Tag: UFC 303

UFC 303 Winner Makes Two-Week Turnaround, Faces Drew Dober At UFC Fight Night Denver

UFC lightweight veteran Drew Dober will get the chance to fight close to home after one recent victor stepped in on extremely short-notice to meet him on July 13. Dober, who trains out of Denver, Colorado, was originally added to the lineup for next weekend’s UFC Fight Night in the ”Mile-High City” against the in-form […]

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UFC lightweight veteran Drew Dober will get the chance to fight close to home after one recent victor stepped in on extremely short-notice to meet him on July 13.

Dober, who trains out of Denver, Colorado, was originally added to the lineup for next weekend’s UFC Fight Night in the ”Mile-High City” against the in-form Mike Davis. Last month, however “Beast Boy” suffered a nasty torn bicep in training.

Since then, the 155-pound fan favorite has been awaiting news of a replacement to keep him on the card, which is set to be headlined by former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas inside the Ball Arena.

That came this week, with Brazilian outlet Ag. Fight reporting that Jean Silva will be moving up from featherweight to share the cage with Dober on less than two weeks’ notice.

Silva was in action just this past weekend at UFC 303, where he got the better of Charles Jourdain in brutal fashion. The Brazilian did miss weight, however, so the decision to subsequently accept a lightweight showdown was perhaps to be expected.

Silva Targets Two Wins In Two Weeks At Dober’s Expense

Having already had a strong start to life on MMA’s biggest stage, the July 13 event presents the chance for Silva to significantly increase his stock by recording two victories in just 14 days.

Silva (13-2) followed his success on Dana White’s Contender Series with a first-round knockout off Westin Wilson in his UFC debut. In Jourdain on June 29, “Lord Assassin” thrived against better competition, dropping the Canadian early on before finishing him in round two with a vicious uppercut.

While the weight miss for that contest added an asterisk next to the result, the Brazilian 27-year-old has the chance to go someway toward erasing any memory of his indiscretion on the scale in one of the more high-profile bouts slated to go down in Denver next Saturday night.

Dober (27-13) has long been one of the lightweight division’s perennial entertainers. That was on full display in 2022 when he sat in the rankings off the back of three straight stoppage wins over Terrance McKinney, Rafael Alves, and Bobby Green. Since sleeping “King,” though, Dober has gone 1-2, with a quick finish of Rick Glenn sandwiched between setbacks at the hands of Matt Frevola and Renato Moicano.

With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at the UFC Fight Night in Denver on July 13 are as follows:

Main Card:

  • Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez (women’s flyweight main event)
  • Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov (welterweight co-main event)
  • Drew Dober vs. Jean Silva (lightweight)
  • Gabriel Bonfim vs. Ange Loosa (welterweight)
  • Julian Erosa vs. Christian Rodriguez (featherweight)
  • Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cody Brundage (middleweight)

Preliminary Card:

  • Viviane Araújo vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius (women’s flyweight)
  • Joshua Van vs. Charles Johnson (flyweight)
  • Luana Santos vs. Mariya Agapova (women’s flyweight)
  • Montel Jackson vs. Da’Mon Blackshear (bantamweight)
  • Josh Fremd vs. Andre Petroski (middleweight)
Image: Chris Unger/UFC/Zuffa LLC

Continue Reading UFC 303 Winner Makes Two-Week Turnaround, Faces Drew Dober At UFC Fight Night Denver at MMA News.

Brian Ortega releases statement after withdrawal from fight at UFC 303: ‘My body gave out on me’

Brian Ortega releases statement after exit from UFC 303 fight my body gave out on meSlated to compete at UFC 303 over the course of last weekend up until 4 hours ahead of his…

Brian Ortega releases statement after exit from UFC 303 fight my body gave out on me

Slated to compete at UFC 303 over the course of last weekend up until 4 hours ahead of his co-main event fight with Diego Lopes, the withdrawal of Brian Ortega through illness led to one of the most lackadaisical replacement shuffles in Octagon history – and we’ve now got an explanation. 

Ortega, who was set to meet with Brazilian fan-favorite, Lopes in a short-notice co-headliner, was forced to withdraw from his clash through illness, after previously forcing a catchweight bout prior to weigh-ins.

Brian Ortega

And with the pair successfully making the catchweight limit for the bout, it seemed all systems go for their UFC 303 matchup, however, with just 4 hours to go before the Octagon would be bolted shut behind them, Brian Ortega was forced from the bout due to illness.

Brian Ortega provides statement after exit from UFC 303 return

Replaced by perennial contender, Dan Ige – who weighed in backstage – no less, before going on to meet with Lopes in a competitive clash, ultimately dropping a decision.

Revealing plans to make a lightweight leap before the cancellation of his bout with Lopes, multiple-time title challenger, Brian Ortega has shared a statement regarding his exit from UFC 303, stating how his body simply gave out on him ahead of his return to competition.

ortega

I’m feeling much better, thank you for all the love. Come fight week I felt off and I didn’t feel right, I thought it was just the residual effects from the cut. I was 178 lb when I accepted this fight on 15 days notice. Thursday night after 7 straight hours, I could not break 151 lb.”

“Later, I would find out that I was battling a fever and I could not break into the final 5 lbs as my body started to shut down. Rather than risking huge health consequences and possibly calling the fight off, thankfully we were able to move the weight to 155. At weigh ins, I still felt off but I was sure it would go away after I rehydrated and ate.

Later on that night I still felt off and was suffering from cold sweats and no sleep. Finally, I fell asleep at 6 am Saturday morning and woke up at 1 pm hoping to feel better. I could not keep any food or water down nor could I stand up to use the restroom.

I struggled with my own ego, got on a call with Tiki and Hunter, and I made the decision to call off the fight. I dared to do something crazy for the love of fighting, but I got sick and my body gave out on me. I want to give the fans and my opponents my best performance every time l step into the cage.”

“Diego Lopes I can only imagine what went off on your side, you have nothing but my respect and I’ll talk to Hunter and Tiki and make this right by you. To the UFC, Dana, Hunter, and the fans, thank you for having my back.”

ortega yair

Encouraged to make good on a lightweight move in his eventual comeback, Brian Ortega has been linked with a massive debut in the division against former champion, Charles Oliveira – who confirmed he would be pursuing an August return himself. 

Who would you like to see Brian Ortega fight in a lightweight move?

Brian Ortega Makes First Public Statement On UFC 303 Fight Day Cancellation: ‘I Dared To Do Something Crazy…’ 

Two-time UFC featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega has broken his silence on the same-day fight cancellation that saw him not compete at T-Mobile Arena this past weekend. After a successful comeback from injury in Mexico this past February, where he avenged his 2022 setback to Yair Rodríguez by way of submission, Ortega began preparing for […]

Continue Reading Brian Ortega Makes First Public Statement On UFC 303 Fight Day Cancellation: ‘I Dared To Do Something Crazy…’  at MMA News.

Two-time UFC featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega has broken his silence on the same-day fight cancellation that saw him not compete at T-Mobile Arena this past weekend.

After a successful comeback from injury in Mexico this past February, where he avenged his 2022 setback to Yair Rodríguez by way of submission, Ortega began preparing for a divisional switch.

With opportunities limited at featherweight, “T-City” set his sights on the lightweight shark tank. But when last Saturday’s UFC 303 pay-per-view fell into crisis, Ortega agreed to be one of those saving the day, accepting an extremely late-notice co-main event against Diego Lopes.

Despite Ortega’s prep for the 155-pound weight class, the bout was set for featherweight. But that changed on weigh-in day when it was revealed that the longtime contender couldn’t get lower than 151 pounds.

While that left Lopes weighing in at lightweight having already cut down to the originally planned weight, the Mexico-based Brazilian was on the scales again just hours before making the walk after Ortega was forced to withdraw through injury and replaced by Dan Ige.

Now close to a week on, “T-City” has spoken out and addressed the difficult circumstances that led to his late pullout…

Ortega Accepted Fight 32 Pounds Above The Limit, Vows To ‘Make This Right’ By Lopes

In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram, Ortega admitted he “felt off” throughout fight week — something UFC CEO Dana White noted during his appearance at the press conference post-event on Saturday night.

The featherweight veteran also revealed that he agreed to the short-notice assignment 32 pounds over the featherweight limit, leaving many questioning why he and his team accepted a 145-pound clash.

“Come fight week I felt off and I didn’t feel right, I thought it was just the residual effects from the cut. I was 178 lb when I accepted this fight on 15 days notice,” Ortega wrote. “Thursday night after 7 straight hours, I could not break 151 lb. Later, I would find out that I was battling a fever and I could not break into the final 5 lbs as my body started to shut down. Rather than risking huge health consequences and possibly calling the fight off, thankfully we were able to move the weight to 155.

“At weigh ins, I still felt off but I was sure it would go away after I rehydrated and ate Later on that night I still felt off and was suffering from cold sweats and no sleep. Finally, I fell asleep at 6 am Saturday morning and woke up at 1 pm hoping to feel better. I could not keep any food or water down nor could I stand up to use the restroom,” Ortega continued. “I struggled with my own ego, got on a call with Tiki and Hunter, and I made the decision to call off the fight. I dared to do something crazy for the love of fighting, but I got sick and my body gave out on me.”

Ortega concluded by also making note of the tumultuous two-day period that Lopes went through, culminating in the rising featherweight facing and defeating Ige on just a few hours’ notice.

“T-City” vowed to “make things right” by the Mexico-based Brazilian.

“Diego Lopes I can only imagine what went off on your side, you have nothing but my respect and I’ll talk to Hunter and Tiki and make this right by you,” Ortega stated. “To the UFC, Dana, Hunter, and the fans, thank you for having my back.”

It remains to be seen how Ortega will do that, but perhaps accepting a rescheduled showdown with the 29-year-old at the Sphere-held Noche UFC event on September 14 could be a start.

Continue Reading Brian Ortega Makes First Public Statement On UFC 303 Fight Day Cancellation: ‘I Dared To Do Something Crazy…’  at MMA News.

Manager picks surprise rematch fight for Alex Pereira after brutal UFC 303 win: ‘That’s underwhelming’

Manager picks surprise rematch for Alex Pereira after UFC 303 win that's underwhelmingLinked with many a foe off the back of his dominant title defense win at UFC 303 last weekend,…

Manager picks surprise rematch for Alex Pereira after UFC 303 win that's underwhelming

Linked with many a foe off the back of his dominant title defense win at UFC 303 last weekend, Alex Pereira is being lined up to take on prior opponent in his next outing at 205lbs – in the form of ex-champion, Jan Blachowicz – that’s if his manager gets his wish.

Pereira, a former undisputed middleweight champion and the current light heavyweight gold holder, headlined last weekend’s pay-per-view return to Las Vegas, matching with former champion, Jiri Prochazka in another rematch clash at UFC 303.

alex pereira ufc 303

And laying waste to the Czech Republic favorite in his short-notice comeback with a terrifying high-kick KO stoppage in the opening seconds of the second round, Alex Pereira has been on the lips of many contenders at light heavyweight – whilst himself weighing up a heavyweight rise. 

Receiving callouts from the likes of former champion, Jamahal Hill who remains vocal in his wish to land grudge second clash with the Sao Paulo native, Pereira has also been warned by Magomed Ankalaev that he would be left beltless if they share the Octagon.

Alex Pereira calls for UFC 305 return in August after huge win at UFC 303 this guy is crazy

Alex Pereira tipped to fight Jan Blachowicz next by manager

However, a former-foe has also presented his case for a re-run with Pereira – coming as the sole contender at 205lbs to take the Brazilian the distance, in the form of the previously mentioned, Blachowicz.

Jan Blachowicz claims he was robbed by judges in decision loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 291
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger – USA TODAY Sports

And if Pereira’s manager, Jorge Guimares gets his wish, his client with meet the Pole in a rematch of their July fight last summer in Utah.

Welcoming former middleweight champion, Pereira to the light heavyweight ranks back in July of last year in Salt Lake City, Blachowicz forced the Brazilian knockout phenom the distance over the course of three rounds, dropping a split decision blemish in a tightly contested outing.

Staking his claim for another chance to meet fan-favorite finisher, Pereira immediately following UFC 305, perennial contender, Blachowicz claimed he had the “counter spell” to the former’s alleged magic and shamanistic practices. 

“@AlexPereiraUFC a great KO victory, but I have a counter spell for your magic…” Jan Blachowicz posted.

Do you want to see Alex Pereira take on Jan Blachowicz again?

Nate Diaz Doubles Down On Support For Conor McGregor Following UFC 303 Pullout: ‘Lost His Last Fight Because He Went In There Like A G & Was Hurt…’

When Conor McGregor announced the reason for his long awaited return at UFC 303 being pushed back, he received a lot of negativity. “The Notorious” made the call to delay his comeback fight after breaking his toe in training because after being out for so long, he wanted to step back inside the Octagon at […]

Continue Reading Nate Diaz Doubles Down On Support For Conor McGregor Following UFC 303 Pullout: ‘Lost His Last Fight Because He Went In There Like A G & Was Hurt…’ at MMA News.

When Conor McGregor announced the reason for his long awaited return at UFC 303 being pushed back, he received a lot of negativity.

“The Notorious” made the call to delay his comeback fight after breaking his toe in training because after being out for so long, he wanted to step back inside the Octagon at 100%.

A new date has not been provided yet for when he hopes to fight again and whether or not it will still be against Michael Chandler.

Despite their long-running rivalry with each other that produced two of the most iconic fights in the history of the sport, Nate Diaz has McGregor’s back on this one.

Nate Diaz Commends Conor McGregor For Making The Decision To Postpone His Comeback

During an interview with MMA legend Demetrious Johnson on The MightyCast, Diaz said that he actually supports McGregor’s decision to postpone the fight.

The Stockton fighter believes that this shows the Irishman’s experience and learning over the years – which is something Diaz has also noticed in his own career regarding fighting injured.

“That’s experience, you know, he was f***** up when he fought his last fight and I’ve been f***** up in hella fights and I don’t want to like to cry about it afterwards ‘cuz your a** shouldn’t have came to fight if you was f***** up, that’s how I think about it.”

Diaz made a clear distinction between the fact that McGregor didn’t cancel the fight but called for it to be pushed back, and commended him for making that call.

He reflected on how he found himself in a similar position ahead of his fight with Leon Edwards which was moved to the following month’s event at UFC 263, after he suffered a cut in training that he nearly decided to fight through.

Diaz also referenced how McGregor’s injury, which was a big reason why he was inactive for so long, came at UFC 264 because he went into the fight already compromised which further supports his decision to delay the return.

“So now, before you just jump to conclusions and start being like, ‘He’s hurt, f****** p****’ it’s like bro, he lost his last fight because he went in there like a G and he was hurt and he f***** himself up, you know what I’m saying. That being a part of it, he shouldn’t have showed up though but now he knows. So it’s like when people are like, ‘wah’, I’m like why don’t you just shut up and sit down?”

Continue Reading Nate Diaz Doubles Down On Support For Conor McGregor Following UFC 303 Pullout: ‘Lost His Last Fight Because He Went In There Like A G & Was Hurt…’ at MMA News.

Jamahal Hill doubles down on call out of Alex Pereira after UFC 303 win: ‘It’s run it back. We got business’

Jamahal Hill doubles down on rematch fight with Alex Pereira we got businessJamahal Hill has opened up on his callout of Alex Pereira after UFC 303. Hill and Pereira fought at…

Jamahal Hill doubles down on rematch fight with Alex Pereira we got business

Jamahal Hill has opened up on his callout of Alex Pereira after UFC 303.

Hill and Pereira fought at UFC 300 and it was Pereira who won by first-round knockout to defend his belt. Since then, Hill has been adamant he will get the rematch in the future and after UFC 303, he’s calling for the rematch to take place.

“At this point it’s run it back,” Hill told Inside Fighting. “It’s run it back, I don’t care, those are fan terms to me, I don’t give a f*** about that, I just know that me and him? We got business.”

51344869514

However, some fans poked fun at Hill for asking for the rematch when he did nothing when he saw Pereira at the UFC PI. Hill saw Pereira and Glover Teixeira and shook their hands, and for the former champ, he says there still is respect there and he knows in a rematch he will make a lot of money so there is no point in risking that.

“It’s strictly a professional thing, I made quite a lot of money fighting Alex the first time, I’m going to make quite a bit of money fighting Alex again,” Hill said. Why would I risk that for a little scuffle at the PI? Secondly, one of the things I am a fan of the most about Alex and respect is the fatherhood and his sons…

“His sons were with him at the PI, so I was supposed to approach this man while he’s with his children and create a potentially dangerous situation? I love the fact that he takes his sons, his sons are there, they get to experience this and they’re into it. At the fighter hotel when Anthony Smith was working out doing his weight cut, they had the same room, his sons came in with Glover [Texeira] and I was doing the same work as them,” Jamahal Hill said.

“They were hitting mitts, throwing punches trying to look like their dad, all those things, I respect the hell out of that and I love to see that. I would never put him in a position where he would feel he would have to cut experiences like that because of fear of there being a dangerous situation,” Jamahal Hill added. “Even them feeling uncomfortable or anything like that? I would never do that, that is not the type of man I am. That’s not what I stand for at all, whatsoever.”

alex pereira title ufc 303

Jamahal Hill Details Injury That Forced Him Out Of UFC 303

Jamahal Hill was supposed to return in the co-main event of UFC 303 against Khalil Rountree. It was a critical fight for Hill who was coming off a KO loss to Alex Pereira.

Jamahal Hill took to Instagram and revealed he was dealing with two tears in his meniscus, a sprained ACL and a Baker’s Cyst that required significant drainage.

Jamahal Hill denies fouling Alex Pereira at UFC 300 I hit him in the hip and it looked like a low blow
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Hill is currently 12-2 and one NC as a pro and coming off the loss to Pereira. Before that, he beat Glover Teixeira by decision to win the vacant title but had to vacate the belt due to an injury.