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BBC Africa ran a story earlier today after being told by the UFC’s chief operating officer Lawrence Epstein the promotion aims to host an event in Africa sometime next year, with Senegal’s Dakar Arena the most likely destination. All things considered, how probable is this and will it live up to the billing?
Continue reading “UFC Africa: As Senegal is named frontrunner destination, how viable is this project in 2024?”
With his back to the wall and in danger, Israel Adesanya produced a second-round KO win over long-time rival Alex Pereira to regain his UFC middleweight title, after Gilbert Burns beat Jorge Masvidal into submission over 15 minutes before the two-time welterweight title challenger retired in his hometown. Continue reading “UFC 287: Adesanya regains title with R2 KO in Pereira rematch, after Burns retires Masvidal”
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya knows pressure rests on his shoulders with fierce rival Alex Pereira up next, one final time tonight. The stark truth is a 0-3 record stares at him across two disciplines – regardless of the circumstances – so will he get the last laugh to reclaim gold overnight? Continue reading “UFC 287: It’s now or never for Israel Adesanya vs. arch-nemesis Alex Pereira”
Alex Pereira and Zhang Weili reigned supreme as two new champions were crowned at UFC 281 during a memorable PPV card that exceeded expectations last weekend, with seven first-round finishes and surprise results galore – as well as a Fight of the Year contender at lightweight.
Continue reading “Unpacking last weekend’s unforgettable UFC 281 as Pereira, Weili emerge the evening’s biggest winners”
Former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane stayed composed and rallied from the first knockdown of his UFC career en route to a third-round TKO finish against Tai Tuivasa during a fun headliner, capping an electric Fight Night card in Paris leaving many talking points – including Robert Whittaker’s future after a masterful decision win over Marvin Vettori and Nassourdine Imavov now riding a three-fight win streak, what’s his next move at 185lbs? Continue reading “UFC Paris: Five things we learned from a memorable Fight Night card in new surroundings”
Assuming he gets past former title challenger Marvin Vettori this weekend, you can’t help but think former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker wants an upset at UFC 281 on Nov. 12 when former foe Israel Adesanya defends his strap against kickboxing adversary Alex Pereira next. Judging by his recent comments, that could determine his immediate future…
Continue reading “UFC FN Paris: Whittaker ponders move up to 205lbs, ahead of co-main event matchup with Vettori”
Israel Adesanya made the fifth defence of his middleweight title against Jared Cannonier, on an evening where the champion’s next challenge presented itself: former kickboxing foe Alex Pereira, who thunderously ended #4 ranked Sean Strickland’s four-year unbeaten run. In the co-main event, featherweight titlist Alexander Volkanovski closed the chapter on his Max Holloway trilogy with a one-sided UD win before stressing a desire to move up to lightweight. Continue reading “UFC 276: Adesanya outpoints Cannonier, after Volkanovski dominates Holloway in trilogy fight”
Tense and competitive, but the same result: Israel Adesanya defended his middleweight crown a fourth time, this time against an old foe in determined former champion Robert Whittaker. He then called for a June title defence against ‘fresh meat’ in the form of Jared Cannonier, who recovered from first-round adversity himself to convincingly end Derek Brunson’s title hopes.
Continue reading “UFC 271: Adesanya efficiency proves key in Whittaker rematch, retains middleweight title”
He apologised for letting the pressure get to him, ‘fighting like a chump’ in his own words, but Sean Strickland’s winning streak improved to six as he exposed Jack Hermansson’s gameplan en route to a split decision win. Elsewhere, there were contrasting wins for welterweight prospect Shavkat Rakhmonov and TUF middleweight winner Bryan Battle among others.
Continue reading “UFC Vegas 47: Strickland outworks hesitant Hermansson, calls for Adesanya-Whittaker winner”
After rebounding from his Fight of the Night loss by Marvin Vettori with a UD win against Edmen Shahbazyan last May, #6 ranked middleweight contender Jack Hermansson is looking for a statement performance this weekend – ending Sean Strickland’s impressive streak at 185lbs – which he believes will help propel him into the stakes for title contention once more. Continue reading “UFC Vegas 47: Jack Hermansson targets early-but-perfect display vs. Sean Strickland”
Ahead of a highly-anticipated middleweight title rematch against Israel Adesanya on February 12, former champion Robert Whittaker hasn’t been shy in admitting his ego got in the way during their first meeting in October 2019 – something that won’t be a problem this time. Continue reading “UFC 271: Ahead of rematch, Whittaker says ego cost him in knockout loss to Adesanya”
Paulo Costa embraced the heel role, having revealed his inability to make the scheduled 185lb limit during fight week. Despite explosive moments aplenty and a flurry of furious head kicks that would’ve ended most other nights, he was outworked by a smart Marvin Vettori showing in a highly-anticipated battle between two former middleweight title challengers at 205lbs.
Continue reading “UFC Vegas 41: Burning questions remain as Vettori outworks Costa in fiery LHW clash”
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