Tag: MMA News

Dana White Praises Deiveson Figueiredo, Says 125lb Division Is Here To Stay

Dana WhiteUFC president Dana White was impressed by the performance of Deiveson Figueiredo who captured the vacant flyweight title by choking out Joseph Benavidez in the first round of their rematch last night. Figueiredo knocked out Benavidez earlier this year but the win came in controversial circumstances, hence this immediate rematch. Post-fight White told MMA Junkie […]

Dana White

UFC president Dana White was impressed by the performance of Deiveson Figueiredo who captured the vacant flyweight title by choking out Joseph Benavidez in the first round of their rematch last night. Figueiredo knocked out Benavidez earlier this year but the win came in controversial circumstances, hence this immediate rematch.

Post-fight White told MMA Junkie he is happy to have finally crowned two great champions in the divisions left vacant by retiring double champ, Henry Cejudo, he said.

“Pure violence. No controversy in this one. We have pretty nasty champions in those two divisions now.”

Earlier this year the future of the UFC flyweight division seemed to be in doubt. The promotion cut half its roster and all signs pointed to the 125lb division being axed. White went on record after UFC Fight Island 2 to say the division is here to stay.

Flyweights Are Going Nowhere

“When was the last time I talked about getting rid of the (flyweight) division?” White said. “Yeah, it’s here. Look at how good this guy looked tonight. Look what he did. (There was) a ton of controversy in the first fight from weight to headbutts. (There was) no controversy in this one. The guy came in and did what he said he was going to do against the No. 2 ranked guy in the world and he looked damn good doing it.

On last nights undercard we seemed to see the next flyweight contender emerge. Askar Askarov picked up a unaminous decision win over Alexandre Pantoja, a fighter who was serving as a backup if either Figueiredo or Benavidez pulled out or failed to make weight. White refused to commit on who will be first in line for a shot at the new champion, he said.

“When I get home, we’ll figure that stuff out.” 

Figueiredo has spoken about his desire to step up to bantamweight and become a two-weight world champion. White is happy for him to do that but would like to see him defend the 125lb belt at least a couple of times before he gets that shot.

“I’d like to see him defend his title a couple times,” White said. “Maybe if he defends the title a couple of times, that’ll be interesting, yeah.”

Are you happy Dana White is longer thinking of cutting the flyweight division?

Khabib Nurmagomedov Will Fight Justin Gaethje In 2020 – Ali Abdelaziz

Khabib NurmagomedovUFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will fight Justin Gaethje later this year despite the death of his father earlier this month. The undefeated Russian was expected to face interim lightweight champion Gaethje at UFC 253 in September. However, that now seems unlikely after his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away due to health issues stemming from […]

Khabib Nurmagomedov

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will fight Justin Gaethje later this year despite the death of his father earlier this month.

The undefeated Russian was expected to face interim lightweight champion Gaethje at UFC 253 in September. However, that now seems unlikely after his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away due to health issues stemming from contracting the coronavirus.

MMA manager, Ali Abdelaziz has moved to squash rumours his client is retiring from the sport. He also says he and Nurmagomedov are currently in discussions with the UFC about his next fight.

“Khabib is not retiring,” Abdelaziz told TMZ Sports. “Khabib has some goals to accomplish. You will see him before the end of the year. Now him and Dana are talking and me talking to the matchmaker and we are trying to set a date. I’m sure Dana is going to let everybody know when Khabib is going to fight.”

Abdelaziz then began selling the prospect of Nurmagomedov fighting Gaethje and even told fans to expect to see this “blockbuster main event” by the end of 2020, he said.

“We have a blockbuster main event against Justin Gaethje. Two of the best lightweight in the world today in the recent era. We’ve seen what Khabib does to all of his opponents. We’ve seen what Justin Gaehtje did to his last opponent. He made him look like an absolute amateur and that’s the best two guys in the world. They are going to fight.”

“You will see Khabib and Justin fight before the end of the year for sure.”

Nurmagomedov hasn’t fought since defending his title agiasnt Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 in September 2019. In the meantime, Gaethje picked up the interim belt by upsetting Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in May.

Do you think we will see Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje in 2020?

Paige VanZant Disappointed By Dana White’s Free Agency Comments

Paige VanZantPaige VanZant is disappointed to hear UFC president Dana White told media she should definitely test free agency after her first-round submission loss to Amanda Ribas at UFC 251. VanZant had been vocal about wanting to explore the market after the final fight of her UFC contract. Post-fight White encouraged her to do so after […]

Paige VanZant

Paige VanZant is disappointed to hear UFC president Dana White told media she should definitely test free agency after her first-round submission loss to Amanda Ribas at UFC 251.

VanZant had been vocal about wanting to explore the market after the final fight of her UFC contract. Post-fight White encouraged her to do so after getting “smoked” by her Brazilian opponent, he said.

“When you talk all that stuff about not getting paid enough then you know, fighting inconsistently, one time in the last year, Injuries and then got smoked in the first round of the fight. She should definitely test free agency”

In an interview with MMA Fighting VanZant revealed he hasn’t seen the exact quote but is unhappy to hear White has been speaking about her in a negative manner, she said.

“Honestly, I didn’t actually see specifically the quote or what he said. I try not to pay attention too much,” VanZant said. “It’s unfortunate because I feel like I have a really good relationship with Dana.

“I feel like I thought we were closer friends and he could text me or call me. Something to have a little bit of compassion, something to communicate with me personally but maybe he will. We just don’t know. I’m sure it’s an uncomfortable situation.”

“I’ve never spoken negatively about the UFC,” VanZant reiterated. “I’m not bitter about where I am in my career, bitter about the position that the UFC has put me in whatsoever. I just felt like for myself, I wanted to test free agency and that’s not because I dislike the UFC or dislike Dana or anybody.

VanZant is hoping White’s comments mean she will be allowed to leave the UFC without any fuss should she get a better offer from elsewhere.

“Dana’s comments, what I’m hearing you say, he wants me to test free agency then hopefully they just let me go then,” VanZant said. “If that’s how they feel, then they’ll just let me be free.”

Do you think Paige VanZant will re-sign with the UFC?

Dana White Confirms Colby Covington Has Signed To Fight Tyron Woodley

Dana WhiteUFC president Dana White confirmed that Colby Covington has in fact signed a contract to face former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. A few days ago Covington posted out what appeared to be a bout agreement to face Woodley on August 22. He captioned the image with the following. “This was supposed to be your main […]

Dana White

UFC president Dana White confirmed that Colby Covington has in fact signed a contract to face former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.

A few days ago Covington posted out what appeared to be a bout agreement to face Woodley on August 22. He captioned the image with the following.

“This was supposed to be your main event August 22nd on ESPN until Tyrone did what his daddy should’ve and pulled out… AGAIN!”

‘The Chosen One’ has since said he is more than willing to fight Covington but is not keen on fighting him next month and would prefer to face him in either September or October.

“My answer to whether I would fight Colby is eternally yes,” Woodley wrote via text message to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani. “At 96 years old in a nursing home it’s yes! He said no six times and now creates a date that works for him? F— out of here.”

Speaking to media ahead of UFC on ESPN 13 White confirmed Covington has signed up for the fight and they just waiting for Woodley to take it too, he said.

“It’s a fight we’re working on. Woodley said he wanted to fight him. Woodley’s been talking about fighting Colby Covington since Colby fought (Kamaru) Usman. It is true that Colby signed the deal and he’s ready to go. We’re just waiting on Woodley.”

“I’m always trying to make the fights that should be made or people want to see,” White said. “People can say whatever they want to say publicly, but behind the scenes, it’s another story. I can’t speak honestly about what’s going on. I’ve been (in Abu Dhabi). But we’re trying to make Woodley vs. Covington, and Covington’s definitely in.” (Transcribed by MMA Junkie)

Do you think Dana White is trying to pressure Tyron Woodley into a short notice fight against Colby Covington?

ONE Announces Full Card For ONE: No Surrender

The full card for ONE Championship’s return, ONE: No Surrender, is out, and with just a handful of fights taking place, it will be a short and sweet return for the Singapore promotion. The six-fight event is set to go down on Fri. July 31 in Bangkok, Thailand, and while it lacks in quantity, it […]

The full card for ONE Championship’s return, ONE: No Surrender, is out, and with just a handful of fights taking place, it will be a short and sweet return for the Singapore promotion.

The six-fight event is set to go down on Fri. July 31 in Bangkok, Thailand, and while it lacks in quantity, it more than makes up for it in quality. It is a card that should appeal to stand-up fans, and will feature four Thai vs. Thai ONE Super Series bouts. 

Generally, the promotion prefers to match its Thai stars with non-Thai fighters. However,with Covid-19 making international travel difficult, ONE has gone ahead and paired several huge names together. 

In the main event, Rodtang Jitmuangnon will defend his flyweight Muay Thai crown against Petchdam Petchyindee Academy. Before those two face-off, Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy will defend his featherweight Muay Thai crown against the legendary Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex in the co-main event.

Two fighters making their promotional debuts at ONE: No Surrender are Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong and Superlek Kiatmoo9. The pair will be familiar to kickboxing fans with both men having racked up numerous trophies during their time in the sport and are considered two of the world’s top lightweights. The ONE debutants will face off against one another in a kickboxing contest in a matchup that will be a sure ‘Fight of the Night’ contender.

In terms of MMA bouts, Thailand’s Stamp Fairtex will look to push her MMA undefeated streak out to five when she takes on compatriot. Sunisa Srisen while Mark Abelardo welcomes Brazil’s Fabrício Andrade to ONE when the pair meet in a catchweight bout.

Opening the show will be two contenders for the ONE flyweight Muay Thai crown, with Panpayak Jitmuangnon clashing with Superlek Kiatmoo9. It is a fight that would easily be at the top of the card on most other nights, and the fact it is opening the event shows the depth of stand-up matches that will be on display at ONE: No Surrender.

Full Card

  • ONE Flyweight Muay Thai Championship: Rodtang Jitmuangnon (C) vs. Petchdam Petchyindee Academy
  • ONE Featherweight Muay Thai Championship: Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy (C) vs. Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex
  • Featherweight Kickboxing: Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong vs. Superbon Banchamek
  • Atomweight: Stamp Fairtex vs. SunisaSrisen
  • Catchweight (147lbs): Mark Abelardo vs. Fabrício Andrade
  • Flyweight Muay Thai: Panpayak Jitmuangnon vs. Superlek Kiatmoo9  

What do you think of this lineup?

Scott Coker Is ‘Serious’ About Bringing Paige VanZant To Bellator

Scott CokerBellator President Scott Coker has expressed his desire to add popular women’s fighter Paige VanZant to his roster. ‘PVZ’ is currently a free agent after allowing her contract with the UFC to run down. VanZant suffered a disappointing first-round submission loss to Amanda Ribas at UFC 251 in what could be the final fight of her […]

Scott Coker

Bellator President Scott Coker has expressed his desire to add popular women’s fighter Paige VanZant to his roster. ‘PVZ’ is currently a free agent after allowing her contract with the UFC to run down.

VanZant suffered a disappointing first-round submission loss to Amanda Ribas at UFC 251 in what could be the final fight of her UFC career. Prior to the bout, VanZant went on record to say she will definitely be testing the market once she becomes a free agent, she said.

“I have my heart set and nobody is going to change my mind that I’m fighting my contract out. I don’t know where my future lies – I truly don’t. I think that’s kind of an exciting thing in my life.”

After her last fight UFC boss Dana White encouraged VanZant to explore free agency, he said.

“When you talk all that stuff about not getting paid enough then you know, fighting inconsistently, one time in the last year, Injuries and then got smoked in the first round of the fight. She should definitely test free agency”

Bellator boss Coker told MMA Fighting he is very interested in bringing VanZant on board but admits he is yet to sit down and discuss the move with the fighter or her team, he said.

“You know, to be honest, I don’t think we’ve had a business conversation yet. We definitely have a relationship with her and her husband, her camp, her management, so we definitely will reach out here when she gets back and settled. She’s back but she’s probably still settling from the trip. From what I heard, it wasn’t a very fun time over there. But listen, do we want to be in the Paige VanZant business? We definitely want to have a conversation with her.

“I would say that we’re going to do our best to have a serious conversation with her in the near future.” (Transcribed by BJPENN.com)

Do you think Scott Coker will convince Paige VanZant to sign with Bellator?