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Sean O’Malley Names The Only UFC Fighter Everyone Loves

While Sean O’Malley may split opinion among the combat sports community, “Sugar” believes there’s one UFC fighter who certainly does the opposite.

O’Malley’s rise to stardom has been relatively rapid. That’s immediately one reason why a portion of …

Sean O'Malley

While Sean O’Malley may split opinion among the combat sports community, “Sugar” believes there’s one UFC fighter who certainly does the opposite.

O’Malley’s rise to stardom has been relatively rapid. That’s immediately one reason why a portion of fans dislike the charismatic rising bantamweight. That, coupled with his confident and outgoing personality, means many actively root against the 27-year-old. That was no different when he returned to action earlier this month at UFC 269.

Having rebounded from his first professional MMA loss with back-to-back third-round finishes against Thomas Almeida and Kris Moutinho earlier this year, the Montana native hoped to make it three from three inside a sold-out T-Mobile Arena at the year’s final pay-per-view. In the main card opener, he did just that, brutally knocking Raulian Paiva out before the close of the opening round.

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O’Malley Says Everyone Loves A Bit Of “Bam Bam”

Video: Tai Tuivasa does a shoey spiked with Dustin Poirier's hot sauce - MMAmania.com
Tai Tuivasa

Having been content facing unranked opposition, “Sugar” will seemingly receive the pay bump he’s been after in the near future and be up against top opposition in 2022. But despite continuing his rise and easily dispatching of Paiva, who many thought would give him trouble, O’Malley certainly still has his fair share of doubters in the community.

According to the 27-year-old, that’s a good thing. During the UFC 269 post-fight press conference, O’Malley was asked whether it frustrates him when fans and pundits pick little things to criticize him about. In his mind, he wouldn’t be the star he is without being disliked by a large portion of the UFC fanbase. He suggested there’s only one man truly loved by everyone, and that’s Tai Tuivasa.

“That means I’m doing it right. If everyone just loved me, then I probably wouldn’t be as big as I am. I think there’s only probably one person that everyone loves and that’s Tai Tuivasa. I think he’s the only one. How could you not like that guy? But for me, I could see how people don’t like me. But I guarantee they watched me tonight. I guarantee they did not turn the TV, they didn’t get up to go to the bathroom, they probably weren’t even eating or drinking. I bet they were locked into that TV when I was fighting.”

Like O’Malley, Tuivasa was also in action at UFC 269. If fans didn’t go for a toilet break during the O’Malley vs. Paiva clash, hopefully, they didn’t do it for the Tuivasa vs. Sakai fight earlier in the night.

If they did, they’d have missed a combination of “Barbie Girl” by Aqua, a brutal knockout, and multiple shoeys…

Whether it’s the combination of vicious KO power and hilarious ’90’s pop walkouts, or the combination of in-Octagon performance and post-fight shoeys, or all three combined, fans love Tuivasa and the energy and entertainment he brings on fight night.

But as well as being as loved as O’Malley says, “Bam Bam” is also a fast-rising heavyweight with time on his side. At just 28, the Australian has already established himself just outside the top 10 and is riding a four-fight win streak following triumphs over Stefan Struve, Harry Hunsucker, Greg Hardy, and Sakai.

We’ve certainly got many more years of KO’s and cheesy walkout songs in front of us.

Do you agree with Sean O’Malley? Is Tai Tuivasa the one fighter universally loved?

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley Names The Only UFC Fighter Everyone Loves at MMA News.

Oliveira Calls Gaethje Phony After Backstage Run-In, Gaethje Responds

Charles Oliveira would have liked Justin Gaethje to keep the same trash-talking energy when the two came face to face backstage at UFC 269.

Heading into UFC 269, Gaethje did not like Oliveira’s chances in his UFC 269 title defense against Dustin Po…

Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira would have liked Justin Gaethje to keep the same trash-talking energy when the two came face to face backstage at UFC 269.

Heading into UFC 269, Gaethje did not like Oliveira’s chances in his UFC 269 title defense against Dustin Poirier. Frankly put, he believed Oliveira was someone who had “too much quit in him” to be recognized as champion until he proved him wrong by beating a dog like Poirier.

And that he did.

Charles Oliveira
© Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Oliveira surprised quite a few people with his impressive performance at UFC 269, not just because he won, but the way he did it: toughness, resilience, and yes, a refusal to quit.

Following the fight, Gaethje had no problem walking back his words in light of the new evidence he had just been presented with. He admitted that the Oliveira he saw in that Octagon was, in fact, a true competitor with championship resolve. He even had the opportunity to share that respect with the champion backstage.

Oliveira was courteous and receptive to Gaethje’s gesture, but apparently, he was wondering inside his head who this man was and what he did to the trash-talking American leading into the event.

To further confuse the champion, he says Gaethje’s remarks after their run-in switched up yet again, solidifying his view that Gaethje is duplicitous.

“The guy is talking a bunch of crap the entire time, and when we meet face-to-face he says he has all the respect for me and what I do — and two minutes later he’s saying he’ll break my face and saying a bunch of stuff,” Oliveira told MMA Fighting.

“These guys hype things up and try to sell the fight with something they are not. If you’re a humble guy, if you’re a respectful guy, you have to sell the fight that way. If you’re a guy that talks crap, you have to sell the fight talking crap the entire time — to my face and behind my back.”

Justin Gaethje Responds To Oliveira’s Remarks

Shortly after Oliveira’s remarks became public, Justin Gaethje took to Twitter to offer the following response:

“@CharlesDoBronxs it’s called respect you fool and we are in the breaking faces business. My respect that night was just as real as my intention to take everything from you in your country @ufc#uhvaimorrer“

The closing hashtag of the above tweet translates to “You’re going to die” in Portuguese, a chant commonly associated with Brazilian fans towards foreign fighters.

In 2022, these two lightweights will have an opportunity to settle their differences and most likely exchange some very real respect between one another afterward. Dana White has confirmed that Gaethje is next up for a title shot. And even though Oliveira has openly stated he’d rather be fighting Conor McGregor, he also says he will not stand in the way of the Gaethje matchup the UFC currently has planned.

What do you make of this exchange between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje?

Continue Reading Oliveira Calls Gaethje Phony After Backstage Run-In, Gaethje Responds at MMA News.

Edwards Responds To “Deluded” Masvidal After Public Callout

UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards has responded to Jorge Masvidal’s claims that he can’t find an opponent for his return to the Octagon.

Masvidal was originally booked to be in action earlier this month at UFC 269 against arch-rival Edwards. …

Jorge Masvidal, Leon Edwards

UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards has responded to Jorge Masvidal’s claims that he can’t find an opponent for his return to the Octagon.

Masvidal was originally booked to be in action earlier this month at UFC 269 against arch-rival Edwards. In a grudge match over two years in the making, “Rocky” was set for his chance to exact revenge on “Gamebred” for the pair’s famous backstage altercation at a UFC London event in 2019.

A month prior to the year’s final pay-per-view, Masvidal withdrew due to an injury, later confirmed to MMA News by Colby Covington to be a rib issue. But the two-time welterweight title challenger is seemingly back to fitness and rallying for a fight, something he suggested is proving to be difficult.

Masvidal slammed “bitches” like Edwards and Colby Covington for not wanting to sign contracts agreeing to face him. “Rocky” has already announced his intention to wait for a title shot following his failed clash with Masvidal. Covington, meanwhile, has made his desire to face Masvidal, his former friend and teammate, well known.

Edwards Laughs Masvidal Off

In the aftermath of Masvidal’s public callout and re-emergence onto the welterweight scene, Edwards took to Twitter to respond. In a short and simple post, the #3-ranked contender laughed his foe’s claims off, describing him as “deluded” in the process.

“This motherfucker is deluded [LAUGH]”

Back-and-forth between Edwards and Masvidal surrounding accusations of ducking a fight against the other existed for the best part of two years. When the pair finally had a bout booked, it seemed their score would be settled. With the cancelation and Edwards’ decision to set his sights back on Kamaru Usman, it appears we’re set for more social media and interview exchanges between the two instead.

For Masvidal, his two most public options appear to be a clash of former friends with Covington or an unlikely crossover to the boxing ring to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. “The Problem Child’ has been making Masvidal offers since his second victory over Tyron Woodley this month.

Would you like to see the Leon Edwards vs. Jorge Masvidal matchup revived? If not, who should “Gamebred” face in 2022?

Continue Reading Edwards Responds To “Deluded” Masvidal After Public Callout at MMA News.

Tommy Fury Blasts Jake Paul For Continuing To Call Out MMA Fighters

Tommy Fury doesn’t get why Jake Paul cares to box UFC fighters.

After Paul knocked out Tyron Woodley last Saturday, he called out several people, including Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz, who are massive stars in the UFC. Yet, Fury was hoping they wo…

Jake Paul, Tommy Fury

Tommy Fury doesn’t get why Jake Paul cares to box UFC fighters.

After Paul knocked out Tyron Woodley last Saturday, he called out several people, including Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz, who are massive stars in the UFC. Yet, Fury was hoping they would rebook their fight, as the Brit was forced to withdraw due to a rib injury.

Paul stated before the Woodley rematch that he doesn’t know if he will rebook the fight against Fury. And for the Brit, he doesn’t understand what Paul gets by beating wrestlers turned boxers and other MMA fighters. (h/t The Scottish Sun)

“I see he has gone back to calling out all these MMA people, I don’t see what he is trying to achieve by calling out UFC people,” Fury said in an interview on his promoter’s YouTube channel. “If he wants to be a boxer, then fight a boxer. He keeps fighting wrestlings who would kill him in a cage every day of the week. He would beat Nate Diaz and all these other MMA fighters (in a boxing bout) 100 percent because they are not boxers.”

Jake Paul Tommy Fury
Photos via Instagram @jakepaul @tommyfury

The fight between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury did make some sense due to the fact they are both massive social media stars and are both young and undefeated. Most importantly, Fury is also a real pro boxer, which many people have been clamoring for Paul to fight.

Fury has also made it clear he wants to box Paul next and promises he would’ve KO’d the YouTuber in the first round had he boxed Paul last weekend.

“If that was me in the ring on Saturday night, it wouldn’t have got out of the opening bell,” Fury said.

Whether or not Tommy Fury vs. Jake Paul will happen is unclear. However, it certainly appears as though Fury still wants the fight, and it is almost sure to still be a big pay-per-view if rebooked.

Do you think we will see Tommy Fury vs. Jake Paul next?

Continue Reading Tommy Fury Blasts Jake Paul For Continuing To Call Out MMA Fighters at MMA News.

Marvin Vettori Promises Bisping He’ll Dethrone “PED User” Adesanya

UFC middleweight Marvin Vettori has responded to compliments from Michael Bisping about his championship credentials, promising that he’ll be the one to dethrone “PED user” Israel Adesanya.

Vettori has already failed to strip Adesanya of his gold o…

Israel Adesanya, Marvin Vettori

UFC middleweight Marvin Vettori has responded to compliments from Michael Bisping about his championship credentials, promising that he’ll be the one to dethrone “PED user” Israel Adesanya.

Vettori has already failed to strip Adesanya of his gold on one occasion and failed to have his hand raised at two attempts against “The Last Stylebender.” After falling to a split decision to the Nigerian-New Zealander in 2018 when both were relatively new to the UFC, “The Italian Dream” fought his way to the top, earning a title shot following victories over Karl Roberson, Jack Hermansson, and Kevin Holland.

In the UFC 263 main event in June this year, Vettori re-visited his rivalry with Adesanya. While he was able to take the champ the 25-minute distance, which was more than both Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa had managed, the 28-year-old was comfortably beaten on the scorecards.

But the Trento native’s hopes of returning to contention couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. After showing his toughness by accepting a light heavyweight clash against an overweight Costa, Vettori put his power and chin on full display across five rounds with “The Eraser” at UFC Vegas 41. Thanks to a pressing volume and some clean lands, Vettori jumped to #2 in the rankings with a unanimous decision victory over the Brazilian.

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Discussing that performance during a recent Q&A on his YouTube channel, Bisping, a former 185-pound titleholder and current color commentator, suggested Vettori would be the current middleweight king if it wasn’t for the presence of Adesanya.

“If it wasn’t for Israel Adesanya right now, he’d (Vettori) be the champ, definitely… He’s the next best guy at 185 in my opinion, he’s doing tremendous things. I’m a friend of Marvin’s, I think he’s tremendous. That fight he had against Paulo Costa was sensational. I called that fight, I was right there, he won that fight fair and square but Paulo Costa had a lot of success and some of the shots that Marvin ate, some of those kicks and punches and the power that Costa has, Marvin took every single fucking one of them.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

Vettori Responds With A Promise

Upon seeing Bisping’s take, Vettori took to Twitter to respond. After showing his appreciation for “The Count,” the top contender made a promise. He assured Bisping that he’ll still be the one to end Adesanya’s reign, despite failing to do so six months ago.

He also slammed the reigning titleholder, accusing him of using performance-enhancing drugs, a sentiment that began to be shared after Adesanya’s right pectoral muscle became noticeably swollen.

“Appreciate it @Bisping Im still gonna show you I will dethrone this PED user very soon.”

While he undoubtedly impressed in his last outing and established himself as one of the top contenders, it’ll likely be a while until Vettori has another chance at having middleweight gold wrapped around his waist.

Adesanya is next set to run it back with former champ Whittaker at UFC 271 in February. On the same card, Derek Brunson and Jared Cannonier are expected to collide to determine the next number one contender.

With his reluctance to serve as backup for Adesanya vs. Whittaker 2, it seems “The Italian Dream” will be spending 2022 looking to secure another championship opportunity for the following year.

Do you think Marvin Vettori has what it takes to beat Israel Adesanya if the pair run it back down the line?

Continue Reading Marvin Vettori Promises Bisping He’ll Dethrone “PED User” Adesanya at MMA News.

Nate Diaz Makes An Accusation Against The “Paul Sisters”

Nate Diaz is happy to do some light trolling with the Paul brothers.

Diaz recently addressed Jake Paul in a social media post, claiming that he isn’t concerned about the celebrity-turned-boxer. He claimed that Paul and his brother Logan recently hi…

Paul Brothers, Nate Diaz

Nate Diaz is happy to do some light trolling with the Paul brothers.

Diaz recently addressed Jake Paul in a social media post, claiming that he isn’t concerned about the celebrity-turned-boxer. He claimed that Paul and his brother Logan recently hired security to follow him around at a boxing event.

Diaz was in attendance last weekend for an event that was headlined by Jake Paul. The main event saw Paul score a knockout win, stopping former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley in the sixth round.

Diaz was there to support Chris Avila, a former Bellator fighter who picked up a decision victory against Anthony Taylor.

Thursday, Diaz posted a photo of him posing with two security guards at the event along with his accusation against the Paul brothers in the captions.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CX2GEN_PQce/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“The Paul sisters hired this security team to make sure I wouldn’t get to them, like I was actually trying too, but it’s alll good with u guys I don’t take this fight thang with u2 serious.you guys playing boxing with wrestlers who can’t box or lil a** Floyd and that’s not cool bruh but it’s good,” said Diaz via Instagram. “I’m a real fighter from the real fight game so don’t trip so hard when you see me fellas let’s just be friends it’s good.”

It’s unknown whether the Pauls truly hired security to follow around Diaz, or if it’s another lighthearted jab being thrown by the witty UFC legend. Either way, it doesn’t seem like the MMA talent plans to cross over and face Jake Paul anytime soon.

All recent activity from Diaz indicates that he wants to continue his MMA career. Earlier this month, Dustin Poirier and Diaz mutually expressed interest in fighting. However, public comment from Diaz has led people to believe negotiations on that fight might have stalled.

Diaz last competed over the summer, going five rounds against welterweight prospect Leon Edwards in a unanimous decision loss.

Continue Reading Nate Diaz Makes An Accusation Against The “Paul Sisters” at MMA News.