Report – Edson Barboza vs. Ilia Topuria Slated For UFC Event On October 29.

Ilia TopuriaA featherweight division matchup between veteran Brazilian striker, the #13 ranked contender, Edson Barboza, and surging undefeated finisher, the #15 ranked contender, Ilia Topuria has been added to a UFC event on October 29. At the time of publication, a location or venue for the event has yet to be determined by the organization. Nova […]

Ilia Topuria

A featherweight division matchup between veteran Brazilian striker, the #13 ranked contender, Edson Barboza, and surging undefeated finisher, the #15 ranked contender, Ilia Topuria has been added to a UFC event on October 29. At the time of publication, a location or venue for the event has yet to be determined by the organization.

Nova Friburgo striker, Barboza will make his first Octagon walk since a one-sided unanimous decision loss against Bryce Mitchell at UFC 272 back in March of this year.

As for Ilia Topuria, the streaking German-born finisher managed to turn in a spectacular, one-punch knockout win over recent feature, Jai Herbert in a brief lightweight excursion at UFC London back in March of this year. News of Barboza’s return against Topuria was first reported by Laura Fernandez Bynilla

Attempting to snap a two-fight losing skid in his Octagon return, Brazilian veteran, Barboza suffered another one-sided third round knockout loss to Georgian kicker, Giga Chikadze back in August of last year.

Boasting a 22-11 professional record, Barboza’s most recent victory came in the form of a stunning third punch knockout win against recent UFC Long Island winner, Shane Burgos at UFC 262 back in May of last year. 

Barboza’s sole other triumph since his 2020 featherweight run began came in the form of a unanimous decision win over Makwan Amirkhani on ‘Fight Island’ in October of that year.

Ilia Topuria has been touted as a future top contender at featherweight

12-0 as a professional, Ilia Topuria has managed to land four consecutive victories in the UFC since his debut against Youssef Zalal on the same card as Barboza’s win against Amirkhani.

Before his knockout success against Wolverhampton native, Herbert, the highly-touted, Topuria defeated both Damon Jackson and Ryan Hall with knockout successes at the featherweight limit. 

The UFC event scheduled to take place on October 29. – is yet to also land an official main event slot, as well as an official location, or venue. 

Report: UFC Working On Ilia Topuria Vs. Edson Barboza For TBD Date

A UFC featherweight battle between contenders Ilia Topuria and Edson Barboza is in the early planning stages for an event later this year. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani first reported news of the targeted booking. “UFC is talking about booking Ilia Topuria vs. Edson Barboza next, I’m told. Not finalized yet!” Helwani wrote in a recent…

Continue Reading Report: UFC Working On Ilia Topuria Vs. Edson Barboza For TBD Date at MMA News.

A UFC featherweight battle between contenders Ilia Topuria and Edson Barboza is in the early planning stages for an event later this year.

MMA journalist Ariel Helwani first reported news of the targeted booking.

“UFC is talking about booking Ilia Topuria vs. Edson Barboza next, I’m told. Not finalized yet!” Helwani wrote in a recent post on his Substack.

Topuria had initially expected to face adversary Movsar Evloev next, but the UFC is going in a different direction than what Topuria desires. He most recently defeated Jai Herbert via second-round knockout at UFC London earlier this year.

Topuria has competed at featherweight for most of his MMA career but hasn’t ruled out future bouts at lightweight. He is an undefeated 12-0 in his professional career with recent wins over Ryan Hall and Damon Jackson.

Topuria signed with the UFC following impressive stints in Brave CF and Cage Warriors in 2020.

If the proposed booking comes to fruition, Topuria will face his toughest test against the UFC veteran Barboza. While his featherweight run has come with mixed results, Barboza has competed against some of the top contenders at lightweight and featherweight.

Barboza is looking to get back in the win column after back-to-back losses to Bryce Mitchell and Giga Chikadze. Before that, he earned back-to-back wins at featherweight against Makwan Amirkhani and Shane Burgos.

What are your thoughts on the targeted Ilia Topuria vs. Edson Barboza matchup?

Continue Reading Report: UFC Working On Ilia Topuria Vs. Edson Barboza For TBD Date at MMA News.

Bryce Mitchell Dominates Edson Barboza – UFC 272 Highlights

Bryce MitchellBryce Mitchell looked sensational when he fought for the first time in 17 months. ‘Thug Nasty’ dominated Edson Barboza over three rounds at UFC 272. The 27-year-old used his elite-level grappling to win every round in the biggest fight of his career. Post-fight, Mitchell pledged half his fight purse ($45,000) to charity. Check out the […]

Bryce Mitchell

Bryce Mitchell looked sensational when he fought for the first time in 17 months.

‘Thug Nasty’ dominated Edson Barboza over three rounds at UFC 272.

The 27-year-old used his elite-level grappling to win every round in the biggest fight of his career.

Post-fight, Mitchell pledged half his fight purse ($45,000) to charity.

Check out the highlights.

Bryce Mitchell Responds To Those Who Say ‘Shut Up & Fight’

UFC featherweight contender Bryce Mitchell doesn’t care what you think of his recent rants about political issues. Mitchell is set to face Edson Barboza on the UFC 272 main card this weekend. He’s looking forward to a triumphant return to the Octagon after nearly two years away from MMA action. Mitchell has been in hot…

Continue Reading Bryce Mitchell Responds To Those Who Say ‘Shut Up & Fight’ at MMA News.

UFC featherweight contender Bryce Mitchell doesn’t care what you think of his recent rants about political issues.

Mitchell is set to face Edson Barboza on the UFC 272 main card this weekend. He’s looking forward to a triumphant return to the Octagon after nearly two years away from MMA action.

Mitchell has been in hot water in recent weeks following his viral interview with MMA journalist Ariel Helwani. Instead of it being a routine pre-fight interview, Mitchell used his time to criticize the U.S. Government and COVID-19 vaccines, among other issues.

Athletes speaking out on political issues has become more common during the current social climate. Mitchell isn’t alone in making his views readily available to the public. For instance, NBA superstar LeBron James began speaking out on issues regarding race and social justice just a few years back.

During his recent UFC 272 pre-fight press conference, Mitchell hit back at critics of his political views and him speaking out on civic issues.

“For me to be able to talk about something greater than fighting is more purposeful than anything I can talk about related to fighting,” Mitchell said. “And so I’m grateful to be able to do that. And a lot of people say, ‘Shut up and fight.’ Well, you know what? If you don’t want to hear that shit, turn off the TV and watch the fight. You don’t have to watch my interviews. Turn them off then.

“Instead of telling me to shut up, why don’t you just stop listening? Because there’s a lot of people that agree with what I’m saying about some of my political views, and I’m happy to talk about ’em and debate about ’em.”

James, like Mitchell, has been a target of some who feel athletes shouldn’t share their political and societal views on current issues. This comes after Fox News commentator Laura Ingraham scolded James to “shut up and dribble” back in 2018.

Mitchell has emerged as a polarizing figure in MMA and is allegedly not alone in his controversial views. Regardless, he’ll look to silence the critics and earn a big win over Barboza.

What are your opinions on Bryce Mitchell as a person and a fighter?

Continue Reading Bryce Mitchell Responds To Those Who Say ‘Shut Up & Fight’ at MMA News.

UFC 272 Predictions: Bleacher Report Main Card Staff Picks

UFC 272 goes down this Saturday in Las Vegas, and while it doesn’t include a title fight—a real rarity for a pay-per-view—it looks like it could be a very exciting night…

UFC 272 goes down this Saturday in Las Vegas, and while it doesn’t include a title fight—a real rarity for a pay-per-view—it looks like it could be a very exciting night…

The Countdown To UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal Officially Begins

After two years of build-up, the “former friends turned bitter rivals” story starring Colby “Chaos” Covington and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal will reach its climax. It’s fight week, and we now are limited to five more days of torrid trash talk between former chums Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal. Both fighters are coming off a loss…

Continue Reading The Countdown To UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal Officially Begins at MMA News.

After two years of build-up, the “former friends turned bitter rivals” story starring Colby “Chaos” Covington and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal will reach its climax.

It’s fight week, and we now are limited to five more days of torrid trash talk between former chums Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal. Both fighters are coming off a loss to Kamaru Usman in their latest fight and will be looking to reroute back to the top of the division, beginning with this grudge match.

In the co-main event, Rafael dos Anjos will be competing against Rafael Fiziev in a battle between two ranked lightweights. And in another featured bout, rising featherweight Bryce Mitchell will be tested against proven vet Edson Barboza.

UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal: Countdown

“This isn’t gonna be a baptism. This is gonna be Street Judas’ funeral.” – Colby Covington

Colby Covington
Colby Covington, Getty Images

At UFC 272, Colby Covington will look to put an end to Jorge Masvidal as we know him. The Countdown video captures the intensity and the “Chaos” that Covington plans to bring with him into the Octagon when he seeks to close out this dramatic chapter of his career.

“I’m gonna look at him. You know what the [BLEEP] I’m talkin’ about, man. I brought you in, and I’m gonna take your ass out.” – Jorge masvidal

Jorge Masvidal
© Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

At UFC 272, Jorge Masvidal finally gets the opportunity he’s been craving: to be the man to silence Colby Covington. The Countdown video captures Masvidal explaining why he feels it’s his responsibility to wipe Covington off the MMA map.

Overall, the Countdown video does a thorough job of telling both sides of the story of how the two became friends, when and why things went sour, and just how eager they are to finally settle matters.

“In my mind, I want to do this forever because I’m a fighter. – Edson Barboza

Edson Barboza
Edson Barboza, Credit: USA TODAY Sports

UFC iron man Edson Barboza will be entering year 12 of his UFC tenure at UFC 272 when he takes on Bryce Mitchell. The Countdown video captures what makes Barboza such a thrilling, must-see staple of the UFC roster.

“When the fight first starts, it’s basically gonna be like a little simmer. When I get him down, it’s a boil. And when I get him in certain spots, it’s a pressure cook. If I can get him in certain spots where I can pressure-cook him, then that meat’s gonna fall off the bone.” – Bryce Mitchell

Bryce Mitchell
Bryce Mitchell (Image Credit: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

At UFC 272, 27-year-old grappling maestro Bryce Mitchell will try to add the biggest feather in his fresh cap by defeating Edson Barboza. The Countdown video captures the “grappling vs. striker” dynamic of this fight in large part by highlighting Mitchell’s impressive submission skills.

The co-main event between Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiiziev is not featured in the Countdown video due to the fight being moved to this card on short notice.

UFC 272 takes place this Saturday, March 5, 2022, from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Neva. You can find the full card and viewing information below followed by the UFC 272 Countdown video.

Main Card (Pay-Per-View, 8:00 PM ET)

Jorge Masvidal vs. Colby Covington

Rafael dos Anjos vs. Rafael Fiziev

Edson Barboza vs. Bryce Mitchell

Kevin Holland vs. Alex Oliveira

Sergey Spivak vs. Greg Hardy

Preliminary Card (ESPN/ESPN+, 6:00 PM ET)

Jamie Mullarkey vs. Jalin Turner

Yan Xiaonan vs. Marina Rodriguez

Nicolae Negumereanu vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu

Mariya Agapova vs. Maryna Moroz

Early Preliminary Card (ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass, 4:00 PM ET)

Brian Kelleher vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

Tim Elliott vs. Tagir Ulanbekov

Erick Gonzalez vs. Devonte Smith

Dustin Jacoby vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Without further ado, you can check out the UFC 272 Countdown video below!

Continue Reading The Countdown To UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal Officially Begins at MMA News.