Tag: Megan Olivi

UFC 300 set to feature its commentary A-team for historic fight card in Las Vegas

UFC 300 set to feature its commentary A-team for historic Pay-Per-View event in Las VegasAs the Ultimate Fighting Championship closes in on its massive UFC 300 card in Las Vegas, broadcasting details regarding…

UFC 300 set to feature its commentary A-team for historic Pay-Per-View event in Las Vegas

As the Ultimate Fighting Championship closes in on its massive UFC 300 card in Las Vegas, broadcasting details regarding the historic event are beginning to emerge.

UFC 300 is scheduled to feature 13 epic fights with 12 current or former world champions set to take center stage — none bigger than Alex Pereira who puts his light heavyweight championship on the line against ex-titleholder Jamahal Hill in the 205-pound headliner.

UFC 300

Being touted as the biggest card in the promotion’s 30+ year history, it should come as no surprise that the UFC is busting out its A-team for the impending broadcast. UFC play-by-play man Jon Anik will be at the helm according to a report from MMA Fighting. Joining him will be longtime color commentator Joe Rogan and UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier.

UFC 300 broadcast team

As expected, the “Veteran Voice of the Octagon” Bruce Buffer will handle fighter walkouts and official announcements. Joining the broadcast will be the UFC’s chief roving reporter, Megan Olivi, handling backstage duties. Former fighter Din Thomas will also be on hand to offer up his unique take on the action from time to time.

At the analyst desk will be three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen and top-10 ranked 205’er Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith. They will be joined by Boxing icon Teddy Atlas to offer their take on the night’s action.

Chael Sonnen will be part of the UFC 300 broadcast

In addition to UFC 300’s light heavyweight title scrap, fans inside T-Mobile Arena and those watching around the world will also see reigning strawweight champion Zhang Weili put her title on the line in an all-Chinese clash with Yan Xiaonan in the evening’s co-main event.

And in a fight appropriately dubbed as “the people’s main event,” BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje puts his bragging rights belt on the line against former 145-pound king Max Holloway.

Gaethje vs. Holloway at UFC 300

The card for UFC 300 is as follows:

UFC 300 Main card (ESPN+ PPV)

UFC 300 Preliminary card (ESPN/ESPN+)

  • Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic
  • Aljamain Sterling vs. Calvin Kattar
  • Kayla Harrison vs. Holly Holm
  • Sodiq Yusuff vs. Diego Lopes
  • Jalin Turner vs. Renato Moicano
  • Jessica Andrade vs. Marina Rodriguez
  • Jim Miller vs. Bobby Green
  • Cody Garbrandt vs. Deiveson Figueiredo

Jamahal Hill accuses Megan Olivi of disrespecting him at UFC Charlotte: ‘Interim champ? That’s how you feel?’

Jamahal HillJamahal Hill is tired of being disrespected and decided to briefly take out his frustrations on sideline reporter Megan Olivi. Hill’s journey to the light heavyweight championship was far from ordinary. After former titleholder, Jiri Prochazka vacated the 205-pound crown to focus on recovering from shoulder surgery, ‘Sweet Dreams’ was promoted to the UFC 283 […]

Jamahal Hill

Jamahal Hill is tired of being disrespected and decided to briefly take out his frustrations on sideline reporter Megan Olivi.

Hill’s journey to the light heavyweight championship was far from ordinary. After former titleholder, Jiri Prochazka vacated the 205-pound crown to focus on recovering from shoulder surgery, ‘Sweet Dreams’ was promoted to the UFC 283 main event, squaring off with Glover Teixeira for the opportunity to become the new light heavyweight king. Hill delivered a brilliant performance over 25 minutes to capture the title while simultaneously sending Teixeira into retirement.

On Saturday night, a new potential contender emerged as division standout Johnny Walker scored a unanimous decision victory over perennial contender Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith at UFC Charlotte. Following his victory, Walker spoke with Megan Olivi about a potential rematch with Jamahal Hill, this time with UFC gold on the line. During their conversation, Olivi mistakenly called ‘Sweet Dreams’ the division’s interim champion, a comment that quickly got the attention of Hill.

“Interim Champ? @MeganOlivi that’s how you feel?” Hill wrote in a now-deleted tweet.

However, Jamahal Hill appeared to overlook the fact that Megan Olivi quickly corrected herself on the broadcast.

“I immediately corrected myself! I’m so sorry, you know I have nothing but respect for you!” Olivi tweeted in response.

It didn’t take long for fans to chime in on the situation, prompting Jamahal Hill to confirm that he didn’t hear the entire interview and that everything was all good between the two.

“Y’all chill on @MeganOlivi I was getting on a plane a didn’t listen close enough to the clip!!! She made a mistake and immediately corrected herself!! It’s always been nothing but love and respect between us!!!” Hill said.

It’s far from the first time that a fighter has criticized a member of the UFC broadcast, but it was a rare occasion to see a fighter issue an apology for making a snap judgment. Unfortunately, the situation probably didn’t do much in the way of earning Jamahal Hill respect among his skeptics even though his run to the light heavyweight title and his overblown spat with Megan Olivi have little to do with one another.

Jamahal Hill Likes His Chances Against Jiri Prochazka in Potential Title Tilt

Recent reports suggested that Jamahal Hill would make his first defense of the 205-pound title against Jiri Prochazka in August when the promotion returns to Boston for UFC 292. Unfortunately, ‘Denisa’ revealed that the proposed August date will be too soon for his return after undergoing shoulder surgery.

“August is still early for me because, and I keep saying this, I don’t want to just come there healthy in the cage and go fight right away,” said Procházka on the Fair Play Thinker podcast. “I want to come into the cage with the fact that I’ve broken down my style and taken a step and I’m a step ahead in my fighting style, my career, my mindset, everything.”

Jamahal Hill hopes that the pair can reschedule the contest soon as he clearly likes his chances against the heavy-hitting Czech.

“I feel like my skill level vastly surpasses that of his own,” Hill told MMA Junkie. “I feel like he’s a very physical dude. He’s strong, he has some natural, physical attributes, but the skill and the certain understanding on the level that I understand this sh*t? He’s not there. I was just watching his fights the other day,” . “He’s not that guy. I can’t wait to get him in there. I truly can’t wait to get him in there so he can really see what it’s like. It’s going to be funny. I’m going to beat the dog sh*t out of that man.”

Megan Olivi’s Heartfelt Message On The Retirement Of Joseph Benavidez

A pioneer of the lighter weight classes, UFC flyweight Joseph Benavidez has decided to hang up his gloves, and UFC correspondent Megan Olivi released a heartfelt message after the fact. On Wednesday, it was revealed that the four-time title challenger has called it a career after competing since 2006. In his time spent in the […]

Continue Reading Megan Olivi’s Heartfelt Message On The Retirement Of Joseph Benavidez at MMA News.

A pioneer of the lighter weight classes, UFC flyweight Joseph Benavidez has decided to hang up his gloves, and UFC correspondent Megan Olivi released a heartfelt message after the fact.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that the four-time title challenger has called it a career after competing since 2006. In his time spent in the UFC, the aggressive Team Alpha Male Benavidez found himself staring down the barrel of many title opportunities.

Challenging for the flyweight championship on four separate occasions, Benavidez lost the first two bids against Demetrious Johnson (2012-2013). Seven years later after climbing the flyweight ladder again, Benavidez would fail in his attempts to snatch the 125-pound strap off Deiveson Figueiredo in back-to-back losses.

With retirement life in the crosshairs, his wife and UFC correspondent Megan Olivi let the world know how excited she and Joe Benavidez are to be entering the next chapter of his life.

“You, my husband, are incredible. A pioneer. A legend. A record holder. And most importantly, a wonderful human being. I am beyond proud of you. Thank you for taking me along on this wild ride, it’s been the honor of my life to be by your side all these years. As so many have said today, the sport is better because you were in it. I can’t wait to see what adventures the next years bring, the sky is the limit for you. I love and appreciate you in every facet of your life. I hope you feel the love you deserve as you close this chapter of your life. No more weight cuts so let’s eat!” Olivi posted on Instagram.

“Some amazing stats:
1st flyweight win. Most flyweight wins.
1st flyweight KO. Most flyweight KOs.
19 flyweight fights, the most in divisional history.
(But let’s not forget his incredible bantamweight days ?)(I included a clip of one of my favorite fights ever incase you’ve never seen that epic finish. The pic following was us celebrating .. 11 years ago!)” Olivi posted on Instagram

Despite many of his shortcomings in competition, Joe Benavidez is a pioneer of the UFC with notable wins against Rani Yahya, Ian McCall, and of course, the “Triple C” himself, Henry Cejudo. In fact, Benavidez outpointed Cejudo by decision back in 2016. The 37-year-old legend will leave behind a UFC record of 15-6 with a pro record of 28-8.

Do you think Joseph Benavidez could have a future in broadcasting like his wife Megan Olivi?

Continue Reading Megan Olivi’s Heartfelt Message On The Retirement Of Joseph Benavidez at MMA News.

Top-Ranked UFC Flyweight Joseph Benavidez Retires

Joseph Benavidez is done with pro MMA competition. MMAJunkie.com reports that Benavidez has made his decision to hang up the gloves. Sources told the website that Benavidez informed the UFC to remove him from the USADA testing pool. Benavidez’s wife, Megan Olivi, had the following to say on social media. “Retirement adventures are gonna be […]

Continue Reading Top-Ranked UFC Flyweight Joseph Benavidez Retires at MMA News.

Joseph Benavidez is done with pro MMA competition.

MMAJunkie.com reports that Benavidez has made his decision to hang up the gloves. Sources told the website that Benavidez informed the UFC to remove him from the USADA testing pool.

Benavidez’s wife, Megan Olivi, had the following to say on social media.

“Retirement adventures are gonna be fun. My king forever.”

UFC President Dana White also confirmed the report with some kind words for Benavidez.

“Joe Benavidez has been a pillar of the lighter weight divisions for years. Since joining WEC in 2008 and then UFC in 2011, he’s used his unstoppable pace and nasty guillotine to remain at the top of two divisions for 13 years.”

Benavidez challenged for the UFC Flyweight Championship multiple times. In his two title bouts with Demetrious Johnson and his two championship fights with Deiveson Figueiredo, Benavidez fell short. He ends his MMA run on a three-fight skid.

Despite the shortcomings, Benavidez is one of the top flyweights to ever compete in the sport. His UFC record closes out at 15-6, while his overall pro MMA record is 28-8.

Benavidez has shared the cage with the likes of “Mighty Mouse,” Dominick Cruz, Henry Cejudo, Miguel Torres, and other notable names. In his career, he earned three “Performance of the Night” bonuses and one “Knockout of the Night” bonus.

Joseph Benavidez is tied with Demetrious Johnson for the most wins in UFC flyweight history at 13. He also has the most fights in UFC flyweight history at 19. No one has more knockout wins in the UFC’s 125-pound weight class.

Continue Reading Top-Ranked UFC Flyweight Joseph Benavidez Retires at MMA News.

Video: Watch Commentators, Wonderboy, Weili Zhang, Megan Olivi React To Chris Weidman Leg Break

WeidmanThe Chris Weidman leg break was hard to see for even the most hardcore and seasoned mixed martial arts fan. Weidman snapped his leg after attempting a calf kick that was checked by Uriah Hall at UFC 261 late last month. To make matters worse, the former middleweight champion put all his weight on the […]

Weidman

The Chris Weidman leg break was hard to see for even the most hardcore and seasoned mixed martial arts fan.

Weidman snapped his leg after attempting a calf kick that was checked by Uriah Hall at UFC 261 late last month. To make matters worse, the former middleweight champion put all his weight on the broken leg following the kick which provided for cringe-inducing footage.

We all got to hear the screams and shock of commentators Joe Rogan, Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier as it happened live but thanks to the UFC’s The Thrill and the Agony video, we can now see how they reacted as well.

The video also shows cornerman and UFC welterweight Stephen Thompson reacting as well as Weili Zhang, Megan Olivi and Uriah Hall’s reactions.

You can watch it below:

Fortunately, Weidman underwent successful surgery and is currently on the road to recovery.

Megan Olivi Hurt By Stephen A. Smith’s Snub When Crediting Broadcast

Megan Olivi Stephen A. SmithMegan Olivi has been a recognized presence in MMA broadcasts for years; especially during the UFC’s transition from Fox to ESPN. Despite being recognized by fans and colleagues alike, she was disappointed to be left out by one particular ESPN broadcaster: Stephen A. Smith. Following UFC 260 last month, Smith put out a tweet giving […]

Megan Olivi Stephen A. Smith

Megan Olivi has been a recognized presence in MMA broadcasts for years; especially during the UFC’s transition from Fox to ESPN.

Despite being recognized by fans and colleagues alike, she was disappointed to be left out by one particular ESPN broadcaster: Stephen A. Smith.

Following UFC 260 last month, Smith put out a tweet giving credit to the UFC’s on-air personalities; including Joe Rogan, Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier. But directly following the tweet, Olivi noticed that the famous ESPN broadcaster left out a name: her own.

“Ummm hey there – you’re forgetting someone [smile emoji],” Olivi replied to Smith’s tweet.

During a recent Question-and-Answer session between her fellow reporters and Olivi, she was asked about being left out by Smith and how it has impacted her for the past few weeks leading up to Saturday’s UFC 261 card.

“That was actually tough for me,” Olivi said. “I’ve worked to be here. I wasn’t handed this.  I’ve done everything the right way to get here, and to not get the acknowledgment as my male colleagues got, I genuinely was so hurt.”

This isn’t the first time that Smith has been criticized by a UFC on ESPN colleague. Following Conor McGregor’s first-round knockout of Donald Cerrone at UFC 246, color commentator Joe Rogan had an awkward moment with Smith when the ESPN loudmouth essentially accused Cerrone of quitting, to which Rogan took immediate exception.

Smith has been one of the most recognized broadcasters on ESPN’s radio and television airwaves for years, and Olivi has accumulated arguably the same amount of success during her time covering the UFC. Smith hasn’t provided a reaction to Olivi’s comments yet regarding the apparent Twitter snub last month.

Fight fans can catch Olivi providing analysis and coverage Saturday night for UFC 261 in Jacksonville, Florida; in the promotion’s return to full-capacity events.

What did you make of Megan Olivi’s comments regarding fellow ESPN broadcaster Stephen A. Smith?