Conor McGregor did what he needed to do against Dennis Siver. His second-round stoppage has earned him a title shot against longtime champion Jose Aldo. What’s interesting about this case is that McGregor has done so in such a way that his messaging outside of the Octagon has been almost more important than what he […]
Conor McGregor did what he needed to do against Dennis Siver. His second-round stoppage has earned him a title shot against longtime champion Jose Aldo. What’s interesting about this case is that McGregor has done so in such a way that his messaging outside of the Octagon has been almost more important than what he […]
(Josh Koscheck deep in thought. / Photo via Getty)
Josh Koscheck will look to avoid being a stepping-stone for the rising Neil Magny when both welterweights collide at UFC 184, according to MMA Junkie.
The Fresno-based fighter, who began a stint as an analyst on FOX Sports 1 and gave our children nightmares on the first day of the job, will be returning from a year of inactivity and mumblings of retirement based on remarks made by Dana White after the former welterweight title challenger was knocked out by Tyron Woodley at UFC 167. It was his second back-to-back knockout loss, falling at the hands of Robbie Lawler before that at UFC 157 back in February 2013. “Kos” is in dire need of a win if he wants to resume fighting, riding a three-fight losing streak. If he topples his opponent in Los Angeles, Calif., it would be his first victory in two years.
(Josh Koscheck deep in thought. / Photo via Getty)
Josh Koscheck will look to avoid being a stepping-stone for the rising Neil Magny when both welterweights collide at UFC 184, according to MMA Junkie.
The Fresno-based fighter, who began a stint as an analyst on FOX Sports 1 and gave our children nightmares on the first day of the job, will be returning from a year of inactivity and mumblings of retirement based on remarks made by Dana White after the former welterweight title challenger was knocked out by Tyron Woodley at UFC 167. It was his second back-to-back knockout loss, falling at the hands of Robbie Lawler before that at UFC 157 back in February 2013. “Kos” is in dire need of a win if he wants to resume fighting, riding a three-fight losing streak. If he topples his opponent in Los Angeles, Calif., it would be his first victory in two years.
Undefeated in 2014 by racking up five straight victories, Magny’s stock can rise if he’s successful against “Kos,” as he currently holds the record for the most wins by any fighter in the UFC this year when he defeated William Macario at UFC 179 last month. Tying Roger Huerta for the most nods in a calendar year, not to mention holding the longest active winning streak out of all his 170-pound compatriots, Magny hopes to show observers his impressive run wasn’t for nothing. Winning is everything, yet this is Magny’s chance to prove he’s better than just the average mid-card talent. Koscheck would be his most prized victory, if that makes sense, after getting the better of a handful of guys without Wikipedia pages (including three out of five decision victories).
Call it odd matchmaking, but it makes sense if we look at it in terms of the fight game. Koscheck may or may not have it anymore, seeing how he’s faltered as of late, and him and his past nemesis Diego Sanchez are the only bucks left from the inaugural TUF season 1 (arguably the only season you ever needed to watch). That’s a lot of wear and tear, especially for someone that never sported gold.
His foe certainly is turning some heads, however, Magny isn’t a name that’s going to be thrown around at your next UFC viewing party. A win in definitive fashion could change that.
Plus, it doesn’t take a boxing historian to figure out this is a crossroads fight for Koscheck, and the most important bout for Magny to date in his career. It’s either out with the old, in with the new, or “I’ll punch out of work when I tell you I’m punching out of work.”
UFC 184 takes place Feb. 28, 2015, from LA’s famed Staples Center, featuring two title bouts including Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort for the middleweight strap, alongside Ronda Rousey defending her women’s bantamweight belt against Cat Zingano.
The UFC doesn’t share our misgivings about Cejudo. They just signed the 2008 Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medal winner. They also booked him in a fight against a proven quantity in Scott Jorgensen.
Cejudo is 6-0 over Wikipedia-less jobbers. His most recent fight was back in January–a flyweight fight where he missed weight by three pounds. Jorgensen, too is coming off a victory. He defeated Danny Martinez at UFC Fight Night 42. Prior to that, he had dropped three fights straight.
This is an interesting signing, Potato Nation.
The biggest question is whether Cejudo can mentally cope with the big leagues. Judging by the fact that he had trouble dealing with the likes of Legacy FC, we’re not optimistic.
However, the UFC is willing to take the risk–and why not? The flyweight division is devoid of anyone that can even remotely be considered a draw. And, as Luke Thomas noted, Cejudo’s ability to speak Spanish would be a boon to the UFC’s efforts in Latin America provided he string a few wins together.
But even if Cejudo loses, it doesn’t matter. This fight is taking place on UFC 177–the card TJ Dillashaw vs. Renan Barao is headlining–so it’s unlikely anyone will see it happen.
This afternoon, the LA Times reported the UFC booked Chad Mendes in a rematch with featherweight champ Jose Aldo. The fight will take place at UFC 176 this August in Los Angeles.
This is one instance of a rematch we don’t necessarily mind seeing (unlike some rematches that don’t ever need to happen again. Ever.). Mendes has been on a warpath since losing to Aldo back at UFC 142 in 2012, winning five fights in a row over the likes of Clay Guida and…Clay Guida.
(Photo via Getty)
This afternoon, the LA Times reported that the UFC booked Chad Mendes in a rematch with featherweight champ Jose Aldo. The fight will take place at UFC 176 this August in Los Angeles.
This is one instance of a rematch we don’t necessarily mind seeing (unlike some rematches that don’t ever need to happen again. Ever.). Mendes has been on a warpath since losing to Aldo back at UFC 142 in 2012, winning five fights in a row over the likes of Clay Guida and…Clay Guida.
Okay so the division is a little thin, but Mendes’ style still poses a threat to Aldo who, according to Dana White, has been looking like shit lately despite outclassing the entire division. If you recall, some say a controversial fence-grab gave Aldo the leverage to ward off a Mendes takedown and knee his head into the stands. Perhaps this is the truth and Mendes is the man to beat Aldo? Unfortunately for Mendes, wonder-coach Duane “Bang” Ludwig is no longer available to help him, which can only be a detriment.
At the time of writing, no other bookings have been announced for UFC 176. We’ll post more updates as we get them.
To be honest, we’re a little disappointed. We wanted one of the “big three” names that get thrown around when Rousey is mentioned–Carano, Cyborg, or Holm.
Dana White met with Gina Carano recently, but apparently nothing came of it–at least nothing immediate. It’s still possible that they eventually work something out. Who knows, maybe Carano will face Rousey at the UFC’s year-end card. And while Carano getting an immediate title shot after several years of inactivity would be insane, the amount of buzz that a Carano-Rousey fight would generate is undeniable (even if the fight itself would be one-sided in favor of Rousey).
So it looks like the Rousey hype train will justifiably pick up more steam this July at UFC 175. We’re not going to officially call the fight right now to avoid a “Dewey Defeats Truman” scenario, but a Rousey win is certainly more likely. Davis just isn’t on the same level in terms of skill and raw athleticism. Remember our theory about the UFC women’s bantamweight division just being a feeder system for Rousey? Looking more true with each booking!
Of note: The fight is taking place in Las Vegas. Belfort’s last three fights were located in Brazil. Conspiratorially minded individuals suspected this clever booking had something to do with Belfort’s much-maligned TRT use. When venerable MMA journalist Kevin Iole tried to separate himself from Dana White’s cheerleaders (aka the MMA media) and call attention to the issue, he was reprimanded.
The TRT issue will, in some ways, overshadow the combatants and the other narratives present in the fight—Weidman coming into his own as champion after definitely proving his superiority over Silva, Belfort’s resurgence as a top contender, etc. The Nevada State Athletic Commission is unsure of whether they’ll award Belfort a therapeutic use exemption, while Dana White has switched stances on the TRT issue. He’s now hoping the commission denies Belfort’s TUE request and TRT gets banned from MMA. Go figure.
It’s going to be an interesting spring.
(Chris Weidman cheers on NSAC officials as they deliberate. / Photo via Getty)
Of note: The fight is taking place in Las Vegas. Belfort’s last three fights were located in Brazil. Conspiratorially minded individuals suspected this clever booking had something to do with Belfort’s much-maligned TRT use. When venerable MMA journalist Kevin Iole tried to separate himself from Dana White’s cheerleaders (aka the MMA media) and call attention to the issue, he was reprimanded.
The TRT issue will, in some ways, overshadow the combatants and the other narratives present in the fight—Weidman coming into his own as champion after definitely proving his superiority over Silva, Belfort’s resurgence as a top contender, etc. The Nevada State Athletic Commission is unsure of whether they’ll award Belfort a therapeutic use exemption, while Dana White has switched stances on the TRT issue. He’s now hoping the commission denies Belfort’s TUE request and TRT gets banned from MMA. Go figure.
