Tag: DWCS

Latest UFC Star Talks Environment Of ‘Weakness’ Backstage At DWCS

Navajo Stirling recently spoke about the palpable nervousness among fellow aspiring fighters at Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS). Stirling punched his ticket to the UFC with a brutal second-round, one-punch knockout of Phillip Latu during the main event of Week 5 of DWCS. In a surprising turn of events, the 26-year-old Kiwi has already secured […]

Continue Reading Latest UFC Star Talks Environment Of ‘Weakness’ Backstage At DWCS at MMA News.

Navajo Stirling recently spoke about the palpable nervousness among fellow aspiring fighters at Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).

Stirling punched his ticket to the UFC with a brutal second-round, one-punch knockout of Phillip Latu during the main event of Week 5 of DWCS. In a surprising turn of events, the 26-year-old Kiwi has already secured his promotional debut matchup. He’s set to step into the Octagon on December 15 at a UFC Fight Night in Tampa, Florida, where he’ll face Tuco Tokkos in a light heavyweight showdown.

Stirling, a highly skilled kickboxer, hones his craft at the prestigious City Kickboxing gym in Auckland, training alongside former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and seasoned lightweight Dan Hooker. He transitioned to MMA in September 2022, making his professional debut against James Craughwell under the banner of the Shuriken Fight Series promotion.

Although the MMA community has yet to witness much of Stirling’s talents, the City Kickboxing prodigy turned heads with his recent performance, proving he possesses all the makings of a future star in the sport.

Stirling Asserts Mental Edge Over Other Fighters At DWCS

During a recent interview with Sky Sports NZ, Stirling reflected on his experience competing on the grand stage of DWCS. The UFC newcomer noted that many of the other contenders seemed overly anxious about their performances. He confidently expressed his belief that he could outshine the rest with his composure and skill.

“It was just like, so many were looking around and seeing how nervous all the other fighters were,” Stirling said. “Just seeing them go through their rituals and mantras, it was like I could just see— I don’t know if it’s weakness or something— but I just know if I was fighting guys like this, I would run through them 100 times over. And I think the UFC staff could see in my presence that I was meant to be there and that I was really going to own the moment.”

Stirling went on to say that the earlier matchups on the card lacked excitement, which motivated him to give his best performance. He added that the pressure of representing his country fueled his determination even more.

“It was a very lackluster card, and I feel like I did that. It was even so bad that there was one guy who didn’t even show up. When I saw a guy who had the opportunity of a lifetime not put his foot forward by even entering the Octagon, it made me think to myself: if I had the weight of my nation on my shoulders, I would go out 100 times over, even knowing I was going to get knocked out within 10 seconds. I would rather do that than not show face at all.”

Stirling boasts an undefeated professional record of 5-0, displaying impressive strength along the way. However, the path ahead in the UFC’s highly competitive light heavyweight division will be far from smooth. Before he can think about climbing the ranks, the rising star must first overcome fellow newcomer Tokkos, a dangerous opponent known for his devastating knockout power and slick grappling skills.

Continue Reading Latest UFC Star Talks Environment Of ‘Weakness’ Backstage At DWCS at MMA News.

Watch: Yuneisy Duben Lands Jaw-Dropping KO – Claims Knockout of the Season

Yuneisy DubenYuneisy Duben, Venezuela, extended her unbeaten streak with a stunning knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series. The UFC even…

Yuneisy Duben

Yuneisy Duben, Venezuela, extended her unbeaten streak with a stunning knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series. The UFC even claims that this is the best knockout of the season.

Yuneisy Duben

The Venezuela-born Yuneisy Duben has had an impressive run in MMA thus far. Undefeated in her professional MMA career and all of her victories have come by way of knockout stoppage. Some victories with her hands, and some victories with her dangerous kicks. Her background is competing in Wushu and Taekwondo on the international level. In addition to her powerful strikes, she has experience in submission grappling as well.

This season on Dana White’s Contender Series, Duben entered the match as a heavy underdog against the then-undefeated Shannon Clark, coming in at 5-0. Clark was a whopping -1100 favorite. Duben delivered her first loss with authority. A thunderous overhand ended the streak of Clark and punched Duben’s ticket into the UFC.

Dana White exclaimed:

“One of the most impressive knockouts I’ve ever seen! A huge underdog!”

See below for her highlight reel worth KO that had Dana White freaking out.

“Yuneisy Duben with the knockout of the season! WHAT A KNOCKOUT! Yuneisy Duben just delivered one of the best KOs we’ve ever seen on DWCS!”

Yuneisy Duben
Yuneisy Duben

Dana White hilariously reacts to Merab Dvalishvili cutting out his own stitches with “bush shears”

Dana White hilariously reacts to Merab Dvalishvili cutting out his own stitches with "bush shears"Dana White thinks Merab Dvalishvili is just f*cking with him now. Last week, White went off on Dvalishvili after…

Dana White hilariously reacts to Merab Dvalishvili cutting out his own stitches with "bush shears"

Dana White thinks Merab Dvalishvili is just f*cking with him now.

Last week, White went off on Dvalishvili after the No. 1 ranked bantamweight contender posted a video online revealing a cut he sustained while training for his upcoming title tilt with reigning 135-pound champion Sean O’Malley. White called the decision “next-level stupid” in a scathing rant aimed at the UFC 306 headliner.

“Why the f*ck would you want [O’Malley] to know that?! It is next-level stupid,” White said during a media scrum following the August 20 episode of Contender Series. “Some of these guys are so stupid it’s mind-boggling. It’s unbelievable.”

Not long after White’s comments went viral, Dvalishvili posted a video of him cutting and removing the stitches himself with a pair of common household scissors.

Merab Dvalishvili

While referencing a rather gnarly cut sustained by DWCS fighter Michael Aswell earlier in the night, White suggested that he could take a page out of Dvalishvili’s book by getting “some big ass scissors and take the stitches out himself.” Clearly referring to the Georgian, media members took the bait and asked White for his thoughts on Dvalishvili’s latest video.

“Isn’t he awesome? I think he’s just f*cking with me now, to be honest with you,” White said with a smirk. “Have you ever seen the scissors they take stitches out with? Their tiny and they have that thing on their so you don’t cut yourself. They can slide them up under the stitches and this dude had f*cking bush shears that he was using…that you trim your f*cking bushes with. Whatever, good for him.”

White also confirmed that he has not spoken with Dvalishvili since ‘The Machine’ first revealed his cut to the world on social media.

Merab Dvalishvili’s Cut Shouldn’t Impact His Fight with O’Malley

Fortunately, it appears that Merab Dvalishvili’s “small cut” will not affect his ability to headline Noche UFC in a few short weeks.

Merab Dvalishvili

Going into his first title opportunity, ‘The Machine’ is riding a 10-fight win streak that features noteworthy victories against the likes of Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, and Henry Cejudo.

As for his opponent, it will be O’Malley’s second time defending the bantamweight belt after handing Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera a five-round shellacking during their UFC 299 headliner last March.

Report – Artem Vakhitov, last fighter to beat Alex Pereira in kickboxing books October Contender Series debut

Artem Vakhitov, last fighter to beat Alex Pereira in kickboxing books October Contender Series debutAccording to reports across social media this Thursday evening, former GLORY Kickboxing light heavyweight champion, Artem Vakhitov is edging…

Artem Vakhitov, last fighter to beat Alex Pereira in kickboxing books October Contender Series debut

According to reports across social media this Thursday evening, former GLORY Kickboxing light heavyweight champion, Artem Vakhitov is edging closer to a long-mooted move to the UFC – reportedly booking an appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series as soon as October.

Vakhitov, a decorated Russian kickboxing talent, currently boasts a 2-1 professional mixed martial arts record, most recently featured back in February in Kazakhstan, turning in a 23-second knockout win over Valisher Khambaev.

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Renowned for his striking ability, Vakhitov, who twice clinched light heavyweight gold under the banner of GLORY Kickboxing, rose to prominence with his pair of fights against former two-weight UFC champion, Alex Pereira – holding the accolade as the final opponent to beat the Brazilian in professional kickboxing.

Sharing the squared circle for the second time back in 2021 in Rotterdam, Vakhitov took home a majority decision win over Sao Paulo native, Pereira, who would depart the promotion in the immediate aftermath of the loss, before making huge waves in the UFC.

Artem Vakhitov responds to Alex Pereira I want to settle the issue in the UFC

Artem Vakhitov reportedly set for Contender Series outing in October

And staking his claim for a trilogy rubber match with the GLORY Kickboxing Hall of Fame star – this time inside the Octagon, Vakhitov will reportedly feature on the Contender Series at the end of the summer, taking on Islem Masraf. 

“Former Glory light heavyweight champion Artem Vakhitov (2-1 in MMA) will face Islem Masraf (3-0) of France in Dana White’s Contender Series on October 8.” Red Corner MMA posted on X. “For Vakhitov, it’s one step closer to fighting Alex Pereira again, this time in the Octagon.”

Calling out Pereira in recent weeks, Vakhitov was hit with an immediate warning from his two-time foe, who urged him to be “careful” in his pursuit of a clash, which he in turn brushed aside.

Alex Pereira targets UFC 310 return in December for title fight that's a good date for me

“It’s been great to see your success and I wish you even more success in the future,” Artem Vakhitov said. “But I am sure you can understand that, for me, it’s strange to be always reading about ‘the best striker on the planet’ when in my opinion, I beat this person twice already. I would like to settle the issue in the UFC Octagon.”

Do you think Artem Vakhitov can work his way to a trilogy fight with Alex Pereira?

Torrez Finney Shares How Third Contender Series Call-Up Stopped Him From Signing Elsewhere

Torrez Finney recently disclosed that his third opportunity to join the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series ultimately stopped him from committing to another promotion. Despite securing a unanimous decision victory over Cam Rowston at DWCS 68 on August 20, Finney found himself overlooked for a UFC contract by Dana White for the second time. […]

Continue Reading Torrez Finney Shares How Third Contender Series Call-Up Stopped Him From Signing Elsewhere at MMA News.

Torrez Finney recently disclosed that his third opportunity to join the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series ultimately stopped him from committing to another promotion.

Despite securing a unanimous decision victory over Cam Rowston at DWCS 68 on August 20, Finney found himself overlooked for a UFC contract by Dana White for the second time. The UFC CEO harshly criticized “The Punisher” in a segment that swiftly made headlines for its blunt severity.

Additionally, White expressed disappointment that Finney had only taken one fight since his initial DWCS appearance last October, where he secured a second-round submission against Yuri Panferov. However, the door hasn’t closed on Finney just yet. He’s set to make his comeback on October 1, facing Abdellah Er-Remy in episode eight.

Finney will have a rare third chance to clinch a UFC contract—an opportunity granted to only a select few fighters. However, this chance comes at a cost, as he had to forgo a more lucrative deal to chase his UFC dreams…

Finney On His Third DWCS Spot: ‘I Didn’t Think Twice About It Too Much’

During a recent interview with Inside Fighting, Finney revealed that just before receiving a call from his manager for the DWCS fight, he was on the verge of finalizing a deal with another promotion. However, he decided to walk away from it, choosing instead to chase his ultimate dream of fighting in the UFC.

“Not going to point them out, but I was actually almost in the process of signing with another promotion,” Finney said. “Big deal, great pay. I was actually getting close to making that announcement, and then I get a phone call from Malki [Kawa] from First Round Management, and he’s like, ‘Have you signed that contract yet?’ I said, ‘No, not yet.’ He’s like, ‘Well, hold on,’ and I was like, ‘All right, what is it?’ ‘Cause there’s only one thing, there could only be one possible promotion that could hold me off from that. And I said, ‘What?’ And there was the opportunity. He told me all the details behind it, and I talked with my team. You know, I’m gonna be honest, I was happy.”

“The Punisher” went on to express his excitement for the upcoming fight but admitted that his family is no longer supporting his pursuit of the UFC dream, especially after White’s harsh criticism.

“My team was behind me, but my family—they are not the biggest Dana White fans—and they were no longer on the side of me ever pursuing the UFC. Necessarily, like, obviously, they would support wherever I fight, but with the UFC, it was like, ‘Man, forget that,’ based off his comments. But I didn’t feel that way; I never have any personal issues with Dana… If you look at the opportunity, based off of what you see—an opportunity to be the first guy ever to go 3-0 in the Contender Series—the story, it hit so big. Right now, I’m 25, so let’s go for it. I didn’t think twice about it.”

Finney boasts an undefeated 9-0 record in his MMA career, with seven of those victories coming by way of stoppage. He made his professional debut in February 2022, taking on Wesley McCracken under the Conflict MMA banner.

Continue Reading Torrez Finney Shares How Third Contender Series Call-Up Stopped Him From Signing Elsewhere at MMA News.

Report – Bo Nickal vs. Jamie Pickett rebooked for UFC 285

Bo NickalBo Nickal is finally set to make his highly anticipated UFC debut, when he faces off against Jamie Pickett at UFC 285. The highly touted prospect picked up two first-round finishes on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022, submitting both Zack Borrego and Donovan Beard. Nickal was initially scheduled to take on Pickett at UFC […]

Bo Nickal

Bo Nickal is finally set to make his highly anticipated UFC debut, when he faces off against Jamie Pickett at UFC 285.

The highly touted prospect picked up two first-round finishes on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022, submitting both Zack Borrego and Donovan Beard. Nickal was initially scheduled to take on Pickett at UFC 282: B?achowicz vs. Ankalaev in December. However, the bout would be scrapped after Nickal sustained an injury in his training camp.

Now rebooked, Bo Nickal will seek to pick up a dominant win over ‘The Night Wolf’ to kickstart his career in the UFC. This fight booking would be announced by renowned MMA journalist Nolan King.

Jamie Pickett currently holds an MMA record of 13-8, with a 2-4 record in the UFC. ‘The Night Wolf’ is currently coming off back-to-back losses, having been KO’d by Denis Tiuliulin at UFC 279 and submitted by Kyle Daukaus at UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Hill.

Pickett does have respectable decision wins over Joseph Holmes and Laureano Staropoli on his record, having also KO’d Jhonoven Pati on the Contender Series. However, this is clearly a fight designed to serve as an entry point for Bo Nickal’s UFC career, and Pickett will no doubt open as a heavy underdog.

The two men clash at UFC 285, a PPV event set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The card does not yet have a main event fight, although the following matchups have already been booked:

Jessica Penne vs. Tabatha Ricci
Farid Basharat vs. Da’Mon Blackshear
Amanda Ribas vs. Viviane Araújo
Cody Garbrandt vs. Julio Arce
Julian Marquez vs. Marc-André Barriault
Mario Bautista vs. Guido Cannetti
Derek Brunson vs. Dricus Du Plessis
Geoff Neal vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov

How do you think Bo Nickal vs. Jamie Pickett will play out?