Covington Backs “Efficient” Gane To Show Ngannou’s Quit At UFC 270

UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington has given his prediction for the upcoming UFC 270 heavyweight main event between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane.

Covington, who knows a thing or two about championship headliners, will no doubt be watching…

Colby Covington, Ciryl Gane, Francis Ngannou

UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington has given his prediction for the upcoming UFC 270 heavyweight main event between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane.

Covington, who knows a thing or two about championship headliners, will no doubt be watching intently like the rest of the MMA community when two of the world’s best heavyweights meet inside the Octagon. The collision is fueled by gym drama, a contractual dispute, and a clash of styles.

Ngannou, the reigning champion, will be defending his gold for the first time on January 22. He won the belt in a rematch with Stipe Miocic last March. However, he’s been on the sidelines ever since, embroiled in a public feud with the UFC over his treatment and current deal.

While “The Predator” has been occupied by matters away from the cage, Gane has been climbing the ranks and putting himself in position to dethrone his former MMA factory teammate. With three main event wins in 2021, “Bon Gamin” extended his unblemished record to 10-0 and had interim gold wrapped around his waist as an unbeaten fighter.

Covington: Gane Will Wear Ngannou Down

The first pay-per-view main event of 2022 will pit together the classic heavyweight style versus the new breed. The question is, can Ngannou’s immense power get the better of Gane’s technical skill and hit and not be hit mindset? Colby “Chaos” Covington has provided his answer.

Speaking to combat sports journalist Helen Yee, the former interim welterweight titleholder suggested Gane will be able to use his footwork and efficient style to tire out “The Predator,” who will no doubt be looking to wind up for a big KO shot throughout.

“That’s a tough one (to predict). I think Ciryl will get him. I think that his footwork and the way he moves around, kickboxes, and he’s really efficient with his energy. He’s not like, looking to load up and knock you out like Francis is. I think he’ll wear Francis out.”

Covington also cited Ngannou’s loss to Miocic at UFC 220 in 2018 as evidence the champ has quit in him, something he believes “Bon Gamin” will show come January 22.

“We’ve seen in the past that Francis has that quit in him. The first Stipe fight he had a lot of quit in him, and he put his head down and you could just see he gassed out. All that muscle, you need a lot of oxygen to get to that muscle. My official prediction, I think Gane gets the heavyweight title.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUDHthMsRuP/

Having already joined the likes of Cain Velasquez, Israel Adesanya, and Khabib Nurmagomedov in the elite club of undefeated titleholders, Gane will look to go one step further later this month by becoming the first French-born undisputed champion in UFC history.

Do you agree with Colby Covington’s prediction for Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane?

Continue Reading Covington Backs “Efficient” Gane To Show Ngannou’s Quit At UFC 270 at MMA News.

EXCLUSIVE | Brandon Royval Willing To Serve As UFC 270 Backup

Brandon RoyvalUFC flyweight contender Brandon Royval is ready and willing to serve as the backup to the Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo trilogy if anything happens ahead of UFC 270. Royval is just days removed from an impressive win over Rogerio Bontorin at UFC Vegas 46, earning a split decision victory. It was a close fight […]

Brandon Royval

UFC flyweight contender Brandon Royval is ready and willing to serve as the backup to the Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo trilogy if anything happens ahead of UFC 270.

Royval is just days removed from an impressive win over Rogerio Bontorin at UFC Vegas 46, earning a split decision victory. It was a close fight from start-to-finish, but Royval’s pace as the bout went on turned out to be the difference.

During an exclusive interview with LowKickMMA’s James Lynch, Royval revealed that he quickly turned his attention to what could be next for him.

“We’ll try to celebrate next week,” Royval said. “I’m trying to stay on weight, trying to stay focused. I know it’s not likely that someone’s going to drop out of the title fight. But, if there is going to be someone who drops out, it’s probably Figgy. If Figgy drops out, I know I’m the alternative. There’s no other option really. I’m just staying close to weight and waiting for a call. They told me to be prepared in the next day or two when they go into Anaheim and do their test weights and see where they’re at from there. Might as well try to stay focused and kill two birds with one stone.”

Brandon Royval Is Ready For A Short-Notice Title Shot

Before signing with the UFC, Royval earned the LFA flyweight title after defeating Nate Williams for the vacant belt at LFA 79. He would go on to sign with the UFC just months later and win his promotional debut over former title challenger Tim Elliott.

Royval also holds a win over Kai Kara-France at UFC 253, before losing back-to-back fights to Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja. The win over Bontorin keeps him in the title picture, and potentially gives him a title fight at UFC 270 if anyone withdraws.

The Moreno/Figueiredo trilogy is one of the most highly-anticipated fights to begin 2022, but Royval has the chance to save the fight if the UFC contacts him on short notice to fill in.

What were your thoughts on Brandon Royval’s performance at UFC Vegas 46?

EXCLUSIVE | Brandon Royval Willing To Serve As UFC 270 Backup

Brandon RoyvalUFC flyweight contender Brandon Royval is ready and willing to serve as the backup to the Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo trilogy if anything happens ahead of UFC 270. Royval is just days removed from an impressive win over Rogerio Bontorin at UFC Vegas 46, earning a split decision victory. It was a close fight […]

Brandon Royval

UFC flyweight contender Brandon Royval is ready and willing to serve as the backup to the Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo trilogy if anything happens ahead of UFC 270.

Royval is just days removed from an impressive win over Rogerio Bontorin at UFC Vegas 46, earning a split decision victory. It was a close fight from start-to-finish, but Royval’s pace as the bout went on turned out to be the difference.

During an exclusive interview with LowKickMMA’s James Lynch, Royval revealed that he quickly turned his attention to what could be next for him.

“We’ll try to celebrate next week,” Royval said. “I’m trying to stay on weight, trying to stay focused. I know it’s not likely that someone’s going to drop out of the title fight. But, if there is going to be someone who drops out, it’s probably Figgy. If Figgy drops out, I know I’m the alternative. There’s no other option really. I’m just staying close to weight and waiting for a call. They told me to be prepared in the next day or two when they go into Anaheim and do their test weights and see where they’re at from there. Might as well try to stay focused and kill two birds with one stone.”

Brandon Royval Is Ready For A Short-Notice Title Shot

Before signing with the UFC, Royval earned the LFA flyweight title after defeating Nate Williams for the vacant belt at LFA 79. He would go on to sign with the UFC just months later and win his promotional debut over former title challenger Tim Elliott.

Royval also holds a win over Kai Kara-France at UFC 253, before losing back-to-back fights to Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja. The win over Bontorin keeps him in the title picture, and potentially gives him a title fight at UFC 270 if anyone withdraws.

The Moreno/Figueiredo trilogy is one of the most highly-anticipated fights to begin 2022, but Royval has the chance to save the fight if the UFC contacts him on short notice to fill in.

What were your thoughts on Brandon Royval’s performance at UFC Vegas 46?

Figueiredo On Anaheim, CA: “I Go There To Take Brandon Moreno’s Head”

UFC flyweight Deiveson Figueiredo says he’s going to take 125-pound champion Brandon Moreno’s head off when they meet for the third time at UFC 270.

In 2020, Figueiredo ascended the flyweight mountaintop and looked set for a long reign on the thron…

Brandon Moreno, Deiveson Figueiredo

UFC flyweight Deiveson Figueiredo says he’s going to take 125-pound champion Brandon Moreno’s head off when they meet for the third time at UFC 270.

In 2020, Figueiredo ascended the flyweight mountaintop and looked set for a long reign on the throne. “Deus Da Guerra” brutally finished Joseph Benavidez twice to win gold. The second win was required after the Brazilian missed weight the first time, leaving the title vacant until the summer rematch.

After comfortably defending his title against Alex Perez, Figueiredo established himself as one of the most dominant and imposing champions in the UFC. But then came Moreno. In their December 2020 Fight of the Year contender, the Mexican fought to a draw, securing a second opportunity in mid-2021.

At UFC 263 last June, Moreno dominated Figueiredo and choked him out in the third round. The heart-warming crowning saw “The Assassin Baby” become the first Mexican-born fighter to earn champion status in the UFC.

Moreno was initially primed to defend his belt for the first time against former rival Alexandre Pantoja. However, when the #3-ranked contender wasn’t ready for December, the initial targeted date, Figueiredo secured his much-desired shot at redemption. The pair will meet again later this month in the UFC 270 co-main event.

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Figueiredo Promises The Return Of A “Killer” At UFC 270

Given the emphatic nature of his defeat to Moreno last year, Figueiredo should perhaps feel fortunate to find himself in a position to challenge for the belt immediately. Many, including the champ, believed he needed to register a victory over another top contender before jumping back to the front of the queue.

Nevertheless, with his chance for revenge secured, Figueiredo intends on taking full advantage. During an interview with The Schmo, the Brazilian claimed he’ll take Moreno’s head off when they meet on January 22.

“You know, my second fight (with Moreno) I was not good. I did not feel good. But now, with new training, I’m gonna be great,” Figueiredo said via translator Wallid Ismail. “I’m gonna take Brandon Moreno’s head off. This fight is going to be a wonderful fight. I’m very motivated… It’s gonna be the revenge, it’s gonna be big revenge… I’m gonna take his head off and I’m gonna make him pay.”

Discussing how the trilogy contest will differ from the 2021 rematch, Figueiredo suggested Moreno makes a lot of mistakes, something he believes he’s been able to identify during his time at Fight Ready with Henry Cejudo.

That, coupled with better preparation and his belief that the weight cut will go a lot smoother, makes “Deus Da Guerra” confident he’ll leave California’s Honda Center with gold around his waist again.

“Brandon Moreno does a lot of mistakes… this fight’s gonna be completely different. Because now (I have) more time to train, to lose the weight in the right way… This is going to be historic because this is going to be the revenge…

“I’m going to fight in California, It’s going to be a different place. I’m very confident the people of California are gonna like me because they like my style. I’m a killer. I go there to take Brandon Moreno’s head.”

While Moreno and Figueiredo will complete their trilogy in the UFC 270 co-main event, the headliner will see another blockbuster clash. In a heavyweight unification bout, champion Francis Ngannou will face interim titleholder and former teammate Ciryl Gane.

There aren’t many better matchups to set the stage for a main event like that than an animosity-filled trilogy bout…

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 270, Deiveson Figueiredo or Brandon Moreno?

Continue Reading Figueiredo On Anaheim, CA: “I Go There To Take Brandon Moreno’s Head” at MMA News.

The Countdown To UFC 270: Ngannou vs. Gane Officially Begins

The fight week of the first UFC pay-per-view of 2022 is upon us, as we are now days away from an epic heavyweight showdown for the ages at UFC 270.

At UFC 270, the UFC heavyweight championship will be unified when undisputed champion Francis Nganno…

UFC 270

The fight week of the first UFC pay-per-view of 2022 is upon us, as we are now days away from an epic heavyweight showdown for the ages at UFC 270.

At UFC 270, the UFC heavyweight championship will be unified when undisputed champion Francis Ngannou and interim champ Ciryl Gane take center stage in Anaheim California’s Honda Center. “The Predator” will now experience what it feels like to be the hunted as he will look to make his first successful title defense. In order to do so, he’ll try to be the first man to reveal a chink in Bon Gamin’s armor and hand the Frenchman his first career loss.

In the co-main event, we see a flyweight championship trilogy between champion Brandon Moreno and ex-champion Deiveson Figueiredo. The first fight was considered arguably the best flyweight bout of all time. The sequel, however, served as a coming-out party for Mexico’s Brandon Moreno. Will Figueiredo spoil this party, or will Tijuana rejoice once again?

The UFC’s countdown video sets the stage for both title fights.

UFC 270 Ngannou vs. Gane: Countdown

“I know and he knows there’s only one thing that can happen if I connect with him: knock him out.” – Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou
Image Credit: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

As Francis Ngannou seeks his 13th career knockout against a former sparring partner, the countdown episode tells the story of the Cameroonian’s history with Gane and the soured relationship Ngannou has with his ex-coach and Gane’s current coach, Fernand Lopez.

“The footwork, the speed, precision, the cardio…every fight, I bring this in the cage.” – Ciryl Gane

Ciryl Gane
ESPN

The post-modern MMA project that is Ciryl Gane has his toughest assignment to date in champion Francis Ngannou. In the countdown video, Gane’s unique skill set and familiarity with Ngannou are documented as well as the swollen confidence Fernand Lopez has in his fighter.

“Sometimes I feel all the weight of my country on my shoulders.” – Brandon Moreno

Brandon Moreno
Brandon Moreno, Credit: AFP

At UFC 263, Brandon Moreno became the first Mexican UFC champion. The countdown video takes you through his range of emotions and how his nation joined him in celebrating his historic achievement.

“I’m going to be more technical, quicker, and more explosive, ready to finish him.” – Deiveson Figueiredo

Midnight Mania! Deiveson Figueiredo considering Bantamweight move following  title loss - MMAmania.com
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Deiveson Figueiredo has vengeance on his mind heading into UFC 270. In the countdown video, we get a glimpse into the measures the Brazilian have taken to ensure there is a different result come Saturday night, including enlisting the services of former flyweight champion, “Triple C” Henry Cejudo.

UFC 270 takes place this Saturday, January 22, from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. You can find the full card and viewing information below.

UFC 270 Main Card (ESPN+ PPV, 10:00 PM ET)

  • UFC Heavyweight Championship Bout: Francis Ngannou (c) vs. Ciryl Gane (ic)
  • UFC Flyweight Championship Bout: Brandon Moreno (c) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
  • Bantamweight: Cody Stamann vs. Said Nurmagomedov
  • Featherweight: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Jourdain

UFC 270 Preliminary Card (ESPN2, ESPN+, 8:00 PM ET)

  • Middleweight: Rodolfo Vieira vs. Wellington Turman
  • Bantamweight: Tony Gravely vs. Saimon Oliveira
  • Welterweight Bout: Jack Della Maddalena vs. Pete Rodriguez
  • Welterweight Bout: Michel Pereira vs. Andre Fialho

UFC 270 Early Preliminary Card (ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass, 6:00 PM ET)

  • Bantamweight: Raoni Barcelos vs. Victor Henry
  • Welterweight: Trevin Giles vs. Michael Morales
  • Lightweight: Matt Frevola vs. Genaro Valdez
  • Women’s Flyweight: Kay Hansen vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
  • Strawweight Bout: Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Silvana Gomez Juarez

And without further ado, you can view the official UFC 270 Countdown video below!

Continue Reading The Countdown To UFC 270: Ngannou vs. Gane Officially Begins at MMA News.

Ngannou Says He, Usman, & Adesanya Will Fight In Africa With Or Without UFC

Amidst his disagreements with the UFC, Francis Ngannou remains determined to fight in his home country.

It is no secret Francis Ngannou and UFC President Dana White have bumped heads lately. From contract negotiations to the ongoing argument of fi…

Kamaru Usman, Israel Adesanya, Francis Ngannou

Amidst his disagreements with the UFC, Francis Ngannou remains determined to fight in his home country.

It is no secret Francis Ngannou and UFC President Dana White have bumped heads lately. From contract negotiations to the ongoing argument of fighter pay, the heavyweight champion has experienced controversy with the promotion.

Dana White and Francis Ngannou
Dana White, Francis Ngannou Photo Credit: Heidi Craig / USATSI CBS Sports

With a list of outstanding achievements on his record and currently being on a 5-fight win streak, the 16-3-0 fighter has simply felt underappreciated.

The results of UFC 270 may have no impact on the fighter’s stance with his current contract, but it could be possible to see just one more fight if Ngannou gets his wish.

One thing that could help make this possible would be if that fight were to take place in Africa. Francis Ngannou has always shown pride in his African roots, and with the support of other African-born champions, he could possibly bring his dream to fruition.

In an exclusive interview with Stake, Ngannou touched on his dream bout in Africa and making it a reality in the UFC:

“It is a big dream to fight in Cameroon, but I also know it will be very hard to make a reality at this point. However, I believe eventually we will figure out a way to make it happen to fight for our people. It’s very important to each of us – myself, Israel and Usman. Ideally with the UFC, but even without the UFC that is going to happen one day.”

On January 22, Francis Ngannou has the opportunity to add “defending heavyweight champion” to his stellar résumé. The battle against his former sparring partner and Interim Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 is widely considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight matches of all time.

Francis Ngannou’s path after the UFC is sure to deliver more headlining performances. And perhaps after UFC 270, regardless of the outcome, Ngannou fans will see his next bout in Africa.

Do you think the UFC will ever consider an event in Africa?

Continue Reading Ngannou Says He, Usman, & Adesanya Will Fight In Africa With Or Without UFC at MMA News.