Tag: UFC 272

The Countdown To UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal Officially Begins

After two years of build-up, the “former friends turned bitter rivals” story starring Colby “Chaos” Covington and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal will reach its climax. It’s fight week, and we now are limited to five more days of torrid trash talk between former chums Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal. Both fighters are coming off a loss…

Continue Reading The Countdown To UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal Officially Begins at MMA News.

After two years of build-up, the “former friends turned bitter rivals” story starring Colby “Chaos” Covington and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal will reach its climax.

It’s fight week, and we now are limited to five more days of torrid trash talk between former chums Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal. Both fighters are coming off a loss to Kamaru Usman in their latest fight and will be looking to reroute back to the top of the division, beginning with this grudge match.

In the co-main event, Rafael dos Anjos will be competing against Rafael Fiziev in a battle between two ranked lightweights. And in another featured bout, rising featherweight Bryce Mitchell will be tested against proven vet Edson Barboza.

UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal: Countdown

“This isn’t gonna be a baptism. This is gonna be Street Judas’ funeral.” – Colby Covington

Colby Covington
Colby Covington, Getty Images

At UFC 272, Colby Covington will look to put an end to Jorge Masvidal as we know him. The Countdown video captures the intensity and the “Chaos” that Covington plans to bring with him into the Octagon when he seeks to close out this dramatic chapter of his career.

“I’m gonna look at him. You know what the [BLEEP] I’m talkin’ about, man. I brought you in, and I’m gonna take your ass out.” – Jorge masvidal

Jorge Masvidal
© Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

At UFC 272, Jorge Masvidal finally gets the opportunity he’s been craving: to be the man to silence Colby Covington. The Countdown video captures Masvidal explaining why he feels it’s his responsibility to wipe Covington off the MMA map.

Overall, the Countdown video does a thorough job of telling both sides of the story of how the two became friends, when and why things went sour, and just how eager they are to finally settle matters.

“In my mind, I want to do this forever because I’m a fighter. – Edson Barboza

Edson Barboza
Edson Barboza, Credit: USA TODAY Sports

UFC iron man Edson Barboza will be entering year 12 of his UFC tenure at UFC 272 when he takes on Bryce Mitchell. The Countdown video captures what makes Barboza such a thrilling, must-see staple of the UFC roster.

“When the fight first starts, it’s basically gonna be like a little simmer. When I get him down, it’s a boil. And when I get him in certain spots, it’s a pressure cook. If I can get him in certain spots where I can pressure-cook him, then that meat’s gonna fall off the bone.” – Bryce Mitchell

Bryce Mitchell
Bryce Mitchell (Image Credit: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

At UFC 272, 27-year-old grappling maestro Bryce Mitchell will try to add the biggest feather in his fresh cap by defeating Edson Barboza. The Countdown video captures the “grappling vs. striker” dynamic of this fight in large part by highlighting Mitchell’s impressive submission skills.

The co-main event between Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiiziev is not featured in the Countdown video due to the fight being moved to this card on short notice.

UFC 272 takes place this Saturday, March 5, 2022, from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Neva. You can find the full card and viewing information below followed by the UFC 272 Countdown video.

Main Card (Pay-Per-View, 8:00 PM ET)

Jorge Masvidal vs. Colby Covington

Rafael dos Anjos vs. Rafael Fiziev

Edson Barboza vs. Bryce Mitchell

Kevin Holland vs. Alex Oliveira

Sergey Spivak vs. Greg Hardy

Preliminary Card (ESPN/ESPN+, 6:00 PM ET)

Jamie Mullarkey vs. Jalin Turner

Yan Xiaonan vs. Marina Rodriguez

Nicolae Negumereanu vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu

Mariya Agapova vs. Maryna Moroz

Early Preliminary Card (ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass, 4:00 PM ET)

Brian Kelleher vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

Tim Elliott vs. Tagir Ulanbekov

Erick Gonzalez vs. Devonte Smith

Dustin Jacoby vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Without further ado, you can check out the UFC 272 Countdown video below!

Continue Reading The Countdown To UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal Officially Begins at MMA News.

Sterling Promises Academy-Award-Winning Performance In Yan Rematch

UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling has made a promise ahead of his unification showdown with rival Petr Yan at UFC 273. Sterling’s reign atop the 135-pound mountain was forged in controversial fashion at UFC 259 last March. Against Yan, a Russian star who was predicted by many to rule the division for a long time,…

Continue Reading Sterling Promises Academy-Award-Winning Performance In Yan Rematch at MMA News.

UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling has made a promise ahead of his unification showdown with rival Petr Yan at UFC 273.

Sterling’s reign atop the 135-pound mountain was forged in controversial fashion at UFC 259 last March. Against Yan, a Russian star who was predicted by many to rule the division for a long time, “Funk Master” emerged with the belt after eating an illegal knee to the head in the fourth round.

A subsequent disqualification jumped Sterling from likely defeat to champion status. While the illegal nature of the blow he sustained is undeniable, many doubted, and continue to criticize, Sterling’s reaction to it and failure to continue.

Some, including fellow UFC peers like Darren Till and Henry Cejudo, even mocked the new champ by suggesting he had delivered an acting performance worthy of an Academy Award.

Having missed out on the ‘Best Actor’ honor to Anthony Hopkins at last April’s Oscars, Sterling is hoping to go one better than public nominee this time around…

Sterling Vows To Outdo Denzel Washington At UFC 273

Aljamain Sterling
Aljamain Sterling

During a recent interview with The Schmo, Sterling was asked how he’s been preparing for his upcoming rematch with Yan, which was previously postponed after the champ withdrew from UFC 267 last October.

Once again embracing the jokes and de-legitimization of his championship status, as he often has, the New York native assured fans he’s been hard at work to reach a Denzel Washington-level of performance at UFC 273.

“Well, I’ve been training a lot, a lot of PT. They have these schools out here, these acting schools. I’ve been going to a lot of those, putting in a lot of extra time,” said Sterling. “So you guys are gonna see a much better [Academy-Award-winning] performance this time. And you guys are gonna be shocked, man. Denzel [Washington] really doesn’t have anything on me. I’m telling you right now. Denzel, Training Day, John Q—nothin’.”

Given the ongoing prominent fighter pay debate, there’s perhaps a comparison to be made between Washington’s John Q character and the UFC fighters pushing for better remuneration.

But given the tactics Sterling’s accused of employing last March, perhaps a comparison to Denzel’s dirty cop portrayal in Training Day is more apt for UFC 273…

While he’s been more than happy to engage in memes and jokes surrounding his title crowning last year, Sterling will certainly be looking to focus on the task at hand come April 9.

He will no doubt acknowledge himself as the only true champion in the division, but some believe interim titleholder Yan holds that crown. UFC 273 will provide a chance for Sterling to legitimize his reign once and for all. Against a fighter like “No Mercy,” he’ll have a tough task on his hands.

Who do you think will leave UFC 273 as the undisputed bantamweight king, Aljamain Sterling or Petr Yan?

Continue Reading Sterling Promises Academy-Award-Winning Performance In Yan Rematch at MMA News.

Watch Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington Get Heated During Joint Interview Before UFC 272

Colby Covington, Stephen A. Smith, Jorge MasvidalThe bad blood was broadcasted for the world to see between UFC welterweights Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington during a recent interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. Covington and Masvidal are set to face off in the main event of UFC 272 coming up on March 5. Both men are looking to get back in […]

Colby Covington, Stephen A. Smith, Jorge Masvidal

The bad blood was broadcasted for the world to see between UFC welterweights Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington during a recent interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

Covington and Masvidal are set to face off in the main event of UFC 272 coming up on March 5. Both men are looking to get back in the welterweight title picture with a win, along with lifelong bragging rights between two former friends turned bitter rivals.

The highly-anticipated fight between Masvidal and Covington is just days away, and the pre-fight promotion is in full swing ahead of fight week. The two welterweight brawlers came face-to-face virtually in an explosive interview with Smith, in which Smith appeared without any time to intervene.

A clip from the interview was posted to ESPN MMA’s YouTube and social channels. You can watch it below.

Watch Jorge Masvidal And Colby Covington Come To Verbal Blows During Interview

Masvidal and Covington are both coming off of UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. In between losses to Usman, Covington earned a dominant win over former champion Tyron Woodley in late 2020.

Masvidal was originally supposed to face Leon Edwards at UFC 269 before suffering an injury. That’s when the UFC booked the fight with Covington, which is arguably a bigger grudge match.

A massive storyline in this rivalry stems from Masvidal and Covington’s time as training partners at American Top Team. Covington parted ways with the gym after tensions rose between Covington and Masvidal became too much to handle for the gym ownership and coaches.

Covington now trains at MMA Masters in south Florida.

The UFC 272 fight week is expected to have plenty of heated moments, including during the pre-fight press conference and media day obligations. Fans can expect anything to happen between these bitter rivals.

You can catch the full interview between Covington and Masvidal on ESPN+’s Stephen A’s World on March 1.

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

Jorge Masvidal Explains Why Beating Covington Must Mean Title Shot

UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal thinks a win over former American Top Team teammate Colby Covington will earn him a title shot. Masvidal will face his friend-turned-foe Covington in the main event of UFC 272. The two top welterweights will settle their ongoing beef in the Octagon in a matchup set for five rounds. Masvidal…

Continue Reading Jorge Masvidal Explains Why Beating Covington Must Mean Title Shot at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal thinks a win over former American Top Team teammate Colby Covington will earn him a title shot.

Masvidal will face his friend-turned-foe Covington in the main event of UFC 272. The two top welterweights will settle their ongoing beef in the Octagon in a matchup set for five rounds.

Masvidal and Covington are both looking to get back into the welterweight title picture after losses to Kamaru Usman. Covington most recently fell to Usman via unanimous decision at UFC 268, and Masvidal is coming off back-to-back losses to Usman at UFC 251 and UFC 261.

Masvidal and Covington’s chances at another shot at Usman appear to be on life support after falling short in multiple opportunities. But during a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Masvidal sounded optimistic about what a win over Covington would do for his title shot odds.

“He’s got the number-one ranking, so it’s gotta do something, right?” Masvidal said. “Because those rankings, as much bullshit that I think they are, he does have the number one. So there’s no denying me. If I’m number one, there’s no denying me, and that’s it. What has to happen has to happen.”

Masvidal was supposed to face Leon Edwards at UFC 269 before pulling out with an injury. He is fully recovered from his injury and appears ready to potentially make another run at the belt in 2022.

Before his back-to-back losses to Usman, Masvidal earned finishes over Ben Askren and Darren Till, along with a doctor’s stoppage win over Nate Diaz. He remains one of the UFC’s biggest stars and will look to capitalize on another main event opportunity at UFC 272.

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

Continue Reading Jorge Masvidal Explains Why Beating Covington Must Mean Title Shot at MMA News.

Maryna Moroz On Ex-Teammate Mariya Agapova: “This Girl Is Garbage”

Maryna Moroz is doubling down on her callout of ex-teammate, Mariya Agapova. Moroz recently claimed Agapova struggled with jealousy and was a drug addict which is why she got kicked out of American Top Team. Along with that, Moroz claims Agapova was flirting with other fighters as well as trying to hurt them in purpose…

Continue Reading Maryna Moroz On Ex-Teammate Mariya Agapova: “This Girl Is Garbage” at MMA News.

Maryna Moroz is doubling down on her callout of ex-teammate, Mariya Agapova.

Moroz recently claimed Agapova struggled with jealousy and was a drug addict which is why she got kicked out of American Top Team. Along with that, Moroz claims Agapova was flirting with other fighters as well as trying to hurt them in purpose in training. However, Agapova was quick to deny those allegations and instead said she wanted to fight Moroz.

Now, the former teammates are set to face one another at UFC 272 on March 5 and ahead of the scrap, Moroz doubled down on the trash-talk of Agapova. The event will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be headlined by a grudge match between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.

“Before, I said she’s a dangerous person and it’s true. She used drugs, we have all the proof. Videos, screenshots, everything. And of course, I didn’t post it. I don’t need to. I don’t need my Instagram showing garbage,” Moroz said to CageSide Press. “This girl is garbage. I don’t want my Instagram looking like garbage. I show OnlyFans, beautiful pictures, but now I can show the journalists who is real and who is who. ‘Mashka’ is a person who is a liar, very dangerous. In interviews, she’s ‘Oh, I’m nice girl, I’m training,’” Moroz continued. “Of course, she trains, but she used drugs. She was crazy and dangerous saying she’d kill me and want to cut my face.”

Given the history between the two, this fight will be highly anticipated. Agapova called for it to happen and got her wish, as she said that she wanted to punish Moroz for her comments. She will get her chance to do so at UFC 272.

What do you make of Maryna Moroz’s trash talk about her former teammate in Mariya Agapova?

Continue Reading Maryna Moroz On Ex-Teammate Mariya Agapova: “This Girl Is Garbage” at MMA News.

Maryna Moroz On Ex-Teammate Mariya Agapova: “This Girl Is Garbage”

Maryna Moroz is doubling down on her callout of ex-teammate, Mariya Agapova. Moroz recently claimed Agapova struggled with jealousy and was a drug addict which is why she got kicked out of American Top Team. Along with that, Moroz claims Agapova was flirting with other fighters as well as trying to hurt them in purpose…

Continue Reading Maryna Moroz On Ex-Teammate Mariya Agapova: “This Girl Is Garbage” at MMA News.

Maryna Moroz is doubling down on her callout of ex-teammate, Mariya Agapova.

Moroz recently claimed Agapova struggled with jealousy and was a drug addict which is why she got kicked out of American Top Team. Along with that, Moroz claims Agapova was flirting with other fighters as well as trying to hurt them in purpose in training. However, Agapova was quick to deny those allegations and instead said she wanted to fight Moroz.

Now, the former teammates are set to face one another at UFC 272 on March 5 and ahead of the scrap, Moroz doubled down on the trash-talk of Agapova. The event will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be headlined by a grudge match between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.

“Before, I said she’s a dangerous person and it’s true. She used drugs, we have all the proof. Videos, screenshots, everything. And of course, I didn’t post it. I don’t need to. I don’t need my Instagram showing garbage,” Moroz said to CageSide Press. “This girl is garbage. I don’t want my Instagram looking like garbage. I show OnlyFans, beautiful pictures, but now I can show the journalists who is real and who is who. ‘Mashka’ is a person who is a liar, very dangerous. In interviews, she’s ‘Oh, I’m nice girl, I’m training,’” Moroz continued. “Of course, she trains, but she used drugs. She was crazy and dangerous saying she’d kill me and want to cut my face.”

Given the history between the two, this fight will be highly anticipated. Agapova called for it to happen and got her wish, as she said that she wanted to punish Moroz for her comments. She will get her chance to do so at UFC 272.

What do you make of Maryna Moroz’s trash talk about her former teammate in Mariya Agapova?

Continue Reading Maryna Moroz On Ex-Teammate Mariya Agapova: “This Girl Is Garbage” at MMA News.