Tag: UFC 271

Michael Chandler Not Impressed By Israel Adesanya’s Performance at UFC 271

Michael ChandlerWhile Michael Chandler wasn’t a fan, Israel Adesanya entered the octagon ready for war but actually participated in what was a very technical and methodical chess match against Robert Whittaker at UFC 271. The first round featured a lot of excitement with Adesanya dropping Whittaker, but thereafter it was very technical and slower-paced. Both men […]

Michael Chandler

While Michael Chandler wasn’t a fan, Israel Adesanya entered the octagon ready for war but actually participated in what was a very technical and methodical chess match against Robert Whittaker at UFC 271.

The first round featured a lot of excitement with Adesanya dropping Whittaker, but thereafter it was very technical and slower-paced. Both men traded careful combos on the feet, and it was very close. “The Last Stylebender” had more striking success especially with his leg kicks, but Whittaker implemented his grappling beautifully to achieve takedowns although he couldn’t keep Adesanya down for long. Universally, the fifth and last round was “The Reaper’s” strongest but it wasn’t enough to sway the judges.

Adesanya would be named the victor via unanimous decision and the chaos would soon ensue. With Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier being accused of “bias”, and fighters chiming in with their opinion of what the scorecards should’ve read, or the fight as a whole. Chief among them was none other than Michael Chandler.

Michael Chandler Speaks on UFC 271

“Trust me, I love Izzy. But we have gotten to a point where a dominant champ just needs to stand there, throw a few shots per round and he will not lose unless he gets caught&he will always get the nod. Izzy got paid on this last contract…go FIGHT, don’t you dare spar. #UFC271” Michael Chandler said on Twitter.

Does he have a point? A prime example of this that people would point to would be Jon Jones and some of his title defenses, specifically the first Alexander Gustaffson fight and more recently his battle with Dominick Reyes. Both of these decisions by the judges’ were received terribly by fans, with the majority claiming the challenger should’ve been awarded the victory.

Another independent example of this would be the Georges St. Pierre vs Johnny Hendrix fight. After a close battle that Hendrix seemed to edge out, the decision went to GSP, at the outrage of seemingly everyone.

Do you think that what Michael Chandler said has some validity, and how did you score Adesanya vs Whittaker? Leave your comments below!

Michael Bisping Accused of Biased Commentary at UFC 271, ‘The Count’ Responds

Michael BispingUFC 271 was a thrilling event featuring the eloquent tones of the beloved Michael Bisping on commentary filling in for an absent Joe Rogan. The card consisted of insane finishes, brutal wars, and had a little bit of everything featured for any type of fan to enjoy. Bisping got his first opportunity to call a […]

Michael Bisping

UFC 271 was a thrilling event featuring the eloquent tones of the beloved Michael Bisping on commentary filling in for an absent Joe Rogan.

The card consisted of insane finishes, brutal wars, and had a little bit of everything featured for any type of fan to enjoy. Bisping got his first opportunity to call a PPV after Rogan’s inability and took it. The fights progressed with no issue about the commentary until the main event began, and some fans started to say “The Count” and Daniel Cormier were calling the fight with a “bias”.

Allegedly downplaying Robert Whittaker’s success and emphasizing Israel Adesanya‘s. Michael Bisping would address these accusations on Twitter, saying:

“Lots of people saying I has biased commentary. That’s crazy. I called it like I saw it. Big opening rounds for Izzy. Then real close rounds after that, but I had Izzy winning most. 5 was robs best round. 2 probably went to him also. Close fight, very technical, well done to both!”

Was Michael Bisping Biased?

The general consensus is that the judges got it right at UFC 271, awarding the decision to Adesanya. However, a lot of fans see it differently, including Whittaker himself.

“I thought I did enough,” Whittaker said at the post-event press conference. “I thought I did enough. Breaking it down, I think I lost the first round, I put myself back together. I think I beat him to every punch. I got takedowns. I thought I did enough, but it is what it is. That’s how work goes in the office. So I want to go back, evolve some more and get better. Fine tune the things that I’ve been working on, and come back a better man.”

Do you believe “The Reaper” did enough to secure the victory at UFC 271, and what are your thoughts on the Michael Bisping bias accusations? Leave your answers down in the comments below!

Derek Brunson Speaks Out Following UFC 271 Loss To Jared Cannonier

UFC middleweight contender Derek Brunson addressed his fans following a disappointing loss to Jared Cannonier. Brunson fell to Cannonier at UFC 271 via second-round knockout after a dominant opening round. He utilized his wrestling and nearly sunk in a rear-naked choke submission as the first round came to a close. However, Cannonier was able to…

Continue Reading Derek Brunson Speaks Out Following UFC 271 Loss To Jared Cannonier at MMA News.

UFC middleweight contender Derek Brunson addressed his fans following a disappointing loss to Jared Cannonier.

Brunson fell to Cannonier at UFC 271 via second-round knockout after a dominant opening round. He utilized his wrestling and nearly sunk in a rear-naked choke submission as the first round came to a close.

However, Cannonier was able to find his footing in the second round and overwhelm Brunson with strikes. He would eventually land a lead elbow that dropped Brunson and followed it up with heavy ground-and-pound shots.

The fight was built up as a No. 1 middleweight contender fight between two of the top-4 middleweights in the UFC. Cannonier will more than likely get the next shot at Israel Adesanya later this year.

Shortly after the loss, Brunson took to social media to address his fans and update them on how he’s doing physically and mentally.

“Made a title push. Number 3 vs. 4 in the world,” Brunson said. “I came up short. Life lessons. I’m all good, sad but life will give you [these] moments.”

Entering UFC 271, Brunson was arguably the hottest middleweight in the UFC with five-straight wins. He hadn’t lost since falling to Adesanya at UFC 230 as the champion made his rise towards the title conversation.

Brunson has one more fight left on his deal and plans on competing once more in the Octagon before he calls it quits. Brunson made his UFC debut at UFC 155 following an up-and-down tenure in Strikeforce. Leading up to UFC 271, he alluded to retirement following the conclusion of his contract.

Who do you want to see Derek Brunson fight for his final UFC appearance?

Continue Reading Derek Brunson Speaks Out Following UFC 271 Loss To Jared Cannonier at MMA News.

Israel Adesanya Supports Francis Ngannou in Ongoing Contract Saga

Israel AdesanyaIsrael Adesanya successfully defended his middleweight championship after going five hard rounds with Robert Whittaker in the UFC 271 main event. The second victory over Robert Whittaker marked Israel Adesanya‘s fourth title defence in his dominant reign at the top of the middleweight division. It’s safe to say it was a successful business trip for […]

Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya successfully defended his middleweight championship after going five hard rounds with Robert Whittaker in the UFC 271 main event.

The second victory over Robert Whittaker marked Israel Adesanya‘s fourth title defence in his dominant reign at the top of the middleweight division. It’s safe to say it was a successful business trip for the champion who signed a new deal earlier in the week with the promotion, making him one of the highest-paid mixed martial artists of all time.

Israel Adesanya expressed he was pleased with the new deal, with the UFC noticing his worth and value to the organisation. Claiming he understands all sides of the game, not just fighting.

However, his fellow African friend, Francis Ngannou, hasn’t had the same luck in securing a new lucrative deal with the promotion after several back and forth’s. Ngannou, who defeated Ciryl Gane in the opening pay-per-view of the year, has been campaigning to be paid more by the UFC and insisted he would no longer fight for $600,000 paychecks. 

In the post-fight press conference, Israel Adesanya did have Ngannou’s back but did believe the UFC would do the right thing and pay Ngannou handsomely. 

Israel Adesanya Talks Francis Ngannou’s Contract Negotiations

“I signed this bout agreement on Monday. I don’t know where this narrative [has come from] that they just gave me a new deal because of what’s going on with Francis [Ngannou]. I’m like ‘no.’

“My dealings with the UFC don’t need to be brought forth because every case is different.

“With Francis’ case, he needed to bring that forward because it was atrocious and I respect him for that. “Like I’ve said, this is the first step. Dana [White] already said they had dinner with him before they went back to Cameroon, they’re going to have dinner when they come back, so yeah, people make mistakes. The UFC is filled with humans – humans make mistakes. Human error.

“But, we can always amend those mistakes and honestly, the rising tide lifts all ships. With this [his new deal], I feel like this is the first step to the trickle down effect that will lift up the rest of the fighters.”

Israel Adesanya also campaigned for the fighters at the bottom end of the scale in terms of pay, who are making their debuts, and need to cover training costs, travelling costs, as well as providing for their families.

“I’m not saying pay the debutants crazy money, I’m just saying pay them enough to train, feed their family and not have a second or third job,” Adesanya continued.

“We’re UFC fighters. I love this company. I’ve wanted to be here for so long so now that I’m here, I’m fortunate to be in the position I am to sign this new deal, but the UFC is going to do right. I feel this is the first step.

“Francis started it off and I’m getting my dues as well, but trust me, it wasn’t just handed to me. My team fought for what we have. I feel this will trickle down to the rest of the fighters because it’s time. Yeah, it’s time,” said Adesanya.

When Francis Ngannou returns from Cameroon, he will meet with UFC President Dana White in the hope of sticking with the promotion. Do you think Ngannou will get that deal that he’s looking for?

Tai Tuivasa Does Shoey On Top Of The Octagon From SteveWillDoIt’s Shoe At UFC 271

Tai TuivasaFan favourite Tai Tuivasa pulled off his most significant win to date after knocking hometown hero Derrick Lewis out cold in the UFC 271 co-main event. After facing an early scare with a wild onslaught from Derrick Lewis, the Aussie stayed composed and stuck to his motto of “swanging and banging”, eventually landing a nasty […]

Tai Tuivasa

Fan favourite Tai Tuivasa pulled off his most significant win to date after knocking hometown hero Derrick Lewis out cold in the UFC 271 co-main event.

After facing an early scare with a wild onslaught from Derrick Lewis, the Aussie stayed composed and stuck to his motto of “swanging and banging”, eventually landing a nasty elbow that left Lewis out-cold and face planting the canvas.

Tuivasa’s famous post-fight celebrations of drinking a beer from anybody’s shoe has grown his fan base tremendously and has brought his own Stone Cold Steve Austin type feel to the UFC. It has been publicized as of late Tuivasa’s growing relationship with the Nelk Boys, and that relationship got even closer after Tuivasa did a shoey from Steve Nelk’s own shoe while sitting on the top of the Octagon.

Watch Tai Tuivasa’s Famous Shoey Celebration

Moments after Tai Tuivasa left the Octagon to a roar of cheers from the fans. It didn’t take the twenty-eight-year-old to mingle with the fans for more beer drinking. 

Tai Tuivasa Does Shoey With Fan

In 2018/19, Tai Tuivasa was in danger of being cut from the organization after dropping three back-to-back fights to Dos Santos, Blagoy Ivanov, and Sergey Spivac. Since then, he has accumulated five straight victories, all by stoppage and completely changed his career trajectory. Derrick Lewis is the biggest scalp thus far.

Tai Tuivasa entered the bout at number eleven in the rankings, while Derrick was number three. So we can fully expect Tuivasa to leap into the top ten, which would open some exciting doors and matchups.

On the other hand, UFC 271 saw Derrick Lewis suffer another tough loss in his home city of Houston, TX, and it’s safe to say ‘The Black Beast’ won’t be in a hurry to fight in front of his own people.

With Tai Tuivasa securing his biggest win yet with the promotion, who would you like to see him matched up against next?

Robert Whittaker: A Trilogy Fight Against Adesanya Is Inevitable

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker thinks a trilogy with Israel Adesanya down the line may not be too far-fetched. Whittaker and Adesanya went the distance at UFC 271 in a back and forth war. Whittaker had plenty of moments and looked improved from their first fight, but Adesanya was the more active in the…

Continue Reading Robert Whittaker: A Trilogy Fight Against Adesanya Is Inevitable at MMA News.

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker thinks a trilogy with Israel Adesanya down the line may not be too far-fetched.

Whittaker and Adesanya went the distance at UFC 271 in a back and forth war. Whittaker had plenty of moments and looked improved from their first fight, but Adesanya was the more active in the later rounds and earned the unanimous decision win.

Whittaker felt he did enough to earn the win over Adesanya despite all three judges giving the reigning champion the decision. Most of the rounds were close, and some can be debated in Whittaker’s favor.

During his UFC 271 post-fight press conference, Whittaker spoke about his rivalry with Adesanya and what’s next for him.

“Pottery (laughs),” Whittaker said. “Nah. Honestly, a third fight between me and Izzy is inevitable, because I’m gonna stomp anybody who comes in front of me again, and he knows that too, that’s why he said ‘I’ll be seeing you in the future.’ And I don’t see him losing the belt anytime soon, he’s good, he is good. I think I am the person to beat him. My mission stays the same: beat the next guy in front of me.”

Whittaker went on to hint that he doesn’t plan on making it a long road back to the title and winning another three fights as he did before the rematch.

“Hopefully it will be quicker than that. I guess there’s obvious people I need to fight first—the people who I haven’t already beaten in the top ten. Then surely that puts me in a position to fight for the title again, especially considering how close this one was. Let’s be honest, there aren’t a lot of people in the top ten that I haven’t had it over. I don’t know, I’m not really thinking about it. I’m more thinking about going home to my family and just cruising.”

After getting knocked out by Adesanya at UFC 243, Whittaker went on to earn three-straight dominant wins over Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, and Kelvin Gastelum. He showed better patience on the feet over his previous few fights which he showcased at UFC 271.

Cannonier will more than likely get the next title shot after a win over Derek Brunson earlier in the night. While it’s unclear what Whittaker’s exact path back to another title shot could look like, he seems intent on getting his revenge over Adesanya.

Do you think we’ll see a trilogy between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker?

Continue Reading Robert Whittaker: A Trilogy Fight Against Adesanya Is Inevitable at MMA News.