Author: Andrew Saunders

UFC on Fuel 7 Live Blog

The UFC is currently in London, England, in preparation for Saturday’s card, which is headlined by an interim title fight between bantamweights, Renan Barao and Michael McDonald.Bleacher Report MMA will be bringing you live play-by-play for every fight…

The UFC is currently in London, England, in preparation for Saturday’s card, which is headlined by an interim title fight between bantamweights, Renan Barao and Michael McDonald.

Bleacher Report MMA will be bringing you live play-by-play for every fight on the card, beginning with the Facebook prelims. Bookmark this page and come back for up-to-the-minute action.

Due to the time difference, this event will begin at 12:15 p.m. EST, and the main card kicks off at 3 p.m. EST. 

The weigh-ins took place on Friday morning, and all fighters made weight for the event. The full results are below.

MAIN CARD

  • Champ Renan Barao (134) vs. Michael McDonald (134) – for interim bantamweight title
  • Dustin Poirier (145) vs. Cub Swanson (146)
  • Cyrille Diabate (206) vs. Jimi Manuwa (204)
  • Gunnar Nelson (169) vs. Jorge Santiago (170)
  • Ryan Jimmo (205) vs. James Te Huna (205)
  • Che Mills (170) vs. Matthew Riddle (170)

PRELIMINARY CARD 

  • Terry Etim (155) vs. Renee Forte (156)
  • Danny Castillo (156) vs. Paul Sass (156)
  • Josh Grispi (144) vs. Andy Ogle (145)
  • Stanislav Nedkov (185) vs. Tom Watson (185)
  • Vaughan Lee (134) vs. Motonobu Tezuka (135)
  • Ulysses Gomez (126) vs. Phil Harris (125)

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

7 MMA Callouts That Backfired

After any major win, UFC commentator makes his way into the cage and asks fighters about who they have in mind as their next opponent. There is no answer less satisfying than “I’ll fight whoever they decide to put in front of me.”Not only do fans want …

After any major win, UFC commentator makes his way into the cage and asks fighters about who they have in mind as their next opponent. There is no answer less satisfying than “I’ll fight whoever they decide to put in front of me.”

Not only do fans want to hear a callout, but it behooves a fighter to call his own shots.

When declining to name the next guy in your cross-hairs, you are passing up a golden opportunity. Not only are you given the chance to request a favorable stylistic matchup, but you can jump a few rungs on the divisional ladder by knocking down the right door.

However, be careful what you wish for. By calling out a fighter who can give you a mighty thrashing, some combatants end up falling on their faces.

Here is a look at 7 MMA callouts that backfired.

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Dana White: Alexander Gustafsson Gets Title Shot If Victorious at UFC on FUEL 9

Dana White may have had a major attack earlier this week (mmamania.com) but that didn’t prevent the UFC president from making a surprising announcement regarding the UFC light heavyweight division.At a presser on Wednesday afternoon, White told re…

Dana White may have had a major attack earlier this week (mmamania.com) but that didn’t prevent the UFC president from making a surprising announcement regarding the UFC light heavyweight division.

At a presser on Wednesday afternoon, White told reporters that European sensation Alexander Gustafsson will receive a title shot if he is able to defeat former Strikeforce and DREAM champion Gegard Mousasi at UFC on FUEL 9 (mmajunkie.com). 

Some fans prematurely called for Gustafsson to receive his golden opportunity after defeating Thiago Silva in the spring of 2012. Those talks got louder in December once Gustafsson outstruck former UFC champion Shogun Rua.

The UFC has officially made a mockery of their own rankings system by promising a title shot to the current No. 3 contender. After all, a UFC 157 battle between Dan Henderson and Lyoto Machida sees the division’s top two going toe-to-toe, but only Hendo has been promised a title fight if he is successful.

In the hypothetical world where Machida and Gustafsson are both successful, the UFC will have witnessed the No. 2 contender defeat the man above him on the divisional ladder and the No. 3 contender defeat a guy who sits at No. 10. Under those circumstances, there is no rational logic based on rankings that would put “The Mauler” above “The Dragon” in terms of a title shot.

Does the fact that Machida has already lost to Jon Jones have an impact in this decision? Maybe. But let’s not forget that the Brazilian karate master was promised a title shot last August for his epic knockout win at UFC on Fox 4. Clearly the first title fight wasn’t too much of a hindrance back then.

How do you feel about this announcement? Is Gustafsson ready for Jon Jones? Is he the most worthy title contender regardless of the outcome of UFC 157?

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC: Early Odds and Predictions for February’s Biggest Fights

February might contain the biggest celebration of love on the calendar, but Valentine’s Day celebrations won’t stop the UFC from providing fans with high-level violence that can only be found inside the Octagon.UFC 156 kicked off the month with some me…

February might contain the biggest celebration of love on the calendar, but Valentine’s Day celebrations won’t stop the UFC from providing fans with high-level violence that can only be found inside the Octagon.

UFC 156 kicked off the month with some memorable moments, but between UFC on FUEL 7 and UFC 157 coming our way, the action has barely begun.

Looking ahead to both fight cards, Bleacher Report is here to provide you with the best betting odds on the biggest fights that are on the docket.

Here is a look at early odds and predictions for February’s biggest fights.

All betting odds in this article are courtesy of BestFightOdds.com

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Dan Henderson and the 10 Best Chins in MMA

Sometimes, it’s not about how much punishment you can dish out, but rather,  how much you can take.At UFC 157, iron-chinned warrior Dan Henderson steps into the Octagon for the first time since October 2011. If successful, Henderson will get …

Sometimes, it’s not about how much punishment you can dish out, but rather,  how much you can take.

At UFC 157, iron-chinned warrior Dan Henderson steps into the Octagon for the first time since October 2011. If successful, Henderson will get to compete for the UFC light heavyweight championship against Jon Jones. However, to claim that prize, he will need to find a way to get past the powerful counter-attacks of Lyoto Machida.

The former PRIDE superstar became known for his ability to absorb damage over the years, and that asset might be his most valuable attribute in a clash against such a dangerous opponent.

However, Hendo isn’t the only guy known for his inhuman ability to take a punch. Here is a look at the 10 best chins currently competing in MMA.

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16 MMA Fighters on the Hot Seat in the Month of February

UFC 156 may have come and gone, but the incredible MMA action of February has only just begun. With standout cards from the UFC and Bellator both on the way, there is a lot to look forward to this month.Motivation is in no short supply during February….

UFC 156 may have come and gone, but the incredible MMA action of February has only just begun. With standout cards from the UFC and Bellator both on the way, there is a lot to look forward to this month.

Motivation is in no short supply during February. While some fighters have golden opportunities coming their way, others are looking for a big win to preserve their jobs. 

Regardless of what each fighter has on the line, there are several stars who simply cannot afford to lose. Here is a look at 16 MMA fighters who are on the hot seat in the month of February.

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