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Petr Yan’s short time in UFC has been remarkably impressive.
In less than two years’ time, Yan has won six bouts inside the Octagon. More than that, the Russian Master of Sport in both boxing and MMA has largely dominated his competition, picking up three knockout wins in the process. At 27 years of age, Yan has the potential to be a Bantamweight title threat for a long time to come.
Perhaps that’s why he’s opened as such a large favorite opposite Jose Aldo at -240 per BestFightOdds.
Future Events: Jose Aldo (+205) vs. Petr Yan (-240) https://t.co/VO30HSKbaw @josealdojunior @PetrYanUFC
— BestFightOdds (@BestFightOdds) May 29, 2020
A bout between the two is currently targeted for the vacant Bantamweight title later in the year, likely over Summer. Jose Aldo is technically winless at 135-pounds, but the Brazilian legend arguably won his Bantamweight debut against former title challenger Marlon Moraes. Regardless of your opinion on the decision itself, Aldo proved that he was a viable threat at Bantamweight and still had something left in the tank.
In short, the bout is a definite step up for Yan, but odds makers appear confident it’s one he’ll handle well.
Who ya’ got?
Insomnia
UFC should probably do a better job of keeping one of its few serious pay-per-view (PPV) draws happy.
I don’t even make half of half of what Diante Wilder makes. If my reputation causes you to undervalue me this much. Just go ahead and release me from my @Ufc contract altogether. I’m sure some promoter somewhere will be more than happy to pick me up.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 29, 2020
The Reebok deal may be coming to an end, but it doesn’t seem like fighters will be able to represent sponsors inside the Octagon any time soon. Personally, I had been hoping for a PFL-esque compromise: allowing one small sponsorship per athlete.
When asked if fighters will be allowed to have sponsors in the cage again, his response was, “The fighters get paid. The fighters get paid for whatever sponsor we have, they get a piece of that. And they can have whatever sponsors they want outside the cage.”
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 29, 2020
Further explanation on the Reebok deal and where that money went …
To date the UFC’s “Promotional Guidelines Compliance” program (of which wearing Reebok apparel is part of) has paid out just shy of $33 million to athletes.
Dana White famously quoted as saying “all the money goes to” fighters after signing reported $70 million deal in 2014. https://t.co/dBz6QYtaGT
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohnMMA) May 29, 2020
Francis Ngannou is the next Billy Banks.
Dear readers, if a gun if ever pointed in your direction, do not follow these instructions.
I need someone to explain to me what the hell these stretches Teruto Ishihara is doing are.
Last night, we discussed women’s MMA and marketing sexuality. Let’s flip the script (courtesy of a prompt from Jessica-Rose Clark)
Who’s the most attractive MALE fighter on the ufc roster?
— Jessy Jess (@missjessyjess) May 29, 2020
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Here’s some proof the Valerie Loureda can also throw down. It’s true that she hasn’t fought anyone amazing yet, but that’s hardly a rarity for a young prospect with two pro fights.
@ValerieLouredaa with the hammer fists to cement her win tonight at #Bellator216.
Main card is LIVE on @DAZN_USA https://t.co/nYWevM68WM
& @SkySports Main Event .#BellatorWGP pic.twitter.com/L3PcecW5CA— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) February 17, 2019
This is a particularly brutal finish to a Bulldog choke:
One of the slickest inversions I’ve ever seen!
Random Land
Baby turtles!
Midnight Music: Freddie Gibbs teamed up with producer The Alchemist for another serving of quality gangsta rap. Today is a good day:
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.