Tag: Global MMA

Dana White shoots down talk of Fedor Emelianenko being the heavyweight GOAT: “He got knocked out by middleweight Dan Henderson”

Fedor Emelianenko, Dana WhiteUFC president Dana White has shut down any talk of Fedor Emelianenko being the greatest MMA heavyweight of all time. At Bellator 290, Fedor Emelianenko competed in his final pro-MMA bout, dropping a TKO loss to former foe, Ryan Bader. In the aftermath of the fight, Fedor would be joined in the cage by a […]

Fedor Emelianenko, Dana White

UFC president Dana White has shut down any talk of Fedor Emelianenko being the greatest MMA heavyweight of all time.

At Bellator 290, Fedor Emelianenko competed in his final pro-MMA bout, dropping a TKO loss to former foe, Ryan Bader. In the aftermath of the fight, Fedor would be joined in the cage by a number of fellow MMA legends, including the likes of Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, and Chael Sonnen, paying tribute to one of the all-time greats.

Ending his career with a record of 40-7, having defeated some generational greats such as Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mark Coleman, Frank Mir, and Mark Hunt, many have hailed ‘The Last Emperor’ as the Greatest Heavyweight of all Time.

However, UFC president Dana White does not agree. Speaking in the UFC Vegas 68 post-fight presser, White had the following to say in regard to Fedor’s retirement:

“Listen, he’s what, 46? He shouldn’t be fighting. But he’s a grown-ass man, he can do whatever he wants to do. But he probably should have hung it up a few years ago.”

“I don’t want to sh*t on the guy, he’s retiring tonight and all that stuff. But you guys know the old interviews with me. I never thought Fedor was that— I mean he got knocked out by middleweight Dan Henderson, you know what I mean? It’s like— I think some of the guys in the business, people liked him, so they praised him. He never got to test himself over here, but I was never one of the guys that thought he was one of the greatest of all time.”

When asked if he regretted not signing the former Pride champion, White’s answer was simple:

“No. I don’t like dislike Fedor or anything like that, but nah, it didn’t happen. We gave it a shot. Can’t say we didn’t try. We gave it a shot, and it is what it is.” (H/T CageSidePress).

How do you think Fedor would have fared in the UFC’s heavyweight division?

Exclusive | Omran Chaaban previews upcoming CW 150 bout: “I don’t want to be good everywhere; you have to be great.”

Omran ChaabanOmran Chaaban (4-1) is one of the many Cage Warriors prospects on the rise in MMA today. The Finland national began his professional career in Cage Warriors, fought a few fights under the UAE Warriors banner, and then returned to Cage Warriors where he has enjoyed success. Currently, Chaaban boasts a three-fight win streak, during […]

Omran Chaaban

Omran Chaaban (4-1) is one of the many Cage Warriors prospects on the rise in MMA today. The Finland national began his professional career in Cage Warriors, fought a few fights under the UAE Warriors banner, and then returned to Cage Warriors where he has enjoyed success. Currently, Chaaban boasts a three-fight win streak, during which none of these needed the judges’ scorecards.

In anticipation for his upcoming fight at Cage Warriors 150, the hungry and motivated Chaaban took the time to speak with Alex Lerman of LowKick MMA and discussed his introduction to MMA, his fighting style, the upcoming bout with Mush Aslani, his future goals in the sport, and many more topics.

Origins of Omran Chaaban’s MMA Journey

Chaaban detailed that he hadn’t really started training in MMA until his later teenage years. Omran retold an interesting story from his younger days that paved the way for his introduction to Mixed Martial Arts:

“I was walking home, and we know this group of friends and they were doing a house party… I was going by, and I saw three girls and there was one guy. I didn’t know the guy, but I just knew him by name, and I would see him doing silly stuff to the girl. She didn’t want to obviously, so I went there, and I was arguing with the guy. I got into a fight with the guy and basically, what happened was I beat the sh*t out of that guy…”

From this moment on, Chaaban knew he had the foundational skills for fighting and decided to begin training soon thereafter.

Omran Chaaban on his Fighting Style

As a prospect on the rise, more and more eyes should be focused on Chaaban as he moves up through the Cage Warriors ranks. For those who don’t know, Omran described his fighting style very simply and confidently:

“I think I’m and MMA fighter like new generation because I want to do it all. I don’t just want to be a striker, I can punch you going forwards, going backwards, I can counterstrike, I can press you, I can take you down, I can submit you. My goal is to have an answer for everyone and every style and be that guy. I don’t want to be good everywhere, you know you have to be great.”

Chaaban on Upcoming Fight at CW 150

On March 17th at the Indigo at the O2 Arena in London, Omran will face Mush Aslani in the Co-main event. Chaaban gave a detailed analysis of his opponent and what he expects to see from him in the cage:

“I think we all know his style. First things first, he’s tiny. For a welterweight he’s pretty small, I’m a pretty huge welterweight I call myself the biggest welterweight on the planet. He likes to throw overhands, he likes to wrestle, and I’m fine with that… We all know his style, he doesn’t know how to do anything else, that’s it. [He’s] just gonna come do that overhand thing that every small guy does… He likes double legs and throwing overhands… and I think I beat him everywhere. Mashed Potato, he can try, that’s his nickname by the way.”

Tune in for Cage Warriors 150 from the Indigo at the O2 Arena in London on March 17th to see Omran Chaaban in action against his opponent “Mashed Potato” Mush Aslani. Omran looks to extend his win streak to four and continue climbing the ranks in pursuit of a future in the UFC.

Watch the full interview with Omran Chaaban below!

Doo Ho Choi vs. Kyle Nelson ends in controversial majority draw – UFC Vegas 68

Doo Ho ChoiUFC featherweights Doo Ho Choi and Kyle Nelson battled it out to a draw on the UFC Vegas 68 card.  Draws in MMA are a rarity, but last night after a closely contested fight between Choi and Nelson, that’s exactly what fans got. Nelson enjoyed success in the grappling department in the first round before […]

Doo Ho Choi

UFC featherweights Doo Ho Choi and Kyle Nelson battled it out to a draw on the UFC Vegas 68 card. 

Draws in MMA are a rarity, but last night after a closely contested fight between Choi and Nelson, that’s exactly what fans got. Nelson enjoyed success in the grappling department in the first round before being reversed by ‘The Korean Superboy,’ who would use the opportunity to land ground and pound on Nelson.

Round 2 saw Nelson hurt Choi early, but the 31-year-old remained composed to keep the round competitive, exchanging a variety of strikes throughout the five minutes, including a nice elbow while escaping against the cage. 

The third round would be the most pivotal of the fight, with a referee intervention would ultimately cost Choi the win. As the Korean was in top position, he would accidentally land a headbutt on Nelson, to which the referee made a pause in the action, standing the fighters up and deducting a point from Choi. 

This would cost ‘The Korean Superboy’ the fight. A win would have been his first in nearly five years following a three-fight skid and an extended absence from the cage due to injuries and mandatory military service in his native South Korea. 

As for Nelson, this now leaves him with a record of 1-4-1 in the UFC, and will need to pick up some form if he wishes to stay in the promotion.

What would you like to see Doo Hoo Choi do next? 

Dean Garnett eyes title shot in 7 weeks time after winning return bout at Hexagone MMA 6

GarnettAfter a four-year layoff, Garnett finally returned to the cage when he faced french fighter Miguel Haro on Hexagone MMA 6. It only took 20 seconds for the UK MMA Pioneer to return to winning ways and show that he is still at the highest level in MMA. Now with a solid win under his […]

Garnett

After a four-year layoff, Garnett finally returned to the cage when he faced french fighter Miguel Haro on Hexagone MMA 6.

It only took 20 seconds for the UK MMA Pioneer to return to winning ways and show that he is still at the highest level in MMA. Now with a solid win under his belt, Garnett wants his shot at Hexagone gold.

During his absence from competition, Dean Garnett has spent a vast amount of time coaching, having cornered the likes of Mohammed Mokaev, Liam Mccracken, and rising prospect Marlon Jones.

DeanGarnett calls for a title shot in 7 weeks’ time back in Paris!

Following his big win, Garnett spoke with LowKickMMA, making it clear what he wants next:

“A three-round decision win wouldn’t of warranted a title shot, I wouldn’t of asked for one. But to go out and put him away better than anyone else has, it left me in a position where I could ask for a title shot on the promotion next”

After such a convincing win it seems hard to deny a title shot, especially considering the level competed at and all the possibilities that come with a champion as well respected and versed in the sport.

“I just want to take it one step at a time, I know that Hexagone are back in Paris. Seven weeks, this camp was about getting fit but now I get to go back and sharpen my tools and beat a real high-level opponent next.”

Catch the moment the Hexagone’s potential future title holder’s return was announced:

Report | Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili set for March 11th UFC Fight Night

Petr YanFormer UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan will take on the No.3 ranked Merab Dvalishvili at a UFC Fight Night event in March. Petr Yan had a tumultuous 2022, to say the least. Having lost his belt via disqualification to Aljamain Sterling the year prior, Yan had managed to bounce back and claim the interim strap […]

Petr Yan

Former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan will take on the No.3 ranked Merab Dvalishvili at a UFC Fight Night event in March.

Petr Yan had a tumultuous 2022, to say the least. Having lost his belt via disqualification to Aljamain Sterling the year prior, Yan had managed to bounce back and claim the interim strap in a highly entertaining and impressive five-round war with Cory Sandhagen.

This left ‘No Mercy’ poised to pick up right where he had left off, being booked in a rematch with Sterling for the title in April of 2022. The Russian striker entered the fight as a massive favorite, with many writing off Sterling’s chance of victory. However, the ‘Funk Master’ defied expectations, and was able to claim a split decision win over Yan.

In October, Yan returned to the octagon, taking on rising superstar, Sean O’Malley. Once again, Yan was a big favorite, and once again, he came up short, despite giving an excellent account of himself. Now, nearly two years removed from his time as champion, Petr Yan is taking on yet another killer in the bantamweight division.

At UFC Vegas 71, Merab Dvalishvili will take on the former champ (per Las Vegas Review-Journal), looking to cement himself as a top contender at 135lbs. Dvalishvili is riding a six-fight winning streak, having picked up wins over a number of impressive opponents, including Marlon Moraes, Cody Stamann, Casey Kenney, and most recently, Jose Aldo Jr.

The fight promises a classic striker vs. wrestler matchup. It also represents a lifeline for Petr Yan, who has previously hinted at an exit from the UFC, whilst simultaneously representing the stairway to title contention for Merab Dvalishvili.

Admittedly, Dvalishvili’s path is a little more complicated than it may initially seem. The Georgian wrestler is close friends and teammates with the current champ, Aljamain Sterling, with both men repeatedly stating that they never would each other. Whether Merab moves down to 125lbs, or Aljo moves up to featherweight remains to be seen.

Who do you predict will come out on top? Petr Yan or Merab Dvalishvili?

Opinion | Fights To Make After UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov

UFC Vegas 67UFC Vegas 67 kicked off 2023 for the UFC as we journey into what will undoubtedly be another fantastic year for Mixed Martial Arts. Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov headlined the first event of the year, with the short-notice challenger making the most of his quick turn-around. In the bantamweight division, Umar Nurmagomedov more than […]

UFC Vegas 67

UFC Vegas 67 kicked off 2023 for the UFC as we journey into what will undoubtedly be another fantastic year for Mixed Martial Arts.

Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov headlined the first event of the year, with the short-notice challenger making the most of his quick turn-around. In the bantamweight division, Umar Nurmagomedov more than lived up to the challenge of Raoni Barcelos, stoppage the Brazilian with a highlight reel KO.

With plenty of action occurring at UFC Vegas 67, let us take a look at what should come next for those who emerged victorious at the UFC Apex.

Sean Strickland

Middleweight contender, Sean Strickland made good of his short-notice opportunity after Kelvin Gastelum had to withdraw from the bout. Strickland scored a unanimous decision victory over France’s Nassourdine Imavov in the main event.

With most of his peers already scheduled to fight, I think Strickland may have to fight down in the rankings and with that, I would like to see him take on the man whom he replaced, Kelvin Gastelum.

Dan Ige

Dan Ige put his trademark power to good use when he finished Damon Jackson in the second round of their matchup. After snapping a three-fight losing streak ‘50K’ will look to build momentum in order to earn himself a shot at the featherweight title. I think he could seriously push himself into the conversation and up the rankings if he were to face 8th-ranked contender, Giga Chikadze.

Roman Kopylov

Roman Kopylov made it back-to-back victories since joining the UFC after he finished Soriano in the second round of their matchup. Every outing Koyplov seems to show an improved level of his striking ability and therefore I would like him to go against a competitor with more of a wrestling base. One man who certainly fits that bill is Australia’s Jacob Malkoun who will be looking to snap a two-fight skid on his return to the octagon.

Raquel Pennington

Raquel Pennington scored her 5th consecutive victory this past weekend when she got the nod from the judges, defeating Ketlen Viera via a split decision. Earning that number of victories should be enough for ‘Rocky’ to rematch against divisional champion, Amanda Nunes. Nunes defeated her in the pair’s first meeting via TKO at UFC 224.

Umar Nurmagomedov

A perfect 16-0 for Umar Nurmagomedov. The Dagestani landed a clean body kick and follow-up punch to become the first man to TKO Raoni Barcelos. Umar Nurmagomedov is the real deal if you didn’t believe it.  The 27-year-old called for a return to action as early as March, I have no problem with fast-tracking Umar to a title contention; that is why I would like to see him take on 3rd ranked contender, Merab Dvalishvili.

Fights To Make After UFC Vegas 67

Javid Basharat

Javid Basharat also extended his perfect unbeaten record as he handed Mateus Mendonca his first professional loss. Basharat scored his third victory this weekend at UFC Vegas 67 and therefore it seems now is the right time for him to begin taking on ranked contenders. What better place to start than by fighting the man he called for in his post-fight interview, Chris Gutierrez.

Abdul Razak Alhassan

In a battle of powerhouses, it was Abdul Razak Alhassan who emerged victorious against Claudio Ribeiro. I have no problem seeing Alhassan face as dangerous strikers as himself and that is why I would like to see him take on fellow power puncher, Brazil’s Bruno Silva.

Mateusz Rebecki

Mateusz Rebecki cruised to victory over a short-notice opponent, Nick Fiore this past weekend. Rebecki got the nod on the judge’s scorecards but somewhat disappointed some fans who expected him to breeze through his opponent early on in the bout.

It is clear for all to see that the Polish lightweight carries serious punching power. Therefore, I would like to see him take on fellow heavy-handed 155-er in Mike Davis.

Allan Nascimento

Allan Nascimento notched his 14th professional submission victory this past weekend in a flyweight battle of grappling wizards against, Carlos Hernandez.

Nascimento could arguably already have earned a shot against someone in the flyweight rankings but to secure that thought further, I would first like to see him take on another flyweight with whom he shared that card, Charles Johnson.

Dan Argueta

Dan Argueta controlled Nick Aguirre for nearly the entire duration of their bout as he cruised to a unanimous decision victory in the second bout of the evening. Argueta used his wrestling to control his opponent comfortably. Therefore, I would like to see how he would hold himself against a dangerous striker in ‘The Sniper’, Sean Woodson.

Charles Johnson

Charles Johnson opened the card for UFC Vegas 67 and kicked off 2023 for the promotion. Johnson made good of his opening slot when he dismissed the returning Jimmy Flick in the very first round of their matchup. A somewhat early stoppage won’t phase Johnson as he secured his first victory inside the promotion, let’s see if he could secure a second if he were to take on the aforementioned, Allan Nascimento.

Only a week after returning we shall be treated to the promotion’s first numbered event of the year as the UFC return to Brazil for UFC 283. Be sure to return next week to see whom we match up with the divisional champions and the remaining contenders competing on the card.

Do you agree or disagree with any of these choices? Let me know your thoughts on UFC Vegas 67 and share below how you would matchmake for the winners from the promotion’s first card of the year.