Tag: PFL MMA

Paul Hughes wants Conor McGregor in his corner when he faces Usman Nurmagomedov “We’ll need more security” student of Khabib

Paul Hughes PFL Usman NurmagomedovIreland’s Paul Hughes got a huge win in the PFL debut as he took on the prodigy AJ McKee….

Paul Hughes PFL Usman Nurmagomedov

Ireland’s Paul Hughes got a huge win in the PFL debut as he took on the prodigy AJ McKee. Hughes was able to out-point his opponent with sharp counters and flying knees. After the victory, he wants the Bellator champion, and student of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Usman Nurmagomedov, but with Conor McGregor in his corner.

Paul Hughes wants Usman Nurmagomedov

The former Cage Warriors champion signed with the PFL looking to become a world champion in the organization. In his debut, he was able to defeat the top-ranked, and ultra-talented, AJ McKee via split decision. The Irish-born Paul Hughes was able to out-point his opponent in an impressive victory and showed off his striking acumen.

After the fight, he called out the Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov who is a long-time student, and cousin, of MMA legend, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Hughes is very likely to face Usman next with the title on the line and in that bout, Khabib will be in his corner. For that, Hughes has requested that Conor McGregor be in his corner for the match.

Paul Hughes PFL
2024 PFL Superfights PPV: Battle of the Giants at the Mayadeen Theater in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, October 19, 2024. (Jose Peñuela / 2024PFLPPV) Paul Hughes vs AJ McKee

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor had one of the most bitter rivalries in MMA history. Their blockbuster match for the UFC world title was a major event and one of the biggest fights in the history of the sport. Khabib won but then a brawl broke out after the match.

Paul Hughes wins in the PFL

Speaking to the media after his PFL win, Paul Hughes explained:

“Yeah, that’s obvious. [Usman Nurmagomedov] is what I want. I said I was here for the biggest fights, the highest-pressure moments, and to make the most money possible. Usman is next, no question. There’s a lot of hype around this fight, and I’m here for it.“

On potentially having Conor McGregor in his corner, he added:

“How crazy would that be? We might need some extra security that night, though. We’ll need more security! But I’m down for it. It’ll be fun.”

Discussing his victory over AJ McKee, Hughes said:

“When you’re in there, it’s sometimes hard to tell, but judging from the energy of the crowd and AJ’s face, it’s pretty clear I won. I smashed him, walked him down, and put punches on him. I hurt him so many times. I was close to knocking him out a few times, but I didn’t get him out of there. I’ll 100% get him next time.”

PFL Paul Hughes vs AJ McKee
Paul Hughes

Francis Ngannou: “I don’t think even a lifetime would be enough to fully recover … You realize that toughness can only get you so far” talks son Kobe

Francis Ngannou PFLEarlier this year, Francis Ngannou’s one-year-old son Kobe tragically passed away. This was shortly after his knockout loss to…

Francis Ngannou PFL

Earlier this year, Francis Ngannou’s one-year-old son Kobe tragically passed away. This was shortly after his knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in boxing. Stepping back into the MMA world and defeating Renan Ferreira for the PFL world title this past weekend helped the Cameroonian athlete. After his win, Ngannou spoke to the media about mental resistance.

Francis Ngannou Talks Toughness and Kobe

The Cameroonian-born athlete has always been strong, mentally and physically. He traversed Africa and was later arrested and homeless. Despite this, he still was able to become a UFC world champion and compete at the highest levels of professional boxing.

But nothing could have prepared him for the passing of his child. Toughness was no longer enough. Speaking to the media after his PFL championship victory, Francis Ngannou explained:

“I’ve been told I’m tough so many times that I started to believe it. But, you know, recently I realized maybe I’m not as tough as I thought. Life can put you in situations where you’re tested, and you realize that toughness can only get you so far. It’s something I never really imagined. I’ve seen people go through it, and I’ve felt compassion for them, but I never fully understood how hard it could be until I went through it myself. It’s tough.”

He continued:

“It’s one of those things where you wonder, “Is this ever going to be over?” And at some point, you start to think maybe it won’t. You just have to learn to roll with it, to live with it. In some situations, I’ve wanted to take time to breathe, but how long can you take? I don’t think even a lifetime would be enough to fully recover. So you just keep going. You accept this new way of living, and you move forward.”

After his first-round knockout victory in the PFL, Francis Ngannou was overcome with emotion with the memory of his son.

Francis Ngannou Dominates Renan Ferreira with a knockout victory

Francis Ngannou PFLLive from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the former UFC heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou made his PFL debut against Renan…

Francis Ngannou PFL

Live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the former UFC heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou made his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira headlining the PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants. The PFL Heavyweight Super Fights championship was on the line in this heavyweight showcase.

Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira

The towering Brazilian Renan Ferreira entered the bout with an impressive eighty-five percent knockout win rate, with his most recent victory coming just 21-seconds in the first round.

The Cameroonian-born athlete Francis Ngannou was well feared for his punching power in MMA. After vacating the UFC title he took on two blockbuster boxing fight just returned to MMA at this PFL fight card.

A pair of heavy leg kicks from Ngannou open the match but the Brazilian is controlling the center. Ngannou dives low and secures a single leg takedown. Pinned against the cage, Ferreira is looking to defend and threaten with an triangle submission attempt, but the lineal MMA champion escapes and begins to work from half guard in top position. Next, he advances and lands heavy ground and pound against Ferreira. Ferreira goes flat and the referee waves off the match.

The Cameroonian athlete is overcome with emotion, crying against the cage, as he had dedicated this match to his late son.

Ngannou gets it done in the first round with capturing the PFL Heavyweight Super Fights Championship with a stoppage in the first round at 3:32.

Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira Highlights

Paul Hughes Out-Points AJ McKee in PFL Debut

Paul Hughes PFLPFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants featured a all-striker showdown between the prodigy AJ McKee and rising knockout…

Paul Hughes PFL

PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants featured a all-striker showdown between the prodigy AJ McKee and rising knockout artist Paul Hughes. This fight was a title eliminator with the winner getting to face the Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

A.J. McKee vs. Paul Hughes

Both men came out guns blazing with the precision of McKee making an impact on the former Cage Warriors champion. With a series of counter punches and a flying knee, Hughes was able to change the tempo of the match. The Irish-born Hughes again was able to land a flying knee which sent McKee into panic mode. The Irish athlete began controlling form to position plus ground and pound. After getting back to his feet McKee ate even more counter strikes and a knee which left him on the ground at the end of round 1.

AJ McKee was having success early in round 2 controlling well with his kicks. The knee and counter striking from Hughes continued to be a threat throughout round 2, landing sharp punches. After getting kicked in the cup, Hughes swarmed on his opponent with punches but McKee ducked low and shot for a takedown.

The Irishman Paul Hughes landed ground and pound during round  3, but McKee was able to get back to his feet. The US-born Bellator fighter threatened with takedowns and kept the fight in a scramble. The two traded at the edge of the smart cage with heavy punches. Hughes was getting the better of the exchanges. Hughes ended the fight landing knees against his opponent.

Paul Hughes takes the fight by split decision 29-28 x2, and 28-29.

A.J. McKee vs. Paul Hughes Highlights

Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira – Odds and Match Preview

Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira PFLFrancis Ngannou is set to make his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira on October 19, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi…

Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira PFL

Francis Ngannou is set to make his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira on October 19, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This highly anticipated heavyweight bout will headline the PFL: Battle of the Giants event.

Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira – Odds

The betting odds for the Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira fight heavily favor Ngannou. According to the opening with the best sports betting sites with jaxon right here, Ngannou is set as a solid favorite at -298, while Ferreira is the underdog at +240. 

This means that if you were to bet $100 on Ngannou, you would potentially win about $33.56 (plus your original stake), whereas a $100 bet on Ferreira could net you $240 (plus your original stake) if he wins.

This is likely due to Ngannou’s reputation as a former UFC heavyweight champion and his recent high-profile boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, which have kept him in the spotlight despite his absence from MMA.

Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira Match Preview

The former UFC heavyweight champion is returning to MMA after a brief stint in professional boxing. Francis Nagnnou is known for his devastating knockout power. He has not competed in MMA since January 2022, when he successfully defended his UFC title against Ciryl Gane.

After leaving the UFC due to contract disputes, Ngannou ventured into boxing, facing Tyson Fury in a closely contested match and later Anthony Joshua in a bout that ended in a knockout loss.

Renan Ferreira, on the other hand, is the reigning PFL heavyweight champion. ‘Problema’ Ferreira has been active in MMA, fighting eight times since Ngannou’s last MMA bout, winning most of these by way of knockout.

He secured his position as Ngannou’s challenger by winning the 2023 PFL Championships and recently defeated Bellator champion Ryan Bader in just 21 seconds.

Both fighters have expressed respect for each other, with Ngannou acknowledging Ferreira’s unique abilities and Ferreira recognizing the significance of this fight for his career. This match is expected to end by way of knockout one way or another. 

This fight marks the return to MMA for Francis Ngannou and his debut in the PFL, where he also holds a position as chairman and equity owner in PFL Africa. A victory would solidify his status as one of the world’s top heavyweights across multiple combat sports. For Ferreira, defeating a former UFC champion of Ngannou’s caliber would significantly boost his profile in the MMA world.

Francis Ngannou PFL 1
Photo By Tim Wheaton

This main event is supported by an impressive undercard, including a women’s featherweight bout between Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco. Live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 19, it is expected to be an explosive night in MMA history.

Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco – Odds and Match Preview

Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa PachecoThe upcoming fight between Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco is set to be a major event in women’s MMA….

Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco

The upcoming fight between Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco is set to be a major event in women’s MMA. Scheduled for October 19, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this co-main event fight is being billed as the “Battle of the Giants” alongside Francis Ngannou facing Renan Ferreira.

Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco – Odds

Surprisingly, despite Cyborg’s legendary status in women’s MMA, she has opened as the betting underdog in this matchup. One can compare odds at Gamechampions right here. As of early October 2024, most bookmakers are favoring Larissa Pacheco to win the fight. The odds typically show Pacheco as a slight favorite, with her odds around -125, while Cyborg is listed as the underdog with odds of about +105.

These odds are particularly noteworthy because Cyborg has rarely if ever, been an underdog in her illustrious career. The fact that oddsmakers are giving Pacheco the edge speaks volumes about her recent performances.  

It also suggests that bookmakers believe Pacheco’s youth, recent success, and momentum might give her an advantage over the more experienced Cyborg. The close odds also indicate that bookmakers expect a competitive fight.

Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco PFL
Photo By Tim Wheaton

Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco

Cris Cyborg is a legendary figure in women’s MMA, having held championships in multiple major promotions including Strikeforce, Invicta, UFC, and Bellator. She’s known for her aggressive striking style, combining Muay Thai skills, and boxing. The vast majority of her career in MMA, Muay Thai, and Boxing have all been won by way of mostly knockout.

On the other side, Larissa Pacheco has made a name for herself in the PFL. She’s a two-division champion in PFL, having won both the lightweight and featherweight titles. Pacheco’s rise to prominence includes a notable victory over Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison, who is now a contender in the UFC.

For Pacheco, a win over Cris Cyborg could potentially elevate her into discussions of the greatest female fighters of all time. For Cyborg, who is currently the Bellator featherweight champion, this fight represents an opportunity to further cement her legacy by defeating a rising star in Pacheco.

Both fighters have been preparing intensively for this bout. Cris Cyborg has credited her recent boxing experience as beneficial in her preparation for Pacheco. Meanwhile, Pacheco has expressed her excitement for the opportunity, stating that this is “the most anticipated fight in women’s MMA history.”

This fight promises to be a clash of styles and generations. The outcome could have significant implications for both fighters’ legacies and the landscape of women’s MMA as a whole.