Miesha Tate Blasts Greg Hardy For GOAT Comments

Greg Hardy recently said he would be the greatest combat sports heavyweight of all-time. Many in the MMA community immediately disagreed with the former NFL star, and so too did former UFC bantamweight champion, Miesha Tate. Tate went on MMA Tonight on Sirius XM and smalled the former NFL star for his comments. “He’s got a lot […]

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Greg Hardy recently said he would be the greatest combat sports heavyweight of all-time. Many in the MMA community immediately disagreed with the former NFL star, and so too did former UFC bantamweight champion, Miesha Tate.

Tate went on MMA Tonight on Sirius XM and smalled the former NFL star for his comments.

“He’s got a lot of work to do before he even sniffs the greatest heavyweight of all time,” Tate began (as transcribed by BJPENN). “So these statements are just…he’s pulling them out of thin air. I don’t know where he gets any viable justification that he could be in that conversation of the greatest heavyweight of all time.

“Look, I appreciate that you’re enthusiastic about your career and what you have ahead of you, but I don’t think that’s possible. You look at Daniel Cormier who has been doing this the majority of his life, and he has accomplished so much in that time because it’s the single sport that he really has made his career out of. It’s a pretty asinine statement.”

Tate believes Hardy should never have said that now or ever in his career. She mentions how he has yet to fight a ranked opponent and he is only 1-1 in his UFC career with his third Octagon appearance set for tonight.

“Even look at the quality of opponents who he has fought. I think they are fair to his skill set and his experience in the sport. But they are nowhere near the level of a Daniel Cormier, Stipe Miocic, Francis Ngannou. They’re not on the same playing field. He’s got all this confidence because, yeah, he’s knocking people out, and great. But just pump the breaks a little, because I guarantee you when get into that upper echelon, you’re not gonna be putting people to sleep like that. Because it’s a different level in competition.

“So anyways, I know he has his next bout coming up, so it’s one bout at a time, and he’s got to focus on what’s the next step ahead, not being the greatest heavyweight of all time because, to me, that’s ridiculous.”

Do you agree with Miesha Tate in regards to Greg Hardy’s comments?

The post Miesha Tate Blasts Greg Hardy For GOAT Comments appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Miesha Tate Blasts Greg Hardy For GOAT Comments

Greg Hardy recently said he would be the greatest combat sports heavyweight of all-time. Many in the MMA community immediately disagreed with the former NFL star, and so too did former UFC bantamweight champion, Miesha Tate. Tate went on MMA Tonight on Sirius XM and smalled the former NFL star for his comments. “He’s got a lot […]

The post Miesha Tate Blasts Greg Hardy For GOAT Comments appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Greg Hardy recently said he would be the greatest combat sports heavyweight of all-time. Many in the MMA community immediately disagreed with the former NFL star, and so too did former UFC bantamweight champion, Miesha Tate.

Tate went on MMA Tonight on Sirius XM and smalled the former NFL star for his comments.

“He’s got a lot of work to do before he even sniffs the greatest heavyweight of all time,” Tate began (as transcribed by BJPENN). “So these statements are just…he’s pulling them out of thin air. I don’t know where he gets any viable justification that he could be in that conversation of the greatest heavyweight of all time.

“Look, I appreciate that you’re enthusiastic about your career and what you have ahead of you, but I don’t think that’s possible. You look at Daniel Cormier who has been doing this the majority of his life, and he has accomplished so much in that time because it’s the single sport that he really has made his career out of. It’s a pretty asinine statement.”

Tate believes Hardy should never have said that now or ever in his career. She mentions how he has yet to fight a ranked opponent and he is only 1-1 in his UFC career with his third Octagon appearance set for tonight.

“Even look at the quality of opponents who he has fought. I think they are fair to his skill set and his experience in the sport. But they are nowhere near the level of a Daniel Cormier, Stipe Miocic, Francis Ngannou. They’re not on the same playing field. He’s got all this confidence because, yeah, he’s knocking people out, and great. But just pump the breaks a little, because I guarantee you when get into that upper echelon, you’re not gonna be putting people to sleep like that. Because it’s a different level in competition.

“So anyways, I know he has his next bout coming up, so it’s one bout at a time, and he’s got to focus on what’s the next step ahead, not being the greatest heavyweight of all time because, to me, that’s ridiculous.”

Do you agree with Miesha Tate in regards to Greg Hardy’s comments?

The post Miesha Tate Blasts Greg Hardy For GOAT Comments appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Tito Ortiz Apologizes to Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones For Recent Comments

Tito Ortiz recently made some comments towards Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier that he taking back. Earlier this week he made an appearance on the Domenick Nati Show where he had this to say: “I think I would do a lot better against Jon Jones than Daniel Cormier, because Cormier is just a shorter guy (with) bigger legs, […]

The post Tito Ortiz Apologizes to Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones For Recent Comments appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Tito Ortiz recently made some comments towards Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier that he taking back.

Earlier this week he made an appearance on the Domenick Nati Show where he had this to say:

“I think I would do a lot better against Jon Jones than Daniel Cormier, because Cormier is just a shorter guy (with) bigger legs, bigger torso,” Ortiz said “He’s just a big, big guy. Jon Jones is long and lengthy. I’m going to get in the inside and try to overpower some of the positions. But if it would be Jon Jones, I would think I’d have a great chance against (him).”

Ortiz posted on Instagram an apology to both Cormier and Jones for his comments. There, he says Jones is one of the greatest light heavyweights ever while Cormier is one of the greatest light heavyweights and the greatest heavyweight champion.

View this post on Instagram

@JonnyBones and @DC_mma @ufc??

A post shared by Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz1999) on

“This message goes out to Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier,” Ortiz said in the video (as transcribed by BJPENN.com). “I did an interview earlier this week and the reporter asked, ‘How would I do against Jon Jones in my prime?’ And my response was in a negative and disrespectful manner to both fighters.

“Jon Jones, you’re one of the greatest light heavyweight champions to ever grace the Octagon. Daniel Cormier, you’re one of the greatest light heavyweights and the greatest heavyweight champion to ever grace the Octagon. I respect both of you guys tremendously and for the first time in my career, I was in the wrong in this interview. So I hope you guys can take my apology because I respect both you guys like no other in and out of the cage.”

What do you make of Tito Ortiz’s apology?

The post Tito Ortiz Apologizes to Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones For Recent Comments appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Prediction! ‘Pacquiao Vs. Thurman’ Full Fight Preview

Photo by J. Yim/Getty Images

Who will win the (Super) Welterweight fight tonight? Let’s pick a winner! One of the living legends of boxing looks to prove he still deserves a place among the elite later TONIGHT (Sat., July 20, 2019) when e…

Manny Pacquiao v Keith Thurman - Press Conference

Photo by J. Yim/Getty Images

Who will win the (Super) Welterweight fight tonight? Let’s pick a winner!

One of the living legends of boxing looks to prove he still deserves a place among the elite later TONIGHT (Sat., July 20, 2019) when eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao faces undefeated WBA Welterweight kingpin Keith Thurman inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE coverage of the main- and co-main events. The FOX pay-per-view (PPV) broadcast begins later this evening at 9 p.m. ET (watch it here), with Pacquiao and Thurman set to make their walks closer to midnight.

In the co-main event, Cuban Welterweight Yordenis Ugas attempts to rebound from a controversial loss to WBC champion Shawn Porter against unbeaten bruiser Omar Figueroa. One fight prior, Bantamweight knockout machine Luis Nery squares off with former champion Juan Carlos Payano, while all-action brawlers Sergey Lipinets and John Molina Jr. open the broadcast in violent fashion.

We all know what you’re here for, though, so let’s not delay:

Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao

Age: 40
Record: 61-7-2, 39 KO
Last Five Fights: Adrien Broner (UD), Lucas Matthysse (TKO-7), Jeff Horn (UD Loss), Jessie Vargas (UD), Tim Bradley (UD)
Significant Victories (other than those mentioned above): Juan Manuel Marquez (2x), Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Oscar de la Hoya, Marco Antonio Barrera (2x), Erik Morales (2x), Lehlo Ledwaba

VS.

Keith “One Time” Thurman

Age: 30
Record: 29-0, 22 KO
Last Five Fights: Josesito Lopez (MD), Danny Garcia (SD), Shawn Porter (UD), Luis Collazo (RTD-7), Robert Guerrero (UD)
Significant Victories (other than those mentioned above): Leonard Bundu


THE FIGHT

Thurman was a genuine terror once upon a time, brutalizing all comers in frightening fashion during his rise through the ranks. There was an argument to be made that Marcos Maidana — who has never shied away from a brawl in his life — wanted no part of him. Then, sometime around 2014, the knockouts just stopped coming. Sure, he was still hurting people, but nobody was staying down; in fact, his only finish in the last five years came via headbutt-induced cut over veteran spoiler Luis Collazo.

The lack of finishes and a rash of inactivity (injury-induced or otherwise) have steadily dulled Thurman’s shine despite victories over two of the division’s best in Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia. “One Time’s” January bout with overachieving bruiser Josesito Lopez — who fought Thurman to a majority decision despite being seen as a tune-up foe coming in — was just his third bout in the last four years.

If his power doesn’t work against strong opposition, then he’s just a quality boxer, and Pacquiao had already spent years beating quality boxers by the time Thurman made his first professional ring walk.

To be fair, Pacquiao is 40 years old, the markedly smaller man, and isn’t that far removed from a “loss” to mid-tier Aussie Jeff Horn. Thurman isn’t that sort of mauling pressure fighter, though, and lacks the potent counter-punching it traditionally takes to defuse Pacquiao’s furious offense. So long as the “Pac-Man” hasn’t seen a dramatic drop-off in speed since the Broner fight, he should be able to befuddle and out-work Thurman on his way to a close, but clear, victory.

Prediction: Pacquiao via unanimous decision

To check out the latest and greatest boxing-related news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here.

UFC San Antonio: Rafael dos Anjos vs. Leon Edwards Toe-to-Toe Preview

Photo by Pat Scaasi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Phil and David breakdown everything you need to know about dos Anjos vs. Edwards for UFC San Antonio and everything you don’t about British RDA. Rafael dos Anjos vs. Leon Edwards headl…

Photo by Pat Scaasi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Phil and David breakdown everything you need to know about dos Anjos vs. Edwards for UFC San Antonio and everything you don’t about British RDA.

Rafael dos Anjos vs. Leon Edwards headlines UFC on ESPN 4 this July 20, 2019 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.

One sentence summary

David: Slam and Eggers

Phil: Forget drama and settle in for one of the best all-around technical showcases to be made in the modern UFC.

Stats

Record: Rafael dos Anjos 29-11 | Leon Edwards 23-3

Odds: Rafael dos Anjos +105 | Leon Edwards -125

History / Introduction to the fighters

David: It was only a two months ago when we last saw RDA in action. Needless to say, nothing has changed. He’s still a smooth operator of pressure and violence. As fun as that sounds, that’s about it. He’s not primed for title contention, and he’s not being put out to pasture.

Phil: We’ve previewed RDA a fair few times, and yet he’s a fighter that I’m always happy to see in a main or co-main event (unlike, say, some of his HW brethren). The man is a living guarantee of quality: you know he is going to turn up in shape, fight his ass off, and show tons of skill everywhere. Quietly, I think he’s one of the best and most accomplished fighters in the sport.

David: Like any fighter who starts his UFC career off 2-2, Edwards didn’t register to me as a fighter with elite potential. Despite his fun, engaging, and dynamic style, he has only two TKO/KO victories throughout his 11-fight UFC career. In a way, we’re still waiting for Edwards. Yes, it was an impressive domination of Cowboy Cerrone. Yes, so was his domination of Gunnar Nelson. But he’s teased with enough moments of brutality that we’re finally ready to see something sustained, or exclaimed.

Phil: Leon Edwards is the British RDA for a new generation. He doesn’t really fight much like the Brazilian, but the approximate promotional notes are the same: pure professionalism and all-round fighting quality. He does, it have to be said, seem like he’s a bit more of a jerk than the ever-respectful RDA, which does in part seem to be why people were so amused by Masvidal’s three piece and a soda.

What’s at stake?

David: This really feels like one of those promoter popcorn fights. It doesn’t really have much exposure or juice in clarifying the title picture, but it doesn’t hurt the title picture AND it’s just a damn awesome fight.

Phil: The welterweight title picture is pretty crowded at the moment. Masvidal almost certainly has next. Edwards could conceivably jump in line after that with a win with the strong caveats that (a) it would have to be impressive (b) Covington has to lose to Lawler.

Where do they want it?

David: dos Anjos has stuck with his blue collar ethic since he entered the UFC. It’s kind of amazing. He looked like a fighter who was too good to be 0-2; nearly edging out a decision victory over Jeremy Stephens and nearly cranking Tyson Griffin’s calf clean in half. Lo and behold, he grew up into that fighter. He’s been headlining these mini-cards ad nauseum, so let me just say that RDA is still somewhat of a rare breed when you think about it. There aren’t many fighters who are high octane pugilists on the feet and equally adept pressure submission specialists. It gives his forward movement an added dimension of “if we end up on the ground, this ain’t stopping homey.” Moreover, he’s able to stick with a breakneck pace. Despite his array of skills, he’s not really dynamic. Rather than transition his offense, he kind of just phases in and out. Opponents can disrupt him, catch him off-guard, and it’s the latter where Edwards stands a chance.

Phil: RDA’s game has a tremendous sense of rough-hewn craftsmanship to it. Slip, right hook, left straight and pound the body or the legs with a kick. Collar ties into elbows and knees, or underhooks and clinch wrestling. It’s all very pleasing to look at and impressively functional, like furniture carved from driftwood by an excellent carpenter. He’s kept a fairly intense pace of taking fights since his debut back in 2004, and in general strikes me as someone who just really likes to train and compete and improve. His defense leaves a little to be desired in a vacuum, and he’s never really figured out a way of avoiding the clinch, but other than that Alvarez fight, it’s really only been elite power and pressure threats which have been able to break down RDA’s own pressure style.

David: Edwards, like RDA, is also something of a rare breed: the counterpunch clincher. A lot of fighters will weave, wind, and hulksmash their way into efficiencies. Edwards, on the other hand, thinks, prods, and executes. He’s a student of micro-pugilism. Which no, does not describe a mogwai who fights for money. I just mean there are direct ways to impact a fight: straight right, leg kick, armbar, etc. And then there are indirect ways to impact a fight: positioning, timing, pace, etc. Edwards is all about maximizing the indirect to punctuate the direct. He computes everything that happens in the cage, and stores it for future use. A fighter like Cerrone is someone who you need to beat with a sledgehammer. Edwards beat him with a scalpel. He’s just so good at timing strikes, staying patient, and being the smartest guy in the cage. Will that be enough though?

Phil: Like Dos Anjos, Edwards has a style which is just a quiet pleasure to watch. Where RDA built an intensely well-rounded game founded on pressure, Edwards made his from the basis of a clever southpaw counterpunching approach, which he gradually shored up with effective wrestling and a nasty clinch. It isn’t even something built off a power frame: Edwards is a fairly small welterweight by modern standards, but has had deep enough wrestling and scrambling to hang with (and overcome) sprint grappling phenoms like Gunni and Luque. His ability to frame and crossface into knees and elbows is shockingly similar to RDA’s. In general he likes a slower pace, and more of a boxing approach, but can debatably afford it more than RDA due to a speed, defense, range and power advantage. That being said, Edwards confidence in his own defense does mean that he tends to be more shocked and hurt than RDA when something does get through.

Insight from past fights

David: One of the things that has been missing in Edwards’ fights has been a lack of pace or pressure. A lot of his fights have been against specialists (Usman), generalists (Barberena), and where he’s come into contact with dynamic fighters like Nelson and Cerrone; these weren’t fighters who consistently put pace on you. Even Cerrone, who is one of the more active fighters the UFC has ever had, has never been particularly good at closing the gap from one punch entry to the next.

Phil: Looking back on those RDA-Lee and RDA-Covington fights, the thing which stood out to me was the absurd pace they were fought at. Given an approximate strength parity, Covington-RDA might be the most physically grueling fight I’ve ever seen. Edwards’ pace has been… good. Not amazing. But it is notable that some of Donald Cerrones most significant success came late in their five-rounder.

X-Factors

David: I don’t know. Is dos Anjos Team Masvidal or Team Edwards?

Phil: RDA being 40-odd fights into a 15 year career is about it. He’s looked fairly timeless thus far, but that can’t last forever.

Prognostication

David: I honestly don’t know. I think the difference is one is able to disrupt whose game more. If Edwards can disrupt RDA’s pace, can he do it enough to strike patiently through all five rounds? If RDA can effectively pressure Edwards, will he do it enough to ignore Edwards’ clinch tactics? Edwards is on such a run, I gotta believe he finds a way to contain RDA’s rhythm just enough to provoke RDA into intermittent exchanges, which favors Leon. Leon Edwards by Decision.

Phil: This fight should be awesome, one of those where I’ll be genuinely disappointed if it ends early, no matter who ends it. Every area of contention will be fascinating, but I’ll take RDA’s pace and aggression over Edwards’ counters, speed and youth. Rafael dos Anjos by unanimous decision

Greg Hardy Plans to End Juan Adams’ Career

Tonight at UFC San Antonio, all the talking between Juan Adams and Greg Hardy will come to an end and give way to the violence. Once the referee gives the signal, everything that has been said no longer matters. And if you ask Greg Hardy, they never ma…

Tonight at UFC San Antonio, all the talking between Juan Adams and Greg Hardy will come to an end and give way to the violence. Once the referee gives the signal, everything that has been said no longer matters. And if you ask Greg Hardy, they never mattered to begin with. He believes all of […]

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