UFC lightweight contender, Michael Chandler has jumped to the defense of expected imcoming opponent, Conor McGregor, claiming the Dubliner did pass the “smell test” after the latter has been hit with multiple accusations of steroid and performance-enhancing drug use in his time away from the Octagon. Chandler, the current #5 ranked lightweight contender, most recently […]
UFC lightweight contender, Michael Chandler has jumped to the defense of expected imcoming opponent, Conor McGregor, claiming the Dubliner did pass the “smell test” after the latter has been hit with multiple accusations of steroid and performance-enhancing drug use in his time away from the Octagon.
Chandler, the current #5 ranked lightweight contender, most recently featured on the main card of UFC 281 back in November at Madison Square Garden – suffering a third round rear-naked choke submission loss.
As for McGregor, the Crumlin native most recenty featured atop a UFC 264 card against common-foe, Poirier in July 2021, suffering a fractured left tibia and fibula en route to a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO defeat.
Recently finishing filming on The Ultimate Fighter 31 earlier this month, Chandler and McGregor are expected to fight later this year at the end of the reality television show season, however, the UFC are yet to officially confirm an event, location, or date for the expected welterweight bout.
Calling for anti-doping agency, USADA to be disbanded over the course of last week, McGregor claimed he only needed two negative drug tests in order to make a UFC return, however, the anti-doping agency disputed that claim in a statement released.
Michael Chandler leaps to the defense of upcoming foe, Conor McGregor
Sharing his thoughts on accusations of steroid and performance enhancing drug-use during his time away from active competition, Chandler claimed the Dubliner would obviously see an increase in upper-body muscle mass during his recovery from his leg injury.
“If I tell you I’m not on steroids or if Conor (McGregor) tells you he’s not on steroids, all you can do is either accept that as fact or he left up to your own scepticism and that’s no way to live,” Michael Chandler said during an Instagram live Q&A session.
“My answer for did he pass the eye and smell test?” Michael Chandler said. “He’s definitely gotten bigger and put on some muscle. Obviously, when you break your leg and all you can do is lift upper body for the last year and a half. The dude is going to put on some muscle. Not to mention the fact that dude doesn’t want to fight at featherweight or lightweight anymore, he wants to go up to welterweight so he’s gotten bigger. But, yes, he passed the test. …” (Transcribed by Mirror)
Conor McGregor famously won two titles and didn’t defend either of them. | Set Number: SI612 TK1
Banned I say! What is it about seeing a fighter defend a championship that makes us think, “Wow, that champion is good, but…
Conor McGregor famously won two titles and didn’t defend either of them. | Set Number: SI612 TK1
Banned I say!
What is it about seeing a fighter defend a championship that makes us think, “Wow, that champion is good, but you know what would make them even better? A second championship.”
Is this a conversation that plays out in MMA circles? Or are UFC champions just hoping it is?
It seems like a day doesn’t go by without a current champion being asked about challenging for a second (or third) championship or a champion just throws the idea out there, as if they were born with two waists.
Right now, it’s Islam Makhachev’s turn. It was only a month ago at UFC 284 that the UFC lightweight champion turned back a challenge from UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. The dominant 145 pound king was himself hoping to become the next double champion (or ‘Champ Champ’).
So, after avoiding losing his title in a close fight, what is Makhachev’s next move? Calling out UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards for a clash later this year in Abu Dhabi. After criticizing Volkanovski’s quest to boost his legacy, Makhachev wants to go out and try to do the exact same thing.
And it would be quite the feat if the idea of holding two belts at the same time wasn’t so passé.
It seems like every champion talks about competing for another belt while they’re already holding one. Why? What is the cause for all this? Perhaps champions think that, by becoming a double champion, it will unlock some Conor McGregor level of fame and wealth that they couldn’t otherwise achieve with only a single belt.
Maybe these ultra-competitive athletes can’t stomach just one belt hanging across their mantles, since the UFC stopped giving out new belts for every successful title defense.
Some fighters might have a concern that their legacies won’t mean as much if they don’t accomplish something as incredible as holding two titles simultaneously (never minding the fact it becomes less impressive with each fighter who does it).
Or perhaps there is something more universal at play. The mortal desire, or curse (depending how you look at it), to have shiny things. All the shiny things.
Can we stop with all this?
We don’t need more double champions. Double championship reigns are always disappointing. The distinction carries very little value on its own and only serves to cause bottlenecks and prevent other fighters from the opportunities they have earned…
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Former undisputed UFC flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko has been offered the opportunity to regain her throne already, by newly minted division champion, Alexa Grasso – who has suggested a September re-run in her native Mexico. Co-headlining UFC 285 earlier this month, Grasso managed to secure a shocking fourth round submission win over the dominant flyweight […]
Former undisputed UFC flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko has been offered the opportunity to regain her throne already, by newly minted division champion, Alexa Grasso – who has suggested a September re-run in her native Mexico.
The victory came as Lobo Gym mainstay, Grasso’s fifth consecutively at the flyweight limit since her division move – following wins over Ji Yeon Kim, Maycee Barber, Joanne Wood, and Viviane Araujo.
With the win, Grasso also joined fellow Mexican-born fighters, Brandon Moreno, and Yair Rodriguez as gold holders under the UFC banner – with the duo landing flyweight and interim featherweight spoils, respectively.
Alexa Grasso eyes immediate title rematch with Valentina Shevchenko
Welcoming the possibility of an immediate championship rematch with former bantamweight title challenger, Shevchenko next, Grasso suggested a September title re-run.
“I hope, so, “ Alexa Grasso said of a rematch with Valentina Shevchenko during an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. “I hope so. She asked for that and I would love to fight again with her. I know that she’s super competitive. I know she’s a perfectionist like me, so imagine a second fight. Truly imagine.”
“I’m wondering what she’s going to do in this second fight, what she’s going to try to do, knowing the first one, knowing what I did,” Alexa Grasso explained. “Also, I have a lot of thrings to do and improve and get better. It’s going to be like a chess match.”
“September sounds like great,” Alexa Grasso explained. “September sounds amazing, but let’s see. Of course, before the end of this year, I would like to fight. Two fights every year sounds good. I truly hope that this can be in Mexico.”
In her most recent successful title defense, Valentina Shevchenko managed to narrowly defeat Brazilian challenger, Taila Santos at UFC 275 back in June of last year in Singapore.
Has Colby Covington crossed the line?
The No. 2-ranked welterweight contender was recently gifted the next shot at the 170-pound title, thanks to a free pass from promotion president Dana W…
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Has Colby Covington crossed the line?
The No. 2-ranked welterweight contender was recently gifted the next shot at the 170-pound title, thanks to a free pass from promotion president Dana White, and doesn’t want anyone getting in the way of his third crack at the division crown.
That includes longtime play-by-play man Jon Anik, who used Twitter to express his sympathy for Belal Muhammad. “Remember the Name” was passed over by the organization in favor of Covington, despite his stellar run through the 170-pound ranks.
“Understand acutely why Colby Covington was the back-up [for UFC 286] but hard not to feel for [Belal Muhammad],” Anik said. “Nine-fight unbeaten streak. Hasn’t lost in four-plus years. Just KO’d a previously undefeated fighter. The man deserves his respect and I don’t say that because he hosts a podcast with my twin bro.”
“You wanted to lick my balls in London, ‘Oh Colby …’ but then you want to go back behind the stage and cheerlead for a racist,” Covington told MMA Fighting. “So he associates with racism and Belal Muhammad. Jon Anik, I don’t want your kids to grow up without a dad. Just realize you live in Boca, I live in Miami mother—ker, you’re not too far from me so you better shut your f—king mouth. You poke the bear, now you get the bear comes after you.”
White and Co. have made it clear that Covington is next in line. That said, reigning welterweight champion Leon Edwards, fresh off his UFC 286 title defense against Kamaru Usman last weekend in London, doesn’t sound like he’s on board with that plan.
Former UFC interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington blasts commentator Jon Anik for associating with ‘racist’ Belal Muhammad. Covington made headlines last week, flying to London to weigh in as a last minute backup for the main event of UFC 286. ‘Chaos’ told reporters that he was called in last Tuesday and made a surprise cameo, […]
Former UFC interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington blasts commentator Jon Anik for associating with ‘racist’ Belal Muhammad.
Covington made headlines last week, flying to London to weigh in as a last minute backup for the main event of UFC 286. ‘Chaos’ told reporters that he was called in last Tuesday and made a surprise cameo, weighing in on the Friday – something that had been kept heavily under wraps until his appearance.
Following the main event for which he was cageside, they would show Covington during Leon Edwards’ victory speech in order to cut a promo. Later on that night, UFC President Dana White announced that the American would be next in line for the title.
Colby Covington slams Jon Anik
Following the announcement, Covington has done the rounds in the media in attempt to build the profile of the next fight while leaning heavily into his ‘heel’ persona.
However, it was not Edwards who Covington would take issue with this time. Bizarrely when talking to MMAFighting, the 35-year-old would hammer the UFC’s lead play-by-play commentator, Jon Anik.
“And you know who’s hanging out and associating with that racist? Jon Anik, Covington said. “Jon Anik, you know, supports that racism. He’s [Anik] supposed to be impartial, he’s supposed to have that headset, he’s supposed to be an interviewer, and remain impartial.
You want to be a cheerleader? Let down the headset, pick up the pom-poms, go on the side, and be a cheerleader”, Covington continued. “You wanted to lick my fricking balls in London, but then you wanted to go behind the stage and cheerlead for a racist. So he [Anik] associates with racism and Belal Muhammad.
“Jon Anik, dude, I don’t want your kids to grow up without a dad, just realize you live in Boca, I live in Miami motherf**ker, you’re not too far from me, so you better shut your f**king mouth. You poke the bear, now you get the bear comes after you.”
Prior to the announcement, Muhammad had been a name that had been put forward as another viable candidate for a title shot and has called out and been extremely critical of Covington.
Colby Covington talking to MMAFighting
Do you think Colby Covington deserve the next title shot?
Justin Gaethje earned his first career UFC takedown in the co-main event of UFC 286 | Photo by Kieran Cleeves/PA Images via Getty Images
A running tally of important stats and records for all UFC events in 2023 After his…
Justin Gaethje earned his first career UFC takedown in the co-main event of UFC 286 | Photo by Kieran Cleeves/PA Images via Getty Images
A running tally of important stats and records for all UFC events in 2023
After his majority decision win over Rafael Fiziev, Justin Gaethje had a couple of messages he wanted to deliver. The first was that he expects to make one more run at the UFC lightweight belt before he hangs up his gloves and his unofficial “most exciting fighter in the UFC” title. The second was that he doesn’t want to hear about his lack of takedowns again.
“I got my takedown, and everybody can shut the f—k up now,” Gaethje told UFC commentator Daniel Cormier after the fight before adding, “I’m taking one more run at the title, but I ain’t gonna be around much longer. So I’m so glad you guys got to enjoy this with me.”
Following Gaethje’s “Fight of the Night” battle with Fiziev, Leon Edwards successfully defended his UFC welterweight title with a majority decision win over the man he took the belt from, Kamaru Usman.
Before both those contests, UFC veteran Gunnar Nelson put his name in the promotional record books with his UFC welterweight record seventh submission win. Nelson forced a tap from Bryan Barberena in the first round of their 170-pound scrap.
UFC 286’s main card streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNews and early prelims on ESPN+.
Below, we look at all the significant UFC stats for 2023.
Shortest Five-Round Fight: Jon Jones submits Ciryl Gane at 2:04 of Round 1 via guillotine choke at UFC 285.
Shortest Three-Round Fight: Rinya Nakamura KOs Toshiomi Kazama at 0:33 of Round 1 via punch to head at distance at UFC Vegas 68.
Latest Finish in a Three-Round Fight: Davey Grant submits Raphael Assuncao via inverted triangle from bottom side control at 4:43 of Round 3 at UFC Vegas 71.
Most Takedowns Landed: Loik Radzhabov lands 11 takedowns on 21 attempts vs. Esteban Ribovics at UFC 285 and Merab Dvalishvili lands 11 takedowns on 49 attempts vs. Petr Yan (five round fight) at UFC Vegas 71.
Most Submission Attempts: HyunSung Park three submission attempts against SeungGuk Choi, Jimmy Crutethree submission attempts against Alonzo Menifield, Clayton Carpenter with three submission attempts vs. Juancamilo Ronderos and Joe Solecki with three submission attempts vs. Carl Deaton.
Most Knockdowns Landed: Rinya Nakamura scores two knockdowns on Toshiomi Kazama , Alonzo Menifield scores two knockdowns on Jimmy Crute and Trevor Peek with two knockdowns vs. Erick Gonzalez.
Most Significant Strikes Landed in a Three-Round Fight: Jessica Andrade lands 231 of 369 significant strike attempts in unanimous decision win over Lauren Murphy.
Shutouts: Serghei Spivac prevents Derrick Lewis from landing any strikes or takedowns during their UFC Vegas 68 main event fight.
First career UFC takedown: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev at UFC 268.
Jon Jones became the eighth double-champion in UFC history.
Jon Jones broke his own UFC record with 15 title fight wins.
Shavkat Rakhmonov became the first UFC welterweight to open his run with the promotion with five straight finishes.
Jamahal Hill lands 232 significant strikes in a UFC light heavyweight fight for a new UFC LHW single-fight record. Hill defeated Glover Teixeira to by unanimous decision to win the UFC light heavyweight title.
Jessica Andrade lands 231 significant strikes in a UFC women’s flyweight fight for a new UFC women’s flyweight record. Andrade defeated Lauren Murphy via unanimous decision.
Jessica Andrade tied Amanda Nunes for most wins in women’s UFC history with her 15th victory with the promotion.
Jim Miller participated in his 41st fight in the UFC. Andrei Arlovski is second to Miller with 39 UFC bouts.
With his one submission attempt vs. Alexander Hernandez, Jim Miller has the most submission attempts in UFC history with 47. Charles Oliveira is second with 40 submission attempts.
Jim Miller has 38 fights in the UFC lightweight division. Three other fighters: Clay Guida, Gleison Tibau and Joe Lauzon are tied for second with 27 fighters each.
Jim Miller has 6:18:59 of UFC lightweight fight time. Clay Guida is second with 5:10:50.
Jim Miller has 44 submission attempts in UFC lightweight fights. Joe Lauzon is second with 29.
Erin Blanchfield has a control time percentage of 55.4 percent in UFC flyweight fights. Taila Santos is second with 46.3 percent.
Erin Blanchfield has a top position percentage of 48.6 percent in UFC flyweight fights. Gillian Robertson is second at 41.9 percent.
Erin Blanchfield averages 1.57 submissions per 15 minutes of UFC women’s flyweight fight time. Taila Santos is second at 1.5.
Mayra Bueno Silva secures first kneebar submission in UFC women’s bantamweight history.
Gunnar Nelson sets UFC welterweight record with seven career submission wins.
Former undisputed UFC flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko has been offered the opportunity to regain her throne already, by newly minted division champion, Alexa Grasso – who has suggested a September re-run in her native Mexico. Co-headlining UFC 285 earlier this month, Grasso managed to secure a shocking fourth round submission win over the dominant flyweight […]
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Former UFC interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington blasts commentator Jon Anik for associating with ‘racist’ Belal Muhammad. Covington made headlines last week, flying to London to weigh in as a last minute backup for the main event of UFC 286. ‘Chaos’ told reporters that he was called in last Tuesday and made a surprise cameo, […]