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

Dan Ige smashes Andre Fili with brutal right hand in opening round – UFC Vegas 86 Highlights

Dan IgeWith his wife due to give birth at any moment, Dan Ige knew he had to make quick work…

Dan Ige

With his wife due to give birth at any moment, Dan Ige knew he had to make quick work of his opponent at UFC Vegas 86 on Saturday night.

After coming up short in his last outing against Bryce Mitchell in February, the top-15 ranked featherweight delivered another finish for the highlight-reel, blasting his opponent and teammate Andre Fili in the opening round of their co-main event clash. Just before hitting the halfway point, Fili threw an uninspired jab that gave ’50k’ the perfect opportunity to unleash his signature right hand.

Connecting clean, Fili crashed to the canvas and was unable to protect himself from one final blow before the referee could rush in and call for the stoppage.

Official Result: Dan Ige def. Andre Fili via KO (right hand) at 2:43 of Round 1.

Check Out Highlights from Dan Ige vs. Andre Fili at UFC Vegas 86:

Michael Bisping under fire for cutting Bryce Mitchell’s prayer short at UFC Vegas 79: ‘That stage belonged to him’

Michael Bisping Bryce Mitchell Dan IgeThe beloved UK legend Michael Bisping has been faced with a lot of criticism after UFC Vegas 79 for cutting Bryce Mitchell’s octagon interview short after ‘Thug Nasty’ launched into prayer. The fight between Mitchell and Dan Ige had been a grimy one. In classic fashion, Mitchell looked to grind his opponent out and found […]

Michael Bisping Bryce Mitchell Dan Ige

The beloved UK legend Michael Bisping has been faced with a lot of criticism after UFC Vegas 79 for cutting Bryce Mitchell’s octagon interview short after ‘Thug Nasty’ launched into prayer.

The fight between Mitchell and Dan Ige had been a grimy one. In classic fashion, Mitchell looked to grind his opponent out and found a moderate bit of success with that strategy. Ige impressed by exercising some excellent takedown and grappling defense, but at the end of the day, it wouldn’t quite be enough. Mitchell scored five takedowns out of the 15 he attempted, and also racked up over seven minutes of control time on his way to a decision victory over ’50k’ Ige.

After the fight, things quickly got a little weird. It wasn’t just because Mitchell was holding a bible and trying to preach the word of god, but more so: it was the way he went about it. ‘Thug Nasty’ claimed Satan was taking over the world, and also that the fires in Hawaii were not natural. He also went as far as to say that “they” were trying to take the island away from the natives. Although, Mitchell didn’t really name who “they” were.

Michael Bisping cuts the insane ranting of Bryce Mitchell short and gets blasted for it on social media

Michael Bisping seemed rather uncomfortable when the topic turned to “they” trying to take Hawaii away from the natives, and even though Bryce Mitchell requested Dan Ige lead the world into a quick prayer, Bisping ended the interview as tactfully as he could and made for a quick exit.

Some fans thought this was extremely rude, and that Bisping should have stayed and let Ige lead the world in a quick prayer. However, many fans also forget that the decision was not entirely Michael Bisping’s alone. It is well known that commentators wear earpieces and receive feedback live from the producer. If Bisping was ordered by the producer of the show to end the interview, he could’ve landed in some hot water for refusing to follow that order.

Still, a good bit of religious fans still seem pretty upset about the situation. “UFC: After Bryce Mitchell won his match tonight, he asked ringside announcer and broadcaster Michael Bisping to allow his opponent to lead in prayer. Bisping refused and walked away,” said one fan.

“Bisping is an absolute #b*tch for that!” Another fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “That stage belonged to the victor @ThugnastyMMA to share his voice on WHATEVER HE WANTED. Bisping DENIED Bryce an opportunity for prayer. Guarantee he wouldn’t have dared had it been ANY other religion. #f*ckyoubisping”

Do you think the hate Michael Bisping is receiving is fair?

Bryce Mitchell outlasts Dan Ige, earns unanimous decision victory – UFC Vegas 79 Highlights

Bryce MitchellBryce Mitchell got back into the win column with a dominant three-round performance against Dan Ige at UFC Vegas 79. Dan Ige quickly appeared to have an advantage in striking, landing some solid strikes that eventually encouraged Mitchell to move in for his first takedown attempt. Ige defended successfully and landed a left that cut […]

Bryce Mitchell

Bryce Mitchell got back into the win column with a dominant three-round performance against Dan Ige at UFC Vegas 79.

Dan Ige quickly appeared to have an advantage in striking, landing some solid strikes that eventually encouraged Mitchell to move in for his first takedown attempt. Ige defended successfully and landed a left that cut Mitchell open under his right eye. Determined to get things to the ground, Mitchell landed a double leg in the final minute and immediately landed in the mount. ‘Thug Nasty’ scored some solid ground and pound strikes just as the opening round came to a close.

Ige came out swinging in the second, landing a nasty right hand right out the gate. Bryce Mitchell’s right eye looks significantly worse at this point, prompting the referee to pause the action and call in the ringside physician. The bout was allowed to resume, but the damage is notably significant.

Upon the restart, Mitchell attempted another quick takedown, but Ige reversed and landed on top before making his way back up. With two minutes to go, Mitchell caught Ige coming in and immediately landed a takedown. Mitchell moved directly into mount prompting Ige to give up his back in an attempt to get back up. With Mitchell threatening a rear-naked choke, Ige transitioned to his back once again and found himself in an arm triangle. ’50k’ was able to defend against the submission attempt and make it out of the round.

The final round saw Mitchell aggressively attempt to take Ige to the ground. As a result, Ige was unable to mount any offense guaranteeing ‘Thug Nasty’ would take the third round on the scorecards. But did he take the fight?

Official Result: Bryce Mitchell def. Dan Ige via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

Check Out Highlights From Bryce Mitchell vs. Dan Ige at UFC Vegas 79 Below:

Bryce Mitchell dubs himself the ‘Cash cow’ of the featherweight division: ‘They’re sitting on gold’

Bryce MitchellFeatherweight standout Bryce Mitchell truly believes he is destined to be the next big thing in the division. Thug Nasty’ is ready to make the most of his opportunity this Saturday night when he returns to the Octagon for a clash with Dan Ige. It will be Mitchell’s first fight since suffering a second-round submission […]

Bryce Mitchell

Featherweight standout Bryce Mitchell truly believes he is destined to be the next big thing in the division.

Thug Nasty’ is ready to make the most of his opportunity this Saturday night when he returns to the Octagon for a clash with Dan Ige. It will be Mitchell’s first fight since suffering a second-round submission defeat at the hands of Ilia Topuria. Despite the loss, Bryce Mitchell is an impressive 15-1 in his mixed martial arts career and believes a win over Ige will not only get him back on track, but prove to the promotion that he is the top star at 145.

“I don’t think I’ll have to call out no names,” Mitchell said during his appearance at the UFC Vegas 79 media event. “I think there’s going to be a realization that I’m the cash cow. Eventually, somebody is going to realize they’re sitting on gold. They think I’m fool’s gold. I’m not. I’m real gold. They’re sitting on gold.

“They need to cash me out,” Mitchell added. “I am the cash cow. They’re ain’t another pay-per-view draw like me in this division. I am the cash cow. It’s time to cash me out.”

Another very tough test awaits ‘Thug Nasty’ at The APEX when he meets featherweight staple and fan favorite Dan Ige. But if Bryce Mitchell can add ’50k’ to his already impressive hit list, he believes a big-money fight with a top-five opponent will be not only justifiable, but earned.

“I’m ready — I’m begging them,” he said. “Please, please, give me a big fight. I’m begging them. I’m waiting. But, obviously, I don’t deserve none of that if I can’t beat Dan Ige. That’s going to be a hell of a competition between me and Ige. But, if I beat Ige, who’s to say I don’t deserve a top-five, a top-three, a top-two? Like I said, I’m the cash cow. They’re going to realize that. Once they do, they’re going to love me even more.”

Bryce Mitchell is Grateful to Work for a Company That Allows Him to Be Himself

As good as Bryce Mitchell has shown to be inside the Octagon, much of his marketability lies in his often outlandish and long-winded commentaries on everything from his second-ammendment rights to his belief in the flat earth theory. With the rise of outspoken fighters like Sean Strickland, the UFC has seemingly embraced the insanity and ‘Thug Nasty’ is truly grateful for the opportunity to speak his truth without fear of repurcussion.

“The UFC, it gives me freedom,” Mitchell said. “I’m in here fighting for my freedom. You can’t be on no NFL team talking how I talk. You can’t be on no NBA team talking how I talk. UFC gives me freedom to be who I want to be. That’s what I love. That’s why I go in there ready to die. I can’t have no other job that gives me this freedom. That’s what I love, brother. I’m free” (h/t MMA Mania).

MMA News’ Top 10 Finishes Of The Week (1/8–1/14)

Welcome to this week’s edition of MMA News’ Top 10 Finishes of the week! Every week, there’s highlight-reel finishes all across the MMA world, and we’ve found some of the absolute best ones to showcase. The UFC’s first event of 2023 featured plen…

Welcome to this week’s edition of MMA News’ Top 10 Finishes of the week! Every week, there’s highlight-reel finishes all across the MMA world, and we’ve found some of the absolute best ones to showcase. The UFC’s first event of 2023 featured plenty of performances worth considering for this week’s Top 10 Finishes, and LFA’s…

Continue Reading MMA News’ Top 10 Finishes Of The Week (1/8–1/14) at MMA News.