Ex-UFC Champion Junior dos Santos Set To Make Professional Wrestling Debut Under AEW Banner

Junior dos SantosFormer undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Junior dos Santos is slated to bring his talents to professional wrestling following his release from the Dana White-led promotion back in March — debuting under the AEW (All-Elite Wrestling) banner on the weekend of October 15. and 16. — in an event in Miami, Florida. dos Santos, a former […]

Junior dos Santos

Former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Junior dos Santos is slated to bring his talents to professional wrestling following his release from the Dana White-led promotion back in March — debuting under the AEW (All-Elite Wrestling) banner on the weekend of October 15. and 16. — in an event in Miami, Florida.

dos Santos, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the UFC’s banner, was, along with past-foe and decorated Dutch kickboxing icon, Alistair Overeem, handed their walking papers from the promotion in March of this year. 

The Brazilian last competed professionally against current interim heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane in December of last year, dropping a second round knockout loss. The defeat came as the veteran’s fourth consecutively, following a trio of previous knockout defeats to current heavyweight titleholder, Francis Ngannou, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Curtis Blaydes. 

According to a report from ESPN MMA reporter, Marc Raimondi, dos Santos is scheduled to feature in a six-man tag team professional wrestling match next weekend, with fellow American Top Team trainee, former two-time UFC welterweight title challenger, Jorge Masvidal slated to be in the Brazilian’s corner.

Speaking with the outlet this week, dos Santos expressed his excitement at making the transition to professional wrestling.

I love it,” Junior dos Santos said. “It’s very different from MMA, but just as exciting. The reactions from the fans are amazing. I’m having a lot of fun and look forward to kicking (Chris) Jericho and (Jake) Hager’s asses next week.

A former undisputed heavyweight champion, the Santa Carina knockout-artist is best remembered for his trilogy of fights with fellow former heavyweight champion turned professional wrestler, Cain Velasquez — and holds victories over four former heavyweight gold holders; Frank Mir, Stipe Miocic, Fabricio Werdum, and Shane Carwin. 

In his most recent professional mixed martial arts win, dos Santos headlined a UFC Fight Night Wichita card in March 2019 — stopping recent interim title challenger, Derrick Lewis with a second round knockout. 

Over the course of recent weeks, American Top Team trainees, including the aforenoted, Masvidal, Bellator middleweight, Austin Vanderford, BKFC flyweight, Paige VanZant, and former UFC heavyweight champion, Andrei Arlovski have featured in AEW segments — with the facilities founder and owner, Dan Lambert serving as a manager on-screen.

Mackenzie Dern Floats Future Matchup With Valentina Shevchenko: ‘Maybe A Jiu-Jitsu Girl Beats Her’

Mackenzie DernAhead of her UFC Vegas 39 headliner this weekend, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace, Mackenzie Dern has not ruled out a leap to the flyweight ranks in the future from her current strawweight home, even suggesting it may take a seasoned grappler to stop the dominant reign of current flyweight queen, Valentina Shevchenko.  Arizona-born grappling maestro, Dern […]

Mackenzie Dern

Ahead of her UFC Vegas 39 headliner this weekend, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace, Mackenzie Dern has not ruled out a leap to the flyweight ranks in the future from her current strawweight home, even suggesting it may take a seasoned grappler to stop the dominant reign of current flyweight queen, Valentina Shevchenko

Arizona-born grappling maestro, Dern has won her last four on the bounce. And makes her headlining bow under the promotion’s banner this weekend at the UFC Apex facility — taking on Rio Grande do Sul-born Muay Thai talent, Marina Rodriguez in pivotal, potential strawweight title-eliminator

11-1 as a professional, Dern’s sole professional blemish came in the form of a unanimous decision to fellow strawweight talent, Amanda Ribas — lodged an impressive six UFC victories since her organizational bow back in March 2018.

Dern, who plys her trade alongside the renowned Jason Parillo at California-based facility, RVCA, managed a statement win over the returning Nina Nunes back in April at UFC on ABC 2 — submitting the American Top Team staple with a late opening round armbar win, becoming the most prolific strawweight grappler in the history of the promotion with four submission stoppages.

Currently clutching the #4 rank at strawweight, Dern, a nine-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion across her decorated grappling career, suggested a grappling force, as proficient as herself may prove to be the kryptonite of flyweight pack leader, Shevchenko.

I’m working with Rogerio Camoes — he’s making me stronger, just feeling good,” Mackenzie Dern told assembled media at the UFC Vegas 39 media day. “I fought at 125(lbs) before, but it was not a very strong Mackenzie. I was like of like a little bit lazy Mackenzie, like not so professional.

Definitely just watching Valentina (Shevchenko), you know, she’s a long time at the belt,” Mackenzie Dern continued. “The girls are trying, we’re trying, but I’m like, we need someone to fight her. Maybe a Jiu-Jitsu girl is the one to beat her. Who knows, you know? But definitely. I can see myself getting to 125(lbs), but as a fit Mackenzie, you know? That idea is getting more and more attractive to me, to go in and try and just make history.” (H/T MMA Junkie)

As for Shevchenko, the Kyrgyzstan native turned in a record-setting fifth successful title defense at UFC 266 earlier this month — eventually stopping challenger, Lauren Murphy with fourth round ground strikes. Shevchenko has since been linked with a trilogy bout against current two-weight champion, Amanda Nunes

Dana White Rips Exhibition Matches as a ‘Bulls**t Loophole’

Dana WhiteUFC president Dana White ripped the idea of exhibition matches in light of the Vitor Belfort vs. Evander Holyfield boxing match, despite recently calling for Belfort to knock Oscar De La Hoya out in the ring. White has been known to make his opinions clear and concise when it comes to the various storylines in […]

Dana White

UFC president Dana White ripped the idea of exhibition matches in light of the Vitor Belfort vs. Evander Holyfield boxing match, despite recently calling for Belfort to knock Oscar De La Hoya out in the ring.

White has been known to make his opinions clear and concise when it comes to the various storylines in combat sports, including boxing. Belfort knocked out Holyfield in just seconds in a short-notice exhibition match just weeks ago.

The topic of exhibitions came up during his Dana White’s Contender Series Week 6 press conference, in which he was asked whether or not Conor McGregor vs. Manny Pacquiao was in the works.

“Had [Conor McGregor] beaten [Dustin Poirier], I know they were talking about it,” White said. “Obviously, there were a lot of things that needed to happen for that fight to happen so it didn’t. But I don’t know if that fight would have ever happened.”

“I’m not a big fan of exhibitions. It’s just a bullsh*t loophole in the system for guys who shouldn’t be fighting to be able to fight. But whatever, man.”

In the late 2000s, White was very close to fighting former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz in a boxing exhibition, back when Ortiz was with the promotion and White was just in the process of moving the UFC up to the mainstream of combat sports.

The exhibition never materalized but the hype for it was legitimate, including a ‘Bad Blood: Dana White vs. Tito Ortiz’ documentary which aired on Spike TV.

Celebrity boxing exhibitions have come more mainstream especially during the era of Logan and Jake Paul. Anderson Silva has also transitioned to boxing and his last fight with Ortiz was considered to be an exhibition.

One thing is for sure, it sounds like White will never get involved in the exhibition business during his career as a promotor. For now, he’ll look to focus on wrapping up the UFC’s incredible 2021 and moving forward into next year, but he’ll surely be interested in a fight involving De La Hoya.

Do you agree with Dana White’s comments on exhibitions?

Khabib Nurmagomedov Doubles Down on Controversial Ring Girl Critiques

Khabib NurmagomedovMany have criticized former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov for his recent remarks ripping MMA ring girls, but he isn’t backing down and doesn’t regret anything he said regarding the topic. Nurmagomedov originally said during an interview that ring girls ‘are the most useless people in MMA’, which was seen as defamatory by some in […]

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Many have criticized former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov for his recent remarks ripping MMA ring girls, but he isn’t backing down and doesn’t regret anything he said regarding the topic.

Nurmagomedov originally said during an interview that ring girls ‘are the most useless people in MMA’, which was seen as defamatory by some in the combat sports world. However, Nurmagomedov doubled down on his statements during a recent appearance in the UK.

“A couple of months ago, someone asked me about why there are no ring girls in Eagle Fighting Championship,” Nurmagomedov said when asked about his promotion. “I said because I think there’s no reason for it. It’s my opinion.”

Everybody has their own views. I don’t care because, in my mind, I’m right.”

Nurmagomedov is arguably the greatest MMA fighter in history, right up there with Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and others. He retired following his submission win over Justin Gaethje last year in Abu Dhabi, citing a promise he made to his mother following his father’s tragic death.

Nurmagomedov went on to hint that his upbringing was a major reason for his opinion on ring girls in MMA. Many current and former fighters, including Michael Bisping and Conor McGregor, weighed in on the matter shortly after Nurmagomedov made the remarks. Veteran UFC ring girls Jessica Palmer and Arianny Celeste also ripped him for his statements.

UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko defended the purpose of ring girls during the buildup to her fight against Lauren Murphy at UFC 266. She made the case that ring girls are part of the entertainment value of the UFC.

Despite the criticism that has flown his way, Nurmagomedov is staying true to himself and standing by his opinions and comments. Regardless of where you line up on the issue, Nurmagomedov is always an insightful presence in the combat sports world.

Do you agree with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments regarding ring girls in MMA?

Cris Cyborg to Make Bellator Return at Bellator 271 vs. Sinead Kavanagh

Cris CyborgCris Cyborg will seek her third-straight successful Bellator title defense next month at Bellator 271 against top contender Sinead Kavanagh. Bellator president Scott Coker announced the fight during a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. The event is scheduled for Nov. 12 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, […]

Cris Cyborg

Cris Cyborg will seek her third-straight successful Bellator title defense next month at Bellator 271 against top contender Sinead Kavanagh.

Bellator president Scott Coker announced the fight during a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. The event is scheduled for Nov. 12 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL.

This will be Cyborg’s fourth fight in Bellator since moving on from the UFC in 2019. She is widely regarded as one of the best female MMA fighters of all time and has looked dominant since moving over to Bellator.

Cyborg is also the former UFC featherweight champion but lost her belt to Amanda Nunes at UFC 232. After that, she was expected to face Nunes in an immediate rematch, but negotiations never materialized and she went on to fight Felicia Spencer instead at UFC 240.

Cyborg will face SBG Ireland’s Kavanagh, who is coming off of back-to-back victories over Katharina Lehner and Olga Rubin. Cyborg most recently defeated Leslie Smith in a rematch at Bellator 259.

Aside from Cyborg vs. Kavanagh, no other fights have been formally announced by Bellator for the upcoming Bellator 271 event, but that could change in the coming weeks.

Cyborg is also the one and only ‘Grand Slam Champion’ with title reigns in four different organizations. She holds 20 wins against top fighters such as Holly Holm, Gina Carano, and Julia Budd.

The fight announcement comes just days after women’s featherweight contender Leah McCourt earned an impressive win over Jessica Borga at Bellator 267. She is more than likely next in line for the belt, but couldn’t make the quick turnaround against Cyborg.

Cyborg will have the chance to defend her belt once again and solidify herself further as one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history, regardless of gender.

What are your thoughts on Cris Cyborg’s next fight against Sinead Kavanagh?

EXCLUSIVE | Demetrious Johnson Thinks Moreno vs. Figueiredo III Comes Down To Who Has The Better Game Plan

Demetrious JohnsonFormer undisputed, dominant UFC flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson currently holds the promotional record for most consecutive successful defenses of his title with 11 separate knockbacks. And as the current flyweight crown frequently switches hands, Johnson is unconcerned if his record continues to grow in value and opinion as a result. Johnson, who transitioned to current […]

Demetrious Johnson

Former undisputed, dominant UFC flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson currently holds the promotional record for most consecutive successful defenses of his title with 11 separate knockbacks. And as the current flyweight crown frequently switches hands, Johnson is unconcerned if his record continues to grow in value and opinion as a result.

Johnson, who transitioned to current home, ONE Championship back in late 2018 in a monumental trade with former UFC welterweight champion, Ben Askren, is scheduled to headline a ONE X event in December against the promotion’s current flyweight Muay Thai champion, Rodtan Jitmuangnon in a special mixed rules bout.

From four bouts under the Chatri Sityodtong-led banner, Johnson has established a 3-1 record — dropping his first professional knockout back in April at ONE on TNT 1 in a flyweight title challenge against Adriano Moraes. Prior to the loss, Johnson had progressed from the quarter final bracket of the ONE flyweight Grand Prix to the final — lifting the tournament crown with a unanimous decision win over Danny Kingad. 

Exiting the UFC off the back of close, split decision flyweight title loss to two-time foe, former two-weight titleholder, Henry Cejudo in August 2018 — Johnson had lodged a simply staggering 11 separate consecutive successful title defenses, knocking back the likes of Ray Borg, John Dodson (x2), Joseph Benavidez (x2), Wilson Reis, Kyoji Horiguchi, Ali Bagautinov, as well as the aforenoted, Cejudo.

In Johnson’s absence from the UFC’s flyweight division, the 125lbs title has passed hands on three separate occasions, with the above-mentioned, Cejudo, as well as Deiveson Figueiredo, and current champion, Brandon Moreno all wrapping the undisputed belt around their respective waists. 

Speaking with LowKick MMA reporter, Keelin McNamara during a recent interview, Johnson gave his thoughts on the upcoming flyweight title trilogy between Moreno and Figueiredo — claiming that whoever can execute their game plan come fight night, should emerge with the belt in tow.

I think it’s gonna be a good fight,” Demetrious Johnson said. “It’s gonna come down to who can execute the game plan, you know. Obviously, in the second fight, Brandon (Moreno) was able to get his game plan going, he looked sharp, he was quicker on the feet. And, you know, (Deiveson) Figueiredo couldn’t keep up. So I’ll be watching that fight as a fan, and we’ll see what happens.

Commenting on the recent juggling act of the flyweight title, Johnson claimed that it would take time for a dominant force to emerge at 125lbs, akin to his run, but believes the likes of Amanda Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko, or even Kamaru Usman could usurp his championship record.

I think Amanda Nunes, I think Valentina Shevchenko, Kamaru Usman — those guys are — those athletes have been very dominant,” Demetrious Johnson said. “As for the flyweight division, it’s just gonna take time to see who’s gonna be ahead of everyone, you know what I mean. It’s a very, very fast, dynamic division.

As far as how onlookers perceive his run in the UFC’s flyweight division, especially given the frequent changing of holders, Johnson appears to remain unmoved, claiming that he would just let people give their opinion when it’s all said and done — regardless of who eventually lodges a dominant run in a similar light to his.

“oh yeah, of course, but I don’t really care about that, I’ll people decide how they feel about my reign,” Demetrious Johnson said.