MMA News

Author: Harvey Leonard

  • Stephen Thompson Cites Exhaustion As Reason For Muhammad Loss

    UFC welterweight Stephen Thompson has discussed his latest setback in the Octagon and explained what went wrong on the night.

    In early 2021, Thompson was riding high off back-to-back wins against Vicente Luque and Geoff Neal. As an in-form top-five fighter and one of the few top contenders Kamaru Usman is yet to face, many predicted a title shot down the line.

    “Wonderboy” seemingly had the chance to secure one at UFC 264 against Gilbert Burns. Instead, he was controlled and comfortably beaten on the scorecards. With his motivation unwavering, the 38-year-old hoped to get back on track by fitting in another fight before the close of the year.

    After Belal Muhammad answered his prayers, many expected Thompson to re-enter the win column and stake his claim for a matchup with the champion. But once again, the two-time title challenger failed to keep the fight on the feet and was dominated throughout, falling to yet another unanimous decision.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXpb8hGoqNF/

    Thompson: “I Got Manhandled For Three Rounds”

    During a recent episode of his podcast, Stephen Thompson addressed his defeat and analyzed what went wrong in the UFC Vegas 45 co-main event.

    While he conceded that he was “manhandled” for the best part of 15 minutes, Thompson suggested a botched rehydration process may have had a part to play. Despite having a good camp, “Wonderboy” admitted he was a lot more tired and exhausted at the start of the fight, something he says he noticed even before entering the Octagon.

    “I lost my fight, got manhandled for three rounds. Yeah man, it was a sucky experience, to be honest with you. Like, you know, I don’t know why this happens but when you know I had a great camp, camp was awesome. I was in the greatest shape of my life, you know. Was in shape, felt strong and then you know things start to kind of get a little weird whenever you’re getting ready to go out you’re in the back kind of warming up and your legs start to feel tingly, that’s not a good sign…Maybe it had something to do with my rehydration; not sure. But I felt exhausted, felt super tired right out of the first round. I didn’t want to say anything to my coaches or anything that my legs were feeling tingly.

    “It was the rehydration, that was just difficult. You know back in the past, it was kind of like an unwritten rule or untalked about thing that before USADA, we were allowed to IVs you know and it was kind of… something we did back in our hotel. Everybody did it. It was such an easier way to get those fluids back and you felt so much better, like, instantly. And now having to do everything orally, it’s difficult, it takes longer, you don’t know if you have drank enough.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXsFZdFKKS4/

    Given his age and losses in 2021, some fans and pundits have suggested Thompson isn’t capable of competing at the highest level anymore. But “Wonderboy” has no plans to hang up his gloves anytime soon.

    Having previously revealed his desire to become the oldest fighter in UFC history, Thompson has now questioned why fans want him to retire. According to the 38-year-old, his body feels better than it did five years ago when he fought Tyron Woodley for the title.

    “I feel like people that do retire, when they sit down on the chair, they just feel like they should retire. Like just, their bodies beat up, aches and pains… When I sit here and I’m sitting down in this chair, I feel great. I feel fine. I feel fine. I feel better than I was five years ago. I just don’t get it.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

    With his motivation to compete as high as ever, we’ll likely be seeing Thompson attempt a resurgence in 2022.

    Do you think Stephen Thompson can still compete at the highest level in the UFC welterweight division?

  • Teddy Atlas: O’Malley Has All The Makings Of A Star

    Boxing royalty Teddy Atlas believes rising UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley has all the makings of a star in combat sports.

    O’Malley has quickly grown into one of the most recognized and talked about names in the world’s premier MMA organization. That’s down to his unique combination of charisma, eccentric appearance, and clear talent once the cage door closes behind him.

    Since a defeat to Marlon Vera briefly stalled his surge up the bantamweight ladder, O’Malley has been back to his best. In three 2021 appearances, “Sugar” secured a trio of finishes and a $50,000 bonus to make each one that bit sweeter. After triumphs over Thomas Almeida and Kris Moutinho, O’Malley made his biggest impact at the final pay-per-view of the year.

    In the main card opener, the Montana native faced the toughest test since his setback against “Chito,” the formerly-ranked Raulian Paiva. Inside the opening round, O’Malley recorded another highlight-reel knockout and had the crowd inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on their feet.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CX14GhFvzUG/

    With his latest Octagon success, O’Malley entered the top 15 at 135 pounds. Now sitting at #12, “The Suga Show” is well and truly on its way in the UFC, something that doesn’t surprise one of the most experienced men in combat sports.

    In an interview with The Schmo, Atlas, a renowned boxing trainer, spoke about O’Malley’s rise in the UFC. According to him, the 27-year-old has all the traits and characteristics of a future star.

    “He’s got all the makings of a star. Obviously the look, the ‘it’ factor when he gets into the ring; he lights it up. He’s charismatic, he’s smart… He’s got that ‘it’ factor. But he can fight, too… With all that stuff going on, O’Malley can fight.

    “We wanna see him tested, of course. But there are special privileges out there, let’s be real. When a guy can bring money in, when a guy can be Conor McGregor, or potentially Conor McGregor, they get a little special privileges, where they can fight, maybe, a little bit of a lighter competition as they’re allowed the build. I think he’s (O’Malley) probably fallen under that category. They wanna use him a little bit, I think, to help the brand again, you know, build UFC like any other brand, like the NFL. Why do they go to Europe? To build the brand.”

    Teddy Atlas Cautions O’Malley Against Davis Callout

    Sean O'Malley, Gervonta Davis
    Sean O’Malley, Gervonta Davis

    O’Malley has often been compared to MMA’s biggest superstar Conor McGregor. After becoming a two-division champion in the UFC, the Irishman ventured to the squared circle to take on the undefeated Floyd Mayweather in the sport’s biggest ‘money’ fight.

    While some distance away from that level of superstardom and success in MMA, some have suggested O’Malley could be a potential crossover sensation in the future. Th comes at a time when the likes of Tyron Woodley, Vitor Belfort, and Anderson Silva have all laced the gloves in recent months.

    UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman has even called for a clash with Canelo Alvarez, a bout that would mark the first boxing P4P vs. UFC P4P contest. While Atlas acknowledged Usman’s improving striking and immense physicality, he believes a fast and slick fighter on the feet like O’Malley would fare better in-between the ropes.

    “Just because he’s (Usman) a strong guy, you gotta be honest, he couldn’t just come in, you know, because he doesn’t have one area where you can say he’s real cute, he’s real elusive. You know who’d have a better shot? In putting him in boxing in a more open way or a more across-the-board way, that he could have some success? O’Malley. Because he’s a bit more like a cutie, you know, where he can be slick. You could put him in with a guy who’s maybe a little slow-footed, a guy that’s not really busy.”

    Despite having aspirations of grandeur in the UFC, O’Malley has discussed a potential future in the ring. He even recently called out former multi-weight world champion Gervonta Davis. Although Atlas sees that callout as perhaps a little extreme, he does believe “Sugar” can find success in boxing.

    “Listen, Davis isn’t necessarily a seek and destroy guy. He likes to counterpunch, he’s a real smart guy, and everything. But you’re (O’Malley) calling out a guy who’s very dangerous. You make one mistake with him, in a new place, that’s obviously a new realm for him, you make one mistake and you’re not surviving. So that’s a tough callout.

    UFC 269: Sean O'Malley vs. Raulian Paiva
    UFC 269: Sean O’Malley vs. Raulian Paiva (Image Credit: Louis Grasse/PxImages)

    “But O’Malley, again, could probably pick more guys, because there’s versatility that he could do well in boxing, than you could with Usman. There’s not one area where you could say Usman was real slick, or he’s got a great jab, or he can fight not he inside, so it’d be more problematic finding a guy, even though Usman has incredible physical abilities.”

    O’Malley’s boxing credentials could be further tested in his next appearance. The rising contender has called out fellow surging striker Adrian Yanez, whilst also leaving the door open to a clash with Rob Font, a contender well known for his jab.

    Whoever O’Malley faces next and in the future, it stands to reason that if he keeps winning, we’ll be seeing him test the waters of the sweet science before his career is out.

    Do you agree with Teddy Atlas? Would Sean O’Malley find more success in the ring than Kamaru Usman?

  • Belal Muhammad To Dana White: I’m The Guy You Need To Start Pushing

    UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad believes the UFC and Dana White need to start pushing him over other top-five guys like Leon Edwards.

    Muhammad moved one step closer to the top of the 170-pound mountain this year with victories over a pair of former title challengers. After a disappointing no contest against Edwards in March, which came after Muhammad was the victim of a nasty eye poke, “Remember The Name” bounced back with a comfortable win against veteran Brazilian Demian Maia at UFC 263.

    Following that triumph, Muhammad had his second crack at a top-five opponent, this time in the form of two-time title challenger Stephen Thompson. In the final co-main event of the year, Muhammad broke into the welterweight elite with a dominant performance. After controlling and beating “Wonderboy” for the majority of the contest, the 33-year-old was awarded a unanimous decision on the scorecards.

    Muhammad Thinks He’s “The Guy”

    Now sitting at #5 on the welterweight ladder, Muhammad is unbeaten in seven fights. Since a 2019 defeat to Geoff Neal, the Chicago native has added victories over Lyman Good, Dhiego Lima, Maia, and Edwards to his impressive 20-3 résumé. With that form in mind, Muhammad is likely one impressive victory away over a fellow top-five name from a shot at gold.

    During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Muhammad made his case for a big push towards the title. Addressing UFC President Dana White, “Remember The Name” suggested he’s the contender that “has it all,” something he doesn’t believe #3-ranked Edwards can say about himself.

    “Dana, I know you’re watching this, you’ve got four weeks off to think about this. When you really think about it, there are not a lot of guys out here that are promoting themselves like me. I’m a guy that knows how to talk, I’m a guy who knows how to fight, I’m a guy that can fight the best of the best, be with the best of the best, and talk with the best of the best. I’m that guy that has it all.

    “You guys are out here trying to push the wrong guys. Leon hasn’t said anything witty or cool in the last like, 10 years. Whenever he opens his mouth, something stupid comes out. I’m the guy that you need to start pushing.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CX9OjMzF1eh/

    Muhammad has certainly not been shy to call out other top welterweights since his victory over “Wonderboy” prior to Christmas. As well as calling for a rematch with Edwards and discrediting “Rocky” as a title contender, the 33-year-old has expressed an interest in facing Khamzat Chimaev.

    While it remains to be seen which way the promotion will go, we can expect Muhammad to be opposite a big name the next time he steps into the Octagon.

    Do you agree with Belal Muhammad? Is he the welterweight the UFC needs to be pushing?

  • Manager: Ngannou Wants Two Things From UFC Before Re-Signing

    The manager of UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou has revealed there are two things his client needs if he is to re-sign with MMA’s premier promotion.

    Ngannou ascended the heavyweight mountaintop this year with a brutal knockout of Stipe Miocic. Since falling short of the title for the first time in 2018, “The Predator” has been unstoppable. On his way to title glory, he knocked out Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, all in the first round.

    Despite winning the belt in March 2021, it’ll have been 10 months since that date when he returns to the Octagon for his first defense. He’ll be doing so in the UFC 270 main event against Ciryl Gane. The Frenchman won the interim title at UFC 265 and will look to dethrone his former teammate on January 22.

    Ngannou’s Manager Believes He’s Been Mistreated

    There’s a lot more riding on the first pay-per-view main event of 2022 than just heavyweight glory. Ngannou has had a public feud with the UFC for months, something which started with the promotion’s decision to introduce interim gold. Beyond that, contractual issues have left the champ’s future unknown as he heads towards the final fight of his active deal.

    Ngannou’s manager, Marquel Martin, recently discussed the current situation during an appearance on Throwing Down with Renee Maquette and Miesha Tate. He pinpointed the first issue as the level of activity for the current titleholder.

    “I think for starters, Francis would love to have more activity. When have you really seen Francis have more than two fights in the last however many years in one year? He’s not as active as other heavyweights. Why? Because of me? Because of him? That’s a lie. [Laughs] That’s just what it is. From taking my manager hat off and just putting a fan hat on, I would love for the UFC to understand what Francis is about and understand his story. I feel like having an interim title was their decision. But was it really valid or warranted? Was it necessary?”

    The original plan was seemingly to have Ngannou defend the title against Derrick Lewis at UFC 265. But when the Cameroonian was unable to make that date due to travel complications in Africa, the promotion’s desire to keep “The Black Beast” on the Houston-held PPV card saw them create an interim strap, a decision that came in spite of Ngannou’s ability to defend the belt a month later in September.

    That move, along with a culmination of frustrations, has left Martin and Ngannou disappointed in the way he’s been portrayed as champion. According to the manager, his client has never been promoted positively by the UFC since losing to Miocic in 2018, representing the second issue that needs resolving before Ngannou re-signs.

    “Again, Francis, their heavyweight champion, the guy who’s been saying yes to all the fights, hasn’t declined fights, hasn’t anything, first UFC heavyweight champion from Africa to ever happen, and then interim champion. So I know Francis was very heartbroken over that because it’s like, ‘Hey, what else do you guys want me to do?’ If you guys look back at Francis’ track record, after he lost to Stipe, tell me when you really feel that Francis has been really promoted in a positive light.”

    The tense relationship between Ngannou’s camp and the UFC has even seen the promotion’s president, Dana White, lash out at the heavyweight’s management team. White suggested “The Predator” doesn’t have the best representation.

    Addressing those comments, Martin slammed the comments as a “false narrative,” and suggested he isn’t the UFC”s favourite person because he simply works to achieve what’s best for his client. In his mind, the real issue is Ngannou not getting the love and appreciation he deserves.

    “You hear this false narrative of representation. No, what does representation look like in your mind, UFC? To say yes to every single thing that you do? Am I supposed to take you out to dinner? Be your best friend? No, I have a fiduciary obligation to my client. And the facts are, OK, if you want to judge me and try to put me out of business for whatever reason and try to bully me publicly, I don’t respond to that. CAA doesn’t respond to that. We know how to do our job. We’re very competent in what we do. 

    “But when it comes to let’s look at the facts of Francis. After Stipe won, where do you really see Francis getting the love that I feel—again, call me biased—but this guy, he’s not in trouble with the law. [Laughs] This guy is one of the finest human beings that you will ever meet. But you don’t hear about his story.

    “You don’t see this world tour and UFC going back to Africa with Francis. We did that. We did that on our own. So as a UFC heavyweight champion, how are you supposed to feel? After three months, what are you supposed to do?” 

    With negotiations appearing to stall, it remains to be seen what a victory or defeat at UFC 270 will mean for Ngannou’s future. If Gane leaves the cage with the undisputed title, perhaps we’ll see the Cameroon native test the waters of other promotions.

    Do you agree with Francis Ngannou’s manager? Is the champ under appreciated by the UFC?

  • Teddy Atlas Gives Jake Paul Credit For Respecting The Sport Of Boxing

    Renowned boxing trainer Teddy Atlas has given credit to YouTuber-turned-pugilist Jake Paul for the way he’s approached his venture into the squared circle.

    Five fights into his unlikely journey in combat sports and Paul is showing no sign of slowing down. Unbeaten to date, the Ohio native has certainly proved a large portion of fans and pundits wrong, something he’ll hope to continue doing in 2022. Paul will be entering the year off the back of a brutal knockout victory over former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.

    After finishing fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib, former NBA star Nate Robinson, former ONE and Bellator 170-pound titleholder Ben Askren, and Woodley, Paul was set for his first challenge from a pro boxer in the form of Tommy Fury.

    After “TNT” withdrew due to a broken rib and chest infection, Woodley stepped in on short notice for his chance at redemption. But for the second time in 2021, he left the ring defeated, this time after being viciously slept by the internet star.

    Atlas Appreciates Paul Learning The Sweet Science

    Despite extending his unbeaten record and knocking out a recognized fighter who held UFC gold just three years ago, many still doubt Jake Paul’s boxing credentials, and suggest they’ll continue to do so until he faces a professional boxer.

    While boxing royalty Teddy Atlas is under no illusions about the quality of opponents “The Problem Child” has faced, he does appreciate the way Paul has approached his career in the sport. Speaking in an interview with The Schmo, Atlas praised Paul for respecting the sport of boxing by hiring professional coaches and putting in the work necessary to be competitive inside the ropes.

    “He’s smart. A lot of people hate him, but one thing I give him credit for, he didn’t disrespect the sport of boxing. He went and he learned it. Can he go and just beat anyone? Of course not. But he learned the sport. He went out there and got a professional trainer, he went to a gym for the last couple years, and he worked his backside off to become the best he can become at this point, at this stage. He respected the sport.

    Jake Paul Is in Trouble For Throwing a Huge Party | Vanity Fair
    Jake Paul, BY LEON BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES

    “He’s doing the American way. He found a way to make money without hurting anyone, I mean legally… That’s the American way, to go out there and find a way to make money. I give him credit for that. And he took advantage of an audience, a large audience, and he’s taken them with him. He’s become their ambassador.”

    Discussing the next step for Paul, who has made his desire to face UFC stars Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz known, Atlas suggested a clash with “Gamebred” would provide the striking test the 24-year-old needs to take the next step up the boxing ladder.

    “It’s probably not gonna happen, but if he fought Masvidal, Masvidal’s a pretty good striker, that’d be interesting. That would get my attention… Look, the guy that he beat, Woodley, was a real fighter, but he was just about retired, he was 41/42 years old, not a tremendous striker, better on the mat, not a real busy guy, so he picked his spot pretty good. And again, I give him credit. He got the job done. But (it would be) a little more interesting if he fought a Masvidal because Masvidal’s a better striker and he’s more versatile… guys like that.

    “I don’t wanna see him in anymore with guys where you know it’s done, like a movie; you go into a movie and you already know the ending. I wanna see him where there’s still some questions out there when he gets into that ring.”

    While Paul has pushed for a bout with Masvidal, who is still under contract with the UFC, it appears the two-time welterweight title challenger isn’t pleased with the current state of negotiations. He recently slammed the $5 million the YouTube sensation offered, describing it as “chump change.”

    Although it doesn’t seem likely to happen anytime soon, talk of Paul vs. Masvidal will likely exist for as long as the polarizing celebrity keeps having his hand raised.

    Who would you like to see Jake Paul face next?

  • Khabib Describes Why Dustin Poirier Won’t Be The Same Fighter Again

    Former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov believes we witnessed Dustin Poirier’s competitive fire go out following his loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 269.

    Poirier’s inspirational journey to the top first fell short of championship glory at the hands of Khabib in 2019. A third-round submission in Abu Dhabi sent ‘The Diamond’ back to the drawing board. Like he’s done so often in his career, Poirier bounced back. He did so courtesy of a five-round victory over Dan Hooker and back-to-back triumphs over Conor McGregor in 2021.

    Having found himself back opposite the champion at UFC 269, this time in the form of Brazilian veteran Oliveira, many expected Poirier to close out the year with his first undisputed crowning. Instead, the favorite fell yet again to a third-round rear-naked choke.

    Khabib Thinks We’ve Seen The Last Of A Hungry Poirier

    While Poirier’s loss to Khabib undoubtedly stung, his second title loss certainly hurt a lot more. That was clear in the aftermath of the result, with the former interim titleholder admitting a lack of motivation and suggesting he may never compete at lightweight again.

    Having seen his post-fight attitude and disappointment, Khabib, who retired as champion following UFC 254 in 2020, believes we’ve seen the last of a motivated and hungry Poirier.

    At a recent press conference, the Dagestani, who’d predicted the challenger would dethrone Oliveira, was asked what went wrong for Poirier at the final pay-per-view of the year. In response, Khabib described the inevitable decline fighters experience.

    “I think every person has resources. You know, I think when a man starts a new business, in the beginning he is on fire. He is moving forward, his business is developing. But after comes a time when he goes out. He wants to withdraw money and to start a new business. And this is life… You launch a business. In the beginning, you think you are going to do it all life. But then comes a time you go out a little bit, you want to invest to other business.

    Amazon.com : Poirier's Louisiana Style Hot Sauce - Single Bottle : Grocery & Gourmet Food

    “The same thing could happen with a fighter. There is a fire, a hunger, when you want it very much. Then comes a time when you still want it but not so hard. It happens when the fire went out, but there are still numbers in a contract. You think, ‘Wait, I can earn this money in a fight.’ The fighters have such moments.”

    Having seen Poirier’s fire dim following UFC 269, Khabib believes he’ll never be able to find the motivation that brought him to the top again. But the former champion also described it as a natural process, something which will inevitably happen to new top lightweights like Beneil Dariush and Islam Makhachev.

    “After the fight, he said he needs to think, does he need it at all? If such thoughts came to his mind, it means he will win, but he will win and lose. He will not go to the end when it will be necessary. Sometimes, you look at the athlete and see how fast he changes. I say it to my close friends. While there is a time you should stay active and keep fighting. If this switch clicks once, he will never go back. I think his switch clicked.

    “The time comes. There was Frankie Edgar, Benson Henderson, Pettis, before me. Then Conor… No one stayed, everyone left. Now it is Charles Oliveira’s time. Charles came. Now it is the time of Islam, Beneil, Justin (Gaethje), Charles Oliveira. They will fight now, then they will leave too. Others will come. No one can control this and no one will be able to stop this. Time runs (out). I think everything is simple. Charles Oliveira was better; choked and left. Later, another one will come and (beat) him. He will go out, then we will talk about another one. It is such a carousel that will never be stopped.” (Transcribed by Fighting Flashback)

    Khabib’s take is seemingly something Dustin Poirier himself agrees with on at least some level. Following his latest setback, he admitted he wasn’t sure what was next and suggested no potential matchup excited him.

    While a clash with Nate Diaz seemed to change that, failed negotiations appear to have left ‘The Diamond’ back in limbo at the moment. We shall await to see his next step in 2022.

    Do you agree with Khabib? Has Dustin Poirier’s competitive fire gone out?

  • Sean O’Malley Still Loves Joe Rogan, But…

    Newly-ranked bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley has criticized comments Joe Rogan made on commentary during his UFC 269 victory over Raulian Paiva.

    O’Malley closed out a strong year for “The Suga Show” last weekend at the final pay-per-view of 2021. Having rebounded from his first loss in MMA to Marlon Vera with back-to-back finishes over Thomas Almeida and Kris Moutinho, the 27-year-old aimed to make it three from three against Brazil’s Paiva.

    Towards the end of the opening round, O’Malley had the crowd at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on their feet after recording yet another knockout finish. A brutal combination against the cage slumped Paiva and forced the referee to step in. The victory ensured O’Malley’s path to the top remained on track and saw him enter the rankings at #13 in the latest update.

    Although in high spirits in the aftermath of his latest triumph, O’Malley did take aim at color commentator Daniel Cormier, something that seems to be a weekly occurrence at the moment, with Dominick Cruz and Alexander Volkanovski also recently expressing their disdain at the former two-division UFC champion’s mic work.

    But O’Malley has now set his sights on another man at the desk, renowned podcast host, stand-up comedian, and combat sports enthusiast Joe Rogan.

    O’Malley Encourages Rogan To “Form A Knowledgeable Opinion”

    Sean O'Malley Octagon Interview | UFC 264 | UFC
    Sean O’Malley, Joe Rogan

    While Rogan is no longer as present in UFC coverage as he used to be, now only covering the US-based pay-per-views (unless he has a hunting trip, of course), many still see his voice as an integral part of big events and he remains a popular figure. That’s the case for O’Malley, who signs off his post-fight interviews with the veteran broadcaster by saying, “I fucking love you Joe Rogan.”

    While the love is still there, it’s seemingly been joined by some heavy frustration. Speaking on a recent episode of his TimboSugarShow podcast, O’Malley slammed the commentary team for pushing a narrative that suggested he is susceptible to leg kicks.

    “They said, ‘I don’t know why, when you’re going to fight Sean, you don’t throw more leg kicks. He clearly had a problem in the Chito fight with the leg kicks.’ I fight Thomas Almeida, who’s a fucking good kickboxer, who tried kicking my legs… I countered, he landed a couple, I did a couple good things with the leg kicks. Kris Moutinho, who probably kicked my legs more than Thomas, still kicked my legs.”

    The idea that O’Malley can be heavily damaged by low kicks came after he suffered a few injuries whilst in the Octagon, including one that led to the only blemish on his record to date. Against “Chito” Vera in 2020, a kick appeared to connect with O’Malley’s peroneal nerve, essentially giving him a case of ‘drop foot’.

    Prior to that, O’Malley suffered an injury towards the end of his decision victory over Andre Soukhamthath, leading to the infamous post-fight interview that saw Rogan speak to “Sugar” while he was being tended to on the mat.

    Joe Rogan Interviews Injured Sean O'Malley on His Back in Octagon at UFC 222 | MMAWeekly.com
    Joe Rogan, Sean O’Malley

    Despite maintaining the love he has for the UFC mainstay, O’Malley suggested Rogan hadn’t watched his defeat to Vera enough to form a “knowledgeable opinion.”

    “You can just say anything on the mic. Everyone knows how much I fucking love Joe Rogan. I say it after my fights… He might have watched that Chito fight one time while he was sitting there and then his opinion is what he saw right there. But dude, he got one kick that hit my nerve… He did land a couple of good leg kicks after that, but I was on one leg and I still pieced him up. If you’re gonna commentate and bring up that fight, every single time I fight, go watch it and form a knowledgeable opinion about it.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

    O’Malley’s claim is fairly similar to Cruz’s remarks about “DC.” The former two-time bantamweight titleholder accused Cormier of not watching enough tape and doing enough research to be able to call fights correctly.

    But unlike that case, which saw many in the community agree with “The Dominator,” the narrative that O’Malley can be compromised by heavy leg kicks has been pretty prevalent, especially since his setback last year.

    Was Joe Rogan wrong to suggest Sean O’Malley is susceptible to leg kicks?

  • Beneil Dariush: Title Shot Snub Is “Annoying” & “Not Fair”

    UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has admitted it’s frustrating not to be granted a title shot despite his impressive run in the division.

    Since 2018, Dariush has been on fire. After a majority draw against Evan Dunham and defeats to Edson Barboza and Alexander Hernandez left him 0-2-1 in three fights, the Iranian-born American found the form of his life, building a seven-fight win streak that started against Thiago Moisés at UFC Fight Night 139.

    Further victories over Drew Dober and Frank Camacho, and highlight-reel knockouts of Drakkar Klose and Scott Holtzman, brought Dariush into the top 15, before decision triumphs against Brazilian veteran Diego Ferreira and former interim champ Tony Ferguson cemented his place in the top five and title contention.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CPAMPz8hHVt/

    Following his win against “El Cucuy” at UFC 262 earlier this year, many expected Dariush to be top of the queue for a championship opportunity. Instead, the 32-year-old found himself unable to find a high-ranked opponent for December whilst Dustin Poirier challenged for the title, and seemingly leapfrogged by Justin Gaethje after his memorable success against Chandler last month at UFC 268.

    The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai black belt will now have to get through surging Dagestani contender Islam Makhachev to secure a date with the titleholder. In an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Dariush admitted the “businessman” in him was disappointed and frustrated at the snub. However, the Makhachev booking has got him roaring again.

    “The thing is, as a business man, for sure it bothers me. Like, it’s annoying. I did everything I needed to do to get this title shot. It’s not fair. But man, I’m not that much of a businessman. That part of me, it was like, a little bit of a scratch, but the dog in me when I hear like, ‘Makhachev, this guy, the guy, this is the best guy,’ when I hear about this, that part of me is like, ‘Let’s go!’ I’ve got fire in me, man. I’m training all the time but when I heard Makhachev, I was like, ‘Let’s go, man’. I’m, stoked on this.”

    Dariush Expects Title Shot With Makhachev Win

    While Gaethje apparently set for the next shot, Dariush will turn his attention to an equally in-form contender. The 32-year-old will meet fellow top-five lightweight star Makhachev in the main event of a UFC Fight Night on February 26.

    Having missed out on a long-awaited title shot to this point, Dariush believes a victory over the highly-touted Dagestani will be enough to book his place opposite the titleholder later in the year.

    “I think so, that’s what it seems like, right? I just don’t see who would be, If I win this fight, like, who am I gonna fight next? Am I gonna fight Chandler? Is he gonna get another chance at the title? I don’t understand who else is there. Or like, do I have to fight Poirier? Who is there? Do I have to fight Charles (Oliveira)? We’ll see. I feel like I’m gonna be number one contender, yeah.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CWyQIc0twjW/

    Do you expect the winner of Beneil Dariush vs. Islam Makhachev to fight for the title later in 2022?

  • Julianna Peña To Follow “Come One, Come All” Mindset As Champion

    Newly-crowned UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña is aware of the target she has on her back as the 135-pound queen, but she’s welcoming every threat and every challenge.

    Amanda Nunes retaining the bantamweight title throughout 2022 was perhaps one of the few absolute UFC certainties in the eye of many fans and pundits. But most hadn’t considered the possibility of Peña shocking the world at the final pay-per-view of 2022. In the UFC 269 co-main event, she did exactly that.

    With an aura of confidence behind her that many doubted and branded delusional, “The Venezuelan Vixen” backed her abilities and delivered in style. After making it through the opening round unscathed, the challenger executed her gameplay to perfection in the second.

    After hurting Nunes on the feet and tiring her out, Peña pulled the “Lioness” to the mat and submitted her in front of a sold-out T-Mobile Arena crowd, completing what was one of the biggest upsets in the promotion’s history.

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

    From The Hunter To The Hunted

    Having reached the top of the food chain at 135 pounds, Peña is embracing the changing dynamic to her career. Whereas she’d been chasing a title shot and championship glory until this month, the 32-year-old is now the one everyone else in the division is pursuing. While some may crumble under that pressure, “The Venezuelan Vixen” is ready for everything.

    During an interview with Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole, Peña discussed the position she’s found herself in atop the bantamweight mountain. Knowing that the target is now well and truly on her back, the champ is intending to welcome all comers during her reign.

    “Come one, come all. Like, come on with it, girl. Like, literally, I know that that’s the type of position that I was gonna be put in. I know that as the champion, you gotta big bullseye on your back. And I knew that I was gunning for that bullseye vs. Amanda,” Peña said.

    “And now, that bullseye is on me, and I welcome that. I embrace that. I am excited for that. And like I said, that was last week. This week, we need to talk about what we have to do moving forward in order to defend.

    “This I will defend with my life. And I am ready to do that. And moving forward, it’s all about what’s next and not what I did back then but what’s gonna come ahead in my future.”

    The first woman looking to hit the bullseye on Peña’s back will seemingly be Nunes. After UFC President Dana White confirmed the option of a rematch is there for the reigning featherweight champion, Nunes appeared to accept the chance for redemption soon after.

    With that in mind, it seems likely we’ll be seeing Nunes vs. Peña 2 sometime in the first half of 2022. If White is to be believed, it could be the biggest woman’s fight of all time.

    Do you believe Julianna Peña will successfully defend her title in 2022?

  • Ngannou Looks To ‘Shut Up’ Everyone In The HW Division At UFC 270

    UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou doesn’t recognize Ciryl Gane as the interim titleholder and believes the Frenchman’s belt is illegitimate.

    After 2018 defeats to Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis stalled his rise, Ngannou hit the form of his life. In four fights, “The Predator” recorded four first-round knockouts against Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, totaling less than four minutes inside the Octagon.

    After earning a rematch with Miocic, Ngannou didn’t let the consensus greatest UFC heavyweight of all time evade his power for a second time. In the UFC 260 main event, the Cameroonian brutally slept the veteran in the second round, securing his place on the heavyweight throne. But while he found his success, another product out of Paris’ MMA Factory gym was forging his own path to the top.

    In 10 professional fights since his 2018 debut, Ciryl Gane has remained undefeated, made his way to the UFC, defeated the likes of dos Santos, Rozenstruik, Alexander Volkov, and Derrick Lewis, headlined two UFC Fight Night cards and one pay-per-view, and had interim gold wrapped around his waist.

    “Bon Gamin” will now look to dethrone his former teammate in a blockbuster unification bout set for UFC 270 early next year.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CVYuAm1h47d/

    Ngannou: “I’m The Undisputed Champion”

    Despite Gane’s interim title success, the controversy surrounding the promotion’s decision to create the belt is hard to forget. That’s especially the case for Ngannou. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, “The Predator” suggested he doesn’t recognize the #15-ranked men’s pound-for-pound fighter’s gold as “legitimate.”

    “I don’t recognize (Gane’s) belt,” Ngannou said. “I’m the undisputed heavyweight champion. (Gane’s belt) isn’t legitimate, it is a replacement. The presence of the champion makes the interim title invalid. And I’m here.”

    The UFC chose to create an interim title despite Ngannou’s willingness to defend his belt for the first time in September, just six months after his crowning. The promotion’s eagerness to have Lewis headline the UFC 265 pay-per-view in Houston was enough for the new title to be created, something which has been extremely advantageous for Gane.

    Nevertheless, the goal remains the same for Ngannou. He wants to cement his status as the one true heavyweight kingpin by defeating every contender in the weight class, starting with “Bon Gamin” on January 22.

    “I want to be the one, the only one, on top of the division. That means I have to take everyone else out… I have what it takes to shut up everyone in the division,” Ngannou said. “I’m going to make a statement on January 22.”

    Who do you think will leave UFC 270 as the undisputed heavyweight king, Francis Ngannou or Ciryl Gane?

  • Joe Rogan Describes McGregor’s Bulked Physique As “Deceptive”

    Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor recently made waves by showing what appeared to be an incredibly bulked-up physique, but Joe Rogan doesn’t think all is as it originally seemed.

    For the first time since 2016, McGregor entered the Octagon twice in the same calendar year in 2021. But while he avenged a loss to Nate Diaz and became the first-ever simultaneous UFC double champ five years ago, his fortunes have been less favorable across the last 12 months.

    Having re-visited his rivalry with Dustin Poirier, whom he defeated back in 2014, McGregor saw his score with “The Diamond” fall from 1-0 to 1-2 in the space of six months. On Fight Island in January, the Irishman was knocked out for the first time. Fast-forward to July and a trash-talking iteration of McGregor left the cage on a stretcher after breaking his leg.

    Since his injury at UFC 264, McGregor has continually updated fans on his healing process and teased a return; in-between his antics outside the cage, of course. Earlier this month, the 33-year-old posted an image that appeared to suggest he’d packed on a significant amount of muscle. The upload even led many to believe he could be gearing up for a return to the welterweight division next year.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXh9PErtm5F/

    Discussing the image of McGregor and the Irishman’s current physical state during an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, renowned UFC color commentator Rogan suggested the picture was slightly “deceptive.”

    According to the 54-year-old, who has been a consistent figure at the commentary desk since 2002, McGregor may have been lifting weights at the time, something which would have accentuated his physique when the photo was taken.

    “That’s him now, he’s super jacked. USADA’s gonna take a visit to him very soon. It’s a weird picture, honestly. I mean, he’s definitely jacked, but it looks to me like he’s in the middle of lifting. If you see a guy’s body in the middle of lifting, it’s a little deceptive… He’s still jacked. He still looks great. But when you lift weights, as you do it, like those bodybuilders go on stage before those big Mr. Olympia things, they all get pumped… He looks good though.”

    McGregor Targets A Return To The Octagon In 2022

    McGregor’s increased training and noticeable muscular gain appears to be in preparation for a return to the Octagon in 2022. With his fast-healing leg getting closer to full recovery, the Irishman appears as eager as ever to make the walk again, something he’s consistently expressed on social media.

    While an opponent is far from being decided, McGregor has ambitiously set his sights on the gold. Prior to UFC 269, he suggested he’d make his comeback against whoever is holding the lightweight title at the time. That’s despite his #9 spot in the rankings.

    After Charles Oliveira successfully defended his gold against McGregor’s rival Poirier, “The Notorious” megastar posted a series of tweets signaling his intent for a title clash with “Do Bronx” and another edition of Ireland vs. Brazil.

    But if his so called “special treatment” doesn’t land him an immediate return to championship fights, McGregor has a number of other options.

    As well as a potential trilogy clash with Nate Diaz, the likes of Michael Chandler and Max Holloway have also made their desire to face MMA’s biggest superstar well known.

    Who would you like to see Conor McGregor face in his return fight?

  • Dana White Responds To The “McGregor Special Treatment” Narrative

    UFC President Dana White has argued against the perception that former two-division champion Conor McGregor wrongly receives special treatment from the promotion.

    While he’s certainly had a fall from grace in recent years, both inside and outside the Octagon, McGregor is undeniably MMA’s biggest superstar and one of the best to have ever fought on the sport’s grandest stage. On his way to becoming the promotion’s first-ever simultaneous double champ, the Irishman defeated the likes of Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier, Chad Mendes, José Aldo, and Eddie Alvarez.

    But since his 2016 lightweight triumph, McGregor’s performances have dipped. In just four fights in the five years since, “The Notorious” star has gone 1-3, with a single welterweight victory over Donald Cerrone surrounded by 155-pound failings against former foe Poirier and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

    Having broken his leg in his second loss of the year to “The Diamond,” McGregor will hope to return to his form of old when he makes his comeback in 2022.

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

    Despite his setbacks and his brutal injury at UFC 264 in July, McGregor’s motivation and drive to keep fighting doesn’t appear to have dwindled. The Dublin native has consistently maintained his desire to keep making the walk, has provided updates on his recovery and increased training, and suggested he’ll return to full MMA sparring by April next year.

    McGregor even recently claimed he’ll make his comeback against whoever is holding the lightweight gold upon his return. That, understandably, has brought up concern amongst fans, pundits, and fighters about the possibility of McGregor jumping to the top of the queue despite his recent form and place in the rankings.

    Beneil Dariush, the current #3 contender who is set for a likely title eliminator against Islam Makhachev, even admitted the idea of McGregor being granted a special pass to the title worries him. With questions of privilege and special treatment being brought up yet again, Dana White has responded.

    White: McGregor Has Been “That Guy” Since Day One

    During an interview with Daniel Cormier on the DC Check-In, the UFC President explained why McGregor has been treated as a “special” individual by the promotion.

    “When we started this thing and this guy was on his rise—and believe me, I’ve dealt with a fuckin’ thousands fighters. ‘Oh, this isn’t the fight for me at this time’ and ‘This isn’t that, this isn’t this,’ this fuckin’ kid, we’ve been in a house that he was renting. I think it was when [José Aldo pulled out of 2015 bout]. This is what he said us: ‘I don’t give a fuck who you get. I’m going to work out. When you figure it out, call me and let me know.’

    “And then the Nate Diaz fight, another fight fell out for him, he said, ‘Well, let’s fight Diaz.’ ‘Well, do you want to do—’ ‘No, I don’t want it at catchweight. If I don’t fight him at this weight, it doesn’t matter. It’s bullshit if I don’t fight him at his weight.”

    White went on to suggest McGregor’s toughness and willingness to fight anyone has been a characteristic in his repertoire since day one. For that reason, he’s earned special treatment, according to the UFC kingpin.

    “Conor McGregor has been that guy since the day that he walked into this fuckin’ company. So for anybody to point the finger and say, ‘Oh, this guy’s getting special treatment…’ (Because) This guy’s special. This guy’s fuckin’ special. You know how many fighters I’ve fuckin’ dealt with that’ll talk to me about, ‘This isn’t good for my brand.’ ‘I’m not fighting my friends…’”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CW-lAT3JoWC/

    Even with the so-called “special treatment,” it’s hard to see McGregor walking straight back to the belt. If Poirier had beaten Charles Oliveira, that seemingly would have been a strong possibility. Instead, we could see the Irishman complete a tetralogy with “The Diamond” without the gold on the line.

    Alternatively, a trilogy with Nate Diaz, who is on the final fight of his UFC contract, seems inevitable sooner of later, whilst both Max Holloway and Michael Chandler have staked their own claims for a money fight with “The Notorious” megastar.

    Do you believe Conor McGregor wrongly receives special treatment from the UFC?

  • Sean O’Malley Names The Only UFC Fighter Everyone Loves

    While Sean O’Malley may split opinion among the combat sports community, “Sugar” believes there’s one UFC fighter who certainly does the opposite.

    O’Malley’s rise to stardom has been relatively rapid. That’s immediately one reason why a portion of fans dislike the charismatic rising bantamweight. That, coupled with his confident and outgoing personality, means many actively root against the 27-year-old. That was no different when he returned to action earlier this month at UFC 269.

    Having rebounded from his first professional MMA loss with back-to-back third-round finishes against Thomas Almeida and Kris Moutinho earlier this year, the Montana native hoped to make it three from three inside a sold-out T-Mobile Arena at the year’s final pay-per-view. In the main card opener, he did just that, brutally knocking Raulian Paiva out before the close of the opening round.

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

    O’Malley Says Everyone Loves A Bit Of “Bam Bam”

    Video: Tai Tuivasa does a shoey spiked with Dustin Poirier's hot sauce - MMAmania.com
    Tai Tuivasa

    Having been content facing unranked opposition, “Sugar” will seemingly receive the pay bump he’s been after in the near future and be up against top opposition in 2022. But despite continuing his rise and easily dispatching of Paiva, who many thought would give him trouble, O’Malley certainly still has his fair share of doubters in the community.

    According to the 27-year-old, that’s a good thing. During the UFC 269 post-fight press conference, O’Malley was asked whether it frustrates him when fans and pundits pick little things to criticize him about. In his mind, he wouldn’t be the star he is without being disliked by a large portion of the UFC fanbase. He suggested there’s only one man truly loved by everyone, and that’s Tai Tuivasa.

    “That means I’m doing it right. If everyone just loved me, then I probably wouldn’t be as big as I am. I think there’s only probably one person that everyone loves and that’s Tai Tuivasa. I think he’s the only one. How could you not like that guy? But for me, I could see how people don’t like me. But I guarantee they watched me tonight. I guarantee they did not turn the TV, they didn’t get up to go to the bathroom, they probably weren’t even eating or drinking. I bet they were locked into that TV when I was fighting.”

    Like O’Malley, Tuivasa was also in action at UFC 269. If fans didn’t go for a toilet break during the O’Malley vs. Paiva clash, hopefully, they didn’t do it for the Tuivasa vs. Sakai fight earlier in the night.

    If they did, they’d have missed a combination of “Barbie Girl” by Aqua, a brutal knockout, and multiple shoeys…

    Whether it’s the combination of vicious KO power and hilarious ’90’s pop walkouts, or the combination of in-Octagon performance and post-fight shoeys, or all three combined, fans love Tuivasa and the energy and entertainment he brings on fight night.

    But as well as being as loved as O’Malley says, “Bam Bam” is also a fast-rising heavyweight with time on his side. At just 28, the Australian has already established himself just outside the top 10 and is riding a four-fight win streak following triumphs over Stefan Struve, Harry Hunsucker, Greg Hardy, and Sakai.

    We’ve certainly got many more years of KO’s and cheesy walkout songs in front of us.

    Do you agree with Sean O’Malley? Is Tai Tuivasa the one fighter universally loved?

  • Edwards Responds To “Deluded” Masvidal After Public Callout

    UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards has responded to Jorge Masvidal’s claims that he can’t find an opponent for his return to the Octagon.

    Masvidal was originally booked to be in action earlier this month at UFC 269 against arch-rival Edwards. In a grudge match over two years in the making, “Rocky” was set for his chance to exact revenge on “Gamebred” for the pair’s famous backstage altercation at a UFC London event in 2019.

    A month prior to the year’s final pay-per-view, Masvidal withdrew due to an injury, later confirmed to MMA News by Colby Covington to be a rib issue. But the two-time welterweight title challenger is seemingly back to fitness and rallying for a fight, something he suggested is proving to be difficult.

    Masvidal slammed “bitches” like Edwards and Colby Covington for not wanting to sign contracts agreeing to face him. “Rocky” has already announced his intention to wait for a title shot following his failed clash with Masvidal. Covington, meanwhile, has made his desire to face Masvidal, his former friend and teammate, well known.

    Edwards Laughs Masvidal Off

    In the aftermath of Masvidal’s public callout and re-emergence onto the welterweight scene, Edwards took to Twitter to respond. In a short and simple post, the #3-ranked contender laughed his foe’s claims off, describing him as “deluded” in the process.

    “This motherfucker is deluded [LAUGH]”

    Back-and-forth between Edwards and Masvidal surrounding accusations of ducking a fight against the other existed for the best part of two years. When the pair finally had a bout booked, it seemed their score would be settled. With the cancelation and Edwards’ decision to set his sights back on Kamaru Usman, it appears we’re set for more social media and interview exchanges between the two instead.

    For Masvidal, his two most public options appear to be a clash of former friends with Covington or an unlikely crossover to the boxing ring to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. “The Problem Child’ has been making Masvidal offers since his second victory over Tyron Woodley this month.

    Would you like to see the Leon Edwards vs. Jorge Masvidal matchup revived? If not, who should “Gamebred” face in 2022?

  • Marvin Vettori Promises Bisping He’ll Dethrone “PED User” Adesanya

    UFC middleweight Marvin Vettori has responded to compliments from Michael Bisping about his championship credentials, promising that he’ll be the one to dethrone “PED user” Israel Adesanya.

    Vettori has already failed to strip Adesanya of his gold on one occasion and failed to have his hand raised at two attempts against “The Last Stylebender.” After falling to a split decision to the Nigerian-New Zealander in 2018 when both were relatively new to the UFC, “The Italian Dream” fought his way to the top, earning a title shot following victories over Karl Roberson, Jack Hermansson, and Kevin Holland.

    In the UFC 263 main event in June this year, Vettori re-visited his rivalry with Adesanya. While he was able to take the champ the 25-minute distance, which was more than both Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa had managed, the 28-year-old was comfortably beaten on the scorecards.

    But the Trento native’s hopes of returning to contention couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. After showing his toughness by accepting a light heavyweight clash against an overweight Costa, Vettori put his power and chin on full display across five rounds with “The Eraser” at UFC Vegas 41. Thanks to a pressing volume and some clean lands, Vettori jumped to #2 in the rankings with a unanimous decision victory over the Brazilian.

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

    Discussing that performance during a recent Q&A on his YouTube channel, Bisping, a former 185-pound titleholder and current color commentator, suggested Vettori would be the current middleweight king if it wasn’t for the presence of Adesanya.

    “If it wasn’t for Israel Adesanya right now, he’d (Vettori) be the champ, definitely… He’s the next best guy at 185 in my opinion, he’s doing tremendous things. I’m a friend of Marvin’s, I think he’s tremendous. That fight he had against Paulo Costa was sensational. I called that fight, I was right there, he won that fight fair and square but Paulo Costa had a lot of success and some of the shots that Marvin ate, some of those kicks and punches and the power that Costa has, Marvin took every single fucking one of them.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

    Vettori Responds With A Promise

    Upon seeing Bisping’s take, Vettori took to Twitter to respond. After showing his appreciation for “The Count,” the top contender made a promise. He assured Bisping that he’ll still be the one to end Adesanya’s reign, despite failing to do so six months ago.

    He also slammed the reigning titleholder, accusing him of using performance-enhancing drugs, a sentiment that began to be shared after Adesanya’s right pectoral muscle became noticeably swollen.

    “Appreciate it @Bisping Im still gonna show you I will dethrone this PED user very soon.”

    While he undoubtedly impressed in his last outing and established himself as one of the top contenders, it’ll likely be a while until Vettori has another chance at having middleweight gold wrapped around his waist.

    Adesanya is next set to run it back with former champ Whittaker at UFC 271 in February. On the same card, Derek Brunson and Jared Cannonier are expected to collide to determine the next number one contender.

    With his reluctance to serve as backup for Adesanya vs. Whittaker 2, it seems “The Italian Dream” will be spending 2022 looking to secure another championship opportunity for the following year.

    Do you think Marvin Vettori has what it takes to beat Israel Adesanya if the pair run it back down the line?

  • Blanchfield Knows She’ll “Definitely” Prove Shevchenko Isn’t Unbeatable

    According to UFC women’s flyweight prospect Erin Blanchfield, nobody is “unbeatable” in the cage, including dominant champion Valentina Shevchenko.

    Not many UFC prospects are as highly touted and promising as Blanchard. At just 22 years of age, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt has fought nine times as a professional, had her hand raised on eight occasions, and established her name in the world’s premier MMA promotion.

    After a debut win against Sarah Alpar earlier this year, which came after back-to-back triumphs in the renowned Invicta FC organization, Blanchard was matched with fellow rising star Miranda Maverick. The pair clashed at UFC 269 last weekend, and on the grand pay-per-view stage, “Cold Blooded” demonstrated why she’s a threat to the rest of the 125-pound weight class.

    Blanchard rag-dolled Maverick for the majority of the contest, taking her down seven times and landing over double the amount of strikes as her 24-year-old flyweight peer. With a dominant unanimous decision victory, Blanchard showed why she’s a name to watch at flyweight.

    Blanchfield Thinks She Will Be The Champ’s Kryptonite

    Valentina Shevchenko
    Valentina Shevchenko (Photo: Josh Hedges for Zuffa LLC)

    Like many in the combat sports community, Blanchard, whose only career loss came by way of a controversial decision against Tracy Cortez in 2019, believes she has what it takes to make her way to the title. But not only that, she thinks she can be the one to end the dominant reign of Valentina Shevchenko.

    In a recent interview with The Schmo, Blanchard reminded fans that no athlete is “unbeatable,” perhaps taking inspiration from Julianna Peña’s upset victory over Amanda Nunes on December 11. The 22-year-old is confident that, even if no one else in the division is capable of doing it, she can beat “Bullet.”

    “I feel like everyone thinks Valentina is unbeatable, but that’s not true about anybody. And I don’t know if there’s anybody, like, right now, that’s gonna beat her until I get there, but I know I definitely will.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

    With Nunes losing one of her belts, Shevchenko perhaps now leads the way as the most dominant female titleholder in the UFC. The Kyrgyzstani has built an eight-fight win streak since a split decision loss to Nunes in 2017. Across that period, “Bullet” has ascended the flyweight mountain; defended the title six times; and beaten the likes of Jessica Eye, Jennifer Maia, Jéssica Andrade, and Joanna Jędrzejczyk.

    Unlike those names, Blanchard hopes to reach the top and add a fourth blemish to the incredible record of Shevchenko.

    Can you see Erin Blanchfield being the one to dethrone Valentina Shevchenko in the future?

  • Sean O’Malley Walks Back Previous Callout, Doesn’t Care Who’s Next

    Rising UFC bantamweight star Sean O’Malley doesn’t appear to be fussed about who his first appearance of 2022 will come against.

    Talk of O’Malley’s future opponents has intensified following his latest victory inside the Octagon. Having rebounded from his first loss in MMA with stoppage victories over once highly-touted Brazilian Thomas Almeida and tough debutant Kris Moutinho earlier this year, “Sugar” looked to make it three for three in 2021 when he opened the UFC 269 main card opposite Raulian Paiva.

    Despite undoubtedly facing a step-up in competition and a formerly-ranked bantamweight, O’Malley looked at his best and finished the Brazilian with a vicious combination shortly before the end of the first round.

    O’Malley Targets March/April Return

    Prior to his seventh consecutive pay-per-view outing, O’Malley had singled out fellow surging bantamweight striker Adrian Yanez as a potential future opponent. When discussing his route to the title, “Sugar” even listed the 28-year-old as his next step after knocking out Paiva.

    Despite that, O’Malley appears open to facing whoever the UFC puts in front of him. During the UFC 269 post-fight press conference, O’Malley was asked whether he still had Yanez on his radar, and while reiterating his targeted March return, the Montana native said he has no one in particular in mind for his next fight.

    “I fought three times last year, three times this year. I feel like every day, I just have a fight coming up. So I’m just gonna enjoy this and try to not book a fight and just enjoy being with my family and my little princess. And I’m sure I’ll fight in March, April. Who will it be? I don’t know. Doesn’t really matter. As long as the Suga Show is fighting, I don’t really think people care too much who I’m fighting.” 

    While a fight with Yanez would certainly provide fireworks and see one man establish themselves as perhaps bantamweight’s hottest prospect, the UFC may choose to build both men up separately. All that said, Yanez does still remain an option for O’Malley as well, as he reiterated on Thursday.

    Adrian Yanez, Davey Grant & Adrian Yanez
    Adrian Yanez, Davey Grant & Adrian Yanez (Image Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

    Given their previous exchanges, many have suggested O’Malley fight Cody Garbrandt next, especially after the former champ’s attempts to succeed as a flyweight took a hit this past weekend. “Sugar” has also made his desire to exact revenge on Marlon Vera known, so perhaps “Chito” could be convinced to fight down the rankings in a PPV slot against O’Malley.

    Nevertheless, whoever O’Malley is matched up with next year should provide for an exciting contest and aid the 27-year-old’s rise up the 135-pound ladder.

    Whom would you like to see Sean O’Malley face next?

  • Gaethje: I’m F*cked If My Striking Isn’t Better Than Oliveira’s

    UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje knows it’s crucial he’s at his best on the feet when he challenges reigning champion Charles Oliveira for the title in 2022.

    Having secured his #1-contender status in his latest outing, a triumph over Michael Chandler in a Fight of the Year contender at UFC 268, Gaethje had a close eye on the UFC 269 main event earlier this month as his likely next opponent was decided.

    The December 11 headliner saw champion Oliveira defend his title against Dustin Poirier. “The Diamond” entered the fight off the back of two victories over former two-division champion Conor McGregor. He was unable to recreate that success, however, as “Do Bronx” upset the odds yet again, submitting the Louisianan in the third round to successfully retain the lightweight gold.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXZ8L7yPZva/

    Gaethje Hopes To Avoid A “World Of Trouble” Against Oliveira

    Even after eight straight wins, culminating in a memorable title crowning at UFC 262, many continued to doubt Oliveira leading into his defense against Poirier. That included Gaethje, who suggested the Brazilian was a “quitter” and refused to recognize him as champion until he defeated Poirier.

    Having accomplished the latter and evidently proven the former wrong, the reign of “Do Bronx” is well and truly established and will run into “The Highlight” next.

    Following UFC 269, Gaethje spoke to ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto. Acknowledging the well-rounded game of Oliveira, which saw him trouble elite striker Poirier on the feet at times, Gaethje knows he has to be at his best on the feet to ensure he makes the most of his advantages.

    If he’s not? Well, he’s “fucked.”

    “At the end of the day, if my striking isn’t better than his, I’m fucked, per se. That’s where I’m great,” Gaethje said. “I’m great at creating pressure, creating damage, and stopping takedowns. So ultimately, he is going to be trying to get it to the ground because I’m gonna find so much success in the striking department.

    Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler

    “He is incredibly dangerous in the striking department, his knees, his elbows, his ability to create pressure, control distance; second to none. But I better be better, or I’m gonna be in a world of trouble.”

    With his power, speed, and endless pressure, there aren’t many better tests to Oliveira’s standup game than Gaethje. But the Brazilian finished Chandler on the feet this year and troubled Poirier with knees and elbows this month. The champ is certainly no slouch on the feet, something the #1 contender is well aware of.

    Will Gaethje be able to impose his will standing? Or will Oliveira grapple his way to victory like Khabib Nurmagomedov did against “The Highlight” in 2020? We’ll likely find out in 2022.

    Who do think will have their hand raised in the likely next lightweight title fight, Justin Gaethje or Charles Oliveira?

  • Michael Chandler: “Dustin Poirier Has Dismissed Me Since Day 1”

    Despite admitting he was perhaps too harsh with his assessment of Dustin Poirier’s decision to tap at UFC 269, Michael Chandler has claimed that “The Diamond” has been dismissive of him “since day one.”

    Like Chandler earlier this year, Poirier failed to dethrone UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 269 on December 11. The Louisianan, who entered his second shot at undisputed gold off the back of consecutive victories over Conor McGregor, was tipped by many to enter 2022 as the 155-pound titleholder.

    But in his way of doing so was an underdog who loves to upset the odds and show his championship mettle. After recovering from an early knockdown in the year’s final pay-per-view main event, Oliveira imposed his will on the ground in the second frame before forcing a tap in the third with a standing rear-naked choke.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXXyt0VsRCO/

    In the aftermath of the incredible result, Oliveira’s former foe gave his take on the action, and he showed no sympathy for the losing party.

    Taking to Twitter, Chandler suggested Poirier had “quit” by tapping out. The former Bellator champion, who has made his desire to face McGregor in 2022 known, also questioned why the Irishman would consider another fight with “The Diamond” after seeing him “quit” at UFC 269.

    Expanding on that opinion in a recent interaction with MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin, Chandler suggested those who tap out to chokes always have “more fight” left in them.

    “I think the hardest part with chokes is there are so many chokes out there, rear-naked chokes, or any choke that has been put on somebody, where you think you’re never gonna get out of it. That’s why we love this sport, too. People say, ‘He’s done, he’s done, he’s done,’ and you can’t believe when they get out of it. You hear it with Joe Rogan cageside, Jon Anik, DC, cageside, and they go bananas when guys get out of it because you never quite know how deep a choke is. I think there’s always a little more fight left before a tap can happen.”

    Chandler Admits He Was “Too Harsh”

    Chandler later acknowledged that he’d perhaps gone a little overboard with his ‘quitter’ branding. However, he also revealed an underlying bitterness between the pair, suggesting Poirier has been equally dismissive of him from the very start.

    “Yeah. I will admit, maybe I was a little bit too harsh, maybe the word ‘quit’ was not the right word to use. But I also think Dustin Poirier has dismissed me since day one. I don’t think Dustin Poirier’s a bad guy. I don’t think he thinks I’m a bad guy. But as a competitor, he called me and Charles fighting ‘fool’s gold.’ He dismissed me, saying he wouldn’t fight me in the UFC, even after I knocked out Dan Hooker. So he was just a little more dismissive of me.

    Dustin Poirier
    (via Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

    “I think he and I, I don’t think he’s a bad guy, I think he’s actually a great guy, I think he’s a phenomenal ambassador of the sport, but he and I, when it comes to the competition aspect of us both being fighters inside the same division, I think we both have a little bit of a bone to pick with each other.”

    While he made a slight backtrack on the terminology, the point remains the same for Chandler. Citing his own ability to avoid falling into a choke with Oliveira on his back and reverse position at UFC 262, “Iron” hinted that the former interim titleholder could have done more.

    “I also got my back taken by Charles Oliveira, he almost had that choke locked up, and I was able to fight out of it. So, I’ve been in that position, I was able to get out of it, so yeah. I will admit, I will concede that maybe using the word ‘quit’ was a little bit harsh, especially against one of the good guys, because people are probably gonna be like, ‘How are you gonna come for Dustin Poirier, man?’”

    While Poirier looks to regroup, something it initially appeared he’d be doing by preparing for a clash with Nate Diaz early next year, Chandler will be looking ahead to his own attempt to rebound in 2022.

    Having fallen to a unanimous decision in a Fight of the Year contender against Justin Gaethje last month, the veteran will be after another big name next, perhaps either Poirier or the returning McGregor.

    Do you think Dustin Poirier could have fought Charles Oliveira’s rear-naked choke more?

  • Bisping Urges Usman & Adesanya To Fight Despite Nigerian Connection

    UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has called for UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman and middleweight king Israel Adesanya to fight, despite being compatriots.

    Usman and Adesanya are two of three African champions reigning over divisions in the UFC right now, the other being Francis Ngannou. The pair have been dominant since reaching their respective mountaintops, accumulating a combined eight title defenses.

    “The Nigerian Nightmare,” who boasts a perfect 14-0 promotional record, has seen off the challenge of Gilbert Burns and two each from Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington since his title-winning performance against Tyron Woodley in 2019.

    “The Last Stylebender,” meanwhile, has defended his gold against Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, and Marvin Vettori since dethroning Robert Whittaker at UFC 243 two-and-a-half years ago. He’s also had a failed pursuit of two-division glory, with Jan Blachowicz adding the first blemish on his professional MMA record earlier this year.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CT_4mMXvfhN/

    Bisping Says Adesanya Needs “Fresh Meat”

    With both men dominating, the pool of contenders is certainly thinning, especially for the Nigerian-New Zealander. While Usman has the likes of Leon Edwards, Vicente Luque, and Khamzat Chimaev likely to challenge for the belt in the near future, Adesanya has beaten most top contenders at 185 pounds.

    The middleweight titleholder is set to run it back with Robert Whittaker early next year, but beyond that, aside from the winner of Derek Brunson vs. Jared Cannonier, it’s looking like slim pickings for Adesanya. With that in mind, Michael Bisping believes “The Last Stylebender” needs some “fresh meat” from below.

    During a recent episode of his Believe You Me podcast, “The Count” called on Usman and Adesanya to push past their reluctance to meet in the Octagon and battle it out in a superfight.

    “I think Usman Just needs to step up and fight fucking Israel Adesanya. I know they’re both from fucking Nigeria, right? So fucking what? So what? I don’t care. I don’t know how many people live in Nigeria, I’m going to guess 75 million. If Adesanya continues to lap everybody and certainly if he beats Robert Whitaker, he needs fresh meat. If Kamaru continues to win, c’mon! C’mon!” (h/t Sportskeeda)

    While Usman has already firmly shut down the idea of fighting his fellow Nigerian, both men are seemingly going to be pre-occupied for the first two quarters of 2022 anyway. While Adesanya looks to record a second victory over “The Reaper,” Usman will likely be making his next defense in the first half of the year, potentially opposite former opponent Edwards.

    But if both men continue their dominance, perhaps the idea of a dream Usman vs. Adesanya clash will be re-visited.

    How do you think a fight between Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya would play out?

  • Dana White: Peña/Nunes 2 Will Be The Biggest Women’s Fight Of All Time

    UFC President Dana White believes the likely rematch between newly-crowned UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña and Amanda Nunes will be the “biggest women’s fight of all time.”

    The first fight certainly staked its claim for an achievement of its own, being one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. Heading into the clash, Nunes was the dominant two-division champion who hadn’t lost since 2014, was on a 12-fight win streak, and had defended the 135-pound strap five times, a reign that included victories over Ronda Rousey and Valentina Shevchenko.

    But none of that mattered on fight night. In the UFC 269 co-main event, Peña proved her doubters wrong and shocked the world inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. After making it through the opening round, “The Venezuelan Vixen” turned the heat up in the second, trading with the “Lioness” on the feet. After hurting Nunes, Peña forced her to the ground and submitted her, completing a memorable underdog triumph.

    White Has Big Aspirations For The Rematch

    In the aftermath of the incredible result, all three necessary parties seemingly agreed that a rematch is the logical next step. Given her lengthy and dominant reign over the bantamweights until 2021, it seems fair Nunes be given an immediate chance for redemption. After Dana White confirmed the option of a rematch is there if she wants it, the Brazilian accepted via a post on Instagram.

    With that in mind, it stands to reason we’ll be seeing Peña and Nunes standing opposite each other in the Octagon again in the first half of 2022. While most will expect the second bout to be much bigger than the first given what we saw, the UFC President believes it will surpass every other women’s fight in the sport’s history.

    “The Peña rematch with Nunes will probably be the biggest women’s fight of all time,” White told ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto. “That rematch will be the biggest women’s fight of all time.”

    That title, as acknowledged by White, is currently held by the UFC 193 main event between Holly Holm and Ronda Rousey. The contest, another contender for greatest upset of all time, saw “The Preacher’s Daughter” end the unbeatable aura of Rousey with a second-round knockout.

    How Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm changed WMMA forever
    Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm

    With 1.1 million pay-per-view buys, the event sits alongside UFC 207: Rousey vs. Nunes as one of the two best-selling events headlined by female fighters in the UFC. Despite that, White insists Peña vs. Nunes 2 will be bigger in every single way.

    “Every way that it can possibly beat it, it will. I don’t think it. I know it. It will crush that fight.”

    With what’s at stake for Nunes, Peña’s desire to further legitimize her place on the throne, and the champ’s now-proven ability to sell a fight in the build-up, there’s certainly a chance White’s claim could come true.

    Do you think Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Peña 2 will be the biggest fight in the history of women’s MMA?

  • Rakić Claims He’s “Much Hungrier” Than Blachowicz

    UFC light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Rakić believes he’s “much hungrier” than his upcoming opponent and former champion Jan Blachowicz.

    Rakić has spent much longer on the sidelines than he wanted, but it appears he’ll finally have the chance to secure number one contender status when he returns to action in the first quarter of 2022. The Austrian last entered the Octagon at UFC 259 in March, where he defeated former title challenger Thiago Santos by way of a unanimous decision.

    After challenges sent the way of fellow top-five Jiří Procházka fell on deaf ears and an apparent rematch with Anthony Smith fell through after an injury for “Lionheart,” Rakić’s next outing was finally confirmed. He’ll meet European peer Blachowicz in the main event of a UFC Fight Night scheduled for March 26.

    Following the announcement, Rakić spoke to MMA News’ James Lynch to discuss his upcoming fight with the Polish behemoth, his rivalry with Czech knockout artist Jiří Procházka, his experience training with Khamzat Chimaev, and his feud with former opponent Smith.

    Rakić Targets Title Shot By Slaying A Former Champion

    While Rakić has certainly been impressive in his UFC tenure to date, which most believe should see him unbeaten at 7-0 given the controversial nature of his split decision loss to Volkan Oezdemir, Blachowicz will be no easy path to go through to reach the top step at 205 pounds.

    Before losing his belt to Glover Teixeira at UFC 267, the Pole had experienced an unlikely resurgence and title crowning. Having became champion after upsetting the odds against Dominick Reyes last year, Blachowicz recorded a successful defense by adding the first blemish to the record of middleweight king Israel Adesanya.

    Rakić told MMA News he’s expecting a motivated Blachowicz come March 26. However, given the fact he’s yet to feel what it’s like to sit on the top step, “Rocket” believes he’ll be “much hungrier” when the pair enter the cage together.

    “I’m thinking that he’s gonna come with the extra motivation to our fight and to be a better version, you know. To beat a guy even more hungry than before and more willing to get the belt back, it’s gonna be awesome. He was already on the top, he knows how it feels. I was never on the top and I was never a champion. So I am much hungrier than him, that I can say.”

    Nevertheless, Rakić acknowledges the challenge he has in front of him. Hailing from a central European country himself, the 29-year-old is aware of the toughness Blachowicz has inside him. With that in mind, the Austrian will be preparing for war as he looks to secure a title shot for later in the year.

    “I have a great team and we’ve been watching Jan for a while now… He’s a tough guy. He’s from Poland; from this area, guys are really tough. He’s coming not to lose, he’s coming for everything. But I am from the same area. I’m the same…I’m gonna be right on point on the 26th of March to get the W and to secure my title shot.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXWW0DMpUsz/

    With Teixeira and Procházka expected to collide for the gold in the second quarter of 2022, likely April or May, according to the Brazilian, it stands to reason the winner of Rakić vs Blachowicz will be fighting the champ in the back end of 2022.

    Who do you think will have their hand raised in the March 26 UFC Fight Night main event, Aleksandar Rakić or Jan Blachowicz?

  • Poirier Reveals Why Oliveira Loss Hurt More Than Title Defeat To Khabib

    Despite the heartbreak of his 2019 defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier has revealed why his loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 269 hurt more.

    Ahead of this year’s final pay-per-view, many branded Poirier the “uncrowned champion” and expected “The Diamond” to leave Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena with the 155-pound gold wrapped around his waist. His form had suggested that was a big possibility.

    Since his submission setback against “The Eagle,” Poirier had won three straight. Following a decision triumph over Dan Hooker in a 2020 Fight of the Year contender, the Louisianan re-visited his rivalry with 2014 opponent Conor McGregor. After becoming the first man to knock the Irishman out in January this year, Poirier secured the trilogy win when the pair met again at UFC 264 in July.

    But when he set his sights back on the belt, it was a familiar story for “The Diamond.” Despite early success, the 32-year-old found himself tapping out in the third round yet again. This time it was a Brazilian underdog on his back, rather than a Dagestani brute.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXXyt0VsRCO/

    Poirier: “I Could’ve Done More”

    Both of Poirier’s title losses felt like heartbreaking ends to an inspirational journey to the top. But for the former interim champion, one hurt a lot more than the other.

    During an appearance on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour in the week after his crushing defeat, Poirier detailed the difference between the two championship failings. Against Khabib, the Louisiana native felt he did everything possible to have his hand raised and was simply beaten by the better man. But he was left with a feeling of what could have been against “Do Bronx.”

    “In the Khabib fight, I felt like I was bested. I did everything that I could and I lost. This one, I feel like I could’ve done more. And that hurts. That’s something I have to deal with. I could’ve been smarter. I could’ve been more in the moment. I could’ve been more locked in. And I could’ve been the world champion.”

    The next step is unclear for Poirier. “The Diamond” has understandably had his motivation dented, and revealed he may never even fight at lightweight again. However, one name that got him excited about the idea of competing again was former foe Nate Diaz.

    But despite going back-and-forth on social media and both seeming to agree on a clash for early next year, negotiation issues appear to have derailed the booking for now.

    For the time being, at least, it appears Poirier’s mind is set on fun fights, rather than another push for gold.

    Do you think UFC 269 was Dustin Poirier’s last chance to become an undisputed champion?

  • Holly Holm Believes It’s Feasible She Could Face Peña Next

    Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm believes it’s “feasible” she could be the first challenger to Julianna Peña’s reign on the 135-pound throne.

    Since her last title shot, a brutal knockout loss to former titleholder Amanda Nunes in 2019, Holm has surged back to contention with unanimous decision victories over Raquel Pennington and Irene Aldana. However, injuries have stalled the 40-year-old’s pursuit of regaining the belt and joining Rose Namajunas in the two-time champ club.

    “The Preacher’s Daughter” was set for an apparent title eliminator against Peña at UFC Vegas 26 in May. After being forced out due to hydronephrosis, Holm found herself sidelined while “The Venezuelan Vixen” was accelerated to the title.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CMnGD-ZpHmV/

    Having had her return fight against Norma Dumont in October also called off, this time due to a knee injury, Holm’s string of bad luck means she was unable to enter the Octagon in 2021 and it’ll have been well over a year since her victory over Aldana when she does make the walk again.

    That, understandably, has frustrated Holm to a great degree. Nevertheless, she’s recovering and says she won’t let her injuries and problems “break” her.

    “I’m super frustrated,” Holm said when speaking to MMA Fighting. “I definitely am on the mend. I hope to be back in there, back training and get back in there. I’m feeling a little better. I had to take care of some things. It’s super frustrating, especially when I see people fighting, especially [Nunes vs. Peña] but all the time.

    “Any time I watch the fights, it’s so frustrating cause I want to get in there so badly. I don’t want to embrace not being able to fight but I’ve been very fortunate to have a career where I’ve been pretty active. This last year’s had some stuff that’s been kind of from left field. I’m handling it. I’m going to keep pushing forward. I’m not going to let it break me and I want to be back in there very soon.”

    Holm Sees Peña Matchup Being Resurrected

    Holly Holm, Julianna Pena
    Holly Holm, Julianna Pena

    Despite her lengthy layoff, Holm believes there’s a chance she’ll find herself in her sixth UFC championship fight when she makes her comeback. Having previously been scheduled to face Peña, the veteran thinks there’s a chance that matchup will be re-visited soon, this time with the belt on the line.

    After Holm’s injury saw Peña secure a title shot, the challenger did the unthinkable. At UFC 269 earlier this month, “The Venezuelan Vixen” brought the fight to Nunes like few had done before her. After hurting the “Lioness” on the feet, Peña dragged the Brazilian to the mat and submitted her in what was undoubtedly one of the greatest upsets of all time.

    Holm, who knows a thing or two about upsetting the odds, believes it’s “feasible” she returns to face the champ before Nunes has her chance to regain the gold.

    “It’s honestly, that’s a very feasible thing [that Peña could be next],” Holm said. “You never know what’s going to happen. Are they going to say let’s rematch right away? There’s been times a fighter will say ‘I need a little more time before a rematch’ or ‘I need this, I need that.’ So you never know what’s going to happen.”

    But before that, Holm will have to ensure she’s 100% ready and fit for a return, and the fact she can’t say she is at the moment is clearly an annoyance for “The Preacher’s Daughter.”

    “So yeah it’s super frustrating. I want to be right back in there. I want to be able to say hey, I’m ready to fight whoever, whenever. I’m real close to that. It’s super frustrating for sure.”

    Given her age and experience in the sport, it stands to reason Holm’s return will signal her final charge for a second title crowning. With how the current champion got there, anything is certainly possible.

    How do you think a fight between champion Julianna Peña and former titleholder Holly Holm would play out?

  • Miesha Tate Explains Why She Won’t Fight Aspen Ladd

    Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate has explained why she won’t be accepting a fight against Aspen Ladd anytime soon.

    Tate returned to the UFC earlier this year after nearly five years in retirement. She originally stepped away from the sport following back-to-back losses to Amanda Nunes, which saw the 135-pound title leave her possession, and Raquel Pennington.

    In the UFC Vegas 31 co-main event, Tate stepped out of retirement by sending veteran Marion Reneau into it. With a third-round TKO, the former champ announced her arrival back onto the bantamweight ladder. But her charge to the belt stalled at the hands of Ketlen Vieira last month. In the UFC Vegas 43 main event, Tate was comfortably beaten on the scorecards.

    While her next opponent is far from decided, Tate has revealed it certainly won’t be one contender.

    Tate Calls On Ladd To “Show Some Kind Of Progression”

    Tate has been developing a rivalry with Aspen Ladd, a feud which has fostered into a bitter back-and-forth in recent months. Tate initially revealed interest in a clash with Ladd, a sentiment shared by the Californian in an interview with MMA News. However, relations soured after Ladd’s weight miss ahead of UFC Vegas 38 in October.

    After Ladd weighed in over the limit and appeared visibly unwell on the scales, Tate showed no sympathy, accusing her of attempting to “cheat.” The veteran was slammed by both Ladd and her coach for trying to kick her while she was down.

    Despite Ladd, who went up to featherweight in her last outing, suggesting she intends on returning to 135 pounds to face Tate, “Cupcake” doesn’t share the same enthusiasm for the grudge match. In a video uploaded to her YouTube channel, the former 135-pound UFC titleholder responded to Ladd’s callout, stating she wouldn’t consider facing the #4-ranked bantamweight until she’s proven she can make the weight.

    “Aspen Ladd has called me out to a fight at 135 pounds. I’m afraid that I’m going to waste an entire camp training for a fight that may very well end at the scale,” Tate explained. “Aspen Ladd has missed weight three times in her MMA career and one time she failed to make it to the fight due to weight cutting issues.

    UFC fighter Aspen Ladd shakes, almost collapses on stage after missing weight for fight in Las Vegas - ABC News
    Aspen Ladd On the Scales

    “So all in all four times. Go to PI (performance institute) show some kind of progression. If one of these other bantamweights wants to take that risk, then hats off to them. If Aspen Ladd can show up, make 135 pounds and have a good performance then we might be talking.” (h/t BJPenn.com)

    Despite her setback against Vieira, Tate remains motivated to make her way back to the top of the mountain. However, with her friend and occasional teammate Julianna Peña now sitting on the throne, the 35-year-old suggested she could be forced to pursue the flyweight belt instead. If that happens, a clash between Tate and Ladd will become even more distant.

    How do you think a fight between Miesha Tate and Aspen Ladd would play out?