Tag: UFC 272

Dana White Claims Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal May Fight For BMF Belt At UFC 272

Jorge MasvidalUFC president, Dana White has confirmed that the symbolic BMF championship may be up for grabs this weekend at UFC 272 – between former interim UFC welterweight champion, Colby Covington, and current BMF belt holder, Jorge Masvidal. The title, which was created prior to UFC 244 back in November 2019, is a symbolic championship, which […]

Jorge Masvidal

UFC president, Dana White has confirmed that the symbolic BMF championship may be up for grabs this weekend at UFC 272 – between former interim UFC welterweight champion, Colby Covington, and current BMF belt holder, Jorge Masvidal.

The title, which was created prior to UFC 244 back in November 2019, is a symbolic championship, which was clinched by the aforenoted, Masvidal courtesy of a third round doctor’s stoppage TKO win over Californian veteran, Nate Diaz at Madison Square Garden.

Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal share a distinct rivalry ahead of their UFC 272 main event on Saturday

Despite being billed as a once-off championship by the promotion, speculation rose that Masvidal had eventually dropped the BMF crown to Kamaru Usman following his rematch loss to the Auchi native at UFC 261 back in April, following a brutal second round knockout. 

However, according to promotional leader, White, Masvidal still retains the symbolic BMF championship to this day, and during an interview with Pat McAfee ahead of UFC 272 this weekend, hinted that the title may be on the line between the Floridian and Covington.

“You know, we did the BMF title as a one-time thing, it was fun when we did it,” Dana White said. “But, yeah, you’re probably right. I probably should make that belt on the line when there isn’t a world title fight on the line. ‘Cause (Jorge) Masvidal has it, Masvidal has it. Where’s my crew? I don’t know, I don’t know – maybe we do (put the BMF title on the line at UFC 272). Maybe.”

Most recently featuring at UFC 268 back in November at Madison Square Garden, Covington suffered a second career loss to common-opponent, Usman courtesy of a unanimous decision loss to the undisputed welterweight champion.

For Masvidal, his aforenoted April knockout loss to Usman marked his most recent outing under the UFC’s banner, with a UFC 269 pairing opposite Leon Edwards shelved back in December after Masvidal suffered an undisclosed injury. 

Ukrainian UFC Fighter Maryna Moroz Curses Out ‘B**ch’ Vladimir Putin

Maryna Moroz will fight at UFC 272 despite Vladimir Putin’s advances on the country’s land and independence. Born in Vilnohirsk, Ukraine, Moroz has family members to worry about during her grudge match with Kazakhstan’s Mariya Agapova on March 5. The entire world is shaken up by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attacks against Ukraine. The act…

Continue Reading Ukrainian UFC Fighter Maryna Moroz Curses Out ‘B**ch’ Vladimir Putin at MMA News.

Maryna Moroz will fight at UFC 272 despite Vladimir Putin’s advances on the country’s land and independence.

Born in Vilnohirsk, Ukraine, Moroz has family members to worry about during her grudge match with Kazakhstan’s Mariya Agapova on March 5.

The entire world is shaken up by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attacks against Ukraine. The act of war has and continues to take innocent Ukrainian lives.

But “The Iron Lady’s” spirit remains strong during the tragedy. And in an interview with TMZ Sports, she had a few choice words for the Russian President:

“F**k you, bitch! I love my country. Don’t touch Ukraine!”

A multitude of Russian and Ukrainian athletes have openly stated they disagree with Putin’s actions and are against war. It is a scary thought that while fighting for their country’s respect and honor, many athletes are without their families during this catastrophic time.

“It’s hard time for Ukraine. I want to support my country, my president, whole army in Ukraine, and I want to say we don’t want war. I worry about my family right now,” Moroz continued to say.

Of course, the pressure of the fight exists but it is much bigger than that now. Moroz carries Ukrainian pride and will do her best to prove the strength and resilience of her people.

“I will be fighting and I show that Ukraine people are strong, and my flag will be in the Octagon.”

Moroz joins a long list of European athletes, from soccer to MMA, competing in championships while reading the horrific news of the war on Ukraine. The UFC fighter is currently on a two-fight win streak and will look to stay in the winner’s circle despite the absence of peace in her home country.

Continue Reading Ukrainian UFC Fighter Maryna Moroz Curses Out ‘B**ch’ Vladimir Putin at MMA News.

Holland Offers To Send Oliveira Into Retirement At UFC 272

Before UFC 272 kicks off, Kevin Holland proposes sending Alex Oliveira into an early retirement. Holland and Oliveira will compete on the main card for UFC 272 on March 5. The event counts as the “Trailblazer’s” debut into the welterweight division. And his confidence going into the fight has not simmered. Although appreciative of the…

Continue Reading Holland Offers To Send Oliveira Into Retirement At UFC 272 at MMA News.

Before UFC 272 kicks off, Kevin Holland proposes sending Alex Oliveira into an early retirement.

Holland and Oliveira will compete on the main card for UFC 272 on March 5. The event counts as the “Trailblazer’s” debut into the welterweight division. And his confidence going into the fight has not simmered.

Although appreciative of the Brazilian fighter’s energy, Holland is not opposed to making this Oliveria’s last fight.

Coming into his next bout with 3 back-to-back losses–2 via submission—plus, the emotion he expressed walking into the Niko Price fight, Holland believes the 33-year-old is due to retire.

Niko Price and Alex Oliveira
Niko Price and Alex Oliveira, Photo Credit: ESPN

“(He’s) pretty awesome. The dude has really, really good energy, so it’s going to be fun to go out there and scrap with him. But I think he’s a little older and a few steps behind, so I’m looking to go out there and exploit that. It looked like he was ready to retire in his last fight with all the crying, so if he wants a warm welcome out… I think my coach was the first person to beat him in like a jiu-jitsu match or something like that. If you look it up, Travis Lutter was like his first L on the record book thing. So I could be his last. From master to student; sounds good to me,” Holland told MMAFightingonSBN.

It will be another battle of redemption in the UFC. With the exception of Holland’s “clash of heads” no-contest against Kyle Daukaus back in October, both fighters enter the cage coming off losses and looking ahead into a brighter 2022.

In addition, their stats are nearly equal. Both fighters have 12 knockouts and 5 submission wins under their belts.

Both fighters carry big smiles and their energy is synonymous with confidence and entertainment. Indeed, the matchup is sure to cause a roar from the audience at the UFC APEX. And if things go as Holland envisions, it will be the final time Oliveira hears this response from a live crowd.

Are you excited for Holland vs Oliveira at UFC 272?

Continue Reading Holland Offers To Send Oliveira Into Retirement At UFC 272 at MMA News.

Rafael Fiziev Out, Islam Makhachev Offers To Fight RDA At UFC 272

Rafael FizievBig news today, as up-and-coming lightweight star Rafael Fiziev has been forced to pull out of his fight against Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 272 due to the COVID-19 virus. The fight was originally slated to main event UFC Vegas 48 but was pushed back because of VISA issues Fiziev had. Now, it’s officially off, […]

Rafael Fiziev

Big news today, as up-and-coming lightweight star Rafael Fiziev has been forced to pull out of his fight against Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 272 due to the COVID-19 virus.

The fight was originally slated to main event UFC Vegas 48 but was pushed back because of VISA issues Fiziev had.

Now, it’s officially off, and the MMA world is buzzing to see who steps up to replace him.

The news was originally reported on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, and it’s sparked the interest of a ton of top names in the 155lbs division.

Rafael Fiziev Out, But Who Steps Up to Take his Spot?

Rafael Dos Anjos is a former champion and also holds one of the most star-studded resumes in the game. A win over him could change your career, and it seems like a well-known secret with all the fighters lining up to step in.

Chief among them would probably be Islam Makhachev. This young Dagestani killer just brutalized Bobby Green in the main event of UFC Vegas 49 but seems to realize another big win could be all he needs to solidify a title shot.

“170 ??? Let’s do it. We have unfinished business RDA @ufc @espnmma @bokamotoESPN @MMAjunkieJohn” Makhahev said on Twitter.

Not only has Makhachev wanted to step up, but names like Paul Felder and Renato Moicano have also voiced their willingness.

“I wonder if the course of the dragon still holds true with an immediate rematch? 174” Felder said. “How many days this time?” He added, referring to his and RDA’s last fight, which was also on very short notice.

Moicano went the video route, recording a short one saying: “Let’s go, Moicano want big money!” He’s coming off a big win over Alexander Hernandez at UFC 271 and is currently riding a two-fight win streak.

Who do you think the UFC will choose to replace Rafael Fiziev? Leave your predictions down in the comments below!

J?drzejczyk: Masvidal Has ATT Nation On His Back For Covington Fight

Joanna J?drzejczyk says welterweight star Jorge Masvidal will have the full support of American Top Team ahead of his fight at UFC 272. Masvidal will square off against his former friend and former ATT teammate, Colby Covington in the UFC 272 headliner. It is arguably one of the most highly-anticipated grudge matches in UFC history….

Continue Reading J?drzejczyk: Masvidal Has ATT Nation On His Back For Covington Fight at MMA News.

Joanna J?drzejczyk says welterweight star Jorge Masvidal will have the full support of American Top Team ahead of his fight at UFC 272.

Masvidal will square off against his former friend and former ATT teammate, Colby Covington in the UFC 272 headliner. It is arguably one of the most highly-anticipated grudge matches in UFC history.

Covington split from ATT amidst his rise in success in the UFC welterweight division. His trash talk combined with tense relationships with teammates such as Masvidal led to him moving to train at MMA Masters.

During a recent interview with The Schmo, J?drzejczyk previewed the fight and why Masvidal is fighting for more than just bragging rights.

“Man, it’s a big fight,” J?drzejczyk said. “It’s going to be one of the biggest fights of 2022. And Jorge Masvidal has (the) ATT nation behind his back, but Colby is hell of a fighter, very dedicated. I remember them both training here. They used to do training together for one and a half hours and do some extra training together after. So they both are very dedicated, very talented, but I feel like Jorge is going to surprise like he did in the fight with Ben Askren or Darren Till, for example.”

Masvidal has lost back-to-back fights to UFC Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who will be in attendance for the fight. He was originally slated to face Leon Edwards at UFC 269 before withdrawing from the fight due to an injury.

Covington and ATT have a very public and complicated history, and Masvidal will look to exact revenge for J?drzejczyk, Dustin Poirier, and others who have been victims of Covington’s relentless banter.

What is your prediction for Jorge Masvidal vs. Colby Covington?

Continue Reading J?drzejczyk: Masvidal Has ATT Nation On His Back For Covington Fight at MMA News.

Masvidal Contradicts Heel Origin Story Covington Has Told For Years

Jorge Masvidal claims that the origin of Colby Covington’s outspoken persona did not begin for the reasons his former teammate claims it did. Prior to his 2017 fight against Demian Maia, Colby Covington was on a four-fight winning streak and had a UFC record of 7-1. Yet, according to Covington, that was not enough for…

Continue Reading Masvidal Contradicts Heel Origin Story Covington Has Told For Years at MMA News.

Jorge Masvidal claims that the origin of Colby Covington’s outspoken persona did not begin for the reasons his former teammate claims it did.

Prior to his 2017 fight against Demian Maia, Colby Covington was on a four-fight winning streak and had a UFC record of 7-1. Yet, according to Covington, that was not enough for the UFC. He claims the promotion said they were going to cut him despite the fact that he was winning because he was not entertaining enough.

As the story goes, it was this warning that led to the infamous “filthy animals” Octagon interview after he defeated Demian Maia in São Paulo, Brazil.

At the time of this promo, Covington and Masvidal were still teammates and close friends. And Masvidal claims to have direct knowledge that the reason for Covington’s promo had absolutely nothing to do with the UFC putting him on notice.

“The UFC didn’t say that. Colby said that,” Masvidal told ESPN in reference to the true origin of the “bad boy” side of Covington.

Masvidal went on to state that he, not unlike the Brazilian audience, was blindsided by the promo.

“I didn’t know that it was coming. I was like, ‘Man, I don’t know I feel about that. Because for me to have to diss a whole nation to get my name out there, to me, is like—damn. Especially in Brazil. There’s a lot of kids suffering. There’s a lot of hungry people out there. You’re kinda going too far.”

Masvidal went on to say that he told Colby that what he said was wrong, and Covington did not take the criticism well.

Masvidal: J?drzejczyk & Nunes Have Both Confronted Covington

During his fallout with American Top Team, Colby Covington did not only target Jorge Masvidal. He has also had words about Dustin Poirier and two female leaders of the gym: Joanna J?drzejczyk and, allegedly, ex-teammate Amanda Nunes.

Masvidal questions why Covington would speak about J?drzejczyk and Nunes at all if his aim was just to sell pay-per-views as he claims.

“Why’s he talking about Joanna? Why is he talking about Amanda? Is he gonna fight them? Is he gonna make pay-per-views with them? Because his whole thing is like, <whimpering> ‘UFC was gonna cut me. I need to sell pay-per-views,’” Masvidal said.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk Colby Covington
Joanna J?drzejczyk, Colby Covington

“You’re gonna sell pay-per-views when you fight Amanda? Why are you insulting women? Why are you bringing up women and things that you would do to them, this and that? Like, you’re a [MUTED] coward. And then he would see Amanda like, ‘Hey, Amanda, it’s just businesses.’ I’ve seen him myself do that. Same thing with Joanna. Same thing with numerous guys.”

According to J?drzejczyk, Jorge Masvidal has all of American Top Team on his back when he faces Colby Covington this Saturday at UFC 272. The night will present Masvidal with an opportunity to avenge all the teammates Covington trashed in the past. And no matter what was the origin of Covington’s decision to begin behaving in such an abrasive manner, Masvidal will look to put an end to it once and for all in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

What do you make of Jorge Masvidal’s remarks about Colby Covington’s persona?

Continue Reading Masvidal Contradicts Heel Origin Story Covington Has Told For Years at MMA News.