UFC 272 | UFC Betting Sites - The Best MMA Online Bookies

J?drzejczyk: Moroz Deserves Double Respect For UFC 272 Performance

Former strawweight champion Joanna J?drzejczyk is giving credit to Maryna Moroz for her outstanding performanceat UFC 272. For over a year, Moroz and Agapova have argued over disputes that took place when they were training partners, similar to the grudge match between Covington and Masvidal. At UFC 272, Moroz did what she set out to…

Continue Reading J?drzejczyk: Moroz Deserves Double Respect For UFC 272 Performance at MMA News.

Former strawweight champion Joanna J?drzejczyk is giving credit to Maryna Moroz for her outstanding performanceat UFC 272.

For over a year, Moroz and Agapova have argued over disputes that took place when they were training partners, similar to the grudge match between Covington and Masvidal.

At UFC 272, Moroz did what she set out to do that night and left no room to talk. On Saturday, she shut down their rivalry by submitting the “Demonslayer” in the second round of their match.

Maryna Moroz and Mariya Agapova, Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Due to injuries, the Octagon has not seen the Ukrainian fighter for two years, yet she fought like she hasn’t missed a day.

But what makes her victory worthy of standing ovation is that she conquered her opponent during a devastating time in her country.

Born in Vil’nohirs’k, Ukraine, Moroz fights while her family is at home. The immense pressure to fight that night, for herself and for her country, is an inspiration to many.

Fellow American Top Team member and decorated UFC fighter Joanna J?drzejczyk showed nothing but respect for Moroz.

“Maryna Moroz was sitting here a minute ago. Guys, she put on a hell of a performance. It’s been two years, she hasn’t fought because of so many injuries. But we all know what’s happening in Ukraine, in Europe, and I think she deserves double bravo or respect (for) how she’s handling all of this. It’s hard. Her family is there, in Ukraine, fighting for life. So this girl has done really big things tonight. So big congrats Maryna. We are very happy for you,” J?drzejczyk stated in a media scrum following UFC 272.

After the impressive win, Moroz was brought to tears in a post-fight interview when explaining the situation in Ukraine.

Moroz fought hard on March 5, and as the only female fighter in the UFC from Ukraine, she has shown how remarkable she truly is.

What are your thoughts on Maryna Moroz’s UFC 272 performance?

Continue Reading J?drzejczyk: Moroz Deserves Double Respect For UFC 272 Performance at MMA News.

Colby Covington Leaves Laura Sanko Speechless During UFC 272 Interview

Former interim UFC welterweight champion, Colby Covington certainly left UFC reporter and commentator, Laura Sanko lost for words during his post-fight interview following UFC 272 – as he lodged another personal barb at former teammate, Dustin Poirier. Headlining last Saturday’s event, Covington, the #1 ranked welterweight contender in the official UFC rankings, rebounded to the […]

Headlining last Saturday’s event, Covington, the #1 ranked welterweight contender in the official UFC rankings, rebounded to the winner’s enclosure with a one-sided unanimous decision win over former American Top Team teammate, Jorge Masvidal in the pair’s tense grudge match.

Landing an impressive six separate takedowns against the Miami native over the course of their five round main event, Covington also outlander the Floridian in the striking department as well – in a largely concise and dominant win for the outspoken Covington.

Colby Covington has issued several insults and personal attacks toward Dustin Poirier in the past

During his post-fight interview with the returning UFC color commentator, Joe Rogan, Covington immediately took aim in the direction of another past Coconut Creek teammate, the aforenoted one-time interim lightweight titleholder, Poirier, calling for a pairing with him next.

And during his post-fight media obligations, Covington spoke with the above mentioned, Sanko – soon leaving her speechless with a particularly personal attack on Poirier and his wife, Jolie Poirier.

“He’s (Dustin Poirier) got all these stipulations, I only got one stipulation, let the whole world watch,” Colby Covington said. “It doesn’t have to be in an Octagon we can go to a park we can do it. Let the whole world watch it and them enjoy themselves, kind of like what Dustin does when Conor (McGregor) is in bed with his (Poirier’s) wife (Jolie Poirier).”

Covington’s barbs stem from claims from former two-weight champion, McGregor ahead of his UFC 264 trilogy rubber match with Poirier last summer, where he claimed that Jolie had been sending him direct messages, using that barb both post and pre-fight to attempt to get under the skin of Poirier.

Prior to Covington’s victory over Masvidal at UFC 272, Poirier stressed during a media appearance at UFC 271 that he would never fight Covington under the umbrella of the UFC, maintaining that he could not justify a fight against him with financial implications – claiming both would end up in jail.

“I’ll never fight Colby (Covington) in an Octagon where there’s finances on the line,” Dustin Poirier said. “If I fight Colby, we’re both going to jail – I’m going to jail. You will never see me fight Colby Covington in the UFC.”

Makhachev 100% Expects Move To 170 After Watching UFC 272 Headliner

UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev is more convinced than ever to eventually move to welterweight after watching the UFC 272 main event. Makhachev has been on a roll as of late with 10 straight victories. He most recently dismantled short-notice replacement Bobby Green in his second-career UFC main event at UFC Vegas 49. Before the…

Continue Reading Makhachev 100% Expects Move To 170 After Watching UFC 272 Headliner at MMA News.

UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev is more convinced than ever to eventually move to welterweight after watching the UFC 272 main event.

Makhachev has been on a roll as of late with 10 straight victories. He most recently dismantled short-notice replacement Bobby Green in his second-career UFC main event at UFC Vegas 49.

Before the win over Green, Makhachev made quick work of top contenders such as Thiago Moisés and Dan Hooker.

Makhachev will more than likely have to face Beneil Dariush next, as UFC President Dana White recently hinted. However, he’s already got his eyes set not just on the lightweight title but also a chance to add his name to UFC lore.

During a recent interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Makhachev laid out what he plans to do once he gets the lightweight belt later this year.

“I’m gonna take this belt, defend like three, five times, and I’m gonna come to welterweight division,” Makhachev proclaimed.

UFC 272 featured a welterweight grudge match between top contenders Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal. Makhachev sat cageside to watch Covington earn a unanimous decision win over his former American Top Teammate and friend Masvidal.

Despite Covington’s impressive performance, Makhachev garnered more motivation to eventually challenge the top welterweights in the UFC after watching the UFC 272 main event.

UFC 272 results, highlights: Colby Covington grinds out decision win over Jorge Masvidal to end rivalry - CBSSports.com — Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington

“I saw this fight, I witnessed front row, when Masvidal fight versus Colby. Honestly, I really believe I can beat these guys one night, both these guys.

“Because Colby, he have just wrestling. I can beat him easy….his striking is very (slow) and other guy, Masvidal, I think he’s so old now, he just makes some money, he have maybe couple more fights and he gonna retire.”

Makhachev Doesn’t Expect Relationship With Usman To Be An Issue

Following his latest win over Green at UFC Vegas 49, Makhachev hinted at a move up to welterweight, a division in which Kamaru Usman currently reigns as champion.

While Makhachev and Usman have the same manager and seem to have a solid friendship, that hasn’t deterred Makhachev from pursuing multiple UFC belts. This is because Makhachev doesn’t expect Usman to still be competing if he gets the fight against Canelo Álvarez he’s been pushing for.

Makhachev revealed a recent conversation with Usman and the welterweight champion’s future as the titleholder.

“I told Usman. I told him, ‘Man, now you gonna beat Leon Edwards,” Makhachev said. “‘And after, you wanna fight vs. Canelo, make $100 million, and that’s it. Your motivation is finish.’ He say, ‘No, no, no, I’m gonna still compete.’

“But I don’t believe when somebody have $100 million, it’s not possible (to) wake up early morning (and stay hungry). It’s not possible.”

Usman recently underwent hand surgery and is expected to return later this year. He’s more than likely set to face Leon Edwards for his next title defense.

Makhachev was reportedly the UFC’s top target to replace Rafael Fiziev against Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 272. However, according to Dana White, he turned down the fight and White says Makhachev will now have to face Dariush before earning a title shot.

Makhachev has been referred to by many UFC fans as the heir apparent to Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is a mentor and coach of his. If Makhachev can earn the lightweight title, he could potentially accomplish something Nurmagomedov never did in earning multiple world titles after moving up a division.

How do you think Islam Makhachev would do at welterweight?

Continue Reading Makhachev 100% Expects Move To 170 After Watching UFC 272 Headliner at MMA News.

Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Jorge Masvidal After His Loss To Colby Covington

Former teammates turned enemies went to battle this past weekend when Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covingtons squared off at UFC 272. The grudge match didn’t go as most fans hope it would. Covington was able to do what he does well and that’s put the pace and pressure on Masvidal essentially wearing him out over […]

Former teammates turned enemies went to battle this past weekend when Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covingtons squared off at UFC 272.

The grudge match didn’t go as most fans hope it would. Covington was able to do what he does well and that’s put the pace and pressure on Masvidal essentially wearing him out over 25 minutes. Masvidal had no answer for the wrestling onslaught that he had to deal with and it looked like he had cardio dump in the early going of the fight.

He talked about how he worked tirelessly on his wrestling coming into this matchup, training with the likes of Bo Nickal. At the end of the fight, however, Masvidal said that he felt “flat”. Stephen A. Smith had some thoughts on Masvidal after those remarks.

“Masvidal admitted that his wrestling was flat. How was it flat coming into this fight knowing this guy as well as you know him and knowing what he was going to try to do to you, and how much you supposedly hate him? How you were not ready for a wrestling match, I don’t understand. It’s inexplicable.”

Even though the fight is done and over with, it doesn’t look like this rivalry will die anytime soon. Both fighters hate each other if not more after their fight. With Masvidal bitter after a loss, it will be interesting to see where he goes from here. He has been talking about getting back into training, who do you think should be next for Masvidal?

What do you make of Stephen A. Smith’s comments about Jorge Masvidal?

Stephen A. Smith Rips Jorge Masvidal For Post-UFC 272 Comments

Stephen A. Smith is not buying what UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal is selling following his loss to Colby Covington. Covington defeated Masvidal via unanimous decision in their welterweight grudge match after months of back-and-forth banter. Covington dominated with his wrestling and also out-landed Masvidal with his standup. After the fight, Masvidal claimed that he was…

Continue Reading Stephen A. Smith Rips Jorge Masvidal For Post-UFC 272 Comments at MMA News.

Stephen A. Smith is not buying what UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal is selling following his loss to Colby Covington.

Covington defeated Masvidal via unanimous decision in their welterweight grudge match after months of back-and-forth banter. Covington dominated with his wrestling and also out-landed Masvidal with his standup.

After the fight, Masvidal claimed that he was “flat” with his wrestling, which he feels was a major reason for the loss. Covington has always been known to be a wrestler by nature but has also shown improved standup over time.

During a recent segment of ESPN’s First Take, Smith gave his thoughts on Masvidal’s approach to the fight with Covington and his post-fight comments.

“I’m a huge, huge Masvidal fan,” Smith prefaced. “I think he’s great for the sport because he’s got knockout power in both punches, he can obviously use that knee very well and he has improved his wrestling. But Colby Covington showed that he’s on a different level from a wrestling standpoint, and from a stamina standpoint.

Masvidal reflects on UFC 272 loss to Covington: 'The b—ch can wrestle' - MMAmania.com — Image Credit: David Becker/Getty Images

“One of the things that I paid attention to coming into this fight is something that Colby Covington said. Because he knew him and they were former best friends and roommates turned enemies, Covington said, ‘Masvidal trains for his fights; I live this.’ What he was talking about is he is always in shape. He’s never out of shape. He’s renowned for his condition and the pressure he’s able to apply and how he never lets up because he keeps on coming.”

Smith went on to point out how fatigued Masvidal looked as the fight came to a close.

“I saw Masvidal gutsy and survive the five rounds, but while he was waving Covington on to come on, ‘Let’s get some more.’ He was literally using two security personnel to lean on because that’s how exhausted he was. Covington looked like he was just starting. He was that energized. The guy is in phenomenal shape, he’s an outstanding wrestler and Masvidal admitted that his wrestling was flat.

“How was it flat coming into this fight knowing this guy as well as you know him and knowing what he was going to try to do to you, and how much you supposedly hate him? How you were not ready for a wrestling match, I don’t understand. It’s inexplicable.” (h/t MMA Junkie)

Masvidal has now lost three straight bouts and hasn’t won since his BMF title victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 244. He’s anticipating a return later this year to work his way towards a potential rematch against Covington down the line.

Smith has had a complicated relationship with the MMA community. In addition to his criticisms of Masvidal, he also came under fire after attacking Donald Cerrone on the ESPN post-fight show for his quick loss to Conor McGregor.

What are your thoughts on how Jorge Masvidal vs. Colby Covington played out?

Continue Reading Stephen A. Smith Rips Jorge Masvidal For Post-UFC 272 Comments at MMA News.

Maryna Moroz: UFC Russia Blocked Me Because I’m From Ukraine

UFC women’s flyweight Maryna Moroz says the UFC’s official Russian Instagram account blocked her based on her nationality. While fighting is, in itself, an intense sport with high stakes, not many will have entered a cage in as difficult a scenario as Moroz did this past weekend. With war waging in her native country of…

Continue Reading Maryna Moroz: UFC Russia Blocked Me Because I’m From Ukraine at MMA News.

UFC women’s flyweight Maryna Moroz says the UFC’s official Russian Instagram account blocked her based on her nationality.

While fighting is, in itself, an intense sport with high stakes, not many will have entered a cage in as difficult a scenario as Moroz did this past weekend. With war waging in her native country of Ukraine, “Iron Lady” took to the Octagon at UFC 272 to face Mariya Agapova.

In the context of her fighting career, Moroz’s first-round submission represented victory in her first fight since 2020, extended her win streak to three, and earned bragging rights over her former ATT teammate.

But more importantly, it saw the 30-year-old Ukrainian fight through an immense level of adversity and emotion that few will experience in their lifetime. Ultimately, Moroz proudly held her flag aloft inside the T-Mobile Arena and delivered a victory for her country that comes at a time when so many have experienced personal losses.

While her focus has, and will continue to be, directed towards her family in Ukraine, an Eastern European country in the midst of a Russian invasion, it seems the tension between the two nations hasn’t been reserved for solely across the Atlantic in Moroz’s case.

During her appearance at the post-fight press conference on Saturday night, Moroz revealed the official UFC Russia Instagram account blocked her following her previous victory, something that gave her extra motivation ahead of UFC 272.

“Yeah (I was happy with my performance). I think people forget about me,” said Moroz. “Because before I win fight, I have records, year 2020 (was my last win). But, you know, you see, Russian Instagram doesn’t post me after my (last fight). He blocked me. But after I give interview, he unblocked, but never posted me, only posted my opponent. It gave me more energy to win this fight.”

While she didn’t provide a name, the “he” she refers to could be the UFC’s Vice President of Russia & CIS, Andre Gromkowski, who frequently posts about the account’s growth across social media.

When asked why she believes the account blocked her, Moroz simply said with a shrug, “Because I’m from Ukraine.”

Moroz Reveals Difficult Pre-Fight Feelings

Following her victory at UFC 272, Moroz was brought to tears as she took the mic in front of the crowd and entire fanbase.

Having addressed the ongoing conflict in her country during fight week and spoken out against the man behind it, “Iron Lady” let her emotions out after what has undoubtedly been a difficult period for the flyweight.

Discussing the pressure she felt as she tried to balance her worries about Ukraine with the preparation for her fight, Moroz further told the media about the nerves she was feeling in the days leading up to the March 5 PPV.

“I had a lot of pressure. I was nervous about the war in Ukraine,” said Moroz. “All this week, I felt nervous, I was crying. But I tried to focus… It was really hard for me because I see in Ukraine how terrible the situation is. But I focused, and I won the fight.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

What do you make of UFC Russia’s alleged decision to block Maryna Moroz?

Continue Reading Maryna Moroz: UFC Russia Blocked Me Because I’m From Ukraine at MMA News.