Tag: UFC 303

‘Mortgage On Alex’ – Fans React To Alex Pereira Opening As Underdog For Potential Magomed Ankalaev Fight After UFC 303

The opening betting odds have been released for the matchup many expect to serve as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira’s next title defense, and they’ve certainly split opinion. Pereira further cemented his grip on the crown at this past weekend’s UFC 303 pay-per-view. “Poatan,” a former two-weight Glory Kickboxing kingpin, headlined International Fight Week […]

Continue Reading ‘Mortgage On Alex’ – Fans React To Alex Pereira Opening As Underdog For Potential Magomed Ankalaev Fight After UFC 303 at MMA News.

The opening betting odds have been released for the matchup many expect to serve as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira’s next title defense, and they’ve certainly split opinion.

Pereira further cemented his grip on the crown at this past weekend’s UFC 303 pay-per-view. “Poatan,” a former two-weight Glory Kickboxing kingpin, headlined International Fight Week on short notice opposite a familiar foe of his in Ji?í Procházka.

Like at Madison Square Garden last November, it was Pereira who had his hand raised. On this occasion, however, the finish came in a much more definitive and violent fashion.

As if often the case when a champion keeps ahold of their belt, it didn’t take long for a potential challenger to make their voice heard, with Magomed Ankalaev calling for an opportunity to unseat the Brazilian later this year.

Odds were quickly put out by BetOnline.Ag, with Pereira opening as a +210 underdog against Ankalaev’s -250 line.

The Dagestani has long been touted as a future champion by many, and it would appear that his wrestling ability has left the oddsmakers seeing “and new” as a real possibility should the UFC match them together next.

Fans React To Pereira vs. Ankalaev Odds: ‘Is This A Joke?’

Unsurprisingly, the opening odds became a topic of discussion and debate in the MMA community.

Having just seen “Poatan” enhance his legacy on MMA’s biggest stage with yet another brutal knockout, some laughed off the odds and proclaimed that they’d be getting paid handsomely for betting on the champ.

Others, however, made note of Ankalaev’s well-rounded game, which is expected to give Pereira the kind of grappling test that he’s yet to experience inside the Octagon.

Continue Reading ‘Mortgage On Alex’ – Fans React To Alex Pereira Opening As Underdog For Potential Magomed Ankalaev Fight After UFC 303 at MMA News.

Ian Garry Frustrated At Getting Another Decision At UFC 303: ‘I Need To Start Working On These Finishes’

UFC welterweight contender Ian Garry was disappointed not to finish a fight within the distance for the third straight time this past weekend. At Saturday’s UFC 303 pay-per-view, Garry was tasked with opening up the main card in what marked his second Octagon assignment of the year. After getting past Geoff Neal in February, the […]

Continue Reading Ian Garry Frustrated At Getting Another Decision At UFC 303: ‘I Need To Start Working On These Finishes’ at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Ian Garry was disappointed not to finish a fight within the distance for the third straight time this past weekend.

At Saturday’s UFC 303 pay-per-view, Garry was tasked with opening up the main card in what marked his second Octagon assignment of the year. After getting past Geoff Neal in February, the undefeated Irishman was faced with a tougher striking test in Michael “Venom” Page.

In the lead-up, “The Future” expressed a distinct lack of interest in the fight and vowed to “run through” the Englishman with ease. While he ultimately had his hand raised at T-Mobile Arena, it was far from a walk in the park.

Garry secured victory on the scorecards, edging out a final round with his grappling to secure 29-28 verdicts from the three judges cageside.

For the Dubliner, he maintained his position close to the top of the division and kept the 0 on his record. But like many fans who were expecting more from the clash, Garry didn’t exit the cage without some frustration…

Garry ‘Irritated’ At Going The Distance With Page

During a backstage interview with Caroline Pearce for TNT Sports, Garry reflected on his performance and result opposite the tricky Page at UFC 303 in Las Vegas.

The former Cage Warriors champion admitted disappointment at his failure to finish “MVP” before the final horn, especially after both Neal and Neil Magny made it the 15-minute distance in his previous two bouts.

“I nearly had the heel hook as well. Look, that for me is just little details on locking up things,” Garry said. “I said to Demian (Maia), ‘Do you know what we need to do now? We need to go every possibility of finish and we need to lock in the minor details; hand position, head position, feet position. We just need to go over it all.’

“And it needs to be the same on the feet. I need to start working on these finishes because no one’s more irritated than me at having a third f**king decision in a row,” Garry continued. “Even though it’s against elite competition, it f*cks me off.”

Having started life on MMA’s biggest stage with three knockouts in his first five outings, Garry will no doubt be hoping to return to those finishing ways moving forward.

And now that he spends most of his time training over at Diego Lima’s Chute Box Academy in São Paulo alongside the likes of the UFC’s all-time most prolific submission artist Charles Oliveira, perhaps the Irishman’s next stoppage will come by way of a choke or hold.

Continue Reading Ian Garry Frustrated At Getting Another Decision At UFC 303: ‘I Need To Start Working On These Finishes’ at MMA News.

VIDEO: Israel Adesanya Reacts To Longtime Rival Alex Pereira’s Knockout Of Ji?í Procházka At UFC 303

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya had a stoic reaction as Alex Pereira rendered Ji?í Procházka unconscious. Pereira headlined this past weekend’s UFC 303 pay-per-view in defense of his light heavyweight title. The Brazilian, who previously held the belt at 185 pounds, was once again tasked with stalling Procházka’s pursuit of two-time status. While […]

Continue Reading VIDEO: Israel Adesanya Reacts To Longtime Rival Alex Pereira’s Knockout Of Ji?í Procházka At UFC 303 at MMA News.

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya had a stoic reaction as Alex Pereira rendered Ji?í Procházka unconscious.

Pereira headlined this past weekend’s UFC 303 pay-per-view in defense of his light heavyweight title. The Brazilian, who previously held the belt at 185 pounds, was once again tasked with stalling Procházka’s pursuit of two-time status.

While the finish of their first fight back at UFC 295 last November left many dissatisfied and bemoaning the stoppage as early, that was not the case second time around, as “Poatan” brutally knocking “BJP” out with a head kick and follow-up punches on the ground.

As has become a common occurrence whenever he enters the cage, Pereira’s latest triumph once again had fans in the arena and at home on their feet yelling Joe Rogan-esque screams.

But one man’s reaction was a far cry from that…

Adesanya Reacts To Pereira vs. Procházka 2: ‘Damn, That’s Bad’

In a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Adesanya and some of his training partners can be seen reacting to the events that unfolded at the International Fight Week event on June 29.

The Nigerian-New Zealander had a strong connection to the main event, having faced Pereira four times across mixed martial arts and kickboxing, defeating him once by way of KO last April.

Since the pair last faced off, Pereira has flattened his opponents three times with his renowned power. With that, Adesanya was seemingly not at all shocked by Saturday’s finish and remained stoically reclined on his couch as “Poatan” floored his Czech counterpart with a head kick.

“Damn, that is bad. Oh, that is bad,” Adesanya said in the immediate after of the finish. “This card was cursed”

Much has been made about the potential of Pereira and Adesanya competing their MMA trilogy up at light heavyweight down the line.

For now, “The Last Stylebender” has his sights set on regaining the middleweight gold and settling his grudge with another rival in Dricus Du Plessis, whom Adesanya has gone back and forth with for well over a year.

They’re set to headline the upcoming UFC 305 event in Perth, Australia, on August 17.

Continue Reading VIDEO: Israel Adesanya Reacts To Longtime Rival Alex Pereira’s Knockout Of Ji?í Procházka At UFC 303 at MMA News.

VIDEO: Israel Adesanya Reacts To Longtime Rival Alex Pereira’s Knockout Of Ji?í Procházka At UFC 303

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya had a stoic reaction as Alex Pereira rendered Ji?í Procházka unconscious. Pereira headlined this past weekend’s UFC 303 pay-per-view in defense of his light heavyweight title. The Brazilian, who previously held the belt at 185 pounds, was once again tasked with stalling Procházka’s pursuit of two-time status. While […]

Continue Reading VIDEO: Israel Adesanya Reacts To Longtime Rival Alex Pereira’s Knockout Of Ji?í Procházka At UFC 303 at MMA News.

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya had a stoic reaction as Alex Pereira rendered Ji?í Procházka unconscious.

Pereira headlined this past weekend’s UFC 303 pay-per-view in defense of his light heavyweight title. The Brazilian, who previously held the belt at 185 pounds, was once again tasked with stalling Procházka’s pursuit of two-time status.

While the finish of their first fight back at UFC 295 last November left many dissatisfied and bemoaning the stoppage as early, that was not the case second time around, as “Poatan” brutally knocking “BJP” out with a head kick and follow-up punches on the ground.

As has become a common occurrence whenever he enters the cage, Pereira’s latest triumph once again had fans in the arena and at home on their feet yelling Joe Rogan-esque screams.

But one man’s reaction was a far cry from that…

Adesanya Reacts To Pereira vs. Procházka 2: ‘Damn, That’s Bad’

In a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Adesanya and some of his training partners can be seen reacting to the events that unfolded at the International Fight Week event on June 29.

The Nigerian-New Zealander had a strong connection to the main event, having faced Pereira four times across mixed martial arts and kickboxing, defeating him once by way of KO last April.

Since the pair last faced off, Pereira has flattened his opponents three times with his renowned power. With that, Adesanya was seemingly not at all shocked by Saturday’s finish and remained stoically reclined on his couch as “Poatan” floored his Czech counterpart with a head kick.

“Damn, that is bad. Oh, that is bad,” Adesanya said in the immediate after of the finish. “This card was cursed”

Much has been made about the potential of Pereira and Adesanya competing their MMA trilogy up at light heavyweight down the line.

For now, “The Last Stylebender” has his sights set on regaining the middleweight gold and settling his grudge with another rival in Dricus Du Plessis, whom Adesanya has gone back and forth with for well over a year.

They’re set to headline the upcoming UFC 305 event in Perth, Australia, on August 17.

Continue Reading VIDEO: Israel Adesanya Reacts To Longtime Rival Alex Pereira’s Knockout Of Ji?í Procházka At UFC 303 at MMA News.

Jan Blachowicz calls for rematch fight with Alex Pereira after UFC 303: ‘I have the counter spell for your magic’

Jan Blachowicz calls for rematch with Alex Pereira after UFC 303 I have a counter spell for your magicFormer undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz has once more challenged the current division gold holder, Alex Pereira to…

Jan Blachowicz calls for rematch with Alex Pereira after UFC 303 I have a counter spell for your magic

Former undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz has once more challenged the current division gold holder, Alex Pereira to a rematch fight – this time for the crown, claiming he possesses the “counter spell” to the Brazilian’s apparent magic and shamanic forces.

Pereira, the current light heavyweight champion and a former undisputed middleweight gold holder, headlined UFC 303 over the course of last weekend during International Fight Week, taking on former champion, Jiri Prochazka in a title fight rematch.

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And stopping the Czech Republic native in the second round, Sao Paulo knockout artist, Pereira launched a stunning high-kick, felling the ex-champion with a massive shot, to retain his crown for the second time this year already.

Making his 205lbs debut against the above-mentioned, Blachowicz back in July of last year following the end of his middleweight title reign, Pereira would land a close, debated split decision win over the Polish veteran, before going on to land the vacant title.

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Jan Blachowicz calls for rematch with Alex Pereira next

Sidelined through a shoulder injury which ruled him from a UFC 297 rematch with Aleksandar Rakic, former KSW champion, Blachowicz claimed to have the key to beat the current champion after UFC 303.

pereira ufc 303

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

And welcoming the chance to take on all comers after his win over Prochakza – after receiving a distinct call out from the surging, Magomed Ankalaev, two-weight champion, Pereira also echoed his desire to compete for a historic third championship in a move to the heavyweight limit.

“I think that’s in my future,” Alex Pereira said of a heavyweight move following his devastating win at UFC 303. “You know, I said that the last time I was here [inside the Octagon]. There didn’t seem to be a lot of interest in the organization, but I’m here, and I’m available and I do think that’s in my future.”

Would you like to see Jan Blachowicz take on Alex Pereira in a rematch?

Video – Israel Adesanya catches flak for forced reaction to Alex Pereira’s KO win at UFC 303

Israel Adesanya catches flak for forced reaction to Alex Pereira's knockout at UFC 303Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya didn’t seem too impressed with Alex Pereira’s KO win over Jiri Prochazka at…

Israel Adesanya catches flak for forced reaction to Alex Pereira's knockout at UFC 303

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya didn’t seem too impressed with Alex Pereira’s KO win over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303.

Adesanya was watching the card and shared his reaction to his YouTube channel, which is what he does for all pay-per-views. Given that Adesanya has a rivalry with Pereira, many thought ‘The Last Stylebender’ would be paying close attention to the fight.

However, Israel Adesaya instead was just lying on the couch and all he said was ‘damn’ and claimed the card was cursed.

Despite the knockout being one of the best ones this year, Israel Adesanya didn’t seem to get too excited at all about what Pereira did to Prochazka at UFC 303.

Israel Adesanya warns Dricus du Plessis with UFC 305 fight don't be afraid be terrified

Israel Adesanya Calls Alex Pereira A ‘Special Fighter’

Although Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira have fought each other twice in kickboxing and twice in MMA and are rivals, ‘The Last Stylebender’ had nothing but praise for the Brazilian.

During an appearance on Demetrious Johnson’s MightyCast in April, Adesanya heaped praise on Pereira and their rivalry as he called him a special fighter.

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“Honestly, he’s a special fighter,” Adesanya told Demetrious Johnson on the MightyCast (via MMAFighting). “He’s a special human being. What he’s done in this game, in fighting and for his life, as well, I’ll always respect him. I’m grateful for those moments because for me, it taught me so much about myself and where I can go. Same with the Kelvin Gastelum fight, it let me know I can go more. That one, I was ready to die, but this one, I just knew, ‘There’s no f****** way, this guy, I swear to God, I will die… fourth time’s a charm.”

alex pereira title ufc 303

“Then I knew, ‘Israel, there’s levels. You can go more. You can go more. So stay tuned.’ It’s not going to take another seven years before I get [Sean] Strickland. Stay tuned, you watch,” Adesanya added.

Adesanya did get the last laugh against Pereira as he knocked the Brazilian out to reclaim the middleweight title at UFC 287.