Author: Dan Hiergesell

The UFC 270 pay-per-view (PPV) card is becoming increasingly difficult to predict, but UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler is here to shed some light on tonight’s matchups going down live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Chandler, who has become one of the most exciting fighters on the UFC roster since his debut in 2021, has been around the sport of MMA for quite some time. He’s an extremely knowledgeable fighter and one that usually looks at fights from an unbiased approach. That’s why his predictions for tonight’s action come as a little bit of a surprise.

Leading UFC 270’s PPV card will be a matchup between heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and interim titleholder Ciryl Gane. While Ngannou has proven to be one of the most ferocious knockout artists in the history of the sport, Gane is a tactician inside of the Octagon and has showcased striking skills only welterweights dream of. It isn’t the best of matchups for “Predator,” but Chandler is still leaning heavily on the champion to land his patented knockout blows.

“I’ve got @francis_ngannou by KO round one. The man will rise to the occasion of the pressure and expectations thrust upon him. His path is set. Put your money there.”

In the co-main event, Brandon Moreno will defend his UFC flyweight title for the first time in a trilogy bout with former division king Deiveson Figueiredo. The two fighters have met twice over the past year and have created quite the rivalry inside of the cage. Moreno won the last fight with a slick third-round submission and Chandler believes the young champion will repeat his performance tonight at UFC 270, but one round sooner.

“Assassin baby by 2nd round sub…”

Fortunately, Ngannou is a betting underdog as of now so if you agree with Chandler now is the time to put some money down on the champ. Moreno, on the other hand, is a better favorite. It’s going to be hard for “Assassin Baby” to repeat his dominant performance over Figueiredo last time around, but anything is possible at this point.

What do you think, fight fans? Should we be putting our money on Ngannou and Moreno for tonight’s PPV action?

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 270 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV. You can bet on the card at DraftKings Sportsbook.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 270: “Ngannou vs. Gane” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For a look at the revised UFC 270 fight card and PPV lineup click here.

Glover Teixeira will defend his UFC light heavyweight title for the first time against top contender Jiri Prochazka at UFC 274 on May 7, per a recent report by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.

It is unknown at this time where UFC 274 will take place, but MMA Junkie reports the event could mark UFC’s return to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We’ll have to wait and see if that actually happens or if COVID-19 restrictions will force the promotion to pivot to a U.S. location.

Teixiera, 42, pulled off an improbable run through the 205-pound division en route to defeating Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267 this past October to claim the title (highlights HERE). It is unknown how much Teixeira has left in the tank at his current age, but the Brazilian has looked relatively unbeatable of late. Teixeira will find himself competing against one of the most dangerous fighters in the world in his first title defense.

Prochazka, 29, has looked incredible through two Octagon appearances after coming over from RIZIN back in 2020. With back-to-back finishes over former UFC light heavyweight title challengers Dominick Reyes and Volkan Oezdemir, Prochazka looks like a real title threat and potential long-standing champion. The man known as “Denisa” is 12-0 since the start of 2016 with 11 knockout finishes so he ‘s clearly earned this shot at UFC gold.

Stick with Mania for more UFC 274 fight card news.

It all goes down later tonight (Sat., Jan. 22, 2022) at UFC 270 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., as knockout sensation Francis Ngannou puts his UFC heavyweight title on the line in a bad-blood matchup with interim champion Ciryl Gane.

In addition to the heavyweight headliner, UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno will run things back once again when he meets Deiveson Figueiredo for a third time in the co-main event. UFC 270 will also feature notable fighters such as welterweight finisher Michel Pereira, rising bantamweight contender Said Nurmagomedov, undefeated welterweight prospect Michael Morales, and the Octagon debut of Australian youngster Jack Della Maddalena.

Take a look below at UFC 270’s complete fight card line up and start times:

Main Card (ESPN+ PPV)
10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT

Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane
Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
Michel Pereira vs. Andre Fialho
Cody Stamann vs. Said Nurmagomedov
Trevin Giles vs. Michael Morales

‘Prelims’ Undercard (ESPN2/ESPN+)
8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT

Raoni Barcelos vs. Victor Henry
Jack Della Maddalena vs. Pete Rodriguez
Tony Gravely vs. Saimon Oliveira
Matt Frevola vs. Genaro Valdez

Early ‘Prelims’ Undercard (ESPN+)
7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT

Silvana Gomez Juarez vs. Vanessa Demopoulos
Kay Hansen vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius

Online

• UFC 270: “Ngannou vs. Gane” PPV main card can be viewed via the ESPN+ streaming app.
• Subscriptions cost $5.99 per month. The UFC 270 PPV will cost $74.99 for current subscribers.
• UFC 270: “Ngannou vs. Gane” undercard “Prelims” can be viewed via ESPN+ as well.

Television

• UFC 270: “Ngannou vs. Gane” undercard “Prelims” can be viewed via ESPN2. Check your local providers or click for instant access to ESPN HERE.
• UFC 270: “Ngannou vs. Gane” can also be streamed via Xbox One, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, and ChromeCast.

Tablet/Mobile

• UFC 270: “Ngannou vs. Gane” PPV main card and undercard “Prelims” can be viewed via ESPN+ streaming app through Google Play and iTunes stores.

Bars

• Stay home, be safe. But if you really, really need to go out and watch UFC 270 there is a list of bars near you airing “Ngannou vs. Gane” right here.

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 270 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV. You can bet on the card at DraftKings Sportsbook.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 270: “Ngannou vs. Gane” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For a look at the revised UFC 270 fight card and PPV lineup click here.

We are just hours away from UFC 270 later tonight (Sat., Jan. 22, 2022) live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., and the final episode of “Embedded” has been released.

Tonight’s first PPV action of 2022 is expected to deliver from start to finish, but the main attraction of the night will be a grudge match between UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and interim titleholder Ciryl Gane. Both fighters used to train under the same gym in France and have a history entering this fight. Ngannou is a world-renowned knockout artist while Gane uses footwork, precision, and volume to break down his opponents. It’s a match made in heaven and one of the more important heavyweight fights in recent memory.

Adding to the mix will be a flyweight trilogy fight pitting current UFC champion Brandon Moreno against former titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo. The two flyweights will collide in the co-main event after fighting twice over the past 13 months. Moreno had the last laugh with a submission victory over Figueiredo at UFC 263, but Figueiredo has a chance to win back his belt later tonight at UFC 270 and prove he’s the better fighter.

Ahead of tonight’s PPV card the promotion has rolled out the latest and greatest episode of UFC 270 “Embedded,” which can be seen in the above media player. Check out below for a full description of the final installment:

“Champion Brandon Moreno makes weight, guided by the UFC PI nutrition team. All the stars of the title fights hit their numbers, then face off for fans on Friday afternoon.”

To watch Episodes 1-5 of UFC 270 “Embedded” click here, here, here, here, and here.

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 270 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV. You can bet on the card at DraftKings Sportsbook.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 270: “Ngannou vs. Gane” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For a look at the revised UFC 270 fight card and PPV lineup click here.

Francis Ngannou is not thinking about a heavyweight fight with Jon Jones heading into his clash with Ciryl Gane this evening (Sat., Jan. 22, 2022) at UFC 270 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Honda Center in Anaheim, California. In fact, “Predator” is not even interested in stepping inside of the Octagon with Jones anytime soon.

Before his matchup with Gane ever materialized Ngannou was expected to meet Jones in a massive heavyweight superfight. Ngannou had just won the title off Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 back in March 2021 and Jones was inching closer to being ready for his heavyweight debut. Contract negotiations ultimately got in the way as did issues outside of the cage so the matchup never actually took flight.

When asked about the potential Jones fight during Thursday’s pre-fight press conference (replay HERE) Ngannou seemed completely removed from the idea.

“No, I’m done with that fight,” said Ngannou. “I’ve been waiting for that fight for so long. After Stipe [Miocic], it was supposed to be Jon Jones and that never happened. I don’t know why. So I moved on.”

Ngannou, who is riding a five-fight win streak with all finishes, will have a tough challenge later tonight at UFC 270 in his matchup with Gane. “Bon Gamin” is an undefeated interim champion who possesses one of the most unique striking skill sets the heavyweight division has ever seen. If Ngannou is able to harness his punching power and stop Gane in his tracks he’ll once again strike fear into a division full of eager contenders.

Should Ngannou come out victorious and retain his UFC heavyweight title there’s really no telling who’s next. It could be Jones, but not even UFC president Dana White is confident in that matchup heading into 2022.

“I don’t feel confident saying that Jon Jones is next,” White recently told ESPN. “Not because I think he’s unreliable, it’s because I honestly don’t know what Jon Jones wants to do next. I think Jon’s going to watch this fight, and he’ll decide. Maybe he doesn’t fight at heavyweight. Maybe he goes back and tries to regain the light heavyweight championship.

“I honestly don’t know the answer to that question. After everything plays out on Saturday — there’s just so much going into this fight. It’s all part of the drama, though. It’s what makes this weekend so fun.”

What say you, Manics? If Ngannou defeats Gane will he fight Jones next? If not, who should be the next title contender in the UFC’s heavyweight division?

Sound off!

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 270 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV. You can bet on the card at DraftKings Sportsbook.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 270: “Ngannou vs. Gane” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For a look at the revised UFC 270 fight card and PPV lineup click here.

Brandon Moreno may have never followed Michael Jordan’s basketball career, but the UFC flyweight champion is drawing a ton of inspiration from MJ heading into his trilogy bout with Deiveson Figueiredo tomorrow night (Sat., Jan. 22, 2022) at UFC 270 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Saturday’s trilogy fight will be a massive opportunity for Moreno to not only put the finishing touches on his rivalry with Figueiredo, but also to put his stamp on the flyweight division. Moreno is an extremely likeable fighter who never quits inside of the cage, which is one of the reasons why he is so beloved. Retaining his flyweight title this weekend will only increase his stock heading into a long 2022.

That said, Figueiredo looked like a perennial champion before his two encounters with Moreno so it’s going to take everything Moreno has to defeat the Brazilian once more. While becoming champion can sometimes make a fighter content Moreno has been doing his best to improve his skills inside and outside of the cage. That’s why he was attracted to Jordan and all of the hard work and dedication MJ harnessed in order to become a great basketball player.

“I need to be honest, I’m not a huge fan of basketball,” Moreno told MMA Fighting. “[The sport is] very fun. I like to watch it, I don’t have a team, but I started to learn the history of Michael Jordan from The Last Dance.

“Then I started to investigate a little more about Michael Jordan and my manager Jason [House] told me about the book Winning from Tim Grover, the personal trainer of Michael Jordan. I read the book, the ideas about how hard he worked, how he was in his regular life, the obsession to win everything. That, to me, was something different — and it was very inspirational to me.”

Moreno, who is unbeaten since 2018, could have matched up against a slew of different contenders for his first title defense, but opted to fight Figueiredo for a third time after “Deus Da Guerra” began to call him out. Moreno is looking to do more than he did in the second fight and put an end to their trilogy once and for all.

“Figueiredo liked to talk like, ‘This guy is scared of me, he don’t want to give me the trilogy.’ But man, I was just waiting for the name, literally,” Moreno said. “The first name the UFC gave me was Figueiredo and I said ‘yes’ in that moment, because I just wanted to fight.

“At first I was a little surprised. But at the end of the day, the first fight was incredible, second fight was total domination, but maybe the trilogy can be nice to finish the job and put Deiveson Figueiredo in the 135-pound division.”

Following his loss to Moreno, Figueiredo switched camps to train with Henry Cejudo and seemed to gas the rivalry up a bit to give him an advantage in the third fight. Moreno isn’t buying any of it and feels ready to expose Figueiredo inside of the Octagon.

“You know what’s the most sad part? I don’t have any rivalries with anybody,” Moreno explained. “He’s trying to do some [stuff], man, it’s so funny to me. At this point, I’m just thinking about the fight. I need to be very sharp — as sharp as the last fight — and I just need to put pressure on him like before.

“Obviously, he’s trying to do something for this one because he needs to do it, but this training camp was so hard and I feel so ready. I could fight him right now. I just need to make the weight, but I’m ready.”

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 270 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV. You can bet on the card at DraftKings Sportsbook.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 270: “Ngannou vs. Gane” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For a look at the revised UFC 270 fight card and PPV lineup click here.