Tag: UFC 272

Colby Covington Wants Kamaru Usman Trilogy With Win Over Jorge Masvidal

Colby CovingtonThe #1 Ranked welterweight Colby Covington is looking ahead to a third matchup with current division champion Kamaru Usman given he can get past Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272. Covington and former best friend Masvidal will headline UFC 272 on March 5th and ‘Chaos’ will be hoping a victory here will secure him another shot […]

Colby Covington

The #1 Ranked welterweight Colby Covington is looking ahead to a third matchup with current division champion Kamaru Usman given he can get past Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272.

Covington and former best friend Masvidal will headline UFC 272 on March 5th and ‘Chaos’ will be hoping a victory here will secure him another shot at the title.

“It puts me right back in line to get another fight with Usman,” said during the UFC 270 weigh-in show.

“The people saw in Madison Square Garden and New York City what happened in that fight. I easily won three rounds. I think I won four rounds. The only round he clearly won was the second. I won the first, the third, the fourth and the fifth, so the people saw that. They want that fight again.”

“There’s no one that’s on his level that can compete with him like I can, so this fight needs to happen again. There needs to be a trilogy because he hasn’t proved that he’s the better fighter. He hasn’t proved that he’s the best welterweight in the world, and there’s still unfinished business there. So I think after I finish Jorge Masvidal on March 5, it puts me right back in line to get my title shot.”

Usman stopped Covington late in the 5th round in their first matchup at UFC 245, the American fighter would then fall short at his second attempt at UFC 268 this time losing via decision.

Colby Covington will have to wait to find out what his options are following his matchup with Masvidal. Leon Edwards was declared as the number one contender and a date is still yet to be set for the British fighter to have his shot at welterweight gold.

Colby Covington Wants Dustin Poirier If There’s No Title Shot

Covington will be looking to settle another rivalry if he is unable to get the title shot, this time with Dustin Poirier.

“I think Louisiana swamp trash ‘Dustin Sorier.”

“That’s a fight that needs to happen after this. That’s another personal grudge match. We’ve got a long history training together. He used to talk sh*t saying it was on sight. He was going to the owner of American Top Team, and he was crying to him up in his feelings to this billionaire, ‘Oh, Colby’s so mean. He said some mean things about me in the media. Kick him out. Do something. Don’t let him train at our gym.’ So that fight needs to happen.

“He said to the media it’s on sight. I’m holding people accountable for all these fake news that they’re saying in the media.” (Transcribed by MMAJunkie.com)

Who do you think will win at UFC 272 Jorge Masvidal or Colby Covington?

O’Malley: Masvidal Can Piece Up Covington If He Defends The Takedowns

UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley has given his take on the upcoming UFC 272 main event between former title challengers Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.

After Alexander Volkanovski’s trilogy fight with Max Holloway collapsed and his next defense w…

Sean O'Malley, UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal

UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley has given his take on the upcoming UFC 272 main event between former title challengers Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.

After Alexander Volkanovski’s trilogy fight with Max Holloway collapsed and his next defense was pushed back to UFC 273, the March pay-per-view was left needing a new headliner. What better replacement than one of the most highly-anticipated grudge matches in the UFC right now?

Former friends and teammates Covington and Masvidal will settle their differences inside the Octagon on March 5. While predictions will differ for the contest, one thing that isn’t up for debate is that fans are in store for a heated and entertaining build-up.

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O’Malley Reveals His “Gut Feeling”

Both Covington and Masvidal are coming off losses to reigning welterweight king Kamaru Usman. “Gamebred” fell to back-to-back setbacks against the champion at UFC 251 and 261. “Chaos,” meanwhile, failed in his attempts to reach the 170-pound mountaintop at UFC 245 and UFC 268.

But despite failing to dethrone “The Nigerian Nightmare,” Covington undoubtedly came closer to doing so than Masvidal, who was knocked out cold by Usman last April.

Nevertheless, the Miami native had been in fine form before colliding with Usman, securing finishes against Darren Till, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz in 2019. Rising bantamweight star O’Malley believes Masvidal could return to that level of form when he enters the Octagon with Covington in March.

“Jorge has never really been taken down and just beaten up for 25 minutes, ever in his career,” O’Malley said on an episode of his YouTube podcast. “If anyone was going to do it, you think it would have been Usman. Usman didn’t go out there, take him down, and maul him. He did knock him out but I don’t know.

“That’s a sick fight. I just get a gut feeling right now that Masvidal could definitely piece up Colby if he shuts down the striking or shuts down the takedowns,” added O’Malley. “Colby brings an insane pace, but Masvidal, that’s going to be such a sick fight. This is the fight I’m most hyped about out of all the big ones.” (h/t Pundit Arena)

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While the fight announcement is still fresh and the clash weeks away, the trash talk and social media exchanges have already begun.

Given Covington’s antics prior to his rematch with Usman, we can expect an even more bitter build-up this time around, especially given the former interim champ’s history with former ATT teammate Masvidal.

How do you see the UFC 272 main event between Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington playing out?

Continue Reading O’Malley: Masvidal Can Piece Up Covington If He Defends The Takedowns at MMA News.

VIDEO | Colby Covington Rips ‘Tyron Woodley’s Waterboy’ Din Thomas

Colby CovingtonAppearing as a guest via video link on yesterday’s UFC 270 weigh-in show, former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington certainly didn’t hold back in his verbal attack against coach, Din Thomas, claiming that the UFC alum was nothing more than former champion and opponent, Tyron Woodley’s “waterboy”. Colby Covington is slated to return against Jorge […]

Colby Covington

Appearing as a guest via video link on yesterday’s UFC 270 weigh-in show, former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington certainly didn’t hold back in his verbal attack against coach, Din Thomas, claiming that the UFC alum was nothing more than former champion and opponent, Tyron Woodley’s “waterboy”.

Colby Covington is slated to return against Jorge Masvidal in the main event of UFC 272 on March 5.

Covington, who last featured back in November in the main event of UFC 268 against Kamaru Usman in a championship rematch at Madison Square Garden – suffered his second career loss to the undisputed welterweight kingpin in the form of a unanimous decision defeat.

In the time since, Clovis native, Covington has booked a quickfire return to the Octagon in the form of a well-overdue welterweight grudge match against fellow former two-time title challenger and former American Top Team teammate, Jorge Masvidal. The pair is currently slated to headline UFC 272 on March 5.

Thomas, who holds ties with Covington’s former home base, American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida – received the wrath of the former interim welterweight title challenger during yesterday’s weigh-in show ahead of UFC 270, with Covington turning down the opportunity to appear on Thomas’ show, ‘Din’s Diaries’ – claiming that he was just a “waterboy” for the aforenoted, Woodley.

“Hey, man – if you weren’t busy talking sh*t, saying I wasn’t about that life in the media, you know, I’d be down,” Colby Covington replied to Din Thomas offer to have him on his show. “But, Din (Thomas), you’re nothing more than Tyron Woodley’s waterboy, so for you to talk sh*t about me in the media, it’s just – it’s just criminal. 

For Covington, the outspoken MMA Masters trainee’s most recent professional victory came back in September 2020 – securing an eventual fifth round TKO win over the St. Louis native, after the former undisputed champion suffered a rib injury during a grappling exchange.

Yan: UFC Delayed Rematch To Avoid Sterling Headlining PPV

Petr Yan has his theory on why the UFC opted to move his scheduled rematch with Aljamain Sterling from UFC 272 to the UFC 273 co-main.

Yan lost his bantamweight title to Sterling at UFC 259 after landing an illegal knee to a grounded Sterling late …

Petr Yan, Aljamain Sterling

Petr Yan has his theory on why the UFC opted to move his scheduled rematch with Aljamain Sterling from UFC 272 to the UFC 273 co-main.

Yan lost his bantamweight title to Sterling at UFC 259 after landing an illegal knee to a grounded Sterling late in the fight. Sterling would earn the title via disqualification and the saga began regarding rematch talks.

Sterling and Yan were originally scheduled to square off at UFC 267, but Sterling pulled out due to lingering health issues. Yan would go on to fight and defeat Cory Sandhagen for the interim belt at UFC 267.

After they were originally scheduled once again to battle at UFC 272, the fight has now been pushed back to UFC 273. The two sides have gone at it on social media regarding the reasoning for the delay, with Sterling accusing Yan of being responsible for it.

The two went at it on Twitter regarding the situation, with Yan citing Sterling as the reasoning.

“Pathetic liar desperately trying to look good and control the narrative but it won’t work. I’m vaccinated and ready to bash you anywhere even tomorrow. UFC simply doesn’t want fake champion to headline the event,” Yan tweeted.

The UFC and president Dana White haven’t come out publically and explained the fight getting pushed back. Yan’s attack prompted a brutal response from Sterling.

“Lmao I’m only repeating what I was told from the bosses. Don’t get your potato tits in a twist! I’d happily fuck you up tmw too. That can easily be arranged.”

The bantamweight title picture has been searching for clarity ever since Sterling controversially earned the belt. The UFC’s feelings about the situation can be attributed to Yan being on the pound-for-pound list while the champion Sterling is notably absent.

For now, it appears that the Sterling-Yan rematch is set to happen at UFC 273, and fans will need to keep their fingers crossed regarding any potential shakeups between now and then.

What is your prediction for the Petr Yan-Aljamain Sterling rematch?

Continue Reading Yan: UFC Delayed Rematch To Avoid Sterling Headlining PPV at MMA News.

Aljamain Sterling Claims Title Rematch With Petr Yan Has Been Moved To UFC 273 In April

Aljamain SterlingUFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling has claimed his long-awaited title unification rematch with interim gold holder, Petr Yan is most likely to now take place in April at UFC 273, despite initial plans to pit the two together a month earlier at UFC 272 on March 5. Sterling, who clinched the undisputed bantamweight championship back […]

Aljamain Sterling

UFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling has claimed his long-awaited title unification rematch with interim gold holder, Petr Yan is most likely to now take place in April at UFC 273, despite initial plans to pit the two together a month earlier at UFC 272 on March 5.

Sterling, who clinched the undisputed bantamweight championship back in March courtesy of a fourth round disqualification win over Yan, has been sidelined ever since as he failed to obtain medical clearance to return following invasive neck surgery to address a longstanding issue. 

Aljamain Sterling is currently in the midst of a six-fight winning run, including his DQ win over Petr Yan

The Uniondale native was originally expected to co-headline UFC 267 back in October on ‘Fight Island’ in a rematch against Yan, however, his failure to obtain medical clearance resulted in the shelving of the bout, as well as the introduction of an interim title at bantamweight.

Remaining on the Abu Dhabi, UAE card – Dudinka native, Yan managed to scoop the interim crown with unanimous decision win over common-opponent, Cory Sandhagen, who replaced Sterling on short notice.

Last week, reports emerged detailing how the promotion was targeting the title rematch between Sterling and Yan for UFC 272 on March 5. at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, however, contracts had yet to be signed for the bout.

Ultimately, a targeted main event between featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, and Max Holloway fell to the wayside as the latter aggravated a prior injury, resulting in the scuppering of that title fight as well.

With Volkanovski now expected to draw the #4 ranked contender, Chan Sung Jung in a reworked title fight at UFC 273, Sterling has suggested on his official Twitter that his re-run with Yan will follow suit and land at UFC 273 in April as well.

“Apparently it (the rematch) isn’t until April now (UFC 273),” Aljamain Sterling tweeted. “The potato (Petr Yan) can’t duck me forever!”

An April return for Aljamain Sterling would mark a year of inactivity following his much-debated disqualification win over Yan, with the New York native becoming the first champion in the promotion’s history to win a title via that method. 
Sterling then accused Yan of withdrawing from their upcoming fight, calling them now level on fight withdrawals between them.

“I guess Cheotr (Petr Yan) and I, are even now in pulling out of fights for serious injuries,” Aljamain Sterling tweeted. “Oh wait… “personal reasons” isn’t an injury (laughing face emoji). I’m coming for your boy! Trust me!

REPORT | Kevin Holland Returns, Meets Cowboy Oliveira At UFC 272 On March 5.

Kevin HollandA welterweight showdown between division mover, Kevin Holland and veteran Brazil native, Alex Oliveira has been added to UFC 272 on March 5. – from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Most recently featuring at UFC Vegas 38 back in October, Holland fought to an eventual official ‘No Contest’ against Kyle Daukaus, after he […]

Kevin Holland

A welterweight showdown between division mover, Kevin Holland and veteran Brazil native, Alex Oliveira has been added to UFC 272 on March 5. – from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Most recently featuring at UFC Vegas 38 back in October, Holland fought to an eventual official ‘No Contest’ against Kyle Daukaus, after he suffered an accidental clash of heads in the center of the Octagon before Daukaus latched onto a standing rear-naked choke. The result left Holland without a win since December 2020.

Kevin Holland attempts to snap a three-fight winless run against Alex Oliveira at UFC 272

Also featuring on the undercard of that October UFC Vegas 38 event, Oliveira suffered his third straight defeat – this time finding himself on the receiving end of a unanimous decision defeat against Niko Price. Kevin Holland announced his pairing against Oliveira and welterweight return on his official Only Fans page. 

Before his ‘No Contest’ against Daukaus, Holland had headlined for the first and then subsequently, second time in his UFC tenure. Seeing his five-fight winning run halted back in March, Holland dropped a unanimous decision defeat against division mainstay, Derek Brunson.

Replacing an injured, Darren Till in April at UFC on ABC 2, Holland suffered a unanimous decision loss against Marvin Vettori in a main event slot. Suffering numerous takedowns in both losses, Holland recently began training under the tutelage of renowned amateur wrestler and former welterweight champion, Johny Hendricks.

Turning in a record-setting 2020, Holland lodged five straight wins over Anthony Hernandez, Joaquin Buckley, Darren Stewart, Charlie Ontiveros, and then at UFC 256 – stopped Jacare Souza with a stunning first round knockout from his back during a grappling scramble. 

Before judging loss to Price, Rio de Janeiro veteran, Oliveira dropped submission blemishes against both Randy Brown and Kazakh native, Shavkat Rakhmonov. 

In his Octagon tenure, Oliveira has most notable dispatched the likes of former interim welterweight titleholder, Carlos Condit, Max Griffin, Tim Means, Will Brooks, and K.J. Noons.