MMA News

Category: MMA

  • Pimblett Reveals Why He’s Glad Gordon Fight Didn’t Come To Fruition

    UFC lightweight prospect Paddy Pimblett has explained why he’s partly pleased that a fight with previously-rumored opponent Jared Gordon didn’t come to fruition.

    2021 was certainly a breakout year for Pimblett on the global MMA stage. The former Cage Warriors champion made his long-awaited promotional debut on a European-heavy UFC Vegas 36 card last September. His first task was to dispatch Luigi Vendramini.

    After the opening exchanges, it looked like that was going to be a bigger challenge than first expected. After being rocked by some clean shots and taken down, the early momentum was with the Brazilian. That didn’t last. Making good on his pre-fight prediction, the Liverpudlian flipped the script towards the end of the first round and knocked Vendramini out.

    Now, after a longer-than-desired layoff, Pimblett is preparing for his sophomore Octagon outing. It’ll come in front of a home crowd at UFC London on March 19. In his way of a continued rise up the 155-pound ladder will be Rodrigo “Kazula” Vargas.

    Pimblett Doesn’t Want To Face UFC Vets Yet

    Prior to the official fight announcement, Paddy Pimblett was expected to face a lightweight he’d interacted with in the past and had expressed interest in facing, Jared Gordon. All signs pointed towards the matchup being made and UFC President Dana White confirmed as much.

    But after both parties disputed White’s remarks and denied that the fight had been offered to them, news broke that Pimblett’s return to action would come against 1-2 UFC fighter Vargas.

    While a clash with Gordon would have represented a big step-up in competition, as well as the chance to avenge his teammate Chris Fishgold’s 2020 defeat to “Flash,” Pimblett is actually glad he’s been booked against another relative newcomer instead.

    During a recent appearance on the UFC Unfiltered podcast, “The Baddy” suggested he’d rather wait to fight UFC veterans like Gordon until he secures a more lucrative contract with the promotion.

    “He (Gordon) never got floated at my team to be honest. No fighter actually got put forward until Rodrigo Vargas. The first opponent I got given was Rodrigo Vargas. But I would have happily fought Jared Gordon, but at the same time, I looked at it and he’s had nine UFC fights. How much money do you think he’s getting? He’s getting a lot more than me, lad. So, thinking about it that way, I’m glad I never ended up fighting Jared Gordon, ’cause I want a better and bigger contract before I fight people like that.”

    Having previously asserted he won’t be fighting any top-10 lightweight without a six-figure contract, it’s clear Pimblett will be attempting to bring a rising pay bracket with him as he jumps up the UFC ranks.

    https://twitter.com/theufcbaddy/status/1486745774444662787

    While he may be facing an arguably lesser level of competition than Gordon on March 19, Pimblett appears to harbor hope of facing “Flash” down the line, a sentiment shared by Gordon on social media.

    For now, “The Baddy” will hope to extend his winning start in the promotion with a triumph against Vargas and begin what he hopes to be a 3-0 year in MMA’s premier organization. Perhaps #2 or #3 can come against Gordon if Pimblett can get past “Kazula.”

    Would you like to see Paddy Pimblett and Jared Gordon share the Octagon down the line?

  • Costa Only Interested In Vettori Rematch, ‘I Want To End His Life’

    Paulo Costa has a score to settle with Marvin Vettori.

    Paulo Costa is looking for a fight, and there is only one that interests him. Costa is coming off a loss to Marvin Vettori, and that is the man who he is targeting now.

    Costa desperately wants to run it back with Vettori and gain some revenge in the process. Costa is asking the big boss to allow him a rematch against the only man besides the champion Israel Adesanya to hand him a loss.

    ā€œI just said to let [UFC President] Dana White know,ā€ Costa told Ag. Fight via MMA Fighting. ā€œIā€™ll fight him now. Itā€™s the only fight that interests me. No one else interests me. Unless itā€™s for the title, but Iā€™m no fool. Iā€™m not stupid to consider [a title fight] now. I want to fight him. Heā€™s the only viable guy that interests me. If itā€™s not him, Iā€™m not even interested in fighting. I let Dana White know that.ā€

    There is no love lost between these two. Leading up to the fight, there was trash talk exchanged, and then Costa showed up to fight week overweight. During fight week, he asked the UFC to change the bout to light heavyweight, which was granted but not without some criticism from Vettori and his team. Now, Costa is the one calling out Vettori and threatening harm.

    ā€œI donā€™t respect him,ā€ Costa said of Vettori. ā€œI want to end his life. Heā€™s an a-hole, a fool. He had this win over me and thinks heā€™s the man, but heā€™s an a-hole, a child. We see heā€™s a goof, he canā€™t even wear shorts the right way. Thereā€™s a photo of him with his shorts backward, and he still thinks heā€™s the man. But Iā€™ll fight him again. I mean, at least I plan to…

    Paulo Costa Marvin Vettori
    PHOTO: MMA JUNKIE

    ā€œIā€™m not saying I want to fight Vettori because he took my place in the ranking,ā€ he continued. ā€œItā€™s not about that. Itā€™s because heā€™s an a**hole. I have to fight him. I have to erase this loss. I want to leave him sidelined for at least a year after the beating I give him. I want to hurt him. Iā€™m angry.ā€

    In the aftermath of the fight at UFC Vegas 41, Costa dropped to #5 in the rankings and was briefly condemned to fight at 205 pounds going forward. As a result of his win, Vettori now sits in the #2 spot and could be next for the winner of the title fight scheduled at UFC 271.

    It seems unlikely that Vettori will agree to face Costa again so quickly after everything that transpired leading up to the last bout. The only way could be if Robert Whittaker is victorious against Israel Adesanya and the UFC books an immediate rematch between the two.

    Do you think Marvin Vettori should agree to face Paulo Costa again?

  • Ngannou: In France, I’m French When I Win & Cameroonian When I Lose

    UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou has suggested the media in France are very fickle when it comes to his representation of the European country.

    At the opening pay-per-view of 2022, two former teammates at Paris’ MMA Factory gym collided. On one side of the Octagon was a Cameroon native who built his life and career in France. Opposite him was a La Roche-sur-Yon native, born and bred in the west side of the nation.

    In the main event, it was Ngannou who emerged victoriously and left the cage as the undisputed heavyweight king. He did so despite carrying a torn MCL into the contest and following a difficult opening two rounds.

    After struggling on the feet against “Bon Gamin” for the first 10 minutes, “The Predator” adjusted his strategy and won the remaining three frames thanks to top control and an impressive display of wrestling.

    With the victory, Ngannou closed the book on his feud with former coach Fernand Lopez, defied the odds, and established a strong position for future negotiations with the UFC. A defeat may well have seen him depart the promotion.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZSIEpeL2SY/

    Ngannou: The French Media Wanted A Villain

    Given the two names involved in the headline clash, it’s unsurprising that French interest was at an all-time high ahead of UFC 270. But with Ngannou’s history and frequent praise of the opportunities he was given in France, it was perhaps surprising to see the attitude of some of the country’s media towards him.

    At the UFC 270 press conference during fight week, Ngannou had a heated exchange with a French reporter who asked him if he’d “brainwashed” his time at Paris’ MMA Factory gym out of his memory. The champ later took issue with another journalist who seemed to suggest Ngannou had described Gane as an easy opponent.

    During an episode of Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour in the week following the PPV event, Ngannou was asked why members of the French media pushed a negative narrative about him leading up to the contest.

    “It’s (attitude of the French media) because I was fighting a French guy,” Ngannou said. “That’s how it happens in France. In France, when you lost, you are Cameroonian; when you win, you’re French-Cameroonian or French. And this time I was fighting a real French guy, so they built up the story of the villain and the good guy. I mean, it’s just media. After the fight, a lot of them, they just changed their mind. Some people just wrote back the article, like, ‘A French-Cameroonian retained his title,’ all that kind of stuff. It’s the media, you can’t control that stuff.

    “But regardless of that, I know that I have a huge fanbase in France,” added Ngannou. “I have people in France who love me and that’s all that matters. That’s the people who I represent. In France, my fans, my friends, those who even became my family, you know, that’s why I’m happy about France.”

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

    Despite moving permanently to the United States to train at the Xtreme Couture gym, Ngannou has previously returned to France and certainly appears to appreciate the support he still receives from his fanbase across the Atlantic.

    It’ll be interesting to see how the French media approaches Ngannou’s next fight, and whether, like Ngannou says, they’ll follow a different narrative if he’s not up against a French national.

    What did you make of the French media’s attitude towards Francis Ngannou prior to UFC 270?

  • Chael Sonnen: Conor McGregor Needs To Give Us More Information

    Former two-division UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has pleaded with Conor McGregor to provide some more information surrounding his return to the Octagon.

    McGregor hasn’t been in action since July 2021. While he’d have hoped to climb back to the top of the lightweight division and perhaps have gold around his waist entering 2022, he was instead flung to the sidelines courtesy of a brutal broken leg at UFC 264.

    The injury marked his second defeat of the year, his second consecutive setback to Dustin Poirier, and his second TKO loss in six months. Understandably, that form has left many wondering whether we’ve seen the last of the Irishman at his best inside the cage.

    Nevertheless, McGregor seems as committed as ever and firmly on his road back to fighting. Having consistently updated fans on his recovery via social media, the former two-division champion is evidently nearing the end of his recovery and preparing to return to full MMA sparring.

    But with talk of his return rising to the surface, there’s one question still unanswered.

    Sonnen Tells McGregor To “Pick A Division”

    Over the course of his incredibly successful career in the sport, McGregor has reached the mountaintop of both the featherweight and lightweight divisions in the UFC, and had success at welterweight. That variety, coupled with his potential opponents and apparent bulked physique, has left some wondering what weight the “Notorious” megastar will step on the scale at next time out.

    During a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen discussed McGregor’s options, which include a tetralogy with “The Diamond” and a third clash with Stockton brawler Nate Diaz.

    ā€œNate Diazā€™s last fight, youā€™ve got something special that deserves to be done just right,” said Sonnen. “Poirier vs. Conor works, I understand that but part four is a little weird. Particularly when two and three didnā€™t have a single round won by Conor. It was very uncompetitive.ā€

    But before considering which name is more likely and who we could see McGregor share the Octagon with next, Sonnen said the Irishman has to provide clarity on which weight class he’ll return in.

    ā€œConorā€™s got to give us a little more info too, heā€™s putting pictures out, heā€™s 190 pounds. Is he planning on stopping by 170? Is he planning on going back to 155? It just depends on the day that you talk to him.

    “Conor has been for a meaningful period of time and will live the rest of his career on the same unique spot that he monopolies. Which is, whatever he does, is going to work,” Sonnen added. “Does Conor have the same pursuit of getting back to a world championship? If that answer is yes, he has to pick a division.ā€ (h/t Pundit Arena)

    While McGregor has consistently pursued a title fight at 155 pounds, especially following Charles Oliveira’s victory over Poirier at UFC 269, his social media posts have suggested a potential return to welterweight could be the leading option.

    One post, described by the likes of Joe Rogan as deceptive, showed a McGregor who’s packed on a significant amount of muscle. With his previous interactions with Kamaru Usman and a positive record at the weight, perhaps a 170-pound McGregor will be returning to action later this year.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZUlROcNLC-/

    While his return weight may still be up in the air, McGregor has once again confirmed his intention to make a comeback following his gruesome injury last year. In a recent upload, the Irishman promised to put the Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey back on the shelf and immerse himself fully in training in the coming months.

    It remains to be seen if that’ll be enough to bring back the “Notorious” fighter of old.

    Do you think Conor McGregor can make a successful comeback to the Octagon this year?

  • Rogan: PeƱaā€™s UFC 269 Upset Over Nunes Changed The World

    UFC color commentator Joe Rogan believes women’s bantamweight queen Julianna PeƱa changed the world with her victory over Amanda Nunes at UFC 269.

    At the final pay-per-view of 2021, PeƱa closed out the year by providing one of its most memorable moments. Prior to the event, “The Venezuelan Vixen” carried an air of confidence that has never been synonymous with opponents of Nunes, who was undefeated since 2014 at the time and reigned over both the 135 and 145-pound weight classes.

    Having been branded delusional by most, including the “Lioness,” PeƱa set out to prove herself right and her doubters wrong. In about as impressive fashion as she could, she did just that.

    After surviving the opening round, PeƱa brought a look out of Nunes that no one has managed to do since Cat Zingano eight years ago. After tiring the Brazilian out in a wild battle on the feet, PeƱa dragged her to the ground and submitted her.

    According to the new champ, Nunes got “exposed” at UFC 269.

    Rogan: PeƱa Showed What Is Possible

    The result was an upset felt around the world. From casual fans and hardcore fans to fighters and pundits, very few had seen it coming. That’s what made it arguably the biggest shock in UFC history.

    One man who recognized the momentous nature of the win was Joe Rogan. From his cageside seat, the renowned podcast host had a front-row view for what transpired. In his mind, the fight not only changed the landscape of the division and the promotion but the entire world.

    ā€œIt was almost like the world changed,” Rogan said while hosting PeƱa on an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience. “The whole world changed. Like, what is not possible is now possible.ā€

    Whilst the UFC 269 co-main event brought the MMA community one of the most memorable underdog triumphs the sport has ever seen, Rogan believes the fight itself also boasted everything required to make it a classic.

    The 54-year-old told the newly-crowned champion that her effort that night in Las Vegas created everything he and the rest of the fanbase would ever want from a matchup inside the Octagon.

    ā€œThat was one of the best fights Iā€™ve ever seen. In terms of, what do you want out of a fight? You want to be completely immersed,” added Rogan. “The world goes away. All youā€™re thinking about is whatā€™s happening right in front of you. And because of your effort, because of what you accomplished that night, you changed the way people think about whatā€™s possible and not possible. Thatā€™s everything we want from a fight. Everything.

    “You were the underdog, you came in, you were counted out by so many people, you fought the greatest of all time, and you fucked her up. And the way you did it, the whole worldā€”everybody that watched that was like, ‘Holy shit.’ The world is a different place now.ā€

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CYHysQivvs7/

    Having ascended the 135-pound mountaintop, the next step for PeƱa will be to further tighten her hold on the belt by adding another blemish to Nunes’ record when they collide for their expected rematch later his year.

    But even if she is unable to do so, nobody will be able to take away her accomplishment and the incredible feat she achieved on December 11.

    What was your reaction when Julianna PeƱa ended the two-division dominance of Amanda Nunes at UFC 269?

  • Derek Brunson Shares His Theory For Why Cannonier Fight Was Pushed Back

    Derek Brunson is ready to step into the title fight at UFC 271.

    Derek Brunson has his next matchup all set to go, as he will be taking on Jared Cannonier at UFC 271 next weekend. That matchup could potentially decide the next title contender. However, Brunson may not need to wait that long.

    Brunson revealed to MMA Junkie that he will be serving as the unofficial backup to the title fight between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker who are headlining that card.

    The bout between Brunson and Cannonier was originally slated for UFC 270 that took place in January. The fight was switched to Feb 12. card at the last minute, and Brunson has now explained why he believes that is.

    “The UFC, I think they just wanted backups for the title fight in case someone went down, got injured, they have two guys, ’85-ers, #3- and #4-ranked guys that can jump in for a title shot,” Brunson said.

    Brunson is coming into this fight at UFC 271 having won his last five in the middleweight division. He is ranked fourth behind Cannonier, Marvin Vettori, and Whittaker. Even though he is ranked behind Cannonier, he could very well be the one to fill in since Cannonier recently lost to Whittaker. This is all subject to something going wrong with either Adesanya or Whittaker on that day. Either way, Brunson will be ready if his name is called.

    “For sure, I have been waiting for an opportunity, five in a row, I’ve been waiting for that title shot. So if the opportunity comes up, for sure,” he explained.

    Being able to jump right into a title fight situation would be ideal for Brunson. It would save him the trouble of having to beat Cannonier, which is a steep task. Cannonier is 3-1 in his last four, and since making his debut at middleweight, he has only lost to the former champ Whittaker. Cannonier holds wins over names like Anderson Silva and Kelvin Gastelum.

    How do you think Brunson would fare against either Adesanya or Whittaker in a fill-in situation?

  • Bellator’s Peter Queally Encourages More Women To Join MMA Gyms

    Peter Queally witnessed a successful free workshop at his gym where 30 women showed up to participate.

    On February 25, Queally will fight Kane Mousah on the main card at Bellator 275. The #6-ranked Bellator lightweight trains alongside UFC‘s Conor McGregor at Straight Blast Gym in Dublin, Ireland.

    In between training for bouts, Queally coaches MMA at SBG. On January 22, he saw a massive turnout with 30 women present at his first free workshop.

    Peter Queally and members of SBG, Photo Credit: Straight Blast Gym Facebook Page

    The free class was in response to the killing of Ashling Murphy, another victim of gender-based violence. Her body was found in Tullamore on January 12.

    Since the training session, Queally wants more women to get into MMA gyms. It is an empowering sport that teaches discipline along with the fundamentals to break your opponent.

    Outside of self-defense, women can build their confidence and become healthier through MMA.

    ā€œTo be honest, these self-defence classes are good, but what a girl should do really is just join a gym, and start learning how to defend herself. And not only will she be able to defend herself, in the rare, rare case that something happens, but also sheā€™ll develop confidence, become physically fit and make friends,” Queally explained to Dublin Live.

    Not to mention, a gym community is a safe place to practice and broaden social skills. Many people are shy and timid when starting at a new gym, or anywhere, but as their skills develop so does their self-esteem.

    ā€œI think women would benefit from this as well. Taking out the danger in society of being attacked, just having a bit more confidence is always a good thing. And the social aspect of it is great as well when youā€™re just making new friends, and all this different stuff,” Queally continued.

    2022 is already proving to be a good year for women’s growth in MMA. Canada began its very first all-women MMA league, the PAWFC, which saw its first live event on January 15. And, last November, MMA legend Cris Cyborg helped get the ball rolling on Africa’s first MMA Women’s Commission.

    Peter Queally’s workshop success puts more spotlight on introducing women to the sport.

    What are your thoughts on the increasing growth of women in mixed martial arts?

  • Jake Paul Claims Big UFC Stars Have Reached Out About Diss Track

    YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul claims he has the support of some UFC fighters regarding his recent diss track aimed at UFC President Dana White.

    Paul continues to poke the bear when it comes to White and the issue of UFC fighter pay. He recently released a diss track aimed at the UFC headman regarding his treatment of the athletes.

    The Paul-White feud has become more intense in recent months, especially after the two of them challenged the other to voluntarily drug tests. Neither one went forward with the deal.

    During a recent interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Paul claimed that several anonymous UFC athletes have reached out to him following the diss track upload.

    ā€œThere are a lot of fighters, a lot of big fighters in the UFC who message me privately and say, ā€˜We love this. This is hilarious. Keep on going. But I canā€™t support this publicly,’ā€ Paul said.

    Paul went on to address his reasoning behind his public criticism of the UFC brass and whether or not he gets bummed out when hearing these fighters are unable to be more vocal about their support for him.

    ā€œNo, they have to put food on their familyā€™s table. And like I said earlier, I happen to have a platform to be able to do this. So I accept the responsibility, and Iā€™m going to do it. Iā€™ve made that decision. Iā€™m going to war, and Iā€™m not backing down no matter what happens. And I donā€™t need the fighters in the UFC to support this,” Paul said.

    Paul and his management are taking the fight directly to White and the UFC and have teased plans to create a potential fighter union in the future. This could potentially turn the tide and bring the controversy of fighter pay to the forefront.

    Paul is coming off of the most successful year of his boxing career to date, with wins over former UFC fighters Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren. While Paul remains a massive part of boxing, he says he isn’t giving up in his fight for the fair treatment of MMA fighters.

    Where do you stand on the Jake Paul-Dana White feud?

  • Hooker: Turning Down Fights While You’re Healthy Is Unfathomable To Me

    Fan favorite and always-game UFC star Dan Hooker has questioned why fighters who are “young and healthy” turn down bouts.

    If there’s ever been a fighter down for anyone and everyone, it’s “The Hangman.” Hooker has never shied away from an opponent, from the thankless task of welcoming three-time Bellator champion Michael Chandler to the UFC to a short-notice clash with fear-inducing Dagestani phenom Islam Makhachev.

    It’s that exact willingness that has landed him in a featherweight matchup against rising Englishman Arnold Allen at UFC London on March 19.

    Allen is currently 8-0 in the UFC, a record that includes wins against Makwan Amirkhani, Nik Lentz, and Sodiq Yusuff, and is ranked #7 at 145 pounds. However, he is yet to breakthrough as one of the bigger names on the roster.

    With that in mind, there’s seemingly not a host of high-ranked names willing to face the “Almighty” Ipswich native. In Hooker’s mind, he’s usually the one who ends up in front of those kind of opponents.

    But while that may have led to his downfall at lightweight, for the time being at least, Hooker isn’t planning on changing his strategy.

    During a recent interview with John Hyon Ko for The AllStar, the New Zealander said the idea of turning down fights is “unfathomable” to him at this point in his career. While he’s healthy and young, he sees no reason not to accept opponents.

    “I get in the gym and I have fun. You’re doing all this training, young and fit, make hay while the sun is shining,” said Hooker. “If I’m healthy I’ll take a fight. Turning down a fight while you’re young and healthy is just unfathomable to me. That’s not something I comprehend. If you’re fit and healthy, you see (some) like, ‘Wait, wait, wait, wait.’

    “Man, it’s such a small period of time that you have the opportunity to go out there and be young, and get after it, and really chase goals, and do things. So, I’m just making the most of that. I’m definitely making the most of that,” concluded Hooker.

    Hooker’s Remarks Come After Gillespie Was Accused Of Turning Down Fights

    Dan Hooker’s take on the practice of turning down fights comes after UFC lightweight Gregor Gillespie was accused of doing exactly that.

    Following his first setback in professional MMA, a brutal knockout loss to Kevin Lee in 2019, Gillespie didn’t enter the Octagon for nearly two years. He returned at UFC Vegas 26 last May and finished Brazilian veteran Carlos Diego Ferreira via second-round TKO.

    But without a fight booked since, it appears it could be another year gap between fights yet again for the top-10 155lber. While the UFC has to offer its fighters three bouts a year, Gregor Gillespie has fought just twice across the past three years.

    In the mind of former UFC star-turned-MMA analyst Chael Sonnen, Gillespieā€™s inactivity is his own fault. “The American Bad Guy” recently revealed he’d heard talk of “The Gift” turning down multiple opportunities and instead attempting to hand-pick Tony Ferguson as his next foe.

    While Sonnen provided little evidence, a callout late last year from Arman Tsarukyan provided some legitimacy to the claim. In an Instagram post, the Armenian-Russian suggested he’d accepted an offer to face Gillespie from the UFC. However, with him now set to face a different opponent, it stands to reason Gillespie turned it down.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CVUvQ6MMf0B/?utm_source=ig_embed

    If Sonnen’s sources are correct, it doesn’t take a genius to work out what Hooker’s thoughts on Gillespie would be…

    Do you agree with Dan Hooker? Is it wrong for “young and healthy” fighters to be turning down bout offers?

  • Aspinall Says Main Event Fight At UFC London Was ‘Meant To Be’

    Ranked heavyweight Tom Aspinall is about to make the biggest jump of his MMA career thus far.

    Aspinall is scheduled to headline a UFC card for the first time in his career in March, facing Alexander Volkov at the O2 Arena in London, England. The fight is a huge opportunity for Aspinall, who has yet to lose through four fights in the UFC.

    Aspinall has said before that he wants his UFC career to be a slow climb to the top. However, recent changes in his personal life have made him want to speed up the process and jump at the big chances he gets.

    The heavyweight prospect recently described why this ā€œ180ā€ degree turn to his planning when interviewed on The MMA Hour.

    ā€œOn every interview that Iā€™ve ever done basically I say that I want to take it slow and I want to take my time and all that. And Iā€™m just doing a 180 on everybody. And I understand why people might find that a little bit confusing, but you know thereā€™s a lot of stuff going on in my personal life and stuff. A few close people recently have passed away. Not so much close people but people that Iā€™ve grown up with and stuff,ā€ said Aspinall. ā€œAnd I just kind of realized, you know what, you get to live this life one time. Iā€™ve been a fan of Alexander Volkov since he was in Bellator since he was Bellator champ, and you know, mate you donā€™t get these opportunities every day.ā€

    Aspinall joined the UFC roster just as the COVID-19 pandemic started to change how they operate. Because of this, his four-fight run with the promotion has taken place exclusively in studio settings.

    That will change in his upcoming main event fight, as his bout against Volkov will be live in front of thousands in attendance. Aspinall was first set to make his UFC debut in London two years ago against Raphael Pessoa. However, COVID-19 forced that event as a whole to get thrown out. Two years later, Aspinall feels like the stars have aligned for him.

    ā€œIā€™ve never fought in front of a UFC crowd before. I was supposed to fight in London two years ago when the show got canceled. And I just feel like it’s meant to be. It’s come full circle. They offered it [to] me and I just jumped on it, man.ā€

  • ProchĆ”zka Gives His Assessment of A Light Heavyweight Usman

    UFC light heavyweight number one contender JiÅ™Ć­ ProchĆ”zka has given his thoughts on the idea of Kamaru Usman transitioning to 205 pounds.

    Having long reigned over the welterweights, Usman reached another mountaintop last year. After closing the gap to Georges St-Pierre in the 170-pound GOAT conversation, even surpassing the Canadian in the eyes of some, “The Nigerian Nightmare” found himself in the coveted #1 spot in the UFC’s male pound-for-pound rankings.

    While his position in the GOAT debate, both at welterweight and across all divisions, is up for debate, not many could build a solid case to dispute Usman’s status as P4P number one.

    Since dominantly dethroning Tyron Woodley in 2019, the Nigerian-born star has gone on to defend the belt against Colby Covington, twice, Jorge Masvidal, twice, and Gilbert Burns.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZb1zYVLjab/

    Having defeated the majority of top contenders before, and being set to continue his second lap around them in his next defense, expected to be versus Leon Edwards, Usman has considered pursuing success in other pastures and proving his P4P dominance.

    During a recent interview with GQ, Usman revealed that he once trained his aim on a potential super fight with Jan Blachowicz when the Pole was light heavyweight champion.

    ā€œI was going to skip Israel (Adesanya) and go fight Jan at 205 (pounds),ā€ Usman said. ā€œBecause Iā€™m pound-for-pound, I want to prove it. No matter what weight it is, I thought he was a really good matchup for me.ā€

    Now, during a recent interaction with The AllStar’s John Hyon Ko, #2-ranked light heavyweight ProchĆ”zka has given his take on how Usman would fare at 205 pounds.

    While he didn’t write off the welterweight titleholder’s chances, the Czech knockout artist was surprised to hear Usman’s confidence of how a matchup with Blachowicz would go and suggested his speed and power wouldn’t translate well to light heavyweight.

    “Man, Kamaru Usman? Woah. He will be the big challenge,” said ProchĆ”zka. “I don’t want to think about Kamaru Usman as an opponent right now, but I think he will be not so quick in our division, and the power, too, will be not on the same level like in our weight. He’s two weights under us, yes? Yeah, so that will be the challenge for him and a little problem.

    “He will beat Jan, that’s what he said? Adesanya didn’t beat Jan, and he thinks he will do that?” ProchĆ”zka added. “That’s a big and strong word, man. I’m not in his position; he defended in his weight many times and he proved he is a very big name in the fights, but this is very strong.”

    ProchƔzka May Become Champion Before An Usman Arrival

    While he’s not interested in considering a potential clash with Usman down the line just yet, JiÅ™Ć­ ProchĆ”zka may be in a position to do so if he emerges triumphant in his next Octagon outing.

    Since arriving in the UFC in 2020, ProchƔzka has lived up to his reputation; knockouts, elbows, crazy striking, and more knockouts.

    After sleeping Volkan Oezdemir on debut, “Denisa” met former title challenger Dominick Reyes in the main event of UFC Vegas 25 last May. In the second round of what many consider to have been an underrated Fight of the Year contender, ProchĆ”zka brutally knocked “The Devastator” out with a spinning back elbow.

    Now, with an emphatic first impression and even more impressive sophomore showing behind him, the Czech star has cemented his spot as the next challenger to the throne. He’ll have his chance to win UFC gold at UFC 274 on May 7 when he challenges newly-crowned champ Glover Teixeira.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZCzTFCvg-G/

    While a victory will likely lead to a grudge match with Aleksandar Rakić or a bout with former champ Blachowicz, ProchĆ”zka may also have Usman’s name on his mind moving forward.

    Should both men continue their winning ways in the promotion, and should Usman and Adesanya’s reluctance to fight remain, perhaps “The Nigerian Nightmare” will be forced to climb to light heavyweight in order to find two-division success.

    If he does so, “Denisa” may be waiting…

    How do you think Kamaru Usman would fare against JiÅ™Ć­ ProchĆ”zka at light heavyweight?

  • UFC Targeting Holly Holm vs. Ketlen Vieira For May 21 Main Event

    UFC is targeting a high-level bantamweight bout for their May 21 main event.

    The promotion is in the process of making a fight between Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira, per a report from Ariel Helwani. The fight is being lined up to headline a ā€œFight Nightā€ card in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

    The fight gives Vieira the chance to make another big move up the bantamweight division. While currently seated at #5 in the official UFC rankings, she is being paired against Holm, who is #2 at the moment.

    Vieira picked up a big win in November, going five rounds to defeat former UFC Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate via unanimous decision. The bout stopped the climb of returning contender Tate, who was appearing for the second time since coming out of retirement.

    The fight put Vieira back into the win column after suffering a loss earlier in the year to Yana Kunitskaya. It was also her debut in the main event spot of a UFC card.

    Six months after Vieiraā€™s last win over a former champ, she will get the opportunity to beat another.

    Holly Holm Returning From Absence

    Holly Holm
    Getty Images

    Holly Holmā€™s next appearance will mark her return to the cage, as she has been out of competition since October 2020. She was booked for two appearances in 2021, although both fell through due to suffering injuries.

    Holm returns with some momentum, as she previously scored two victories in 2020. She started the year off with a win over Raquel Pennington. She later returned to go five rounds against Irene Aldana for a unanimous decision victory.

    As previously mentioned, Vieira is only making her second headlining appearance. The same cannot be said for Holm, who has appeared in eight previous UFC main events.

    Who do you see winning in a fight between Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira?

  • Pound-For-Pound King Kamaru Usman Lost $60K To “Attractive” Investor

    Kamaru Usman experienced a financial nightmare early in his career when he handed $60,000 to an “attractive” scammer.

    As a novice investor, Usman trusted in his friend who brought his attention to the woman who would come to scam him out of his money. One minute he had the $60k in his hands, next it was gone to never be seen again.

    ā€œEverything I always heard, ā€˜Yeah, you gotta put money in the market. You gotta invest in this; invest, invest.ā€™ Iā€™m like, ā€˜Alright.ā€™ I didnā€™t really know what I was doing. So, a friend introduced me to some lady who invests for you. So, she approaches me. We have a conversation. We talk. She was attractive. Of course, nothing happened on that front. But she was attractive. So, it was very easy to be distracted. Give her about almost $60,000; havenā€™t seen that money since.

    “Yeah. I donā€™t think I did my due diligence as far as the homework and the research behind this person. Gave her about 60 bands, and [the money] just flew away,ā€ Kamaru Usman told GQsports (h/t Mirror.)

    Thankfully, the UFC Welterweight Champion has an exemplary fight IQ and was able to make the $60k back plus more throughout his career.

    Since then, Usman has made millions and fortunately smarter investment decisions. He would go on to invest another $30,000 of his well-earned cash, which he reports has seen a positive return.

    Kamaru Usman
    Kamaru Usman, Photo Credit: Getty Images

    Kamaru Usman continues to dominate the welterweight division.

    In 2019, Usman took out Tyron Woodley for the belt at UFC 235 and became the first African-born UFC champion.

    And he continues to reign victorious. The UFC star made 2021 his year with three major wins. He defeated Gilbert Burns by 3rd round TKO, got a clean KO against BMF titleholder Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261, and finished the year with a unanimous win in the Colby Covington rematch.

    As he remains undefeated in his UFC career, it is clear why “The Nigerian Nightmare” is the pound-for-pound king and why he wears the champion belt.

    As with investing, Kamaru Usman learned from that setback and made smarter decisions from then on inside and outside of the Octagon.

  • Couture: It Will Take Guys Like Ngannou To Bring About Change

    MMA legend Randy Couture believes it will take the work of champions and stars like Francis Ngannou to make an impact in the fight for improved remuneration and contracts in the UFC.

    At the promotion’s first pay-per-view of 2022, Ngannou made a statement in about as many ways as he could.

    Not only did he overcome the adversity of fighting through a torn MCL and damaged ACL, and battle against the distractions of public attacks from former coach Fernand Lopez and talk of a possible boxing match with Tyson Fury, but he also secured a victory on the main event stage knowing what was at stake contractually.

    The Cameroonian’s UFC 270 clash with Ciryl Gane represented the last on his deal. While a win would grant him leverage and a strong standing in negotiations, a defeat could have signaled his last appearance in the Octagon.

    Under that immense pressure, “The Predator” thrived. After a slow opening two rounds on the feet, Ngannou capitalized on the opportunity to incorporate his wrestling. When he found success in that realm, it was essentially all she wrote.

    After controlling the final three frames, the heavyweight champ secured undisputed status and set in motion what will undoubtedly be an uncertain immediate future for him, but, crucially, one where he appears to have the upper hand.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZEBEW1v47n/

    Couture Believes Ngannou & Co. Have An Important Role

    Prior to UFC 270, Ngannou’s demands were revealed. While many expected it to largely center around money, the champ’s manager confirmed the debate is about so much more; freedom, respect, and promotion.

    With Ngannou willing to do “whatever it takes” to get what he and so many other fighters want, it remains to be seen how the coming months will unfold in regards to his heavyweight reign and standing in the UFC.

    One man who has praised Ngannou’s quest for contractual change is former three-time UFC heavyweight champion and two-time light heavyweight titleholder Randy Couture.

    During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, “The Natural,” who was once in a similar position to Ngannou, lauded “The Predator” for using his voice to push for what is “right,” despite what he believes to be an inevitable court battle with the promotion looming down the line.

    “I think, at the end of the day, Francis is a fighter. He wants to fight,” said Couture. “Here he is, at the top of the heap, pound-for-pound one of the best fighters in the world, certainly in the heavyweight division. I don’t think he wants to get involved in all this legal crap, but at the end of the day, right is right, and he’s willing to stand up and use his voice. I don’t see him giving in.

    “It’s gonna be interesting how it plays out,” added Couture. “They’re gonna drag him to court and try to get him to spend as much money as they can get him to spend, and put that pressure on him that way, and get him to fold, get him to give it up and just go back to fighting. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.”

    The focus from fighter pay critics seems to be split. While some slam the UFC for paying the champion $600,000 whilst boxing heavyweights rake in millions, others focus on the lowest take-home sums on UFC cards, which feature some walking away with as little as $12,000.

    Whilst acknowledging that a united front across all realms will be important, Couture believes it’s crucial that top stars like Ngannou lead the charge.

    “It takes guys like Francis, those top-tier guys that have the potential to make those six-figure contracts in fighting. There aren’t very many of them. But if those guys are willing to put that on the line to change the sport, and we unite as a group of fighters, and developed and demand these minimum criteria, then I think the sport changes and for the better,” concluded Couture.

    While tensions already appeared high prior to Ngannou’s unification showdown with Gane, subsequent actions and revelations, including Dana White’s post-fight absences and news of legal threats sent to the champ’s team prior to the main event, have increased attention and focus on the dispute tenfold.

    With neither party appearing to back down, it’ll be interesting to see which path this contractual dispute heads down in the coming weeks and months.

    Do you agree with Randy Couture? Will it take the likes of Francis Ngannou standing up to the UFC to force change?

  • Curtis Blaydes Calls For ‘Logical’ Fight Against Ciryl Gane

    Curtis Blaydes is looking for a dance partner in Ciryl Gane.

    The UFC heavyweight division is really heating up. Champion Francis Ngannou is coming off a big title defense win over Ciryl Gane. He has been in contract negotiations with the UFC and will now need surgery.

    These factors make his immediate future in the division unclear. If for some reason the UFC finds itself in need of another interim title or champion, it would be a good idea for the other top heavyweights to start marking their territory. That just might be what Curtis Blaydes is trying to do.

    Blaydes took to social media in hopes of securing himself a match with the former challenger and interim titleholder Ciryl Gane.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZZ754IpM6e/

    “This has to be the next logical matchup for the both of us @ufc #makessense #dancepartner #heavyweight #contenders,” Blaydes wrote.

    Blaydes last fought back in September. He defeated Jairzinho Rozenstruik by unanimous decision and slipped himself into the number four spot in the rankings. The only men ahead of him are Derrick Lewis, Stipe Miocic, and Gane.

    Blaydes suffered a loss by Lewis recently, and Miocic seems to be holding firm for a title shot. His calling for Gane is a great idea, especially while the division is in a sort of holding pattern.

    If Blaydes can get a win over Gane, he would put himself in a great position. However, there are a few curveballs that could be awaiting the division.

    If Ngannou sits out and the UFC does not do anything to strip him, then the top five might just have to fight amongst themselves to see who will be the contender when Ngannou returns. Also, Jon Jones is supposedly making his heavyweight debut soon but will most likely only do so for a title shot.

    Either way, a win over Gane puts Blaydes exactly where he needs to be in order to get a title shot when his number is called. He just needs Gane to accept first.

    Do you think Curtis Blaydes can beat Ciryl Gane?

  • Quote: Chimaev/Burns Is A Meaningful Fight, Masvidal/Covington Isn’t

    Ali Abdelaziz has suggested the rumored fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns is much more “meaningful” for the welterweight division than the UFC 272 main event grudge match between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.

    After the withdrawal of Max Holloway saw some re-shuffling for the third and fourth pay-per-views of the year, UFC 272 was left without its originally scheduled bantamweight and featherweight title fights, and in need of a new headliner.

    What better replacement than two former friends and teammates-turned bitter rivals hashing out their differences for five rounds?

    On March 5, fans will be treated to exactly that as former title challengers Covington and Masvidal look to settle their differences in a unique non-title main event.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CYr6znYsr42/

    While the backstory and feud make this one of the most anticipated headliners of the year for fans and pundits, one man believes it has little effect on the 170-pound weight class.

    During an interview with MMA Junkie, Abdelaziz, a renowned MMA manager, suggested that given both men are 0-2 against reigning champion Kamaru Usman, the UFC 272 main event lacks any real stakes in the context of the division. Instead, he believes one of his clients’ rumored next fight is the one to watch for at welterweight.

    Talk of a fight between rising star Chimaev and #2-ranked contender Burns has existed for a while now and has certainly intensified in recent weeks. Abdelaziz, who manages “Durinho” and used to work with “Borz,” believes that matchup is much more meaningful than the March PPV main event.

    “Listen, it doesn’t matter who Gilbert is gonna fight next. Gilbert, this is what he’s built for, he likes to fight. It can be anybody, Gilbert’s gonna put his hand up… If it’s Khamzat, Gilbert’s gonna fight Khamzat,” said Abdelaziz. “Great fight, I think it’s a great fight; one of the best. This is a meaningful fight. They’ve got the Masvidal and Colby (fight), I don’t think it’s a meaningful fight. I think Khamzat and Gilbert is a meaningful fight. Whoever wins can fight for the title. You’ve got the other two guys, they’re 0-2 against the champion.

    “I think (Chimaev vs. Burns) is a meaningful fight for the division,” added Abdelaziz. “Gilbert is a very good test. Gilbert (was) very close to becoming a champion. He’s the only guy to ever come close to even wobbling Kamaru or punching him… But I think if this fight happens, Gilbert is in. And I know Khamzat is probably in, too. Now it’s up to the UFC. They have to pull the trigger and make this fight happen.”

    Chimaev & Burns Seemingly Agreed To UFC 273 Clash

    Reports suggesting the UFC was targeting Chimaev’s fifth Octagon outing to be against Burns first emerged towards the back end of last year. While they initially pointed towards a January clash, talk seemed to disappear for a number of weeks, leading many to believe the promotion had gone in a different direction.

    But earlier this month, both the Brazilian and the Chechen-born Swede showed that the possibility of their booking was alive and well.

    In a story posted to Instagram by Chimaev, private messages exchanged between the two welterweight contenders appeared to show them agreeing to a fight on April 9, a date slated to host the UFC 273 pay-per-view.

    With a featherweight title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung already set for the event, as well as the long-awaited bantamweight unification showdown between Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan, the addition of Chimaev and Burns would certainly strengthen the PPV into one of the most stacked of the year so far.

    If the fight comes to fruition, who do you think will win, Gilbert Burns or Khamzat Chimaev?

  • Report: Alexander Gustafsson To Make HW Return Vs. Ben Rothwell

    A heavyweight showdown between former UFC title challenger Alexander Gustafsson and Ben Rothwell is targeted for May 21.

    The news of the targeted matchup was first reported by Frontkick.

    Gustafsson will make his heavyweight return after nearly two years away from the sport. He lost fought against former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum at UFC Fight Island 3 via first-round submission.

    Gustafsson announced his retirement from MMA following back-to-back losses at light heavyweight against Jon Jones and Anthony Smith. He quickly walked back on his previous retirement plans for a move to heavyweight.

    Gustafsson also teased a potential move back to light heavyweight in 2021, but his planned fight against Paul Craig was called off due to an undisclosed injury.

    Rothwell has won three of his last five fights but most recently got knocked out by Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC Vegas 42. Before that, he had picked up impressive wins over the likes of Stefan Struve and Ovince St. Preux.

    Gustafsson made his UFC debut at light heavyweight at UFC 105, earning a first-round knockout over Jared Hamman. He would go on a run of six-straight wins before a controversial loss to Jones at UFC 165 for the 205-pound belt.

    Despite the setback, Gustafsson remained in the light heavyweight title picture and would eventually earn a rematch with Jones at UFC 232. This time, it was a less competitive fight as Jones finished him in the third round.

    It’s unclear how many fights Gustafsson has on his current UFC contract, but he’s looking to potentially earn one last run at a UFC title before his career comes to a close. As for Rothwell, he’s looking to prove that he remains a dangerous contender in the division.

    What are your thoughts on Alexander Gustafsson vs. Ben Rothwell?

  • Ariel Helwani: Life’s Too Short For “Nonsense” Cerrone Beef

    Renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani recently looked back on his “beef” with Donald Cerrone, suggesting it has certainly been squashed on his side.

    Throughout his rise from budding journalist to one of the most well-known names in the world of MMA media, Helwani has clashed with a host of individuals. From recent interactions with Brendan Schaub and Dillon Danis to a feud with UFC President Dana White, one which led to him being stripped of his UFC press credentials, the Canadian has had a prominent presence in the sport, even beyond his coverage of it.

    One other name Helwani has got on the wrong side of is veteran “Cowboy” Cerrone. The incident that sparked animosity occurred at the start of 2019, almost a year prior to the welterweight’s main event clash with Conor McGregor.

    At the time, the fight was only rumored. But while the Colorado native had made his desire to face the Irishman known, Helwani wanted to see more fire in his eyes and more of the “old Cowboy.”

    During an interview with Chael Sonnen, Cerrone took exception to Helwani’s comments. In a profanity-ridden rant, “Cowboy” unloaded on the reporter, threatening to “fuck him up.”

    “You know what else I wanna tell you? When you fucking run into Ariel again, you can just backhand that little bitch for me. If he ever talks about me again, I’m gonna fuck him up, for real… I just saw the little piece that somebody sent me with him talking… motherfucker if you wanna see fire in my eyes bitch, I’ll fucking show you next time I see you… Who the fuck are you behind your microphone motherfucker. Get in there and do something with your life… Next time Ariel wants to have me as a guest, fuck you pussy, you’re dead to me.”

    Helwani: “In My Mind, It’s Squashed”

    Now three years on from the incident, Helwani has addressed where his relationship with Cerrone currently sits. During a recent episode of The MMA Hour, the Canadian reporter was asked whether the beef has been squashed. In response, Helwani gave a run-down of how his comments about “Cowboy” had been misinterpreted.

    “Does he have beef with me still? Maybe, but I haven’t reached out to him. Do I have beef with him? No. Cowboy got mad at me because I said something before, I think it was the Conor fight, no, he was trying to get the Conor fight, and I was saying like, ‘Where’s the old Cowboy? We need the old Cowboy.’ I was basically trying to do the promo that Vince McMahon gave Stone Cold Steve Austin during the invasion in 2001, where he’s like, ‘We need the old Stone Cold! We need the old…’ And I was trying to do that. He looked at it the wrong way and got really mad and said some things.”

    Helwani added that while he certainly has no animosity towards the UFC legend and believes the beef has been squashed on his side, he doesn’t know if the same can be said for Cerrone.

    “I saw him in Chicago. I went up to him and he didn’t wanna talk to me, so, no beef here. Does he have beef? I don’t know. In my mind, it’s squashed. Life’s too short for this nonsense. Come on.”

    In the months after Cerrone and Helwani’s feud, a fight between the American and McGregor was announced, and the pair headlined UFC 246 in January 2020. While Helwani called for the old Cerrone pre-fight, he was likely left wanting the old Cerrone post-fight.

    After just 40 seconds, “Cowboy” was finished by the returning former two-division champion in vicious fashion. Since then, the 38-year-old has remained winless, falling to defeats against Anthony Pettis and Alex Morono. He is now booked to fight fellow UFC vet Joe Lauzon in April.

    What did you make of Ariel Helwani’s comments in 2019 and Donald Cerrone’s reaction to them?

  • Watch: Holly Holm Schools & Submits Jackass Star Steve-O On The Mats

    If Kevin Holland taught MMA fans anything recently, it’s don’t challenge professional fighters on the mats. But if there’s one person who goes against the grain and does what others warn against, it’s Steve-O.

    From swimming in shark-infested waters with a hook in his mouth and wearing a jellyfish on his head like a sombrero to sending fireworks shooting out of his backside and being flung in the air like a yo-yo inside a portable toilet (don’t google this one, you’ve been warned), the Jackass star performs stunts and enters situations that would never end well for him.

    We can also add ‘grappled a former UFC champion’ to that list.

    In a 2020 video recently uploaded to Instagram by the Jackson Wink MMA gym, the 47-year-old can be seen grappling with former UFC women’s bantamweight champion and current #2-ranked 135-pound contender Holly Holm.

    In a matter of seconds, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt drags Steve-O down with ease, takes his back, flattens him out, and sinks in a rear-naked choke.

    Are we sure there’s no time to add this as a scene in the upcoming Jackass Forever film?

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZXeo2GsL4o/

    Jackass Stars 0-2 Against UFC Stars

    Holm’s grappling success against Steve-O added the first point for the UFC. The second came in the form of a grimace-inducing punch to the groin by Francis Ngannou.

    In a scene in the latest installment of the fan-favorite TV and film series, “The Predator,” who boasts the hardest recorded punch in history, delivered a shot flush to the gentleman’s area of “Danger” Ehren McGhehey.

    For fans, specifically male ones, nothing is more painful to see in an MMA contest than a kick, knee, or punch to the cup. What’s that I hear you say? What could be worse?

    How about a clean, fully-loaded shot to the crown jewels from a man capable of sleeping anybody on the planet with as much as a graze?

    With another Jackass star falling at the hands of a UFC fighter, the question is, who’s next? How about a Brazilian jiu-jitsu match between Johnny Knoxville and Mackenzie Dern?

    Who had it worse, Steve-O against Holly Holm or “Danger” Ehren against Francis Ngannou?

  • Figueiredo Manager: I Think Fourth Moreno Fight Is Next

    Deiveson Figueiredoā€™s team has an interest in a fourth fight against Brandon Moreno.

    At UFC 270, Figueiredo regained the UFC flyweight championship with a decision victory over Moreno. That bout was their third time meeting in the cage since they first got paired up in late 2020.

    After three meetings, a fourth one might be in the future. Figueiredo and his manager, Wallid Ismail, spoke about the possibility of a fourth fight recently. When weighing what would be next for his client, Ismail said whatever matchup makes the most money is their priority.

    When putting those priorities first, Moreno remained as the optimal opponent for Figueiredo.

    ā€œThis is what he said. He wants to sell a lot of pay-per-views. He wants to show the world to respect the flyweight division,ā€ said Ismail on The MMA Hour. ā€œHe wants somebody who knows how to sell, knows how to talk. This is what he keeps saying all the time: who sells better [is] going to be my opponent ā€¦ Personally, I think the [next] fight is Moreno because no fight is going to sell more [than] that.ā€

    Figueiredo’s Manager: He Deserves ā€˜Historicā€™ Pay For Next Fight

    Brandon Moreno, Deiveson Figueiredo
    Ā© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

    Ismail believes that a potential fourth fight between Figueiredo and Moreno should give them bigger paydays.

    ā€œIf UFC want to do something historic, letā€™s go pay historic money for [the] flyweight division,ā€ said Ismail.

    For reference, Figueiredo was paid a flat rate of $150,000 for his appearance at UFC 270. Moreno, the champion heading into the fight, was given $200,000. Their previous meeting, which took place at UFC 263, saw Figueiredo reportedly take home $210,000. 

    When asked on The MMA Hour how much he would want for his next fight, Figueiredo suggested $1 million.

    Would you be interested in seeing Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno for the fourth time?

  • Ngannou On UFC Future: If This Is The End, I’m Happy With My Journey

    Despite the controversy with UFC President Dana White, defending Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou is satisfied with his MMA journey.

    Although Ngannou defeated Gane at UFC 270, there is still uncertainty surrounding his UFC contract.

    With reports of a lawsuit threat from the UFC and requiring surgery after worsening a knee injury he obtained prior to UFC 270, it is difficult to pinpoint Francis Ngannou’s next move. In a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Ngannou let it be known that he is prepared to embrace whatever comes next after where he’s already been.

    “If this is the end, man, I’m happy. From where I came from, I have done a lot. Some people might not see that. But I have done it, and I am very happy about that. I’m proud of myself man. That might be my ego, but I’m proud of myself and of what I have achieved. I don’t want all this to like, take what I have, or to change me and my principles. My principle is still the same as day one,” Ngannou said.

    Agreeably, the French-Cameroonian has much to be proud of and thankful for.

    His journey began with very humble beginnings. Overcoming poverty, child labor, homelessness, and maintaining his determination to win through it all is a story that needs to be told.

    A young Francis Ngannou, Photo Credit: FrancisNgannou.com

    He worked in the sand mines at age 9 with his 11-year-old brother.

    At age 25, Ngannou arrived in Paris by boat and headed straight to the gym. He had no money or possessions, just a dream–to become a world champion.

    A stairwell in a parking lot was his home for two months until boxing coach, Didier Carmont, gave him the keys to an apartment. Carmont would prove to be a great friend and mentor to the future champion.

    The way Francis was determined it is as if he knew he was destined for great things.

    As a child, he called himself “American Boy” and had aspirations to become a citizen of the United States. And he achieved that dream through mixed martial arts.

    It is truly inspiring to see someone with a deprived past create such a bright future for himself.

    A True MMA King

    Francis Ngannou showcased his many talents against “Bon Gamin” Ciryl Gane at UFC 270.

    Just when you think Francis’ knockout ability is his sole power, he shocks the world with impeccable grappling skills. During the match, Ngannou lifted his 247 lb opponent and dropped him on more than one occasion.

    Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane
    Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane, Photo Credit: Zuffa LLC

    Boxing was always the goal for Ngannou. When he arrived in Paris in 2013, he had zero knowledge of mixed martial arts. Carmont explained to him the gist of MMA and did some convincing to get Ngannou to consider the sport.

    Fast forward to nine years later and he is the defending UFC heavyweight champion. Ngannou’s boxing, power, and added grappling make him a dangerous opponent in the cage.

    Only three losses in his career, the hardest-hitting heavyweight knockout artist, a six-fight win streak, and a heavyweight champion title defender against a formerly 10-0 undefeated prospect: The man is a legend.

    New Possibilities For Ngannou

    Post-UFC 270, his first title defense, another heavyweight champion showed interest in a possible matchup.

    Tyson Fury made a proposal via Twitter:

    “Congratulations @francis_ngannou but if you want to make some real money come see the GK.”

    Francis Ngannou’s original dream to become a world champion involved boxing. He grew up appreciating Mike Tyson and aspired to be like him. Thus, an opportunity to fight a boxing heavyweight champion must intrigue the knockout artist.

    With or without the UFC, after his incredible win against Ciryl Gane, there is no way we have seen the last of Francis Ngannou, wherever that may be.

    What do you wish to see happen next in Francis Ngannou’s combat sports journey?

  • Jeremy Stephens Details UFC Exit & Decision To Sign With PFL

    Jeremy Stephens has explained his recent move from the UFC to PFL.

    News broke Monday that Stephens will join the 2022 PFL season, competing in their lightweight division. This comes after an incredibly extensive UFC run that lasted longer than a decade.

    Due to the surprising news of Stephensā€™ signing, many might have questions as to why the veteran made this move. According to Stephens himself, he claims that the move was due to how he was treated by some in the UFC. While he states his relationship with UFC President Dana White was fine, he vaguely suggested that others didnā€™t treat him how he wanted.

    Stephens spoke about the change in a recent appearance on The MMA Hour.

    ā€œI just felt like after the certain situation with the push with Drakkar [Klose], a lot of people wanna blame Dana [White], Dana loves me. We have a good relationship. Thereā€™s other people in power that I feel like were icing me out, not really trying to fight me? It is what it is, kinda didnā€™t go that way,ā€ said Stephens.

    ā€œWhatā€™d you want me to say, could you have gotten me another fight, I was calling out Donald Cerrone [and] Michael Johnson was calling me out. I was calling for potential matchups in Jim Miller, Clay Guida, Iā€™m like give me one of these guys. I still have legs, longevity the way I go out Iā€™m still here. Iā€™m just in a different organization now and thatā€™s where I wanna go.

    Stephens Hopes For More Fights In PFL

    Jeremy Stephens
    Image Credit: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

    Stephens is hopeful about his PFL run, as he sees the promotion as a place where he can get what he wants. Among those wants is having a more active fight schedule.

    ā€œI want to go where Iā€™m respected, where Iā€™m gonna go in, get an opportunity and a chance and pull myself up from these losses. I canā€™t do that by fighting once a year and getting iced out. Itā€™s like bro, I fight beast after beast. All Iā€™m looking for is an opportunity and that opportunity came to PFL.ā€

    As for his first PFL opponent, Stephens isnā€™t sure yet. He said his promotional debut could be in April. That’s the same month that the PFL is set to kick off their 2022 season.

    ā€œYou know, Iā€™m thinking end of April. I think thereā€™s something going on. I’d like to say end of April, I donā€™t have a date or none of that, just stay tuned and thanks for the love.ā€

    Are you looking forward to Jeremy Stephens fighting in the PFL?

  • UFC Fighter Court McGee Explains His Story Of Addiction

    Court “The Crusher” McGee delivered a tearful message to those who struggle with drug addiction after a unanimous win at UFC Vegas 46.

    With over a decade of sobriety, the American fighter is an inspiration to anyone dealing with drug abuse. Many people struggle with it or know someone who does. The disease has taken the lives of many and has changed the lives of those who won against it.

    McGee had every right to become emotional when he opened up about his addiction during a post-fight interview at UFC on ESPN 32:

    ā€œOh man, youā€™re gonna make me tear up bro. (Tears up.) Great question, no. I didnā€™t give myself a shot, but the people around me believed in me, and the people that donā€™t have access to the recovery that I had access to, thatā€™s who I fight forā€”to show them that itā€™s possible, that recovery is possible, and that sobriety is possible, and that you can achieve incredible things one day at a time without a drink or drug.ā€

    Drug addiction is a crippling mental illness. The stigma surrounding drug abuse is enough reason for most to keep quiet about their inner struggles with it.

    And fighting the battle alone can make it even more difficult. McGee was fortunate to have a great support system and took advantage of it.

    “I had a great family. I have great, wonderful parents that are not alcoholic, I have support, I was never neglected, thereā€™s no abuse, and I fell victim to it because I have the disease of addiction and thereā€™s thousands and thousands if not millions of people that struggle with addiction daily in the United States, and so, that message of overcoming adversity, my life story, from homelessness, to heroin addiction, to overcoming that adversity, surrounding myself around people in long-term recovery, and then fighting at a local circuit, making it through the juvenile system, getting expunged, building relationships with my attorney general, Shawn Reyes whoā€™s a close friend of mine[…]”

    The UFC fighter created an outlet called MCGeeproject.org for anyone to reach out if they are interested in his motivational speeches. His one message is that recovery is always possible.

    Overcome and Inspire

    After two recent wins in the UFC, welterweight contender Court McGee continues to show progress.

    McGee has struggled, yet conquered, and at 37-years-old, he has established a 22-10 professional record.

    Court McGee
    Court McGee, Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale, USA Today Sports

    Other UFC fighters have also courageously spoken up about their battle with drug addiction.

    “Boston Strong” Charles Rosa, who fought along with McGee on the preliminary card at UFC Vegas 46, was once a victim of drug addiction and lost both his brothers to the mental illness.

    Charles Rosa
    Charles Rosa, Photo Credit: UFC

    Mixed martial arts gave Rosa a home. His brothers were his fighting role models, and whenever the featherweight gets in the cage, he gives his all for them.

    Lightweight Terrance Mckinney once overdosed and often reminds his fans about the fatal moment via Twitter:

    “5 years ago I overdosed and died (twice), 2 years ago I made it to UFC Contender Series and lost, but 3 weeks ago I made my debut and set a record. Don’t let mistakes and losses define you. Every day is a new chance to do better than you were,” reads the 27-year-old’s pinned tweet.

    Terrance McKinney, Photo Credit: MMA Junkie USA Today SPorts

    That record-setting debut stopped the show in 7 seconds of round 1 at UFC 263 last June.

    But a win in the UFC cannot outweigh helping someone who is losing the battle against drug addiction.

    When asked about the importance of making a difference versus getting a UFC title, McGee said:

    ā€œMan, nine years ago, maybe 10 years ago, I spoke with my first high school and I had a young kid come up to me struggling with addictionā€”that kidā€™s married, he worked on an Air-Force base, he had a little baby, and he keeps in touch with me. And as soon as that happened and he came forward and asked for help, I had already won[…]”

    Sometimes, the mission is not always winning the gold. Of course, McGee wants to be the best fighter he can be, but taking a moment to inspire those around him appears to give him a purpose.

    What are your thoughts on Court McGee’s inspiring story?

  • Thompson: Francis Ngannou Leaving UFC For Fury Would Be Mistake

    UFC welterweight Stephen Thompson doesn’t think it would be a good idea if Francis Ngannou parted ways with the UFC for a Tyson Fury fight.

    Ngannou defeated Ciryl Gane in his first heavyweight title defense at UFC 270. After some early struggles in the fight, Ngannou was able to gain momentum with his grappling and coast to a unanimous decision win.

    Ngannou has been at odds with the UFC brass over an ongoing contract dispute and has requested more leniency and freedom. More specifically, he wants to explore a potential boxing match against Fury shortly, after the two of them have gone back-and-forth on social media.

    During a recent interview with MiddleEasy, Thompson explained why Ngannou should think twice before considering leaving his MMA home for a fight in the boxing ring.

    “That’s one of the things with the UFC,” Thompson said. “[Ngannou’s] the baddest man on the planet. He is the biggest and baddest dude on the planet at this point, especially in MMA. And making, what they say he made, $600,000 or something like that? And you got other heavyweights in the boxing industry making $30 million, so I kind of see why he’s a little upset.

    “But, this isn’t boxingā€¦ If he’s not with the UFC, what’s he gonna do? Have that one fight with Tyson Fury and that’s it? Is he gonna go to heavyweight boxing? I think that would be a mistake for him, to be honest with you.”

    Ngannou’s relationship with the UFC brass has become tense in recent months, and UFC President Dana White refused to put the belt around him at UFC 270. Ngannou has always been known to have some of the most powerful hands in MMA history and has flirted with a potential move to boxing.

    It’s unclear if Ngannou will remain with the UFC past 2022, but Thompson thinks Ngannou may be making a mistake by leaving his throne in MMA to pursue a money fight in boxing.

    Do you agree with Stephen Thompson that Francis Ngannou shouldn’t leave the UFC?

  • Moreno: Figueiredo Is A Good Person, The Issue Is People Around Him

    Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo have had their fair share of tense moments, but that doesn’t mean they don’t respect each other.

    Moreno looked to end his saga with Figueiredo victoriously inside the Octagon at UFC 270. However, it wasn’t meant to be, as Figueiredo earned a unanimous decision win and landed more damage throughout the fight.

    Moreno and Figueiredo had their back-and-forths ahead of the event, mostly focused around Moreno’s past training with Henry Cejudo and Figueiredo’s move to train with him in Arizona.

    During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Moreno explained why he doesn’t hold any ill-will towards Figueiredo.

    “You know, I said this before, and I still think the same, I really think he’s (Figueiredo) a nice guy, he’s a good person, but with crazy and bad people around him who say like, ‘Hey, you need to sell the fight and you need to say this, you need to say that.’” Moreno said.

    Figueiredo vs. Moreno picks: Odds, bet splits, DFS lineup strategy advice for UFC 263 co-main event - DraftKings Nation

    “Even like, in the press conference, he looks like, very fake, all the trash talk. That’s why I was like, ‘Man, why do you do it? Why are you trying so hard to impress the people here man?’ That’s what I said before, I don’t need that in my life, man. I prefer to be real with the people. This is who I am. Love me or hate me, but it’s this.”

    While UFC President Dana White has yet to confirm whether a fourth fight between the two is next, it certainly makes sense. The first fight was a majority draw followed by wins by Moreno and Figueiredo, respectively.

    The Moreno-Figueiredo rivalry has added new excitement to the flyweight division. Despite their mutual competitive respect for one another, it appears as if this story has yet to be fully written.

    Do you think we’ll see Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo 4 next?