.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

    With Bellator MMA President Scott Coker recently revealing his promotion is in talks with Jake Paul over a potential move to MMA, perhaps Logan will join his brother in the organization if an agreement comes together between Coker and “The Problem Child.”

    As well as boxing and MMA being firmly on his mind, Paul is currently playing a major part in the world of professional wrestling. Before turning his attention to a return to the ring or a debut in the cage, “The Maverick” is set to perform on the grand stage of WWE WrestleMania 38 next month.

    Would you like to see Logan Paul try his hand at mixed martial arts?

  • Hooker: Covington Must Be Held Accountable Regardless Of Character

    While he acknowledges that Colby Covington has developed a character in front of the camera, UFC fan favorite Dan Hooker believes the welterweight contender should still be held accountable for his words.

    Barring perhaps controversial middleweight Sean Strickland, there aren’t fighters who split opinion among the MMA fanbase quite like Covington. The former interim champion and two-time undisputed welterweight title challenger flipped a personality switch in 2017, a move that has developed him into one of the most prominent and discussed athletes on the UFC roster today.

    From comments on rival Kamaru Usman’s father and heritage to constant onslaughts on former teammate Dustin Poirier and his family, not to mention the rant in Brazil that started it all, Covington has made his name by talking trash and creating headlines.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CWeDDg_vqa5/

    At this point you’d be hard-pressed to find a fighter who hasn’t, in one way or another, been at the end of a Covington insult. If you are on the search for one, you can move past Hooker.

    “The Hangman” found his name in Covington’s mouth following his 2020 main event defeat to Poirier. While attempting to discredit his former ATT peer’s victory, “Chaos” questioned how it took “The Diamond” 25 minutes to defeat Hooker, even describing the New Zealander as “not really that good of a fighter.”

    While Hooker is certainly not one to be bothered by another fighter’s words, especially when they come from someone he perceives to be playing a character, he still believes Covington should be held accountable for his insults and attacks.

    “Do I like him personally? I can’t say that I do. Do I understand and appreciate his skill set in the sport? Yes, I do. Do I understand exactly what he’s doing with his character? I understand that too,” said Hooker during an interaction with John Hyon Ko for The AllStar. “I hear from people that know him and went to college with him that he’s a cool guy, he’s a really chilled guy, a nice guy, helpful guy. But that character is not.

    “You still have to be, as a man, you still have to be accountable for the things you say, even if you put a Trump hat on, even if you put a suit on and you get girls to stand next to you, you mouth off to me, you’re gonna have to (own it),” Hooker continued. “The things he says, even though I know (it’s a character), he’s talked shit about me—I know what he’s doing, he’s just kicking up shit on Twitter and social media. But as a man, if I see you, we’ll still have a problem, whether you said it or your character said it. Me and you, man to man, we still have a problem.”

    Hooker On Masvidal/Covington: The More Emotional Fighter Will Lose

    Given how Covington has approached his recent fights, which saw an animosity-fueled build-up to UFC 268 last November, it’s safe to say the #1-ranked welterweight’s next outing will follow suit.

    “Chaos” is set to headline this weekend’s UFC 272 pay-per-view alongside bitter rival and former teammate Jorge Masvidal. Given the pair’s history, which included a period living together and training with one another, fight week is set to deliver on the bad blood the pair share.

    With that in mind, Hooker believes the result will come down to which fighter is able to suppress their emotions most effectively when they’re standing opposite each other inside the cage on Saturday night.

    “You’d say at this level, and with this much experience, that these guys would have that (sorted). I’d say it’s by choice. You’re gonna want to take all of that emotion out,” suggested Hooker. “The fighter that goes in that Octagon out of Jorge and Colby with emotion, is gonna lose. Without a doubt. Whoever carries emotion into that cage—anger, resentment, jealousy—whoever carries that in is gonna lose. I’d say it would serve them well to take that emotion out of it.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CafVdDShuAv/

    While Hooker is getting set for a fight of his own, a return to featherweight against Arnold Allen at UFC London later this month, he’ll no doubt be firmly invested in the action at UFC 272, like the majority of fans around the world.

    Do you agree with Dan Hooker? Will this weekend’s UFC 272 main event come down to which fighter can suppress their emotions the most effectively?

  • Masvidal Accuses Covington Of Cowardice In Altercation With Russians

    UFC welterweight star Jorge Masvidal has accused bitter rival Colby Covington of being a “coward” when confronted by Russians during the pair’s time as teammates.

    This weekend, one of the most heated rivalries on MMA’s biggest stage will boil over into the Octagon. With bragging rights and a place in title contention at stake, the UFC 272 headliner promises to be an apt third PPV main event act for the UFC in 2022, despite the absence of a championship on the line.

    While the pair’s name value alone would have made this contest must-see, their history as former friends, roommates, and teammates makes it one of the most anticipated matchups of the year to date and one that promises to produce fireworks inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

    Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington
    Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington

    Given the time they spent together early in their careers, it’s unsurprising Covington and Masvidal have an abundance of information, personal insults, and negative stories to tell about each other.

    That’s included accusations of adultery, gambling debts, and conflicting takes on Covington’s ATT departure. Thanks to a recent interview, we can add an interesting altercation with a group of Russians to that list…

    Masvidal: Covington Was Such A Coward

    While in conversation with ESPN MMA’s Marc Raimondi prior to UFC 272 fight week, Masvidal narrated an instance when Covington’s trash talk and attacks on other fighters appeared to come back to haunt him.

    The incident, which Masvidal says took place after their falling out, apparently saw “Chaos” approached and confronted by a group of Russian individuals, who, while not specified, were seemingly part of the ATT roster at the time. “Gamebred” said the exchange came over remarks Covington made about Khabib Nurmagomedov, the legendary former UFC lightweight champion who hails from Dagestan.

    According to Masvidal, Covington responded like a “coward.”

    “We got a bunch of Russians here. Guess what? Those Russians got him in the bathroom because he was in the sauna, four/five of them. And they told him, ‘You cannot talk like this,’” claimed Masvidal. “He’s like, “No, I’m sorry.’ Apologetic as hell. At the time, we weren’t cool at all. Because he had already ripped off my coach.

    “So I was like, ‘I hope they [MUTED] him up. And if he thinks I’m gonna jump in for anything, the only thing I’m gonna jump in is to kick his [MUTED] teeth in,’” added Masvidal. “So I was hoping these Russians were gonna take him out. But he was such a coward. And he’s all like, ‘No, no, no, never again, bro! I’m trying to make my mark. I’m trying to make my brand and my name.’ And they’re like, ‘Don’t disrespect Khabib.’”

    Unsurprisingly, UFC 272 fight week is already delivering the level of animosity and bad blood we’ve come to expect from these two. As we move closer to fight night, it’s safe to say the heated back and forth will only intensify.

    Who do you think will win this grudge match, Jorge Masvidal or Colby Covington?

  • Tony Ferguson Denies Rejecting Short-Notice Makhachev Bout

    UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson has denied the claim he turned down a short-notice fight against top-five contender Islam Makhachev.

    In the main event of UFC Vegas 49 this past weekend, fans were set to witness a clash between Makhachev and fellow elite 155lber Beneil Dariush, with a shot at gold expected to be at stake.

    Unfortunately, the Iranian-American was forced out less than 10 days before the February 26 showdown after suffering a broken fibula in training. In his place stepped up the always-game veteran, Bobby Green.

    During fight week ahead of the card, which took palace at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Makhachev implied Ferguson turned down an offer to step in and replace Dariush, who Ferguson had fallen to a defeat against in his last outing at UFC 262 in May 2021.

    Now, in a post on Twitter, “El Cucuy” has provided a different take, claiming he was more than willing to enter the cage at UFC Vegas 49, but never received a call to do so from the UFC.

    “We Were Offered To Fight @RdosAnjosMMA On Short Notice For #ufc272 We We’re Moar Than Ready To Step In And Save The Fight & Perform ? We Were Also Ready To Beat Fatheads Primo @MAKHACHEVMMA This Past Weekend But No Call Was Received, TUF?Times ?? -CSO- ????? # ?”

    Interestingly, Ferguson also revealed he’d been offered a short-notice clash with Rafael dos Anjos at this weekend’s UFC 272 pay-per-view. The Brazilian former champion was set to face Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event, but the Kyrgyzstani was forced out after testing positive for COVID-19 at the start of fight week.

    With the search underway for a replacement, it appears Ferguson is an option. However, he’ll seemingly be battling Makhachev for a place on the card.

    Fresh off a first-round TKO victory over Green, a triumph that marked his 10th straight success, the Dagestani threw his name into the hat for a 170-pound contest against long-time rival dos Anjos. It remains to be seen which direction the promotion will choose to go in.

    Who would you rather see step in to face Rafael dos Anjos, Tony Ferguson or Islam Makhachev?

  • Dana White Leaves Door Open For McGregor Title Shot Upon Return

    UFC President Dana White has revealed he’s open to having Conor McGregor challenge for gold upon his return to action later this year.

    McGregor, a former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion, fought twice in 2021. After being knocked out for the first time at UFC 257 in his rematch with Dustin Poirier, the Irishman fell to a second consecutive loss to “The Diamond” six months later.

    While his January defeat left the door open for a quick turnaround, his trilogy setback at UFC 264 in July did the opposite. Towards the end of the opening round, McGregor suffered a gruesome broken leg, an injury that’s kept him on the sidelines ever since.

    Now nearly eight months on from his third loss in four fights, McGregor is gearing up for a comeback. And judging by Dana White’s latest comments, it appears we could see the “Notorious” megastar walk right back into the title picture.

    “We will see what’s what with the lightweight division,” said White to The Underground. “It’s going to depend on who the champion is when Conor McGregor comes back, they have a say in it. What do they want to do? If it’s Oliveira who is still champion when Conor comes back, maybe Oliveira wants Conor we will see then.

    “There are many variables for his return, number one: his health and how his leg is,” White added. “Once that is 100 per cent, we will start to figure out where he goes because we have fights up to June 18 already.” (h/t The Mac life)

    Oliveira is currently set to defend his title against top contender Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 in May. Beyond that, Islam Makhachev is expected to be next in line, something White seemingly confirmed following the Dagestani’s triumph over Bobby Green last weekend.

    Nevertheless, as brought up by the #4-ranked Beneil Dariush in recent months, the looming return of McGregor was always going to be a threat to the title aspirations of others in the 155-pound division.

    While some would expect McGregor’s star power and previous accomplishments in the sport to grant him the kind of privilege that could see him walk straight back to the championship, others will no doubt criticize the decision to overlook other contenders.

    Do you think Conor McGregor should immediately fight for gold when he returns to the Octagon?

  • Scott Coker Reveals Bellator Is In Talks With Jake Paul

    Bellator MMA President Scott Coker has confirmed that his promotion is in talks with rising boxing sensation Jake Paul.

    Paul, who made his name as a widely-followed YouTuber and Disney star, ventured into combat sports in 2020. After victories in the ring over fellow Internet personality AnEsonGib and former NBA athlete Nate Robinson, Paul’s competition increased to MMA veterans in 2021.

    In three outings, “The Problem Child” knocked out Ben Askren in one round and defeated former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley twice, the second of which ended in brutal fashion last December.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXp11JYOGY4/

    Having moved to 5-0 and begun to receive more respect for both his in-ring abilities and apparent pursuit for improved fighter pay outside it, Paul’s prominence on the combat sports circuit continues to rise.

    While his next steps and opponent in the squared circle are unclear, Paul has seemed increasingly keen on trying his hand at MMA in the future, a desire that’s followed constant back and forth with UFC President Dana White.

    That hat feud means an appearance in the Octagon is hard to envision. However, another promotional kingpin would be happy to welcome the Cleveland native in with open arms.

    Coker Tells Paul “We’re Here”

    While White has always refused to entertain the idea of getting the likes of Jake and Logan Paul onboard in the UFC, Bellator’s Coker has consistently displayed the opposite mindset.

    The 59-year-old has previously expressed an interest in doing business with the successful Paul brothers, a sentiment he once again shared during a post-fight media scrum at Bellator 275 in Dublin, Ireland, this past weekend.

    Acknowledging Paul’s hope to extend his record to 10-0 before calling time on his in-ring career, Coker suggested dialogue about a potential move to the Bellator cage soon after Paul’s boxing retirement has occurred.

    “If Jake Paul is serious and wants to do it, we’re here. We’re already talking about (it). You know, when I say talking about it, he’s with Showtime boxing and he did the fight with T-Wood (Tyron Woodley). There’s dialogue… I think he wants to do 10 boxing fights and then come over to MMA,” Coker revealed. (h/t talkSPORT)

    With Coker referencing Paul’s boxing matches with Woodley, it is possible that Bellator is in talks with Paul about boxing a Bellator contracted-fighter as opposed to Paul making the move over to MMA, which would truly be a game-changer for the promotion.

    Given Paul’s exchanges with Dana White, which even included a recent diss track, it would certainly not be surprising to see “The Problem Child” look to deal some damage to the 52-year-old’s promotion by joining one of its largest rivals.

    Would you like to see Jake Paul take Scott Coker up on his offer and enter the Bellator cage?

  • Sterling Promises Academy-Award-Winning Performance In Yan Rematch

    UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling has made a promise ahead of his unification showdown with rival Petr Yan at UFC 273.

    Sterling’s reign atop the 135-pound mountain was forged in controversial fashion at UFC 259 last March. Against Yan, a Russian star who was predicted by many to rule the division for a long time, “Funk Master” emerged with the belt after eating an illegal knee to the head in the fourth round.

    A subsequent disqualification jumped Sterling from likely defeat to champion status. While the illegal nature of the blow he sustained is undeniable, many doubted, and continue to criticize, Sterling’s reaction to it and failure to continue.

    Some, including fellow UFC peers like Darren Till and Henry Cejudo, even mocked the new champ by suggesting he had delivered an acting performance worthy of an Academy Award.

    Having missed out on the ‘Best Actor’ honor to Anthony Hopkins at last April’s Oscars, Sterling is hoping to go one better than public nominee this time around…

    Sterling Vows To Outdo Denzel Washington At UFC 273

    Aljamain Sterling
    Aljamain Sterling

    During a recent interview with The Schmo, Sterling was asked how he’s been preparing for his upcoming rematch with Yan, which was previously postponed after the champ withdrew from UFC 267 last October.

    Once again embracing the jokes and de-legitimization of his championship status, as he often has, the New York native assured fans he’s been hard at work to reach a Denzel Washington-level of performance at UFC 273.

    “Well, I’ve been training a lot, a lot of PT. They have these schools out here, these acting schools. I’ve been going to a lot of those, putting in a lot of extra time,” said Sterling. “So you guys are gonna see a much better [Academy-Award-winning] performance this time. And you guys are gonna be shocked, man. Denzel [Washington] really doesn’t have anything on me. I’m telling you right now. Denzel, Training Day, John Q—nothin’.”

    Given the ongoing prominent fighter pay debate, there’s perhaps a comparison to be made between Washington’s John Q character and the UFC fighters pushing for better remuneration.

    But given the tactics Sterling’s accused of employing last March, perhaps a comparison to Denzel’s dirty cop portrayal in Training Day is more apt for UFC 273…

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZkbQn-P9lA/

    While he’s been more than happy to engage in memes and jokes surrounding his title crowning last year, Sterling will certainly be looking to focus on the task at hand come April 9.

    He will no doubt acknowledge himself as the only true champion in the division, but some believe interim titleholder Yan holds that crown. UFC 273 will provide a chance for Sterling to legitimize his reign once and for all. Against a fighter like “No Mercy,” he’ll have a tough task on his hands.

    Who do you think will leave UFC 273 as the undisputed bantamweight king, Aljamain Sterling or Petr Yan?

  • Peña: I Know The Mistakes I Need To Correct Before Nunes Rematch

    UFC Women’s Bantamweight Julianna Peña is looking ahead to her rematch with Amanda Nunes, and knows there are some areas of her game she needs to fix before their second clash.

    At UFC 269, the final pay-per-view of 2021, Peña closed out a memorable year for MMA’s premier promotion in style. In the co-main event, she had her long-awaited title shot against then-two-division titleholder Nunes. Prior to December, the “Lioness” boasted a 12-fight win streak and was unbeaten since 2014.

    While most expected that impressive run of form to continue into 2022, “The Venezuelan Vixen” had other plans.

    After evading Nunes’ intent to finish in the opening round, Peña put her own game plan into action, taking the fight to the Brazilian on the feet, before dragging her to the mat and submitting a visibly fatigued and disheartened Nunes.

    Peña Acknowledges Title-Winning Performance Wasn’t Perfect

    While the memory of her remarkable ascent to the bantamweight throne remains fresh and spoken about in most interviews, Peña is beginning to adjust her focus towards her next task: a second victory over Nunes.

    Shortly after the shocking result, Dana White made it clear the reigning featherweight queen would be offered an immediate chance at redemption at 135 pounds, something she welcomed with open arms.

    With her first defense and rematch with Nunes on the horizon, “The Venezuelan Vixen” knows she has to make adjustments to her game, and has acknowledged that she made some “very big mistakes” at UFC 269.

    “I would say I’ve watched (UFC 269 fight) at least four times. As far as my assessment, there’s definitely some very big mistakes that I made, and I’m looking to correct those,” Peña told BT Sport’s Caroline Pearce. “I’m already starting my training camp, I’m trying to get back in shape right now. I’m gonna give myself one last hurrah to keep my hair down tonight, and then after that it’s straight business.

    “I got dumped in the first round and that really pissed my coaches off,” added Peña. “So, I just need to make sure I don’t get dumped again in the next fight. Aside from that, I think, hey, it’s fighting, mistakes are going to happen.”

    In a perfect world, Peña says her first defense will come after a stint coaching the next season of The Ultimate Fighter opposite Nunes. With Ariel Helwani reporting that the pair are the front-runners to do so this year, it seems she may get her wish.

    How do you think the expected rematch between Julianna Peña and Amanda Nunes will play out?

  • Amanda Nunes Reveals What Moment Changed The Fight At UFC 269

    Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes has revealed what moment allowed Julianna Peña to take over in the UFC 269 co-main event.

    2022 is representing a fresh challenge for Nunes. For the first time since 2015, she’s entered the new year off the back of a defeat. While she was coming off a loss to then-fellow contender Cat Zingano seven years ago, this time around she’s looking to rebound after having one of two belts she held last year snatched from her grasp.

    After extending her two-division rule with a dominant first-round submission over Megan Anderson last March, Nunes was tasked with returning to 135 pounds to defend her bantamweight strap for the first time since 2019. In her way of completing another year with champ-champ status and extending her win streak to 13 was Peña.

    While most expected “The Venzuelan Vixen” to represent a small hurdle for the “Lioness,” she turned out to be a 10-foot wall that stood firm in the face of the consensus female GOAT.

    After surviving the opening round, Peña turned the intensity up in the second. When she appeared to tire and hurt Nunes on the feet, the UFC’s first female TUF winner dragged the Brazilian to the ground and submitted her.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXXt7GrMyUi/

    Nunes: Peña Was The First Opponent To Catch Me On The Feet

    Two months removed since the memorable upset, which many have branded the most shocking in UFC history, Nunes has provided some context behind her performance.

    While many branded her loss as a display of quit, the reigning featherweight queen has suggested she was carrying a number of injuries into the contest that were serious enough for a doctor to recommend her withdrawal. With those issues contributing to what she described as a “mess” of a camp, Nunes believes she simply wasn’t prepared enough.

    But despite citing those struggles as reasons behind her setback, Nunes also gave credit to the newly crowned bantamweight titleholder. During a media scrum earlier this month, the 33-year-old pinpointed one punch early in round two as the turning point in the contest.

    “I got caught in the beginning of the second round. I don’t know if it was a jump-in, overhand, I don’t know what the move was. But for me, it looked like a jump overhand. It got me right here [points to behind left ear],” said Nunes. “It’s like, that was the end. I was not able to recover after that. I told Nina (Nunes) like, I felt dizzy, because I never got caught before. If you’re asking me how getting caught feels, I never would’ve answered because I never got caught before. So when I got caught, I lost everything; I lost my balance, my visual was a little bit blurry, too, and from that moment, everything went downhill.

    “When I got on the floor, I was already done,” Nunes continued. “From watching the fight, and how everything was played in my head after I got caught, yeah. Everybody say I was tired and everything, okay, (they) look at me and say, ‘Your timing was off;” yeah, I didn’t train well for the fight. Of course, you think I showed up 100%? But I did get caught. She really connected a good one and I wasn’t able to recover.”

    Having apparently become the first woman to really catch Nunes and badly wobble her in the striking realm, Peña will look to repeat the feat when she puts her gold on the line in a rematch against the Brazilian later this year.

    Before that, though, the pair are set to exchange words and interact on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter, where the two rivals will serve as coaches.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZkxe7fPyiM/

    Who do you think will win the rematch, Amanda Nunes or Julianna Peña?

  • Darren Till Touts Tom Aspinall As The Next British UFC Champion

    UFC middleweight Darren Till believes compatriot and heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall has what it takes to become the next British champion in the promotion.

    In just two years in the UFC, Aspinall has grown from debutant to headliner and established himself as one of the promotion’s top prospects. After signing off the back of three consecutive finishes, the English powerhouse has not slowed down since arriving on MMA’s biggest stage.

    Following TKO wins against Jake Collier and Alan Baudot, and an impressive submission victory over former champion Andrei Arlovski, Aspinall climbed towards the edge of the divisional top 10 with a vicious stoppage against Sergey Spivak at UFC Vegas 36 last September.

    Having extended his record to 11-2, his active win streak to seven, his unbeaten UFC record to 4-0, and maintained his 100% finishing rate, many are predicting big things in the sport for Aspinall. One of those holding the Manchester native in high regard is teammate Darren Till.

    Having trained alongside Aspinall at Liverpool’s Team Kaobon gym for years, Till has had, and continues to have, a first-hand look at the heavyweight’s progress and development. According to “The Gorilla,” Aspinall is likely to join Michael Bisping in the limited club of British UFC champions.

    “He’s so sharp mate. Honestly, it’s a beauty to watch,” Till told Bisping and Anthony Smith during an appearance on the Believe You Me podcast. “You come in in the mornings and he’s doing his routine pad work with coach Colin, and you see him sparring… Not to discredit any of these guys, but he’s just—I mean, me and Tom don’t really spar each other anymore; we just know each other to a T, but it’s just how fast and quick he is, and his thinking.

    “Honestly, his striking, his whole game, but his striking is just impeccable, it really is; it’s a beauty to watch,” Till added. “I’m very confident that Tom is probably going to be the next British champion before anybody else. He’s just on a roll—his confidence, his humbleness.”

    Till Expects Aspinall To Record A 1st-Round Finish At UFC London

    Despite initially suggesting he’d prefer a slow and steady rise towards the top of the division, Aspinall’s next fight is an opportunity that was too good to turn down.

    On March 19, Aspinall will mark his first Octagon outing in front of a full crowd when he headlines the UFC’s long-awaited return to London, England. In his way of another large step towards the elite at 265 pounds will be former Bellator champion and five-time UFC headliner Alexander Volkov.

    Despite the step-up in competition facing his teammate next month, Till has no doubts about who will get their hand raised at the O2 Arena.

    “Not to discredit Volkov, but I think he’s (Aspinall) gonna finish Volkov in the first round,” Till predicted. “From what I’m seeing, training-wise, he’s so motivated—he’s in every day, he’s training hard, he’s getting pushed by the right people, and I just want him to do well.”

    With a victory over Volkov, Tom Aspinall will join the likes of Ciryl Gane, Stipe Miocic, Curtis Blaydes, Jon Jones, and Tai Tuivasa in the championship conversation. Should the Englishman notch a win against any of those names, a title shot would likely follow soon after.

    Do you agree with Darren Till? Can Tom Aspinall become the UFC heavyweight champion?