Tag: Canelo Alvarez

Brandon Moreno Reveals Advice Compatriot Canelo Alvarez Gave Him

UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno has revealed the important advice his fellow Mexican titleholder Canelo Alvarez gave him.

In one of the most heart-warming title wins of 2021, Moreno reached the 125-pound mountaintop at UFC 263 in June. It cam…

Canelo Alvarez, Brandon Moreno

UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno has revealed the important advice his fellow Mexican titleholder Canelo Alvarez gave him.

In one of the most heart-warming title wins of 2021, Moreno reached the 125-pound mountaintop at UFC 263 in June. It came just two years and six fights after he was released by the promotion following back-to-back losses against Sergio Pettis and Alexandre Pantoja.

Having returned to MMA’s biggest stage and built a three-fight winning streak that included triumphs over Kai Kara-France and Brandon Royval, Moreno earned a shot at Deiveson Figueiredo’s gold. At UFC 256 last December, the pair went to war in a Fight of the Year contender, which ended in a majority draw.

As expected, the two elite flyweights collided once again exactly six months later. This time, in front of a sold-out Arizona crowd, “The Assassin Baby” dominated, finishing “Deus Da Guerra” with a third-round rear-naked choke.

After injuries to Askar Askarov and Alexandre Pantoja prevented them from challenging for the title, Moreno will defend his belt for the first time in a trilogy fight against Figueiredo at UFC 270 on January 22.

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Moreno Learned A Thing Or Two From Boxing’s P4P King

Moreno will certainly be looking to put in a similar display when he shares the Octagon with Figueiredo for the third time. And a meeting with fellow Mexican champion Canelo Alvarez would certainly have done no harm to that quest.

A month out from his championship victory, Moreno joined boxing’s pound-for-pound best in the gym. Not only was it an opportunity for the flyweight champ to mingle with his nation’s top sportsman, but it was also a chance for him to learn from one of the greatest pugilists of all time.

During a recent appearance on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, Moreno discussed his first meeting with the 31-year-old, and dispelled a myth about the Guadalajara native’s character.

“Yes, (it) was my first time (meeting Canelo). I just wanna say, that guy is amazing. He’s a really good guy because, a lot of people thing he’s a little bit like, I don’t know how you say in English, but a bad guy, not a good people, but the guy is serious, definitely is a little bit serious, but he’s very honest and he has a really good vibe. With him, and around him, all the people around him, it’s like, very professional, with really good vibes.”

Canelo boasts a remarkable 57-1 record inside the squared circle. His only blemish came at the hands of the consensus greatest of all time Floyd Mayweather. Thanks to wins over the likes of Billy Joe Saunders, Gennady Golovkin, Amir Khan, and Sergey Kovalev, the Mexican became the first boxer in history to become an undisputed champion at super middleweight.

Given Canelo’s incredible success and accomplishments in the ring, it stands to reason not many are more qualified to give lessons on dealing with fame and championship glory. With that in mind, Moreno said the boxing great reminded him to remain focused on his career, even with the “luxury” that will begin to surround him.

“I talked a little bit with him, with Canelo. He give me some advice about, you know, about the success, about the glory, what happens when you have all this success, what happens with the people around you. (He said) ‘You need to be focused on the goal, and you need to be focused in your career with all the luxury around you.’ But man, now I know why the guy is the best in the world right now in boxing.”

With Canelo’s advice under his belt, Moreno will push forward with his reign atop the flyweight throne. Given Figueiredo’s work with former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo, it’ll seemingly be a battle of legends’ advice come January 22.

What do you make of Canelo’s advice for Brandon Moreno?

Continue Reading Brandon Moreno Reveals Advice Compatriot Canelo Alvarez Gave Him at MMA News.

Colby Covington Scoffs At Usman vs. Canelo Fight Talk

Colby CovingtonColby Covington finds the prospect of a boxing match between his long-time rival Kamaru Usman and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez quite amusing. ‘Chaos’ is coming off a close decision loss to Usman at UFC 268. After starting slow, Covington was able to work his way into the fight and in his mind did enough to beat […]

Colby Covington

Colby Covington finds the prospect of a boxing match between his long-time rival Kamaru Usman and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez quite amusing.

‘Chaos’ is coming off a close decision loss to Usman at UFC 268. After starting slow, Covington was able to work his way into the fight and in his mind did enough to beat ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ on November 6. The judges and the majority of fight fans disagreed with the American who fell short against Usman for a second time and now faces a long road back to the title.

The talk has now turned to who Usman will face next. Leon Edwards appears to be next in line for a shot at the welterweight title but the champion appears to be lukewarm on the idea of rematching ‘Rocky’ who he beat in 2015.

Usman has instead been talking up a potential crossover fight between him and Canelo, who recently cemented himself as the number one pound-for-pound boxer on the planet by becoming undisputed at 168lbs.

Colby Covington Laughs At The Prospect Of Kamaru Usman vs. Canelo

During a recent interview with James Lynch of MMA News, Covington reacted to talk of a potential fight between Usman and Alvarez, he said.

“It’s probably the funniest thing I ever heard in my life. I mean, man, that’s just sad, man. That’s not even believable. Like, come on, man. Let’s talk about things in the realm of possibility. You’re acting like a little kid. He’s just trying to get paid.

“I mean, the bottom line: He doesn’t want to fight tough fights anymore, man. He wants to get this big-money fight and just walk off in the sunset,” Covington added. He doesn’t want it anymore. He doesn’t want it like want it, and that why you’re probably gonna see that guy leave the sport within the next year, and I’m still gonna be here. I’m getting better. I haven’t even hit my prime, man. So when I hit my prime, 34, 35 years old, man, look out, James. These guys are all in trouble.”

Do you agree with Colby Covington? Is Kamaru Usman simply chasing a payday against Canelo?

Colby Covington Laughs Off Talk Of Canelo vs. Usman Crossover Clash

In an exclusive interview with MMA News, Colby Covington laughed off 170-pound champion Kamaru Usman’s desire to meet pound-for-pound boxing king Canelo Alvarez inside the ring.

Covington has challenged Usman twice inside the Octagon. In their firs…

Colby Covington, Canelo Alvarez, Kamaru Usman

In an exclusive interview with MMA News, Colby Covington laughed off 170-pound champion Kamaru Usman’s desire to meet pound-for-pound boxing king Canelo Alvarez inside the ring.

Covington has challenged Usman twice inside the Octagon. In their first meeting at UFC 245 in 2019, “Chaos” gave the champ the toughest test to his reign. Heading into the fifth and final round, most had the fight scored at 2-2. With all to play for, it was Usman who edged ahead and secured a final-frame TKO victory.

After defending his belt once against Gilbert Burns and twice opposite Jorge Masvidal, “The Nigerian Nightmare” faced the threat of Covington again at UFC 268 earlier this month.

Despite dropping “Chaos” in the early rounds and looking like he was facing an easier ride than in the pair’s first clash, Usman lost his firm grip on the headlining bout and allowed his arch-rival back into the contest. But despite rocking the champ inside Madison Square Garden, Covington fell short on the judges’ scorecards.

Covington: Usman vs. Canelo Is The “Funniest Thing I Ever Heard”

Having cleared out many of the top contenders in the division and already lapped and beaten Covington and Masvidal for a second time, many are wondering what’s next for Usman. Ahead of his second victory over the #1-ranked contender, the champ had pitched the idea of a crossover showdown between the UFC’s pound-for-pound king, himself, and boxing’s P4P best, Canelo Alvarez.

Similar to Usman’s 170-pound dominance in the UFC, Canelo has been brushing past opponent after opponent inside the squared circle. The 57-1-2 professional has won multiple world championships across four weight classes from middleweight to light heavyweight. In his latest outing, a TKO win over Caleb Plant on the same night as Usman vs. Covington 2, the Mexican became the first undisputed champion at super middleweight in history.

Speaking to MMA News’ James Lynch, Colby Covington discussed the idea of Canelo and Usman facing off inside the ring. With Canelo’s credentials in mind, and his own experience facing Usman, the former interim titleholder believes talk of “The Nigerian Nightmare” posing any threat to the 31-year-old is laughable. “Chaos” also suggested the welterweight champ’s pursuit of money fights shows he’s nearing retirement from MMA.

“It’s probably the funniest thing I ever heard in my life. I mean, man, that’s just sad, man. That’s not even believable. Like, come on, man. Let’s talk about things in the realm of possibility. You’re acting like a little kid. He’s just trying to get paid. I mean, the bottom line: He doesn’t want to fight tough fights anymore, man. He wants to get this big-money fight and just walk off in the sunset. He doesn’t want it anymore. He doesn’t want it like want it, and that why you’re probably gonna see that guy leave the sport within the next year, and I’m still gonna be here. I’m getting better. I haven’t even hit my prime, man. So when I hit my prime, 34, 35 years old, man, look out, James. These guys are all in trouble,” Covington told MMA News.

Catch our full interview with Colby “Chaos” Covington below:

With Dana White’s comments, in which he emphatically shut down the idea of Usman venturing over to boxing to challenge Canelo, it seems unlikely we’ll be seeing the Nigerian and the Mexican trading leather anytime soon. Nevertheless, the champ isn’t giving up hope, and recently reiterated his desire to make his boxing debut against Canelo.

Do you agree with Colby Covington’s take on a potential Usman vs. Canelo boxing matchup?

Continue Reading Colby Covington Laughs Off Talk Of Canelo vs. Usman Crossover Clash at MMA News.

Kamaru Usman Expects A War In Canelo Alvarez Boxing Match

Kamaru UsmanKamaru Usman is serious about boxing Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The UFC welterweight champion recently defended his strap in a back-and-forth battle with Colby Covington. After five rounds of war, Usman came away with the unanimous decision victory. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ hopes his next bout will be in a boxing ring against the pound-for-pound best boxer […]

Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman is serious about boxing Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

The UFC welterweight champion recently defended his strap in a back-and-forth battle with Colby Covington. After five rounds of war, Usman came away with the unanimous decision victory.

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ hopes his next bout will be in a boxing ring against the pound-for-pound best boxer on the planet despite the fact Dana White doesn’t seem keen on the idea.

If the fight does get booked Usman expects a war with the Mexican icon.

“I expect a war each and every time I step in there,” Usman told TMZ Sports. “Whether its a cage or its a ring, I expect a war, you know. He [Canelo Alvarez] is an amazing fighter and I take nothing away from him. If it happens, it happens. If not, it is what it is.” (Transcribed by Sportskeeda)

Kamaru Usman Has Been Talking Up A Canelo Fight For Some Time

In July, Usman mentioned a potential fight with Canelo for the first time, he said.

“I think I can do anything that I put my mind to. I don’t disrespect Canelo. I think Canelo is one of the best, one of the greatest of this generation and I do not disrespect him at all. I respect his skills and I think he’s a phenomenal champion. But I also know whatever I put I mind to, I go out there and I get it. So if it’s in the cards in the future, maybe we’ll dance, we’ll see.”

Ahead of UFC 268, Usman was once again talking about a crossover bout with the undisputed super-middleweight king.

“To be honest with you, I’ll tell you what will really get the people going, Usman said. When have you ever seen two pound-for-pound fighters in the world in their respective sports go at it? Who’s the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world right now? It’s not about money, it’s about what gets me out of bed, what gets me scared! I want the chance. I want (to fight Canelo)”.

Ahead of his career-defining fight with Caleb Plant, Canelo was asked about squaring off against the pound-for-pound best fighter in MMA.

“Payday,” Canelo replied to a chorus of laughs from assembled media.

Do you think Kamaru Usman is capable of going to war with Canelo in a boxing ring?

UFC’s Kamaru Usman Wants to Fight Canelo Alvarez in Boxing Match

UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has reiterated his desire to have a boxing match against super
middleweight boxing champion Canelo Alvarez. Usman told…

UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has reiterated his desire to have a boxing match against super
middleweight boxing champion Canelo Alvarez. Usman told…

The New Baddest Man on the Planet? Max Holloway Thinks He’s Earned the Title

Think you’ve got an impressive MMA resume? Go ahead and compare it to Max Holloway ’s. The long and lean Hawaiian has been in the UFC for nearly a decade, has …

Think you’ve got an impressive MMA resume? Go ahead and compare it to Max Holloway ’s. The long and lean Hawaiian has been in the UFC for nearly a decade, has …