Tag: Sports

Robert Whittaker Insists He Beat Israel Adesanya At UFC 271: ‘I Won Every Striking Exchange’

Robert WhittakerRobert Whittaker believes he had done enough at UFC 271 to walk away as the new middleweight champion of the world. Following the disappointing first encounter against Israel Adesanya at UFC 243. The Reaper put on a much better performance taking the champion the distance, and ultimately losing via unanimous decision on the night. After […]

Robert Whittaker

Robert Whittaker believes he had done enough at UFC 271 to walk away as the new middleweight champion of the world.

Following the disappointing first encounter against Israel Adesanya at UFC 243. The Reaper put on a much better performance taking the champion the distance, and ultimately losing via unanimous decision on the night.

After speaking with Submission Radio, Robert Whittaker revealed his thoughts on the fight and why he felt he had done enough to secure the 185-pound strap.

“I think the game plan went really well. Really, really well,” Whittaker said. “It was obviously to have that fast jab in there, to make him pay every time he came in. And I believe I won every striking exchange when we got close together. Like, yeah. My jab was on point, and I was mixing the takedown into the rounds. And it was making him uncomfortable. He didn’t have any freedom in striking, and that was the game plan. I believe I controlled a lot of the rounds because of that.”

“It’s not that I had him in trouble, it’s more that I had control,” Whittaker added. 2Like, every time that we were getting into a striking exchange, he was coming off second best. Like, every time we threw hands. I was landing the jab, I was landing the shots, moving forward. And then I’d also go under and take him down when I saw the opportunity to. Like, it was a hard fight. It was a crazy high and tactical fight. It was honestly like a chess match.”

“I thought I lost the first round. But I had a lot of control in the rounds following. I thought I had won minimum three rounds. That’s why I wasn’t fighting with a sense of a guy with his back against the wall. But, it is what it is. I think every time we threw hands, I got the better exchange of the strikes, as well as the introduction of the takedowns. I was confident.”

Robert Whittaker Details Challenges Against Adesanya

Despite feeling like he should have come away victorious, Robert Whittaker was also willing enough to give his opponent praise and spoke to the reasoning it is so hard to take ‘The Last Stylebender’ down.

“He was so slippery. Like, so sweaty. And he’s a strong big tall guy with long levers. He’s hard to hold down. Now, that’s not to say that I couldn’t. I could invest all my energy into holding him down, blowing out my arms and just making sure he stays on his butt.

The Australian also emphasized the need for balance when going for these takedowns why he needs to be so cautious.

“What happens if, heaven forbid, I blow my arms out holding him down and he gets up? Then my arms are tired. You can’t have tired arms against a striker like that. It’s a bit of a funny balance. But in saying that, I believe I utilized it to its best effect.”

Given Whittaker’s comments I doubt this is the last time you’ll see him in the title picture, and if anything, I think it only makes him want it even more.

Who is next for Robert Whittaker?

Michael Bisping: Chad Mendes ‘Looks Like He’s Back On The Juice’

Chad MendesFormer UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has shared his opinion on Chad Mendes following the formers featherweight’s debut competing in BKFC. Mendes made his debut in the sport against Joshua Alvarez in a 155-pound matchup and stopped him in the fourth-round via TKO. His performance caught the eye of ‘The Count’ who believes there may […]

Chad Mendes

Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has shared his opinion on Chad Mendes following the formers featherweight’s debut competing in BKFC.

Mendes made his debut in the sport against Joshua Alvarez in a 155-pound matchup and stopped him in the fourth-round via TKO.

His performance caught the eye of ‘The Count’ who believes there may be a sneaky reason that Chad Mendes looked so much bigger compared to his time in the UFC.

“Chad “Mini” Mendes. Chad “hand cream, steroid cream” Mendes, as he’s known in certain circles. Looks like he’s back on the juice, doesn’t he? Let’s be honest,” Bisping said.

“I don’t know if they test in Bare Knuckle FC, but Chad “Mini” Mendes wasn’t looking so “mini.” He was looking bloody jacked (as) f—k.”

“But he had a great performance, so God bless him. What was it, a lunging left hook? Or a lunging right hook? Beautifully timed, it was nice.” (Transcribed by bloodyelbow.com)

Chad Mendes BKFC Return

Mendes was suspended back in 2016 for testing positive for the use of GHRP-6, something that was later attributed to the use of his skincare cream to treat his Psoriasis. He would be out of action until 2018.

Mendes competed for the title on numerous occasions whilst within the UFC just falling short of claiming it. Having had a war with Jose Aldo, Mendes would lose via decision in their rematch despite earning a Performance of The Night Bonus. His second attempt would come on short notice against Conor McGregor after Jose Aldo was forced to pull out due to injury, however, Mendes would be stopped in the second round.

On his return from his suspension, he was tasked with taking on the now champion in Alexander Volkanovski, despite landing a knockdown of his own Volkanovski was able to put Mendes away in the second round.

Following this defeat, Chad Mendes would retire from the sport. He would return to combat sports last August having signed a multi-fight deal with BKFC.

How successful will Chad Mendes be in BKFC?

Michael Bisping: Chad Mendes ‘Looks Like He’s Back On The Juice’

Chad MendesFormer UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has shared his opinion on Chad Mendes following the formers featherweight’s debut competing in BKFC. Mendes made his debut in the sport against Joshua Alvarez in a 155-pound matchup and stopped him in the fourth-round via TKO. His performance caught the eye of ‘The Count’ who believes there may […]

Chad Mendes

Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has shared his opinion on Chad Mendes following the formers featherweight’s debut competing in BKFC.

Mendes made his debut in the sport against Joshua Alvarez in a 155-pound matchup and stopped him in the fourth-round via TKO.

His performance caught the eye of ‘The Count’ who believes there may be a sneaky reason that Chad Mendes looked so much bigger compared to his time in the UFC.

“Chad “Mini” Mendes. Chad “hand cream, steroid cream” Mendes, as he’s known in certain circles. Looks like he’s back on the juice, doesn’t he? Let’s be honest,” Bisping said.

“I don’t know if they test in Bare Knuckle FC, but Chad “Mini” Mendes wasn’t looking so “mini.” He was looking bloody jacked (as) f—k.”

“But he had a great performance, so God bless him. What was it, a lunging left hook? Or a lunging right hook? Beautifully timed, it was nice.” (Transcribed by bloodyelbow.com)

Chad Mendes BKFC Return

Mendes was suspended back in 2016 for testing positive for the use of GHRP-6, something that was later attributed to the use of his skincare cream to treat his Psoriasis. He would be out of action until 2018.

Mendes competed for the title on numerous occasions whilst within the UFC just falling short of claiming it. Having had a war with Jose Aldo, Mendes would lose via decision in their rematch despite earning a Performance of The Night Bonus. His second attempt would come on short notice against Conor McGregor after Jose Aldo was forced to pull out due to injury, however, Mendes would be stopped in the second round.

On his return from his suspension, he was tasked with taking on the now champion in Alexander Volkanovski, despite landing a knockdown of his own Volkanovski was able to put Mendes away in the second round.

Following this defeat, Chad Mendes would retire from the sport. He would return to combat sports last August having signed a multi-fight deal with BKFC.

How successful will Chad Mendes be in BKFC?

Dustin Poirier Says ‘My Next Performance Will Be My Best’

Dustin PoirierDustin Poirier has been staying in fight shape since his rumoured short-notice matchup with Nate Diaz back in January fell through. Although it’s starting to seem more unlikely that the UFC is wanting to make Nate Diaz Vs. Dustin Poirier, ‘The Diamond’ made it clear that whoever steps inside the octagon as his next opponent […]

Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier has been staying in fight shape since his rumoured short-notice matchup with Nate Diaz back in January fell through.

Although it’s starting to seem more unlikely that the UFC is wanting to make Nate Diaz Vs. Dustin Poirier, ‘The Diamond’ made it clear that whoever steps inside the octagon as his next opponent is in for a tough time.

Poirier uploaded a video to his social media showing off his slick shadowboxing skills captioned:

“My next performance will be my best. Someone is getting clapped.” via Instagram.

Dustin Poirier is looking to bounce back from his defeat to Charles Oliveira at UFC 269 with the ‘The Diamond’ appearing ready for any challenger.

Who is next for Dustin Poirier?

The obvious answer here is Nate Diaz, everyone involved in the fight has openly stated their interest in getting the matchup scheduled however it just simply never came to be.

Let’s look at some other options for Poirier’s next opponent.

Colby Covington stands out, the feud between the pair has seemingly only picked up in recent times. Poirier stated he would never fight Covington inside the cage as he didn’t want him to profit from his success. Whilst that is understandable many fans would love to see this fight take place and I have no doubt the UFC would compensate Poirier very well for this.

Another option is Covington’s UFC 272 opponent Jorge Masvidal. Given the timing, neither of these fights both men would need time to recover and train however the pair would set off fireworks if they ever stepped in the cage to face each other.

It seems Poirier is less interested in continuing to cut to 155lbs however if he did decide to give it one more shot who would say no to him taking on either Michael Chandler or Tony Ferguson. The two men have recently been rumoured for a fight themselves. If not, Chandler will bring the hype in what would be a slugfest between the pair until one drop. Ferguson is a staple of the division despite going through a losing streak and given his accomplishments in the division it only seems right. If this fight were to never happen it would always be a what if.

Who do you think Dustin Poirier should face next?

Russian MMA Press Conference Descends Into Mass Brawl

MMA Press ConferenceIn what seems to be becoming a familiar theme a Russian MMA press conference crumbled into chaos when two fighters began going at each other live in the studio. In the video which has gone viral, a man can be seen attacking another fighter after tempers flared on stage. One of the men initially begins […]

MMA Press Conference

In what seems to be becoming a familiar theme a Russian MMA press conference crumbled into chaos when two fighters began going at each other live in the studio.

In the video which has gone viral, a man can be seen attacking another fighter after tempers flared on stage. One of the men initially begins to walk over towards another one of the men sitting down on the stage.

Before you know it the man walking over swung at the man sitting down as a fight began to break out. Security was quick onto it and got onto the stage to stop anyone from getting seriously hurt or injured. After taking a quick look viewers could see the shock in members of the audience’s faces after having just seen this unfold in front of them.

This isn’t the first MMA promotion to experience this kind of issue with it becoming a regular occurrence among some amateur organisations. However, there is a serious need to crack down on any violence occurring before they fighters’ step inside the cage.

The video can be found here.

Need For Security At MMA Press Conferences

Although some pushing and shoving at a press conference would seem normal to most as not long after the two facing off against each other will step inside a cage to try and take the other man’s head off. There does need to be more done to prevent MMA fighters from having these altercations.

UFC President Dana White spoke on this issue following the incident with Jeremy Stephens and Drakkar Close which saw the pair’s matchup cancelled due to an injury picked up by Klose at the press conference.

“There is a rule,” White said. “That’s why we’re there. Sean Shelby missed that one. Sean and I see this thing differently. I saw it on social media and called him immediately. “I saw the thing happen on social media and I called Sean and I was like, ‘Where was your head on that one?’ He was coming in hot and it’s Jeremy Stephens, he’s a savage.

“I mean, we’re not standing there to look good and take pictures. We’re there to make sure that doesn’t happen.” (Transcribed by Dailystar.com)

What can be done to stop these incidents from occurring?

Bryce Mitchell Wants To Fight ‘Fool’ Trevor Noah

Bryce MitchellBryce Mitchell took to social media to reveal he wanted to fight the host of The Daily Show Trevor Noah. Not one for normally calling on celebrities to fight, Thug Nasty revealed it was Noah’s comments towards the ‘average working man’ that gave him the fuel he needed. The video can be found here: “sumone […]

Bryce Mitchell

Bryce Mitchell took to social media to reveal he wanted to fight the host of The Daily Show Trevor Noah.

Not one for normally calling on celebrities to fight, Thug Nasty revealed it was Noah’s comments towards the ‘average working man’ that gave him the fuel he needed.

The video can be found here:

“sumone tag this fool trevor noah. lettem kno i wanna do a charity fite. haha it would b funnier than any of that crap he said on comedy central thats for sure. since hes an entertainer mayb hell take this grand opportunity. and no i dont hate him i just wanna give him a feel of how hard the average workin man hits. he wouldnt b so quick to make fun of us. and God bless yall fitin for our freedoms”

Trevor Noah made comments towards Canadian truck drivers who have lost their jobs which didn’t sit well with Mitchell. In the full video, Mitchell goes on to say he’s willing to take on Noah with his hands behind his back and that any money that would potentially be made from this fight would all be going to charity.

Bryce Mitchell Vs. Edson Barboza

Although Bryce Mitchell clearly wants to take on Trevor Noah in a charity fight later down the line, he’s got an immense obstacle to try and get through at UFC 272 in the form of Edson Barboza. Mitchell will be looking to extend his unbeaten streak to 15-0 and his stint inside the UFC to 6-0 with a victory over the Brazilian. Barboza an experienced veteran inside the cage will be looking to bounce back from his TKO loss to Giga Chikadze and hopes to take some of the hype away from Bryce Mitchell and use it to spur on his own aspirations as he enters his 27th fight in the promotion.

Who do you see leaving with their hand raised at UFC 272?