Almost a year removed from an unforgettable final second knockout loss by Max Holloway at UFC 300, former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje believes that with an impressive performance in his Rafael Fiziev rematch this weekend, he’ll put himself in contention for another chance at 155-pound gold. Continue reading “UFC 313: Justin Gaethje knows win puts him ‘in consideration’ for third title shot”
Tag: UFC
Din Thomas’ delivery was vulgar, but his Dustin Poirier sentiment is painfully true
Dustin Poirier could’ve easily retired last summer after falling short in another courageous, albeit unsuccessful world title attempt against Islam Makhachev. Instead, he’ll be back for another but would be wrong in thinking the promotion he’s proudly represented over the past 15 years wants a storybook ending. Continue reading “Din Thomas’ delivery was vulgar, but his Dustin Poirier sentiment is painfully true”
Moreno pleased after redeeming himself in dominant UD5 win at Albazi’s expense
A feeling of strong justification will have overwhelmed a beaming Brandon Moreno, who outboxed #2 ranked flyweight contender Amir Albazi en route to a UD5 win in their UFC Edmonton headliner. After a self-imposed six month break, the former champion is eyeing a seat atop the championship elite once more. Continue reading “Moreno pleased after redeeming himself in dominant UD5 win at Albazi’s expense”
Tybura: UFC interim champ Aspinall proved he’s most dangerous heavyweight
#8 ranked UFC heavyweight Marcin Tybura headlines this weekend’s under-the-radar Fight Night card in a Serghei Spivac rematch and the Pole, who was another of Tom Aspinall’s quick victims last year, revealed his surprise at the Brit’s latest stoppage win over longtime contender Curtis Blaydes. Continue reading “Tybura: UFC interim champ Aspinall proved he’s most dangerous heavyweight”
UFC 303: Alex Pereira aware of his activity timeline, adds another short-notice save
Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler was set to headline UFC 303 this weekend, before the former withdrew with a broken toe injury earlier this month. Two-division champion Alex Pereira has again stepped into the breach to save the card and is aware time isn’t on his side, another motivating factor for his refreshing activity as he prepares for a short-notice Jiri Prochazka rematch. Continue reading “UFC 303: Alex Pereira aware of his activity timeline, adds another short-notice save”
Dana downbeat about Chimaev, Whittaker aware of short-notice Aliskerov’s danger
After his latest illness-enforced withdrawal, UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged managing Khamzat Chimaev’s career has proven challenging in recent years – something no-one would’ve foreseen after Borz’s breakthrough four summers ago. Nonetheless, former middleweight titlist Robert Whittaker is ready for a short-notice challenger with nothing to lose in Ikram Askerov this weekend.
Continue reading “Dana downbeat about Chimaev, Whittaker aware of short-notice Aliskerov’s danger”
UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey unhappy after self-inflicted negative media turn
Almost halfway through the eighth year since her last MMA appearance ended emphatically inside a minute against two-division champion Amanda Nunes, former UFC bantamweight champion and Olympic judo bronze medallist Ronda Rousey has recently spoken about how those in the media propping her up during her prime were quick to treat her poorly after consecutive KO losses.
Continue reading “UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey unhappy after self-inflicted negative media turn”
Topuria’s coach Climent insists new champion will sell out Real’s Bernabeu
European MMA continues to grow exponentially and Ilia Topuria’s star turn in 2024 has been among the biggest stories through three months of a new year predicated on change. The Georgian-Spaniard’s popularity rose massively during the build-up to his UFC 298 win over long-time king Alexander Volkanovski and he’s now primed to headline Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu.
Continue reading “Topuria’s coach Climent insists new champion will sell out Real’s Bernabeu”
Interview: UFC veteran Alistair Overeem predicts Joshua-Ngannou, Jones-Miocic
After yesterday’s weigh-ins, I spoke to former MMA and kickboxing champion Alistair Overeem for the retired Dutchman’s thoughts on a few topics: from predicting how his former foe would fare against Anthony Joshua to gauging interest in the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic matchup and more besides. Read below for that conversation, as well as final tidbits before fight night.
Continue reading “Interview: UFC veteran Alistair Overeem predicts Joshua-Ngannou, Jones-Miocic”
Interview: Dan Hardy on Ngannou being MMA’s flagbearer before Joshua encounter
As the fighters all weighed in before Friday’s Riyadh show, where the final touches are being wrapped up and the stage set… here’s a deeper look from someone with more intimate knowledge of Francis Ngannou’s MMA background – former UFC fighter-turned-analyst Dan Hardy, assessing his chances of an upset against two-time world champion Anthony Joshua tomorrow night. Continue reading “Interview: Dan Hardy on Ngannou being MMA’s flagbearer before Joshua encounter”
UFC 298: Topuria tops Volkanovski with superb R2 KO to clinch featherweight gold
They were quick to laugh and rubbish his perceived arrogance during the build-up to the biggest fight of his career, but Ilia Topuria made good on his promise by securing a stunning second-round knockout win over long-reigning UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and snap the Australian’s unbeaten 145lb streak, becoming the new divisional king in their PPV headliner. Continue reading “UFC 298: Topuria tops Volkanovski with superb R2 KO to clinch featherweight gold”
Kayla Harrison’s UFC deal felt inevitable but recent events means arrival falls flat
Two-time Olympic judo champion and PFL star Kayla Harrison has signed with the UFC, per Dana White’s surprise announcement earlier this week, and is already set to face a former champion at 135lbs in April on a stacked UFC 300 card in Las Vegas. Given where she trains, the outside noise and criticism of her opposition in recent years, this move felt inevitable. Is the timing right now? Continue reading “Kayla Harrison’s UFC deal felt inevitable but recent events means arrival falls flat”
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