The Pulse of MMA: Fan Reactions To The Sport’s Biggest Stories
In this installment of The Pulse of MMA, we look at the raw, unfiltered reactions from MMA fans to the UFC’s nominations for Best Submission of 2021.
It’s the last week of 2021, whi…
The Pulse of MMA: Fan Reactions To The Sport’s Biggest Stories
In this installment of The Pulse of MMA, we look at the raw, unfiltered reactions from MMA fans to the UFC’s nominations for Best Submission of 2021.
It’s the last week of 2021, which means it’s time to start looking back at the biggest and best moments of the year. Right now, that means taking a peek at the UFC’s nominations for the best submission of the year.
You can expect everyone and their grandpappy to break out their year-end lists over the next few days. But naturally, the UFC’s lists stand apart from the rest given that, well, it’s their promotion.
So on behalf of the UFC, we at MMA News present to you their nominations for best submission of 2021! After a brief recap of each submission, you can find the video showcasing all the action followed by the Pulse of MMA letting their collective voice be heard on their thoughts on the nominations list. And as you will find out, public opinion was, in large part, not in accord with the UFC’s thinking.
Vicente Luque Submits Tyron Woodley via D’Arce choke (UFC 260)
During what was an action-packed first round, Tyron Woodley brought the fight to Vicente Luque. No longer gun-shy and tentative, Woodley took a more proactive approach. Though he had some success in the beginning, eventually, Luque got the better of the stand-up exchanges, culminating with a barrage of strikes that had “The Chosen One” on wobbly legs before ultimately being dropped by a looping left hook by the Brazilian, which led to the D’Arce.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Brandon Moreno Submits Deiveson Figueiredo via Rear-Naked Choke (UFC 263)
Brandon Moreno came into UFC 263 as an underdog, but he exited as a champion. Heading into the third round, Moreno was up on two out of the three scorecards, with the third judge having it one round apiece. The judges would be taken out of the equation when he secured the rear-naked choke after peppering Figueiredo with a couple of left hands while applying a full body lock.
Glover Teixeira def. Jan Blachowicz via Rear-Naked Choke (UFC 267)
Coming into the fight, it was well known what was Glover Teixeira’s path to victory when he challenged Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight championship at UFC 267. The second-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt would be well served to get the fight to the mat and do what he had done in three of his previous five fights: get the submission. And that’s exactly what happened.
After getting the takedown in the second frame, Teixeira effortlessly passed Blachowicz’s guard into mount, prompting the Pole to give up his back, which is the last thing you want to do against Teixeira. Within seconds, the 42-year-old had secured the light heavyweight prize as well as his place in UFC history.
Glover Teixeira, Jan Blachowicz
Khamzat Chimaev def. Li Jingliang via Rear-Naked Choke (UFC 267)
Khamzat Smesh.
Khamzat Chimaev (Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa)
UFC’s Best Submissions of 2021 Video
You can check out each of the above submissions for yourself in the video below!
MMA Fans Weigh In
Finally, here is what the Pulse of MMA had to say about the UFC’s nominations list:
This List Is Lowkey All Basic Submissions. Remember When Submission Of The Year Used To Be Submissions We Rarely Get or Seen Before? My Vote Be Something Like Jordan Leavitt's Submission Of Sayles.
Kevin Holland has a few names in mind when it comes to his debut in the welterweight division. Holland has made it clear that his next fight will be at 170 and has no desire to fight Kyle Daukaus after their last fight ended in a no contest. The two had a head to head […]
Kevin Holland has a few names in mind when it comes to his debut in the welterweight division.
Holland has made it clear that his next fight will be at 170 and has no desire to fight Kyle Daukaus after their last fight ended in a no contest. The two had a head to head clash that gave Daukaus the upper hand. He was able to finish the fight, but after replay they deemed it a no contest, since Holland was clearly knocked out from the blow.
Holland has also made it clear he wants to go toe to toe with another striker inside the octagon. A couple names that came to mind were Daniel Rodriguez and Li Jingliang. Holland was being interviewed by ‘The Schmo’ when he name dropped those fighters.
“So at 170, D-Rod said he’s a little hurt right now and I don’t know when he’s gonna get better, but if he’s ready by January or February, that would be nice.If not, the guy that Chimaev just fought [Jingliang]. You wanna strike? I’m down to strike baby, let me know. Probably somebody that likes to bang. Still down to test the wrestling, but can we squabble a little bit?”
Rodriguez is coming off a win against Kevin Lee and holds a 6-1 record in the UFC. Jingliang is coming off a loss against Khamzat Chimaev, where he got submitted in the first round. Both fighters are very dangerous on their feet.
A fight against Rodriguez or Jingliang would be enticing for Kevin Holland
Both those fighters as Holland said, like to stand and throw hands. That would be a welcoming change for Holland who has been matched up recently with guys that like to grapple. Holland has always joked about his wrestling and even cracks wise during fights with ‘DC’.
He has even trained with AKA to improve his grappling, but everyone knows Holland wants to put on a show with his hands. The move up to 170 is an intriguing move and many are interested to see how Holland matches up against some of the top guys.
Who would you like to see Kevin Holland fight in the welterweight division.
Li Jingliang is down but not out. Jingliang suffered a first-round submission defeat after getting dominated by Khamzat Chimaev in their welterweight contest at UFC 267 last night. Chimaev quickly took Jingliang down and looked to finish the fight with ground strikes. Jingliang managed to survive only to see his back get taken. “”Borz” applied […]
Chimaev quickly took Jingliang down and looked to finish the fight with ground strikes. Jingliang managed to survive only to see his back get taken.
“”Borz” applied the rear naked choke and despite getting out of it a couple of times, Jingliang’s luck didn’t last for long as Chimaev eventually put him to sleep.
It was a tough way to lose for the Chinese star who has now suffered his second defeat in his last three outings overall. However, he only plans on coming back stronger as he took to social media following the setback.
“Adult beauty. Feed the wolf, the sun will still rise tomorrow. I will train hard and come back. Thank you friends and fans for supporting me.”
It’s not the worst thing for Jingliang either given how high Chimaev’s stock is.
Jingliang’s own stock was pretty high after an emphatic knockout victory over Santiago Ponzinibbio eaerlier this year. Another win like that and he will be back on track once again.
Li Jingliang is ready to prove to the world he is in his best shape.
The UFC 267 event on Saturday will be featuring an exciting welterweight matchup between Li Jingliang and Khamzat Chimaev. Both men are looking to make their way up the rankings …
Li Jingliang is ready to prove to the world he is in his best shape.
The UFC 267 event on Saturday will be featuring an exciting welterweight matchup between Li Jingliang and Khamzat Chimaev. Both men are looking to make their way up the rankings and closer to a title shot. Leading up to fight week most of the spotlight has been on Chimaev since he is returning from a long layoff, but Jingliang thinks his time is now and he is looking for the finish.
Jingliang has been in the UFC since 2014. In his time there he has racked up 10 wins. Most recently he defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio in January. At 33 years old Jingliang knows that he is in the best shape of his life.
“I have matured relatively later than other people and in China, there is a saying that a man only reaches his top after he turns 30,” Jingliang said. “So right now is my time to shine. From five years ago, I feel mentally, physically better for my experiences and with experience, there has been a big evolution.”
Jingliang will have his hands full with Chimaev who is undefeated in his nine professional fights so far. He burst on the UFC scene last year when he turned out three impressive finishes. Chimaev has yet to make it out of the second round in any fight he has been in. He also stated that he was coming in hungry and threatened to “eat” Jingliang on a recent episode of UFC Embedded.
We’ve got you covered with our staff picks for UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira! It all goes down in Abu Dhabi tomorrow with UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira, which will NOT be on pay-per-view but rather a special feature presentation streaming on ESPN+. Make sure you are well-rested and ready to bet, watch, scream, and […]
We’ve got you covered with our staff picks for UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira!
It all goes down in Abu Dhabi tomorrow with UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira, which will NOT be on pay-per-view but rather a special feature presentation streaming on ESPN+. Make sure you are well-rested and ready to bet, watch, scream, and shout as this early event kicks off at 10:30 AM ET (prelims), with the main card scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM.
There will be two title fights waiting for you and a stacked fight card from top to bottom, capped off with Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira competing for the light heavyweight championship. In the co-main event, Petr Yan will look to return bantamweight gold to his waist, interim or otherwise, as he goes up against the electric Cory Sandhagen.
Also on tap for tomorrow night is the man often considered to be “The Next Khabib,” Islam Makhachev, who will face Dan Hooker. The Russian invasion will also include appearances from Magomed Ankalaev and Alexander Volkov competing on the main card. And who can forget the highly anticipated return of “Borz,” Khmazat Chimaev, who will look to come back with a smesh when he takes on UFC vet Li Jingliang.
You can check out the full UFC 267 main card below!
UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira Main Card
UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Bout: Jan Blachowicz (c) vs. Glover Teixeira
UFC Interim Bantamweight Championship Bout: Petr Yan vs. Cory Sandhagen
Islam Makhachev vs. Dan Hooker
Alexander Volkov vs. Marcin Tybura
Li Jingliang vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Volkan Oezdemir
UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira Staff Predictions
MMA News is the place to be for all the latest UFC 267 updates. Staff members Andrew Ravens, Doug Murray, and Harvey Leonard have provided predictions for the main card. And based on the consistency of the picks, there seems to be a lot of safe bets to be made according to these three staffers! Check out their picks below!
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Volkan Oezdemir
Magomed Ankalaev, Volkan Oezdemir
Andrew Ravens: Volkan could be in for a rough night at the office when he steps into the Octagon against Ankalaev, who has looked exceptional aside from his promotional debut that he lost. Ankalaev seems to get better and better every outing while Volkvan has flattened at his spot. Ankalaev walks away with the decision win. (Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev)
Doug Murray: Ankalaev can extend his winning streak to seven with a win against Oezdemir. The former title challenger took a devastating loss when he fell at the hands of Ji?í Procházka. Since Oezdemir’s last fight ended by getting finished, his approach will likely be toned down when he meets Ankalaev. With that in mind, Ankalaev’s pressure and high kicks will be difficult for Oezdemir to dodge for 15 minutes. (Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev)
Harvey Leonard: As good as Oezdemir was at the start of his UFC career, he’s certainly not at his best anymore. I think his victory over Aleksandar Raki? has perhaps disguised that slightly. The result was controversial, and it seemed pretty clear he should have lost. With more competent judging, the Swiss contender would be sitting with five losses in his last six. At that point, a reset against lower-ranked opposition (similar to Dan Hooker last month) is needed. Magomed Ankalaev certainly isn’t that. With the Dagestani’s superior accuracy on the feet and Oezdemir’s inferior defense, I see Ankalaev extending his streak to seven. (Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev)
Consensus: 3-0 Ankalaev
Li Jingliang vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Li Jingliang and Khamzat Chimaev
Andrew Ravens: Here’s a chance for Chimaev to get another knockout highlight reel, and I see it happening. Li is a good fighter but does have moments where he simply doesn’t show up as expected. If that happens, then Chimaev is going to get a bonus at his expense. Chimaev stops him in the second round. (Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev)
Doug Murray: Mystery shrouds this welterweight showdown. Since Chimaev was forced to the sidelines after contracting COVID-19, his massive audience awaits his return to Fight Island. With three wins and three finishes in the UFC, Chimaev’s speed and ability to predict opponents as they grapple make his style a nightmare to deal with. While Li is a powerful 170-pound fighter, Chimaev’s speed and takedowns will set the tone for this fight early. (Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev)
Harvey Leonard: Whenever a fighter reveals they didn’t know who their opponent was before a booking, I’m wary to side with them. I can picture the clip of Chimaev at media day being brought up after a defeat. However, I do think the edge lies with “Borz.” He may have been away for over a year, but the quality he trains with at the Allstar gym in Stockholm shouldn’t make that an issue.
Whilst “The Leech” possesses the KO power to finish anyone, his shortcomings on the ground were evident in his loss to Neil Magny. We saw how brutal Chimaev can be when he gets his opponents down, and whilst he hasn’t faced a talent like Jingliang, I’d expect his pressure wrestling to be too much. (Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev)
Consensus: 3-0 Chimaev
Alexander Volkov vs. Marcin Tybura
(via Zuffa LLC)
Andrew Ravens: Volkov is looking to rebound after losing his previous fight against Cyril Gane while Tybura has been on fire as he’s won five straight. I see Volkov being really fired up to get a win here and prove that yes, he can fight with the best of the best. I don’t see Tybura at that level and predict Volkov can back that up with a TKO win. (Prediction: Alexander Volkov)
Doug Murray: A battle of two titans, don’t look now, but Tybura has amassed a five-fight winning streak with the promotion. Tybura is finally synergizing his standup with his strength on the canvas. The heavyweight showed his path to victory in his last fight. With damaging ground and pound, Tybura will need to get “Drago” to the mat to drastically increase his odds for success. Volkov has shown a stellar takedown defense as a former champion in Bellator, and his striking will be overwhelming if the fight makes it to the third round. (Prediction: Alexander Volkov)
Harvey Leonard: Tybura is on a pretty devastating win streak, but he’s not come close to facing an opponent with the skill of Volkov during it. The only times he’s faced heavyweights similar to his level on the feet, he was finished by Derrick Lewis and Augusto Sakai. The Pole’s threat is power, but given that Volkov has only been finished by Lewis in the UFC, I can’t see a scenario where he gets taken out by Tybura.
Volkov’s striking is up there with the best in the division, and through The Russian’s reach and speed advantage, I’d expect “Drago” to put it on full display. I’d fancy a Volkov finish, but if it goes to the scorecards, Tybura will struggle to outpoint him. (Prediction: Alexander Volkov)
Consensus: 3-0 Volkov
Islam Makhachev vs. Dan Hooker
Islam Makhachev, Dan Hooker (Image Credits: Mike Lawrie/Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Andrew Ravens: There are levels to this game, and it looks like Islam is on his way to the top tier. That’s not to say Hooker is not a real challenge as he’s a really good fighter. Islam has been running through people, but Hooker is his first real test, and he’s gonna have to put out his best to get past Hooker. I do think that happens with Islam getting the decision win. (Prediction: Islam Makhachev)
Doug Murray: Burn the boats. Dan Hooker is coming to Fight Island after just competing on Sept. 25, “The Hangman” is becoming somewhat of a hardcore fight fan’s dream. The wrestling skills of Hooker appear to be evolving rapidly, and he showed as much in his fight against Nasrat Haqparast. With a style geared toward volume, Hooker poses some real challenges to Makhachev. The heir to Khabib Nurmagomedov has looked impressive in the cage. And with a short camp for Hooker, Makhachev’s pressure will likely get the best of Hooker. (Prediction: Islam Makhachev)
Harvey Leonard: As much as I’d love for Hooker’s attitude to be rewarded with a victory, it’s hard to bet against the imposing game of Makhachev. Whilst I don’t buy into the idea that it’s as one-sided as the likes of Khabib would like us to believe, I do think “The Hangman” could struggle to implement his game if the Dagestani imposes his own early. Hooker’s route to victory is clearly keeping the fight on the feet. If he can’t, Makhachev could force a submission, but I think a controlling decision is more likely. (Prediction: Islam Makhachev)
Consensus: 3-0 Makhachev
Petr Yan vs. Cory Sandhagen
Cory Sandhagen, Petr Yan (Image Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Andrew Ravens: In my eyes, Yan is still champion and not Aljamain Sterling. We all know why Yan isn’t technically the champion right now and to his credit, instead of waiting for Sterling, he’s trying to stay active. In such a deep division, there are no easy tests and this inserts Sandhagen, who has a real chance to win this fight. I think Yan is the better fighter, but this will be a close, back-and-forth, and fun fight. (Prediction: Petr Yan)
Doug Murray: After going the distance with TJ Dillashaw, Sandhagen’s style is so fan-friendly that it was no surprise he got the call after hearing the champion was injured. I think Sandhagen’s kick-heavy style will be to his detriment against a disciplined boxer like Petr Yan. Yan is able to connect at will when opponents tire and relies heavily on a boxing repertoire that should carry him to the win. (Prediction: Petr Yan)
Harvey Leonard: This is arguably a better fight on paper than the original Yan vs. Sterling rematch. The contrast between the Russian’s tight boxing and forward pressure and Sandhagen’s kickboxing and elusive movement should make for a barnburner. Whilst Sandhagen is always capable of a highlight-reel KO and Yan is always looking for a brutal finish, I expect this one to go the distance.
If “The Sandman” can stay at range and catch Yan when he attempts to move in, perhaps even with a knee as the Russian ducks low with his shots, he is capable of outpointing “No Mercy.” But whilst I expect him to have some success doing so, I believe Yan will have the better of the exchanges, especially in the later rounds. (Prediction: Petr Yan)
Consensus: 3-0 Yan
Jan Blachowicz vs. Glover Teixeira
Jan Blachowicz, Glover Teixeira
Andrew Ravens: Some casuals may overlook Glover in this fight, but the hardcore fans know how dangerous Glover can be. However, I see this to be a one-sided beatdown by Jan. In the current division, I don’t see anyone beating Jan right now, and I add Glover to that list. Glover has a puncher’s chance early and won’t be put away, but I have Jan getting his hand raised after a decision win. (Prediction: Jan Blachowicz)
Doug Murray: The light heavyweight titleholder made his name as a Polish champion in KSW. B?achowicz is well versed in maintaining a fight’s geography. As a powerful counter puncher and reactive wrestler, the 38-year-old has all of the tools to deal with Teixeira. While the Brazilian challenger may have the edge in power on the feet, B?achowicz will be too much for a UFC legend that appears to be slowing despite stringing a massive streak together. (Prediction: Jan Blachowicz)
Harvey Leonard: After the bad blood in last weekend’s main event, it’s a nice change of pace to have two headliners respecting each other. As much of a feel-good story as it would be for Teixeira to become the UFC’s second post-40 champion, I believe he’ll fall short. Of course, he does boast incredible Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, and if the fight does hit the mat, he has what it takes to submit the champion.
However, on the feet, Blachowicz will have a speed and power advantage, which will not only help him control the exchanges and possibly find a finish but will also aid him in resisting Teixeira’s attempts to take him down and keep him there. The 42-year-old can never be counted out, but “and new” would surprise me. (Prediction: Jan Blachowicz)
Consensus: 3-0 Blachowicz
That’ll do it for our unanimous staff picks! What do you think? Are these fights as clear-cut as our three staffers seem to think? Or do you see some upsets brewing? Feel free to drop your own picks in the comments section, and you can check out the UFC 267 undercard below.
UFC 267 Undercard
PRELIMINARY CARD
Amanda Ribas vs. Virna Jandiroba (Women’s Strawweight)
Ricardo Ramos vs. Zubaira Tukhugov (Featherweight)
Albert Duraev vs. Roman Kopylov (Middleweight)
Shamil Gamzatov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (Light Heavyweight)
Makwan Amirkhani vs. Lerone Murphy (Featherweight)
Hu Yaozong vs. Alen Amedovski (Middleweight)
Magomed Mustafaev vs. Damir Ismagulov (Lightweight)
Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Allan Nascimento (Flyweight)
Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com tomorrow for all the results, highlights, and updates on UFC 267!
It was natural to think that someday we would be seeing fighters in the UFC who were inspired by Conor McGregor, but few may have expected to hear that Khamzat Chimaev is one of them. Born in Chechnya and fighting out of Sweeden, Chimaev burst into the UFC scene in 2020, with three devastating wins […]
It was natural to think that someday we would be seeing fighters in the UFC who were inspired by Conor McGregor, but few may have expected to hear that Khamzat Chimaev is one of them.
Born in Chechnya and fighting out of Sweeden, Chimaev burst into the UFC scene in 2020, with three devastating wins in two months, across two divisions, all while absorbing two strikes. This opened the door to a big opportunity for a fight with number two ranked welterweight Leon Edwards, but a severe case of COVID-19 kept him from fighting since his dramatic intro into the promotion.
Now, he’s set to return a year later against Li Jingliang at UFC 267 this weekend. Ahead of the fight, he spoke to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto about what initially brought him into the sport. Here, he explained that after being unable to continue his wrestling and sambo career, he was working to help support his large family. This is when he saw Conor McGregor’s rise to stardom and realized he could do just that.
“I was going home to a not so nice apartment. I have a big family, like mom, and my brothers and sisters, we lived in some apartment. Every morning before work I would go out running and I would see the big house, nice house, nice apartments, and I was feeling bad for my mother,” Chimaev said.
“I was always thinking ‘How am I going to get this money and get something for my mother so that she can be happy,’ you know? …
“I was watching (McGregor) fight, I was watching him fight Aldo… I was looking at that like ‘If these guys make so much money, like millions and this stuff, why can’t I? I am fighter, I am warrior, I have something inside, and I felt that when I was born. All the time I feel like something special inside of me, and (I wanted to) find some way to take this out and show the people.”
While this type of story of coming from poverty is not new in MMA, it is interesting to think that Khamzat Chimae’s decision to get into the sport was influenced by Conor McGregor. Now, he is one of the most hyped prospects the sport has ever seen, and it will be exciting to see how he looks in his return this weekend.
Check out the full interview with Khamzat Chimaev below:
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Kevin Holland has a few names in mind when it comes to his debut in the welterweight division. Holland has made it clear that his next fight will be at 170 and has no desire to fight Kyle Daukaus after their last fight ended in a no contest. The two had a head to head […]
Li Jingliang is down but not out. Jingliang suffered a first-round submission defeat after getting dominated by Khamzat Chimaev in their welterweight contest at UFC 267 last night. Chimaev quickly took Jingliang down and looked to finish the fight with ground strikes. Jingliang managed to survive only to see his back get taken. “”Borz” applied […]
