Tag: Michael Chiesa

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Weigh-In Results

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results! After staging its return to Manchester, England, for the UFC 304 pay-per-view last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion has remained on the road for a card inside the Etihad Arena in Abu […]

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UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results!

After staging its return to Manchester, England, for the UFC 304 pay-per-view last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion has remained on the road for a card inside the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Before returning to the venue for its annual numbered event this October, the UFC will put on a Fight Night event topped by elite bantamweight contenders Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov. The former interim title challenger and his undefeated Russian opponent will be looking to stake their claims for a shot at the winner of Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili.

Saturday’s co-headliner, meanwhile, will see another unbeaten name back in action as Sharabutdin Magomedov looks to make it three from three in the UFC at the expense of Micha? Oleksiejczuk.

Before that, a second crucial contest at 135 pounds will go down. Making the walk for the first time since his defeat to O’Malley in their UFC 299 title fight, Marlon Vera will look to revive his championship ambitions before stalling the two-weight goals of ex-flyweight kingpin Deiveson Figueiredo.

Elsewhere on the lineup, the likes of former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson and strawweight submission specialist Mackenzie Dern are among those set to be in action.

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov Weigh-In Results

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, August 3, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The main card begins at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT, with the preliminary card starting at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

The weigh-ins took place early Friday morning. See the full results below!

Main Card:

  • Bantamweight Main Event: Cory Sandhagen (136lbs) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (135lbs)
  • Middleweight Co-Main Event: Sharabutdin Magomedov (186lbs) vs. Micha? Oleksiejczuk (185lbs)
  • Bantamweight: Marlon Vera (136lbs) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (135.5lbs)
  • Welterweight: Tony Ferguson (170lbs) vs. Michael Chiesa (170lbs)
  • Women’s Strawweight: Mackenzie Dern (115lbs) vs. Loopy Godinez (115.5lbs)
  • Lightweight: Joel Álvarez (155.5lbs) vs. Elves Brener (155lbs)

Preliminary Card:

  • Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov (205lbs) vs. Alonzo Menifield (204lbs)
  • Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (155lbs) vs. Kaue Fernandes (155.5lbs)
  • Heavyweight: Shamil Gaziev (262lbs) vs. Don’Tale Mayes (265lbs)
  • Lightweight: Guram Kutateladze (155lbs) vs. Jordan Vucenic (155lbs)
  • Women’s Strawweight: Victoria Dudakova (115.5lbs) vs. Sam Hughes (114lbs)
  • Lightweight: Jai Herbert (155.5lbs) vs. Rolando Berdoya (155lbs)
  • Middleweight: Sedriques Dumas (186lbs) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (185lbs)

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Weigh-In Results at MMA News.

Henry Cejudo Dislikes UFC’s Continued Patronage Of Tony Ferguson: ‘I Think You Have To Give Other People Opportunities…’

Henry Cejudo recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the UFC’s ongoing support of Tony Ferguson, suggesting that the promotion should now shift its focus to new contenders and fresh talent. Ferguson is gearing up for what could be the final chapter in his Octagon career. He is set to face off against Michael Chiesa in a […]

Continue Reading Henry Cejudo Dislikes UFC’s Continued Patronage Of Tony Ferguson: ‘I Think You Have To Give Other People Opportunities…’ at MMA News.

Henry Cejudo recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the UFC’s ongoing support of Tony Ferguson, suggesting that the promotion should now shift its focus to new contenders and fresh talent.

Ferguson is gearing up for what could be the final chapter in his Octagon career. He is set to face off against Michael Chiesa in a welterweight clash on the main card of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi, scheduled for this weekend at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates.

Once hailed as the most intimidating fighter in the UFC lightweight division, “El Cucuy” surged through a 12-fight unbeaten streak, securing the interim championship with a victory over Kevin Lee at UFC 216 in October 2017 during that remarkable run.

However, the 40-year-old Californian’s ascent took a sharp downturn following a tough defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 in May 2020, which decisively shattered his unbeaten run. Currently, Ferguson is mired in a string of setbacks, tying the promotion’s record for the longest losing streak with seven consecutive losses. “Triple C” believes it’s time for the UFC to part ways with Ferguson…

Cejudo Claims Ferguson Is Long Past His Competitive Best

During a recent episode of Pound 4 Pound with former champ Kamaru Usman, Cejudo weighed in on the upcoming fight between Ferguson and Chiesa. The former UFC two-division champion argued that, given “El Cucuy’s” string of defeats, the UFC should offer other fighters a chance to shine on the main card and consider releasing the veteran lightweight.

“I don’t like it personally; I’m surprised,” Cejudo said. “I think you’ve got to give other people opportunities to be on main cards too. Tony has had his last, what, seven fights or six fights or something crazy in a row. I’m just like, man, he’s not the same Tony who fought Kevin Lee before that. But he’s not the same guy, man.”

“Triple C” further noted that Chiesa might pose a challenging matchup for Ferguson, given that “Maverick” is larger and enters the fight with fresher legs.

“I think Tony’s on his way out. I think if the UFC wants to give him a better fight, they should match him with someone whose style suits him a bit more. I think Chiesa is just stronger, especially moving up a weight class. I feel like Chiesa is bigger, stronger, and hasn’t endured the same level of punishment as Tony. He’s never been knocked out like Tony, and yeah, I do feel like this is a bad match.”

Ferguson is coming off a tough defeat to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 last December, which has led the MMA community to suggest that “El Cucuy” should consider retiring to avoid taking further damage.

Even UFC CEO Dana White has openly expressed a desire for Ferguson to retire, yet the veteran believes he can reignite his career with a move back to the welterweight division.

Continue Reading Henry Cejudo Dislikes UFC’s Continued Patronage Of Tony Ferguson: ‘I Think You Have To Give Other People Opportunities…’ at MMA News.

Dana White again urges Tony Ferguson to end career with UFC Abu Dhabi loss: ‘I would like to see him retire’

Tony Ferguson urged to retire against with UFC Abu Dhabi loss by Dana White I would like to see itBooking former interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson to call time on his professional mixed martial arts career with a…

Tony Ferguson urged to retire against with UFC Abu Dhabi loss by Dana White I would like to see it

Booking former interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson to call time on his professional mixed martial arts career with a record-setting eighth consecutive loss at UFC Abu Dhabi in August – promotional CEO, Dana White would urge the Oxnard veteran to retire.

Ferguson, a former interim lightweight titleholder and Ultimate Fighter winner, is slated to make his return to the Octagon at the beginning of August, featuring in a main card opener at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi – joining fellow veteran Californian, Nick Diaz in returning at the event. 

Tony Ferguson

Riding a seven-fight defeat streak – joined only by former two-weight titleholder, B.J. Penn, Ferguson has been sidelined since he featured at UFC 296 back in December, dropping a unanimous decision loss against polarizing Liverpool contender, Paddy Pimblett.

However, booking his return at UFC Abu Dhabi later this summer despite multiple calls from White for him to retire from the sport since his defeat late last year, Ferguson takes on fellow veteran, Michael Chiesa in a rescheduled pairing – with his fellow TUF winner hoping to snap his own three-fight skid. 

Tony Ferguson backed to receive UFC Hall of Fame induction on the merit of that winning streak
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Dana White urges Tony Ferguson to end career

And despite claiming he would continue fighting “until the wheels fell off” recently, Ferguson, who returns to the welterweight limit, has been urged to definitely call time on his career by White if he sets an unwanted record with the most consecutive losses in Octagon history.

Tony Ferguson releases statement after UFC 296 loss calls for retirement keep the faith
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

“Yeah, I would hope so – yeah, I would like to see him (Tony Ferguson) retire,” Dana White told assembled media following UFC 302 overnight. 

Without a victory since 2019, Ferguson’s most recent win came in the form of a second round doctor’s stoppage TKO win over Hall of Fame inductee, Donald Cerrone – which incidentally came as his record-setting twelfth straight triumph at the lightweight limit. 

Do you think Tony Ferguson could snap his losing run at UFC Abu Dhabi?

Breaking – Tony Ferguson set to fight Michael Chiesa in potential retirement bout at UFC Abu Dhabi in August

Tony Ferguson set to fight Michael Chiesa in potential retirement bout at UFC Abu DhabiFormer interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson is set to make his return to 170lbs this summer – attempting to…

Tony Ferguson set to fight Michael Chiesa in potential retirement bout at UFC Abu Dhabi

Former interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson is set to make his return to 170lbs this summer – attempting to snap a record-setting losing run as he takes on TUF alum, Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi from the Etihad Arena on August 3. in the United Arab Emirates.

Ferguson, a former interim lightweight champion and victor of The Ultimate Fighter 13 at the welterweigh tlimit, has been sidelined since he suffered a seventh consecutive loss back in December – joining former two-weight titleholder, B.J. Penn in a record-setting losing streak.

Tony Ferguson plans to keep fighting in the UFC until the wheels fall off
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Tony Ferguson takes on Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi

As for Chiesa, The Ultimate Fighter 15 winner, has himself been out of action since suffered a third consecutiveloss in the form of a D’Arce choke defeat to Kevin Holland at UFC 291 last summer during International Fight Week.

UFC CEO, Dana White confirmed Tony Ferguson’s return to the welterweight limit in clash with Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi on his official social media this afternoon. 

Opening the main card of UFC 296 back in December, Oxnard veteran, Ferguson suffered a unanimous decision defeat to polarizing Liverpool star, Paddy Pimblett in his return. 

Tony Ferguson vows to continue fighting after UFC 296 loss I'm not retiring casuals
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Prior to that defeat, Ferguson, a former interim lightweight champion, had racked up consecutive losses to Bobby Green, Nate Diaz, Michael Chandler, Beneil Dariush, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje.

Once the owner of a division-best 12-fight winning streak, Ferguson was first slated to fight Chiesa back in 2016 at UFC Fight Night Sioux Falls, with the latter suffering an undisclosed injury, forcing him from the bout. Ferguson would go on to submit newcomer, Lando Vannata on the same card.

Michael Chiesa
Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

UFC Abu Dhabi takes place on August 3. – with a potential bantamweight title eliminator between Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov slated to take headlining honors.

Also on the card, veteran former WEC and Strikeforce champion, Nick Diaz snaps an almost three-year hiatus as he meets Vicente Luque in a five round co-main event.

Former bantamweight title challenger, Marlon Vera also features in a main card clash, as he takes on surging former flyweight kingpin, Deiveson Figueiredo. 

Who wins at UFC Abu Dhabi: Tony Ferguson or Michael Chiesa?

Michael Chiesa shuts down retirement talk after lopsided defeat at UFC 291: ‘I’m just not done yet’

Michael Chiesa shuts down talk of retirement after UFC 291 I'm just not done yetDespite suffering his third consecutive loss over the weekend in a main card opener at UFC 291, welterweight grappler, Michael Chiesa has ruled out an incoming retirement from mixed martial arts, claiming he is “not done just yet” – after his first round submission loss to Kevin Holland. Chiesa, who slumped to 18-7 as a […]

Michael Chiesa shuts down talk of retirement after UFC 291 I'm just not done yet

Despite suffering his third consecutive loss over the weekend in a main card opener at UFC 291, welterweight grappler, Michael Chiesa has ruled out an incoming retirement from mixed martial arts, claiming he is “not done just yet” – after his first round submission loss to Kevin Holland.

Chiesa, who slumped to 18-7 as a professional at UFC 291 in Salt Lake City over the weekend, dropped a one-sided opening round loss to the surging, Holland in ‘The Beehive State’ – suffering his third career D’Arce choke submission defeat.

Sidelined since November 2021, Chiesa, who recently underwent surgery to address a greulling back injury, had yet to featured since dropping a unanimous decision loss to Sean Brady at the UFC Apex facility. 

Prior to that at UFC 265, Chiesa dropped a D’Arce choke loss to incoming headliner, Vicente Luque. 

Michael Chiesa has no plans to call time on career

And despite suggestions of a potential retirement from active competition off the back of his loss to Holland over the weekend, Chiesa claimed he was not ready to hang up his gloves 

“MMA fans are coming at me all different types of direction, saying I should retire and I should be done, be a broadcaster now,” Michael Chiesa said on UFC Round Up. “There’s just so many things that people are saying but it’s just gonna sweeten the pot because I’m not done. I just didn’t show up on fight night.”

“Trust me, I’m not gonna be the guy to overstay my welcome,” Michael Chiesa continue. “But I’m just not done yet. I have more to prove to myself.”

Over the course of his tenure in the UFC, The Ultimate Fighter 15 victor, Chiesa has landed wins over the likes of Al Iaquinta, Francisco Trinaldo, Jim Miller, Beneil Dariush, Carlos Condit, Diego Sanchez, Neil Magny, and former lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos. 

Would you like to see Michael Chiesa continue fighting?

Video – Michael Chiesa predicted own D’Arce choke loss to Kevin Holland days before UFC 291

Michael ChiesaMichael Chiesa managed to predict his own defeat at UFC 291 days before the bout went down. The TUF alumnus returned to the Octagon for the first time in almost two years for a welterweight clash with division standout Kevin Holland. Unfortunately, things did not go Michael Chiesa’s way as ‘Maverick’ suffered a first-round submission […]

Michael Chiesa

Michael Chiesa managed to predict his own defeat at UFC 291 days before the bout went down.

The TUF alumnus returned to the Octagon for the first time in almost two years for a welterweight clash with division standout Kevin Holland. Unfortunately, things did not go Michael Chiesa’s way as ‘Maverick’ suffered a first-round submission defeat via D’Arce choke. It was Chiesa’s third-straight loss dating back to 2021, but unlike his other two defeats, Chiesa actually predicted his demise days before stepping back inside the cage.

During an appearance on ESPN’s DC & RC, co-host Daniel Cormier commented that Kevin Holland’s jiu-jitsu game would be a legitimate threat to the wrestle-heavy approach of Chiesa. From there, ‘Maverick’ pointed out that Holland has a solid D’Arce choke and referred to the hold as his own version of kryptonite.

“He’s got a good D’Arce choke, and what has been one of my kryptonites in the past, Cormier? The D’Arce choke,” Chiesa said.

It was actually Michael Chiesa’s third time losing via D’Arce inside the Octagon, the first coming in a 2013 bout with Jorge Masvidal. The second time came in 2021 when he succumbed to the maneuver against Vicente Luque. The losses to both Holland and Luque came in the first round.

Michael Chiesa Has No Intention of Retiring After Third-Straight Loss

Following the defeat, many suspected that Michael Chiesa would hang up the gloves, but ‘Maverick’ debunked those rumors on social media shortly following his loss.

“Congrats to [Holland] and his team. Kevin is a helluva fighter, one of the most game fighters in combat sports,” Chiesa wrote on Instagram. “I knew this was a very challenging opponent to face coming off almost a two year layoff, but I’ve never said no to a fight.

“I’ll dust myself off, get back in the gym and get back to work. I ain’t done yet.”

Chiesa’s decision to keep moving forward goes against the advice of Kevin Holland, who suggested that ‘Maverick’ lay down the gloves for good and enjoy his job as an analyst.

“It’s like the game has circled and passed him and seriously left him,” Holland told reporters during his post-fight interview. “Guys, you have to be realistic. People always talk about, ‘Oh, I want to get a title. I want to get a title.’ I mean, let’s be real. Some of you guys are in the UFC, and you’re never gonna get a f*cking title. It’s like, buy some jewelry like me. And then it’s like, retire, commentate, focus on your family; you’re never gonna get a title.”