Tag: UFC 291

Jorge Masvidal loses 100k betting on Dustin Poirier at UFC 291: ‘Kids, you gotta go to public school now’

Jorge MasvidalJorge Masvidal dropped 100k on teammate Dustin Poirier to come out on top in his UFC 291 clash with Justin Gaethje. Fans inside the Delta Center were treated to a night of highlight-reel-worthy finishes, none bigger than Gaethje’s second-round head kick KO in the evening’s main event. ‘The Highlight’ lived up to his moniker, expertly […]

Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal dropped 100k on teammate Dustin Poirier to come out on top in his UFC 291 clash with Justin Gaethje.

Fans inside the Delta Center were treated to a night of highlight-reel-worthy finishes, none bigger than Gaethje’s second-round head kick KO in the evening’s main event. ‘The Highlight’ lived up to his moniker, expertly setting up and delivering what would quickly be dubbed ‘Headshot, Dead Part Two‘ by MMA fans.

Dustin Poirier walked into the bout as a moderate favorite with some sportsbooks listing him at -150. Those odds plus his own admiration for ‘The Diamond’ was all Jorge Masvidal needed to drop a cool $100,000 on his teammate to leave Salt Lake City as the baddest motherf*cker in mixed martial arts.

Of course, things did not go Poirier’s way on Saturday night. As a result, The former interim lightweight champion left the Crossroads of the West without a title wrapped around his waist and Jorge Masvidal went home with a big chunk of his bank account gone.

“Great fight. I felt Dustin was dictating the pace. He landed the better shots in the first round. It was all going Dustin’s way. And then the fight game, you know?” Masvidal told TNT Sports following UFC 291. “Justin looked down, came up with a head kick, and caught my boy. It was a perfect kick… That was all she wrote.

“Dustin looked in the best shape ever, and obviously he’s my teammate, so I wanted the world for him to win,” Masvidal continued. “I made a wager that I probably shouldn’t have. I put $100,000 on DP, on Dustin Poirier. Kids, I’m sorry. You gotta go to public school now.” (h/t MMA News).

After evening the odds with Dustin Poirier at UFC 291, Justin Gaethje will now set his sights on another shot at becoming the lightweight world champion. The Highlight’ is expected to challenge the winner of October’s highly anticipated rematch between former titleholder Charles Oliveira and reigning 155-pound king, Islam Makhachev. Gaethje could also potentially step up and act as the official backup for the event, should either Makhachev or ‘Do Bronx’ be forced to withdraw.

UFC 291: Comedian Theo Von spotted chatting up ring card girls: ‘Theo with the iconic rizz’

ufc 291Comedian Theo Von was enjoying everything that UFC 291 had to offer this past weekend.  The UFC has quickly began to attract some of the biggest celebrities in the world to their events. The very biggest shows can entice a long list of A-listers’, such as Donald Trump, Justin Bieber and Shaquille O’Neal  This past […]

ufc 291

Comedian Theo Von was enjoying everything that UFC 291 had to offer this past weekend. 

The UFC has quickly began to attract some of the biggest celebrities in the world to their events. The very biggest shows can entice a long list of A-listers’, such as Donald Trump, Justin Bieber and Shaquille O’Neal 

This past Saturday was was no different as the big screen would cut to several members of the Utah Jazz, Johnny Knoxville and comedians David Spade and Theo Von. 

Von has had many fighters on his podcast and has attended several events before. The 43-year-old is also friends with one half of UFC 291’s main event, Dustin Poirier, and has sat cage side for some of his fellow Louisianian’s past fights. Clips circulated following the event of Von talking with the UFC’s ring card girls.

Theo Von at UFC 291

UFC 291 recap

Saturdays pay-per-view certainly delivered on entertainment value, with only two fights on the entire card going to decision. On the prelims, Roman Kopylov foreshadowed the nights finale as he landed a brutal head kick that would knockout his opponent, Claudio Ribeiro. 

Kicking off the main event, Kevin Holland made quick work of the experienced, a higher ranked, Michael Chiesa  – catching his counterpart in adarce choke. In a somewhat depressing time, Bobby Green submitted fan favorite, and unfortunately over the hill, Tony Ferguson. 

It was then Derrick Lewis’ turn to add to his highlight reel, landing a flying knee in the opening seconds before following it up with heavy ground and pound – ultimately securing a KO win in just over 30 seconds.

In the co-main, Alex Pereira overcame early trouble in the grappling department to win a hard fought decision with over Jan Blachowicz in his light-heavyweight debut. 

The main event saw Poirier and Gaethje square off in a rematch five years in the making. After a competitive first round, Gaethje would land a critical head kick in just a minute into the second round that saw him knock Poirier out cold. 

What was your favourite moment at UFC 291?

Tony Ferguson shoots down retirement despite UFC 291 loss: ‘I know for a fact I have more to give’

Tony Ferguson shuts down retirement after UFC 291 loss I have more to giveDespite suffering his sixth consecutive loss in his lightweight division return at UFC 291 over the course of the weekend, former interim division champion, Tony Ferguson has shut down any suggestions that he should finally hang up his gloves from competition, insisting he has “more to give”. Featuring on the main card of UFC 291 […]

Tony Ferguson shuts down retirement after UFC 291 loss I have more to give

Despite suffering his sixth consecutive loss in his lightweight division return at UFC 291 over the course of the weekend, former interim division champion, Tony Ferguson has shut down any suggestions that he should finally hang up his gloves from competition, insisting he has “more to give”.

Featuring on the main card of UFC 291 over the course of the weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ferguson suffered his sixth straight loss inside the Octagon since 2020, dropping a buzzer-beating technical submission loss to Bobby Green – with the San Bernardino native latching onto an arm-triangle choke.

The outing marked Ferguson’s return to the lightweight limit following a brief welterweight excursion in an impromptu UFC 279 headliner against promotional veteran, Nate Diaz back in September of last year, where the former dropped a fourth round guillotine choke submission defeat.

And following another rather one-sided loss, many within the mixed martial arts community called for Ferguson to consider finally retiring from active competition.

Tony Ferguson dismisses a potential retirement after his UFC 291 loss

However, in his first statement released since the defeat overnight, Ferguson admitted he would speak with UFC president Dana White and his team to decide what is next for him, however, claimed he still has “more to give”.

“Walked into the Delta Center to show the world I was back on track,” Tony Ferguson posted on his official Instagram account. “The preparation for this fight was exceptional & it was one of the best camps I’ve had.

“As the fight began, I was in the zone, flowing & feeling confident,” Tony Ferguson wrote. “Bobby (Green) knew the direction of the fight & I believe he knew what he was doing when he poked my eye. He has a big History of moves like this. It significantly impaired my vision, making it difficult to see clearly out of my eye. Despite this eye poke I never considered stopping the fight. Although the doc wanted to. Throughout my career, I’ve always pushed through challenges & never given up This time was no different.

Unfortunately in sports, setbacks like this are part of the journey While I won’t use the eye poke as an excuse for the outcome, I know for a fact I have more to give.

Moving forward, I plan to work closely with Dana, Hunter & my entire team to assess what’s next.

I’d like to take a moment to say thank you to my Wife, my Family & my Fans. Your support means the world to me & it’s what drives me to keep pushing forward & striving for greatness. Thank you all for being by my side through the highs & lows of this sport that I love. Eye appointment tomorrow, some recovery & back after it. Love you all- Champ -CSO- #ufc291 Salt Lake City, Utah #AyMoe WooWooWooWoo Knyuck knyuck knyuck #ballsofsteel #FuckEm’IfTheyCantTakeAJoke.

Do you think it’s time for Tony Ferguson to call time on his career?

Justin Gaethje wants Charles Oliveira rematch over Islam Makhachev fight: ‘I’d prefer him because he beat me’

Justin Gaethje wants title rematch with Charles Oliveira instead of Islam Makhachev redemption UFC 291UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje wants Charles Oliveira to defeat Islam Mahkahcev to step up the perfect chance of redemption. Last nights clash between Gaethje and Dustin Poirier did not disappoint the pre-fight hype. After what was a competitive first round with narrow misses from both men, Gaethje wasted no time to land the fatal blow […]

Justin Gaethje wants title rematch with Charles Oliveira instead of Islam Makhachev redemption UFC 291

UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje wants Charles Oliveira to defeat Islam Mahkahcev to step up the perfect chance of redemption.

Last nights clash between Gaethje and Dustin Poirier did not disappoint the pre-fight hype. After what was a competitive first round with narrow misses from both men, Gaethje wasted no time to land the fatal blow a minute into the second round.

Gaethje had began to throw the head kick in the first round, but it wasn’t until he put it behind a fake back hand that it landed cleanly. Poirier did not see it coming and send his unconscious body crashing to the floor, forcing referee Herb Dean spring to action before he could receive any more punishment.

The win now sets Gaethje up to face the winner of Makhachev and Oliveira for the lightweight title.

Justin Gaethje hoping for revenge

With Makhchev and Oliveira set to rematch this October in the main event of UFC 294, Gaethje will have to wait until it least the first quarter of 2024 for his shot. However, the 33-year-old doesn’t seem to bothered about that, and is in fact already thinking about having his own rematch with Oliveira.

“I’d prefer Charles because he beat me,” Gaethje said to the media. “I’m a competitor, this chance at redemption was amazing… It drove me to work harder, be ready more, but they’re the best in the world, and I want to fight the best in the world. After the last fight, I couldn’t see Charles winning [against Islam at UFC 294] but I can hope.”

Gaethje and Oliveira squared off at UFC 274 in May of 2022, in which the latter would secure a first-round stoppage. After surviving a couple early knockdowns, Oliveira would land a right hand that would send ‘The Highlight’ to floor and would quickly jump on his back – securing a rear naked choke finish.

However, Gaethje has seemed to add more layers to his game and has had more mature performance in his last two outings.

Justin Gaethje talking to the media following his UFC 294 fight

Who wins in a rematch, Justin Gaethje or Charles Oliveira?

Video – Michael Chiesa predicted own D’Arce choke loss to Kevin Holland days before UFC 291

Michael ChiesaMichael Chiesa managed to predict his own defeat at UFC 291 days before the bout went down. The TUF alumnus returned to the Octagon for the first time in almost two years for a welterweight clash with division standout Kevin Holland. Unfortunately, things did not go Michael Chiesa’s way as ‘Maverick’ suffered a first-round submission […]

Michael Chiesa

Michael Chiesa managed to predict his own defeat at UFC 291 days before the bout went down.

The TUF alumnus returned to the Octagon for the first time in almost two years for a welterweight clash with division standout Kevin Holland. Unfortunately, things did not go Michael Chiesa’s way as ‘Maverick’ suffered a first-round submission defeat via D’Arce choke. It was Chiesa’s third-straight loss dating back to 2021, but unlike his other two defeats, Chiesa actually predicted his demise days before stepping back inside the cage.

During an appearance on ESPN’s DC & RC, co-host Daniel Cormier commented that Kevin Holland’s jiu-jitsu game would be a legitimate threat to the wrestle-heavy approach of Chiesa. From there, ‘Maverick’ pointed out that Holland has a solid D’Arce choke and referred to the hold as his own version of kryptonite.

“He’s got a good D’Arce choke, and what has been one of my kryptonites in the past, Cormier? The D’Arce choke,” Chiesa said.

It was actually Michael Chiesa’s third time losing via D’Arce inside the Octagon, the first coming in a 2013 bout with Jorge Masvidal. The second time came in 2021 when he succumbed to the maneuver against Vicente Luque. The losses to both Holland and Luque came in the first round.

Michael Chiesa Has No Intention of Retiring After Third-Straight Loss

Following the defeat, many suspected that Michael Chiesa would hang up the gloves, but ‘Maverick’ debunked those rumors on social media shortly following his loss.

“Congrats to [Holland] and his team. Kevin is a helluva fighter, one of the most game fighters in combat sports,” Chiesa wrote on Instagram. “I knew this was a very challenging opponent to face coming off almost a two year layoff, but I’ve never said no to a fight.

“I’ll dust myself off, get back in the gym and get back to work. I ain’t done yet.”

Chiesa’s decision to keep moving forward goes against the advice of Kevin Holland, who suggested that ‘Maverick’ lay down the gloves for good and enjoy his job as an analyst.

“It’s like the game has circled and passed him and seriously left him,” Holland told reporters during his post-fight interview. “Guys, you have to be realistic. People always talk about, ‘Oh, I want to get a title. I want to get a title.’ I mean, let’s be real. Some of you guys are in the UFC, and you’re never gonna get a f*cking title. It’s like, buy some jewelry like me. And then it’s like, retire, commentate, focus on your family; you’re never gonna get a title.”

Fans call for Derrick Lewis to rematch Francis Ngannou in PFL after staggering knockout win in UFC 291 return

Fans call for Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou rematch with PFL after UFC 291 win free agentDespite their forgettable UFC 226 clash back in 2018, fans have called for Derrick Lewis to entertain a potential PFL (Professional Fighters League) move and a re-run with former-foe, Francis Ngannou – off the back of his UFC 291 knockout win voer Marcos Rogerio de Lima last night, which cast the fan-favorite into free agency. […]

Fans call for Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou rematch with PFL after UFC 291 win free agent

Despite their forgettable UFC 226 clash back in 2018, fans have called for Derrick Lewis to entertain a potential PFL (Professional Fighters League) move and a re-run with former-foe, Francis Ngannou – off the back of his UFC 291 knockout win voer Marcos Rogerio de Lima last night, which cast the fan-favorite into free agency.

Lewis, who was promoted to the main card of UFC 291 last night in Salt Lake City – managed to capitalize on the cancellation of a planned fight between Stephen Thompson and Michel Pereira.

And earning his first victory since a main event KO win over Chris Daukaus back in 2021, Lewis, the most prolific knockout artist at both the heavyweight limit and in the entire antiquity of the UFC, managed to land a brutal 33-second TKO win over Brazilian heavyweight, de Lima.

Blasting through the gates with a spectacular jumping switch knee, Lewis dropped the former instantly during their first exchange, before laying waste to de Lima soon thereafter with a slew of ground strikes.

And in the immediate aftermath – after dispatching his fight shorts once again, Derrick Lewis revealed during his post-fight Octagon interview with Joe Rogan, how his outing marked the end of his contractual obligations with the Dana White-led promotion.

Derrick Lewis has completed his contractual obligations with UFC

A slew of fans and commenters have urged the UFC to instantly resign Lewis to a mulit-fight deal off the back of his stunning knockout win, while others have suggested the Texas favorite should make a move to the PFL – in pursuit of a debut rematch with former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou.

Would you like to see Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou run it back in the PFL?