Tag: Germaine de Randamie

Cyborg: I’m The Real 145-Pound Champion

Cris Cyborg feels that she is the true pound-for-pound best female mixed martial artist in the world, and she has the stats to back it up. Justino was in attendance during this past weekend’s (Sat. February 11, 2017) inaugural women’s featherweight title bout between Holly Holm and Germaine de Randamie at UFC 208, and is

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Cris Cyborg feels that she is the true pound-for-pound best female mixed martial artist in the world, and she has the stats to back it up.

Justino was in attendance during this past weekend’s (Sat. February 11, 2017) inaugural women’s featherweight title bout between Holly Holm and Germaine de Randamie at UFC 208, and is likely to challenge the new Dutch champ after her unanimous decision win over ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’.

During a recent interview with FOX Sports, Cyborg stated that regardless of who is currently holding the title at 145 pounds, mixed martial arts (MMA) fans know who the true champion of the division is:

“ESPN and FOX Sports both have me ranked No. 1 pound-for-pound in women’s mixed martial arts. I haven’t lost in 10 years,” Cyborg said. “Until someone beats me I am No. 1 in the world no matter what belt is around my waist.”

The UFC’s original plans preferred Cyborg to be a part of the inaugural 145-pound title contest this past weekend, but the Brazilian knockout artist turned the bout down on multiple occasions due to the inability to make weight on time. Now Justino finds herself in a battle with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for a potential violation.

While in attendance at the Barclays Center this past weekend and watching De Randamie take home the featherweight crown, however, Justino was not disappointed that she was cage-side rather than inside the Octagon for the historic moment; but happy that the division has finally found its way to the UFC:

“I was not ready to fight Feb.11th. Germaine is a great fighter and a win over Holly only helps increase her star power,” Cyborg said. “It wasn’t disappointing to be sitting cage side, I was excited because the UFC has made the division. I am ranked No. 1 in the world at 145-pounds and feel confident the fans know that too.”

Photo by Ed Mulholland for USA TODAY Sports

De Randamie took home a controversial unanimous decision win over Holm after delivering late punches after the horn that signaled the round’s end, on two separate occasions. The referee failed to deduct a point from ‘The Iron Lady’ for the late shots, and given that each judge scored the contest 48-47 for De Randamie, the contest could have arguably ended in a draw had a point been taken.

As for how Cyborg had the bout scored, she believes the judges made the right decision in giving the former muay thai champ the nod:

“I had Germaine de Randamie winning. It was a close fight but the damage done by significant strikes by de Randamie made the difference in my opinion,” Cyborg said. “Holly needed to chain her wrestling transitions better to get that takedowns.”

After the contest De Randamie claimed she will need some time off to get surgery on her injured hand before making her first title defense. Cyborg is happy to give the featherweight champ the time she needs to recover, and already has an opponent in mind that she’d like to step into the Octagon with next to keep her busy:

“I am ready to enter fight camp now. If [de Randamie] is injured and can’t fight I would like a chance to fight Megan Anderson,” Cyborg said. “She is an interim champion for the belt I own and calling out fighters in the UFC.

“It only makes sense if [de Randamie] is not ready to fight that the UFC would offer her a contract and a chance to fight me on the biggest stage, inside the UFC octagon. I think it would be a great addition to the June event in Rio if she’s ready to fight.”

When asked why she turned down the two opportunities to compete for the inaugural featherweight title before, Cyborg revealed that her body was not ready to go through another vigorous weight cut so soon once again:

“I needed to give my body time to recover from my past two weight cuts. I’ve given my body a proper off season allowing it to recover and am ready to start training camp soon,” Cyborg said.

“My USADA situation is still ongoing and at this time I have no comment, but am hopeful my lawyer and doctors will resolve this and are cooperating fully with USADA.”

“Let’s go champ,” Cyborg said.

Do you think Cyborg will win her case against USADA? Who do you think we’ll see her fight next upon her Octagon return?

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Watch: Highlights of de Randamie’s Controversial Win Over Holm

Holly Holm’s dreams of capturing the title in the inaugural UFC women’s featherweight title were ended by Germaine de Randamie in eventful fashion. de Randamie twice struck ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ after the horn had sounded to capture the belt in the inaugural 145-pound title fight on Saturday night in Brooklyn, N.Y. The former women’s bantamweight […]

Holly Holm’s dreams of capturing the title in the inaugural UFC women’s featherweight title were ended by Germaine de Randamie in eventful fashion. de Randamie twice struck ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ after the horn had sounded to capture the belt in the inaugural 145-pound title fight on Saturday night in Brooklyn, N.Y. The former women’s bantamweight […]

12 UFC Fighters Who Didn’t Deserve Their Title Shots

It’s every MMA fighter’s dream to fight for a UFC title, but for many that golden opportunity to prove that they are the best of the best will never materialize. Those who do have usually run the gauntlet in the Octagon to reach that pivotal moment in their careers, gradually working their way of the

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It’s every MMA fighter’s dream to fight for a UFC title, but for many that golden opportunity to prove that they are the best of the best will never materialize.

Those who do have usually run the gauntlet in the Octagon to reach that pivotal moment in their careers, gradually working their way of the ladder against increasingly challenging opposition, and in some extreme cases even racking up as many as eight or nine UFC wins in a row to prove their worth.

On the other hand, over the years there have been a number of fighters who have bypassed that process altogether and been granted a title shot without having gone to the same lengths to prove themselves, often at the expense of far more deserving fighters.

In this article we’ll take a closer look at 12 classic examples of fighters who were handed undeserved title shots in the UFC and explore the reasons why they were able to skip to the head of the queue.

Ronda Rousey

Bethe Correia

Brash Brazilian bantamweight Bethe Correia managed to trash-talk her way into an unwarranted title shot against Ronda Rousey in 2015.

Correia’s 9-0 MMA record at the time flattered to deceive, with her three-fight winning streak in the Octagon having come against opponents with a combined UFC record of just 1-7.

The key to Correia getting the title shot was the fact that she had begun to call out and taunt Rousey after her victories, with the added spice being that two of her Octagon wins were against members of Rousey’s own ‘Four Horsewomen’ fight team, Jessamyn Duke and Shayna Baszler.

The fight still made no sense given that she was only ranked No.7 in the division at the time and had yet to face anyone remotely close to the top 10, but the UFC liked the hype the Brazilian had generated and booked the fight anyway.

Correia instigated a nasty trash-talking campaign in the build-up to the bout at UFC 190, but was found out to have more bark than bite when Rousey knocked her out in just 34 seconds.

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Fallout: UFC 208 AKA The Brooklyn Screw Job

Well that was interesting to say the least. UFC 208 wasn’t the most action packed event of the new year and it’s definitely left us with more questions than answers at its conclusion. Holly Holm failed to be the first woman to win belts in multiple divisions as she dropped a razor close decision to Germaine de Randamie or the post bell puncher as she’s begun to be labeled. The fight was competitive with a few slow spots here and there. But the drama surrounding the main event more than made up for any lulls in the action. So what’s the takeaway from UFC 208?

The post Fallout: UFC 208 AKA The Brooklyn Screw Job appeared first on Cagepotato.

Well that was interesting to say the least. UFC 208 wasn’t the most action packed event of the new year and it’s definitely left us with more questions than answers at its conclusion. Holly Holm failed to be the first woman to win belts in multiple divisions as she dropped a razor close decision to Germaine de Randamie or the post bell puncher as she’s begun to be labeled. The fight was competitive with a few slow spots here and there. But the drama surrounding the main event more than made up for any lulls in the action. So what’s the takeaway from UFC 208?

Holly Holm Has Nothing To Be Sorry About

A lot of people want to rag on Holly Holm because she missed some key opportunities to take advantage of a rocked de Randamie. But the perhaps the biggest critic of Holm was herself. At the post fight press conference she seemed to be beating up on herself almost as harshly as Germaine did during the bout. While Holm does need to work on the technique in her takedowns, thinking that she was being stupid isn’t going to solve things. Many believed that she won and while that may be scant consolation, it’s something she should hold onto as she takes the next step in her career. She does have a bloodthirsty streak, but she can no longer hesitate when she has her opponent on the ropes.

Germaine de Randamie Isn’t A Cheater

Germaine de Randamie is the new women’s featherweight champ and already people are disrespecting her reign. While she won the decision, many believe that Holm deserved the nod. But perhaps the biggest impression de Randamie made on the fans was the fact that she continually landed punches to Holm’s chin after the bell. Many believe points should have been taken, which isn’t too outrageous a call. What is pretty dumb are people believing de Randamie is a cheater. If anything, Germaine exhibited her hotblooded nature more than proving that she’s a cheat. The heat of the moment affects fighters in different ways. I’ve thrown a punch or kick a bit late, but not to take advantage. When your mind is in fight mode sometimes slip ups really can occur. But really it’s a situation for the ref. Germaine will have her chance to prove she’s the legit champion in time. Until then all the fans and haters will have to accept the judges decision.

Referees Suck

Yeah…they really do. Next time the UFC has a belt on the line they better call in “Big” John McCarthy and Herb Dean every time. Doesn’t mean there won’t be any chance at controversy, but at least you’d have some tried and true refs with plenty of experience on hand.

What are your takeaways from UFC 208?

Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.

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Video: Highlights of Dustin Poirier’s “Fight of the Night” Win over Jim Miller

UFC 208 will undoubtedly go down as being eventful, but for all the wrong reasons, although one fight which did stand out as a positive was Poirier v Miller.  UFC 208: Holm vs. de Randamie earned its fair share of criticism in the MMA world.  The event which took place on Saturday, Feb. 11 at […]

UFC 208 will undoubtedly go down as being eventful, but for all the wrong reasons, although one fight which did stand out as a positive was Poirier v Miller.  UFC 208: Holm vs. de Randamie earned its fair share of criticism in the MMA world.  The event which took place on Saturday, Feb. 11 at […]

Germaine De Randamie Apologizes For Clocking Holm Multiple Times After Bell

Germaine de Randamie may be the new and first-ever UFC women’s featherweight champion, but her history-making win over former women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm (watch full video highlights here) was marred by some highly controversial strikes that came after the bell in not one but two rounds in the main event of last night’s UFC

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Germaine de Randamie may be the new and first-ever UFC women’s featherweight champion, but her history-making win over former women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm (watch full video highlights here) was marred by some highly controversial strikes that came after the bell in not one but two rounds in the main event of last night’s UFC 208 from Brooklyn.

‘The Iron Lady’ appeared to rock Holm significantly seconds after the buzzer went off in round two, and many thought that would earn a warning from the ref. But that only came from the official after de Randamie unloaded a sizable combo on ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ after the alarm sounded in the third round, after which de Randamie immediately acknowledged her fault.

Many have criticized and are still very critical of the officiating, which came from a referee inexperienced in main event title fights in the second-ever major UFC event in New York, including some piled-on bashing from UFC President Dana White. Randamie also didn’t do herself any favors by revealing she would have surgery on her hand to fix an injury suffered three fights ago instead of fighting Crsitiane ‘Cyborg’ Justino if she gets cleared from her recent USADA suspension as expected.

She also didn’t show up for the post-fight press conference to truly arrive on the scene as the first women’s 145-pound, yet still, de Randamie offered an apology to Holm for the late punches in her post-fight interview:

“It wasn’t meant for me to hit her after the bell. It was in the heat of the moment. I apologize. I’m not like that.”

De Randamie addressed the outcome of the fight, which most fans seemed to have belonged to Holm even without a point that should have taken from her. In her opinion, Holm simply didn’t come to fight aside from her third-round head kick, and that was evident in her constant but ultimately unsuccessful clinching:

“It was a close fight. She [caught] me in the third round with a head kick. It was close, but I came to fight and she didn’t want to fight me. I’m a brawler. I want to fight. I hoped she was going to fight with me. Holly is a tremendous champion. I truly respect her. But I love to brawl, I love to fight. Clinching is not my game. But whatever.”

De Randamie will now move on to an uncertain future as the initial champion with most fans believing ‘Cyborg’ to simply be the uncrowned champion of the freshest (but more shallow) women’s landscape.

And it might be quite awhile before we get to see Justino prove that against de Randamie.

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