Tag: UFC 294

Islam Makhachev tipped as ‘Different level’ to Charles Oliveira ahead of UFC 294: ‘He’s gonna destroy him’

Islam Makhachev tipped to destory Charles Oliveira in UFC 294 rematchSlated to rematch former undisputed titleholder, Charles Oliveira at the lightweight limit next month at UFC 294, Islam Makhachev, who searches for a second victory over the Brazilian, has been backed to “destroy” the former champion this time around, by Nasrat Haqparast. Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion, is set to headline UFC 294 next […]

Islam Makhachev tipped to destory Charles Oliveira in UFC 294 rematch

Slated to rematch former undisputed titleholder, Charles Oliveira at the lightweight limit next month at UFC 294, Islam Makhachev, who searches for a second victory over the Brazilian, has been backed to “destroy” the former champion this time around, by Nasrat Haqparast.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion, is set to headline UFC 294 next month in Abu Dhabi, UAE, taking on Sao Paulo finishing ace, Oliveira in the pair’s championship rematch.

First meeting a year ago at the same venue in the Middle East, Islam Makhachev finally minted himself as the undisputed lightweight champion, defeating Oliveira with a second round arm-triangle submission win to clinch the vacant crown and snap the former champion’s division-best 12-fight winning streak.

Defending the crown once in the time since, the American Kickboxing Academy mainstay defeated pound-for-pound number one and undisputed featherweight titleholder, Alexander Volkanovski back in February at UFC 284 in a close, debated unanimous decision triumph.

Islam Makhachev backed to “destroy” Charles Oliveira in UFC 294 rematch

And despite returning to the winner’s enclosure back in Jue with a blistering first round TKO win over Beneil Dariush in Canada to set up a title rematch with Makhachev, Oliveira simply is on a level below his Russian adversary, according to recent UFC 293 winner, Haqparast.

“I think Islam (Makhachev) is really like, pound-for-pound number one,” Nasrat Haqparast told assembled media after UFC 293. “He’s gonna show his class. I’ve trained with Islam, he’s a good friend of mine. We trained in Las Vegas two years ago. He’s a great guy, I love him.”

“He’s a different level, he’s gonna destory Charles Oliveira, and hopefully get the pound-for-pound number one [spot],” Haqparast explained. (Transcribed by MMA News)

Furthermore, ahead of his championship rematch with Oliveira, Makhachev has also been offered a title re-run against the above-mentioned, Volkanovski, who suggested a rematch next year at UFC 300. 

Can Charles Oliviera avenge his loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 next month?

Charles Oliveira vows to ‘Make history’ against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294: ‘I won’t make that mistake again’

Charles Oliveira win title Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 I won't make the mistake againFormer undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira claims he and his camp want to “make history” in his title rematch with incumbent gold holder, Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 in October, claiming he will avoid a “mistake” this time around against the dominant Russian champion. Slated to headline UFC 294 in October in Abu Dhabi, UAE, […]

Charles Oliveira win title Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 I won't make the mistake again

Former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira claims he and his camp want to “make history” in his title rematch with incumbent gold holder, Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 in October, claiming he will avoid a “mistake” this time around against the dominant Russian champion.

Slated to headline UFC 294 in October in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Oliveira takes on Makhachev for the second time in a year, attempting to reclaim the undisputed lightweight crown in the pair’s championship rematch in the Middle East.

In the pair’s first matchup, Oliveira saw his division-best 12-fight winning run to a stark end, suffering a dominant second round arm-triangle submission loss to Makhachev in the duo’s vacant title fight. 

Rebounding successfully in the time since, Sao Paulo finisher, Oliveira turned in an impressive first round win over Iranian contender, Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 back in June, stopping the Kings MMA staple with a slew of first round ground strikes in Canada.

Charles Oliveira vows to clinch title in win over Islam Makhachev at UFC 294

And booking a title affair with Makhachev for the second time, Oliveira claimed he would avoid a “mistake” against the American Kickboxing Academy staple.

“That’s the only fight I talked crap [in], the fight against Islam (Makhachev),” Charles Oliveira told MMA Fighting. “I made a mistake. I won’t make that mistake again. We can only make mistakes once in life. When you make a mistake once, you can’t do it second time, otherwise you’ll go won nonstop. I won’t do it again.” 

“I think God only gives you burdens as heavy as you can carry, and I’m sure God is taking me to Abu Dhabi because he has something different for me,” Charles Oliveira explained. “The same month, the same date, once again spending my birthday there. I’ll work harder than ever to make this happen. We’ll make history, I’ll become champion if Lord Jesus wants [it]. And then, why not – we throw a big part on November 4. in Brazil.” 

Can Charles Oliveira topple Islam Makhachev in October at UFC 294?

Khamzat Chimaev backed to struggle with Paulo Costa at UFC 294: ‘It’s going to be a long night for him’

Khamzat Chimaev to struggle with Paulo Costa at UFC 294 long night for himUndefeated finisher, Khamzat Chimaev has been tipped to struggle with the striking ability of Paulo Costa per a former opponent of his, Gilbert Burns – who claims their UFC 294 clash will ultimately be decided when both men exhibit their skills in the clinch. Chimaev, who boasts an undefeated 12-0 professional record, is slated to […]

Khamzat Chimaev to struggle with Paulo Costa at UFC 294 long night for him

Undefeated finisher, Khamzat Chimaev has been tipped to struggle with the striking ability of Paulo Costa per a former opponent of his, Gilbert Burns – who claims their UFC 294 clash will ultimately be decided when both men exhibit their skills in the clinch.

Chimaev, who boasts an undefeated 12-0 professional record, is slated to return to the Octagon at UFC 294 in October in Abu Dhabi, UAE – making a return to the middleweight limit for the first time since his promotional bow to boot.

As for Costa, the Belo Horizonte native will feature for the first time since August of last year in his return against Khamzat Chimaev, having most recently snapped a two-fight losing skid in a close unanimous decision win over former champion, Luke Rockhold in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Khamzat Chimaev warned of Paulo Costa’s striking ability ahead of UFC 294

Breaking down Chimaev’s middleweight ranks return against Costa later this year in the MIddle East, Burns, a former foe or the Chechen, claims his Brazilian counterpart could profit hugely if he manages to defend relentless takedown attempts from Chimaev.

“That is a good one,” Gilbert Burns said of the bout during an appearance at a Q&A event at UFC Singapore. “I’m even going to make a big breakdown of that on my YouTube channel, but it’s a very close fight. I think it’s going to be decided in the clinch.”

“I think Khamzat will come with a lot of pressure, [and] try to take Costa down,” Burns explained. “If he’s able, it’s going to be a big problem for Costa. But if Costa defends and can get away and use the striking, it’s going to be a long night for Khamzat. I think it’s a very close fight and it will be decided in the clinch. If Khamzat can take him down, Khamzat wins. But if Costa can defend it and use the striking, then Costa wins – very close fight.”

Can Khamzat Chimaev remain undefeated in his return at UFC 294?

Ian Machado Garry plans Ireland homecoming fight with UFC star Khamzat Chimaev: ‘I want that f*cking wolf’

Ian Machado Garry plans Dublin fight with UFC star Khamzat Chimaev I want that wolfOff the back of his one-sided unanimous decision win over veteran welterweight contender, Neil Magny over the course of last weekend, undefeated division challenger, Ian Machado Garry has laid out a “dream” fight in an Irish homecoming, in the form of a showdown with fellow unbeaten challenger, Khamzat Chimaev. Machado Garry, the current number eleven […]

Ian Machado Garry plans Dublin fight with UFC star Khamzat Chimaev I want that wolf

Off the back of his one-sided unanimous decision win over veteran welterweight contender, Neil Magny over the course of last weekend, undefeated division challenger, Ian Machado Garry has laid out a “dream” fight in an Irish homecoming, in the form of a showdown with fellow unbeaten challenger, Khamzat Chimaev.

Machado Garry, the current number eleven ranked welterweight contender, featured on the main card of UFC 292 in Boston, Massachusetts last Saturday night, lodging his sixth consecutive Octagon win with a shutout unanimous decision win over the above-mentioned, Magny.

And targeting an end-of-year battle against former two-time welterweight title challenger, Stephen Thompson at UFC 295 in November at Madison Square Garden, Machado Garry has also been earmarked to earn a UFC homecoming in his native Dublin, if he can achieve a seventh straight Octagon win. 

Ian Machado Garry lays out plan for Khamzat Chimaev fight in Dublin

In terms of sought-after opponents for a return to the Emerald Isle for the Portmarnock native, Machado Garry has made no bones about his intention of standing opposite the above-mentioned, Chimaev in the near future.

“It would have to be in the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland as my dream venue because they’re [the UFC] never going to go to Croke Park,” Ian Machado Garry told Sporting Post during a recent interview. “And the gream opponent would be me versus Khamzat Chimaev, because everyone talks about him like he’s this badman and this boogeyman, but in the time I’m going to get a chance to lay hands on him – if he’s the baddest man that everyone is afraid of, I’m going to show the world what’s up.”

“He’d be my dream opponent in Ireland,” Ian Machado Garry explained. “I want that f*cking wofl. I want that badman. I want to be baddest man on earth, and everyone considers it to be him at the moment, but let me punch the mouth off him and we’ll see what’s up.” 

At the time of publication, the current number four ranked welterweight, Chimaev is set to make a middleweight division return at UFC 294 in October, taking on one-time division title challenger, Paulo Costa in a long-awaited grudge match.

Who wins between Ian Machado Garry and Khamzat Chimaev? 

Khamzat Chimaev backed to excel at middleweight ahead of UFC 294: ‘I think he’ll be even more dominant’

Khamzat Chimaev tipped to excel at middleweight UFC 294 he'll be more dominantAhead of his Octagon return at UFC 294 in October, Khamzat Chimaev has been tipped to further continue his dominant roughshod run through contenders, according to Kevin Holland – who expects the Chechen finisher to excel at the middleweight limit. Chimaev, the current number four ranked welterweight contender, is slated to make a return to […]

Khamzat Chimaev tipped to excel at middleweight UFC 294 he'll be more dominant

Ahead of his Octagon return at UFC 294 in October, Khamzat Chimaev has been tipped to further continue his dominant roughshod run through contenders, according to Kevin Holland – who expects the Chechen finisher to excel at the middleweight limit.

Chimaev, the current number four ranked welterweight contender, is slated to make a return to the middleweight limit for the first time since his debut in the UFC later this year at UFC 24 in Abu Dhabi, UAE – taking on former division title challenger, Paulo Costa.

Sidelined since he co-headlined a UFC 279 event back in September of last year against the aforenoted Riverside native, Holland, Chimaev improved to 12-0 as a professional at the event, submitting the former with a stunning first round D’Arce choke stoppage.

Kevin Holland expects a dominant run for Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight

And now booked to co-headline UFC 294 in October, AllStars MMA mainstay, Chimaev has been touted to become an even more dominant force at the middleweight limit/

“That should be pretty fun,” Kevin Holland told Helen Yee of a fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa during a recent interview. “I think a lot of people forget that Paulo Costa was undefeated until he lost to ‘Izzy’ (Israel Adesanya). So, I think a lot of people just kind of target how good Paulo Costa is. So I think that’s probably the toughest fight that Chimaev is gonna have to date, especially with the size.”

“I think Chimaev at 185 (pounds) will probably be even more dominant than he is at 170 (pounds),” Holland continued. “Not as bad of a [weight] cut. He can feel more comfortable. I think it’s a good fight. Dude looks like he’s putting on a little bit more size. I think they’ll match up and clash up really well.” (Transcribed by MMA News)

For Costa, the Belo Horizonte native, who has predicted a dominant first round stoppage of Chimaev in “savage” fashion – most recently snapped a two-fight losing skid against former middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold. 

Do you expect more of the same success for Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294?

Paulo Costa tops USADA list as most tested fighter of the year ahead of return at UFC 294, fans point to ‘Secret juice’

Paulo Costa tops USADA list as most tested fighter UFC 294 return secret juiceFormer middleweight title challenger, Paulo Costa has landed the accolade as the current most tested fighter by anti-doping agency, USADA (United States Ant-Doping Agency) as of this year, ahead of his planned Octagon return at UFC 294 in October. Costa, who currently holds the number six rank in the official middleweight pile, is slated to […]

Paulo Costa tops USADA list as most tested fighter UFC 294 return secret juice

Former middleweight title challenger, Paulo Costa has landed the accolade as the current most tested fighter by anti-doping agency, USADA (United States Ant-Doping Agency) as of this year, ahead of his planned Octagon return at UFC 294 in October.

Costa, who currently holds the number six rank in the official middleweight pile, is slated to make his return at UFC 294 later this year, taking on the undefeated number four ranked welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev, in the latter’s return to the middleweight class.

Sidelined since he featured on the main card of UFC 278 back in August of last year, Belo Horizonte native, Paulo Costa turned in a unanimous decision win over former undisputed middleweight titleholder, Luke Rockhold, snapping a winless run of two fights, after consecutive losses to both Israel Adesanya, and Marvin Vettori.

And at the time of publication, Costa, alongside flyweight contender, Charles Johnson – have certainly caught the attention of the above-mentioned anti-doping agency, USADA, with the UFC partners administering a whopping 18 separate tests to the pair since the beginning of 2023. 

Paulo Costa tops USADA testing bill this year

Given the relatively high number of tests issued to Costa, the outspoken Brazilian – who has flaunted an apparent concoction, simply labelled “secret juice” in a marketing ploy this year, the sizeable contender has drawn attention to himself as a result, according to fans across social media. 

Prior to his booking with the undefeated finisher, Chimaev at UFC 294 later this year in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Costa was expected to fight Dana White’s Contender Series product, Ikram Aliskerov at UFC 291 at the end of alst month in Salt Lake City, Utah, however, confirmed he never put pen to paper on a deal.

UFC 294 takes place on October 21. from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with an undisputed lightweight title rematch between champion, Islam Makhachev, and former titleholder, Charles Oliveira set to take main event status. 

Do you expect Paulo Costa to beat Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294?