Cory Sandhagen has issued his first statement after losing to Petr Yan at UFC 267.
The UFC 267 co-main event between Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen lived up to the hype and then some. In one of the more stacked fight cards of the year, it doesn’t come…
Cory Sandhagen has issued his first statement after losing to Petr Yan at UFC 267.
The UFC 267 co-main event between Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen lived up to the hype and then some. In one of the more stacked fight cards of the year, it doesn’t come as much surprise that these two masters of their craft took home Fight of the Night.
As sweet as an extra “50 Gs” is for anybody, that’s not what Sandhagen came to Abu Dhabi to take back home. “The Sandman” was hoping to defeat former undisputed champion Petr Yan, whom many believe to be the best bantamweight in the company. If successful, he could arguably stake his own claim to being the #1 bantamweight in the UFC, if not the entire world.
In the end, as valiantly as he fought and as thrillingly as he performed, it was Petr Yan who had his hand raised and waist wrapped again bantamweight gold. After the loss, Sandhagen took to Instagram to share his fresh thoughts with his supporters.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVq7fFtvKJQ/
“Tough sport. Hell of a fight, Yan. Learn. Get better. The ship keeps sailing. I’m gonna be champ one day.”
Despite losing two straight fights, Sandhagen’s long-term goal is certainly not out of reach. Coming into Saturday’s title bout as the #3-ranked bantamweight speaks to the trajectory this 29-year-old’s career is on and the promise that lies within his skill set. That said, now that he has lost to the top three bantamweights in the rankings, he will need to reassert himself once more. No matter who it is, after his last two classics, you can be sure the world will be watching.
Do you think Cory Sandhagen will be a UFC champion one day?
Aljamain Sterling has congratulated Petr Yan for his interim title victory at UFC 267, but feels their rematch will be a “very different fight.”
On Saturday, Yan defeated Cory Sandhagen in a thrilling back-and-forth war at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi…
Aljamain Sterling has congratulated Petr Yan for his interim title victory at UFC 267, but feels their rematch will be a “very different fight.”
On Saturday, Yan defeated Cory Sandhagen in a thrilling back-and-forth war at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. The Russian reminded everyone why he was once undisputed champ after putting on an impressive display of slick boxing to earn a 49-46 unanimous decision victory.
PHOTO: MMA JUNKIE
Yan’s victory now sets up a long-awaited matchup with bantamweight champ Sterling, who he was slated to meet at UFC 267 before injury forced the American out. The duo’s much publicized, increasingly bitter rivalry has loomed large over the 135-pound division since Sterling controversially dethroned Yan in their March title bout.
Sterling Offers Praise For Yan And Sandhagen On Twitter
However, following Yan’s victory, Sterling seemed to have placed their beef aside for just a moment. Taking to Twitter, the “Funk Master” offered his nemesis some rare praise—albeit while also taking a subtle jab.
Brilliant fight men! I have it 48-47 for Yan. You earned this first ass whooping! Rest up and enjoy the work you did. I’ll see you soon! #UFC267
“Brilliant fight men! I have it 48-47 for Yan. You earned this first ass whooping! Rest up and enjoy the work you did. I’ll see you soon!” tweeted Aljamain.
While impressed by both men’s performance, Sterling believes his rematch with Yan will look far different, and presumably, more one-sided in his favor.
Jon Jones has rubbed salt into the wounds of Jan Blachowicz following his title loss to Glover Teixeira at UFC 267.
After almost 20 years as a professional mixed martial artist, Teixeira on Saturday finally captured the UFC belt that had eluded him…
Jon Jones has rubbed salt into the wounds of Jan Blachowicz following his title loss to Glover Teixeira at UFC 267.
After almost 20 years as a professional mixed martial artist, Teixeira on Saturday finally captured the UFC belt that had eluded him for so long. The 42-year-old dominated Blachowicz, taking him to the ground with ease and finishing the fight with a rear-naked choke in round two. Teixeira, who lost to Jones in their 2014 title bout, is now the oldest UFC light heavyweight in history.
For Blachowicz, the loss ends his five-fight win-streak, which included victories over Corey Anderson, Dominick Reyes, and Israel Adesanya—the latter being his first and only title defense. The 38-year-old became the king of the 205-pound division last year after a devastating KO victory over Reyes—a matchup which resulted from Jones’ vacation of his long-held title.
PHOTO: BLEACHER REPORT
Jon Jones Slams Blachowicz For “Talking Shit”
Prior to vacating his title, Jones had flirted with the idea of fighting Blachowicz, and the duo seemed to have had a good-natured rivalry. But comments made by Blachowicz after Jones’ recent arrest—which the Pole predicted likely won’t be his last—seems to have ruffled the feathers of the former pound-for-pound king.
Only days ago did Jones make his return to Twitter, following a spell on the sidelines thanks to his recent legal imbroglio. And after Blachowicz’s loss on Saturday night, the widely-regarded MMA GOAT quickly took to the platform to slam his former rival.
See what happens when you’re talking shit, not focusing on the opponent right in front of you. Another one bites the dust ?????
“See what happens when you’re talking shit, not focusing on the opponent right in front of you. Another one bites the dust,” tweeted Jones.
Since his last UFC fight in March 2020, Jones’ interactions with fans have largely been restricted to his social media platforms. Prior to his recent brush with the law, the 34-year-old seemed to have been on track to make his heavyweight debut next year, eyeing a potential superfight with Francis Ngannou. While he continues his transition to becoming a heavyweight, it remains unclear if “Bones” will return to the Octagon any time soon.
What do you think? Will we ever see Jon Jones make his UFC heavyweight debut?
The Pulse of MMA: Fan Reactions To The Sport’s Biggest Stories
In this installment of The Pulse of MMA, we look at the raw reactions from MMA fans to Saturday’s UFC 267 event.
Tagir Ulanbekov def. Allan Nascimento by Split Decision
https://t…
The Pulse of MMA: Fan Reactions To The Sport’s Biggest Stories
In this installment of The Pulse of MMA, we look at the raw reactions from MMA fans to Saturday’s UFC 267 event.
Tagir Ulanbekov def. Allan Nascimento by Split Decision
Tagir Ulanbekov picks up the split decision over Allan Nascimento. Man, that was a really close one. Nascimento is legit. Ulanbekov celebrates with Hasbulla! #UFC267
— Valentina Shevchenko Turkey (@TurkeyValentina) October 30, 2021
Look at that long hard jab that opens Gazmatov guard and set up that beautiful clean and sharp uppercut. Beautiful performance overall for Oleksiejczuk pic.twitter.com/gxFpSr6VQk
Great performance by Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos. Benoit Saint Denis is so damn tough. And that ref shouldn't be allowed back out for the Ankalaev-Oezdemir fight. #UFC267
Wow. So, Elizeu Zaleski is one of the toughest humans imaginable. And that fight should have 10000 percent been stopped in the second round. Doesn't matter Zaleski managed to go the distance. With what that ref was looking at, you stop that fight every time.
Well that was @JasonHerzogMMA showing us what a ref should be doing. Jason, when you get a minute, can you give us your thoughts on the performance of referee Vyacheslav Kiselev? You might say one issue was a mistake, but there were several. ?? #UFC267#InAbuDhabi
Tukhugov just worked his jab beautifully and Ramos had his moments but never was able to get his timing. Great fight and I wouldn't be shocked if we see these two again down the line as they move up the ranks. #UFC267
This dude is ready to fight the whole fucking card tonight. He’ll fight and destroy Sean, Sean’s father and whoever else signs the dotted line. The only chance Coby has against Khamzat is if he is allowed to bring a fully loaded gun in the ring.
Khamzat Chimaev has aborbed only one significant strike in the first four fights of his #UFC career. That is a record that is going to stand for a long time. #UFC267pic.twitter.com/ngTXl5rNrv
Wow what a dominant performance by Islam Makhachev. He submitted Dan Hooker in 1st round with kimura. He wants to fight for title next.#UFC267Livepic.twitter.com/jAFO7e7yZY
Between the dillashaw and Yan fights,Sandhagen has been involved in two of the most high level MMA fights of all time all in the space of a year. What a beast
Yan is built for five rounds. Guy is a terminator. Starts slow, reads, then murders you. Exhausting pressure. Turns you in to a wrestler then out wrestles you. Doesn’t get tired. Good fucking luck beating that guy #UFC267
He did it! You're never to old to accomplish anything!!! Age truly is just a number but will and heart are timeless!!! #UFC267pic.twitter.com/SGOJ5u9f3Z
I like jan. But man this guy glover is a true warrior. He is the inspiration to many who thought they can't do something just because they are aged. What a legend #UFC267
Want to be featured in the next gambler’s edition of The Pulse of MMA? Be sure to tweet us your predictions for the next UFC card and let your voice be heard!
UFC 267 featured two title fights that crowned a new interim champion in Petr Yan and a new light-heavyweight champion in Glover Teixeira. The return of Khamzat Chimaev did not disappoint, and one of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s proteges made his claim in th…
UFC 267 featured two title fights that crowned a new interim champion in Petr Yan and a new light-heavyweight champion in Glover Teixeira. The return of Khamzat Chimaev did not disappoint, and one of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s proteges made his claim in the lightweight division.
There was a lot to take away from UFC 267, here are some things that stood out.
Return to Fight Island
UFC Fight Island
The UFC returns to the Etihad Arena at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. It seems like it’s been a while since the UFC had to use the location, but as the fight business moves forward in this “new normal”, the location will likely become a regular part of the UFC’s operations for a while, especially with the vaccine mandate required for anyone coming into the U.S. and not everyone on the same page when it comes to getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
All ESPN+
It’s still a pay per view but ESPN+ subscribers only had to pay their regular monthly fee and not a separate cost on top of their monthly subscription, like they normally do. This is likely due to the UFC mega card going on next weekend from Madison Square Garden that is UFC 268 and not to do UFC fans any favors. No one is going to buy two in a row.
Referee Vyacheslav Kiselev
You know it’s bad when you’re pulled from your assignment during a live event. The sport is violent, so safety has to be paramount and with the news of fighters dying recently in combat sports, pulling him was definitely the right move. It may have taken away from the win that Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos got over Benoît St. Denis, but it’s best if the problem gets solved now rather than later.
Khamzat Chimaev
Credit: Chris Unger
He may have been sick but anyone that doubted Chimaev and the hype he has behind him got a reminder when he returned in this event. Kamaru Usman has to deal with Colby Covington next week, but if he is only going to beat him again, who else is there left for him to fight but a guy like Chimaev?
Petr Yan Captures Interim Title
A five-round war ensued between Yan and Cory Sandhagen. Sandhagens’ reach advantage seemed troubling to Yan at the start but as he weathered the storm, his strategy of catching and returning fire would prove useful as he picked up the unanimous decision victory.
Islam Makhachev
The next great lightweight, it seems, is Makhachev, but there is always an asterisk next to the name of someone fighting someone that has any label like coming in on short notice. His original opponent was supposed to be Rafael dos Anjos but withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Dan Hooker. Hooker coming off a recent win and ranked at number six according to the UFC lightweight rankings made more sense for Makhachev than it did Hooker, but Hooker’s not a fan favorite because he turns down fights.
Still, the question of who is next always comes up after a win, and while Daniel Cormier thinks it should be Justin Gaethje, Gaethje has his own plans for UFC 268.
Give @MAKHACHEVMMA the title fight! I don’t even need to see who wins next week. This dude just killed it. Khabib said this was his MSG moment and boy did he not deliver. He’s gonna be the champ.
Yes, Yan won his interim bantamweight title but he is 28 years old and making his way in MMA. Dana White said in the post-fight press conference, “Glover Teixeira is and has been one of the toughest guys in the division.” So, to put in the time and get to this point at 42-years old, just after his birthday he accomplished what many thought he could not. What he does next, is up to him but for now, he proved that never giving up will always deliver.
There’s obviously more to take away from this event than what is listed here. With Teixeira now the king at light-heavyweight, does he defend or retire? Either would likely be fine for fans, and Yan holding the interim title, White confirmed it will be he and Aljamain Sterling for the undisputed title. UFC 268 goes down next week, so don’t get too cozy.
Jon Jones tweeted a message of support for his former adversary, Glover Teixeira following his incredible win over Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267. Teixeira utilized his wrestling and solid ground-and-pound to smother Blachowicz from the opening minutes of the fight, and would eventually earn a submission victory in Round 2. Jones and Teixeira competed nearly […]
Jon Jones tweeted a message of support for his former adversary, Glover Teixeira following his incredible win over Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267.
Teixeira utilized his wrestling and solid ground-and-pound to smother Blachowicz from the opening minutes of the fight, and would eventually earn a submission victory in Round 2. Jones and Teixeira competed nearly eight years ago at UFC 172, with Jones earning the unanimous decision victory.
Now, Jones has left the light heavyweight division that he once ruled, opening the doors to top fighters such as Teixeira and Blachowicz to make a name for themselves. After watching Teixeira make history, Jones was ecstatic for him finally realizing a championship dream at 42 years old.
Jon Jones congratulated Glover Teixeira on his win over Jan Blachowicz for the UFC light heavyweight title
Yo Glover you are a real G my friend, so happy for you. Let’s go Brazil!
Shortly after congratulating Teixeira, Jones would go on a tirade and roasted Blachowicz, who had recently criticized Jones for his latest legal issues.
See what happens when you’re talking shit, not focusing on the opponent right in front of you. Another one bites the dust
Jones and Blachowicz also have their respective history, after Blachowicz called out Jones following his win over Corey Anderson at UFC Fight Night: Rio Rancho. It was expected that Blachowicz would face Jones next for the title, but Jones would then vacate the belt in hopes of a run at heavyweight.
Teixeira earned the light heavyweight title after back-to-back wins over top contenders such as Thiago Santos and Anthony Smith. After trading wins and losses between 2017 and 2018, Teixeira went on a run of a lifetime and becomes the second champion since Jones vacated the belt.
Teixeira will more than likely face Jiri Prochazka next for his first title defense, while Jones is continuing to prepare for a UFC return sometime next year. He’s been at odds with the UFC brass and has dealt with recent legal issues.
What are your thoughts on Jon Jones congratulating Glover Teixeira?
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Jon Jones tweeted a message of support for his former adversary, Glover Teixeira following his incredible win over Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267. Teixeira utilized his wrestling and solid ground-and-pound to smother Blachowicz from the opening minutes of the fight, and would eventually earn a submission victory in Round 2. Jones and Teixeira competed nearly […]