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Surprise flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg exceeded expectations but left Rio empty-handed and heartbroken after going the championship distance against a savvy Alexandre Pantoja, who overcame adversity and some shaky moments en route to making a second title defence on his return to Brazil. Continue reading “UFC 301: Pantoja tested but Erceg’s inexperience costly in flyweight title fight”
Former middleweight champion-turned-analyst Michael Bisping made his feelings clear, as have many of the regular UFC watching public as far as the stakes for this weekend’s flyweight title fight headliner in Rio. Alexandre Pantoja should win emphatically, against a plucky contender given an unlikely shot of a lfietime to win gold just four bouts into his promotional stint. Will he? Continue reading “UFC 301: Bisping favours Pantoja to topple Erceg, Moicano questions low fight buzz”
Downgraded from main event to co-main event, the story still remains the same at light-heavyweight this weekend when perennial contenders Anthony Smith [5] and Johnny Walker [7] collide. Can the former title challenger return to form after sustaining a freak injury last July, or is now finally Johnny’s time to shine? Continue reading “UFC Charlotte: Must-win stakes at 205lbs for different reasons in Saturday’s co-main”
Amanda Nunes looks to right last year’s wrong against Julianna Pena in the latter’s first title defence at women’s bantamweight, while there’s an interim strap up for grabs at flyweight between two familiar foes: former champion Brandon Moreno and a streaking Kai Kara-France, almost three years after their first meeting. They all had plenty to say ahead of Saturday’s PPV. Continue reading “UFC 277: Nunes’ passion reignited before Pena rematch, Moreno keen to derail Kara-France”
After fighting through injuries but ultimately losing a split decision to Jon Jones for UFC light-heavyweight gold two summers ago, Thiago Santos stressed he’ll be better than his more recent outings – successive defeats – when facing Brazilian compatriot Johnny Walker tonight. Continue reading “UFC Vegas 38: Thiago Santos finally feels 100% again after injury-plagued losing run”
Former light-heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith earned another R1 win, as he stormed Ryan Spann (#11). Immediately post-fight, the 33-year-old agreed a December rematch with Aleksandar Rakic (#3) as he plots a return to the top table at 205lbs. Elsewhere, there were big finishes for lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, middleweight Joaquin Buckley and others. Continue reading “UFC Vegas 37: Anthony Smith submits Ryan Spann in R1, calls out Aleksandar Rakic”
Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman vowed to produce a better display in their rematch and did exactly that: being the first to KO Jorge Masvidal (#4), retaining his 170lb strap for the fourth time with a devastating right-hand. Beforehand, Rose Namajunas made history becoming a two-time champion while Valentina Shevchenko completed another dominant title defence.
Continue reading “UFC 261: Kamaru Usman knocks out Jorge Masvidal, retains welterweight strap”
After making championship weight as a back-up fighter for last month’s UFC 259 pay-per-view, Glover Teixeira has been granted a second opportunity to become light-heavyweight champion: seven years after his unsuccessful challenge against Jon Jones in April 2014. It’ll also be Jan Blachowicz’s second title defence, having ended Israel Adesanya’s unbeaten streak on March 6. Continue reading “UFC 266: Jan Blachowicz to defend his LHW title vs. Glover Teixeira on September 4”
#6 ranked light-heavyweight contender Anthony Smith snapped a two-fight losing streak in style, beating unranked challenger Devin Clark inside three minutes during their main event matchup at UFC Vegas 15. Beforehand, there were wins for unbeaten welterweight Miguel Baeza while featherweight Bill Algeo earned his first UFC victory too – among others. Continue reading “UFC Vegas 15: Anthony Smith ends 2020 in style, making light work of Devin Clark”
#2 ranked heavyweight Curtis Blaydes, slated to face Derrick Lewis (#4) during this weekend’s UFC Vegas 15 card this weekend, tested positive for COVID-19 and the bout will be rescheduled. Nonetheless, the 29-year-old had plenty of compelling comments regarding Jon Jones’ heavily-anticipated move up in weight and has a title shot on his agenda in the not-too-distant future. Continue reading “Curtis Blaydes’ heavyweight warning to Jon Jones speaks volumes”
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Aleksandar Rakic earned a career-best victory to insert himself into the light-heavyweight title picture against an underwhelming Anthony Smith in the main event, after active welterweight Neil Magny and new flyweight contender Alexa Grasso had statement wins during a interesting card from UFC’s Apex overnight. Continue reading “UFC Vegas 8: Statement victories for Aleksandar Rakic, Neil Magny and Alexa Grasso”
In tonight’s main event, #8 ranked light-heavyweight Glover Teixeira earned a big TKO victory against Anthony Smith, while making record-breaking history to end a compelling midweek card – which will propel him higher in next week’s rankings.
Continue reading “UFC Fight Night 171: Glover Teixeira earns big TKO win vs. Anthony Smith”
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