Author: admin

Vettori Not Thrilled By The Idea Of Being Adesanya vs. Whittaker 2 Backup

UFC middleweight contender Marvin Vettori isn’t keen on signing on as a backup fighter for the anticipated UFC 271 main event between 185-pound king Israel Adesanya and former champion Robert Whittaker.

Vettori was last in action at UFC Vegas 41 in…

Marvin Vettori, Robert Whittaker & Israel Adesanya

UFC middleweight contender Marvin Vettori isn’t keen on signing on as a backup fighter for the anticipated UFC 271 main event between 185-pound king Israel Adesanya and former champion Robert Whittaker.

Vettori was last in action at UFC Vegas 41 in October. Having fallen short of capturing gold against “The Last Stylebender” at UFC 263, the Italian rebounded in style against fellow former title challenger Paulo Costa. In the build-up to the headlining clash, the 28-year-old was praised for his attitude and toughness after his Brazilian counterpart couldn’t make weight.

Having entered fight week over 20 pounds north of the middleweight limit, the bout was changed to a 195-pound catchweight, before being bumped up yet again, this time to light heavyweight. Despite facing one of the UFC’s top powerhouses at a much higher weight than he’s used to, Vettori shined inside the Apex.

Throughout a five-round war, “The Italian Dream” pushed the pace, landed some hard shots at an impressive volume, and ate the biggest and best “Borrachinha” had to offer. After going the 25-minute distance, Vettori was awarded a well-deserved unanimous decision victory.

Vettori Doesn’t Want To Waste A Camp

After leaping straight back into title contention, many have wondered whether Vettori will be asked to stand in as the backup fighter for the expected championship rematch between Adesanya and Whittaker, which is expected to take place at UFC 271 in February 2022.

Despite UFC President Dana White suggesting it would make sense, the #2-ranked contender doesn’t share the same level of enthusiasm for the idea. Speaking during an appearance on the Real Quick With Mike Swick Podcast, Vettori said that whilst the money would be good, he wants his second title shot to be on his own terms.

“No, it’s not confirmed… but, yeah man, I want to fight it on my terms, for the next time that I fight Adesanya. It goes both ways, when I’m ready, I wanna fight. So, I mean, I know it’s good money but like, I don’t know if I can be, I don’t know if I can do that in a sense.”

Further discussing why the backup slot doesn’t appeal to him, Vettori suggested he wouldn’t want to waste weeks of preparation on the event if he’s likely not going to be needed. In the Italian’s mind, he’s earned the right to decide when he next competes for the gold, and to do so with a full camp.

“I hate giving away a whole preparation, you know. A lot of people would do it for money, but for me… I’m always open to business and all that, but money is not the first goal when I got into the sport. I wanna be champion. I mean, I don’t know. When they will ask me I’ll give a real answer. But I feel like I earned, eventually, the right to fight it (championship fight) on my terms. ‘Cos even the last time, and I’m not saying I wasn’t ready, I was 100% ready, but I basically prepared for the fight in seven weeks and a half. I fought Holland. Eight weeks after the day I fought Holland, I fought Adesanya. This time I want a whole camp and I think I earned that.”

Despite not being targeted for Seattle or Canada as initially reported, the UFC 271 pay-per-view is still set to be headlined by Adesanya and Whittaker’s blockbuster rematch. The pair first collided at UFC 243 in 2019. Bringing an end to the New Zealand-born Australian’s reign, Adesanya secured a second-round knockout in Melbourne.

Having looked back to his best in decision victories over Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, and Kelvin Gastelum, “The Reaper” has earned his chance at redemption. He’ll look to become the first blemish on Adesanya’s perfect middleweight record next year.

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 271, Israel Adesanya or Robert Whittaker?

Continue Reading Vettori Not Thrilled By The Idea Of Being Adesanya vs. Whittaker 2 Backup at MMA News.

Coach: Next UFC Lightweight Title Shot Will Come Down To The Fans

American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez is not sure who will get the lightweight title shot between Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje.

Mendez has been coaching and singing the praises of Makhachev for a while, even starting the rumors…

Justin Gaethje Islam Makhachev

American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez is not sure who will get the lightweight title shot between Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje.

Mendez has been coaching and singing the praises of Makhachev for a while, even starting the rumors that he is better than his close friend and former lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov. With these two vouching for him, Makhachev has gotten something of the fast track through the UFC rankings, securing a place in the top five before he even took out a top-ten opponent.

With Makhachev securing a quick win over Dan Hooker and Justin Gaethje scoring a victory in a war with Michael Chandler, there has been a bit of a debate on which of these two deserves the title shot. While speaking on his podcast, Mendez says that he is not sure who will end up getting the title shot, but the UFC is going to decide based on who brings in the most money, as they usually do.

“If the fans want it, the UFC will put it on. It’s a matter of not what coach thinks, not what Justin [Gaethje] thinks – It’s what makes the most money. And if it’s Justin that makes the most money for the UFC, that’s who’s gonna get it. The UFC is not making decisions based on anything but what fits in their pocketbook,” Mendez said (h/t Sportskeeda).

After this, Javier Mendez directed his attention to the way that the UFC runs things, saying that they are not a real promotion. He says this is the case in all MMA organizations though, not holding anything against the UFC in particular.

“That’s what they do. And you know what, it’s not a legit promotion; no promotion is. No fight promotion is legit. None. So, don’t think I’m bashing on one or the other. I’m not bashing on anyone. I just understand how promotion does, and what they do, and what they have to do,” Mendez said.

“The UFC is a great promotion, but that’s the politics of the game. And Bellator is a great promotion, but if they were in pay-per-view, that’s the politics of the game for them, too. That’s just the way it goes. Not bashing anybody; just stating facts.”

The point that Javier Mendez seems to be making here, is that there are good reasons for both Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje to get the title shot. However, in the end, the UFC will do whatever they think is best for the promotion.

Check out the full podcast in the video below:

Continue Reading Coach: Next UFC Lightweight Title Shot Will Come Down To The Fans at MMA News.

Midnight Mania: Let It Break!

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight! Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Safe to say, Dan Hooker’s decision to accept a short-notice bout vs. Islam Makha…


UFC 267: Makhachev v Hooker
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Safe to say, Dan Hooker’s decision to accept a short-notice bout vs. Islam Makhachev did not exactly pay off. Hooker’s gutsiness in accept the bout definitely earned him some extra respect from the fans, but once the cage doors actually locked, Makhachev pretty immediately had his way with the Kiwi.

Makhachev hardly absorbed a strike before landing a kimura, which ended the bout at 2:25 of the first frame. The hold was perfectly secured and about to do major damage to Hooker’s shoulder when “The Hangman” verbally submitted, but per Hooker himself, he cried uncle by accident! Hooker unintentionally yelled out “Ah f—k,” which the referee interpreted as a verbal submission.

“I thought I’d said it in my head,” Hooker explained (via MMA News). “To be honest I haven’t even gone back and watched the fight. He had my arm wrapped up and I said, I thought I said in my head, I said, ‘Ah fuck!’ [LAUGHS] I thought I said it in my head but obviously, I’ll have to go back and watch it, because obviously I said it out loud… That’s why, I though I’d said it in my head, so initially when the ref starts breaking it up I was like, ‘What? Let it break,’ you know what I mean?”

Well, that explains the confusion at the end of the match between Hooker and the referee.

Ultimately, Hooker is quite fortunate that the referee did not let his shoulder snap. Kimuras most often do severe damage to the rotator cuff, which is a lengthy and unpleasant recovery. Even if Hooker had somehow managed to endure the submission without tapping, was he really going to defeat Makhachev with a non-functioning arm?

Not likely. Instead, Hooker exited the contest relatively unscathed, and perhaps another short-notice Lightweight opportunity will open up and give him a chance to return to the win column.

Insomnia

MMA is coming to one of the most historic Muay Thai stadiums in the world.

These body shots definitely still hurt through the padding.

Alexander Volkanovski is more than open to another showdown vs. Max Holloway and suggests that “Blessed” may not be.

UFC Vegas 43’s co-main event between Michael Chiesa and Sean Brady features a battle of tattoos.

Justin Gaethje vs. Makhachev has to happen at some point.

Speaking of Gaethje, someone put together a highlight showcasing the effects of the low kicks he took from Michael Chandler. Neither man was likely to walk straight for a week after that scrap!

A highly touted English prospect has joined the UFC roster:

Slips, rips, and KO clips

On this day: An absolutely clubbing 3-2 courtesy of Lennox Lewis!

Fight how you train!

A quick lead right hand can be surprising.

Random Land

Dan Osman’s legendary/infamous Lover’s Leap speed free solo came up on my feed tonight:

Midnight Music: Nirvana’s classic cover of Lead Belly’s 1939 track.

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.

Updated Bellator MMA Rankings!

Bellator MMA

The official Bellator MMA rankings were updated following Bellator 271: “Cyborg vs. Kavanagh,” which went down on Fri., Nov. 12, 2021, from inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. In the m…


Bellator MMA

The official Bellator MMA rankings were updated following Bellator 271: “Cyborg vs. Kavanagh,” which went down on Fri., Nov. 12, 2021, from inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. In the main event of the evening, Cris Cyborg knocked out Sinead Kavanagh in the first round to earn her third title defense and fourth win under the Bellator banner overall (watch highlights). In the co-main event, Linton Vassell picked up a huge win in the Heavyweight division, edging out Tyrell Fortune after 15 minutes of back-and-forth action.

To find out how fighters are ranked after each Bellator MMA event click here.

MEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND

1. A.J. McKee (18-0)
2. Patricio Pitbull (32-5)
2. Vadim Nemkov (15-2) -1
4. Gegard Mousasi (48-7-2)
5. Yaroslav Amosov (26-0)
6. Corey Anderson (16-5) +1
7. Ryan Bader (28-7) +1
8. Sergio Pettis (21-5) -2
9. Michael Page (20-1)
10. Valentin Moldavsky (11-1)

WOMEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND

1. Cris Cyborg (24-2, 1 NC)
2. Juliana Velasquez (12-0)
3. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (11-1)
4. Liz Carmouche (16-7)
5. Denise Kielholtz (6-3)
6. Arlene Blencowe (14-8)
7. Cat Zingano (12-4)
8. Kana Watanabe (10-1-1)
9. Leah McCourt (6-1)
10. Leslie Smith (12-9-1)

MEN’S HEAVYWEIGHT (265 Pounds)

C. Ryan Bader (28-6)

1. Valentin Moldavsky (11-1) *interim champion
2. Cheick Kongo (31-11-2)
3. Fedor Emelianenko (40-6)
4. Linton Vassell (22-8) +2
5. Tim Johnson (15-8) -1
6. Tyrell Fortune (11-2) -1
6. Steve Mowry (10-0) +1
8. Said Sowma (8-2)
8. Davion Franklin (4-0) +1
10. Gokhan Saricam (6-1)

MEN’S LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT (205 Pounds)

C. Vadim Nemkov (15-2)

1. Corey Anderson (16-5)
2. Phil Davis (23-6)
3. Ryan Bader (28-7)
4. Anthony Johnson (23-6)
4. Julius Anglickas (10-2)
6. Lyoto Machida (26-11)
7. Karl Albrektsson (13-3)
8. Alex Polizzi (9-1)
9. Grant Neal (6-1)
10. Melvin Manhoef (32-15-1)

MEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT (185 Pounds)

C. Gegard Mousasi (48-7-2)
1. Austin Vanderford (11-0)
2. John Salter (18-5)
3. Costello van Steenis (13-2)
4. Fabian Edwards (9-2)
5. Johnny Eblen (9-0)
6. Charlie Ward (9-4)
7. Mike Shipman (14-3)
8. Romero Cotton (5-0)
9. Dalton Rosta (5-0)
10. Norbert Novenyi Jr. (5-0)

MEN’S WELTERWEIGHT (170 Pounds)

C. Yaroslav Amosov (26-0)

1. Michael Page (20-1)
2. Douglas Lima (32-10)
3. Jason Jackson (15-4)
4. Neiman Gracie (11-2)
5. Logan Storley (12-1)
6. Derek Anderson (17-4)
7. Paul Daley (43-18-2)
8. Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) +1
9. Joey Davis (8-0) -1
10. Oliver Enkamp (10-2)

MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT (155 Pounds)

C. Patricky Pitbull (24-10)

1. Sidney Outlaw (16-4)
2. Brent Primus (11-2)
3. Usman Nurmagomedov (14-0)
4. Goiti Yamauchi (26-5)
5. Peter Queally (13-6-1)
6. Benson Henderson (28-11)
7. Islam Mamedov (20-1-1)
8. Myles Jury (19-6)
9. Aviv Gozali (6-0)
10. Adam Piccolotti (12-4)

MEN’S FEATHERWEIGHT (145 Pounds)

C. A.J. McKee (18-0)

1. Patricio Pitbull (32-5)
2. Mads Burnell (16-3)
2. Adam Borics (17-1) +1
4. Emmanuel Sanchez (20-6)
5. Aaron Pico (9-3) -1
6. Pedro Carvalho (12-5) -1
7. Daniel Weichel (41-13)
8. Justin Gonzales (12-1)
9. Jeremy Kennedy (16-3)
10. Darrion Caldwell (15-5)

MEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT (135 Pounds)

C. Sergio Pettis (21-5)

1. Juan Archuleta (25-3)
2. Raufeon Stots (17-1)
3. Patchy Mix (15-1) -1
4. Magomed Magomedov (18-2)
5. Leandro Higo (21-5)
6. James Gallagher (11-2)
7. Josh Hill (20-4)
8. Jornel Lugo (7-0)
9. Cass Bell (5-2)
10. Darrion Caldwell (15-5)

WOMEN’S FEATHERWEIGHT (145 Pounds)

C. Cris Cyborg (25-2, 1 NC)

1. Arlene Blencowe (15-8)
2. Cat Zingano (12-4)
3. Leslie Smith (12-9-1)
4. Leah McCourt (6-1)
5. Janay Harding (6-5) +1
6. Sinead Kavanagh (7-5) -1
7. Pam Sorenson (9-4)
7. Jessy Miele (9-5) +2
9. Talita Nogueira (8-2) -1
10. Jessica Borga (3-4)

WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT (125 Pounds)

C. Juliana Velasquez (12-0)

1. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (11-1)
2. Liz Carmouche (16-7)
3. Denise Kielholtz (6-3)
4. Kana Watanabe (10-1-1)
5. Kate Jackson (11-5-1)
6. Veta Arteaga (6-4)
7. DeAnna Bennett (11-7-1)
8. Alejandra Lara (9-5)
9. Vanessa Porto (23-9)
10. Diana Avsaragova (4-0)

Expect some changes after the dust settles from Bellator 272, which goes down Fri., Dec. 3, 2021, featuring a Bantamweight title fight between division champion Sergio Pettis and Kyoji Horiguchi.

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

Conor McGregor Clears Up Why He Deletes His Tweets

Conor McGregorConor McGregor has recently explained why he deletes some of his tweets after posting them and keeping them on his page for hours at a time. Everyone knows McGregor loves to take shots at people on Twitter. Some of his more off putting tweets tend to get deleted after he has them out there for […]

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor has recently explained why he deletes some of his tweets after posting them and keeping them on his page for hours at a time.

Everyone knows McGregor loves to take shots at people on Twitter. Some of his more off putting tweets tend to get deleted after he has them out there for a little while. In a recent rant, ‘The Notorious’ explained that he deletes his tweets to keep the negativity off his page. He says what he has to and gets it off his page instead of keeping it there.

McGregor has recently been going on rants about other fighters and has also voiced his displeasure with the current COVID protocols in Ireland. Ireland has recently shut down again to prevent the spread of the virus.

‘“Frustrated with these new restrictions in Ireland,” McGregor said in a since deleted tweet . “We’ve done our part and we’ve followed the rules. [They] told us last month we had the virus suppressed. And yet we move forwards only to move backward again. All we ask for is clarity, and we have gotten none since the beginning.”

A political commentator called out McGregor on Twitter for deleting his tweets about the Irish government and he responded with,

“My point stands. I am ashamed of those in government! Leo comment, disgraceful. I’m worried for our neglected hospitals and for our people. It is an abomination what is happening! It hurts me beyond belief. If you think I enjoy saying these things and want to keep them, i do not.”

Conor McGregor responded back to another political commentator that called him out for deleting his tweets as well

 “Hey, d*** breath, you must be new here. I will always say what I need to say, it gets reported/spread, then I remove from my page. “It’s done and out. I do not like to keep negativity on my channels. Ever. You do zero to help anything or anyone in any situation. So shut up.” McGregor responded back to the commentator in another tweet he deleted.

McGregor is currently in the middle of making his biggest comeback yet after breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier.

How do you feel about Conor McGregor deleting his tweets?

Volkanovski explains why Holloway is ‘maybe scared’ to take third fight

Max Holloway eats a jab from Alexander Volkanovski during their rematch at UFC 251 in 2020. | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski speaks about a potential third fight with Max Holloway. U…


Max Holloway eats a jab from Alexander Volkanovski during their rematch at UFC 251 in 2020.
Max Holloway eats a jab from Alexander Volkanovski during their rematch at UFC 251 in 2020. | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski speaks about a potential third fight with Max Holloway.

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski continues to have his apprehensions about Max Holloway’s career. He already believes the former champ is taking too much damage, and now, he’s a bit doubtful that a third fight between them will happen.

In a recent YouTube video he uploaded, Volkanovski explained why he believes it wouldn’t be wise for Holloway to take another loss.

“This might rattle a few feathers, but I’m gonna leave you with this: Am I saying he’s scared? Maybe,” he said. “But I want yous to hear me out here.

“For Max, this is a big deal. You fight me again and lose, and go 0-3 against me in the featherweight division in your prime — Max in his prime — you talk about legacy, your name isn’t in GOAT conversations anymore.

“It’s in GOAT conversations now. People are still… even though he’s 0-2 against me, there’s still people throwing his name in the GOAT conversation. He loses again, we know, no more. Your legacy in the featherweight division, tarnished.

“Let’s be real. 0-3, in your prime, that doesn’t look good.”

Holloway has so far nullified his two losses to Volkanovski with his two wins in 2021 alone. And while that third fight with Volkanovski is on the table, the proud Hawaiian is also looking at a potential rematch with Conor McGregor.