Tag: UFC 267

Khamzat Chimaev Reveals Conor McGregor Inspired His MMA Career

It was natural to think that someday we would be seeing fighters in the UFC who were inspired by Conor McGregor, but few may have expected to hear that Khamzat Chimaev is one of them. Born in Chechnya and fighting out of Sweeden, Chimaev burst into the UFC scene in 2020, with three devastating wins […]

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It was natural to think that someday we would be seeing fighters in the UFC who were inspired by Conor McGregor, but few may have expected to hear that Khamzat Chimaev is one of them.

Born in Chechnya and fighting out of Sweeden, Chimaev burst into the UFC scene in 2020, with three devastating wins in two months, across two divisions, all while absorbing two strikes. This opened the door to a big opportunity for a fight with number two ranked welterweight Leon Edwards, but a severe case of COVID-19 kept him from fighting since his dramatic intro into the promotion.

Now, he’s set to return a year later against Li Jingliang at UFC 267 this weekend. Ahead of the fight, he spoke to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto about what initially brought him into the sport. Here, he explained that after being unable to continue his wrestling and sambo career, he was working to help support his large family. This is when he saw Conor McGregor’s rise to stardom and realized he could do just that.

“I was going home to a not so nice apartment. I have a big family, like mom, and my brothers and sisters, we lived in some apartment. Every morning before work I would go out running and I would see the big house, nice house, nice apartments, and I was feeling bad for my mother,” Chimaev said.

“I was always thinking ‘How am I going to get this money and get something for my mother so that she can be happy,’ you know? …

“I was watching (McGregor) fight, I was watching him fight Aldo… I was looking at that like ‘If these guys make so much money, like millions and this stuff, why can’t I? I am fighter, I am warrior, I have something inside, and I felt that when I was born. All the time I feel like something special inside of me, and (I wanted to) find some way to take this out and show the people.”

While this type of story of coming from poverty is not new in MMA, it is interesting to think that Khamzat Chimae’s decision to get into the sport was influenced by Conor McGregor. Now, he is one of the most hyped prospects the sport has ever seen, and it will be exciting to see how he looks in his return this weekend.

Check out the full interview with Khamzat Chimaev below:

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Bruce Buffer Misses First Numbered UFC Event Since 1996, Joe Martinez Takes UFC 267 Gig

UFC 267Iconic Octagon announcer, Bruce Buffer is set to miss his first flagship, numbered UFC event since UFC 11 back in September 1996 following a positive COVID-19 test result, with Joe A. Martinez slated to replace the 64-year-old for UFC 267 this weekend on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Buffer’s staggering streak of 255 straight […]

UFC 267

Iconic Octagon announcer, Bruce Buffer is set to miss his first flagship, numbered UFC event since UFC 11 back in September 1996 following a positive COVID-19 test result, with Joe A. Martinez slated to replace the 64-year-old for UFC 267 this weekend on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Buffer’s staggering streak of 255 straight numbered flagship events as Octagon announcer for the UFC has been snapped as a result of the positive novel coronavirus test result, with former WEC lead, Martinez replacing him for this weekend before Buffer returns at UFC 268.

Play-by-play lead, Jon Anik will take the reigns on commentary duty, with former undisputed heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier and former lightweight contender, Paul Felder joining as part of a three-man booth as color commentators. Per MMA Junkie, longtime color commentator, Joe Rogan is slated to return to the commentary booth next weekend for UFC 268 — with his last appearance coming at UFC 266 in September. 

Anik is also slated to work the analyst desk alongside former middleweight and light heavyweight title challenger, Chael Sonnen, as well as ESPN MMA reporter, Brett Okamoto. 

Serving in a roving reporter role, usual play-by-play commentator, John Gooden makes his return, where he will provide live updates during fight night as well as interview athletes post and pre-fight backstage at the Etihad Arena. 

UFC 267 features a championship doubleheader as well as a pivotal lightweight showdown

UFC 267 features an undisputed light heavyweight title fight between reigning division champion, Jan Blachowicz and the #1 ranked contender, Glover Teixeira — with the latter looking to strike gold at the second time of trying under the promotion’s banner.

In the night’s co-headliner, former undisputed bantamweight champion, Petr Yan is slated to meet with Elevation Fight Team mainstay, Cory Sandhagen with interim bantamweight spoils up for grabs.
In a pivotal lightweight matchup prior to our championship doubleheader, surging lightweight contender, the #5 ranked, Islam Makhachev looks to lodge his third victory of this year as he draws the #6 rated short-notice replacement, Dan Hooker.

UFC 267: Three Under-The-Radar Fights

The UFC is headed back to Abu Dhabi, and the stacked UFC 267 event has left some fight gems unearthed. This weekend all eyes are on Fight Island. The UFC will double down on title fights as interim bantamweight gold will be fought for when Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen meet under the bright lights. […]

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The UFC is headed back to Abu Dhabi, and the stacked UFC 267 event has left some fight gems unearthed.

This weekend all eyes are on Fight Island. The UFC will double down on title fights as interim bantamweight gold will be fought for when Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen meet under the bright lights. Spoiled with riches in an exclusive presentation, the main event pits Brazil’s Glover Teixeira, who is adamant that he will not be denied his final title opportunity against Jan B?achowicz.

Three fights, in particular, stand out at UFC 267 that might be flying under the radar. With a pair of title bouts and the return of the surging Khamzat Chimaev, there is plenty to get excited about. The 9-0 viral sensation looks to re-cement his status as one of the scariest prospects at 170-pounds. The Chechnya native will face a tough out when his showdown with China’s Jingliang Li comes full circle.

As the month of October draws to a close, a cold front of violence awaits. Let’s take a closer look at three contests buried on this epic night of fights.

Amanda Ribas vs. Virna Jandiroba

A strawweight battle between Amanda Ribas and Virna Jandiroba will produce a contender among a busy stable of fighters at 115-pounds. The pair of strawweight athletes made their way into the UFC in 2019 but started careers off in different manners.

“Carcará” was tasked with a difficult debut. Jandiroba faced inaugural former champion Carla Esparza but came up short in a unanimous decision defeat. Within a year of losing her UFC debut, Jandiroba met adversity head-on and picked up her first two victories with the promotion.

As a former Invicta champion, Jandiroba made a career with her submission skills. Interestingly, the 33-year-old first started combat when she was a child practicing kung fu. Nevertheless, it was her affinity for grappling sequences that set her name ablaze in the combat sports community.

Amanda Ribas will meet Jandiroba in a 115-pound contest on Saturday. Despite the recent setback against Marina Rodriguez, Amanda Ribas has shown toughness and a tactical tenacity when she fights in the Octagon. A tale of two different debuts, Ribas made waves with her first performance in the UFC. The strawweight debutante finished Emily Whitmire with a rear-naked choke in round two.

Granted, Amanda Ribas is a well-rounded strawweight, it will take a committed effort in the standup department to uproot Jandiroba from her game. Since Jandiroba is more than willing to take the fight to the canvas, one of Ribas’ notable strengths will be nullified once the two touch gloves.

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Volkan Oezdemir

A hard-hitting light heavyweight match-up will illuminate a clear path for whoever should emerge with a victory. Oezdemir, having lost his last bout to Ji?í Procházka, will need a statement win if he intends to put himself back on the hunt for gold.

Volkan Oezdemir fighting Ji?í Procházka

Ankalaev seeks his seventh consecutive win after going scorched earth following his dramatic defeat to Paul Craig in 2018. Both light heavyweights are notable strikers with power produced even in their glancing shots. With such a long-standing winning streak, Ankalaev will risk it all when he faces a former title challenger at UFC 267. Though, ahead of the contest, Oezdemir is adamant that it will be Ankalaev looking to avoid the action.

With the frantic nature of his last fight against Procházka, many believe we have yet to see the best “No Time” has to offer. In 2017, Oezdemir earned his moniker after finishing Misha Cirkunov and Jimi Manuwa in under thirty seconds. The Switzerland native has the chance to become the second fighter in history to defeat Ankalaev when they share the cage on Saturday night.

Alexander Volkov vs. Marcin Tybura

Alexander Volkov Marcin Tybura
(via Zuffa LLC)

Marcin Tybura has amassed a quiet but revealing winning streak. Having won his last five bouts, the heavyweight has blasted through some legitimate contenders as of late. In fact, Tybura picked up four of his most recent victories in 2020. After scoring back-to-back decision victories against Maxim Grishin and Ben Rothwell, it seemed the 35-year-old was beginning to find his footing at 265-pounds.

Following his ground-and-pound victory against Greg Hardy, the division and fans alike took notice of the heavyweight’s stellar performance. Putting an exclamation point on his claim for a title contender, Tybura polished off Walt Harris in a single round. Once again, it was the heavyweight’s patented ground-and-pound that got the job done.

However, Tybura will have a challenging night when he meets Alexander Volkov at UFC 267. As a former Bellator and M-1 heavyweight champion, “Drago” will put those former accolades on the line informally when he squares up with Tybura this weekend. Despite Volkov losing his last fight, the defeat came at the hands of Ciryl Gane, and the bout showcased a tactical chess match.

While Volkov was unable to effectively land on Gane, he went the distance with the interim heavyweight champion. As a decorated kickboxer with excellent takedown defense, Volkov will be Tybura’s most puzzling UFC test to date. Alexander Volkov’s striking is difficult to prepare for, and with length and reach not often seen in the UFC, Tybura will need to be defensively sound to avoid fight-ending damage.

What fight at UFC 267 is going under the radar for you?

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Hasbulla Sends Message To Dan Hooker Ahead Of UFC 267: ‘I Smash You, Be Careful’

HasbullaSocial media star, Hasbulla Magomedov is slated to be in attendance this weekend at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. UAE to cheer on and support his fellow countryman, lightweight contender, Islam Makhachev on ‘Fight Island’ — and has sent a warning message to his opponent, Dan Hooker. Reports emerged earlier this week detailing how Hasbulla […]

Hasbulla

Social media star, Hasbulla Magomedov is slated to be in attendance this weekend at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. UAE to cheer on and support his fellow countryman, lightweight contender, Islam Makhachev on ‘Fight Island’ — and has sent a warning message to his opponent, Dan Hooker.

Reports emerged earlier this week detailing how Hasbulla would be in attendance at the Etihad Arena for the UFC 267 event in the promotion’s return to UAE for the first time since a trio of events back in January of this year.

The social media star is slated to support his fellow Russian, lightweight contender, Makhachev, who clashes with City Kickboxing favorite, Hooker in a pivotal 155lbs clash, following the removal of former lightweight kingpin, Rafael dos Anjos last month. 

With news of Hasbulla’s arrival on ‘Fight Island’ surfacing, the aforenoted, Hooker claimed that he was bringing another social media influencer, Abdu Rozik, a rival or Hasbulla to Abu Dhabi in support of him during his media availability earlier this week.

“Who’s the other bloke?” Hooker asked of Rozik. “Who’s the guy on my team? Abdu! Abdu’s on my team. I’ve got a horse in the race now. I’m training my boy, Abdu, no word of a lie.“

“Abdu [Rozik] is on my team,” Hooker joked. “I’ve got a horse in the race now. I’m training my boy, Abdu… I’m not even sh*tting. Abdu is on my team, Hasbulla [Magomedov] can be on his [Islam Makhachev’s] team. He’s picked his horse. He picked the losing horse. Game on, baby.“

In response to Hooker this afternoon, Hasbulla posted a video directed at the Auckland, New Zealand striker, warning him to be careful, as well as claiming he would “smash” the lightweight contender.

“Dan Hooker — listen to me, my brother,” Hasbulla said. “I smash you. Be careful.“

UFC president Dana White excited to meet with Hasbulla ahead of UFC 267 on ‘Fight Island’

In a video message sent to UFC president, Dana White, Hasbulla warned the promotional leader of his impending arrival on ‘Fight Island”. “Dana White — I’m coming to UFC Abu Dhabi,” Hasbulla said. “See you, and be ready.“

Flying to Abu Dhabi, UAE — White responded, claiming he was excited to meet the 18-year-old. “Hasbulla [Magomedov] — I’m on the plane, I’m on Etihad (Airways) right now on the way to Abu Dhabi. I cannot wait for our meeting. And I cannot wait to see you.“

Glover Teixeira Would Not Immediately Retire After UFC 267 Title Win

Glover Teixeira is heading into the end of his fighting career and he knows it. With over ten years in the UFC and 20 fights, Glover Teixeira is nearing the end of his career. The ultimate feather in his cap would be winning the light heavyweight title against Jan Blackowicz at UFC 267. That is […]

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Glover Teixeira is heading into the end of his fighting career and he knows it.

With over ten years in the UFC and 20 fights, Glover Teixeira is nearing the end of his career. The ultimate feather in his cap would be winning the light heavyweight title against Jan Blackowicz at UFC 267. That is the plan for Teixeira, but if he wins the title in Abu Dhabi, he won’t immediately hang up his gloves. He wants to defend the title a bit before retirement.

“It’s not easy at this age. So I say another year, maybe,” Teixeira told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour. “I’ll say this title fight and maybe defending the title one or two times next year, and call it a day, you know what I mean?”

Teixeira’s last title fight was back in 2014 when he lost to Jon Jones. He has worked hard and fought some of the best to ensure he would get one more shot at the belt. When he finally gets his hands on the belt he isn’t going to let it go so easily.

“I feel like if you win the title, you have to defend it,” Teixeira said. “You have to defend it; you have to go out there and defend the belt. Everything’s possible, man. Like Cormier was doing amazing at an early age, why (did) he stop? Because he knows how hard it is to fight at that level at that age.”

Today, just two days before his big UFC 267 fight, Teixeira turned 42. Teixeira mention Cormier, who retired at 41. He was also at the top of his game when he walked away, but for Teixeira, it seems he has more in the tank. Over the last three years, he has strung together five amazing wins, four of which were finishes. Now at 42, he is still submitting guys much younger than him.

Do you think Glover Teixeira can beat Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi?

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Islam Makhachev Won’t Look Back To RDA Fight After UFC 267

UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev doesn’t plan on revisiting his rivalry with Rafael dos Anjos if he emerges victorious against Dan Hooker at UFC 267. In a similar fashion to his teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov’s matchup with Tony Ferguson, Makhachev’s feud with dos Anjos appears to be a cursed one that will never see the inside […]

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UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev doesn’t plan on revisiting his rivalry with Rafael dos Anjos if he emerges victorious against Dan Hooker at UFC 267.

In a similar fashion to his teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov’s matchup with Tony Ferguson, Makhachev’s feud with dos Anjos appears to be a cursed one that will never see the inside of the Octagon.

The Dagestani was originally set to face the former UFC Lightweight Champion at UFC 254 last October, a card headlined by Khabib’s final career appearance. After the Brazilian tested positive for COVID-19, the bout was postponed. The pairing was kept intact and was made the main event of a Fight Night event in November. Just six days before the headlining clash, Makhachev was forced to withdraw due to a staph infection.

After a victory for dos Anjos over Paul Felder, and two wins over Drew Dober and Thiago Moisés in 2021 for Makhachev, the top-10 lightweights were once again matched up against each other. Their previous failed attempts to meet in the cage, combined with the verbal jabs the pair took at each other on social media, made the anticipation for their UFC 267 fight high.

Perhaps proving that third time lucky is a myth, the booking collapsed yet again towards the end of last month. After undergoing surgery, dos Anjos pulled out of the event. In his place has stepped up Dan Hooker. Just days out from his UFC 266 victory over Nasrat Haqparast, “The Hangman” accepted the short-notice bout and will be looking to derail the Makhachev hype train in Abu Dhabi this Saturday.

Makhachev Closes The Door On Dos Anjos Rivalry

Makhachev will now be facing a higher ranked opponent on October 30. Along with many, the #5-ranked contender believes a victory over Hooker will secure his place opposite the champion in 2022. That’s despite fellow top five’s Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler preparing to collide next weekend at UFC 268.

Ahead of his third Octagon outing of the year, Makhachev appeared at UFC 267 media day on Wednesday. The 30-year-old was asked whether he could see himself eventually facing dos Anjos after this weekend’s event. In response, Makhachev suggested he’d gain nothing from facing the Brazilian if he gets past Hooker.

“After this fight, I don’t think that dos Anjos is good idea for me. I have to (be) looking forward for someone from top three or if they give me title fight I’m gonna be ready.”

Makhachev had similar sentiments for Tony Ferguson, who he revealed was offered the short-notice UFC 267 bout but didn’t answer the call. It’s clear that with a victory at the Etihad Arena on Saturday, the surging lightweight contender will have his eyes set on a championship opportunity, or at the very least a title eliminator.

Should the winner of UFC 268’s Chandler vs. Gaethje fight earn the right to face the champ next, perhaps a clash with #3-ranked Beneil Dariush will be the next step for Makhachev.

Who would you like to see Islam Makhachev face if he defeats Dan Hooker this weekend?

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