Tag: UFC 271

Cannonier Rejects ‘Grappler V. Striker’ Narrative Ahead Of Brunson Fight

UFC middleweight contender Jared Cannonier wants to prove that he can wrestle with the best of them, including UFC 271 opponent Derek Brunson. Cannonier and Brunson are set to meet in a middleweight showcase on the UFC 271 main card. Both men are vying for a potential title shot against the winner of Israel Adesanya…

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UFC middleweight contender Jared Cannonier wants to prove that he can wrestle with the best of them, including UFC 271 opponent Derek Brunson.

Cannonier and Brunson are set to meet in a middleweight showcase on the UFC 271 main card. Both men are vying for a potential title shot against the winner of Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker.

Cannonier has always been known for his ferocious striking and intimidating presence in the Octagon. His grappling hasn’t been discussed as much by the MMA faithful, but he showed off superb takedown defense in recent wins over Kelvin Gastelum and Jack Hermansson.

Cannonier will face a tough test against Brunson, arguably the best wrestler in the middleweight division. During his UFC 271 media day press conference, Cannonier seemed to welcome the challenge.

“I can grapple. I train at The MMA Lab and we got good grapplers, D-1 level wrestlers that I’m learning from,” Cannonier said. “They don’t have to be the same size as me, but we got some big guys in there. I’ve trained with the little guys damn near my whole career. You see how far that’s gotten me.

UFC Fight Night 160 results, highlights: Jared Cannonier blasts Jack Hermansson for second round TKO - CBSSports.com
Jared Cannonier, Image: 2019 Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

“Yeah, I can grapple too. I can wrestle too. I have a pair of wrestling shoes my damn self. They’re probably not as worn out as his, he’s been doing it way longer than me, but my mind allows me to be as good as these other guys when I need be. You may see me taking him down if the opportunity presents itself.”

Cannonier has won four of his last five fights over some of the best contenders in the division. He has fought at multiple weight classes during his UFC career but seems to have found a home at 185 pounds.

This is arguably Cannonier’s biggest fight to date and biggest test inside the cage. If he ends up being victorious against Brunson, he’ll likely need to utilize some grappling skills in the process.

What is your prediction for Jared Cannonier vs. Derek Brunson?

Continue Reading Cannonier Rejects ‘Grappler V. Striker’ Narrative Ahead Of Brunson Fight at MMA News.

Israel Adesanya on Robert Whittaker: “I Humbled Him”

UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya doesn’t expect Robert Whittaker to talk trash ahead of UFC 271 having “humbled” him in their UFC 243 contest. Adesanya completed his undefeated climb to the top of the 185-pound mountain in October 2019. After beating Marvin Vettori, Derek Brunson, and Anderson Silva, and having collected interim gold in a…

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UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya doesn’t expect Robert Whittaker to talk trash ahead of UFC 271 having “humbled” him in their UFC 243 contest.

Adesanya completed his undefeated climb to the top of the 185-pound mountain in October 2019. After beating Marvin Vettori, Derek Brunson, and Anderson Silva, and having collected interim gold in a FOTY-worthy clash with Kelvin Gastelum, “The Last Stylebender” had his chance for undisputed glory.

In Whittaker’s own backyard, Adesanya secured his crowning moment. After nearly finishing “The Reaper” in the opening round, the Nigerian-New Zealander completed the feat in the second frame. As well as earning his spot on the middleweight throne, Adesanya also ended the nine-fight, five-year unbeaten run of Whittaker.

Adesanya: “He Can’t Say The Sh*t He Was Saying The First Time”

Now, with their rematch set for UFC 271 this weekend, the main question on everyone’s lips is what will we see different this time around? That includes in terms of pre-fight build, performance, and result.

One thing Adesanya expects to play out differently is the fight week and interview back and forth. While narratives surrounding a personal feud and an Australia vs. New Zealand rivalry were accentuated ahead of their Melbourne clash, a factor Whittaker believes played a part in his loss, the champion expects the now-“humbled” former titleholder to approach the rematch quietly.

“I humbled him to the sense that he can’t say the sh*t he was saying the first time around because he was talking all that sh*t saying this and that. ‘I think Adesanya isn’t as good as he thinks he is.’ I remember that,” Adesanya said in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel. “I’m the elephant in the f*cking room. I never forget. ‘Oh, Israel’s not as good as he thinks he is.’ I’ll show you how great I think I am.”

According to Adesanya, Whittaker’s ego was his downfall in 2019 and will likely contribute to another defeat this Saturday in Houston. While Whittaker says he’s feeling rejuvenated and with a newfound love for the sport of MMA, “The Last Stylebender” isn’t buying it yet.

“I saw a little snippet of what he was saying. It’s like he finds it hard to swallow,” Adesanya added. “It’s a hard pill for him to swallow. He’s admitting it, he’s saying the right things, but he’s not believing it. His ego won’t let him and that’s his downfall. His ego. People tried to say that about me leading to the first fight. ‘Oh, he’s too egotistical. He’s not humble like Whittaker.’ I’m like, bro, stop. I am extraordinarily humble. I know my limits as a human being and my capabilities. So I know I’m the sh*t but at the same time, I know I ain’t sh*t. He needs to check himself. He’s got this newfound mental clarity and it would help him positively if it was true. I just don’t buy into it.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

While Adesanya looks to prove his superiority over Whittaker again, the New Zealand-born Aussie will be targeting redemption and a second reign on the middleweight throne. We’ll find out which party leaves the Toyota Center happy on Saturday night.

Do you expect Israel Adesanya to beat Robert Whittaker for the second time this weekend at UFC 271?

Continue Reading Israel Adesanya on Robert Whittaker: “I Humbled Him” at MMA News.

Israel Adesanya “Feels 100%” Vindicated With New UFC Deal

UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya is a happy man after signing a new deal with the highest platform in MMA. It was reported earlier on Wednesday that Adesanya has agreed to a new multi-fight deal with the UFC. This comes just days before his highly-anticipated rematch with Robert Whittaker at UFC 271. Adesanya has become…

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UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya is a happy man after signing a new deal with the highest platform in MMA.

It was reported earlier on Wednesday that Adesanya has agreed to a new multi-fight deal with the UFC. This comes just days before his highly-anticipated rematch with Robert Whittaker at UFC 271.

Adesanya has become a household name for the UFC since even before his first fight with Whittaker. From his interim title win over Kelvin Gastelum to his latest title defenses over Marvin Vettori and Paulo Costa, fans have come to belove the 185-pound champion.

Dana White wishes Israel Adesanya didn't dance into the Octagon: 'I don't love it' - MMAmania.com
Israel Adesanya, Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Adesanya’s head coach at City Kickboxing, Eugene Bareman, recently alluded to his stance that he feels the UFC could do more to promote one of their biggest stars on the roster. He feels that the UFC has underpromoted his star pupil in the past.

During his UFC 271 media day press conference, Adesanya was asked whether or not he feels valued now after signing a new contract.

“100%. That’s the thing. The thing I want to know is, what’s my value to the company?” Adesanya said. “You can’t undersell my value. If you are, you’re kidding yourself. I bring so many different looks to this company, even without trying.

“I’m Nigerian. I brought that whole nation. Me and the three kings, the continent of Africa is on our back. I wear it on my chest. We have the Oceania region looking at us. I’m a guy that crosses over to the mainstream so easily. And I have this appeal. I have that “it” thing. So I’m glad that the UFC is starting to see that.”

“They’ve already known that. They’ve known this since the jump. Dana knew this since the jump. But yeah, I’m just the guy who deals with my dealings with the UFC behind the scenes. And I’m glad that we came to an agreement with this new deal. And I look forward to this effect trickling down to the rest of the fighters.”

Adesanya is undefeated at middleweight after making the full-time move to MMA following an accomplished career in kickboxing. In their first matchup, Adesanya knocked out Whittaker to cement his status as the middleweight champion and one of the biggest stars in MMA. Adesanya’s lone blemish on his UFC record came against Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight title at UFC 259.

Another win over Whittaker would continue Adesanya’s path of attempting to lap the division. The winner of another UFC 271 fight, Jared Cannonier vs. Derek Brunson, will more than likely get the next title shot.

Where do you rank Israel Adesanya among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world?

Continue Reading Israel Adesanya “Feels 100%” Vindicated With New UFC Deal at MMA News.

Israel Adesanya Praises Conor McGregor’s Influence

Israel AdesanyaSpeaking at the UFC 271 press conference, middleweight champion Israel Adesanya was full of praise for Conor McGregor. Having just inked a new deal with the UFC, Adesanya’s management team revealed this new contract would make him ‘one of the top paid athletes in the history of mixed martial arts.’ McGregor responded to the post […]

Israel Adesanya

Speaking at the UFC 271 press conference, middleweight champion Israel Adesanya was full of praise for Conor McGregor.

Having just inked a new deal with the UFC, Adesanya’s management team revealed this new contract would make him ‘one of the top paid athletes in the history of mixed martial arts.’

McGregor responded to the post from Paradigm sports to congratulate ‘The Last Stylebender’.

“Can’t wait to see Izzy Style (Israel Adesanya) back in the Octagon this weekend,” McGregor tweeted after the announcement.

“One of the true remaining high-level fighter/performer athletes we have on the roster. Don’t just fight. Perform!”

Israel Adesanya Responds To McGregor’s Comments

One reporter mentioned McGregor’s tweet at the press conference, this is what Israel Adesanya had to say.

“Real recognize real. We’re on the same team when it comes to Paradigm. Yeah, I think I’m in second place when it comes to the highest-paid fighter on the roster. Well, active right now,” Adesanya offered to reporters.

“Conor is a guy I’ve always admired from the jump… from the jump, when he fought Marcus Brimage.”

“He’s a guy that… he’s a performer. When he said perform, I know what he means. We know. You don’t just fight. You perform. Look at the last fight with Whittaker… That was a rockstar concert. I gave a song and dance, the whole thing.”

“So, yeah. We understand the magnitude of stepping up in the main event. Not just showing off but showing out. I appreciate Conor and what he’s done for the game. Whether you like him or not, he’s raised the bar. Even for you guys in here. The whole game is better because of him. Ronda Rousey did that in her time,” Adesanya continues.

“I look to raise the bar the same.” (Transcribed by brobible.com)

It appears there is nothing but respect between two people who have truly helped elevate the sport.

Who do you think walks away with that middleweight belt come Saturday night?

Casey O’Neill On Modafferi: “You Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks”

UFC women’s flyweight Casey O’Neill doesn’t expect upcoming opponent Roxanne Modafferi to follow through on her promise to try new things at UFC 271. In the pay-per-view’s one and only women’s fight, veteran campaigner Modafferi will enter the Octagon for one last hurrah. “The Happy Warrior” has fought 44 times since entering the sport as…

Continue Reading Casey O’Neill On Modafferi: “You Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks” at MMA News.

UFC women’s flyweight Casey O’Neill doesn’t expect upcoming opponent Roxanne Modafferi to follow through on her promise to try new things at UFC 271.

In the pay-per-view’s one and only women’s fight, veteran campaigner Modafferi will enter the Octagon for one last hurrah. “The Happy Warrior” has fought 44 times since entering the sport as a professional in 2003, including bouts under the promotional banners of Strikeforce and Invicta FC.

Having fought nine times in the UFC since falling short of capturing gold against Nicco Montaño in 2017, a period that includes wins against Maycee Barber and Andrea Lee, Modafferi’s 10th walk to the Octagon will represent her last.

In her way of a happy entry to retirement will be O’Neill, an undefeated rising prospect who is riding three finishes against Shana Dobson, Lara Procópio, and Antonina Shevchenko into her fourth UFC outing.

O’Neill Promises To Meet Crazy With Crazy

After the announcement of her final fight, Modafferi detailed her decision to hang up her gloves and analyzed her final MMA foe. While she acknowledged O’Neill’s strengths, she warned the Scottish-Australian 24-year-old to be prepared for anything and everything come February 12.

But while “The Happy Warrior” hopes to end her year by trying out all the moves she’s kept in her back pocket, including spinning and flying manoeuvres, “King Casey” is expecting the same Modafferi UFC fans have seen in the Octagon nine times.

Nevertheless, if she is met with anything unexpected, she promises to fight fire with fire.

“OK, well, in my opinion, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” O’Neill said during an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. “So I think she’s gonna come out and have the exact same fight that she always has, that she’s had for 50 fights now. So I’m not gonna fall into that. And if she wants to try to do all that crazy stuff, she better be ready for some crazy stuff coming back at her.”

While a victory for Modafferi this weekend would provide a memorable upset and add the cherry on top of what has been a lengthy and fruitful MMA career, O’Neill will be looking to send the veteran out of the sport in emphatic fashion.

If “King Casey” can extend her promotional record to 4-0 and perhaps maintain her 100% finishing rate in the UFC, she’ll certainly have a big opponent awaiting her next time out.

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 271, Casey O’Neill or Roxanne Modafferi?

Continue Reading Casey O’Neill On Modafferi: “You Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks” at MMA News.

Modafferi Admits Retirement Comes As “Young” Generation Takes Over

Retiring UFC women’s flyweight Roxanne Modafferi has admitted she’s felt “muscled” around by the rising crop of young fighters in her recent Octagon outings. This weekend, 44-fight MMA veteran Modafferi will close out her lengthy career in the sport. Having competed at the highest levels since her 2003 debut, including title challenges in the UFC,…

Continue Reading Modafferi Admits Retirement Comes As “Young” Generation Takes Over at MMA News.

Retiring UFC women’s flyweight Roxanne Modafferi has admitted she’s felt “muscled” around by the rising crop of young fighters in her recent Octagon outings.

This weekend, 44-fight MMA veteran Modafferi will close out her lengthy career in the sport. Having competed at the highest levels since her 2003 debut, including title challenges in the UFC, Strikeforce, and Invicta FC, “The Happy Warrior” will hang up her gloves on the pay-per-view main stage in Houston.

In her way of a happy entry to retirement at UFC 271 will be Casey O’Neill, an undefeated rising prospect who showed her punching mettle in finishes over Shana Dobson and Antonina Shevchenko, and her submission prowess by choking out Lara Procópio.

While “King Casey” will hope to continue her march up the 125-pound ladder and maintain her 100% finishing rate in the UFC, Modafferi will look to cause one last upset before exiting the crazy world of active competition for good.

Interestingly, Modafferi’s task this weekend represents one of the reasons behind her decision to call an end to her career.

While she got the better of 23-year-old Maycee Barber and 32-year-old Andrea Lee in 2020, the 39-year-old says she’s begun to feel “muscled” around by the younger generation in her recent appearances, something she’s seen as a sign her time is up.

“I feel like these young whippersnappers are coming up and like, I’m still working hard, I’m still trying to get stronger, but I feel like all these young guys are starting to kind of muscle me around a little bit,” Modafferi said in an interview with MMA Junkie. “I was not that happy with my performance in the last several fights.”

The rise of young and upcoming prospects marks just one of many reasons Modafferi has decided now is the right time to retire.

As well as previously admitting she’s been feeling the accumulation of damage from years of blows to the head, “The Happy Warrior” identified her relationship and newfound option to start a family as a key part of her decision.

“Now I have found the love of my life in (fellow fighter) Chris Roman. So maybe I can think about having a family now. Like, that was never an option before. I’ve been single for like decades, but you know, now I can actually think about that, so yeah.“

Modafferi Is Proud Of Her Accomplishments In MMA

Despite not having a major piece of gold wrapped around her waist and boasting a visibly mixed record, Modafferi is proud of what she’s accomplished over her 17 years in the sport of MMA.

For the Delaware native, the goal was always to make it to the big leagues and compete inside the UFC Octagon. Rather than a crucial part of her journey, becoming champion would simply have been an added bonus.

“My goal (was) basically get to the UFC, right?,” Modafferi said.  “So I basically achieved my life goal because my life goal was never to be champion because that was not an option. But then when the opportunity presented itself, I was like, ‘Cool, let’s try it.’

“But I really achieved my life goal – fighting in the UFC. I fought like 11 times in the UFC. Like, it’s awesome. I’m just so happy thinking about it. I didn’t win all of them, but I did my best,” Modafferi concluded.

This Saturday will see Modafferi walk to the Octagon for the final time. As one-half of the only women’s fight on the UFC 271 card, all eyes will be on “The Happy Warrior” in that regard.

Do you think Roxanne Modafferi can end her career on a high by defeating Casey O’Neill at UFC 271 this weekend?

Continue Reading Modafferi Admits Retirement Comes As “Young” Generation Takes Over at MMA News.