Newly crowned champion Francis Ngannou had plenty to say at the post-fight press conference, from reflecting on his arduous journey to world title gold in an unforgettable rematch, if there should be a Stipe Miocic trilogy, to when he’ll be ready for his first defence against Jon Jones. Continue reading
Tag: Dana White
UFC 262: Chandler-Oliveira announced for vacant lightweight title
Dana White has finally thrown in the towel on his stance to try convincing undefeated lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0) out of retirement for one more fight, with ESPN reports confirming an in-form Charles Oliveira (#3) will next face three-time Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler (#4) in the UFC 262 headliner on May 15 for a vacant belt. Continue reading
UFC 261: Usman-Masvidal 2 set to headline full crowd PPV in Jacksonville
Kamaru Usman will make the fourth defence of his welterweight strap against #4 ranked Jorge Masvidal, headlining next month’s UFC 261 PPV with three title fights – Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili the other champions scheduled for title defences. Set to be held at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, it’ll be the first event with fans since UFC 248 on March 7 last year. Continue reading
Belal Muhammad up next this weekend, Leon Edwards targeting overdue title shot
A year ago this weekend, welterweight contender Leon Edwards (#3) had his highly-anticipated matchup against former champion Tyron Woodley cancelled due to the rapidly-changing COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been 600 days since his last walk to the Octagon but with short-notice opponent Belal Muhammad stepping up, he targets a big return in Saturday’s main event. Continue reading
Alexa Grasso motivated, targeting top-10 ranked flyweight opponent next
Nearly three weeks removed from her impressive unanimous decision win over a returning Maycee Barber at last month’s UFC 258 PPV, #10 ranked flyweight Alexa Grasso is motivated and itching to get back into the Octagon before long – with sights set on facing another oppponent above her in the rankings as she continues her promising ascent in a new division. Continue reading
UFC 257: Poirier happy after big win but uninterested in Chandler fight
After earning one of the biggest wins of his career by avenging his 2014 loss with a second-round knockout victory, Dustin Poirier had plenty to say – about the magnitude of this win over Conor McGregor, his unhappiness pre-fight while stressing newcomer Michael Chandler shouldn’t be next for a title shot: as an undisputed lightweight belt is all that eludes him now.
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UFC 257: McGregor humble but upset in defeat, highlights Poirier’s calf kicks
Conor McGregor suffered the first knockout loss of his professional career overnight, as Dustin Poirier exacted revenge seven years after their first meeting in 2014. Afterwards, the former two-weight world champion spoke to the press in the UFC 257 post-fight press conference and had plenty to say – from praise for the main event winner, to Khabib Nurmagomedov and next steps. Continue reading
UFC 257: Forget the pleasantries, Dustin Poirier must now seize the moment
The pre-fight pleasantries and public display of niceties throughout fight week has been a complete contrast to their first meeting seven years ago, but while Conor McGregor’s UFC return was always going to be surrounded by much fanfare worldwide, Dustin Poirier has a golden opportunity to right the wrong – something Conor himself has done before to great effect. Continue reading
UFC Fight Island 8: Michael Chiesa confident ahead of Neil Magny main event
Michael Chiesa (17-4, #8) is hoping to produce a statement display Wednesday against #9 ranked welterweight Neil Magny (24-7), as he makes his Octagon return after undergoing knee surgery last July to repair a troublesome issue that had bothered him since his teenage years. Continue reading
Curtis Blaydes’ heavyweight warning to Jon Jones speaks volumes
#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
UFC 251: Masvidal to replace Burns in title fight against Usman, subject to testing
After initial negotiations to face welterweight champion Kamaru Usman broke down earlier this year, #3 ranked challenger Jorge Masvidal has agreed a deal to fight him on six days’ notice ahead of next weekend’s stacked UFC 251 card. Continue reading
Max Rohskopf on controversial loss to Austin Hubbard, reveals bond with head coach
During UFC on ESPN 11 on Saturday, UFC debutant Max Rohskopf made headlines by retiring midway between rounds during his prelim fight vs. Austin Hubbard. After repeatedly telling his corner he didn’t want to continue, their encouraging words were futile: the bout was stopped after the NSAC inspector stepped in. Continue reading