Tag: Exclusive

Neil Magny Makes Case For Interim Title In “Stagnant” WW Division

UFC welterweight contender Neil Magny has called for an interim title to be introduced at 170 pounds in the absence of champion Kamaru Usman. In his most recent appearance, which took place last November at UFC 268, Usman further extended his impressive reign to five defenses with a second victory over rival Colby Covington. Soon…

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UFC welterweight contender Neil Magny has called for an interim title to be introduced at 170 pounds in the absence of champion Kamaru Usman.

In his most recent appearance, which took place last November at UFC 268, Usman further extended his impressive reign to five defenses with a second victory over rival Colby Covington. Soon after, it emerged that “The Nigerian Nightmare” had broken his right hand three weeks prior to the blockbuster rematch.

Three months on, Usman went under the knife, having surgery to repair compromised ligaments. After the procedure, UFC President Dana White confirmed that top contender Leon Edwards will get his long-awaited title shot when the champion is back to full health.

But while a targeted summer return initially looked likely, the latest word is that Usman may be out of action until towards the end of 2022. With that in mind, some have suggested that an interim title should be introduced, as it has been in the flyweight division following an injury to champion Deiveson Figueiredo.

One top-10 welterweight who has joined the likes of Belal Muhammad in calling for the creation of interim gold is Neil Magny.

During an interview with MMA News’ own James Lynch, “The Haitian Sensation,” who is set to return to action later this month against rising prospect Shavkat Rakhmonov, suggested that the “stagnant” welterweight division needs to keep moving, something it can’t do while Usman is stuck on the sidelines with the belt.

“It’s the problem with the division right now, it’s just so stagnant. Just keep it moving,” said Magny. “It’s unfortunate he got a broken hand. You (Usman) are the pound-for-pound champ, you are the champ of the division. No one’s taking that away from you. But, for the sake of keeping things moving for the rest of the division, I think doing an interim title is the right thing to do.”

When asked which two contenders should have the opportunity to compete for a potential interim strap, Magny told MMA News that Edwards, regarded as the number one contender, and top-five newcomer Khamzat Chimaev should share the Octagon.

“If I had to guess, I would definitely go Leon and Khamzat. I mean, that’s the fight that make the most sense, the fight I think will do the best numbers at this point as well,” said Magny. “If I had to guess, I would say that would be definitely the fight to make.”

Catch our exclusive interview with UFC welterweight Neil Magny below:

Edwards vs. Chimaev has been somewhat of a cursed matchup up to now. The pair were first set to meet in the main event of a December 2020 UFC Fight Night. After the bout was canceled owing to both men suffering from COVID-19, it was re-arranged for the next month.

On the second attempt, the lingering effects from the virus forced “Borz” out once again, a fate that befell the pairing for a third time last March. While it’s not quite Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson level of cursed just yet, it’s only a couple of failed attempts away.

Do you agree with Neil Magny? Should the UFC introduce an interim welterweight title?

Continue Reading Neil Magny Makes Case For Interim Title In “Stagnant” WW Division at MMA News.

Tsarukyan Hopes To Outdo Michael Chandler In Mateusz Gamrot Fight

UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan is hoping to produce a memorable knockout when he shares the Octagon with fellow contender Mateusz Gamrot next month. After perhaps a longer wait than he’d desired, Tsarukyan is set to make the walk once again. In what he expects to be his main event debut, the Russian-Armenian will go toe-to-toe…

Continue Reading Tsarukyan Hopes To Outdo Michael Chandler In Mateusz Gamrot Fight at MMA News.

UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan is hoping to produce a memorable knockout when he shares the Octagon with fellow contender Mateusz Gamrot next month.

After perhaps a longer wait than he’d desired, Tsarukyan is set to make the walk once again. In what he expects to be his main event debut, the Russian-Armenian will go toe-to-toe with Gamrot at the UFC Fight Night event scheduled for June 25.

Having won five consecutive fights, including a brutal TKO victory over Joel Álvarez earlier this year, and risen to #11 on the 155-pound ladder, Tsarukyan is looking to enter the division’s top 10 with a splash next time out, as he told MMA News’ own James Lynch in a recent interview.

Despite initially targeting those above him, including the formerly-ranked Gregor Gillespie, Tsarukyan chose to accept a bout with Gamrot, who is ranked one place below him. Nevertheless, the Polish lightweight’s victories over Jeremy Stephens and Carlos Diego Ferreira certainly showed his talents and potential.

But while he respects Gamrot’s approach, Tsarukyan doesn’t see him as a threat. After suggesting that “Gamer” knows the matchup is unfavorable for him, the 25-year-old also downplayed Gamrot’s three-fight win streak, describing his past opponents as “easy.”

“He’s a very good fight for me. He’s a ranked guy. He is confident, he doesn’t scare. He is like me, he is man, he wants to fight with everybody,” acknowledged Tsarukyan. “But he knows I am a very bad matchup for him. I have a lot more experience than him in the UFC… (His last) three fights, he beat easy (opponents).”

With that confidence in mind, Tsarukyan is looking to put an exclamation point on a victory, perhaps even in the form of a Knockout of the Year contender…

Tsarukyan Hopes To Stake His Claim For KO Of The Year

When asked how he sees the fight playing out on June 25, Tsarukyan told MMA News that while he’s hoping to get some experience fighting beyond the third round, should the bout be confirmed as a five-rounder, he’s targeting a stoppage in the fourth frame.

And that’s not just any stoppage, Tsarukyan has something special up his sleeve.

After revealing that he’s been working on a special kick for a number of years, which he plans on debuting to finish Gamrot next month, Tsarukyan suggested that it will even outdo Michael Chandler’s recent KO of Tony Ferguson.

“I would like to fight more than three rounds, honestly. Because I haven’t had experience more than three rounds. I want to beat him in maybe fourth round, to stop him, like KO. I know it’s gonna be good KO,” claimed Tsarukyan. “I have been doing this kick since two years or three years, but I never throw during a fight. This is gonna be the first time when I throw that kick. It’s gonna be surprising… More better (than Chandler’s KO of Ferguson).”

At UFC 274, Chandler stole the spotlight away from the two title fights at the top of the slate by becoming the first man to render Ferguson unconscious. He did so with a brutal front kick, which sent “El Cucuy” sleeping to the canvas.

While the former Bellator champion perhaps thinks he’s wrapped up 2022’s KO of the Year, Tsarukyan is ready to throw a spanner in the works on June 25.

Do you think that Arman Tsarukyan can knock Mateusz Gamrot out when they share the cage on June 25?

Continue Reading Tsarukyan Hopes To Outdo Michael Chandler In Mateusz Gamrot Fight at MMA News.

Tsarukyan Not Interested In Hooker: “He’s Not A Good Fighter”

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan no longer harbors any interest in fighting promotional veteran Dan Hooker. At one point last year, a feud between Tsarukyan and Hooker was blossoming, and it appeared that the pair were on a certain collision course. The Russian-Armenian ignited the rivalry after accepting the New Zealander’s open challenge for UFC…

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UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan no longer harbors any interest in fighting promotional veteran Dan Hooker.

At one point last year, a feud between Tsarukyan and Hooker was blossoming, and it appeared that the pair were on a certain collision course. The Russian-Armenian ignited the rivalry after accepting the New Zealander’s open challenge for UFC 266. In the end, both men secured September fights against other opponents.

While Tsarukyan accused Hooker of accepting an “easy” matchup with Nasrat Haqparast, “The Hangman” suggested that the rising contender was already booked against Christos Giagos before accepting his callout.

Despite facing other opponents, it appeared that the pair’s respective September victories would lead to them crossing paths, especially after Tsarukyan expressed a desire to “kill” the UFC mainstay and called for the bout to be booked later in the year in an interview with MMA News.

But in the eight months since, Hooker has lost consecutive fights, first to top-five lightweight Islam Makhachev. Featherweight contender Arnold Allen then spoiled the New Zealander’s return to 145 pounds at UFC London earlier this year.

With that form in mind, and with a dominant display against Joel Álvarez sending him in the opposite direction up the 155-pound ladder, Tsarukyan has firmly moved on from a potential clash with Hooker.

Tsarukyan: Beating Hooker Would Waste Time

During a recent exclusive interview with MMA News’ own James Lynch, Tsarukyan discussed Hooker’s recent commitment to lightweight, answering whether he’d still be open to settling his score with “The Hangman” inside the Octagon.

Given that Hooker is ranked two places below him and has fallen to defeat in four of his last five outings, the Russian-Armenian sees no need to throw down with the New Zealander, even suggesting that facing and beating him would be a ‘waste of time’.

“No, no (it would not interest me). Now, he’s not a good fighter. Before, yes. He lost his last two or three fights, and he beat someone from the unranked guys, Nasrat,” said Tsarukyan. “He’s not interesting for me, because it wastes time to beat him. If I beat him, they’ll say, ‘Oh, he’s (on a losing skid).’ There’s no point to beat him now.”

Catch our full exclusive interview with #11-ranked UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan below:

While Hooker finds himself at a crossroads after failing to find form back at featherweight, Tsarukyan is ready to continue his surge towards contention this summer.

After brutally dispatching Álvarez with an onslaught of elbows earlier this year, the 25-year-old looks likely to get his first taste of five-round action against #12-ranked Mateusz Gamrot, whom he’ll share the cage with at the UFC Fight Night event on June 25.

With a win, Tsarukyan could secure his place in the divisional top 10, and will certainly stake his claim for a big-name opponent next time out. Should that happen, Hooker will need a fare few wins before bringing a bout with Tsarukyan back on his table.

How do you think a fight between Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker would play out?

Continue Reading Tsarukyan Not Interested In Hooker: “He’s Not A Good Fighter” at MMA News.

Emmett Reveals Which Ranked FW He Flew Into Camp For Kattar Fight

UFC featherweight Josh Emmett has turned to a familiar name for some help ahead of his main event against Calvin Kattar next month. In the UFC’s first visit to Austin, Texas since 2018, the 145-pound division will take center stage, with top contenders Emmett and Kattar set to collide in the June 18 main event….

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UFC featherweight Josh Emmett has turned to a familiar name for some help ahead of his main event against Calvin Kattar next month.

In the UFC’s first visit to Austin, Texas since 2018, the 145-pound division will take center stage, with top contenders Emmett and Kattar set to collide in the June 18 main event.

While “The Fighting Farmer,” who is currently ranked #7, will be hoping to continue his momentum from a return victory over Dan Ige last December and extend his win streak to five, “The Boston Finisher” will be looking to maintain his place in the featherweight top five with a second consecutive headlining victory.

Fighting a talent like Kattar would no doubt be a daunting task at any time, not least when he’s coming off a remarkable five-round performance against the highly touted Giga Chikadze, who was unbeaten in the Octagon before meeting the #4-ranked contender.

With that in mind, Emmett is doing whatever he can to prepare for their date in the cage, and that includes calling in the featherweight calvary.

Emmett Turns To Former Opponent For Help

During a recent exclusive interview with MMA News’ own James Lynch, Emmett went into detail about his latest camp and the individuals present to help him prepare for what is perhaps the biggest fight of his career to date.

As well as usual training partner Andre “Touchy” Fili, Emmett has flown in a “Hurricane” to Team Alpha Male. Emmett revealed that former opponent Shane Burgos has been brought into his camp in order to emulate the style and attacks of Kattar.

“I actually flew out Shane Burgos. After we fought — he’s just a good guy. We’ve just connected with texts and talking here and there. And he’s a phenomenal athlete, a great striker,” Emmett told MMA News. “He’s long, he’s big, he has a great jab; just like Calvin. So yeah, him and his brother, I flew them out this week, and we’ve just been working. He’s trying to emulate Calvin’s style.”

Back in June 2020, Emmett and current #14-ranked 145lber Burgos put on a Fight of the Year contender. After emerging victorious on the scorecards following a three-round war, the 37-year-old was left on the sidelines for over a year having torn his ACL.

Now, having returned to the Octagon and the win column, Emmett will next be looking to cement his place in the title conversation with an impressive performance against Kattar on June 18.

Catch our exclusive interview with UFC featherweight Josh Emmett below:

Do you think that training with Shane Burgos will help Josh Emmett prepare for the threat of Calvin Kattar?

Continue Reading Emmett Reveals Which Ranked FW He Flew Into Camp For Kattar Fight at MMA News.

Puelles: I Proved I’m “Ready For Big Things” With Guida Submission

UFC lightweight prospect Claudio Puelles believes he made a firm statement in his latest outing, and one he believes should lead to “big things.” Puelles entered the Octagon for the first time in 2022 last weekend, providing one of the highlights of what was an entertaining UFC Vegas 52 card. In the co-main event, he…

Continue Reading Puelles: I Proved I’m “Ready For Big Things” With Guida Submission at MMA News.

UFC lightweight prospect Claudio Puelles believes he made a firm statement in his latest outing, and one he believes should lead to “big things.”

Puelles entered the Octagon for the first time in 2022 last weekend, providing one of the highlights of what was an entertaining UFC Vegas 52 card. In the co-main event, he shared the cage with veteran Clay Guida.

Despite Guida’s 45-fight advantage in experience, it was Puelles who looked masterful on the night, transitioning between submissions before locking in an impressive kneebar for the finish three minutes into the opening round.

With the victory, which marked his third kneebar tapout in the UFC, Puelles extended his win streak to five.

Now, with a second bonus-winning performance and the established name of a former Strikeforce champion on his résumé, the Peruvian believes he’s proven his credentials inside the Octagon.

Puelles Targets PPV Booking Next Time Out

During an interview with MMA News’ own Curtis Calhoun days out from his memorable triumph in Las Vegas, Puelles discussed what his 12th professional victory means for his career.

After suggesting that many doubted his ability to hang with Guida pre-fight, including his own compatriots, Puelles asserted that they now know he’s ready for “big things” in the sport.

“A lot of people, especially from Peru, they didn’t believe I could take on Clay,” said Puelles. “I proved to them that I can and that I’m ready for big things.”

What might said “big things” involve? How about a slot on pay-per-view next time out? Having missed the presence of his family during a trio of bouts inside the small-capacity Apex facility, Puelles is raring to make an arena walk.

“(My family) are very excited. I’m a little sad that they haven’t been able to watch my last three fights in person because they’ve been at the Apex,” noted Puelles. “But maybe I get a pay-per-view spot next time and they’re able to come out. So, I’m just waiting for that. Maybe I get a chance.”

Despite not having an opponent in mind, Puelles does have a return month on his radar. After putting his bonus money to good use and returning to his home country of Peru for the first time in over a year this summer, “El Niño” is hoping to continue his march up the UFC ladder in September.

“About opponent, I’ve gotta talk first with my manager. I cannot decide. But date, I was thinking—I don’t wanna rush it. I fought like four months ago. I fought in December and now I fought in April, so that was kinda fast. So, now maybe September,” Puelles told MMA News.

“I got the bonus, so that’s a little extra money. I gotta do a couple moves with that money now. Important things that I gotta do outside of fighting. So yeah, I think I’ll be ready to come back in September.”

Check out our full interview with UFC lightweight Claudio Puelles below:

Who would you like to see Claudio Puelles share the Octagon with next?

Continue Reading Puelles: I Proved I’m “Ready For Big Things” With Guida Submission at MMA News.

Georges St-Pierre Explains How Prime GSP Would Fight Kamaru Usman

UFC legend Georges St-Pierre knows how his prime self would approach a bout with reigning welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. When the topic of conversation surrounds who the GOAT is at 170 pounds, there are two names that inevitably come up: St-Pierre and Usman. Up until recently, the former was seemingly alone in the debate and…

Continue Reading Georges St-Pierre Explains How Prime GSP Would Fight Kamaru Usman at MMA News.

UFC legend Georges St-Pierre knows how his prime self would approach a bout with reigning welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

When the topic of conversation surrounds who the GOAT is at 170 pounds, there are two names that inevitably come up: St-Pierre and Usman. Up until recently, the former was seemingly alone in the debate and unchallenged. But with his ongoing dominance, “The Nigerian Nightmare” has caused a divide.

Option number one, St-Pierre, is a UFC Hall of Famer who defended the welterweight title a record nine times. During his 19 wins in the division, a record shared with Neil Magny, GSP defeated names like Nick Diaz, Carlos Condit, Matt Serra, BJ Penn, and Matt Hughes. “Rush” also achieved champ-champ status when he dethroned Michael Bisping to collect middleweight gold in 2017.

Option number two, Usman, has joined GSP in the debate off the back of an undefeated tenure in the UFC that has seen him dethrone Tyron Woodley with ease and defend the title on five occasions, twice each versus Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal, and once against Gilbert Burns.

With their impressive accomplishments in mind, for many, the debate comes down to their individual skillsets and abilities. So, how would prime St-Pierre fare against Usman?

How about we let the man himself provide an answer…

St-Pierre: I Would Put Usman On His Back

During an interview with MMA News’ own James Lynch, St-Pierre assessed his chances against the man currently reigning over the welterweights in similar vein to his own stint on the throne a number of years ago.

After describing Usman’s strengths when it comes to controlling against the cage, St-Pierre suggested he’d utilize his active, movement-based style to counter. Beyond that, the name of the game would be takedowns. For GSP, the key would be testing Usman in waters he’s never swam in.

“Usman has a style that he is very good at chain wrestling. He’s very good when he puts his opponent against the fence. He can do it all. He’s very well rounded,” admitted St-Pierre. “His main speciality in wrestling, he’s very good at putting his opponent against the fence and working from there.

“My style, I was more a guy that moves, moves, hit and run, so to speak. That was my game. So, my game would have been to put him down, but with feints and proactive and reactive takedowns,” GSP told MMA News.

“I would have, If I would have fought him, tried to put him on his back because I’ve never seen him there. That would have been my strategy.”

Some may suggest that given Usman’s wrestling credentials and dominance in that department to date, taking him down would be an ambitious route to victory. However, for “Rush,” the key to tackling the best is to find their weaknesses, which he believes are usually embedded in their strengths.

“Where someones seems stronger than everybody, that is the place where you need to attack. Sometimes their strength gets transformed to a weak link. You never know how he fights on his back,” suggested St-Pierre. “Nobody has ever exposed him there. There’s guys that are very good wrestlers, but once they’re on their back, they’ve never been there, so you don’t know how they will react.

“Would I succeed or not? We’ll never know [LAUGHS]… I think so, because I’m a fighter and I’m kind of biased,” said GSP. “There is nobody that I have fought that I wasn’t able to put down. But it’s a different era, a different time, guys get better. Usman is just fantastic. He’s the best right now.”

Check out our full interview with MMA legend Georges St-Pierre below:

While many share the sentiment that St-Pierre remains at the head of the table for the time being, the man himself has previously said that Usman is well on his way to surpassing him.

Unfortunately, with the Canadian remaining firm on his decision to retire, a fantasy clash between GSP and Usman will likely remain just that: a fantasy.

How do you think prime Georges St-Pierre would fare against Kamaru Usman?

Continue Reading Georges St-Pierre Explains How Prime GSP Would Fight Kamaru Usman at MMA News.