Tag: Global MMA

Report | Rhys McKee set for Cage Warriors 170lb title unification bout vs. Jimmy Wallhead

Rhys McKee Jimmy WallheadTwo former UFC fighters will throw down for the CW welterweight title, as current champion Rhys McKee faces off against interim title holder Jimmy Wallhead at Cage Warriors 153 in Dublin. Rhys McKee made his UFC debut in 2020, taking on Khamzat Chimaev of all people, on short notice. After a loss to ‘Borz,’ McKee […]

Rhys McKee Jimmy Wallhead

Two former UFC fighters will throw down for the CW welterweight title, as current champion Rhys McKee faces off against interim title holder Jimmy Wallhead at Cage Warriors 153 in Dublin.

Rhys McKee made his UFC debut in 2020, taking on Khamzat Chimaev of all people, on short notice. After a loss to ‘Borz,’ McKee would also come up short against UFC veteran welterweight Alex Morono. This led to what many believed was an unjustified cutting from the promotion.

However, McKee would not rest on his laurels. ‘Skeletor’ returned to his old stomping ground, taking on Aleksi Mäntykivi at Cage Warriors 129. The former champ put in a spirited performance, finishing Mäntykivi in the final round. It was later announced that McKee would next fight for the title, against surging Englishman Justin Burlinson.

The two elite European fighters faced off at Cage Warriors 140 in Dublin, Ireland. The clash lived up to all that it was billed, producing the Cage Warriors Fight of the Year in a sensational back-and-forth war. However, it was McKee that walked away with the title, finishing Burlinson in the second round after overcoming massive adversity.

Rhys McKee will now defend his belt against a true fan favorite who has burst back onto the scene in 2022. Judo’ Jimmy Wallhead, is a veteran and pioneer of the European MMA scene who has competed for the UFC, Bellator, BAMMA, and more.

In 2022, he returned to Cage Warriors, taking on Daniel Skibi?ski at Cage Warriors 141. Entering the fight a sizeable underdog, Wallhead threw back the years, lighting Skibi?ski up early, finishing the fight via right hook KO in the first round.

At Cage Warriors 146, ‘Judo’ Jimmy once again found himself underestimated by the bookies, priced as a heavy underdog against Matt Figlak in an interim title bout. Once again, he proved everyone wrong. Wallhead’s right hook flattened Figlak, provoking a huge response from the Manchester crowd.

Now, at Cage Warriors 153, Rhys McKee and Jimmy Wallhead will throw down in front of hoards of Irish fans, to determine who the true CW Undisputed welterweight champion really is.

The event takes place on April 29th and is set to feature a host of Irish talent competing against Europe’s premier mixed martial artists. Per a press release from Cage Warriors, the organization’s president, Graham Boylan, had the following to say:

“This is one of the biggest fights in the history of Cage Warriors.”

“Fans have been asking for us to return to Dublin; there’s no better place to do so than the 3Arena, with a massive welterweight title unification bout and a host of incredible Irish talent on the card!”

Who are you predicting to come out on top in the all-European welterweight clash? Rhys McKee or Jimmy Wallhead?

Former MMA fighter turned Wagner Group mercenary Hayk Gasparyan given medal by Putin for Ukraine war efforts

HAYK GASPARYANFormer MMA fighter turned mercenary, Hayk Gasparyan, has been awarded the Order of Courage by Vladimir Putin for his efforts in the war against Ukraine. Gasparyan, originally from Armenia, competed professionally in MMA from 2013 to 2019. Compiling a record of 6-11, 3NC he fought for promotions such as M-1 Global and other smaller regional […]

HAYK GASPARYAN

Former MMA fighter turned mercenary, Hayk Gasparyan, has been awarded the Order of Courage by Vladimir Putin for his efforts in the war against Ukraine.

Gasparyan, originally from Armenia, competed professionally in MMA from 2013 to 2019. Compiling a record of 6-11, 3NC he fought for promotions such as M-1 Global and other smaller regional promotions in Eastern Europe.

Last year, however, Gasparyan was convicted of armed robbery and was sentenced to seven years in Ryazan prison. Just months into his sentence, the 31-year-old was recruited to the PMC Wagner Group, as part of a scheme that recruited inmates throughout Russia’s prison system to join the fight in Ukraine.

The Wagner group, a system of mercenaries acting as the personal army of Putin himself, pardoned and commuted sentences for those who agreed to six months of military service.

Founded in 2014, the Wagner group was heavily involved in the annexation of Crimea and assisting separatist forces in the area. The group has also been involved in conflicts around the world in countries which include Syria, Sudan, and Libya, as well as being linked with potential activities in even more.

The group, which has links with far-right extremism and white supremacy, even has a neo-Nazi unit. The organization has grown in number by over an estimated 40,000 members since the beginning of 2022. Wagner has been linked to the murder of journalists and hideous war crimes which include rapes and robberies of civilians, and torturing accused deserters.

It’s unclear what exactly Gasparyan exactly did to deserve the award, but was presented it by Putin himself, with the former fighter saying at the ceremony, “I serve Russia and Wagner”.

Hayk Gasparyan fight for M-1 Global

What do you think of Hayk Gasparyan and the Wagner Group?

Mario Yamasaki believes Dana White was ‘too harsh’ on him: “I’m not that bad.”

Mario YamasakiFormer UFC referee Mario Yamasaki believes he was treated harshly by UFC president Dana White. For a period of time, Mario Yamasaki was a regular figure in the majority of the UFC’s US-based events, as well as a number of international cards. However, during this time, Yamasaki began to garner a reputation as one of the […]

Mario Yamasaki

Former UFC referee Mario Yamasaki believes he was treated harshly by UFC president Dana White.

For a period of time, Mario Yamasaki was a regular figure in the majority of the UFC’s US-based events, as well as a number of international cards. However, during this time, Yamasaki began to garner a reputation as one of the more unreliable referees in the sport, due to a number of dubious decisions. For example, at UFC 142, Yamasaki would controversially disqualify Erick Silva for illegal blows to the head of Carlo Prater, drawing criticism from Joe Rogan on the broadcast.

However, it was UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Anders that finally put an end to Yamasaki’s career as a UFC referee. Dana White would rip into Yamasaki for his referring performance during a fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Priscila Cachoeira. Shevchenko, now the undisputed UFC women’s flyweight champion, landed over 200 strikes to Cachoeira’s 3.

In a post-fight interview, Dana White would vow that Yamasaki would not be allowed to referee another fight under the UFC’s banner. This was not a case of White simply being caught up in the moment. Yamasaki has not set foot in the octagon since.

However, now several years on from UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Anders, Mario Yamasaki has spoken out about White’s past comments, and defended his actions by stating:

“Let’s say I referee 800 fights, and I fucked up in four. The only thing that shows in my history are the four fucked up fights that I did, because those are the ones they keep pushing, pushing, pushing. What Dana said about me, ‘Oh, he’ll never step foot in the Octagon again, blah, blah, blah,’ those are the things that show most, not my 796 fights that I did right. They don’t care. They only care what you did wrong.”

“I think Dana was a little too harsh on me, because I’m not that bad. 20 years there and he always came to me, we’d talk a lot, and for him to just be a media guy, and destroy a guy… That wasn’t that bad.” (H/T MMA News)

Yamasaki has since claimed that he is applying to athletic commissions once again.

Do you think Mario Yamasaki will ever referee a UFC fight again?

Undefeated Javid Basharat calls out Chris Gutierrez after UFC Vegas 67 victory

Javid BasharatAfter a hard-fought victory at UFC Vegas 67, the undefeated Javid Basharat has declared the man he wants to face next inside the UFC octagon. The undefeated ‘Snow Leopard’ has left a trail of bodies in his wake after beginning his pro career in 2016. He joined the UFC riding an eleven-fight win streak, but […]

Javid Basharat

After a hard-fought victory at UFC Vegas 67, the undefeated Javid Basharat has declared the man he wants to face next inside the UFC octagon.

The undefeated ‘Snow Leopard’ has left a trail of bodies in his wake after beginning his pro career in 2016. He joined the UFC riding an eleven-fight win streak, but what was most impressive was each victory was via finish. Since joining the world’s most prestigious martial arts organization, the UFC, Basharat has so far been unable to finish an opponent. Regardless, he’s continued his winning ways and now stands at an illustrious 14-0, with three consecutive UFC victories.

A terror on his way up the totem pole, Javid Basharat may be the next star birthed by the UFC. Only time will tell, but so far, he’s kicked his 2023 off to a spectacular start.

Javid Basharat calls out Chris Gutierrez in a hilarious way

Very modest about his victory at UFC Vegas 67, Basharat gave much credit to his opponent during his post-fight interview. Praising him for his toughness and claiming he will have a bright UFC career ahead of him.

“I knew I had to stay patient,” Basharat said. “…I banked on him gassing out. To be fair, he got tired. But, he didn’t get that tired.”

Paul Felder was interviewing Basharat and prodded him about his next move inside the UFC. Asking who he’d like to fight next and where he plans on going from here. “The fans told me I might be getting ahead of myself.” Javid Basharat began. “Look, my debut was hard. My last fight with Tony Gravely: a hard fight… I’m taking these risky fights. These are all risky fights. Heavy hitters, wrestlers. If I’m not already in the top 15, I need a ranked guy next. But I feel like I should be in the top 15…

“Some of these names, I don’t wanna call out anybody in particular, but they haven’t fought anybody,” Basharat continued. “They’re fighting these old-school legends. But nobody of my caliber. I’m taking out all of the contenders.”

Paul Felder looked at this point as if he was going to leave it at that and end the interview. However, ‘The Snow Leopard’ visibly looked like he wanted to say more. In a stroke of brilliance, Felder doubled back, saying: “Hey, this is up to you. Do you have any names?”

“Fu*k it, let’s go. Chris Gutierrez, let’s do this,” Javid Basharat declared. The call-out made sense now, as Chris Gutierrez last fought against the “old-school legend” Frankie Edgar, who he defeated by knockout. The two men would surely make for an insane matchup, and only time will tell if Basharat will get his wish of a Chris Gutierrez fight.

Who would you like to see Javid Basharat fight next, and do you think he will end 2023 undefeated?

Paddy Pimblett to have ankle surgery in March, UFC London appearance now in question

Paddy Pimblett ankle UFC LondonPaddy Pimblett‘s appearance at this year’s UFC London event is now in question after he recently disclosed on his youtube channel that ankle surgery is needed due to injuries sustained during his last outing at UFC 282. ‘The Baddy’ has said that sometime in March is when he’s having the surgery, which obviously conflicts with […]

Paddy Pimblett ankle UFC London

Paddy Pimblett‘s appearance at this year’s UFC London event is now in question after he recently disclosed on his youtube channel that ankle surgery is needed due to injuries sustained during his last outing at UFC 282.

‘The Baddy’ has said that sometime in March is when he’s having the surgery, which obviously conflicts with the timing of UFC London, as UFC 286 is currently scheduled to go down on the 18th of March.

UFC 286 will feature the trilogy fight between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman for the undisputed welterweight championship. It’s supposed to have a co-main event of Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev, which would undoubtedly deliver fireworks and almost unmatchable intensity and explosivity. As of right now, UFC 286 is still several months away, so the order of fights could change, and bouts can also fall off or be added at any time.

Paddy Pimblett’s ankle surgery to delay the return of ‘The Baddy’

On a six-fight winning streak, with four of those victories coming from inside the UFC, Paddy Pimblett is one of the most sensational stars to grace the octagon in quite some time. He’s got the notable look, the gift of gab, and the big winning streak. However, his last performance against Jared Gordon at UFC 282 left many wondering if he has the actual skills to continue his Conor Mcgregor-Esque run and attain championship status.

The fight between Gordon and Pimblett was uncomfortably close. It resulted in a decision victory for ‘The Baddy’, but this left many angered. In fact, many called it a downright robbery, and lots of fans felt Pimblett got exposed in his last outing. One thing is for certain, though, and that’s the fact that Paddy Pimblett did not leave that fight unscathed: suffering a major ankle injury that will now require surgery.

News of this was first released by Pimblett himself on his own youtube channel, where he has a recurring VLOG series that showcases his adventures as a martial arts superstar. In a recent episode, the camera shows Pimblett lightly grappling with some of the youth at his gym before the scene cuts and shows ‘The Baddy’ and crew at the doctors. An x-ray is on a flatscreen TV, and a doctor is explaining it while pointing to several red flags hidden inside the x-ray.

A small amount of cartilage lost and built-up fluid is what is primarily mentioned by the doctor. Soon, text appears on screen: giving the news that Paddy Pimblett will indeed require surgery in March.

Cyril Gane reacts to UFC 285 title fight matchup vs. Jon Jones: “It is a dream of every young fighter to fight against a GOAT.”

Cyril GaneCyril Gane will face the returning Jon Jones at UFC 285 as the pair clash for the now-vacant heavyweight championship belt. The heavyweight division had been in somewhat of a state with Francis Ngannou being sidelined following surgery and still having contractual issues with the UFC. However, that has all changed in just a mere […]

Cyril Gane

Cyril Gane will face the returning Jon Jones at UFC 285 as the pair clash for the now-vacant heavyweight championship belt.

The heavyweight division had been in somewhat of a state with Francis Ngannou being sidelined following surgery and still having contractual issues with the UFC. However, that has all changed in just a mere few hours.

Prior to the start of the promotions return to action in 2023 with UFC Vegas 67. A billboard on the T-Mobile arena revealed that Cyril Gane would compete against Jon Jones for the Heavyweight crown at UFC 285. Later as the night progressed and following Dana White’s media scrum it was revealed that current champion Francis Ngannou had not only been stripped of his title but had also parted ways with the promotion in hopes of finding more success elsewhere.

Disappointment for many of the community followed as there were hopes we would see Jones return to face arguably one of the scariest competitors in MMA in Ngannou for his heavyweight title.

One man who will not be sharing that sentiment however is Cyril Gane. Now with Ngannou out of the picture reports have confirmed that he will step in as an opponent for Jones upon his return.

Cyril Gane Delighted To Face ‘GOAT’ Jon Jones At UFC 285

Cyril Gane had called for the matchup with Jones just days before the announcement was revealed. When he spoke to the media after cornering his teammate, Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Vegas 67, the former interim world champion spoke to the media about his delight to once again be competing for the illustrious gold and his feelings on facing one of the all-time best in Jon Jones.

“I’m happy we got good news today. Everybody knows the situation with Francis (Ngannou) and Jon Jones, so okay, we are going to wait how long, how many times are we going to wait? I think it was a great decision because twenty-four hours after we got great news so I’m happy, I’m really happy.” Cyril Gane stated.

Gane also touched upon his opponent and how excited he is for the opportunity to face someone he considers one of the greatest of all time.

“I’m really young in MMA, everybody knows I started a few years ago and before that, I was really not in MMA. When I started to watch this of course Jon Jones was one of my favorite fighters and more so when I started MMA because I am really a fan of every sport in MMA and when you look at a guy like Jon Jones who is well rounded like this, you really appreciate it. He is a GOAT, look at his career. I am a young fighter and I think it is a dream of every young fighter to fight against a GOAT so this will be crazy for me.”

Fight fans can start the countdown as we are now less than two months away from seeing Jon Jones compete back inside an octagon.

Will Jon Jones claim heavyweight gold upon his return to the UFC at UFC 285?