Global MMA | UFC Betting Sites - The Best MMA Online Bookies

Opinion | Fights to make after UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Strickland

UFC Vegas 66 concluded the year for the UFC with the promotion taking a break over the festive period and returning in mid-January. Middleweight contenders headlined the card as they looked to end their years on a high and set themselves up for a promising 2023. For the final time this year, let us put […]

For the final time this year, let us put on our matchmaking caps and suggest what could be next for the winners from UFC Vegas 66.

Jared Cannonier

Jared Cannonier etched out an extremely close decision victory in the main event of the evening. Two judges scoring the bout in his favor was enough to see the former title challenger secure a victory.

With a large portion of the top middleweight contenders either having recently fought or being scheduled to fight, Cannonier may have to look down the rankings for his next opponent. Next for Cannonier, I would like to see him take on a rising contender and undefeated UFC fighter, Dricus Du Plessis.

Arman Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan took down one of the highly-rated new contenders in the lightweight division with his victory over Damir Ismagulov. Tsarukyan is a highly touted prospect himself and I would not be opposed to seeing him jump the ladder and fight one of the higher-ranked lightweights in the division. That is why for his next matchup I would like to see him take on former title contender, Michael Chandler.

Amir Albazi

Amir Albazi scored a late KO victory at UFC Vegas 66 to see off short-notice opponent Alessandro Costa. For his next matchup, I would like to see him take on the man one spot above him in the rankings at the time of writing, Matt Schnell.

Alex Caceres

Alex Caceres delivered a perfectly executed head kick to dispatch Julian Erosa inside the first round. I would like to see Caceres get a shot at someone in the rankings and who better than for him to take on the always-game 14th-ranked Edson Barboza?

Drew Dober

Drew Dober delivered dynamite in his final outing of 2022 as he knocked out fan-favorite Bobby Green. Dober himself made this call extremely easy for me when he asked for Jalin Turner, and I believe he should be granted his wish early in the new year.

Micha? Oleksiejczuk

Micha? Oleksiejczuk made quick work of Cody Brundage as he picked up his second finish since dropping down to middleweight. The Poland native called for Chris Curtis in his post-fight interview and similarly to Drew Dober that is a fight I can fully get behind.

Fights To Make Following UFC Vegas 66

Cory McKenna

Cory McKenna scored a decision victory over Cheyanne Vlismas in the 7^th matchup of the evening. Two victories in 2022 to close out her year should see her earn a shot at someone with a number next to their name. Next for McKenna, I would match her up against 13th-ranked strawweight, Emily Ducote.

Matthew Semelsberger

Matthew Semelsberger knocked down Jake Matthews three times in their bout en route to his unanimous decision victory at UFC Vegas 66. For his next fight, I would like to see him take on a man he shared the card with who will be looking to bounce back from a defeat in Bryan Battle.

Said Nurmagomedov

Said Nurmagomedov was able to secure a ninja choke over Saidyokub Kakhramanov after being dominated in the opening round of their UFC Vegas 66 matchup. Having just earnt a ranking himself it is time for him to attempt to ascend up the bantamweight table and therefore I would like to see him take on ‘El Guapo’, Chris Gutierrez.

Rafa Garcia

Rafa Garcia battled through a cut artery to secure himself a victory over Hayisaer Maheshate at UFC Vegas 66. Despite the bout being contested at a catchweight after Maheshate missed the 155-pound limit. I believe Garcia’s gutsy performance should earn him a crack at someone in the rankings. Dan Hooker currently sits 11^th in the rankings and would make for a fascinating opponent for the 28-year-old.

Rinat Fakhretdinov

Rinat Fakhretdinov set a record for the most control time in a 3-round fight as he cruised to a decision victory over Bryan Battle. This man has all the makings to cause serious problems in the welterweight division. Given his dominant performance, I would like to see him too face someone in the rankings, and believe Li Jingliang would make for an excellent opponent.

Manel Kape

Manel Kape styled on David Dvorak and was unlucky to not secure a finish in the cards’ second bout of the evening. A threat from all areas Kape has looked better with every outing since signing with the UFC. 30-fight veteran Tim Elliot is without a scheduled matchup, and I feel would be a fine choice of an opponent as Kape looks to ascend the flyweight division in 2023.

Sergey Morozov

Sergey Morozov opened the card at UFC Vegas 66 and called upon his wrestling to secure a decision victory over Journey Newson. Back-to-back victories to close out 2022 for Morozov. Next for the Kazakhstan native should be Montel Jackson as the two men both look to etch themselves closer to a spot in the bantamweight rankings.

That concludes the final ‘fights to make column’ of 2022. As always be sure to let me know whether you agree or disagree with any of the matchups I have suggested. Leave your opinion in the comments below and also share what you thought of UFC Vegas 66 itself.

We shall return to play matchmaker in the new year following the promotions opening card which will see Nassourdine Imavov attempt to take down former title challenger, Kevin Gastelum.

Patricio Pitbull labels Bellator vs. Rizin crossover show ‘the biggest thing that’s going to happen to MMA this year’

Reigning Bellator featherweight champion, Patricio Pitbull Freire understands the significance of his next fight as part of the Bellator X Rizin New Years’ Eve show. In October it was announced that Bellator and Rizin would be putting on a cross-promotional show in which they would pit fighters from their rosters against one another. It’s rare […]

Reigning Bellator featherweight champion, Patricio Pitbull Freire understands the significance of his next fight as part of the Bellator X Rizin New Years’ Eve show.

In October it was announced that Bellator and Rizin would be putting on a cross-promotional show in which they would pit fighters from their rosters against one another.

It’s rare that MMA promotions work together, especially on something of this magnitude and that fact isn’t lost on Bellator legend, Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire.

Freire will take on current Rizin featherweight champion, Kleber Koike Erbst and talking to LowKickMMA, discussed the importance of the event.

“This is the biggest thing that’s going to happen to MMA this year,” Freire said. “We are going to see a shock, Bellator vs. RIZN, champion vs champion, it’s a big step for the sport.”

“Cross-promotion is something that hasn’t been done before the way its being done now. It makes me very honored and excited to be a part of it.”

Patricio Pitbull reflects on career

Discussing his successful career, the multiple-time world champion Freire rather poignantly shared the mental barriers he had to overcome.

“Ever since I was a child,” Freire began. “I had to overcome people’s expectations because I was always the smaller kid. There was always that big guy that he thought he was bigger than me he could beat me up. So, when all my career, people were always doubting I could achieve what I did and it has because natural for me to overcome expectations.

“As far as producing all those results and being where I am, its something that I’ve programmed my entire life to accomplish, ever since I set my eyes on this sport.”

How will Patricio Pitbull do against Kleber Koike Erbst?

Rafa Garcia battles through horrifying ‘cut artery’ en route to UFC Vegas 66 victory

Rafa Garcia certainly left it all out there on the UFC’s final card of 2022. In what turned into a gruesome affair, Rafa Garcia suffered a cut artery in the opening round of his UFC Vegas 66 matchup with Hayisaer Maheshate. Already competing at a height disadvantage and with his opponent missing weight, Rafa Garcia […]

Rafa Garcia certainly left it all out there on the UFC’s final card of 2022.

In what turned into a gruesome affair, Rafa Garcia suffered a cut artery in the opening round of his UFC Vegas 66 matchup with Hayisaer Maheshate.

Already competing at a height disadvantage and with his opponent missing weight, Rafa Garcia simply was not going to be denied as he secured his second victory of 2022.

Given the excess amount of blood that was leaking from Garcia, commentators speculated whether that bout was going to be allowed to continue. Fortunately for ‘Gifted’, his wish was granted, and he was able to grind out his opponent and secure a decision victory.

Following on from his matchup it has been revealed that Garcia did in fact cut his artery resulting in the medical staff needing two hours to prevent the bleeding. Coach Cub Swanson took to his social media to update his followers regarding Garcia’s injury.

“Rafa Garcia had a cut artery on his head. It took the UFC medical staff almost two hours to get it to stop bleeding. He is ok now.”

Rafa Garcia Shares Update Following UFC Vegas 66 Victory

Garcia spoke after the bout to reveal he had to receive fifteen stitches to help close the wound up and shared his relief on being allowed to continue on in the fight.

“I think I got 15 stitches. I haven’t really got stitches, every time I get a little cut they just glue it.

“I was just really concerned they would stop the fight, that was my main concern and just seeing what the judges were going to think.”

Garcia was able to bounce back from his defeat to Drakkar Close earlier this year to end his 2022 on a high, but not without having to overcome adversity once again.

Did you think the fight could have been stopped due to Garcia’s cut?

Zion Clark, MMA fighter born with no legs, secures first pro win

Zion Clark, the wrestler who was born with no legs due to a birth disorder secured his first professional MMA victory this weekend. The Guinness world record holder was able to use his wrestling to ground his opponent Eugene Murray in every round en route to sweeping the judge’s scorecards at Gladiator Challenge: Seasons Beatings. […]

Zion Clark, the wrestler who was born with no legs due to a birth disorder secured his first professional MMA victory this weekend.

The Guinness world record holder was able to use his wrestling to ground his opponent Eugene Murray in every round en route to sweeping the judge’s scorecards at Gladiator Challenge: Seasons Beatings.

Concerns arose when the announcement was made that Clark would be debuting in professional MMA given the disadvantage, he would be at but that did not phase the college wrestler in the slightest.

Clark was able to secure a takedown in every round to ground his opponent which was met with a delighted roar from the crowd en route to his victory.

Zion Clark Delivers on Professional MMA Debut

Clark was born with a rare birth defect known as Caudal Regression Syndrome which prevented him from having any development from below the spine. Clark did not let this prevent him from ultimately achieving his goal and that has been his outlook on life.

From an early age, the 25-year-old had to overcome the odds to get to where he was today. Given up for adoption at an early age Clark spent a vast portion of his childhood bouncing around the foster care system.

He began his wrestling career in elementary school and things did not go to plan as he failed to secure his first victory for several years. Determined as ever Clark continued to defy the odds and would finish his senior year with a record of 33-15, falling just short in his championship match after combatting a grueling 6-minute matchup only to lose in sudden death.

Given the inspiration Zion Clark’s story gave to many it came as no surprise that Netflix decided to produce a documentary series on his rise to the top.

What do you make of Zion Clark’s story?

George Hardwick interested in a UFC debut matchup vs. Michal Figlak: “That would be a good fight.”

George Hardwick is open to facing long-time rival Michal Figlak in a potential promotional debut for the UFC in March. Hardwick currently holds the Cage Warriors lightweight belt, having defeated Chris Bungard in his first title defense in November. The fight was one of his most impressive to date, winning a decisive first round before […]

George Hardwick is open to facing long-time rival Michal Figlak in a potential promotional debut for the UFC in March.

Hardwick currently holds the Cage Warriors lightweight belt, having defeated Chris Bungard in his first title defense in November. The fight was one of his most impressive to date, winning a decisive first round before finishing the fight with a body shot in round two.

In a recent LowKickMMA Exclusive Interview with Frank Bonada, George Hardwick revealed that he is hoping to return to action in early 2023, stating:

“In terms of competitive schedule, I’m thinking about March. I’m thinking about March, April, seeing what’s gonna come up then.”

Fans of the sport will no doubt be aware that the UFC is once again holding an event in England in March. Considering the blistering form Goerge Hardwick is on, and Cage Warriors’ close relationship with the UFC, it would be no surprise to see Hardwick getting the call-up for that card. When asked about a potential UFC debut in March, Hardwick had the following to say:

“That’s the goal. That would be ideal. But that’s stuff I’ve got no control over. That’s what my manager deals with. I’m just gonna train to be the most effective martial artist I can be. Enjoying the extra calories for a bit. Cage Warriors events pick up in March, so if there’s no UFC call-up then, (I’ll) just defend the belt again.”

George Hardwick vs. Michal Figlak?

George Hardwick has been offered a UFC contract in the past, but was forced to turn it down.

When the UFC made its maiden trip to France, Hardwick was offered a short-notice fight with Firas Ziam on the preliminary card. However, he had not fully recovered from injuries sustained in his previous fight. Instead, the UFC turned to Michal Figlak, the man whom Hardwick had appeared set to face off against next.

Now with a UFC debut on the horizon, Hardwick is still very much open to a matchup vs. ‘Mad Dog.’ Speaking in the interview, he discussed the circumstances surrounding the UFC Paris call-up, as well as a fight with Figlak.

“Yeah, I would love to fight that. It’s kinda weird, I was primed for a possible fight with him for the Cage Warriors belt. Obviously had that stare-down that lasted ten minutes. And then he stepped up, on that week’s notice to fight in Paris. But you know, even his fight with Sadari, he took a few big knees, you’ve got to be careful back to back. That’s one of the reasons why I knocked it back because my hands were still busted up. I tried to rush back into training and it didn’t help them. My nose was still a bit busted up and it was just really bad timing, to jump in on an opportunity like that on a week’s notice.”

“But you know, that would be a good fight. He likes to come forward. I do, but I do it a bit better. It would be a shame that it wouldn’t be five rounds but yeah, it’d still be great.”

During a photoshoot for CW 141 Unlocked, George Hardwick and Michal Figlak can be seen squaring off in a particularly tense moment, check out the clip below:

Would you like to see George Hardwick vs. Michal Figlak?

UFC veteran Chael Sonnen faces civil assault lawsuit from hotel employee

Chael Sonnen is set to face yet another lawsuit after a Four Seasons hotel work has claimed the former UFC star assaulted him. Chael Sonnen faced assault charges for a previous altercation that took place at the same venue. Previously it was claimed Sonnen attacked two people causing harm to both before having an altercation […]

Chael Sonnen is set to face yet another lawsuit after a Four Seasons hotel work has claimed the former UFC star assaulted him.

Chael Sonnen faced assault charges for a previous altercation that took place at the same venue. Previously it was claimed Sonnen attacked two people causing harm to both before having an altercation with the security guards on site. From this Sonnen was not arrested but was charged with misdemeanours.

Despite having some of the charges dropped it now appears Chael Sonnen will face another civil case following this latest update.

In December of last year, police were called to the Four Seasons in relation to an assault that was committed by Sonnen on two guests at the hotel, since this initial incident the American has been charged with four counts of misdemeanour battery.

Sonnen did not face a felony charge for battery by strangulation after it was determined the injuries of the victims in question were not severe enough. Similar to the two individuals’ misdemeanour battery charge that was also dismissed from this original case.

Chael Sonnen Facing Another Assault Lawsuit

As initially reported by MMAFighting, an employee at the Four Seasons has filed a civil complaint against Sonnen in what many believe is to be related to the ‘American Gangster’s previous altercation which took place at the same location.

The man in question, Joshua Olds, has claimed to the Clark County District Court that Sonnen had punched him in the face after Olds found himself in a fight with one of Sonnen’s associates.

Sonnen has yet to make any comment on the matter but since the news was revealed, he has not returned to his post as an analyst for ESPN but has continued on with his YouTube channel.

What do you make of this potential assault lawsuit that Chael Sonnen will now face?