Tag: UFC 274

Pat Barry Claims Sean Strickland’s Allegations May Have Led To ‘Emotional’ Rose Namajunas Loss At UFC 274

Pat BarryPat Barry, a former UFC heavyweight contender, has claimed that recent comments made by outspoken middleweight contender, Sean Strickland regarding Barry’s relationship with his partner, former two-time strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas – may have led to an emotional performance against Carla Esparza at UFC 274. Co-headlining UFC 274 last weekend, Namajunas suffered a split decision […]

Pat Barry

Pat Barry, a former UFC heavyweight contender, has claimed that recent comments made by outspoken middleweight contender, Sean Strickland regarding Barry’s relationship with his partner, former two-time strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas – may have led to an emotional performance against Carla Esparza at UFC 274.

Co-headlining UFC 274 last weekend, Namajunas suffered a split decision loss to inaugural strawweight queen, Esparza, suffering her second career defeat to the Torrance native as she became a two-time division champion.

Following the more than forgettable rematch showdown, Namajunas, as well as he corner consisting of leads, Trevor Wittman, and the aforenoted, Barry received criticism for their less than active gameplan, resulting in her split decision loss.

Pat Barry and co were criticized for informing Rose Namajunas that she was likely winning at UFC 274

Namajunas maintained that she should have left Phoenix, Arizona with her championship in tow, claiming that she had employed a defensive gameplan which mitigated any real offensive work from challenger, Esparza.

Commenting on his fiancé’s defeat, Barry, who most recently competed in the UFC back in December 2013, attempted to set the story straight on recent comments made by the above mentioned, Strickland and other social media users regarding his relationship with Namajunas.

“This whole Sean Strickland thing that is all over the place, everywhere – years ago, Rose (Namajunas) did an interview and said, ‘I joined Roufusport when I was 14 years old, and then I left Roufusport for a few years,’” Pat Barry said on The MMA Hour. “Then I came back to Roufusport, to pursue my MMA career, and that’s where I met my fiancé, Pat Barry.’ When the guy wrote the interview up, he wrote, ‘Rose Namajunas joined Roufusport when she was 14 years old, where she met her fiance, Pat Barry, when she was 14 years old.”

“That’s where everyone is getting this sh*t from – a botched interview,” Pat Barry explained. “That’s where everyone is gettin all that from because someone decided to write it that way. It must’ve seemed credible and they just run with it. It’s those type of things everywhere that cause Rose to get into the fight with Carla, and be emotional.” (Transcribed by BJPENN)

Michael Chandler Explains Snubbing Poirier In Post-UFC 274 Callouts

UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler doesn’t think Dustin Poirier was worthy of a callout following his win at UFC 274. Chandler has been vocal following his incredible knockout of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. He called out Conor McGregor and Charles Oliveira immediately following the fight, and also seemed open to a potential bout with…

Continue Reading Michael Chandler Explains Snubbing Poirier In Post-UFC 274 Callouts at MMA News.

UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler doesn’t think Dustin Poirier was worthy of a callout following his win at UFC 274.

Chandler has been vocal following his incredible knockout of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. He called out Conor McGregor and Charles Oliveira immediately following the fight, and also seemed open to a potential bout with Nate Diaz.

But one big lightweight name left out of Chandler’s callouts was Poirier, who most recently challenged Oliveira for the title at UFC 269. He questioned his absence in a tweet.

During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Chandler explained why he hasn’t acknowledged Poirier as a potential next opponent.

“Is Dustin a draw? I guess he is the No. 2 guy. … But he’s kind of just stayed at No. 2 and I don’t know how active he’s gonna be,” Chandler said. “But I did see that he tweeted that I was saying everybody else’s name but his, as if I didn’t want to fight him because of technical reasons but it was more that I forgot about him, to be honest with you.” (h/t Bleacher Report)

Poirier has teased a potential move to welterweight for his next fight. However, he seems to also remain open to the idea of another lightweight title run.

UFC President Dana White seemed excited about the idea of a Chandler vs. McGregor fight next, but nothing has been formally discussed or negotiated. This could open the doors to a fight with Poirier for the next lightweight title shot.

Poirier’s stock went up after back-to-back wins over McGregor last year, but Chandler still doesn’t feel that it’s a big enough fight for him to warrant the quick turnaround.

What are your thoughts on Michael Chandler’s comments about Dustin Poirier?

Continue Reading Michael Chandler Explains Snubbing Poirier In Post-UFC 274 Callouts at MMA News.

Sonnen Makes The Case For Immediate Oliveira vs. Gaethje Rematch

After Oliveira defeated Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, Chael Sonnen thinks the stripped champion’s next opponent could be … Justin Gaethje. Even though Oliveira just defeated Gaethje in the UFC 274 main event, Oliveira was not eligible to win the lightweight title. Prior to the contest, Oliveira missed weight and was forced to vacate the…

Continue Reading Sonnen Makes The Case For Immediate Oliveira vs. Gaethje Rematch at MMA News.

After Oliveira defeated Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, Chael Sonnen thinks the stripped champion’s next opponent could be … Justin Gaethje.

Even though Oliveira just defeated Gaethje in the UFC 274 main event, Oliveira was not eligible to win the lightweight title. Prior to the contest, Oliveira missed weight and was forced to vacate the belt. Due to his weight miss, the Brazilian was ineligible to win the title back, but Gaethje was. In the end, Oliveira submitted Gaethje in the first round via rear-naked choke.

Speaking on his podcast recently, Sonnen discussed what he thinks is next for Oliveira, who will compete for the vacant lightweight title in his next Octagon appearance.

“The Bad Guy” called on past precedent to suggest that an immediate Oliveira/Gaethje rematch is not out of the question.

“Recent history says that Justin Gaethje also should be considered for that match. By recent history, I’m just talking about Figueiredo vs. Benavidez. Exact same scenario.

“I would suppose that the decision-makers looked at it and go: ‘Look, if we’re going to give Figueiredo the reward of being one part of the championship match, we can’t reward the offender if we don’t also reward the victim.’”

Sonnen is referring to the 2020 vacant flyweight title bout between Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez. Figueiredo had missed weight and was ineligible to win the championship, even though he won the fight via TKO.

Due to the weigh-miss, Figueiredo and Benavidez had a rematch five months later, where Figueiredo cemented himself as the flyweight champion with a rear-naked choke victory.

One small difference between the scenarios is that Oliveira was already the champion who had defended his title prior to missing weight, whereas the first Figueiredo vs. Benavidez fight was for a vacant title.

Oliveira has been on a tremendous rise within the lightweight division. He is currently on an 11-fight win streak, which included his 155-pound title victory. Oliveira’s jiu-jitsu has looked impossible inside the Octagon, with seven of those 11 victories coming via submission.

Many would like to see Oliveira test himself against rising challenger Islam Makhachev. However, with how stacked the lightweight division is at the moment, there’s no telling what the Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion will book.

Who do you think should face Oliveira next? And do you agree with Chael Sonnen that Justin Gaethje should be in consideration? Sound off in the comments!

Quotes via Sportskeeda

Continue Reading Sonnen Makes The Case For Immediate Oliveira vs. Gaethje Rematch at MMA News.

Sonnen Makes The Case For Immediate Oliveira vs. Gaethje Rematch

After Oliveira defeated Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, Chael Sonnen thinks the stripped champion’s next opponent could be … Justin Gaethje. Even though Oliveira just defeated Gaethje in the UFC 274 main event, Oliveira was not eligible to win the lightweight title. Prior to the contest, Oliveira missed weight and was forced to vacate the…

Continue Reading Sonnen Makes The Case For Immediate Oliveira vs. Gaethje Rematch at MMA News.

After Oliveira defeated Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, Chael Sonnen thinks the stripped champion’s next opponent could be … Justin Gaethje.

Even though Oliveira just defeated Gaethje in the UFC 274 main event, Oliveira was not eligible to win the lightweight title. Prior to the contest, Oliveira missed weight and was forced to vacate the belt. Due to his weight miss, the Brazilian was ineligible to win the title back, but Gaethje was. In the end, Oliveira submitted Gaethje in the first round via rear-naked choke.

Speaking on his podcast recently, Sonnen discussed what he thinks is next for Oliveira, who will compete for the vacant lightweight title in his next Octagon appearance.

“The Bad Guy” called on past precedent to suggest that an immediate Oliveira/Gaethje rematch is not out of the question.

“Recent history says that Justin Gaethje also should be considered for that match. By recent history, I’m just talking about Figueiredo vs. Benavidez. Exact same scenario.

“I would suppose that the decision-makers looked at it and go: ‘Look, if we’re going to give Figueiredo the reward of being one part of the championship match, we can’t reward the offender if we don’t also reward the victim.’”

Sonnen is referring to the 2020 vacant flyweight title bout between Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez. Figueiredo had missed weight and was ineligible to win the championship, even though he won the fight via TKO.

Due to the weigh-miss, Figueiredo and Benavidez had a rematch five months later, where Figueiredo cemented himself as the flyweight champion with a rear-naked choke victory.

One small difference between the scenarios is that Oliveira was already the champion who had defended his title prior to missing weight, whereas the first Figueiredo vs. Benavidez fight was for a vacant title.

Oliveira has been on a tremendous rise within the lightweight division. He is currently on an 11-fight win streak, which included his 155-pound title victory. Oliveira’s jiu-jitsu has looked impossible inside the Octagon, with seven of those 11 victories coming via submission.

Many would like to see Oliveira test himself against rising challenger Islam Makhachev. However, with how stacked the lightweight division is at the moment, there’s no telling what the Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion will book.

Who do you think should face Oliveira next? And do you agree with Chael Sonnen that Justin Gaethje should be in consideration? Sound off in the comments!

Quotes via Sportskeeda

Continue Reading Sonnen Makes The Case For Immediate Oliveira vs. Gaethje Rematch at MMA News.

Joe Lauzon Had ‘Gut Feeling’ Cowboy Fight Wouldn’t Happen

Joe Lauzon had a “gut feeling” that his fight with Donald Cerrone wasn’t going to happen at UFC 274. Lauzon and Cerrone were slated to compete in lightweight action on the main card of the pay-per-view (PPV) event from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. However, hours before the event was to get underway, Cerrone…

Continue Reading Joe Lauzon Had ‘Gut Feeling’ Cowboy Fight Wouldn’t Happen at MMA News.

Joe Lauzon had a “gut feeling” that his fight with Donald Cerrone wasn’t going to happen at UFC 274.

Lauzon and Cerrone were slated to compete in lightweight action on the main card of the pay-per-view (PPV) event from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. However, hours before the event was to get underway, Cerrone was forced to pull out of the fight due to a non-COVID-related illness.

It was later revealed that Cerrone had a very bad bout of food poisoning that was not allowing him to fight. Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Lauzon opened up on the frustration of not being able to fight after putting in the work of a hard training camp.

He also revealed that, oddly enough, he had a funny feeling leading up to the fight that it was never going to happen.

“For two days I kept saying, I had this gut feeling that the fight’s not gonna happen. I’ve never felt like this before ever,” Lauzon said. “I feel like it’s the stupidest thing, I know Cowboy would show up with a broken leg and fight with a broken leg, but I get this weird gut feeling that the fight is not gonna happen.”

Lauzon revealed that his coach woke him up from a nap the afternoon of the event, letting him know the bad news. At 37-years-old, Lauzon has admitted that he’s winding down in his mixed martial arts (MMA) career, and doesn’t have many fights left. In fact, this fight against Cerrone likely could’ve been his last.

When asked if he plans to fight again, Lauzon said he’s undecided, but he’d hate for his career to end on this note.

“I don’t know. I have no idea. How sh*tty is it to have it go out like that, though?” Lauzon asked.

Fortunately, it has since been revealed that the Cerrone/Lauzon bout has been rescheduled for June 18 in August, Texas. Let’s hope that Lauzon’s gut feeling does not re-emerge this time out.

Continue Reading Joe Lauzon Had ‘Gut Feeling’ Cowboy Fight Wouldn’t Happen at MMA News.

Exclusive | ‘Loopy’ Godinez Recaps Dominant UFC 274 Win, Confident Moving Forward Towards Top Of Strawweight Division

'Loopy' GodinezAfter competing in her fifth UFC bout, Lupita ‘Loopy’ Godinez spoke to James Lynch in a LowKick MMA Exclusive, discussing her recent dominant victory at UFC 274 and what will come next for the strawweight prospect. ‘Loopy’ Godinez discusses UFC 274 win and what comes next “Loopy” Godinez improved to 8-2 and now has pieced […]

'Loopy' Godinez

After competing in her fifth UFC bout, Lupita ‘Loopy’ Godinez spoke to James Lynch in a LowKick MMA Exclusive, discussing her recent dominant victory at UFC 274 and what will come next for the strawweight prospect.

‘Loopy’ Godinez discusses UFC 274 win and what comes next

“Loopy” Godinez improved to 8-2 and now has pieced together back-to-back wins under the biggest MMA promotion on the planet, with her confidence now clearly rising as she continues to move forward. ‘Loopy’ Godinez looked dominant against the very tough Brazilian standout in Ariane Carnelossi, controlling the action for the full 15 minutes in impressive fashion.

Speaking with Lynch, Godinez stated that “I said it before in an interview, I said I wanted to look really dominant.” Her intentions in the octagon were clear, sticking to a solid game plan that resulted in her scoring a truly dominant win, undoubtedly drawing even more attention her way.

Godinez continued to discuss how her preparation for this fight was perfect, noting that she felt great during the buildup to the bout. This was her first non-short notice fight in the UFC, and the impact of her preparation was evident. Now with such a decisive win under her belt, Godinez believes she is in an ideal position to begin moving toward the top of the division.

“If you look at the division, I don’t see anyone like me,’ proclaimed Godinez. ‘We’ve seen good strikers, we’ve seen good grapplers, but it’s only one thing. I feel like I’m well rounded and can do anything.”

Moving forward, Godinez expressed her interest in staying active and fighting consistently, a fact that should come as no surprise to fans of the sport, considering she fought four times in 2021 alone. She stated that “I [would] like to fight next weekend.” When asked about who she would prefer to fight, Godinez was quick to state that she is happy to “go with the flow” as long as it keeps sending her towards the top of the division.

Will ‘Loopy’ Godinez get another quick fight booked and will it be against a top 15 strawweight?