Tag: one fc

Joe Rogan and Israel Adesanya Implore UFC to create a Kickboxing League, Leave Slap Fighting Behind

Joe Rogan Israel Adesanya UFC kickboxing muay thaiOn a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Rogan sat down with Israel Adesanya and discussed the…

Joe Rogan Israel Adesanya UFC kickboxing muay thai

On a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Rogan sat down with Israel Adesanya and discussed the innovation of fight leagues like ONE FC, which offers more than strictly mixed martial arts fights.

In fact, ONE thought outside the box in 2018 and started showcasing disciplines like Kickboxing and Muay Thai, breaking the standard mold for what a fight promotion can do.

Rogan and Adesanya are both fans of this move and certainly approve of it more than anything outrageous, like if some moron decided to open up a slap-fighting league. That would be crazy, and surely nobody would do that. Right?

Joe Rogan and Israel Adesanya Wish that the UFC would innovate like ONE FC

“I like how ONE has everything. They have grappling matches, they have kickboxing matches, they have Muay Thai matches, and they have MMA matches. I think that is the way to go,” Joe Rogan said (H/T BJPenn.com)

Israel Adesanya is also a big fan of what ONE is doing, and speaks with the experience of a legendary kickboxer. “They (ONE) just did one in Denver,” Adesanya began, speaking about an event he watched. “The fights were crazy, a lot of knockdowns and a lot of action-packed stuff. If it were marketed the right way, with the UFC’s marketing machine, easily, it would be one of the biggest things.”

Joe Rogan agreed with Adesanya’s sentiment and added, “Everybody loves KOs; everybody loves stand-up fights. You’re going to get real KOs because no one can grapple. Then you will attract the greatest strikers in the world like what ONE is doing.”

With ONE proving that traditional striking martial arts can sell, the UFC should consider making some headway into this market. Not only that but kickboxing and muay thai also allow each fighter to defend themselves, unlike the brutal rules of Dana White’s Power Slap league, which dictates that fighters must stand there and take a full power blow to the head.

If the UFC made a foray into the kickboxing and muay Thai world, would you give it a watch?

Ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou claims he never avoided Jon Jones: ‘I would fight him twice a month’

Jon Jones Francis Ngannou fight twice month UFCFrancis Ngannou may never step foot in a UFC Octagon again, but he assures MMA fans that the last thing on his mind before leaving the promotion was avoiding Jon Jones. Nearly a week has passed since Jones took over the heavyweight division in his UFC return, and since then he and Ngannou have remained […]

Jon Jones Francis Ngannou fight twice month UFC

Francis Ngannou may never step foot in a UFC Octagon again, but he assures MMA fans that the last thing on his mind before leaving the promotion was avoiding Jon Jones.

Nearly a week has passed since Jones took over the heavyweight division in his UFC return, and since then he and Ngannou have remained a topic of conversation.

Once Jones’ arm was raised at UFC 285, Francis Ngannou sent out a tweet which many have considered to be a backhanded compliment.

During the post-fight press conference, Jones had the tweet read to him, and he did not have a kind choice of words for his heavyweight counterpart.

Speaking yesterday with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Francis Ngannou said that he is at peace with himself and is not concerned by Jones’ comments because he pursued that matchup before his departure.

“I did everything to have that fight. At the end it just felt like begging to keep me, and maybe do something that I don’t want. Yes I wanted that fight, but not at any cost.”

Ngannou was not amused by Dana White’s public comments stating that he avoided a fight with Jones.

He doubled down on the idea that the sole reason he parted ways with the UFC was due to the promotion failing to meet his contract demands on numerous occasions.

“I don’t care about what Dana White said, that was my call not his call.”

He once again took his thoughts to Twitter with videos of White’s change of heart which Francis Ngannou clearly felt was hypocritical.

Ngannou was seen watching Jones’ return against Ciryl Gane with his family in a positive manner and he says this is because he was simply a viewer just like everyone else, and he did not feel any differently after seeing Jones win.

Speaking with several promotions since his UFC exit, Ngannou said that fans should not look back and ponder at the matchup which never took place.

It seems as though the two colossal figures will never cross paths again, and Francis Ngannou is certain that the last thing on his mind was fearing Jones.

“There is not a fight on earth that I will back down from. He might be the best fighter ever, but he’s not the guy that I’m running away from.”

“I would fight Jon Jones twice a month.”

Although the two may have some unfriendly words for each other going forward, the bout is one that fans will have to look past, as Ngannou has his sights set on a professional debut in the boxing ring.

“I want to do one boxing match first, then maybe go back to MMA.” 

Ngannou said that he had spoken to Eddie Hearn about a potential matchup with Anthony Joshua, but the majority of the conversation has been with Deontay Wilder’s team.

He dreams of a massive boxing event in Africa, and did not rule out the possibility of returning to MMA one day, as he also had talks with PFL and ONE FC.

Who do you think would have won between MMA’s all-time great and Francis Ngannou?

Demetrious Johnson vs Adriano Moraes Slated For February 24

Demetrious JohnsonDemetrious Johnson will finally have his chance to claim the ONE Championship flyweight title. A match between Johnson and reigning ONE flyweight champion Adriano Moraes has been set for February 24, as was announced during the broadcast of ONE: Big Bang. Johnson earned his shot at the belt after running through the 2019 ONE Lightweight […]

Demetrious Johnson

Demetrious Johnson will finally have his chance to claim the ONE Championship flyweight title.

A match between Johnson and reigning ONE flyweight champion Adriano Moraes has been set for February 24, as was announced during the broadcast of ONE: Big Bang.

Johnson earned his shot at the belt after running through the 2019 ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix. The tournament saw Johnson pick up a submission victory over Yuya Wakamatsu, followed by a decision victory over Tatsumitsu Wada, before beating longtime ONE Championship staple Danny Kingad in the finals.

Prior to joining ONE, Johnson had a long reign as the inaugural UFC flyweight championship. He defended that belt 11 times during a run that, to many – including UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya – cemented his place as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Following a controversial split-decision loss to Henry Cejudo, Johnson was part of a highly publicized “trade” that saw him go to ONE Championship and Ben Askren come back to the UFC in return.

Now, he faces Moraes, who at 18-3, has been on quite the run himself. he is a three-time ONE champion, who has avenged both of his title defeats. In fact, all three of his losses have come by split decision. He comes into the fight against Johnson after reclaiming his title from Geje Eustaquio. When he does step back in the cage, it will be after an over two-year-long layoff.

Johnson and Moraes were originally scheduled to meet earlier this year in Jakarta, Indonesia, before the coronavirus pandemic halted those plans. Now that ONE is back to running regular shows, hopefully this fight will stay intact and we can finally see who the top flyweight is.

Who do you think wins the fight between Demtrious Johnson and Adriano Moraes?

Demetrious Johnson vs Adriano Moraes Slated For February 24

Demetrious JohnsonDemetrious Johnson will finally have his chance to claim the ONE Championship flyweight title. A match between Johnson and reigning ONE flyweight champion Adriano Moraes has been set for February 24, as was announced during the broadcast of ONE: Big Bang. Johnson earned his shot at the belt after running through the 2019 ONE Lightweight […]

Demetrious Johnson

Demetrious Johnson will finally have his chance to claim the ONE Championship flyweight title.

A match between Johnson and reigning ONE flyweight champion Adriano Moraes has been set for February 24, as was announced during the broadcast of ONE: Big Bang.

Johnson earned his shot at the belt after running through the 2019 ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix. The tournament saw Johnson pick up a submission victory over Yuya Wakamatsu, followed by a decision victory over Tatsumitsu Wada, before beating longtime ONE Championship staple Danny Kingad in the finals.

Prior to joining ONE, Johnson had a long reign as the inaugural UFC flyweight championship. He defended that belt 11 times during a run that, to many – including UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya – cemented his place as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Following a controversial split-decision loss to Henry Cejudo, Johnson was part of a highly publicized “trade” that saw him go to ONE Championship and Ben Askren come back to the UFC in return.

Now, he faces Moraes, who at 18-3, has been on quite the run himself. he is a three-time ONE champion, who has avenged both of his title defeats. In fact, all three of his losses have come by split decision. He comes into the fight against Johnson after reclaiming his title from Geje Eustaquio. When he does step back in the cage, it will be after an over two-year-long layoff.

Johnson and Moraes were originally scheduled to meet earlier this year in Jakarta, Indonesia, before the coronavirus pandemic halted those plans. Now that ONE is back to running regular shows, hopefully this fight will stay intact and we can finally see who the top flyweight is.

Who do you think wins the fight between Demtrious Johnson and Adriano Moraes?

Veteran MMA Broadcaster Jimmy Smith Will Be Looking For New Home In 2019

Veteran MMA broadcaster Jimmy Smith will be looking for a new home in 2019 after completing a one-year deal with the UFC. Smith was Bellator MMA’s lead commentary man before signed with the Las Vegas-based promotion on January 12, 2018. He left after a seven-year run with Bellator. The news of Smith becoming a free […]

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Veteran MMA broadcaster Jimmy Smith will be looking for a new home in 2019 after completing a one-year deal with the UFC.

Smith was Bellator MMA’s lead commentary man before signed with the Las Vegas-based promotion on January 12, 2018. He left after a seven-year run with Bellator.

The news of Smith becoming a free agent in early 2019 was first reported by ESPN’S Ariel Helwani.

 
Veteran MMA broadcaster Jimmy Smith will be a free agent come early 2019, sources told ESPN. Smith recently completed a one-year deal with UFC and will now be looking for a new broadcast home next year. He has yet to sign with anyone but is hoping to do so soon, sources say.

As far as where Smith will end up calling fights next year is anyone’s guess. The fact that the UFC hasn’t resigned him yet doesn’t bode well for the veteran broadcaster’s hopes up re-upping with the promotion.

It seems the UFC will look to fill future color commentary roles with former fighters. Just early today former middleweight champion Michael Bisping revealed his new role with the company. Oddly enough the news of Bisping’s new gig comes on the same day Smith announces his eminat departure from the promotion.

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Ev Ting Confident With Rolling Against a Grappling Legend in Shinya Aoki

BANGKOK, Thailand – Former ONE World Title challenger Ev “E.T.” Ting of Malaysia is entering perhaps the toughest bout of his career this weekend, when he faces Japanese legend and former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki of Japan. The 29-year-old Malaysian-Kiwi sensation is ripped and ready to go for their three-round lightweight […]

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BANGKOK, Thailand – Former ONE World Title challenger Ev “E.T.” Ting of Malaysia is entering perhaps the toughest bout of his career this weekend, when he faces Japanese legend and former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki of Japan.

The 29-year-old Malaysian-Kiwi sensation is ripped and ready to go for their three-round lightweight clash at ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES, set for this Saturday night, 6 October at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Despite Aoki’s lofty grappling credentials, Ting believes he has what it takes to hang right in the thick of things on the mat with the submission specialist.

“I’ve worked on my ground game and grappling skills my entire career, and I am extremely confident in handling any situation. My defense is on point, and I am aware of threats when they appear. I’m not at all intimidated by his jiu-jitsu,” said Ting, beaming with confidence.

“If he is able to take me down, I know exactly what to do. I know my game and I know my skills. If it comes to that, then I’m prepared for whatever.”

Despite Ting’s defensive grappling skills however, he would be best suited to avoid a ground war with Aoki at all.

The Japanese stalwart is world-renowned for his ability to submit guys, having scored incredible victories over big name opponents such as Kazushi Sakuraba, Yuki Yamamoto, Lyle Beerbohm, Joachim Hansen, and Eddie Alvarez. The list of top martial arts talent Aoki has reduced to mere clips on his highlight reel goes on and on.

Which is why although Ting is confident with his ability to roll with Aoki, he believes that sticking to his strengths is what will ultimately get him the victory.

“I’ve rolled with black belts before, it’s nothing new to me. But I will definitely strike with him because that’s his biggest weakness. If he can overcome my movement and somehow get close enough to hug me, then by all means, let’s grapple. He will have to get through some heavy fire though, and he has to be prepared to take some big shots,” said Ting.

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced a month ago that the winner between Ting and Aoki will go on to challenge for the lightweight title in the promotion’s inaugural Japan event in Tokyo next year.

With the Eduard Folayang vs Amir Khan bout already announced for Manila as the official ONE Lightweight World Championship title bout, Ting will earn a shot at the title should he get passed Aoki this Saturday.

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