Tag: Ante Delija

Vadim Nemkov vs. Ante Delija Added to Champions Series Dubai – Bellator vs. PFL

Vadim Nemkov vs. Ante Delija Added to Champions Series Dubai - Bellator vs. PFLHeavyweights Vadim Nemkov vs. Ante Delija has just been announced as a PFL vs. Bellator showdown. The PFL is…

Vadim Nemkov vs. Ante Delija Added to Champions Series Dubai - Bellator vs. PFL

Heavyweights Vadim Nemkov vs. Ante Delija has just been announced as a PFL vs. Bellator showdown. The PFL is hosting a major MMA event, Champions Series Dubai, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. This event marks the start of a new partnership to establish Dubai as a key destination for MMA. The show will feature two marquee fights: a lightweight title bout and a heavyweight clash.

Vadim Nemkov vs. Ante Delija

In the main event, undefeated lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) from Dagestan will defend his title against Ireland’s rising star Paul Hughes (13-1). Hughes is coming off the biggest win of his career after defeating AJ McKee at the PFL’s Battle of the Giants.

Meanwhile, the co-main event pits former Bellator champion Vadim Nemkov (18-2) from Russia against Ante Delija (24-6) from Croatia. Nemkov, riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak, is a dominant finisher with victories over Yoel Romero and Corey Anderson. He is a protege of all-time great Fedor Emelianenko. Delija, a former PFL champion, is known for his knockout power and submission skills, carrying on Croatia’s heavyweight MMA legacy alongside names like Mirko Cro Cop and Stipe Miocic.

This event is part of the “Road to Dubai” series, an initiative developed through a partnership between the PFL, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, and the Dubai Sports Council. The partnership between PFL and Dubai authorities also creates opportunities for local Emirati fighters to rise through the ranks. This event kicks off a multi-year push to make Dubai a global MMA hotspot while showcasing the sport’s top athletes and promoting new talent.

Vadim Nemkov vs. Ante Delija Added to Champions Series Dubai Bellator vs. PFL 2

PFL kingpin Ante Delija issues chilling call out to UFC alum Francis Ngannou: ‘I’m gonna go for his head’

Ante Delija offers to fight Francis Ngannou in PFL I'm coming for his headPFL heavyweight is Ante Delija welcomes the challenge of Francis Ngannou. Ngannou’s recent situation has become one of the biggest stories within MMA for quite some time. After a long and ugly contract dispute with the UFC, ‘The Predator’ would test the free agency market rather the resigning with the promotion. Ngannou would land himself […]

Ante Delija offers to fight Francis Ngannou in PFL I'm coming for his head

PFL heavyweight is Ante Delija welcomes the challenge of Francis Ngannou.

Ngannou’s recent situation has become one of the biggest stories within MMA for quite some time. After a long and ugly contract dispute with the UFC, ‘The Predator’ would test the free agency market rather the resigning with the promotion. Ngannou would land himself a monumental deal with the PFL, not only fulfilling his financial requirements, but also his personal details that were all important.

Ngannou is set to compete in the PFL’s super fight division, but there is questions on who a viable opponent would be as it Ngannou’s bouts are set to be pay-per-view. Heavyweight lacks significant depth and a lot of the elite big men are already signed to UFC.

Ante Delija outlined as welcoming opponent

Reigning PFL heavyweight champion Delija is one of PFL’s brightest heavyweights and should he continue his current winning streak, could find himself in a Ngannou fight. PFL analyst and commentator, Randy Couture recently expressed his interest in the matchup.

“Ante Delija won last year’s championship in stellar fashion and he was very highly touted when we signed him,” Couture said to MMA Junkie. “He struggled with the format early on, and I think he sorted it out.

“He’s a game fighter. He’s a solid, well-rounded fighter. Francis Ngannou and Ante Delija, that would be a great fight. I would watch that fight, and I would pay a pay-per-view to watch that fight.” (H/T MMAJunkie)

Talking to MMA News, Delija would be questioned on the interest in a potential Ngannou fight and seems up for the challenge.

I’m very motivated to conquer and get this belt, and fight Francis Ngannou,” Delija exclaimed. “Ngannou is one of the greatest, No. 1 in the world at heavyweight, and I feel like I’m also No. 1 in the world, so, of course, I’m gonna go for his head.”

“We can’t know until the fight happens, but I’m very motivated to fight him at any cost.”

Who do you want to see Francis Ngannou face?

Ante Delija demolishes Renan Ferreira with first-round knockout to secure championship spot – PFL 8 Highlights

Ante DelijaAnte Delija showcased relentless pressure to dispatch of Renan Ferreira at PFL 8. Going into the bout as the runner-up of the PFL 2021 heavyweight season, Ante Delija was looking to solidify his place in the tournament finals with a win over Renan Ferreira at PFL 8: 2022 Playoffs at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, […]

Ante Delija

Ante Delija showcased relentless pressure to dispatch of Renan Ferreira at PFL 8.

Going into the bout as the runner-up of the PFL 2021 heavyweight season, Ante Delija was looking to solidify his place in the tournament finals with a win over Renan Ferreira at PFL 8: 2022 Playoffs at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

Delija, the protege of the legendary MMA fighter Mirko Cro Cop, kicked things off utilizing a grappling-heavy approach. He managed to inflict a considerable amount of damage to Ferreira through ground and pound in the opening round. His aggression from the top position proved too much for Ferreira, who was unable to provide an answer for the Croations’s pressure.

Delijah scored a first-round knockout finish of Ferreira.

Below, catch the highlights from Ante Delija vs. Renan Ferreira