Tag: Juan Archuleta

Kai Asakura’s Last Opponent Analyzes How He Will Fair At Flyweight    

In the build up to UFC 310 on December 7, a lot of fights fans are going to get introduced to Kai Asakura for the very first time. The Japanese star is set to challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title on his debut with the promotion after signing to the UFC from RIZIN. Alongside […]

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In the build up to UFC 310 on December 7, a lot of fights fans are going to get introduced to Kai Asakura for the very first time. The Japanese star is set to challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title on his debut with the promotion after signing to the UFC from RIZIN.

Alongside fighting in Las Vegas for the first time, this massive opportunity for Asakura also comes with a change in weight class. During his career in RIZIN, the 31-year old competed mostly at bantamweight against the likes of Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi.

In his last outing in Japan before making the switch to his new home, Asakura defeated former Bellator champion Juan Archuleta to win the bantamweight title. He secured the second round finish on New Year’s Eve to cap off his run in style.

Speaking in a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Archuleta gave his thoughts on Asakura signing to the UFC and how he believes he will compete at the top of the flyweight division. Having remained in contact with his former opponent since their fight in December, he was able to share some first-hand impressions of what the UFC’s new arrival will look like at 125-pounds.

“I think he’s very explosive. It seems like he’s really getting his body in tune. Last time I seen him when I was in Japan, he was a lot smaller than when we fought and I was like, ‘Oh yeah, you’re doing well’. I reached out to him last night actually because he was posting some Instagram pictures. I was like, ‘Hey, how you feeling?’ He’s like, ‘Oh I’m so ready, I’m so excited,’ and this is a new venture for him, this is something that he wanted and wanted to do going forward and I’m super excited.

“I mean, and it’s a title fight right off the bat like not many guys get a title right in the UFC right off the bat and so it’s like go get it man. You have the tools and the athleticism to go get it done and I think he’s well prepared now. I think he got down to a weight class, Japanese guys aren’t very dense in their muscles but they’re very explosive.”   

Continue Reading Kai Asakura’s Last Opponent Analyzes How He Will Fair At Flyweight     at MMA News.

Bellator MMA Vs. RIZIN FF Results And Highlights: Bellator Sweeps RIZIN

Bellator MMA vs. RIZIN FF took place on New Year’s Eve at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan, and MMA News has all of the results and highlights from the event! The two organizations have collaborated on events and shared fighters in the past, but …

Bellator MMA vs. RIZIN FF took place on New Year’s Eve at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan, and MMA News has all of the results and highlights from the event! The two organizations have collaborated on events and shared fighters in the past, but this was the first time they’ve co-promoted an event entirely…

Continue Reading Bellator MMA Vs. RIZIN FF Results And Highlights: Bellator Sweeps RIZIN at MMA News.

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

Juan ArchuletaJuan 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

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 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!?

Raufeon Stots Stops Juan Archuleta With High Kick, Wins Interim Title – Bellator 279 Highlights

Raufeon StotsSurging Bellator bantamweight contender, Raufeon Stots has advanced to the Bellator MMA World Grand Prix semi final bracket — as well as minting himself as the interim division gold holder — stopping former undisputed bantamweight best, Juan Archuleta with a stunning third round high kick in the co-main event of Bellator 279 in Honolulu, Hawaii. […]

Raufeon Stots

Surging Bellator bantamweight contender, Raufeon Stots has advanced to the Bellator MMA World Grand Prix semi final bracket — as well as minting himself as the interim division gold holder — stopping former undisputed bantamweight best, Juan Archuleta with a stunning third round high kick in the co-main event of Bellator 279 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Stots, who entered tonight’s re-shuffled bantamweight Grand Prix quarter final bracket against Archuleta off the back of an impressive unanimous decision win over Magomed Magomedov, managed to utilize his wrestling in the opening round in response to some wrestling offense from Archuleta, before successfully defending a slew of takedown attempts in the second frame.

However, early in the third round, Stots managed to find his target with a high-kick-come-knee — catching Archuleta and becoming the first to finish the former undisputed champion with strikes in the process. Stots is now slated to move onto the semi-final bracket where he is joined by fellow surging grappling ace, Patchy Mix who turned in an impressive five round unanimous decision win over Kyoji Horiguchi earlier tonight.

Below, catch the highlights from Raufeon Stots’ stunning high kick win over Juan Archuleta

Bellator 258: Archuleta vs. Pettis Takes Place Live Tonight on SHOWTIME

Bellator 258 takes place live tonight on SHOWTIME, and fans are in for a treat with a full slate of action-packed fights! The main event features a bantamweight title fight between champion Juan Archuleta and Sergio Pettis. Also in action tonight will …

Bellator 258 takes place live tonight on SHOWTIME, and fans are in for a treat with a full slate of action-packed fights! The main event features a bantamweight title fight between champion Juan Archuleta and Sergio Pettis. Also in action tonight will be the returning Michael “Venom” Page taking on Derek Anderson, and the long-awaited […]

Juan Archuleta Says Fight with Sergio Pettis Will be a Battle of Styles

Bellator Bantamweight Champ, Juan Archuleta (25-2) takes on No. 1-contender Sergio Pettis (20-5) on May 7 in his first scheduled title defense since winning the title last September.  The two 135 pound competitors were in attendance at Bellator MMA’s p…

Bellator Bantamweight Champ, Juan Archuleta (25-2) takes on No. 1-contender Sergio Pettis (20-5) on May 7 in his first scheduled title defense since winning the title last September.  The two 135 pound competitors were in attendance at Bellator MMA’s press event at The Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and the fight was announced with the news […]