Tag: TUF

Tony Ferguson Gets a Vicious Response From Khabib Following His ’29-1? Comment

Tony FergusonTony Ferguson got a response from longtime rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, the latest in a series of verbal jabs lobbed at one another recently. Nurmagomedov and Ferguson were scheduled to face each other in the Octagon no less than five times, but the bout never came to fruition for a variety of reasons. With Nurmagomedov happily […]

Tony Ferguson

Tony Ferguson got a response from longtime rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, the latest in a series of verbal jabs lobbed at one another recently.

Nurmagomedov and Ferguson were scheduled to face each other in the Octagon no less than five times, but the bout never came to fruition for a variety of reasons. With Nurmagomedov happily retired and Ferguson looking for ways to recover from a four-fight losing streak, we’ll likely never see the two square off in the cage. However, both fighters have expressed interest in coaching on opposite sides for a season of The Ultimate Fighter. 

The possibility of ‘The Eagle’ and ‘El Cucuy’ competing as coaches on TUF seems to have rekindled the rivalry. Ferguson got things going by taking a jab at the former champion, comparing him to pop star Justin Bieber.

“Hey Khabieber, you done with your world tour yet About time you man up and face a real coaches’ challenge. How about a pie-eating contest fatty? Nom nom nom, time’s time to make some real nose buddy foo foo, 29-1. I win – the champ.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson Have Reignited Their Long-Running Feud

Nurmagomedov clapped back tweeting, “I’m waiting for you to wake up,” referring to the brutal knockout Ferguson suffered against Michael Chandler at UFC 274 in May. 

Fans online are certainly enjoying the verbal sparring between the two lightweight icons. Even UFC president Dana White has taken notice, admitting that he is open to the idea of the two coaching on a season of The Ultimate Fighter. With fans generally unhappy with the lackluster season of TUF currently airing, Nurmagomedov and Ferguson could be exactly what the series needs to return to its glory days.

Would you like to see Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson coach on The Ultimate Fighter?

Khabib Nurmagomedov Agrees To Coach Opposite Tony Ferguson On The Ultimate Fighter

Tony FergusonThe long-standing rivalry between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov appears to be far from over. Between 2015 and 2020, Nurmagomedov and Ferguson were scheduled to square off a total of five times, but they never made it to the Octagon for varying reasons. The two were first set to compete at The Ultimate Fighter season […]

Tony Ferguson

The long-standing rivalry between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov appears to be far from over.

Between 2015 and 2020, Nurmagomedov and Ferguson were scheduled to square off a total of five times, but they never made it to the Octagon for varying reasons. The two were first set to compete at The Ultimate Fighter season 22 finale. Seven years later, Ferguson and Nurmagomedov are still eager to close the book on one of MMA’s biggest what-ifs. 

During an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Ferguson laid down another challenge to ‘The Eagle’, this time as opposing coaches on a season of The Ultimate Fighter.

“I believe that when his dad [Khabib’s] said we were supposed to compete, I believe that. I would love to be able to coach against him in The Ultimate Fighter, how about that? You know, best man wins on the team. I guarantee my coaching is a lot better than yours, Khabib. Not a lot of people understand that.”

After hearing of Ferguson’s comments, Nurmagomedov appeared to accept the challenge and even offered Ferguson the opportunity to step inside the Eagle FC cage. 

“Tony I like the idea about TUF, call your bosses and let them make an offer, but if they don’t have ideas, I myself will offer you a deal on the [Eagle FC] platform, we doing some business here you know,” Nurmagomedov tweeted.

Tony Ferguson Snaps Back on Twitter

Shortly after Khabib posted his response to the challenge, Tony Ferguson snapped back at the former lightweight champion and stirred the pot even more.

“We’re Private Contractors Fathead Remember? We Can Smell Ya From All The Way Over Here Lay Of The Sweets Meat Head,” Ferguson replied. “Now You Work For Me, BTW You Still Owe Me 200K & 20 Push-Up For The Homeless Keep Runnin’ It’s Tiramisu Tuesday- Champ -CSO- Merica MF.”

Following the successful defense of his lightweight championship at UFC 254, Nurmagomedov retired from the sport with an undefeated record of 29-0. Since then, ‘The Eagle’ has turned his attention to coaching fighters including lightweight contender Islam Makhachev.

Once considered the two best lightweights in the world, the highly anticipated match between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov never materialized due to injuries, weight cutting issues and COVID. It appears there now may be a way for fans to finally see the two lightweight icons go toe-to-toe.

Would you like to see Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov compete on The Ultimate Fighter?

Peña Admits She’s Going To Be The Most Annoying Cornerperson Ever

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña has sent a warning ahead of the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter: expect noise. Having won gold on MMA’s biggest stage in memorable fashion last December, Peña is set to return to her roots ahead of her first title defense later this year. Opposite Amanda Nunes, whom she…

Continue Reading Peña Admits She’s Going To Be The Most Annoying Cornerperson Ever at MMA News.

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña has sent a warning ahead of the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter: expect noise.

Having won gold on MMA’s biggest stage in memorable fashion last December, Peña is set to return to her roots ahead of her first title defense later this year. Opposite Amanda Nunes, whom she dethroned at UFC 269, “The Venezuelan Vixen” will feature as a coach on this year’s edition of TUF, a reality show she won back in 2013.

At the culmination of the series, which premieres tomorrow night (May 3), Peña and Nunes will meet inside the Octagon for the second time.

As well as prepping for her rematch with the consensus female MMA GOAT, Peña will have had the challenge of developing and preparing her team for their own pursuit of a place in the UFC.

Given her vocal nature and confidence on the mic, it’ll perhaps come as no surprise that Peña’s boisterous personality shines through when she’s working with her pupils, something she’s warned viewers to expect when she’s present in her fighters’ corner.

Peña: “You’re Gonna Hear Me”

During a media scrum prior to the filming of TUF 30, Peña discussed her coaching stint, and how much she expects her competitive nature to transition to the different role.

After claiming that she’s a sought-after mind when it comes to being in the corner of local fighters, “The Venezuelan Vixen” suggested that’s down to two things: intelligence and volume.

With that in mind, the champion gave an early indication of the “annoying” presence fans can expect from her when watching Team Peña in action this season.

“When it comes to fighting, and I’ll just throw this forewarning out there, where I’m from, people would like, beg me to be their corner,” said Peña. “And I think it’s because they respect me as a fighter, but I also think it’s because I’m very loud. I have a very loud voice. It carries.

Video: Julianna Pena Goes "Full Blast" For Tate vs. Nunes At UFC 200

“So they would ask me to be in their corner because they know that if they get in a pinch, not only do I know what I’m talking about, I’m very loud and they’re gonna be able to hear me.

“So I’m just throwing it out there, please, caution to the wind, I’m probably gonna be the most annoying corner on Earth. However, if these fighters are fighting the way they should, and if they’re doing what they should be doing, you won’t hear a peep outta me.”

In an ideal world, Peña says her fighters would do everything perfectly and her advice won’t be needed. But given the developmental nature of TUF, it seems safe to say that we can expect some “squawking” from the bantamweight queen throughout this year’s edition.

“I want to make sure that they’re the best fighters that they can possibly be, and so I’m gonna get them ready for these fights in the short amount of time that we have. I’m gonna hope that I’m not squawking like a bird in their corner and they’re just gonna do their thing, and that they know what they’re doing. But, of course, with that being said, you’re gonna hear me,” concluded Peña.

Are you excited for this year’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, coached by Julianna Peña and Amanda Nunes?

Continue Reading Peña Admits She’s Going To Be The Most Annoying Cornerperson Ever at MMA News.

Nunes Tells Peña To Enjoy Champion Status While It Lasts

Amanda Nunes has warned UFC Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña to enjoy her title reign while it lasts. The war of words ahead of their highly anticipated rematch has already begun with Nunes giving some advice to her foe as well as a warning that she will regain her belt when the time comes. “That Belt’s…

Continue Reading Nunes Tells Peña To Enjoy Champion Status While It Lasts at MMA News.

Amanda Nunes has warned UFC Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña to enjoy her title reign while it lasts.

The war of words ahead of their highly anticipated rematch has already begun with Nunes giving some advice to her foe as well as a warning that she will regain her belt when the time comes.

“That Belt’s Mine. I’m Coming For It”

From Amanda Nunes’ Twitter

The UFC recently announced the 30th season of its The Ultimate Fighter series, which will be starring the bantamweight stars. Both fighters will coach the season, which involves contestants of fighters from both heavyweight and women’s flyweight weight classes.

During a recent media scrum ahead of UFC 271, Nunes spoke to reporters regarding the recent TUF announcement as well as reflecting on her loss at UFC 269.

The current UFC featherweight champion is expecting Peña to exchange words with her on the series making for a more heated rivalry come the rematch.

“Yeah. I always expect that she’s talking,” Nunes said. “Actually, she has changed a little bit. She wants to look like the nice champion now.

“So, I give her a little bit of credit (for) slowing down a little bit. Because when you have that thing, it’s not like, a simple thing. You have to really be careful and think about what comes out your mouth. I’ve paid for that before.”

She continued to go into detail on how different life is as a champion once the belt has been captured while also warning Peña that she will be coming for the belt when the time comes.

“You have a lot of people who look up to you,” continued Nunes. “You’re in the public eyes now. I’ve been there before and I know how exciting it is, like TV shows; all those things. I know she’s very excited about all those things. But at the end of the day, you have to keep up with that, and I know in the rematch we’re gonna take that back. She’s having a good time right now.

“Enjoy every single day with that belt because that belt’s mine. I’m coming for it”

While having lost her bantamweight belt, Nunes still remains a champion at featherweight, meaning their rematch—which is set to happen sometime later this year—will be a head-to-head, champion vs champion clash in what will be one of the biggest women’s MMA fights in history.

Do you agree with Amanda Nunes that Juliana Peña’s reign as champion will soon be over?

Continue Reading Nunes Tells Peña To Enjoy Champion Status While It Lasts at MMA News.

Jorge Masvidal Loves The Sound Of Coaching TUF With Colby Covington

Jorge Masvidal is open to the idea of coaching on The Ultimate Fighter opposite Colby Covington.

Jorge Masvidal has one objective in mind, getting another shot at champion Kamaru Usman. However, on his quest for the title shot, he might have to ma…

Jorge Masvidal Colby Covington

Jorge Masvidal is open to the idea of coaching on The Ultimate Fighter opposite Colby Covington.

Jorge Masvidal has one objective in mind, getting another shot at champion Kamaru Usman. However, on his quest for the title shot, he might have to make a few stops along the way. Masvidal was scheduled for a bout against Leon Edwards later this year but an injury has pulled him from that fight. While healing up from the injury, what could Masvidal do? Perhaps coach The Ultimate Fighter?

After the loss to Usman, Colby Covington stated that he would need some time off to heal up. When asked if coaching TUF against Masvidal would interest him, he said yes. Now that the idea is out there, Masvidal was asked the same question. Here is the answer he gave to The MMA Hour.

“Hell yeah, love the sound of that. Some she say, he say, they say, but as long as they’re putting money in my pocket, I don’t care. I’ve done TV for a while, like reality TV and all that, so I know what this entails. This is so much harder for me than being in the fucking gym, because they’re going to ask me to do that again. Can you meet like this, can you… like bro, leave me the fuck alone,” Masvidal said.

Masvidal and Covington have a history together. They were training partners and roommates when they were younger. Those days are long gone, and the animosity between them continues to grow. If an opportunity comes through for them to settle their differences, they would finally have the chance to hash out all their feelings.

“I will have to have a nice, handsome reward if I’m going to be doing some shit like that,” Masvidal said. “Like six weeks, you’ve gotta pay me money if you want to see some coaching out of Gamebred.”

Both men are characters that fit well in The Ultimate Fighter format. Some drama and some fun are what the coaches on that show need to get the fans to tune in. Both Masvidal and Covington have just that and more. They are some of the biggest personalities in the welterweight division and perhaps in the entire UFC. A show featuring them pinned up against each other would make for some great TV.

Would you want to watch a season of The Ultimate Fighter featuring Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington?

Continue Reading Jorge Masvidal Loves The Sound Of Coaching TUF With Colby Covington at MMA News.

The Ultimate Fighter Season 29: Episode 1 Highlights

The Ultimate FighterThe Ultimate Fighter is back from it’s 3 year hiatus with a new group of fighters vying for a UFC contract. The reality show has long served as a pipeline for new talent to make their way to the UFC. Forrest Griffin, Michael Bisping and Rose Namajunas all used the platform to get their foot […]

The Ultimate Fighter

The Ultimate Fighter is back from it’s 3 year hiatus with a new group of fighters vying for a UFC contract.

The reality show has long served as a pipeline for new talent to make their way to the UFC. Forrest Griffin, Michael Bisping and Rose Namajunas all used the platform to get their foot in the door before becoming world champions.

This season, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and number-one contender Brian Ortega will coach teams of middleweight and bantamweight fighters trying to fulfill their dreams.

The first episode started off with Dana White talking about how this season will be different. Instead of taking place in the old TUF gym, this season will be held inside the UFC APEX facility (H/T MMA Junkie).

“This facility we’re in was built and designed for fighting,” White said. “We spared no expense to make sure that these guys have the best equipment, all of the top-of-the-line stuff they’re gonna need to succeed.”

With the fighters introduced to their coaches, they broke off into groups to be evaluated. There will be no fights to get into the house this season, so coaches will have to go by what they see in training to pick their teams.

“We literally – just the day before – that was the only time we knew about the contestants,” Volkanovski said. “We only had a little bit of time to study who might be on our team or whose going to be here competing. So that’s why seeing them in the actual gym gave us a bit of information too.”

“We’re looking for more than just athletes,” Volkanovski added. “Are they coachable?”

Ortega and his coaches took a much more direct approach, asking the fighters bluntly, “Which team do you want to be on?” Ortega said afterwards that a number of fighters did not want to join Team Volkanovski.

With the evaluation period out of the way, White brought the coaches together to pick teams. Volkanovski won the coin toss, and opted to select the first fighter, which means Ortega will get to choose the first fight. In order of selection, Team Volkanovski is as follows:

  1. Mitch Raposo, 5-0 BW
  2. Ryder Newman, 3-1 MW
  3. Dustin Lampros, 5-0 BW
  4. Gilbert Urbina, 6-1 MW
  5. Ricky Turcois, 10-2 BW
  6. Aaron Phillips, 5-2 MW
  7. Brady Hiestand, 5-1 BW
  8. Bryan Battle, 5-1 MW

Representing Team Ortega will be:

  1. Dan Argueta, 5-0 BW
  2. Andre Petroski, 5-1 MW
  3. Liudvik Sholinian, 9-1-1 BW
  4. Tresean Gore, 3-0 MW
  5. Josh Rettinghouse, 16-5 BW
  6. Miles Hunsinger, 7-0 MW
  7. Vincent Murdock, 12-4 BW
  8. Kemran Lachinov, 10-3 MW

For the first fight, Ortega chose to pit his number-one middleweight Andre Petroski against Aaron Phillips. Petroski has a grappling background, and Ortega felt Phillips had the worst ground game on the show, which led to the pairing.

After the fighters moved into the house and got to know each other, there were the usual training montages that led into the first fight of the season. As per the rules of The Ultimate Fighter, all fights will be two 5-minute rounds with the possibility of a third if needed.

The first round started off slowly, as Petroski landed a number of long distance shots while Phillips circled and waited for the opportunity to counter. With around 90 seconds remaining, Petroski shot in on a single-leg takedown. Phillips did well to defend initially, but once the fight hit the mat, Petroski was able to lock in a guillotine and transition into mount. The tap-out came at 4:42 of the first round.

As Volkanovski picked the first fighters in both weight classes, Ortega will also pick the second fight. He opts to go after Volkanovski’s first overall pick, Mitch Raposo, pitting him against Liudvik Sholinian.

Who do you think will win this season of The Ultimate Fighter?