After winning three consecutive fights inside the Octagon, Johny Hendricks earned the right to face Jon Fitch at UFC 141.Or, did Fitch earn the right to face Hendricks?In a matter of 12 seconds, Hendricks’ career was turned upside down as he landed one…
After winning three consecutive fights inside the Octagon, Johny Hendricks earned the right to face Jon Fitch at UFC 141.
Or, did Fitch earn the right to face Hendricks?
In a matter of 12 seconds, Hendricks’ career was turned upside down as he landed one of the best knockout blows of the year.
When action began, Hendricks approached Fitch and soon after threw an enormous left that caught Fitch and sent him to the ground.
Fitch was hurt badly as the fight was stopped, and Hendricks’ corner exploded in excitement as they witnessed their man capture the biggest win of his MMA career.
Hendricks’ knockout leaves many fans thrilled while others are still in question.
Was Hendricks’ connecting left a fluke, or is he a serious contender in the welterweight division?
After examining his track record we learn this isn’t the first time Hendricks’ knockout power has come into play as he scored “Knockout of the Night” honors over TJ Waldburger at UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Davis.
Hendricks also knocked out Charlie Brenneman in 40 seconds in their UFC 117 bout a little over a year ago.
Not only that but Hendricks has been nearly flawless up until this point in his career, posting an impressive 13-1 record including seven wins since joining the UFC in 2009.
Hendricks has also displayed an ability to remain conditioned throughout his fights allowing him to become an even more well-rounded artist.
While many are not yet satisfied with Hendricks as a legitimate contender in the 170-pound weight division, he’s proven time and time again that he’s the real deal.
For additional information, follow Garrett Derr onTwitter.
On Friday, December 30th, Alexander Gustafsson (12-1) will enter the Octagon to take on the highly experienced, Vladimir Matyushenko (26-5) in a light heavyweight showdown at UFC 141.UFC 141 will air live from the sold out MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las…
On Friday, December 30th, Alexander Gustafsson (12-1) will enter the Octagon to take on the highly experienced, Vladimir Matyushenko (26-5) in a light heavyweight showdown at UFC 141.
UFC 141 will air live from the sold out MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada beginning at 7:00 p.m. PT and 10:00 p.m. ET.
In a recent interview with Bleacher Report’s Garrett Derr, Gustafsson discussed his upcoming bout with Matyushenko and his future in the UFC. However, before Gustafsson began to share about his main card bout at UFC 141, he discussed how proud he is to represent the country of Sweden.
“It’s a dream come true. Having the opportunity to represent the country of Sweden is one of the most important things for me as a fighter”, said Gustafsson. “I am very proud of being a Swede.”
Gustafsson will once again look to make his country proud when he squares off with Matyushenko in just a few short hours. However, many fans were surprised “The Mauler” was given the matchup with Matyushenko as he’s been nearly flawless since joining the UFC in late 2009.
But, Gustafsson wasn’t the slightest bit surprised as he looks forward to facing “The Janitor”, a man he respects greatly.
“I wasn’t surprised at all. Vladimir is a great fighter and one of the best in the world as he’ll be a big test for me. He is a big name and has fought against all the best fighters”, stated Gustafsson. “I was supposed to fight against him at UFC 133 before he got injured so my coaches have spent a lot of time studying him and we have prepared for him most of the 2011.”
“Fans shouldn’t forget that it wasn’t too long ago when he fought against Jon Jones. Jones fought him and then Bader and after that he got a title fight so in my mind this means that I am getting closer and closer to my dream.”
With as much respect as Gustafsson has for Matyushenko heading into their highly anticipated 205-pound matchup, he feels he’s the more well-rounded fighter which will ultimately allow him to reign supreme once again.
“I feel that I have a lot of advantages heading into our fight. My height and reach is something most fighters don’t have. Also, my youth, endurance and footwork will allow me to control the fight. I believe that I am the stronger fighter and have excellent take-down defense. I am a receipt for Matyushenko’s fall”, stated Gustafsson.
Many already consider the 24-year old Gustafsson to be in the top 10 of the light heavyweight division. A win over Matyushenko will only continue to boost Gustafsson up the 205-pound ladder towards his much desired title shot.
However, Gustafsson isn’t focused on what the future may hold as he’s determined to take one step at a time as he knows a title shot will come at just the right time.
“I always try and take one fight at a time. My goal is to beat everyone I fight. I develop for every fight and I am very motivated”, stated Gustafsson. “I don’t know when my time will come, but I know that I will be there very soon.”
When the day does come that Gustafsson receives his title shot, he’ll be more than ready. Every fight is a stepping stone for Gustafsson as he desires to be the future of the light heavyweight division.
“I want to keep winning so that I can get the belt and retire with it. I want to end my career in the UFC as the UFC champion”, said Gustafsson. “I see myself as the future of the light heavyweight division.”
While Gustafsson has accomplished many things over the course of his young career, he’s quick to turn the attention away from himself. The 24-year old knockout artist is grateful for those who’ve helped him along the way.
“There have been so many people to help me get where I am today. My head coach Andreas Michael and Eric Delfiero, Nexus Fighter Center and Alliance Training Center and all the guys there and back home in Sweden. My manager Manos Terzitane and all my sponsors”, stated Gustafsson. “But, most importantly, my family and friends.”
To learn more about Alexander Gustafsson, follow him on Twitter.
For additional information, follow Garrett Derr onTwitter.
On Friday, December 30th, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will be taking its talents back to its stomping grounds in Las Vegas, Nevada for UFC 141.The highly anticipated and hyped event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena beginning at 7:00…
On Friday, December 30th, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will be taking its talents back to its stomping grounds in Las Vegas, Nevada for UFC 141.
The highly anticipated and hyped event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena beginning at 7:00 p.m. PT and 10:00 p.m. ET.
As we know, Brock Lesnar will be making his return to the Octagon after being off for more than a year due to a sickness known as diverticulitis.
In his return Lesnar will be squaring off with Alistair Overeem who will be making his long-awaited UFC debut.
However, that’s not all that will go down on December 30th as the fight card is stacked with five main card bouts.
So, the following slides display the breakdown for every main card fight.
After years of debate, rumors and stories, Alistair Overeem will finally take part in his first UFC bout on December 30th at UFC 141 against Brock Lesnar.However, there have been many things Overeem had to accomplish over the course of his career to ge…
After years of debate, rumors and stories, Alistair Overeem will finally take part in his first UFC bout on December 30th at UFC 141 against Brock Lesnar.
However, there have been many things Overeem had to accomplish over the course of his career to get where he is today.
Like any fighter, Overeem’s had his fair share of ups and downs as he’s fought in many organizations throughout his years in MMA.
From Pride to Strikeforce to Dream and back to Strikeforce, Overeem has finally reached the highest stage of his fighting career.
So, taking a look back on his career, the following slides display the 10 greatest moments of Overeem’s career.
His haters would say he’s endured pure luck and he’s yet to fully prove himself.His fan base states he’s the greatest light heavyweight to have ever participated in the sport of mixed martial arts.The neutral believes he is next best thing.Whatever vie…
His haters would say he’s endured pure luck and he’s yet to fully prove himself.
His fan base states he’s the greatest light heavyweight to have ever participated in the sport of mixed martial arts.
The neutral believes he is next best thing.
Whatever viewpoint you may have, it’s hard to deny just how much Jon Jones has evolved over the early stages of his career.
Despite a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill at the Heavyweight Finale, “Bones” Jones has been nearly flawless in his game. To back it up, Jones has become the youngest champion in UFC history at just 24 years of age.
An early dominance such as this have never been seen before leading us to believe Jones’ time at the 205-pound weight class could be a short stint. Even if it’s not, it’s likely we’ll eventually see the young phenom squaring off against the bruisers in the heavyweight division.
Not only will Jones hang with the 265-pounders, but he’ll be sitting on the throne.
If Jones were to make the transition to the heavyweight, he’d certainly need additional muscle. However, Jones is currently fighting in the light heavyweight division with the body of a heavyweight.
At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Jones is home to the longest wingspan in UFC history, at 84.5 inches. Comparing that to the current heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos, Jones holds an advantage of 7.5 inches. Taking it a step further, comparing Jones’ reach to the tallest man in the UFC in Stefan Struve, who stands 6-foot-11 and weighs 261 pounds, Jones still has the advantage by half an inch.
While his height, reach and build are certainly key components in his future success in the heavyweight division, we haven’t even touched on his skill set.
As we’ve seen throughout his time in the UFC, Jones is nearly untouchable.
In fact, the only man to expose the young terror was Lyoto Machida, who was later submitted senseless by Jones.
The quickness, explosiveness and well-rounded game is something the 265-pound weight class has never seen before.
If Jones were to make the transition to the heavyweight division, it wouldn’t be long until he joined Randy Couture and BJ Penn as one of three fighters to have ever worn titles in two separate weight classes.
Jon Jones is a future heavyweight champion.
For additional information, follow Garrett Derr onTwitter.
We’ve all had our fair share of mess ups over the course of our lives.These instances are often referred to as “dumb moments.”In the world of sports, there are plenty of dumb moments that occur, especially in mixed martial arts.As the sport has grown t…
We’ve all had our fair share of mess ups over the course of our lives.
These instances are often referred to as “dumb moments.”
In the world of sports, there are plenty of dumb moments that occur, especially in mixed martial arts.
As the sport has grown to be a global powerhouse, it’s brought some of the most unforgettable moments but also moments we’d like to forget about.
Regardless, these moments have stuck with us and have played a part in evolving MMA into what it is today.
So, the following slides display the 10 dumbest moments in MMA history.
After winning three consecutive fights inside the Octagon, Johny Hendricks earned the right to face Jon Fitch at UFC 141.