Tag: New York

Yoel Romero Wants to Fight Georges St-Pierre

The middleweight division got a lot more interesting at UFC 199, as Michael Bisping put together a lifetime performance in knocking out Luke Rockhold. A seemingly advantageous position for ‘Rocky’ actually turned out to be a nightmare. Chris Weidman dropped out injured and ‘The Count’ stepped in on two weeks notice to score a huge win.

The post Yoel Romero Wants to Fight Georges St-Pierre appeared first on LowKick MMA.

The middleweight division got a lot more interesting at UFC 199, as Michael Bisping put together a lifetime performance in knocking out Luke Rockhold. A seemingly advantageous position for ‘Rocky’ actually turned out to be a nightmare. Chris Weidman dropped out injured and ‘The Count’ stepped in on two weeks notice to score a huge win. Having already wobbled and submitted Bisping in their first fight, The American Kickboxing Academy representative came in to the June 4 pay-per-view main slot as heavy favorite.

After 10 years of toiling in the upper-middle tier, always falling at that pivotal stage of his run at the belt, Bisping had staked his claim, and with that came all new rivalries. Never before has a single victory caused so many ripples, spreading out to the very edges of the division and including some of the most well known names in mixed martial arts history.

060416-UFC-Michael-Bisping-1.vadapt.664.high.51[1]

Suddenly Dan Henderson was being talked about for a rematch, for obvious reasons, and Bisping was on board. But then Georges St-Pierre, the former welterweight champion, claimed he’d be making a return at 185 pounds and wanted a piece of the Englishman. Contenders Jacare Souza and the long-absent Tim Kennedy, former champions Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold and Anderson Silva all have recently issued challenges to ‘The Count.’ After a decade of being dismissed by his fellow middleweights, Bisping now holds the 185-pound world in his hands.

But one interesting fight that may come of this shuffle of affairs in the middleweight category includes Yoel Romero. Although currently on the USADA (United States Anti Doping Agency) mandated suspension which was eventually agreed upon to expire after only six months, ‘Soldier of God’s’ return date is now in sight. He was initially popped for growth hormone, but it was later revealed through testing that a legal supplement had indeed carried the illicit substance. Romero took to Twitter to send out a statement to the consensus greatest welterweight of all time, Georges St-Pierre:

Given his stern stance against PED (performance enhancing drug) use in MMA, albeit to a lightly lesser and unfortunate degree, do you think ‘Rush’ will have any interest in fighting Romero? Further to that, if the ex-champion can walk straight in to title contention with a fight against Bisping, why worry about anyone else in the meantime?

The post Yoel Romero Wants to Fight Georges St-Pierre appeared first on LowKick MMA.

“Jacare” Souza Might ‘Spank’ Someone Before Title Shot

When former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman was forced to withdraw from his scheduled title rematch with Luke Rockhold at June 4’s UFC 199, top contender Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza was the UFC’s first choice to fill in. “Jacare” was dealing with a knee injury, however, and the promotion called on long-time divisional mainstay Michael Bisping

The post “Jacare” Souza Might ‘Spank’ Someone Before Title Shot appeared first on LowKick MMA.

When former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman was forced to withdraw from his scheduled title rematch with Luke Rockhold at June 4’s UFC 199, top contender Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza was the UFC’s first choice to fill in.

“Jacare” was dealing with a knee injury, however, and the promotion called on long-time divisional mainstay Michael Bisping to step up and face off with Rockhold.

Bisping would end up shocking the world and knocking Rockhold out cold in the very first round to become the new undisputed 185-pound champion.

Recently speaking with MMAFighting.com, Souza said that he’ll be ready to return by November, and that he feels deserving of the next title shot, although he may ‘spank’ someone else before the shot at gold presents itself:

“I’m not afraid at all, I think I deserve the title shot,” said Souza in response to the idea that he’d be passed over after declining to fill in for any injured Weidman at UFC 199. “Even if they give me somebody else to fight before the title shot, I might take it and spank someone. But I know I have the right to be the next one.”

Despite holding a very impressive 6-1 Octagon record, Souza may very well be passed over, as the title shot could be awarded to Weidman. The ex-champion recently called out Bisping for a fight in his home of New York on November 12, 2016 at UFC 205 which may be too lucrative of an opportunity for the UFC to pass up.

Yoel Romero is another top contender in the title discussion, and he actually owns a win over “Jacare” last December, albeit a controversial victory at best.

While admitting that he should’ve prepared better for that bout, Souza also claimed that “The Soldier of God” fought dirty:

“I probably should have been better prepared for that fight, but I believe I did a good job,” added Souza regarding his defeat to Romero. “I came back, I showed heart. And he was not loyal. He kind of fought dirty, held the cage twice. It is what it is.”

Who should receive the next shot at gold in the stacked 185-pound division?

The post “Jacare” Souza Might ‘Spank’ Someone Before Title Shot appeared first on LowKick MMA.

Jon Jones Favors Fighting At UFC 200 Over Fighting At MSG

After 15 long months of endless legal issues and the stripping of his long-held title, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones will finally return in the main event of tomorrow’s (April 23, 2016) UFC 197 from Las Vegas, Nevada. Although originally scheduled to rematch bitter rival and current title holder Daniel Cormier, Jones

The post Jon Jones Favors Fighting At UFC 200 Over Fighting At MSG appeared first on LowKick MMA.

After 15 long months of endless legal issues and the stripping of his long-held title, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones will finally return in the main event of tomorrow’s (April 23, 2016) UFC 197 from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Although originally scheduled to rematch bitter rival and current title holder Daniel Cormier, Jones will instead face off with No. 6-ranked Ovince St. Preux for the interim 205 pound strap.

Despite the magnitude of “Bones’” return, UFC 197 has unfortunately flew under the radar due to the chaos surrounding July 9’s blockbuster UFC 200 which took place this past week.

To summarize the situation, UFC featherweight champion was pulled from his main event bout with Nate Diaz after he allegedly refused to participate in some of the promotional requirements for the event, apparently asking the UFC to reschedule to allow him adequate time to train and bounce back from a loss.

At this moment, McGregor is still off of UFC 200, leaving the card without a main event.

Although likely not looking past St. Preux, Jones recently stated that he would ‘absolutely’ headline the July card, hopefully against Cormier.

Cormier vs. Jones II has also been linked to November 12’s UFC 205 which will serve as the first event at the famed Madison Square Garden in Jones’ home of New York.

Recently speaking on both cards, the pound-for-pound king explained why he favors fighting at UFC 200 over fighting at UFC 205:

“I think headlining UFC 200. It would be bigger,” Jones told FOX Sports on Thursday. “I mean that’s a huge card. I think the numbers are going to be tremendous.

“As far as pay-per-view, I think 200 would be the bigger opportunity. That’s why I’m trying to get on it.”

At the end of the day, however, Jones is of course open to fighting in New York on what will undoubtedly be a monumental card, and likely one that would be highly meaningful to “Bones”:

“The Garden’s good, too,” Jones said about fighting at UFC 205. “I’ll take the Garden in a heartbeat.”

What do you think the future holds for Jones after his highly anticipated return tomorrow night?

The post Jon Jones Favors Fighting At UFC 200 Over Fighting At MSG appeared first on LowKick MMA.

UFC Announces First NYC Show On November 12 From Madison Square Garden

ufc-ny

The ink likely wasn’t even dry yet when the UFC announced plans for a card November 12 from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Governor Andrew Cuomo made MMA legal in the state on Thursday, and the promotion promptly let it be known that they are bringing a “major pay-per-view” event to town later this year.

In all, the UFC plans to hold four events per year in the first three years of the bill in New York, with Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica and Albany on the docket along with more stops at MSG.

Below is the complete press release:

Following today’s landmark bill signing by Governor Andrew Cuomo to legalize and regulate professional mixed martial arts (MMA) in New York, UFC announced that it will host a major Pay-Per-View event at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 12.

Additionally, UFC will be adding another live event in Upstate New York before the end of the year. The organization has pledged four events per year for the first three years after passage of the bill. The events will be held in Upstate cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Albany, in addition to Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center.

Today’s bill signing and event date announcements cement mixed martial arts’ incredible future in the state of New York, and reaffirm UFC’s commitment to a market that is home to many top stars including former UFC champions Jon Jones, Chris Weidman and Rashad Evans, and countless other title contenders.

“I want to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo, Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle, Senator Joe Griffo and the many other leaders in the state of New York for legalizing and regulating the sport of mixed martial arts,” said UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta. “Our commitment to bringing incredible live events to New York starts immediately, as we’ve planned a major Pay-Per-View event at Madison Square Garden on November 12. It’s going to be a historic, monumental moment for this sport and our passionate fans when the Octagon finally arrives in New York.”

“Today marks a great day for both MMA fans and New York,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, Marquee Events and Operations, The Madison Square Garden Company. “We think it’s only fitting that the first UFC event is taking place at The World’s Most Famous Arena and look forward to these world-class athletes becoming part of The Garden’s storied history.”

Further information about the upcoming live event at Madison Square Garden will be announced in the weeks to come.

ufc-ny

The ink likely wasn’t even dry yet when the UFC announced plans for a card November 12 from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Governor Andrew Cuomo made MMA legal in the state on Thursday, and the promotion promptly let it be known that they are bringing a “major pay-per-view” event to town later this year.

In all, the UFC plans to hold four events per year in the first three years of the bill in New York, with Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica and Albany on the docket along with more stops at MSG.

Below is the complete press release:

Following today’s landmark bill signing by Governor Andrew Cuomo to legalize and regulate professional mixed martial arts (MMA) in New York, UFC announced that it will host a major Pay-Per-View event at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 12.

Additionally, UFC will be adding another live event in Upstate New York before the end of the year. The organization has pledged four events per year for the first three years after passage of the bill. The events will be held in Upstate cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Albany, in addition to Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center.

Today’s bill signing and event date announcements cement mixed martial arts’ incredible future in the state of New York, and reaffirm UFC’s commitment to a market that is home to many top stars including former UFC champions Jon Jones, Chris Weidman and Rashad Evans, and countless other title contenders.

“I want to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo, Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle, Senator Joe Griffo and the many other leaders in the state of New York for legalizing and regulating the sport of mixed martial arts,” said UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta. “Our commitment to bringing incredible live events to New York starts immediately, as we’ve planned a major Pay-Per-View event at Madison Square Garden on November 12. It’s going to be a historic, monumental moment for this sport and our passionate fans when the Octagon finally arrives in New York.”

“Today marks a great day for both MMA fans and New York,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, Marquee Events and Operations, The Madison Square Garden Company. “We think it’s only fitting that the first UFC event is taking place at The World’s Most Famous Arena and look forward to these world-class athletes becoming part of The Garden’s storied history.”

Further information about the upcoming live event at Madison Square Garden will be announced in the weeks to come.

Coach Says McGregor vs. Edgar At MSG Would Be ‘Amazing’

With mixed martial arts finally being legalized in the state of New York this past week, speculation has now turned to when the UFC will host an event at the infamous Madison Square Garden, and just who will fight on that card. While New Yorkers and former champions Jon Jones and Chris Weidman will likely

The post Coach Says McGregor vs. Edgar At MSG Would Be ‘Amazing’ appeared first on LowKick MMA.

With mixed martial arts finally being legalized in the state of New York this past week, speculation has now turned to when the UFC will host an event at the infamous Madison Square Garden, and just who will fight on that card.

While New Yorkers and former champions Jon Jones and Chris Weidman will likely lobby to fight in their native state, there’s also the possibility of the promotion booking their biggest star, featherweight champion Conor McGregor, for their first trip to the Empire State.

In fact, the brash Irish champion may have an opponent tailor made for him if he were to fight in New York.

Former 155-pound kingpin Frankie “The Answer” Edgar has won five in a row including three by way of stoppage, putting him near the forefront of the 145-pound title race. He also happens to be a New Jersey native with a strong New York following, and an obvious hope of one day fighting at MSG.

Recently speaking on the possibility, Owen Roddy, McGregor’s striking coach, said a bout between the “Notorious” one and “The Answer” in New York would be ‘amazing’ (Via Sky Sports):

“That would be amazing, realistically that would be huge for the first New York show. Madison Square Garden would be fantastic.”

“[McGregor and Edgar could fight] at featherweight or even at lightweight—Frankie spends a lot of time there, and he was the lightweight champion. But if Conor is on the card, it would be huge anywhere.”

McGregor is expected to rematch Nate Diaz at July 9’s UFC 200, but the UFC isn’t planning to head to New York until next fall, making the timing for a bout between McGregor and Edgar seem just right.

What are your thoughts on this potential showdown?

The post Coach Says McGregor vs. Edgar At MSG Would Be ‘Amazing’ appeared first on LowKick MMA.

New York! Seven Possible Headliners For The UFC’s MSG Debut

After a long and rigorous battle that has spanned many unnecessary years, mixed martial arts has finally been legalized in the state of New York. Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle announced yesterday (March 22, 2016) the passing of the bill to legalize the sport in the Empire State, an announcement beneficial to all major MMA

The post New York! Seven Possible Headliners For The UFC’s MSG Debut appeared first on LowKick MMA.

After a long and rigorous battle that has spanned many unnecessary years, mixed martial arts has finally been legalized in the state of New York.

Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle announced yesterday (March 22, 2016) the passing of the bill to legalize the sport in the Empire State, an announcement beneficial to all major MMA promotions, but specifically the UFC, which has heavily pushed for the passing of the bill since 2007.

UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta has already confirmed that the promotion is looking to bring an event to New York before the close of 2016.

While he couldn’t confirm that the first appearance would be at New York’s infamous Madison Square Garden, he did say that when the UFC does indeed come to MSG, it will be massive.

With that being said, let’s take a look at some possible headliners for the UFC’s MSG Debut:

The post New York! Seven Possible Headliners For The UFC’s MSG Debut appeared first on LowKick MMA.