Exclusive | Oktagon’s Aaron Aby on Surviving Cancer “Tough battles make you stronger.”

Aaron Aby Oktagon 63The Welsh-born Aaron Aby is a former Wrexham player who dropped his footballer dreams to compete in MMA. He…

Aaron Aby Oktagon 63

The Welsh-born Aaron Aby is a former Wrexham player who dropped his footballer dreams to compete in MMA. He is a fighter who was born with Cystic Fibrosis and was later diagnosed with cancer. Sitting down in an exclusive interview, ahead of his Oktagon 63 fight against Zhalgas Zhumagulov on November 9, we discuss mental resiliency.

Aaron Aby on Life’s Battles

The professional MMA fighter Aaron Aby has been in the sport of MMA for more than ten years and has taken 26 bouts all over the world in that time. Despite the many clashes in the cage, his toughest fight was his battle with cancer. Speaking recently in an interview with LowKickMMA, he explained:

“I haven’t had a choice. It’s been ingrained in me since I was young. My dad always used to say, “Show me the fighter, and I’ll show you the person. Show me the person, and I’ll show you the fighter.” I’ve carried that with me. Fighting, like life, has its ups and downs. Sometimes you need to use your brain, sometimes you need to dig in and push through. Over time, I’ve become mentally stronger. The cancer battle was the toughest, but I always thought everything I went through was preparing me for it. Tough battles make you stronger. Now, I can apply those lessons in life.”

After a decade in the sport, it has been a long road, he reflected:

“Sometimes, I have to remind myself how far I’ve come, especially with cystic fibrosis. I started MMA to raise awareness for CF. It was on my shirt during my first fight. I feel like sometimes I get caught in the moment, focusing on the big fights ahead, but when I reflect on where I started and how I’ve got here, it’s incredible. I truly appreciate the journey.”

On November 9, Aaron Aby is set to face former UFC fighter Zhalgas Zhumagulov at Oktagon 63.

Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders – Odds and Match Preview

Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders - OddsChris Weidman is set to face Eryk Anders in a middleweight bout at UFC 309 on November 16, 2024,…

Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders - Odds

Chris Weidman is set to face Eryk Anders in a middleweight bout at UFC 309 on November 16, 2024, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This matchup is significant for both fighters, each looking to make a statement in the competitive 185-pound division.

Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders – Odds

According to the latest UFC betting odds, Eryk Anders is considered the favorite to win the fight, while Chris Weidman is the underdog. Specifically, Anders is listed with odds of -180, which means that a bettor would need to wager $180 to potentially win $100 if Anders emerges victorious.

On the other hand, Chris Weidman is listed at +155, indicating that a $100 bet on him could potentially yield a $155 profit if he wins the fight. These odds suggest that the bookmakers and betting markets view Anders as having a higher probability of winning the bout.

Weidman’s wrestling background and technical striking will be pitted against Anders’ raw power and aggressive approach. The outcome may hinge on whether Weidman can utilize his experience and grappling skills to neutralize Anders’ striking threat, or if Anders can keep the fight standing and land his powerful shots.

Former champion Chris Weidman is at a crossroads. He’s taking his future in MMA on a fight-by-fight basis, carefully weighing his performance and how he feels after each bout. A win over Anders could solidify his place among the elite in the middleweight division and potentially set him up for bigger fights. For Anders, defeating a former champion like Weidman would be a major boost to his career.

The 37-year-old Eryk Anders enters this fight with momentum on his side. He’s coming off a unanimous decision win against Jamie Pickett at UFC Vegas 87 in March 2024. Anders is recognized for his explosive power and relentless fighting style, which could pose a threat to Weidman. However, Anders has had an inconsistent record recently, alternating between wins and losses.

For Chris Weidman, this fight represents another step in his comeback journey. The former middleweight champion, now 40 years old, has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including a severe leg injury in 2021 that required extensive recovery. Weidman’s last fight was a technical decision victory over Bruno Silva in March 2024, marking his first win since the injury. Known for his well-rounded skillset combining wrestling and striking, Weidman brings experience and championship pedigree to the octagon.

Chris Weidman
ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY – MARCH 30: Chris Weidman reacts after his victory against Bruno Silva of Brazil in a middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Boardwalk Hall Arena on March 30, 2024 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

In the main event of UFC 309, Jon Jones will defend his UFC heavyweight championship against former two-time champion Stipe Miocic. This matchup has been years in the making and pits two greats against each other. Jones is often considered one of the best mixed martial artists of all time and will be looking to cement his legacy in the heavyweight division. Miocic is known for his powerful striking and excellent cardio will aim to reclaim the title and prove he’s still at the top of his game at 42 years old.

Jon Jones, Joe Rogan
Image via: Getty

The co-main event features a lightweight rematch between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler. Their first encounter at UFC 262 in 2021 was an action-packed affair that saw Oliveira claim the title. UFC 309 is set to take place on November 16, 2024, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

UFC’s Dana White Picked as Donald Trump’s Press Secretary for White House Role

Donald Trump Dana White Press SecretaryWill Dana White be Donald Trump’s pick for White House Press Secretary? After Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S….

Donald Trump Dana White Press Secretary

Will Dana White be Donald Trump’s pick for White House Press Secretary? After Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Dana White, the president of UFC and a longtime friend of Trump, gave an emotional speech celebrating Trump’s victory.

White praised Donald Trump as “the most resilient, hardworking man” he’s ever met, calling the win “karma” after years of media attacks. White’s speech was full of support for Trump and his family, and it caught the attention of many people who believe that White could play a role in Trump’s second administration.

Dana White as Donald Trump’s Press Secretary

There has been speculation from various people online that Dana White could be given a high-profile position in Trump’s cabinet, with some even suggesting he should become the new White House press secretary. White has said in the past that he’s not involved in politics, but he’s made an exception for Trump, given their close friendship. Trump’s sons, Eric and Don Jr., are reportedly helping with the process of selecting people for key roles in the new administration.

Along with White, other prominent figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are also expected to play significant roles in Trump’s second term. Musk could be put in charge of a new government efficiency commission to audit federal agencies, while Kennedy, despite being a political rival, is expected to oversee the nation’s health agencies. Trump’s new cabinet is shaping up to be filled with influential figures, many of whom are close allies or supporters, reflecting his strong ties to the billionaire class and his movement.

“Couldn’t stop him, he keeps moving forward. He doesn’t quit, he’s the most resilient and hardworking man I’ve ever met in my life, his family are incredible people, this is karma ladies and gentlemen he deserves this. They deserve it as a family.”

Dana White has long been the president of the UFC and was able to bring the largely banned sport to the mainstream. When MMA was banned by most US states, Donald Trump gave the UFC a platform with his casinos. Since then, White has long been a supporter of Trump and his presidential bid. He can often be seen speaking at rallies and publicly on TV. Additionally, White has allowed Trump to campaign at state-side UFC events and often sits cageside.

Dana White Speech Donald Trump Election

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Reinier de Ridder – Odds and Match Preview

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Reinier de Ridder - Odds and Match PreviewFormer two-division champion in ONE Reinier de Ridder will be making his UFC debut against Gerald Meerschaert in the…

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Reinier de Ridder - Odds and Match Preview

Former two-division champion in ONE Reinier de Ridder will be making his UFC debut against Gerald Meerschaert in the middleweight division. Booked for November 9, 2024, as part of UFC Fight Night 247 bout features two experienced fighters with contrasting backgrounds and styles.

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Reinier de Ridder – Odds

The middleweight match between Gerald Meerschaert and Reinier de Ridder is generating significant interest among bettors. The odds currently favor Reinier de Ridder as the clear favorite in this middleweight bout. Play Crypto gambling in privacy with no kyc casino no deposit bonus right here.

According to the latest odds, de Ridder is listed at -245, while Meerschaert is the underdog at +240. This means that a $100 bet on de Ridder would potentially yield a profit of about $40, while the same bet on Meerschaert could return $240 if he pulls off the upset.

The betting market seems to have confidence in de Ridder’s abilities, likely due to his impressive record and background as a former two-division champion in ONE Championship. Despite this being his UFC debut, oddsmakers appear to view him as the superior fighter in this matchup.

gerald meerschaert
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 24: Gerald Meerschaert reacts after his submission victory against Edmen Shahbazyan in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 24, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Meerschaert is the more experienced UFC fighter and is seen as the underdog but still has a chance to pull off an upset. His experience in the octagon and submission skills could potentially give him an edge, despite the odds being against him.

UFC Match Preview

At 36 years old, Meerschaert has been competing professionally since 2007 and holds the record for most finishes in UFC middleweight history. He’s a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Roufusport Kickboxing, which contributes to his well-rounded fighting style. Meerschaert is coming into this fight on a two-win streak, having recently secured victories via submission.

On the other side, ‘The Dutch Knight’ Reinier de Ridder will be making his highly anticipated UFC debut. With a record of 17 wins and 2 losses, de Ridder is a former two-division ONE Championship titleholder. At 34 years old, he’s slightly younger than Meerschaert but brings a wealth of experience from his time in ONE Championship. De Ridder is also known for his grappling ability, holding a black belt in judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

De Ridder has won an impressive seventy percent of his MMA bouts by way of submission and Meerschaert has a higher submission win rate at roughly eighty percent.

For Meerschaert, this is an opportunity to continue his winning streak and potentially climb the middleweight rankings. For de Ridder, it’s a chance to make a strong first impression in the UFC and prove that he can compete at the highest level of MMA.

Both fighters are skilled grapplers, which could lead to an exciting ground battle. Reinier de Ridder has emphasized that simply winning isn’t enough for him; he’s looking to make a statement and finish Meerschaert. This fight is particularly significant for de Ridder, who sees it as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities in the UFC. He’s expressed his desire to face top-ranked opponents and potentially challenge for a title in the future.

Report: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler Fight at UFC 309 ‘Not in Jeopardy’

Despite rumors that the rematch between lightweight contenders Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 on Nov. 16 was in danger of being canceled, it…

Despite rumors that the rematch between lightweight contenders Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 on Nov. 16 was in danger of being canceled, it…

Watch: Song Yadong and Helen Yee throwdown in Table Tennis as he preps for January bout against Umar Nurmagomedov

Helen Yee Ping Pong Song Yadong Table TennisUFC athlete Song Yadong left the octagon behind and picked up the table tennis paddle as he battles interviewer…

Helen Yee Ping Pong Song Yadong Table Tennis

UFC athlete Song Yadong left the octagon behind and picked up the table tennis paddle as he battles interviewer Helen Yee at the table. The Chinese-born ‘The Kung Fu Kid’ also explained his game plan for facing Umar Nurmagomedov in January.

Song Yadong and Helen Yee in Ping Pong

Below, you can watch the full clip of Helen Yee and Song Yadong playing table tennis.

Song Yadong vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

The 26-year-old Song Yadong is competing in one of the most competitive weight classes in the UFC; bantamweight. At the top stands the champion Merab Dvalishvili who just earned UFC gold from Sean O’Malley. China’s Yadong has losses to the top-ranked Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen but has ten wins in the organization.

Song Yadong

It was rumored that he was to be fighting Olympian and former champion Henry Cejudo next. Yadong explained why this fight was called off. Speaking with Helen Yee he said, “Henry got injured. I don’t know what happened, but he didn’t want to fight me.”

Instead, it sounds as though Yadong will face the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov, cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, in January. The Chinese-born athlete explained, “I’ll fight in January, no matter who it is. I’ll make a good show for everyone … He’s a good fighter, but I believe I can beat him … I think it will be a tough fight. He’s hard to finish, but I believe I’ll win.”