MMA News

Tag: UFC Countdown

  • VIDEO: UFC 314 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Volkanovski vs. Lopes, Chandler vs. Pimblett

    VIDEO: UFC 314 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Volkanovski vs. Lopes, Chandler vs. Pimblett

    Ahead of fight week for the UFC 314 pay-per-view this Saturday, the promotion’s latest Countdown episode has been released.

    Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes and the co-main event between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett.

    Saturday’s UFC 314 lineup is topped by a championship clash, with former featherweight kingpin Volkanovski (26-4) looking to become a two-time titleholder at 145 pounds.

    If the Australian is to begin a new rule atop the featherweight mountain, he must stall the title ambitions of a rising name in Lopes (26-6). Since impressing in a short-notice debut against Movsar Evloev, the Mexico-based Brazilian has won five straight to earn a first shot at gold.

    Before those two collide in the main event at Miami’s Kaseya Center, there will be high stakes in the division above.

    Setting the stage for UFC 314’s title bout will be a key lightweight contest between Chandler (23-9) and Pimblett (22-3). While “Iron” will return five months on from a second defeat to Charles Oliveira that has left him 2-4 in the UFC, the surging Scouser will look to carry the momentum from his quick submission of King Green last July en route to a place in the 155-pound title picture.

    Ahead of those two contests in “The Magic City,” fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 314 Countdown on the promotion’s official YouTube channel.

    UFC 314 Countdown: Full Episode

  • VIDEO: UFC 313 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

    VIDEO: UFC 313 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

    Fight week for the UFC 313 pay-per-view this Saturday has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode. Under the spotlight in this edition is the headline clash between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev.

    Saturday’s UFC 313 lineup is topped by a championship contest, with light heavyweight kingpin Pereira (12-2) looking to add a fourth successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a knockout victory over Jiří Procházka at UFC 295 in November 2023.

    If the Brazilian is to continue his rule atop the 205-pound mountain, he must stall the title ambitions of a longtime foe in Ankalaev (19-1-1, 1 NC). The Dagestani has worked his way back to the gold after falling short in his first challenge against Jan Błachowicz in 2022, which ended in a split draw.

    Since a no contest against Johnny Walker further stalled his push up the ladder, Ankalaev has won two straight, brutally stopping Walker in their rematch before getting the better of the highly regarded Aleksandar Rakić in Abu Dhabi last October.

    The Russian standout will now look to do what Jamahal Hill, Procházka, and Khalil Rountree all failed to in 2024 by unseating “Poatan” from the light heavyweight throne.

    Ahead of that battle in Las Vegas, fans can catch a preview in the full episode of UFC 313 Countdown on the promotion’s official YouTube channel.

    UFC 313 Countdown: Full Episode

  • VIDEO: UFC 312 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 & Zhang vs. Suarez

    VIDEO: UFC 312 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 & Zhang vs. Suarez

    Fight week for the UFC 312 pay-per-view this Saturday has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode.

    Under the spotlight in this edition is the headline rematch between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland and the co-main event between Zhang Weili and Tatiana Suarez.

    Saturday’s UFC 312 lineup is topped by a championship clash, with middleweight kingpin Du Plessis (22-2) looking to add a second successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a narrow victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024.

    If the South African is to continue his rule atop the 185-pound mountain, he must stall the title ambitions of a familiar foe in Strickland (29-6). Since having his championship reign quickly ended by “Stillknocks,” the polarizing American has recorded a sole win over Paulo Costa to earn a shot at redemption.

    Before those two run it back in the main event at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, another UFC title will be at stake.

    The strawweight gold will be contested by current champ Zhang (25-3) and undefeated contender Suarez (10-0). While “Magnum” will return 10 months on from the second defense of her sophomore title reign opposite Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300, the Californian challenger is set to make the walk for the first time since a statement-making victory over ex-champ Jéssica Andrade in August 2023.

    Ahead of those two contests in Australia, fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 312 Countdown on the promotion’s official YouTube channel.

    UFC 312 Countdown: Full Episode

  • VIDEO: UFC 309 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Jones vs. Miocic & Oliveira vs. Chandler

    VIDEO: UFC 309 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Jones vs. Miocic & Oliveira vs. Chandler

    Fight week for the UFC 309 pay-per-view this Saturday has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode.

    Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic and the co-main event between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler.

    Saturday’s UFC 309 lineup is topped by a championship clash, with heavyweight kingpin Jones (27-1, 1 NC) looking to add a first successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a memorable submission victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023.

    If “Bones” is to continue his rule atop the 265-pound mountain, he must record a victory over Miocic (20-4). The former two-time titleholder is returning from a lengthy layoff for his opportunity to regain the gold, having most recently been unseated in brutal fashion by Francis Ngannou back in 2021.

    Before those two collide in the main event at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, the stakes will also be high for a crucial five-round lightweight clash.

    After a toe injury resulted in Conor McGregor’s withdrawal from UFC 303 this past June, Chandler (23-8) finally heeded the calls of those advising him to move on from the Irishman.

    That decision has left him running it back with a former champion and current top-five contender in Oliveira (34-10, 1 NC), who will look to repeat his title-winning performance over “Iron” from 2022 and stake his claim for a shot at regaining the belt in the process.

    Ahead of those two contests in “The Big Apple,” fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 309 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XIaiNRIuvg
  • VIDEO: UFC 308 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Topuria vs. Holloway & Whittaker vs. Chimaev

    VIDEO: UFC 308 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Topuria vs. Holloway & Whittaker vs. Chimaev

    Fight week for the UFC 308 pay-per-view this Saturday has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode.

    Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway and the co-main event between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev.

    Saturday’s lineup is topped by an intriguing championship clash, with featherweight kingpin Topuria (15-0) looking to add a first successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a memorable knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 this past February.

    If “El Matador” is to continue his rule atop the 145-pound mountain, he must record a victory over Holloway (26-7). “Blessed” will ride a three-fight win streak into his latest opportunity to regain the title, most recently getting the better of Justin Gaethje in brutal fashion up at lightweight to capture the symbolic BMF belt at UFC 300.

    Before those two collide in the main event at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, the stakes will be high for a crucial five-round middleweight clash.

    After dismantling Ikram Aliskerov in quick time to emerge victorious from the UFC’s first event in Saudi Arabia, former champion Whittaker (26-7) will return to the Middle East to face his original opponent for this past June, the undefeated Chimaev (13-0). While “The Reaper” has gone 2-0 this year after outpointing Paulo Costa to open his 2024 campaign, “Borz” hasn’t made the walk since a narrow decision win over Kamaru Usman last October.

    Ahead of those two contests in the United Arab Emirates, fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 308 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.

    UFC 308 Countdown: Full Episode

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfrUF74cDQc
  • VIDEO: UFC 307 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree & Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña

    VIDEO: UFC 307 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree & Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña

    Fight week for the UFC 307 pay-per-view this Saturday night has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode.

    Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree and the co-main event between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña.

    Saturday’s lineup is topped by an intriguing championship clash, with light heavyweight kingpin Pereira (11-2) looking to add a third successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a victory over Jiří Procházka at UFC 295 in November 2023. He’s since retained possession of the belt by getting the better of Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 this past April and Procházka in their short-notice UFC 303 rematch.

    If “Poatan” is to continue his rule atop the 205-pound mountain, he must record a victory over Rountree (13-5, 1 NC). “The War Horse” will ride a five-fight win streak into his first title shot on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, most notably getting the better of former championship challenger Anthony Smith in brutal fashion last time out.

    Before those two run it back in the main event at Salt Lake City’s Delta Center, one of three women’s titles in the UFC will be at stake.

    The women’s bantamweight gold will be contested by current champ Pennington (16-8) and former divisional queen Peña (11-5), as they settle a rivalry that began to brew during their time on The Ultimate Fighter season 18 in 2013. While “Rocky” will return eight months on from her capturing of the then-vacant strap, “The Venezuelan Vixen” is set to make the walk for the first time since losing the title in her rematch with Amanda Nunes over two years ago.

    Ahead of those two contests in Utah, fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 307 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.

    UFC 307 Countdown: Full Episode

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sETTkhCsqKI
  • VIDEO: UFC 306 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili & Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 3

    VIDEO: UFC 306 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili & Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 3

    Fight week for the UFC 306 (Noche UFC) pay-per-view this Saturday night has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode.

    Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili and the co-main event between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko.

    Saturday’s lineup is topped by an intriguing championship clash, with bantamweight kingpin O’Malley (18-1, 1 NC) looking to add a second successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a victory over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in August 2023. He’s since retained possession of the belt by getting the better of Marlon Vera in their Miami rematch this past March.

    If “Sugar” is to continue his rule atop the 135-pound mountain, he must record a victory over Dvalishvili (17-4). “The Machine” will ride a 10-fight win streak into his first title shot on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, most notably getting the better of prominent names like Marlon Moraes, José Aldo, Petr Yan, and Henry Cejudo in recent years.

    Before those two run it back in the main event at Las Vegas’ Sphere, the Mexican Independence Day celebration will see one of the country’s own defending their championship.

    For the third straight fight, the UFC women’s flyweight gold will be contested by Grasso (16-3-1) and Shevchenko (23-4-1), as they complete their trilogy 18 months on from the Mexican’s memorable upset submission at T-Mobile Arena. Since that result, the pair have fought to a draw at last year’s Noche UFC event and coached opposite one another on the 2024 edition of The Ultimate Fighter.

    Ahead of those two contests in Las Vegas, fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 306 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.

    UFC 306 Countdown: Full Episode

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDwQL_Dyonk
  • VIDEO: UFC 305 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya

    VIDEO: UFC 305 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya

    Fight week for the UFC 305 pay-per-view this Saturday night has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode. Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya.

    Saturday’s lineup is topped by a championship clash, with middleweight kingpin Du Plessis (21-2) looking to add a first successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada, this past January. He earned that shot with a monumental triumph over the highly regarded Robert Whittaker during last year’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas.

    If “Stillknocks” is to continue his rule atop the 185-pound mountain, he must record a victory over the returning Adesanya (24-3). “The Last Stylebender” will be making his comeback 11 months on from losing the middleweight gold in shocking fashion to Strickland in Sydney.

    The Nigerian-New Zealander will be back competing on Australian soil once again, with Perth’s RAC Arena potentially hosting his historic crowning as three-time champ should he hand his South African rival the first loss of his career on MMA’s biggest stage.

    Ahead of that contest Down Under, fans can catch a preview in the full episode of UFC 305 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.

    UFC 305 Countdown: Full Episode

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLfQ6aHxELY

    And below, check out the full card for this weekend’s numbered event.

    Main Card:

    • Middleweight Championship Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis (C) vs. Israel Adesanya
    • Flyweight Co-Main Event: Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg
    • Lightweight: Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker
    • Heavyweight: Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
    • Welterweight: Li Jingliang vs. Carlos Prates

    Preliminary Card:

    • Heavyweight: Junior Tafa vs. Valter Walker
    • Featherweight: Joshua Culibao vs. Ricardo Ramos
    • Women’s Flyweight: Casey O’Neill vs. Luana Santos
    • Featherweight: Jack Jenkins vs. Herbert Burns

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Lightweight: Tom Nolan vs. Alex Reyes
    • Welterweight: Song Kenan vs. Rick Glenn
    • Flyweight: Stewart Nicoll vs. Jesus Aguilar

    Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com this week for all the updates and news on UFC 305!