Tag: UFC 298

Sean O’Malley already trying to duck fight with Merab Dvalishvili, would rather face new UFC champ Ilia Topuria

Sean O'Malley talks Merab Dvalishvili fightAccording to Dana White, Merab Dvalishvili is the next man in line for a bantamweight title opportunity. Sean O’Malley…

Sean O'Malley talks Merab Dvalishvili fight

According to Dana White, Merab Dvalishvili is the next man in line for a bantamweight title opportunity. Sean O’Malley doesn’t necessarily agree.

On Saturday night, ‘The Machine’ scored an impressive unanimous decision victory over No. 3 ranked contender Henry Cejudo. It was Dvalishvili’s 10th-straight win inside the Octagon and — according to the UFC CEO — that puts him in pole position to fight the winner of next month’s bantamweight championship clash between reigning titleholder Sean O’Malley and Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera at UFC 299.

But it sounds as though O’Malley is already trying to weasel his way out of a potential meeting with ‘The Machine.’

Speaking with Ariel Helwani on Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour, ‘Sugar’ appeared to be far more interested in a scrap with newly crowned featherweight king, Ilia Topuria.

“There’s Merab, there’s Cory [Sandhagen], and there’s Ilia [Topuria],” O’Malley said. “Those three are all potentially next, but I’m dialed in and laser-focused on Chito. Whatever happens after that, I’m very confident. Merab’s very beatable. Henry [Cejudo] about knocked him out. Marlon Moraes about knocked him out. Merab’s got a crazy-good gas tank. A lot of wrestling. He’s a dangerous opponent, but when I think of a scary opponent, that’s Ilia.

“He could put your f*cking lights out and change your life. That’s a scary opponent Merab’s a dangerous opponent. He’s got good cardio. He could eventually put your lights out after you gas out, but he couldn’t finish Henry. We’ll see. I like big fights. When you’re grinding through these camps… I’m not saying Merab wouldn’t be up there, but what it comes down to is what do the people really truly want to see. If they want to see Merab, that’s what’s next, but I hate even talking about that. I got Chito next.”

Topuria did exactly what he said he was going to do on Saturday night, sending ex-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski into the shadow realm via a shocking second-round KO to claim his first UFC gold.

As exciting as O’Malley vs. Topuria sounds, it’s unlikely that the UFC will move forward given that they are two of the promotion’s newest champions. ‘Sugar’ is yet to make his first defense of the bantamweight belt while Topuria is only days removed from his victory over Volkanovski. Perhaps once O’Malley and ‘El Matador’ clear out some of their stacked divisions, we will see a superfight between the two.

Ilia Topuria opens as huge betting favorite to beat Alexander Volkanovski after stunning win at UFC 298

Ilia Topuria opens as betting favorite to beat Alexander Volkanovski in rematch after UFC 298Newly-minted undisputed featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria may have drawn the lines to the wire in his pick ‘em fight…

Ilia Topuria opens as betting favorite to beat Alexander Volkanovski in rematch after UFC 298

Newly-minted undisputed featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria may have drawn the lines to the wire in his pick ‘em fight with Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 over the course of the weekend, however, the new kingpin has opened as a clear betting favorite to beat the Australian in an immediate rematch. 

Topuria, who improved to 15-0 as a professional over the weekend in Anaheim, became the first Spaniard to land Octagon gold in the main event of UFC 298 – stopping the lengthy title reign of Volkanovski with a devastating second round KO win.

Seeing his attempted sixth successful defense of the featherweight crown shattered as a result, Volkanovski’s defeat to Topuria followed a similarly brutal first round KO loss to Islam Makhachev just last October, in the pair’s short-notice lightweight title rematch.

Ilia Topuria opens as betting favorite to beat Alex Volkanovski in rematch

And with betting odds poised for release on Bodog Sportsbook, German-born champion, Ilia Topuria has opened as a stunning -240 betting favorite to beat the +205 betting underdog, Alexander Volkanovski if they share the Octagon immediately again. 

Suggesting the possibility of a return to his residence in Spain for a promotional-first event, Topuria has staked his claim for a mega-fight with former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor at any weight in his next Octagon walk, however, Volkanovski has also requested his own re-run first and foremost.

And welcoming the idea of a trip to Europe for his next walk, Volkanovski appeared all ears to a UFC Spain outing – potentially as the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Volkanovski claims a return later this year against Topuria would be perfect timing for him. 

“Next time it’ll be different, but I’m going to just have a little bit of a rest,” Alexander Volkanovski said after UFC 298. “I definitely want that rematch [with Ilia Topuria]. Spain, what I’m hearing, is gonna happen. Dana (White) wants Spain. Obviously, Ilia wants Spain.”

“That probably won’t be until later this year, so the timing would be perfect for me to spend time with the fam, rest up a little bit, look after myself and then we’ll get back in there,” Alexander Volkanovski explained. “We’ll make it right.” 

And prior to UFC 298, Topuria shut down the chances of title fights against the likes of Max Holloway, Yair Rodriguez and Brian Ortega in the future – and remains hellbent on luring former divisional titleholder, McGregor back to the Octagon – at any weight possible.

“Dana (White), it’s showtime, it’s time to take the UFC to Spain,” Ilia Topuria said after his knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski. “And, Conor McGregor: If you still have some b*lls, I’ll be waiting for you in Spain.” 

Unbeaten at the featherweight limit during his Octagon tenure prior to his knockout loss to Topuria, Joe Lopez trainee, Volkanovski had successfully defended the title against Max Holloway twice, as well as the above-mentioned pair of Rodriguez, and Ortega, and a dominant knockout win over Chan Sung Jung saw him successfully retain the throne again. 

Can Ilia Topuria beat Alex Volkanovski for a second time in a rematch?

UFC star Ian Machado Garry won’t let his haters stop him from becoming ‘one of the greatest of all time’

Ian Machado GarryWhether you love him or you hate him, Ian Machado Garry is here to stay. ‘The Future’ scored his…

Ian Machado Garry

Whether you love him or you hate him, Ian Machado Garry is here to stay.

‘The Future’ scored his 14th straight win on Saturday night, securing a split decision victory over Geoff Neal as part of the UFC 298 main event in Anaheim. The W will likely move Garry a few notches higher in the welterweight top 10, much to the chagrin of fight fans who have grown to loathe and detest his brash and cocky attitude in recent months.

But whether or not he has the support of UFC fans makes no difference to the Dublin native. Admiration — or in this case, the lack thereof — will not deter Garry in his goal of one day becoming one of the greatest mixed martial arts in the world.

“I’m not trying to be anything,” Garry told Ariel Helwani during an appearance on Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour. “I’m being myself. I’m not trying to be the good guy. I’m not trying to be the villain. I’m not trying to be the hero. I’m not trying to be anything on this planet, but [whether] people want to boo or people want to cheer, I’m showing up and doing what I want.

“So when I’m standing in the Octagon with Joe Rogan trying to do my post-fight interview and the whole crowd is booing… In the end, you’re all here watching me. Keep booing. That’s the type of person I am. Someone says something to me in the street, I’m gonna be like, ‘Hey, get back here. Don’t chat sh*t and then run away.’ That’s the person I am. Obviously, having everyone behind you is amazing, but at the end of the day, whether they love me or they hate me, I’m showing up to do what I want to do and that’s become one of the greatest of all time.”

Labeled as nothing more than a Conor McGregor wannabe, Ian Machado Garry began to draw the ire of fighters and fans after a slew of his co-workers, including Sean Strickland and Colby Covington, slammed his unconventional marriage to 40-year-old TV personality Layla Anna-Lee. ‘The Future’ has been repeatedly forced to defend his wife and the fact that he chose to take her maiden name rather than the more traditional approach.

Strickland also labeled Garry a “cuck” after learning that Anna-Lee’s ex-husband — Richard Cullen — is currently employed as the Irishman’s nutritionist. That led to accusations that the former partners were still romantically involved with one another, something Garry vehemently denies.

Garry’s reputation for being a “nomad” in the gym certainly did him no favors. He was notoriously booted from Team Renegade — the home gym of current welterweight king Leon Edwards — last year for “not adding to the team’s culture.” Michael Chandler and Brendan Allen have also commented on the frustrations of dealing with Garry in the gym.

But no matter your take on Machado Garry, the fact remains that he is undefeated in his MMA career and in less than two years with the promotion, has already entered the UFC’s welterweight top 10.

10 years after declaring Wanderlei Silva will never be in the Hall of Fame, Dana White to induct ‘The Axe Murderer’

Wanderlei SilvaDana White believes combat sports icon Wanderlei Silva has earned his spot in the UFC Hall of Fame. During…

Wanderlei Silva

Dana White believes combat sports icon Wanderlei Silva has earned his spot in the UFC Hall of Fame.

During the UFC 298 broadcast on Saturday night, ‘The Axe Murderer’ was announced as the next inductee into the 2024 Hall of Fame class. Speaking with the media during his appearance at a post-fight press event, White was adamant that Silva’s contributions to the sport, particularly in its infancy, more than warrant his HoF induction.

“He deserves to be. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame,” White said of Silva. “Back when me and the Fertitas got into this sport and we were huge Wanderlei Silva fans and you know everybody that was a hardcore fan back then was a big fan of Pride and you know a lot of big stars came out of there and Wanderlei has done a lot for the sport in the early days and he deserves to be in there.”

Interestingly, Silva’s Hall of Fame announcement comes a decade after the UFC CEO once declared that the former PRIDE middleweight champion would never find his name listed in the hallowed halls.

In September 2014, the Nevada State Athletic Commission handed Silva a lifelong ban and a $70,000 fine for allegedly running away from a random drug test earlier in the year.  An incensed White said in a later interview that Silva’s career was forever tarnished and as a result, he would never be inducted.

“Nobody has ever run from a drug test before. I didn’t see a lifetime ban coming. Nobody will let him fight. He’s in a very serious situation,” White said about Silva when speaking to Fox Sports. “There’s going to be no Hall of Fame. The guy’s been Pete Rose’d. There’s going to be no Hall of Fame offers.”

Asked about his past comments, White admitted that he had simply forgotten about his beef with Silva.

“I’ve been in so many beefs with so many people that I didn’t even remember that till you just told me,” White added. “It’s a good thing I forgot it’s a good thing you forgot exactly.”

Silva, who was in attendance at UFC 298, was nothing short of grateful for the honor bestowed upon him by his former employer.

“It’s a dream come true to be part of the sport,” Silva said. “And to have this great support from this beautiful organization. Thanks so much, Dana White, for all what you’re doing for us. I’m so glad to be a part of the best event in the world” (h/t MiddleEasy).

Wanderlei Silva’s legendary career began in Japan where he held the PRIDE middleweight championship for an unprecedented six years. During his run, he competed against a series of bonafide legends, including Mirko Cro Cop, Kazushi Sakuraba, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Mark Hunt, Ricardo Arona, and Dan Henderson.

After his title run in PRIDE came to a close, ‘The Axe Murderer’ signed with the UFC and immediately delivered a Fight of the Year with Chuck Liddell at UFC 79. He would go on to compete against a who’s who of Octagon icons such as Rich Franklin, Michael Bisping, Cung Le, Chris Leben, and Brian Stann.

His last fight came under the Bellator banner in 2018. He closed out his career by going 35-14 with 27 wins by knockout.

Busted! Michael Bisping caught making homophobic remark during live UFC 298 broadcast

Michael Bisping UFC 298Michael Bisping is being both praised and condemned for his use of a homophobic slur during the live UFC…

Michael Bisping UFC 298

Michael Bisping is being both praised and condemned for his use of a homophobic slur during the live UFC 298 broadcast on Saturday night.

The former middleweight world champion joined Joe Rogan and Jon Anik at the commentary table for the promotion’s latest pay-per-view offering in Anaheim, California. By all accounts, the evening went off without a hitch and offered some memorable moments for fans inside the Honda Center and those watching around the world.

However, there was one incident that has fight fans in a furious debate on social media. After delivering a promotional pitch for the main event showdown between Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria, ‘The Cout’ was busted making an anti-gay remark.

“What a guy. What a night. UFC 298. Anaheim California. Certainly one for the books,” Bisping said before a long pause. Seemingly unaware that the cameras were still rolling, he added: “What a guy? That’s f*cking gay.”

It’s certainly not the first time the UFC has seen one of its own make anti-LGBTQ comments on camera. Ahead of his UFC 297 title tilt with Dricus Du Plessis, former 185-pound king Sean Strickland went off on a Canadian reporter who questioned ‘Tarzan’ about a series of anti-gay comments he made on X (formerly Twitter). Strickland’s response was pretty much what you’d expect.

UFC Fans React to Michael Bisping’s Commentary Slip-up

Perhaps in a sadly unsurprising twist, Bisping received a heap of support — and even praise — for his ill-time comment once the clip started making the rounds online.

Of course, not everyone was thrilled with Bisping’s anti-gay commentary or the fact that UFC fans — who have been labeled as toxic on more than one occasion — are basking in it.

What is your take on Michael Bisping’s poor choice of words?

Alexander Volkanovski vows to land title rematch with Ilia Topuria at UFC Spain: ‘Next time it’ll be different’

Alexander Volkanovski vows to land UFC Spain rematch with Ilia Topuria it'll be different next timeOff the back of his shocking featherweight championship loss at UFC 298 over the course of the weekend, Australian…

Alexander Volkanovski vows to land UFC Spain rematch with Ilia Topuria it'll be different next time

Off the back of his shocking featherweight championship loss at UFC 298 over the course of the weekend, Australian veteran, Alexander Volkanovski has vowed to land himself an immediate title fight rematch with Ilia Topuria, if the promotion elects to bring the Octagon to Spain for the first time in it’s history.

Volkanovski, the former pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter under the promotion’s banner, saw his promotional-perfect featherweight division run, as well as his five-fight successful title defense reign come to a shattering end at UFC 298 over the course of the weekend.

Returning to the limit in Anaheim following an October high-kick and strikes KO loss to Islam Makhachev in a short-notice lightweight title re-run, Volkanovski was dropped in the second round by Georgian-Spaniard, Topuria – who backed the champion to the fence, before unleashing a stunning right hook, sending him to the canvas unconscious.

Alexander Volkanovski eyes UFC Spain return

And warned against his hasty return against Topuria at UFC 298 following his knockout defeat to pound-for-pound kingpin, Makhachev, Volkanovski has vowed to chase an immediate rematch with the newly-minted Topuria, with all eyes on a UFC Spain debut for the organization – potentially at the magnificent Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. 

“Next time it’ll be different, but I’m going to just have a little bit of a rest,” Alexander Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel after UFC 298. “I definitely want that rematch [with Ilia Topuria]. Spain, what I’m hearing, is gonna happen. Dana (White) wants Spain. Obviously, Ilia wants Spain.”

“That probably won’t be until later this year, so the timing would be perfect for me to spend time with the fa, rest up a little bit, look after myself and then we’ll get back in there,” Alexander Volkanovski explained. “We’ll make it right.”

Do you think Alexander Volkanovski beats Ilia Topuria in a title rematch?