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Juan Archuleta on Bellator vs. Rizin crossover fight vs. Soo Chul Kim: “I plan on taking this guy’s soul.”

Juan Archuleta (26-4) will go toe-to-toe with Soo Chul Kim (18-6-1) at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on December 31st. Bellator vs. Rizin will be one of the most exciting MMA events of the year, as Bellator contenders go head-to-head with those of Rizin FF. Juan Archuleta took time to speak with LowKick MMA’s […]

Juan Archuleta (26-4) will go toe-to-toe with Soo Chul Kim (18-6-1) at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on December 31^st. Bellator vs. Rizin will be one of the most exciting MMA events of the year, as Bellator contenders go head-to-head with those of Rizin FF.

Juan Archuleta took time to speak with LowKick MMA’s Alex Lerman to discuss what this opportunity means to him, preview his Bantamweight Feature Bout on the card with Kim, and offer up his insight on recent MMA judging controversies.

On competing at such a unique event like Bellator vs. Rizin, Archuleta said:

“I’m super honored, super grateful man. Not only are we making history in MMA, but I get to do what I’ve always wanted to do which is fight in Japan. So, I’m super excited, stoked and blessed all at the same time.”

Before getting into the fight, Archuleta spoke on some of his hobbies and how he spends his time outside the gym:

“When I’m not training, I’m training, when I’m not in camp, I’m training and I’m coaching. But no, I like to spend time with my family, I like farming; I actually have my own farm in Northern California in Humboldt. We grow cannabis, heirloom vegetables, and I like to hunt, fish, dive, and vacation, and you know, just being an extremist.”

Archuleta certainly takes on an interesting lifestyle outside of fighting to go with his impressive career inside the cage.

Juan Archuleta on matchup with Soo Chul Kim

Going into this fight, Juan Archuleta looks to improve his win streak to two after defeating Enrique Barzola in October via Unanimous Decision. When asked about what to expect from his opponent Kim this time around, Archuleta stated:

“(Kim is) very similar to my last opponent where Barzola was well rounded, we put on a high pace fight, and I’m looking forward to be doing that this fight as well In Japan, where they really appreciate martial arts… To have a worthy enough opponent that’s gonna put his offense together as well as mine, I’m super excited.”

Archuleta continued and offered an interesting perspective on how he wanted to win this fight. On this subject, Archuleta continues:

“I want to spend as much time in that ring as I can because I don’t know if I’ll ever be back there again, so I plan on taking this guy’s soul. I want to go out there and either make him quit or just show 15 minutes of dominance… just being in that ring as long as I can showing pure dominance.”

As opposed to many fighters, Archuleta isn’t specifically looking for a finish but added that if the opportunity presented itself, he wouldn’t say no. Archuleta also had comments to add about fighters that do specifically look for finishes:

“Well, that’s insecurities right, that’s guys who aren’t sure about themselves, guys who don’t love the sport that are just doing it for fame and fortune. This is what I do, this is what I’m passionate about… To go out there an compete, that’s where I’m the most happy and most calm at… going inside of the cage and spending as much time as I can in there.”

Archuleta on Recent MMA Judging Controversies

Making headlines across MMA media, recent judges’ decisions have been the center of controversy. In the fight between Danny Sabatello and Raufeon Stots, one judge scored it 50-45 for Sabatello despite overwhelming consensus that Stots clearly won the fight. Soon after, at UFC 282, Paddy Pimblett was awarded a Unanimous Decision victory over Jared Gordon which sparked controversy as well.

Archuleta had many thoughts to offer on the recent state of MMA judging:

“You can’t be pissed off at the judges when they give their opinion on who wins a fight, they’re judges, like that’s what they’re supposed to do… I don’t know why people get so offended or butthurt… If you’re a martial artist, you got to do your homework on who’s judging you. You can’t just say this judging is so inconsistent, well yeah so is martial arts… Different judges have different interpretations on who wins a fight, and you can’t take that away from them.”

This interview with Archuleta was extremely interesting, unique, and refreshing to hear a perspective that differs from the majority of fighters and fans. MMA fans around the world, tune in and watch Bellator vs. Rizin to see Juan Archuleta take on Soo Chul Kim in the Bantamweight Feature bout on New Year’s Eve.

Watch the entire interview below for the entirety of Archuleta’s comments:

How do you think Juan Archuleta will fare on NYE!?

Ali Kadyrov, son of Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov set for MMA debut at ACA 150 in Russia

Ali Kadyrov, the son of Republic of Chechnya leader and sanctioned head of state, Ramzan Kadyrov, will make his professional mixed martial arts debut this weekend under the ACA (Absolute Championship Akhmat) 150 in Russia – receiving backing from UFC duo and AllStars MMA teammates, Khamzat Chimaev, and Darren Till. Set to make his first […]

Set to make his first venture into professional mixed martial arts, Ali Kadyrov, the son of Ramzan Kadyrov – who is alleged to have led systemic purges of the LGBTQ+ community in the Republic of Chechnya amongst a slew of other human rights violations and sanctioning extrajudicial murders, is set to fight at the lightweight limit.

Competing against Islam Akbarov, Grozny native, Kadyrov will feature at ACA 150 is scheduled to feature as the fifth fight of the night in Moscow, Russia at the CSKA Arena – as part of a 12 fight card headlined by Andrey Koshkin, and Artem Reznikov.

Ali Kadyrov has spent time training at AllStars MMA with Cody Garbrandt

Recently travelling to Sweden to train with the above-mentioned, Chimaev at AllStars MMA in Hagagatan, Kadyrov as pictured alongside the undefeated welterweight challenger, as well as former undisputed UFC bantamweight champion, Cody Garbrandt in Dubai – before training and sparring with the latter in Stockholm.

Sharing a promotional video ahead of Kadyrov’s fight with Akbarov, UFC contender, Chimaev shared footage of the former training ahead of his scheduled fight at ACA 150 – tagging Ali Kadyrov in the post.

In the comments section of the same post, one-time welterweight title challenger, Darren Till commented with a heart emoji, while former light heavyweight championship challenger and AllStars MMA staple, Alexander Gustafsson liked the promotional video.

UFC bantamweight contender, Sean O’Malley also revealed recently how he had rejected a proposal to travel to Chechyna alongside former UFC championship holder trio, Kamaru Usman, Justin Gaethje, and Henry Cejudo on the behest of Ramzan Kadyrov, labelling the sanctioned dictator a “murderer”.

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?