Tag: Dan Ige

Dan Ige Has Return After Same-Day Notice Diego Lopes Scrap In The Works For Abu Dhabi-Held UFC 308

While he didn’t get the next assignment he was after, UFC featherweight fan favorite Dan Ige does appear to have a major matchup in the calendar. Ige, who currently occupies the #14 spot at 145 pounds, made headlines last month when he replaced Brian Ortega on fight day to share the Octagon with Diego Lopes […]

Continue Reading Dan Ige Has Return After Same-Day Notice Diego Lopes Scrap In The Works For Abu Dhabi-Held UFC 308 at MMA News.

While he didn’t get the next assignment he was after, UFC featherweight fan favorite Dan Ige does appear to have a major matchup in the calendar.

Ige, who currently occupies the #14 spot at 145 pounds, made headlines last month when he replaced Brian Ortega on fight day to share the Octagon with Diego Lopes in the UFC 303 co-main event.

Although he fell short on the scorecards, the Hawaiian was widely praised for his efforts and seemingly promised something big next time out. Ige was hoping for that to be an appearance at the upcoming Sphere event in September.

That, however, has not come to fruition. Instead, per MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, a clash between Ige and the #11-ranked Lerone Murphy is in the works for the UFC 308 pay-per-view in Abu Dhabi on October 26.

The pair were originally set to collide this past February, but an injury to Murphy forced him out on late notice.

Murphy, Ige Target Featherweight Top 10 In Rearranged Clash

Should this fight come to fruition for the Etihad Arena later this year, Murphy will be looking to defend his position on the ladder and keep his hopes of a spot in the featherweight top 10 alive.

Murphy (14-0-1) has long been touted as one of the most promising up-and-comers at 145 pounds, with wins over the likes of Ricardo Ramos and Joshua Culibao paving the way for his entry into the rankings. And the undefeated Brit recorded his biggest win to date this past May, beating Edson Barboza in his maiden main event at the Apex.

If “Iceman” is to keep his 0 and stake his claim for a spot in title contention, he must send Ige (18-8) to a losing skid. The 32-year-old has exchanged wins and losses in recent times, outpointing Nate Landwehr and violently stopping Andre Fili, but falling short against Movsar Evloev and Lopes.

With the spotlight on him following the events of International Fight Week, Ige will look to return to winning ways in a big way and begin a resurgence up the featherweight pecking order.

Continue Reading Dan Ige Has Return After Same-Day Notice Diego Lopes Scrap In The Works For Abu Dhabi-Held UFC 308 at MMA News.

Eric Nicksick Admits Last-Minute Technique Advice To Dan Ige May Have Cost Him UFC 303 Fight Against Diego Lopes: ‘My Heart Hurt…’

For his short-notice co-main event fight with Diego Lopes at UFC 303, Eric Nicksick was in Dan Ige’s corner. By coaching two former UFC champs, Francis Ngannou and Sean Strickland, Nicksick has gained a ton of acclaim in MMA circles. At UFC 303, the coach had an unprecedented challenge as Ige only had four hours […]

Continue Reading Eric Nicksick Admits Last-Minute Technique Advice To Dan Ige May Have Cost Him UFC 303 Fight Against Diego Lopes: ‘My Heart Hurt…’ at MMA News.

For his short-notice co-main event fight with Diego Lopes at UFC 303, Eric Nicksick was in Dan Ige’s corner. By coaching two former UFC champs, Francis Ngannou and Sean Strickland, Nicksick has gained a ton of acclaim in MMA circles.

At UFC 303, the coach had an unprecedented challenge as Ige only had four hours to weigh in, rehydrate, and, well, also figure out his in-fight strategy. Their goal was to fight on instincts which, to be fair, worked pretty well.

Showing his durability, “50k” survived Lopes’ explosive striking and constricting ground game in the first two rounds and outstruck the Brazilian in the third. A last-minute adjustment suggested by coach Nicksick worked against him, though, and may have cost him the UFC 303 co-main event.

Eric Nicksick Looks Back At Mistake That Likely Cost Dan Ige A Round Against Diego Lopes At UFC 303

Nicksick and Ige appeared on the UFC 303 recap episode of the Anik & Florian Podcast uploaded on the DraftKings YouTube channel. Remembering the fight, Nicksick admitted that he shouldn’t have asked Ige to throw a head kick.

“To be honest with you, I’ve been having a little bit of sleepless nights because I f****d up going into round. In round two, I called for the same side head kick. Something that I thought, because no one’s ever seen Dan throw it.”

Nicksick expected the side head kick to surprise Lopes as Ige had only recently added the move to his arsenal. “50k” followed these instructions two minutes into the second round. The kick landed but also helped Lopes secure a takedown.

“It was the same side high when Dan went southpaw. And he threw it, and the shin bone landed on this dude’s head but we got taken down. And I looked over at Kai and I’m like, I just f****d us. Dude, my gut, I was like, I just f****d this man, my heart hurt.”

Despite the takedown and three minutes of control time, Ige constantly fought off his back and prevented his opponent from submitting him.

Unfortunately, due to the takedown, the round was scored by the judges for Lopes. And despite comfortably winning the third round, Ige lost a unanimous decision 29-28 on all scorecards.

Continue Reading Eric Nicksick Admits Last-Minute Technique Advice To Dan Ige May Have Cost Him UFC 303 Fight Against Diego Lopes: ‘My Heart Hurt…’ at MMA News.

Eric Nicksick Admits Last-Minute Technique Advice To Dan Ige May Have Cost Him UFC 303 Fight Against Diego Lopes: ‘My Heart Hurt…’

For his short-notice co-main event fight with Diego Lopes at UFC 303, Eric Nicksick was in Dan Ige’s corner. By coaching two former UFC champs, Francis Ngannou and Sean Strickland, Nicksick has gained a ton of acclaim in MMA circles. At UFC 303, the coach had an unprecedented challenge as Ige only had four hours […]

Continue Reading Eric Nicksick Admits Last-Minute Technique Advice To Dan Ige May Have Cost Him UFC 303 Fight Against Diego Lopes: ‘My Heart Hurt…’ at MMA News.

For his short-notice co-main event fight with Diego Lopes at UFC 303, Eric Nicksick was in Dan Ige’s corner. By coaching two former UFC champs, Francis Ngannou and Sean Strickland, Nicksick has gained a ton of acclaim in MMA circles.

At UFC 303, the coach had an unprecedented challenge as Ige only had four hours to weigh in, rehydrate, and, well, also figure out his in-fight strategy. Their goal was to fight on instincts which, to be fair, worked pretty well.

Showing his durability, “50k” survived Lopes’ explosive striking and constricting ground game in the first two rounds and outstruck the Brazilian in the third. A last-minute adjustment suggested by coach Nicksick worked against him, though, and may have cost him the UFC 303 co-main event.

Eric Nicksick Looks Back At Mistake That Likely Cost Dan Ige A Round Against Diego Lopes At UFC 303

Nicksick and Ige appeared on the UFC 303 recap episode of the Anik & Florian Podcast uploaded on the DraftKings YouTube channel. Remembering the fight, Nicksick admitted that he shouldn’t have asked Ige to throw a head kick.

“To be honest with you, I’ve been having a little bit of sleepless nights because I f****d up going into round. In round two, I called for the same side head kick. Something that I thought, because no one’s ever seen Dan throw it.”

Nicksick expected the side head kick to surprise Lopes as Ige had only recently added the move to his arsenal. “50k” followed these instructions two minutes into the second round. The kick landed but also helped Lopes secure a takedown.

“It was the same side high when Dan went southpaw. And he threw it, and the shin bone landed on this dude’s head but we got taken down. And I looked over at Kai and I’m like, I just f****d us. Dude, my gut, I was like, I just f****d this man, my heart hurt.”

Despite the takedown and three minutes of control time, Ige constantly fought off his back and prevented his opponent from submitting him.

Unfortunately, due to the takedown, the round was scored by the judges for Lopes. And despite comfortably winning the third round, Ige lost a unanimous decision 29-28 on all scorecards.

Continue Reading Eric Nicksick Admits Last-Minute Technique Advice To Dan Ige May Have Cost Him UFC 303 Fight Against Diego Lopes: ‘My Heart Hurt…’ at MMA News.

MMA News Today: Jon Jones Teases Date For Potential Stipe Miocic Fight, Dan Ige Calls In His Favor With Dana White After Saving UFC 303, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 4, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Jon Jones Says His Return Will Be On November 9 At Madison Square Garden In a post on social media, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones teased a potential […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Jon Jones Teases Date For Potential Stipe Miocic Fight, Dan Ige Calls In His Favor With Dana White After Saving UFC 303, & More at MMA News.

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 4, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Jones says he will return at MSG in November
  • Ige calls to face Garcia
  • 303 winner makes quick turnaround to face Drew Dober

Jon Jones Says His Return Will Be On November 9 At Madison Square Garden

In a post on social media, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones teased a potential date and location for the first defense of his title.

“Bones” was set to face off with former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November of last year until an injury forced him to withdraw and postpone the fight.

Jones appears to now be targeting the rescheduled fight for the same month in the originally planned venue, Madison Square Garden in New York.

He replied to a comment on Instagram where he named November 9 at the iconic venue as the target that he is working towards right now.

Dan Ige Wants To Fight Ryan Garcia At UFC 306 With No Takedowns Or Weigh-In

After he stepped up on the day of the fight to save the co-main event of UFC 303, Dana White said that he will try to make it up to Dan Ige.

Ige didn’t get his hand raised against Diego Lopes this past weekend but his efforts to be a company man didn’t go unnoticed or without reward.

The featherweight contender posted on social media where he made his request for his next outing with a very bold idea.

Ige posted that he wants to face the controversial boxing star Ryan Garcia at UFC 306 inside the Sphere with a few extra rules being put in place.

Garcia responded on social media, so clearly the call out at least caught his attention, that he’s down to compete.

Jean Silva Set To Make Two-Week Turnaround To Fight Drew Dober In Denver

Jean Silva delivered one of the stand-out performances at UFC 303 as he stopped Charles Jourdain in the second round.

Despite missing weight for the fight, the Brazilian is now set to make a remarkable two-week turn-around in order to take on Drew Dober up at lightweight.

Dober was originally set to face Mike Davis in a significant bout for the 155-pound fan favorite due to him training out of Denver, Colorado where the card will be hosted.

Brazilian outlet Ag. Fight reported the news that Silva will be looking to pick up his third consecutive win in the UFC after debuting on the first card of 2024.

Read more on the story here.

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Continue Reading MMA News Today: Jon Jones Teases Date For Potential Stipe Miocic Fight, Dan Ige Calls In His Favor With Dana White After Saving UFC 303, & More at MMA News.

Diego Lopes lands decision win over Dan Ige in shocking 4 hour notice fight – UFC 303 Highlights

Diego Lopes lands decision win over Dan Ige in stunning 4 hour notice fight UFC 303 HighlightsRemaining on tonight’s UFC 303 card in a co-headlining setting following the cancellation of his fight with former title…

Diego Lopes lands decision win over Dan Ige in stunning 4 hour notice fight UFC 303 Highlights

Remaining on tonight’s UFC 303 card in a co-headlining setting following the cancellation of his fight with former title challenger, Brian Ortega — Brazilian favorite, Diego Lopes keeps his winning run in tact with a decision win over Dan Ige — who has been heralded for accepting a stunning fight on just 4 hours notice tonight.

Lopes, who made a catchweight walk at 165lbs tonight at the shortest of short-notice replacements tonight in the form of his fight with Ige, remained on the card after initially scheduled foe, Ortega was forced from the pairing after he was struck down with an illness.

ige lopes

Replacing the former title challenger on just four hours notice, Ige — who was preparing for his own return in just weeks time, elected to accept an offer to take on Diego Lopes on the shortest of notice, weighing in backstage below a 165lbs catchweight — with the Nevada State Athletic Commission sanctioning the short-notice pairing.

lopes ige 3

And sharing the Octagon tonight at UFC 303, Lopes managed to turn in two impressive rounds against the slick striker, Ige — before appearing to slow down his usual aggressive pace in the third and final frame, before riding out for a decision win.

diego Lopes 3

Below, catch the highlights from Diego Lopes’ stunning short-notice fight with Dan Ige at UFC 303

Dan Ige volunteers for tune-up fight with Alexander Volkavnoski at UFC 305: ‘Happy to take the challenge’

Dan Ige volunteers for tune-up fight with Alexander Volkavnoski at UFC 305: 'Happy to take the challenge'After coming up short in three of his last four outings, including back-to-back knockout losses, Alexander Volkanovski may be…

Dan Ige volunteers for tune-up fight with Alexander Volkavnoski at UFC 305: 'Happy to take the challenge'

After coming up short in three of his last four outings, including back-to-back knockout losses, Alexander Volkanovski may be best served by taking a tune-up fight before attempting to reclaim his featherweight title.

And it just so happens that we have a volunteer.

“Hey @alexvolkanovski if you need a tune-up fight for Perth, I’d be happy to take the challenge,” Dan Ige wrote on X.

Dan Ige volunteers for tune-up fight with Alexander Volkanovski

Since coming up short against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in October and newly crowned featherweight king Ilia Topuria in February, pundits have encouraged Volkanovski to take some time away from the Octagon to get right, both mentally and physically.

Whether or not ‘The Great’ takes the advice remains to be seen, but with the recent announcement that the UFC will be returning to Perth, Australia on August 17, fans are expecting to see Volkanovski back in action before the end of summer.

Will Alexander Volkanovski fight at UFC 305 in Perth?

Dan Ige would deliver a performance against Alexander Volkanovski worthy of his ’50k’ nickname

Dan Ige is currently holding strong as the No. 12 ranked contender in the featherweight division after winning three of his last four, including a highlight-reel-worthy knockout against Andre Fili at UFC Vegas 86 in February.

Dan Ige flattens Andre Fili

Typically, ’50k’ would still be a few fights away from an opportunity to share the Octagon with Volkanovski, but given his high-octane style of fighting, which has netted him four $50,000 bonuses, Ige would undoubtedly deliver an action-packed showcase against one of the pound-for-pound greatest of all time.

Alexander Volkanovski