Tag: UFC 295

Alex Pereira inducted into GLORY Kickboxing Hall of Fame ahead of UFC 295 title fight return

Alex Pereira inducted into GLORY Kickboxing Hall of Fame ahead of UFC 295 title fight returnAhead of his Octagon return next week in an attempt to become a two-division UFC championship winner, former two-weight…

Alex Pereira inducted into GLORY Kickboxing Hall of Fame ahead of UFC 295 title fight return

Ahead of his Octagon return next week in an attempt to become a two-division UFC championship winner, former two-weight GLORY Kickboxing titleholder, Alex Pereira has become the third fighter under the London-based organization’s banner to receive an induction into their Hall of Fame.

Pereira, a former undisputed middleweight champion under the banner of the Dana White-led promotion, makes his return to the Octagon next weekend atop UFC 295 in Madison Square Garden in New York – taking on former light heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka in a vacant divisional title fight in ‘The Big Apple’.

Last time out, the Sao Paulo knockout artist co-headlined UFC 291 back in July, turning in a close, split decision win over former champion, Jan Blachowicz in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Alex Pereira inducted into GLORY Kickboxing Hall of Fame

And ahead of his return next weekend in New York – Pereira, who held both middleweight and light heavyweight gold under the banner of GLORY Kickboxing, received an induction into the organization’s Hall of Fame.

“Congratulations to @AlexPereiraUFC on becoming the newest inductee into the GLORY Hall of Fame,” GLORY Kickboxing posted on their official X account. 

Departing GLORY Kickboxing back in 2021 ahead of his UFC debut in November of that year at Madison Square Garden, Pereira landed notable victories over the likes of Dustin Jacoby, Israel Adesanya, Simon Marcus, Yousri Belgaroui, Jason Wilnis, and Artem Vakhitov. 

Winning undisputed UFC middleweight gold against arch-rival, Adesanya back in November of last year, Brazilian knockout force, Pereira won the divisional title with a fifth round rallying TKO win – handing the City Kickboxing striker his first loss at the middleweight limit in mixed martial arts competition. 

Do you expect to see Alex Pereira win gold next weekend in the main event of UFC 295?

Dana White defends Jon Jones amid Fury – Ngannou fight: ‘He’s the best fighter in the world and he’s the best fighter ever’

Dana White brands Jon Jones best fighter ever after Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou fight UFCAmid the billing of a ‘Battle of the Baddest’ fight in the Middle East earlier this month between WBC…

Dana White brands Jon Jones best fighter ever after Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou fight UFC

Amid the billing of a ‘Battle of the Baddest’ fight in the Middle East earlier this month between WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, and former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Nagnnou, organizational CEO, Dana White has claimed his roster still houses the best fighter in the world – and of all time, in fact, in the form of undisputed titleholder, Jon Jones.

Headlining a pay-per-view event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia earlier this month, Batié native, Ngannou made his professional boxing debut against WBC heavyweight champion, Fury – going the distance over the course of 10 rounds in a close, split decision loss to the Morecambe native.

Turning heads with his performance, former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou managed to turn in a spectacular third round knockdown on Fury – dropping the undefeated Briton with a massive left hook in close. 

And heaping praise on Ngannou amid their rift following the Cameroonian’s departure from the UFC at the beginning of the year, the above-mentioned, White claimed that it was “crazy” how the former forced Fury all 10 rounds in the Middle East.

“The fact that he (Francis Ngannou) went 10 rounds with Tyson Fury is crazy,” Dana White said during a Triggered video podcast appearance. “He just went 10 rounds with Tyson Fury, Conor (McGregor) made it 9 or 10 with Floyd (Mayweather), Anthony Pettis just beat Roy Jones Jr. – I know Roy is freaking 60 years old, or whatever, but I don’t know what the hell is going on. It’s crazy.”

“I didn’t see the fight, but the face that he went 10 rounds is unbelievable,” Dana White explained. “I don’t care. Listen, these guys, at some point everybody is going to move on. Everybody has to do what’s right for them and make money for their families, so whatever they’ve got to do, they’ve got to do.”

Dana White touts Jon Jones as the best fighter of all time

However, as far as the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ goes – and the immediate aftermath of the bout, White has stressed that his current undisputed heavyweight champion, Jones lands that moniker – as well as the status as the best professional fighter ever.

“The best fighter in the world and the best fighter ever is Jon Jones,” White explained. 

Do you agree with Dana White’s appraisal of UFC star, Jon Jones?

Francis Ngannou backed to KO UFC star Jon Jones in future fight: ‘I didn’t realize how good he was’

Francis Ngannou backed to KO UFC star Jon Jones if they fight I didn't realize how good he wasOff the back of his spectacular performance en route to a split decision loss to WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson…

Francis Ngannou backed to KO UFC star Jon Jones if they fight I didn't realize how good he was

Off the back of his spectacular performance en route to a split decision loss to WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury over the course of the weekend, former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has been backed to not just beat – but knockout incumbent division champion Jon Jones if they ever fought, according to promotional veteran, Brendan Schaub.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, made his professional boxing debut over the course of the weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – landing a stunning third round knockdown against Morecambe native, Fury en route to a controversial and dubious split judging loss to the WBC champion.

And off the back of the clash, Ngannou has been linked to fights with both former world champions, Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua in an expected sophomore boxing walk for the Cameroonian.

Receiving praise from arch-rival, the above-mentioned, Jones claimed Ngannou did “great” in his fight with Fury – amid links to a potential future fight between himself and the former UFC champion, following years of speculation.

Francis Ngannou backed to knock out Jon Jones in future clash

And according to promotional veteran and former heavyweight contender, Schaub, viewing of Ngannou’s performance against Fury left him more than confident that he would stop Jones if they ever met each other.

“To piggyback on what ‘DC’ (Daniel Cormier) said,” Brendan Schaub explained on his podcast. “And ‘DC’ knows tought men – ‘DC’ said bar none, Francis Ngannou is the baddest man on the planet. Who’s going to beat him, Jon Jones? I’m on record saying this: I thought Jon Jones would smoke Franics after watching him do what he did against Ciryl Gane. Watching Francis vs. (Tyson) Fury, I’m like, ‘Oh, he’d beat Jon.’ He’d beat Jon in MMA. I think he knocks him out.” 

“I didn’t realize how good he was,” Schaub said. “I knew he was good, but I didn’t realize he was this talented. I knew he did a freak athletically but I didn’t know he was world-class-boxing-beat-the-brakes-off-the-greatest-of-all-time good. Who did? This is nuts.” (H/T MMA Fighting)

Do you think Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones ever fight?

Jon Jones hopeful of return amid exit from UFC 295 through injury: ‘Best days are still to come’

Jon Jones vows his best days are still to come amid injury ahead of UFC 295Undisputed heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has successfully undergone a surgical procedure to address a pectoral tendon tear which ruled…

Jon Jones vows his best days are still to come amid injury ahead of UFC 295

Undisputed heavyweight champion, Jon Jones has successfully undergone a surgical procedure to address a pectoral tendon tear which ruled him from UFC 295 later this month, however, claims “best days” are still to come as he prepares for a return to the Octagon in 2024.

Jones, a former two-time light heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, and current pound-for-pound number one, was slated to headline UFC 295 this month at Madison Square Garden against former two-time champion, Stipe Miocic in New York.

The outing was set to serve as Jones’ second of the year, having snapped a three-year-plus hiatus from the sport back in March of this year at UFC 285, sinching in a first round guillotine choke submission win over former interim champion, Ciryl Gane to land the vacant heavyweight crown.

In Jones’ impending absence from UFC 295 this month, the promotion has introduced an interim championship to the division once more, in the form of a clash between surging contenders, Sergei Pavlovich, and Tom Aspinall. 

Jon Jones vows his “best days” are still ahead of him

Sharing his thoughts on an expected return and title fight reworking against ex-titleholder, Miocic at an event next year, Jones claimed that despite his hatred for adversity, his “best days” are still ahead of him.

“I hate the hard times, hate adversity but love being a man that gets to represent tenacity and refusing to quit,” Jon Jones posted on his official X account. “I believe even my haters have a hard time not betting on me. I’m not a man to count out. Best days are still to come.” 

Reflecting on Jones’ withdrawal from UFC 295 this month, the above-mentioned, Miocic, was who was withdrawn from the event in favor of a rebooking with the former, instead of an interim title fight – claiming he had no choice in the decision not to compete. 

Do you expect to see Jon Jones fight again in the UFC next year?

Tom Aspinall opens as close betting favorite to beat Sergei Pavlovich in interim title fight at UFC 295

Tom Aspinall betting favorite over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 interim title fightFollowing the announcement of their impromptu interim heavyweight title fight at UFC 295 next month, Tom Aspinall has opened…

Tom Aspinall betting favorite over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 interim title fight

Following the announcement of their impromptu interim heavyweight title fight at UFC 295 next month, Tom Aspinall has opened as a narrow betting favorite to beat six-fight riser, Sergei Pavlovich at Madison Square Garden, and land interim divisional spoils.

Aspinall, the current number four ranked heavyweight contender, is slated to make his second Octagon walk of the year – on just two weeks notice, following a triumphant return from a brutal knee injury, with a July knockout win over Polish veteran, Marcin Tybura in London.

As for Pavlovich, the surging number two rated heavyweight challenger has enjoyed a stunning six-fight winning run since dropping a knockout loss to Alistair Overeem in his Octagon bow – most recently wrapping up a first round KO win over perennial contender and common-foe, Curtis Blaydes back in April. 

Tom Aspinall opens as betting favorite to beat Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295

However, despite Pavlovich’s roughshod run through contenders en route to a top-spot in the heavyweight pile, the Russian has opened and is currently sitting as a +110 betting underdog to defeat Tom Aspinall – with the UK heavyweight still sitting as a betting favorite on many markets as high as -130.

A host of online sportsbooks and online betting sites are offering odds and prop bets on Tom Aspinall’s interim heavyweight title fight with Pavlovich next month in Madison Square Garden, as the two gear up for their first crack at promotional spoils. 

Returning from a brutal knee injury back in July of this year, Atherton native, Aspinall would score a first round knockout win over the above-mentioned, Tybura having dropping a opening round TKO due to a gruesome and brutal knee injury in July of last year, in a homecoming fight against common-foe, Blaydes in London.

The injury setback came as Cage Warriors alum, Tom Aspinall’s first loss under the banner of the UFC, having rode a winning streak over Jake Collier, Alan Baudot, former champion, Andrei Arlovski, as well as Sergey Spivak, and Alexander Volkov – the most recent of which via a first round straight armbar submission. 

18-1 as a professional, former Fight Nights Global heavyweight titleholder, Pavlovich debuted in the Octagon with a first round knockout loss to former title challenger, Alistair Overeem back in 2018 in Beijing – before landing a slew of consecutive finish victories. 

Of note in his three most recent wins, Pavlovich turned in opening minute knockout wins over both Derrick Lewis, and Tai Tuivasa, before cannoning through Blaydes with a blistering opening round stoppage via strikes in his headlining premier back in April of this year.

As well as Aspinall’s interim title fight with Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November, the monumental New York card also features a massive vacant light heavyweight championship fight between former Octagon gold holders, Alex Pereira, and Jiri Prochazka – in a headlining clash in ‘The Big Apple’. 

Aspinall’s return against Pavlovich takes place in place of a previously slated heavyweight title fight clash between incumbent undisputed gold holder, Jon Jones, and former two-time gold holder, Stipe Miocic, until an injury ruled the pound-for-pound number one from the homecoming event. 

Who wins at UFC 295: Tom Aspinall or Sergei Pavlovich?

Francis Ngannou makes stunning offer to fight UFC foe Stipe Miocic next after boxing clash with Tyson Fury

Francis Ngannou makes stunning offer to fight Stipe Miocic next after Tyson Fury boxing matchFormer undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has made a stunning offer to complete his trilogy rubber match against…

Francis Ngannou makes stunning offer to fight Stipe Miocic next after Tyson Fury boxing match

Former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has made a stunning offer to complete his trilogy rubber match against former two-time titleholder, Stipe Miocic in his return to MMA – before pursuing a long-awaited fight with Jon Jones, following a spectacular boxing debut against Tyson Fury over the course of the weekend.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, departed the Dana White-led organization back in January of this year, following the completion of his contractual obligations the December prior.

Inking a multi-fight deal with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) in the time since, Ngannou made his return to combat sports over the course of the weekend in a 10-round professional boxing match debut against WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury – scoring a stunning third round knockdown en route to a debated split debated loss to the Morecambe native.

Claiming he believes he won the fight with Fury – a well as maintaining that if the former was honest, he would admit he should have lost a decision to boot, Ngannou has been backed by many to continue his boxing vein, in the form of a potential sophomore outing against former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder next.

Francis Ngannou offers to fight Stipe Miocic next

As for the immediate future, the former UFC heavyweight champion has made a bold offer to fight Ohio veteran and two-time opponent, Miocic off the back of his removal from UFC 295 earlier this month, before continuing his pursuit of a long-awaited showdown with Jones.

“I’ve been calling out (Jon) Jones but I can take Stipe (Miocic) for the same occasion while waiting on JJ to get back,” Francis Ngannou posted on his official X account. 

Would you like to see Francis Ngannou fight Stipe Miocic in a trilogy fight?