Tag: Exclusive

Oezdemir Expects Ankalaev To “Run Away” During UFC 267 Fight

UFC light heavyweight contender Volkan Oezdemir believes his UFC 267 fight against Magomed Ankalaev will be a cat and mouse affair. Ankalaev has been away from the Octagon for over a year. The Swiss star was last in action at UFC 251 last July. In Abu Dhabi, he welcomed promotional newcomer Ji?í Procházka to the […]

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UFC light heavyweight contender Volkan Oezdemir believes his UFC 267 fight against Magomed Ankalaev will be a cat and mouse affair.

Ankalaev has been away from the Octagon for over a year. The Swiss star was last in action at UFC 251 last July. In Abu Dhabi, he welcomed promotional newcomer Ji?í Procházka to the promotion. Less than a minute into the second round, “No Time” was brutally knocked out by “Denisa.” However, while he fell to his Czech counterpart, Oezdemir was successful in his two prior outings against fellow Europeans Aleksandar Raki? and Ilir Latifi.

With his place in the 205-pound top 10 still secure, Oezdemir will hope to return the win column and begin a pursuit for a second UFC championship opportunity against Ankalaev on October 30. The Russian, who’s ranked at #7 in the division, will ride a six-fight win streak that includes victories over Ion Cu?elaba and Nikita Krylov into his clash with the 32-year-old.

Ahead of the main card opener, Oezdemir spoke with MMA News’ James Lynch. When asked about the matchup, the former kickboxing practitioner suggested Ankalaev suits him better as an opponent than some of his previous foes. He also commented on the changing landscape of the light heavyweight weight class, which has seen him tumble from top of the mountain in terms of size, to bottom of the pile.

“I like him, I like his style, he’s maybe more like a normal type of guy when you compare him to Ji?í or even Raki?. Those guys, even [Dominick] Reyes; some of my last opponents… [have] a different frame and stuff like that, you know, they’re big guys, really tall. And he’s [Ankalaev] pretty much my size.

“The division has changed a lot, now I’m actually one of the shortest guy in the division. I remember when I first came into the UFC, I was already a top 10 since my first fight, since I fought the #6 guy, and I was one of the tallest guys. Now I’m actually one of the shortest guys in the division. Ankalaev is pretty much my size. He’s a little bit bigger, but he’s actually kind of similar.”

Giving his prediction for the fight, Oezdemir suggested Ankalaev will avoid him and attempt to counter-strike. The Swiss contender used the analogy of a cat chasing a mouse to describe how he thinks his 10th UFC outing will play out.

“This fight, I think, is kind of going to be chasing, like a cat chasing the mouse. I think Ankalaev is a guy who’s gonna actually run away a lot. I think he’s going to try to make me miss, make me frustrated. He’s not the kind of guy that actually engages too much; he’s a counter-striker… I think his game is to make me out of my head, to [make me] engage a little too much, or to take me down. This is the stuff I need to watch out [and] stay in my game, stay composed, and obviously I need to bring the power. I think he is somebody who likes to be in his game, in his timing,” Oezdemir told MMA News.

Catch our full exclusive interview with Volkan Oezdemir ahead of UFC 267 below:

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 267, Volkan Oezdemir or Magomed Ankalaev?

Continue Reading Oezdemir Expects Ankalaev To “Run Away” During UFC 267 Fight at MMA News.

Blaydes: MMA Fans Can Often Be Overly Emotional In Their Arguments

UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes believes MMA fans are often “overly reactionary” and emotional when discussing the sport’s biggest topics. Blaydes’ comments came after UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling was forced to withdraw from his scheduled title defense against Petr Yan at UFC 267. “Funk Master” has been out of action ever since his title […]

Continue Reading Blaydes: MMA Fans Can Often Be Overly Emotional In Their Arguments at MMA News.

UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes believes MMA fans are often “overly reactionary” and emotional when discussing the sport’s biggest topics.

Blaydes’ comments came after UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling was forced to withdraw from his scheduled title defense against Petr Yan at UFC 267. “Funk Master” has been out of action ever since his title crowning at UFC 259 in March. Having undergone neck surgery, Sterling was set to run it back with “No Mercy” in Abu Dhabi.

After not receiving medical clearance as a result of lingering issues following his operation, the champ withdrew. In his place, #3-ranked bantamweight Cory Sandhagen stepped up and will face Yan for the interim gold on October 30.

Despite the likes of Sandhagen supporting the creation of the belt and recognizing the serious nature of Sterling’s surgery, many, especially those within the UFC fanbase, have suggested the 32-year-old should have been stripped of his title.

In an interview with MMA News’ own James Lynch, Curtis Blaydes gave his take on the situation. According to “Razor,” fans are often too quick to judge situations in the heat of the moment. Citing calls for Sterling to be stripped as an example, the 30-year-old suggested many let their emotions take over when giving their opinions.

“MMA fans sometimes are a little overly reactionary and they let their emotions do the speaking. And I’m sure sometimes they regret what they say in the heat of the moment. Because I don’t agree with them. I don’t think he should be stripped of his title. I mean, if the man’s injured, why would he lie? Why would you not want to defend your title and prove to everyone you deserve it?”

Providing some context to Sterling’s withdrawal, Blaydes asserted that a fighter’s health is the most important thing. Given what he’s heard about the 135-pound champ’s situation, he believes Sterling was right to pull out of his rematch with Yan.

“I read in an article he said at this point, he can only do like a few rounds in a row before he starts to lose feeling and the fatigue starts to get to him. You want to be your best. It’s hard to go out there—and you know, like, ‘Hey, if I don’t get this guy out of this cage within the first two rounds, I don’t know what’s gonna happen.’ That’s really scary. So I can’t blame him for just wanting to be healthy. I hope he does get back healthy. I hope he does get the opportunity to walk around and at least get a chance. Like, he might lose, he might win, but I don’t want him to get stripped. I think that’s unnecessary.” 

Catch our full exclusive interview with UFC heavyweight Curtis Blaydes below:

Do you agree with Curtis Blaydes? Or do you think Aljamain Sterling should have been stripped of the bantamweight belt?

Continue Reading Blaydes: MMA Fans Can Often Be Overly Emotional In Their Arguments at MMA News.

Shevchenko On Fighter Pay: Everyone’s Getting Paid What They Deserve

UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko has shown her support for the UFC over the fighter pay debate, suggesting that fighters get paid “what they deserve.” Shevchenko was in action for the second time this year at UFC 266 last weekend. Against Lauren Murphy, the 125-pound queen looked to go top of the list for […]

Continue Reading Shevchenko On Fighter Pay: Everyone’s Getting Paid What They Deserve at MMA News.

UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko has shown her support for the UFC over the fighter pay debate, suggesting that fighters get paid “what they deserve.”

Shevchenko was in action for the second time this year at UFC 266 last weekend. Against Lauren Murphy, the 125-pound queen looked to go top of the list for most title defenses among active UFC champions with her sixth successful retention. With a level of dominance we’ve come to associate with “Bullet,” she did just that.

Having comfortably controlled a fairly lackluster opening three rounds, Shevchenko turned the heat up in the penultimate frame. Unleashing her weapons on “Lucky,” the 33-year-old finished the challenger with punches and elbows on the ground. With yet another masterclass in the books, Shevchenko’s place at the flyweight mountaintop looks untouchable.

With a lengthy spell holding championship gold and dominant performance after dominant performance, Shevchenko is inevitably at the point where she receives a handsome salary every time she enters the Octagon. However, recent times have suggested she’s one of few who’s content with her pay in the UFC.

After Jon Jones took to social media to slam Dana White and the UFC for not meeting his demands for a heavyweight title clash against Francis Ngannou, a number of active and former fighters have joined the movement for better fighter pay.

Shevchenko on Fighter Pay

Speaking with MMA News’ own James Lynch following her latest title defense, Shevchenko gave her take on the prominent debate. According to “Bullet,” high boxing purses have created a delusion surrounding the sport’s remuneration, something which has made members of the UFC roster seek higher pay.

“You know, (those who say) that it’s not fair or something like that (are) people who didn’t fight in different promotions. They don’t know what’s happening, people in the world. People didn’t know how other promotions treat their fighters. So if you don’t know, yeah, you are hearing all these crazy numbers: Boxers, they are receiving like millions and millions of dollars. And they’re like, ‘Right here, I’m not receiving millions and millions of dollars!’

“And if you think about boxers, how many of them (are receiving that)? One, two person maybe? And the rest? What you think? The rest of the fighters receiving thousands? No. And even poor boxers, for example, when they are starting, they have to sell their own tickets to get their own purse for the fight. You imagine what a person has to do. This is insane. This is crazy. This is what has to be judged.”

Joining the likes of Kevin Holland and Travis Browne, the Kyrgyzstani star showed her support for the UFC, claiming the promotion treats all its fighters well in every aspect of a fight, from medical care to travel arrangements. Shevchenko told MMA News that every athlete gets given the money they deserve.

“And I think everyone (is) getting paid what they deserve…they just say (that) because they don’t know what people getting fighting in other promotions.”

“And if you’re speaking about UFC, UFC treat all their fighters super good. And I’m speaking not about money. I’m speaking about everything: the medical care; how the crew, the team during the fight treats everyone; accommodations, trying to do it the nicest way; transportation; they’re responsible about everything. If you ask something, they will try to help you. They (don’t say), ‘Oh, are you in prelims? No, I’m not gonna do anything for you.’ No, they don’t do it. They just treat everyone the same. Everyone trying to help and trying to do (what’s) best for the fighters.

What’s next for the Bullet Ballerina?

Having now brushed aside the challenges of Jessica Eye, Liz Carmouche, Katlyn Chookagian, Jennifer Maia, Jéssica Andrade, and Murphy, Shevchenko has cleared out much of the women’s flyweight division. Many have suggested now is the time for “Bullet” to complete her trilogy with bantamweight and featherweight champ Amanda Nunes.

The pair first fought at UFC 196, where the “Lioness” comfortably secured a unanimous decision victory. A year-and-a-half later, Shevchenko challenged the Brazilian for the 135-pound gold. The competitive clash saw Nunes emerge victorious again, much to the dismay of the Kyrgyzstani, who believed she did enough to have her hand raised.

If Nunes can successfully defend her title against Julianna Peña at UFC 269 in December, we may well see the two great champions collide for the third time. According to UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping, their trilogy clash should be a 130-pound catchweight bout for the female ‘BMF’ belt.

What do you make of Valentina Shevchenko’s comments on fighter pay? Do you agree with the UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion?

Continue Reading Shevchenko On Fighter Pay: Everyone’s Getting Paid What They Deserve at MMA News.

Arman Tsarukyan Targets Hooker Or Ferguson For December Fight

UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has revealed he’s targeting a December return to the Octagon against either Dan Hooker or Tony Ferguson. Tsarukyan was in action earlier this month at UFC Vegas 37. On the main card, he recorded his first UFC finish against Christos Giagos. The #13-ranked 155-pound contender previously racked up unanimous decision victories […]

Continue Reading Arman Tsarukyan Targets Hooker Or Ferguson For December Fight at MMA News.

UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has revealed he’s targeting a December return to the Octagon against either Dan Hooker or Tony Ferguson.

Tsarukyan was in action earlier this month at UFC Vegas 37. On the main card, he recorded his first UFC finish against Christos Giagos. The #13-ranked 155-pound contender previously racked up unanimous decision victories over Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Davi Ramos, and Matt Frevola.

Having been challenged to record his first stoppage in the promotion by matchmaker Sean Shelby, Tsarukyan delivered in his last outing against “The Spartan.” After just over two minutes of the opening round, the 24-year-old finished Giagos via a TKO. With four consecutive wins since his only UFC blemish against Islam Makhachev, Tsarukyan is looking to meet a big name inside the Octagon next.

That name could well be Dan Hooker. The pair have developed quite the rivalry since the New Zealander’s quest to find an opponent for UFC 266 began. After Hooker’s clash with Nasrat Haqparast was announced, the Armenian-Russian accused “The Hangman” of ducking him in an interview with MMA News. After Hooker responded by branding him a “dumbass,” the surging lightweight revealed his desire to “kill” the #8-ranked Kiwi.

Now, following his recent victory, Tsarukyan has once again addressed his feud with Hooker in an interview with MMA News’ own James Lynch. The Georgian-born fighter first revealed what his rival had said to him in an effort to secure him as an opponent should Haqparast have been forced to pull out of UFC 266.

“He texted something like, ‘If you have balls, you gonna fight with me now.’ But he knows I had an (injury), I got injured after this fight, and I broke my ribs. That’s why he started speaking. But if he didn’t know about my injury, for sure he wouldn’t (say that).”

Speaking ahead of UFC 266, Tsarukyan added that he’d like to meet Hooker in December if he was to emerge victorious at the recent pay-per-view. Acknowledging the hype the matchup would get, Tsarukyan described Hooker as a “tough” challenge.

“I think Hooker gonna win, I hope, because I want to fight with him in December. I think he can finish Nasrat and then we gonna have fight with each other. It will be very interesting match. He’s a tough opponent, and I’m tough, too. And we had a conversation (with) each other, and I think UFC can do this part. And a lot of people know about me and him, and everyone wants to see this fight.”

After “The Hangman” returned to winning ways on Saturday with an impressive prelim performance, it seems likely we could be seeing that fight could go down in the coming months. However, Tsarukyan isn’t limiting himself to one option. He told MMA News that he’d be open to facing former interim UFC Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson as well.

“Doesn’t matter especially, but I want to fight with Tony Ferguson (in December). He’s a big name, too, and he doesn’t have fight now. And yeah, why not. I think we can do this fight. And it will be very interesting. I already said about he’s older guy, I’m youngest guy, and it will be great match. And we’ll see new performance with old school.”

While a meeting in the cage with Hooker or Ferguson would certainly be preferable, Tsarukyan also said he’d be willing to face either Gregor Gillespie or Diego Ferreira.

Catch our exclusive interview with Arman Tsarukyan following his UFC Vegas 37 win below:

Who would you like to see Arman Tsarukyan face next?

Continue Reading Arman Tsarukyan Targets Hooker Or Ferguson For December Fight at MMA News.

Michael Chiesa Says He Poses A Unique Problem To Kamaru Usman

UFC welterweight contender Michael Chiesa believes he has the tools to “pose a problem” for UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman. Since returning to 170 pounds in 2018 following consecutive losses to Kevin Lee and Anthony Pettis at lightw…

UFC welterweight contender Michael Chiesa believes he has the tools to “pose a problem” for UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman. Since returning to 170 pounds in 2018 following consecutive losses to Kevin Lee and Anthony Pettis at lightweight, Chiesa has looked back to his best. A four-fight winning streak that includes victories over Rafael dos […]

Continue Reading Michael Chiesa Says He Poses A Unique Problem To Kamaru Usman at MMA News.

Michael Chiesa Says He Poses A Unique Problem To Kamaru Usman

UFC welterweight contender Michael Chiesa believes he has the tools to “pose a problem” for UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman. Since returning to 170 pounds in 2018 following consecutive losses to Kevin Lee and Anthony Pettis at lightw…

UFC welterweight contender Michael Chiesa believes he has the tools to “pose a problem” for UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman. Since returning to 170 pounds in 2018 following consecutive losses to Kevin Lee and Anthony Pettis at lightweight, Chiesa has looked back to his best. A four-fight winning streak that includes victories over Rafael dos […]

Continue Reading Michael Chiesa Says He Poses A Unique Problem To Kamaru Usman at MMA News.