Tag: UFC 281

Event of the Year – LowKick MMA 2022 Awards

Event of the YearThe UFC has drawn the curtain on what has been another scintillating year for the promotion. Numerous pay-per-view events and fight night cards took to our screens nearly every single week of the year it’s hard to narrow down our ‘Event of the Year’. With so many events to choose from we got our team […]

Event of the Year

The UFC has drawn the curtain on what has been another scintillating year for the promotion. Numerous pay-per-view events and fight night cards took to our screens nearly every single week of the year it’s hard to narrow down our ‘Event of the Year’.

With so many events to choose from we got our team of writers here at LowKickMMA to vote on what was their event of the year in 2022. Let us take a look at how the results broke down.

Event of the Year: UFC London: Volkov vs. Aspinall (5 Votes)

Taking the crown as our Event of the Year for 2022 was none other than UFC London in March. Despite not being of the promotions pay-per-view events of the year the atmosphere inside the arena gave off exactly that. IMMAF champion and now flyweight contender, Muhammad Mokaev introduced himself to the UFC with his sub-minute submission victory over Cody Durden. The pride of Wales, Jack Shore extended his undefeated run to 16-0 with a calculated decision victory over Timur Valiev.

Ju-Jitsu ace Paul Craig implemented his truly unique fighting style onto Nikita Krylov with supreme effect, submitting the Ukrainian in the first round. Scouse supremacy reigned in London as Molly McCann delivered her iconic spinning elbow knockout and Paddy Pimblett secured his second finish in the promotion against Rodrigo Vargas.

Arnold Allen took down a veteran of the sport and continued his impressive run inside the promotion after defeating Dan Hooker via TKO. Saving the best till last, Tom Aspinall announced himself as a real threat to the heavyweight division with a flawless performance against longstanding UFC veteran Alexander Volkov, submitting him in the opening minutes of the first round.

Honorable Mentions

UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira (4 Votes)

Coming in at a close second was UFC 281 with 4 votes. When a card only requires the use of the ringside judges on three occasions you can be sure that it delivered, and this is exactly the case for UFC 281. Carlos Ulberg kicked off the action with a brutal knockout of Nicolae Negumereanu. Matt Frevola put an end to highly touted prospect Ottman Azaitar’s undefeated streak, knocking out the previously 13-0 lightweight in the first round. Erin Blanchfield unveiled her true potential after providing an absolutely dominant performance submitting Molly McCann.

Chris Gutierrez gave Frankie Edgar a sour ending to his career inside the octagon after he caught the 35-fight veteran with a brutal flying knee knockout. Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler turned in what many fans considered ‘fight of the year’ resulting in ‘The Diamond’ submitting the fellow former title challenger in the final round. Weili Zhang reclaimed her UFC strawweight championship after she submitted Carla Esparza.

Saving the best till last once again, Alex Pereira put a stop to arguably one the greatest middleweights of all time’s reign at the top of the division when he secured a TKO and his third victory over then champion, Israel Adesanya. Had UFC London not delivered on all aspects, it is almost certain UFC 281 would have been crowned Event of the Year.

UFC 275: Teixeira vs. Prochazka (2 Votes)

Taking the third and final sport in our Event of the Year competition is UFC 275 with 2 votes. Silvana Gomez Juarez acquired the first finish of the evening when she secured a technical knockout over Na Liang. Brendan Allen would then shortly follow up extending his good form in 2022 with a unanimous decision victory over Jacob Malkoun. Jack Della Maddalena overcame his toughest test to date since signing for the promotion and put his exquisite boxing ability to good use to see off Ramazan Emeev in the very first round.

Following on from Maddalena, Jake Matthews turned in his best performance to date after he brutally knocked out Andre Fialho in the second round. Weili Zhang secured herself another shot at her previously held UFC strawweight title when she dispatched former title holder Joanna Jedrzejczyk with a spinning back fist, sending the former champion into retirement.

Valentina Shevchenko overcame her toughest title challenger to date (or did not in some people’s eyes) when she edged out a split decision over Brazil’s Talia Santos.

In the main event, Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira delivered arguably one of the best fights of the year in their back-and-forth war for the UFC light heavyweight championship. Just seconds remained in the matchup and had the bout gone to the judges’ scorecard, Glover Teixeira would have secured his first successful title defense at the pinnacle of the 205-pound division. However, this was not to be as Jiri Prochazka submitted the Brazilian in the dying moments to crown himself as the new UFC light heavyweight champion of the world.

Full List Of 2022 Prospect Of The Year Votes

Frank Bonada: UFC London

Ross Markey: UFC 275

Murdo Todd: UFC 281

Patrick Post: UFC London

Ian Shutts: UFC London

Tim Wheaton: UFC London

Ollie Brockett: UFC 281

Keelin McNamara: UFC London

Marc Ray: UFC 275

Arshan Dhillon: UFC 281

Alex Lerman: UFC 281

UFC London claimed victory in our Event of the Year Awards 2022. Let us know in the comments below whether you agree with our decision.

Following the announcement of the promotion returning to the UK in March with UFC 286, do you believe it could deliver the same level of excitement as before?

Marc Goddard defends stoppage of Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya at UFC 281; ‘I wouldn’t change a thing’

Marc GoddardMMA referee Marc Goddard stands by his stoppage of the UFC 281 main event between Alex Pereria and Israel Adesanya. Pereira shocked the world when he knocked out ‘The Last Stylebender’ in the fifth round of their November 12th main event at Madison Square Garden, capturing the UFC middleweight championship in the process. With just […]

Marc Goddard

MMA referee Marc Goddard stands by his stoppage of the UFC 281 main event between Alex Pereria and Israel Adesanya.

Pereira shocked the world when he knocked out ‘The Last Stylebender’ in the fifth round of their November 12th main event at Madison Square Garden, capturing the UFC middleweight championship in the process. With just minutes left in the contest, Pereira pressed the panic button and delivered a barrage of strikes on Adesanya, rocking the former world champion in the process. With Adesanya unable to escape the danger or return fire, Marc Goddard stepped in and called for the stoppage.

‘Stylebender’ immediately protested the call, believing he was still actively defending and in no real danger. Fans were seemingly split on the call with some calling it premature while others felt Marc Goddard did the right thing by saving Adesanya from having his lights inevitably turned off.

Marc Goddard Would Make the Same Decision ’11 Times Out of 10′

Appearing at the World MMA Awards, Marc Goddard briefly spoke with MMA Junkie who asked the highly respected referee about his decision in retrospect.

“I feel very good,” Goddard stated. “Israel, I think he’s a great guy. I think he was a fantastic champion. I’m not just saying it because I’m here. I like the guy a lot. I like all the fighters. That’s my job, I’m down the line, and if I done that fight again, 11 times out of 10 I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m very comfortable with my actions, and the people who know me will know I’m my harshest critic.

“It’s a very fine line. We don’t get second takes, reverse angles, etc. People find it weird when we say we’re there to protect the fighters when they knock hell’s bells out of each other for 25 minutes. … At the end of the day, my job is to act instinctually and correctly to protect the guys. It was an amazing fight. Congratulations to Alex, all the respect in the world to Izzy. I’m happy with what I did.”

Heading into the final round, Israel Adesanya was up 39-37 on all three scorecards.

Ex-interim UFC titleholder Dustin Poirier hospitalized amid staph infection: ‘Sh*t is getting serious’

Dustin PoirierFormer interim UFC lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has required hospitalization, confirming how he is currently dealing with a “serious” staph (staphylococcus) infection in his left foot – spending two days in a medical facility.  Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion under the banner of the UFC, currently occupies the #2 rank in the official 155-pound […]

Dustin Poirier

Former interim UFC lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has required hospitalization, confirming how he is currently dealing with a “serious” staph (staphylococcus) infection in his left foot – spending two days in a medical facility. 

Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion under the banner of the UFC, currently occupies the #2 rank in the official 155-pound rankings. 

Featuring on the main card of UFC 281 last month at Madison Square Garden, submitting one-time vacant lightweight title challenger, Michael Chandler with a third round rear-naked choke. The victory returned Poirier to the winner’s enclosure, as well as earned himself and Chandler honors at the Fight of the Night.

Yet to book his next Octagon outing as he plans to spend time with his family ahead of what could likely come as a gold-filled period in 2023, Dustin Poirier recently posted on his Instagram story how he was confined to his bed, and was unable to put weight or walk on his left foot as he dealt with a staph infection.

On his official Twitter account this Monday afternoon, Poirier has since confirmed he has required hospitalization in order to deal with the bacterial infection – labelling his ailment as “serious” to boot.

“Going on day 2 in the hospital,” Dustin Poirier tweeted. “Sh*ts getting serious.” 

Recognised as one of the best lightweights to ply their trade in the UFC, Poirier holds an array of standout victories at the weight class, including triumphs over Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and Max Holloway.

Dustin Poirier twice defeated arch-rival Conor McGregor last year

Last year to boot, despite a December submission loss to then-undisputed champion, Charles Oliviera, Poirier became the first to stop former duel-weight champion, Conor McGregor with strikes in professional mixed martial arts – landing a second round KO win on ‘Fight Island’.

In July of last year, the Lafayette native won the pair’s trilogy rubber match, after McGregor suffered a fractured left tibia and fibula in the first round, dropping a doctor’s stoppage TKO defeat.

Ex-interim UFC titleholder Dustin Poirier hospitalized amid staph infection: ‘Sh*t is getting serious’

Dustin PoirierFormer interim UFC lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has required hospitalization, confirming how he is currently dealing with a “serious” staph (staphylococcus) infection in his left foot – spending two days in a medical facility.  Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion under the banner of the UFC, currently occupies the #2 rank in the official 155-pound […]

Dustin Poirier

Former interim UFC lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has required hospitalization, confirming how he is currently dealing with a “serious” staph (staphylococcus) infection in his left foot – spending two days in a medical facility. 

Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion under the banner of the UFC, currently occupies the #2 rank in the official 155-pound rankings. 

Featuring on the main card of UFC 281 last month at Madison Square Garden, submitting one-time vacant lightweight title challenger, Michael Chandler with a third round rear-naked choke. The victory returned Poirier to the winner’s enclosure, as well as earned himself and Chandler honors at the Fight of the Night.

Yet to book his next Octagon outing as he plans to spend time with his family ahead of what could likely come as a gold-filled period in 2023, Dustin Poirier recently posted on his Instagram story how he was confined to his bed, and was unable to put weight or walk on his left foot as he dealt with a staph infection.

On his official Twitter account this Monday afternoon, Poirier has since confirmed he has required hospitalization in order to deal with the bacterial infection – labelling his ailment as “serious” to boot.

“Going on day 2 in the hospital,” Dustin Poirier tweeted. “Sh*ts getting serious.” 

Recognised as one of the best lightweights to ply their trade in the UFC, Poirier holds an array of standout victories at the weight class, including triumphs over Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and Max Holloway.

Dustin Poirier twice defeated arch-rival Conor McGregor last year

Last year to boot, despite a December submission loss to then-undisputed champion, Charles Oliviera, Poirier became the first to stop former duel-weight champion, Conor McGregor with strikes in professional mixed martial arts – landing a second round KO win on ‘Fight Island’.

In July of last year, the Lafayette native won the pair’s trilogy rubber match, after McGregor suffered a fractured left tibia and fibula in the first round, dropping a doctor’s stoppage TKO defeat.

Israel Adesanya Reacts To ‘Poetic’ Parallels In His & Alex Pereira’s Title Wins

Israel Adesanya is still handling his loss to Alex Pereira like a champion. In the weeks since Adesanya faced a third defeat at the hands of Pereira, suffering a TKO in the fifth round of their UFC 281 main event after losing twice to him in kickboxing…

Israel Adesanya is still handling his loss to Alex Pereira like a champion. In the weeks since Adesanya faced a third defeat at the hands of Pereira, suffering a TKO in the fifth round of their UFC 281 main event after losing twice to him in kickboxing, fans have been dissecting every inch of that…

Continue Reading Israel Adesanya Reacts To ‘Poetic’ Parallels In His & Alex Pereira’s Title Wins at MMA News.

Jorge Masvidal distances himself from BMF title fight with Michael Chandler next: ‘He’s a quitter’

Jorge MasvidalSymbolic BMF championship holder and two-time welterweight title challenger, Jorge Masvidal has distanced himself from a potential future fight with lightweight contender, Michael Chandler in the future – insisting the Missouri native does nothing for his title aspirations, as well as labelling him “a quitter”. Masvidal, the current #11 ranked welterweight contender under the UFC […]

Jorge Masvidal

Symbolic BMF championship holder and two-time welterweight title challenger, Jorge Masvidal has distanced himself from a potential future fight with lightweight contender, Michael Chandler in the future – insisting the Missouri native does nothing for his title aspirations, as well as labelling him “a quitter”.

Masvidal, the current #11 ranked welterweight contender under the UFC banner, is without a win in his last three Octagon walks, suffered consecutive defeats against Colby Covington, as well as former champion, Kamaru Usman.

As for Chandler, the one-time vacant lightweight title chaser featured on the main card of UFC 281 earlier this month at Madison Square Garden – dropping an eventual third round rear-naked choke loss to Masvidal’s teammate, American Top Team staple, Dustin Poirier.

Weighing up his options following his third defeat under the UFC banner from five outings, Chandler suggested a welterweight move in pursuit of a BMF championship fight against Masvidal. 

Jorge Masvidal appears less than interested in fighting Michael Chandler

According to Masvidal, however, the Floridian referred to Chandler as a “quitter”, and questioned how he would propel him to a shot at welterweight gold if he defeated him.

“Michael Chandler is a quitter, man,” Jorge Masvidal told MMA Fighting. “That’s the first thing to be a BMF – I saw when he fought my boy, Will Brooks – Will Brooks hit him so hard, he just quit. He just quit in the middle of the thing – he turned his back, he shook his head and he said, ‘Nah, I’m done fighting.’ So, BMF my ass. That’s the first rule of being a BMF in anything; you can’t be a quitter – you might lose here and there, but you can’t give up on yourself.”

“So that conversation of a BMF belt [fight] – tut, it’s not happening, man,” Jorge Masvidal explained. “Come on, Chandler – I know you don’t have a good perception of the world and stuff, but that’s not happening.”