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The Pulse of MMA: What Was The Best UFC Event of 2021?

The Pulse of MMA: Fan Reactions To The Sport’s Biggest Stories

In this installment of The Pulse of MMA, we look at the raw, unfiltered reactions from MMA fans to the UFC‘s nominations for Best Event of 2021.

It’s the last week of 2021, whic…

UFC 267: B?achowicz vs. Teixeira

The Pulse of MMA: Fan Reactions To The Sport’s Biggest Stories

In this installment of The Pulse of MMA, we look at the raw, unfiltered reactions from MMA fans to the UFC‘s nominations for Best Event of 2021.

It’s the last week of 2021, which means it’s time to start looking back at the biggest and best moments of the year. Right now, that means taking a peek at the UFC’s nominations for the best event of the year.

There were four events nominated for the honor. Below, you can find the fast results for each event, followed by a brief video recap, then we’ll see what the Pulse of MMA had to say when they let their voices be heard.

UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal

UFC 261 poster drops for championship tripleheader on April 24 in Jacksonville - MMAmania.com

EARLY PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+/6 p.m. ET)

  • Bantamweight bout: Danaa Batgerel def. Kevin Natividad by TKO (punches) at :50 of Round 1
  • Lightweight bout: Kazula Vargas def. Rongzhu by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Flyweight bout: Jeffrey Molina def. Aoriqileng by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
  • Women’s strawweight bout: Ariane Carnelossi def. Na Liang by TKO (punches) at 1:28 of Round 2

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/8 p.m. ET)

  • Welterweight bout: Randy Brown def. Alex Oliveira by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:50 of Round 1
  • Welterweight bout: Dwight Grant def. Stefan Sekulic by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Middleweight bout: Brendan Allen def. Karl Roberson by submission (heel hook) at 4:55 of Round 1
  • Featherweight bout:  Pat Sabatini def. Tristan Connelly by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

MAIN CARD (ESPN/10 p.m. ET)

  • Welterweight title bout: Kamaru Usman def. Jorge Masvidal by knockout (punches) at 1:02 of Round 2 to retain the title
  • Women’s strawweight title bout: Rose Namajunas def. Zhang Weili by knockout (head kick) at 1:18 of Round 1 to win the title
  • Women’s flyweight title bout: Valentina Shevchenko def. Jessica Andrade by TKO (elbows) at 3:19 of Round 2 to retain
  • Middleweight bout: Uriah Hall def. Chris Weidman by TKO (injury) at :17 of Round 1
  • Light heavyweight bout: Anthony Smith def. Jimmy Crute by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 1

UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira

UFC 267 on ESPN+ (10/30/21): How to Watch Two Title Fights | Start time, Live stream Info - mlive.com

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 10:30 a.m. ET)

  • Flyweight bout: Tagir Ulanbekov def. Allan Nascimento by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Middleweight bout: Andre Petroski def. Hu Yaozong by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:46 of Round 3
  • Featherweight bout:  Lerone Murphy def. Makwan Amirkhani by knockout (knee) at :14 of Round 2
  • Light heavyweight bout: Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Shamil Gamzatov by TKO (punches) at 3:31 of Round 1
  • Welterweight bout: Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Benoit Saint-Denis by unanimous decision (29-26, 29-26, 29-26)
  • Middleweight bout: Albert Duraev def. Roman Kopylov (30-27, 29-27, 29-27)
  • Featherweight bout:  Zubaira Tukhugov def. Ricardo Ramos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) 
  • Women’s strawweight bout: Amanda Ribas def. Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 2 p.m. ET)

  • Light heavyweight bout: Magomed Ankalaev def. Volkan Oezdemir by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Welterweight bout: Khamzat Chimaev def. Li Jingliang by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:16 of Round 1 
  • Heavyweight bout: Alexander Volkov def. Marcin Tybura by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) 
  • Lightweight bout: Islam Makhachev def. Dan Hooker by submission (kimura) at 2:25 of Round 1
  • Interim bantamweight title bout: Petr Yan def. Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
  • Light heavyweight title bout: Glover Teixeira def. Jan Blachowicz by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:02 of Round 2

UFC 268: Usman vs. Covington 2

The Countdown To UFC 268: Usman vs. Covington 2 Officially Begins

EARLY PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

  • Flyweight bout: Ode Osbourne def. CJ Vergara by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Featherweight bout:  Melsik Baghdasaryan def. Bruno Souza by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Light heavyweight bout: Dustin Jacoby def. John Allan by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
  • Heavyweight bout: Chris Barnett def. Gian Villante by TKO (wheel kick and punches) at 2:23 of Round 2
  • Welterweight bout: Ian Garry def. Jordan Williams by knockout (punches) at 4:59 of Round 1

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPNews/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)

  • Middleweight bout: Nassourdine Imavov def. Edmen Shahbazyan by TKO (elbows) at 4:42 of Round 2
  • Middleweight bout: Chris Curtis def. Phil Hawes by knockout (punches) at 4:27 of Round 1
  • Lightweight bout: Bobby Green def. Al Iaquinta by TKO (punches) at 2:25 of Round 1
  • Middleweight bout: Alex Pereira def. Andreas Michailidis by TKO (flying knee) at :18 of Round 2

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

  • Lightweight bout: Justin Gaethje def. Michael Chandler by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
  • Featherweight bout: Shane Burgos def. Billy Quarantillo by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Bantamweight bout: Marlon Vera def. Frankie Edgar by knockout (front kick) at 3:50 of Round 3
  • Women’s strawweight title bout: Rose Namajunas def. Zhang Weili by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46) to retain
  • Welterweight title bout: Kamaru Usman def. Colby Covington by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to retain

UFC Vegas 42: Holloway vs. Rodriguez

UFC Vegas 42: Holloway vs Rodriguez – Main card predictions | Tap Ins & Tap Outs

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET)

  • Light heavyweight bout: Da Un Jung def. Kennedy Nzechukwu by knockout (elbows) at 3:04 of Round 1
  • Lightweight bout: Rafael Alves def. Marc Diakiese by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:48 of Round 1
  • Women’s flyweight bout: Cortney Casey def. Liana Jojua by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Featherweight bout: Sean Woodson def. Collin Anglin by TKO (punches) at 4:30 of Round 1
  • Women’s flyweight bout: Andrea Lee def. Cynthia Calvillo by TKO (referee stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2
  • Lightweight bout: Joel Alvarez def. Thiago Moises by TKO (strikes) at 3:01 of Round 1

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET)

  • Bantamweight bout: Song Yadong def. Julio Arce by TKO (punches) at 1:35 of Round 2 
  • Welterweight bout: Khaos Williams def. Miguel Baeza by TKO (punches) at 1:02 of Round 3
  • Women’s featherweight bout: Felicia Spencer def. Leah Letson by TKO (punches) at 4:25 of Round 3
  • Heavyweight bout: Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Ben Rothwell by TKO (punches) at :32 of Round 1
  • Featherweight bout: Max Holloway def. Yair Rodriguez by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)

Event Of The Year Highlights Package

You can check out the highlights from the four Events of the Year nominees down below!

MMA Twitter Weighs In

Finally, here is what the Pulse of MMA had to say about the UFC’s nominations list after UFC 268 took home 47.2% of the votes as of this writing.

What say you, MMA News family? Which event gets YOUR vote for Event of the Year??

Continue Reading The Pulse of MMA: What Was The Best UFC Event of 2021? at MMA News.

Sonnen: Ngannou/Gane Is The Most Compelling Heavyweight Fight Ever

Former two-division UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has described the upcoming unification showdown between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane as the “biggest” and most “compelling” heavyweight fight of all time.

The two behemoths are set to open the…

UFC 270: Ngannou vs. Gane, Chael Sonnen

Former two-division UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has described the upcoming unification showdown between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane as the “biggest” and most “compelling” heavyweight fight of all time.

The two behemoths are set to open the UFC’s pay-per-view account for 2022 in style, headlining January 22’s UFC 270 event. When a champion and interim titleholder collide, the stakes are always that much higher. But for this one, they’re through the roof.

Ngannou has held the title since March 2021, when he dethroned Stipe Miocic with a brutal second-round knockout. After being unable to return to the US for an August defence against Derrick Lewis, Gane was drafted in for an interim title clash with “The Black Beast,” much to the fury of Ngannou and his management team.

By dominating Lewis in the UFC 265 main event, Gane set up a blockbuster unification clash with “The Predator,” whom he used to train with at Paris’ MMA Factory gym. The heavyweight landscape will alter one way or another at UFC 270, but it could drastically shift should “Bon Gamin” emerge victorious.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWpzhxhMECx/

Sonnen Reveals What Ngannou/Gane Has That No Other HW Fight Did

There are a number of storylines at play heading into the next PPV headliner. While Ngannou’s feud with his former coach and Gane’s current mentor Fernand Lopez is providing a nice narrative, as is the champ’s frustration at the creation of interim gold, chief among them is Ngannou’s current contractual situation.

With failed negotiations and a feeling of under-appreciation within the Cameroonian’s camp, it appears there’s a chance Ngannou could depart the UFC if he’s dethroned by Gane in in a few weeks time. While Dana White recently provided a positive update on the stand-off, he also doubled down on his criticism of the champ’s manager.

Discussing the fractious relationship between the promotion and one of its top titleholders in a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Chael Sonnen suggested the uncertainty surrounding Ngannou’s future has helped make his clash with Gane the biggest, most interesting, and most compelling heavyweight fight of all time.

“I believe by the time Francis gets in there with Gane, I think when this promotion is done, when we get excited and when we all get told this story over these next three weeks, I think it’s going to be the biggest heavyweight fight of all time. Not the biggest fight of all time. It’s not going to beat UFC 100. It’s not gonna beat a Conor McGregor (fight). I think it’s going to be the biggest heavyweight fight of all time.

“It is, for sure, the most interesting. It is, for sure, the most compelling. It, for sure, comes with the most at stake here. Where Francis’ contract stands and what Francis wants to do within the organization as the champion, whether he wins or he loses, he brings those pressures with him. That story alone is better than any heavyweight story I’ve ever been told, and I’m not even starting the story of this fight… I submit to you that no other heavyweight fight has ever gone off in this particular situation, where the heavyweight champion himself, is looking to fulfil a contract and say, ‘Adios.’ The pressure that comes with that alone is more compelling than any other heavyweight fight we’ve had.”

Despite White’s latest remarks, it appears things are far from being sorted with regards to Ngannou’s contract. With all the factors at play leading up to UFC 270, the main event and the aftermath of it is set to be an intriguing affair.

Do you agree with Chael Sonnen? Is Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane the biggest and most compelling heavyweight fight of all time?

Continue Reading Sonnen: Ngannou/Gane Is The Most Compelling Heavyweight Fight Ever at MMA News.

Quote: The UFC Would Accept The Paul Brothers With Open Arms

UFC featherweight contender Chan Sung Jung believes Dana White would not hesitate to bring the Paul brothers to the UFC if the opportunity presented itself.

After making their names in the rapidly rising YouTube scene, Logan and Jake Paul have made…

Dana White & Sean Shelby, Jake & Logan Paul

UFC featherweight contender Chan Sung Jung believes Dana White would not hesitate to bring the Paul brothers to the UFC if the opportunity presented itself.

After making their names in the rapidly rising YouTube scene, Logan and Jake Paul have made a successful crossover to combat sports. While Logan tested the professional waters against fellow internet star KSI and faced one of the greatest of all time in Floyd Mayweather, Jake has been building a record and attempting to legitimize his venture to the ring.

After knocking out YouTube peer AnEsonGib and former NBA star Nate Robinson, “The Problem Child” boosted his competition to experienced combat sports veterans. In 2021, he knocked out former ONE and Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren before edging past former UFC titleholder Tyron Woodley on the scorecards.

After his chance to add the first professional boxer to his record fell through with Tommy Fury’s withdrawal, Paul ran it back with Woodley on December 18. In brutal fashion, Paul sent “The Chosen One” face first into the canvas. While many still doubt his ability to challenge the pros, no one can question Paul’s power and fundamental skills.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXp11JYOGY4/

Zombie Sees A UFC Future For The Paul’s

Following his second triumph over a former UFC champion, Paul called out Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal, two of the biggest stars in the world’s premier MMA organization. It wasn’t the first time the 34-year-old has had the UFC on his mind.

The Ohio native has consistently slammed Dana White for the promotion’s fighter pay structure, set his sights on the likes of Kamaru Usman, Conor McGregor, and Michael Bisping, and even had a face-to-face with Daniel Cormier at UFC 261. But despite the evident bad blood, one former title challenger believes the UFC would welcome Jake and his brother Logan to the promotion with “open arms.”

In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung addressed the Paul brothers’ success in the squared circle. Considering the business acumen of White, the #4-ranked UFC featherweight doesn’t believe bad relations would get in the way of the YouTubers-turned-boxers making their way to the Octagon.

“I think that’s what they are planning on doing. Logan did say he was retiring from boxing. I am not sure if Logan and Jake are on good terms with Dana White. There was a shade being thrown around by Jake on Twitter. Will the UFC take Logan and Jake Paul in? With open arms. Dana White is a smart businessman and he’ll do whatever is good for business.” (h/t Calf Kicker)

The Paul brothers are yet to show any real interest in testing their skills inside the cage rather than the ring. Jake seems content on inviting top UFC names over to boxing, and given his results so far and the lucrative paychecks, who can blame him?

Nevertheless, should their success and the attention they garner continue to skyrocket, perhaps the UFC President will decide to dip his feet into the crossover market. For now, at least, White will seemingly continue to brush aside talk of doing business with the Paul brothers.

Do you agree with “The Korean Zombie?” Would Dana White welcome the Paul brothers to the UFC?

Continue Reading Quote: The UFC Would Accept The Paul Brothers With Open Arms at MMA News.

The Pulse of MMA: Fans Reveal Their 2022 UFC Dream Fight Wishlist

The Pulse of MMA: Fan Reactions To The Sport’s Biggest Stories

In this installment of The Pulse of MMA, we look at the raw, unfiltered reactions from MMA fans to the most desired matchups heading into 2022!

Heading into the new year always …

Dustin Poirier, Nate Diaz

The Pulse of MMA: Fan Reactions To The Sport’s Biggest Stories

In this installment of The Pulse of MMA, we look at the raw, unfiltered reactions from MMA fans to the most desired matchups heading into 2022!

Heading into the new year always brings limitless possibilities that feed the imagination. Who will be the divisional champions at the end of the year? Who will be some of the new faces and breakout stars that emerge? And of course, what are the biggest fights that await?

Well, we will have to wait until we learn the answers to the questions. In the meantime, one can dream.

Below, MMA Twitter responded to the UFC’s question of what is on their dream fight wish list of 2022. Check out some of the responses below.

What is on YOUR dream fight wish list for 2022?

Continue Reading The Pulse of MMA: Fans Reveal Their 2022 UFC Dream Fight Wishlist at MMA News.

White Says Peña Promised Him She’d Be Champion Before Her UFC Signing

UFC President Dana White and newly-crowned UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña have recalled their first meeting back in 2013.

After just over seven years in the world’s premier MMA organization, Peña secured her first title shot this y…

Julianna Peña, Dana White

UFC President Dana White and newly-crowned UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña have recalled their first meeting back in 2013.

After just over seven years in the world’s premier MMA organization, Peña secured her first title shot this year. But when that opportunity is against Amanda Nunes, the outcome usually seems set in stone. After all, the “Lioness” had reigned over two divisions for years, was undefeated since 2014, and had fought off the challenges of names like Ronda Rousey, Valentina Shevchenko, and Holly Holm.

While most expected her name to be added to the list of the Brazilian’s fallen foes, “The Venezuelan Vixen” knew something most didn’t. Entering the contest with a confident aura not many associate with an opponent of Nunes, Peña shocked the world by executing her game plan to perfection, hurting and tiring the consensus female GOAT on the feet before submitting her on the ground in the second round.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXmaaWsOw5r/

Following the incredible result, which is largely being seen as the greatest upset in UFC history, Dana White has consistently praised the new titleholder and provided a further glimpse into Peña’s immense confidence and self-belief, something many branded as delusional prior to UFC 269.

During the post-fight press conference for the final pay-per-view of the year, White detailed the first time he met the 32-year-old Washington native. According to the UFC President, the champ predicted her future success then and there.

“I had my kids in some jiu-jitsu tournament when they were little. And the first time I ever met Julianna Peña, she walked up to me, and introduced herself and told me who she was. And she said, ‘I’m gonna fight for you someday and I’m gonna be a world champion’—when I met her. So she’s always been like that. And yeah, she did it, man. She did it—in spectacular fashion.”

Pena Kept Her Promise

Julianna Pena
Julianna Pena

During her own appearance at the post-fight presser, Peña gave her recount of the meeting. Whilst confirming that she did make the UFC kingpin a promise, “The Venezuelan Vixen” said she told White she would win The Ultimate Fighter.

Having proven herself right shortly after with victory in season 18 of TUF, she’s now also fulfilled the promise White believes she made in the same meeting with her title crowning earlier this month.

“Yeah, so it was about 2013. Dana had recently allowed women to fight inside the UFC and that they were gonna have their very first Ultimate Fighter house. So I came down early to help actually Miesha get ready to train for Cat Zingano. And there were the tryouts for The Ultimate Fighter. And I caught, again, heard a rumor that he was gonna be at Syndicate gym. So I took a taxi, I went to Syndicate, and I saw him in the corner, and I walked right up to him and I said, ‘My name is Julianna Peña, and I’m gonna win The Ultimate Fighter.’ And he was like, [CHUCKLES] ‘Alright.’ 

“And so, yeah, when I won The Ultimate Fighter, that was great. That was how the first encounter that I ever had with Dana. And I’ve been telling him, too, I’m literally telling him all the time, ‘I want that fight. I want that fight. Give me that fight.’ And I think maybe, subconsciously, he was just trying to protect me. Like, ‘No, you don’t want that fight,’ you know? He’s trying to be like, ‘Trust me. You don’t want that fight.’ But I’ve been gunning for it this entire time, and he finally gave me the opportunity, the opportunity that I’ve been asking for. And I’m just (eternally) grateful for him giving me that chance. He gave me my shot, and I’m so happy for that.”

Having secured the bantamweight throne, the next step for Peña will be to further legitimize her place atop the mountain and prove her dominance over Nunes through a rematch in 2022.

With White confirming the option of an immediate chance at redemption for the Brazilian, and the former champ expressing her intent to regain the belt, it seems likely we’ll see the two rivals face-to-face again next year.

Do you expect Julianna Peña to remain on the bantamweight throne throughout 2022?

Continue Reading White Says Peña Promised Him She’d Be Champion Before Her UFC Signing at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad: Jorge Masvidal Fight “Really Makes Sense”

Having entered the welterweight top five, Belal Muhammad has his sights set on a top name and two-time title challenger for his next outing.

Muhammad joined the elite at 170 pounds with an emphatic performance at the final UFC event of 2021. In the…

Jorge Masvidal, Belal Muhammad

Having entered the welterweight top five, Belal Muhammad has his sights set on a top name and two-time title challenger for his next outing.

Muhammad joined the elite at 170 pounds with an emphatic performance at the final UFC event of 2021. In the co-main event slot, “Remember The Name” faced divisional veteran and elite striker Stephen Thompson.

Despite being controlled in his previous fight with Gilbert Burns, many expected “Wonderboy” to get his championship charge back on track by halting the surge of Muhammad. Instead, the 38-year-old fell to back-to-back losses for the second time in his career and slid further away from a third UFC title shot.

Across 15 minutes, Muhammad consistently dragged Thompson to the ground and beat him up. The result was a convincing unanimous decision victory for the Chicago native on the judges’ scorecards.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXrkjg9PlPP/

Muhammad Explains Why Masvidal Should Accept A Fight With Him

Since extending his unbeaten streak to seven, Belal Muhammad hasn’t shied away from pushing for his next opponent. Having expressed interest in facing surging brute Khamzat Chimaev, top contender Colby Covington, and running it back with Leon Edwards, the 33-year-old has now trained his aim on Jorge Masvidal.

During an interview with TMZ Sports, Muhammad made his desire to stay active and fight for a title shot clear. To achieve that, he believes he should go through “Gamebred” next.

Explaining why the matchup makes sense for Masvidal, Muhammad suggested a victory for the Miami native would allow him the chance to make up for some prior losses.

“I brought up Masvidal. (I’m) right ahead of him. He fought for the title twice, I just beat Maia, who fought for the title twice, I beat Wonderboy, who fought for the title twice, I’ll take Masvidal, who fought for the title twice. I beat two guys that beat him already back-to-back. So maybe for him, beating me would erase those two losses a little bit. I think that fight really makes sense.

“Obviously, big-name value fight (is against) Masvidal. He’s been saying he wants to fight guys that will get him to a title shot, I think fighting a guy like me, who’s right above him, #5, makes a lot of sense… Me against him would be a really good fight, and stylistically, I think think it’s a great fight, and personally, too… My manager slapped his manager in the face, I used to be with his manager but my team fired him, so there’s some stuff there. We could make something out of that one.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CX1Hq8KLocu/

While it remains to be seen whether Masvidal would be willing to drop his pursuit of clashes with arch-nemesis Edwards and former teammate Covington in favor of a fight with Muhammad, the clash certainly makes sense in terms of rankings. It would also achieve his goal of bringing him closer to a trilogy with Kamaru Usman should he emerge victorious over “Remember The Name.”

How do you think a fight between Belal Muhammad and Jorge Masvidal would play out?

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad: Jorge Masvidal Fight “Really Makes Sense” at MMA News.