Tag: UFC 304

‘This Is The Whole Anthony Smith Thing Again’ – MMA Fans Split After Curtis Blaydes Promises To Eviscerate Alex Pereira At Heavyweight

Alex Pereira carries an aura unlike any other fighter we have seen in the UFC, during his campaigns at both middleweight and light heavyweight. As the current champion at 205 pounds, “Poatan” has spoken about the potential of him moving up to heavyweight at some stage to try and become a champion in a third […]

Continue Reading ‘This Is The Whole Anthony Smith Thing Again’ – MMA Fans Split After Curtis Blaydes Promises To Eviscerate Alex Pereira At Heavyweight at MMA News.

Alex Pereira carries an aura unlike any other fighter we have seen in the UFC, during his campaigns at both middleweight and light heavyweight.

As the current champion at 205 pounds, “Poatan” has spoken about the potential of him moving up to heavyweight at some stage to try and become a champion in a third weight class before retiring.

The prospect of seeing this has got the fans excited with a striker as dangerous and powerful, going up against the biggest men in the UFC.

Curtis Blaydes said that should he win the interim title this weekend in a rematch with Tom Aspinall, he would more than welcome Pereira up to the division.

He spoke at the UFC 304 media day about how he believes it would not end well for the light heavyweight champion if he did make the jump.

“Bad idea. I’ll give you my premediated plan, I’m going to shoot. Immediately. Why would I give him any chance to knock me out on the feet when I know I can take him down at will and I’m sure, he has to know that. I think he’s looking for a specific heavyweight, not any heavyweight. He has match-ups against, I can see him beating guys like Tai, we watched him sparring Tai Tuivasa. Maybe some other guys like the bottom of the top 15 but you give him a top five guy with some real weight, he’s not winning.”

Blaydes once again confirmed that if Pereira still wants to come up should “Razor” get the win in Manchester, he’d be happy to oblige.

“Yes, I know that’s what everyone wants to hear. Yes, I would f****** love Alex Pereira. It’s not cause he’s not good, I’m heavier than he is. Just at heavyweight, gravity, weight matters. It’s not as skill-based, that’s just how it is.”

MMA Fans React To Curtis Blaydes Labelling An Alex Pereira Heavyweight Move As A ‘Bad Idea’

Pereira is always going to have an army of fans that back him but it’s probably fair to say that Blaydes would be the toughest match-up for him at heavyweight.

Not only is he a natural heavyweight, as Blaydes said himself, he has no interest in wanting to strike with “Poatan” and would look to take him down as soon as possible.

That being said, taking Pereira down is the best route to victory for nearly every opponent that he has faced inside the Octagon and no one has been able to keep him there.

Fight fans responded to Blaydes’ comments on social media by questioning whether his assessment is correct.

“I mean that’s a fair assessment, but you never know until the fight plays out. We are still yet to see Pereira’s ground game in full display, so no questions can be answered. I’m a fan of both but wouldn’t be surprised if Pereira got it done”

“I disagree, let Alex put on 15 pounds and the whole division gets wiped out.”

“Blaydes isn’t wrong here, but he also thought he’d take down Derrick Lewis”

“Curtis has been one of my favorites for a long long while but he’ll make a bad decision and get in a situation I think”

“This is the whole Anthony Smith thing again”

“Fair and realistic take from Blaydes”

“Honestly, if he puts on the weight well, I think it’s a pick’em. Would be a good but quick fight either way imo.”

Read also: Former Opponent Of Jon Jones’ Believes Tom Aspinall Would Be ‘Too Much’ For Him: ‘He Has All The Weapons To Beat Jon’

Continue Reading ‘This Is The Whole Anthony Smith Thing Again’ – MMA Fans Split After Curtis Blaydes Promises To Eviscerate Alex Pereira At Heavyweight at MMA News.

Leon Edwards lunges at Belal Muhammad in tense UFC 304 presser face off

Leon Edwards lunges at Belal Muhammad in tense UFC 304 presser face offSharing the stage today at the Co-op Live Arena ahead of a massive welterweight title fight rematch with Belal…

Leon Edwards lunges at Belal Muhammad in tense UFC 304 presser face off

Sharing the stage today at the Co-op Live Arena ahead of a massive welterweight title fight rematch with Belal Muhammad this weekend at UFC 304, incumbent gold holder, Leon Edwards failed in a bid to psych out the challenger, lunging at him before being restrained by security officials.

Edwards, the incumbent undisputed welterweight champion, headlines this weekend’s UFC 304 card against the above-mentioned Illinois contender, Muhammad, in a bid to rack up his third consecutive successful title defense. 

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First fighting back in 2020 in the pair’s high-stakes main event bout at the UFC Apex facility, Edwards landed multiple eye pokes en route to an eventual second round stoppage against Muhammad – resulting in an official ‘No Contest’.

belal ufc 304

And sharing the stage this weekend ahead of their UFC 304 title fight re-run in Manchester, Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad – who shared a tense encounter inside an elevator in the ‘Rainy City’ earlier this week, 

Accusing Muhammad of becoming too reactive and emotionally invested in their title rematch this weekend, Edwards would be unconscious within just three rounds in Manchester according to the title challenger – who urged the crowd to wake him up with their chanting once he knocks him out. 

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Leon Edwards lunges at Belal Muhammad in tense UFC 304 presser

Sharing the stage with UFC CEO, Dana White for a tense face-off – Muhammad imitated Edwards’ infamous ‘headshot dead’ taunt, before the latter lunged at the title challenger – to no avail in a bid to make him react, with security officials and UFC personnel immediately corralling the duo. 

Hitting out at Edwards’ entourage on stage as the above-mentioned organizational leader, White attempted to play peacekeeper, Muhammad made his way off stage ahead of a massive, and now-bad-blooded title affair this weekend in the promotion’s return to the United Kingdom in a pay-per-view setting for the first time since 2016. 

Who wins this weekend at UFC 304: Leon Edwards or Belal Muhammad?

Leon Edwards Insists There’s No Bad Blood With Belal Muhammad On His Side: ‘He’s Made Up Scenarios In His Head’

According to UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards, any talk of a bitter feud heading into this weekend’s main event is entirely on the side of Belal Muhammad. Edwards is set to defend his title on home soil for the second time and third time overall since winning it from Kamaru Usman in dramatic fashion almost […]

Continue Reading Leon Edwards Insists There’s No Bad Blood With Belal Muhammad On His Side: ‘He’s Made Up Scenarios In His Head’ at MMA News.

According to UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards, any talk of a bitter feud heading into this weekend’s main event is entirely on the side of Belal Muhammad.

Edwards is set to defend his title on home soil for the second time and third time overall since winning it from Kamaru Usman in dramatic fashion almost two years ago in Salt Lake City.

Having gotten the better of Usman in their trilogy fight in London last year and stalled Colby Covington’s ambitions in Las Vegas nine months later, “Rocky” will now put his gold on the line in the city of Manchester.

He’s set to headline the UFC 304 pay-per-view opposite a familiar foe in Muhammad, whom he previously faced back in 2021. Ever since that bout ended in a no contest, they’ve appeared to have a distinct dislike for one another.

But although “Remember the Name” continues to admit as much, Edwards insists Muhammad is just another opponent…

Edwards Dismisses Claims Of Bitter Feud With Muhammad

During a fight week interview with Adam Catterall for TNT Sports, Edwards looked ahead to his second dance in the cage with Muhammad.

Both men have exchanged verbal jabs in the lead-up to UFC 304, but when it comes to actual bad blood and disdain, the champ claims it is entirely a one-way street.

“I’m not overlooking him one bit. He has gone out there and put the work in. … You have to take him serious. I just truly believe I am the best fighter,” Edwards said. “I believe that I am better than him on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, (Thursday), Friday; it doesn’t matter. I am the better fighter.

“I’ll go out Saturday night and prove that. That’s all it is. There’s no bad blood between us, there’s nothing else,” Edwards continued. “For him, he’s making up some scenario in his head where he hates me and blah, blah, blah. But, for me, he’s just another guy that’s in my way of this goal I’m trying to achieve in my life…that’s it.”

While he may not be motivated by the same level of hatred as his challenger is, Edwards no doubt has plenty to fight for.

In addition to keeping the welterweight gold in his possession and moving closer to Georges St-Pierre’s record for title defenses in the division, a victory would further boost “Rocky’s” chances of securing a shot at the middleweight belt down the line.

Continue Reading Leon Edwards Insists There’s No Bad Blood With Belal Muhammad On His Side: ‘He’s Made Up Scenarios In His Head’ at MMA News.

Manel Kape Reacts To UFC 304 Fight Being Relegated To The Early Prelims: ‘Maybe Mokaev Don’t Deserve The Main Card’ 

UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape doesn’t believe he’s to blame for his and Muhammad Mokaev’s questionable card placement this weekend. The pair are set to do battle in one of the most intriguing and important matchups at UFC 304, scheduled to take place inside the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on Saturday night. Originally, Kape […]

Continue Reading Manel Kape Reacts To UFC 304 Fight Being Relegated To The Early Prelims: ‘Maybe Mokaev Don’t Deserve The Main Card’  at MMA News.

UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape doesn’t believe he’s to blame for his and Muhammad Mokaev’s questionable card placement this weekend.

The pair are set to do battle in one of the most intriguing and important matchups at UFC 304, scheduled to take place inside the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on Saturday night.

Originally, Kape and Mokaev were alongside the likes of Leon Edwards, Tom Aspinall, and Paddy Pimblett on the main card. That was to be expected given that the winner could be next in line to challenge for Alexandre Pantoja’s title.

In recent days, however, the bout has been slipping down the pecking order, first to the preliminary card and now to the early prelims.

The decision has caused debate and confusion in the MMA community. But whatever the reason, Kape doesn’t think it has anything to do with him…

Kape Happy For Early Get-Out At UFC 304

During his appearance at UFC 304 media day on Wednesday, Kape looked ahead to his first fight of 2024, which comes after a weight miss in January and injury in April caused his rematch with Matheus Nicolau to be canceled twice.

In terms of why he’ll be making the walk early in the lineup, Kape theorized that his opponent may not have earned a PPV main card placement yet.

Regardless, “Starboy” doesn’t appear fazed by the decision. In fact, he seems to be relishing the opportunity to enjoy a night out in Manchester post-fight.

“Maybe they want to push more the audience. Maybe Mokaev don’t deserve the main card, you know?” Kape said. “But for me, it’s good. For the timing, I don’t need to fight at 3, 4 AM. So I’m going to fight at 11 PM and I can go out (after).

“I’m gonna win, and after the win, get my boys, get some good food, and enjoy a little bit of town,” Kape added.

Before hitting the town, Kape must get the job done inside the Octagon on fight night. That will be no easy task, however, with Mokaev undefeated both in the UFC and across his professional and amateur careers to date.

While many are favoring “The Punisher’s” grappling to get the job done, Kape has dismissed that threat and promised a violent knockout to blemish the Dagestan-born Brit’s MMA résumé for the first time.

Continue Reading Manel Kape Reacts To UFC 304 Fight Being Relegated To The Early Prelims: ‘Maybe Mokaev Don’t Deserve The Main Card’  at MMA News.

Manel Kape Reacts To UFC 304 Fight Being Relegated To The Early Prelims: ‘Maybe Mokaev Don’t Deserve The Main Card’ 

UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape doesn’t believe he’s to blame for his and Muhammad Mokaev’s questionable card placement this weekend. The pair are set to do battle in one of the most intriguing and important matchups at UFC 304, scheduled to take place inside the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on Saturday night. Originally, Kape […]

Continue Reading Manel Kape Reacts To UFC 304 Fight Being Relegated To The Early Prelims: ‘Maybe Mokaev Don’t Deserve The Main Card’  at MMA News.

UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape doesn’t believe he’s to blame for his and Muhammad Mokaev’s questionable card placement this weekend.

The pair are set to do battle in one of the most intriguing and important matchups at UFC 304, scheduled to take place inside the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on Saturday night.

Originally, Kape and Mokaev were alongside the likes of Leon Edwards, Tom Aspinall, and Paddy Pimblett on the main card. That was to be expected given that the winner could be next in line to challenge for Alexandre Pantoja’s title.

In recent days, however, the bout has been slipping down the pecking order, first to the preliminary card and now to the early prelims.

The decision has caused debate and confusion in the MMA community. But whatever the reason, Kape doesn’t think it has anything to do with him…

Kape Happy For Early Get-Out At UFC 304

During his appearance at UFC 304 media day on Wednesday, Kape looked ahead to his first fight of 2024, which comes after a weight miss in January and injury in April caused his rematch with Matheus Nicolau to be canceled twice.

In terms of why he’ll be making the walk early in the lineup, Kape theorized that his opponent may not have earned a PPV main card placement yet.

Regardless, “Starboy” doesn’t appear fazed by the decision. In fact, he seems to be relishing the opportunity to enjoy a night out in Manchester post-fight.

“Maybe they want to push more the audience. Maybe Mokaev don’t deserve the main card, you know?” Kape said. “But for me, it’s good. For the timing, I don’t need to fight at 3, 4 AM. So I’m going to fight at 11 PM and I can go out (after).

“I’m gonna win, and after the win, get my boys, get some good food, and enjoy a little bit of town,” Kape added.

Before hitting the town, Kape must get the job done inside the Octagon on fight night. That will be no easy task, however, with Mokaev undefeated both in the UFC and across his professional and amateur careers to date.

While many are favoring “The Punisher’s” grappling to get the job done, Kape has dismissed that threat and promised a violent knockout to blemish the Dagestan-born Brit’s MMA résumé for the first time.

Continue Reading Manel Kape Reacts To UFC 304 Fight Being Relegated To The Early Prelims: ‘Maybe Mokaev Don’t Deserve The Main Card’  at MMA News.

UFC Full Fight: Relive Belal Muhammad’s Bonus-Winning Knockout Of Sean Brady Ahead Of UFC 304 Title Challenge

UFC 304 headliner Belal Muhammad delivered his career-best display when showcasing his ever-improving striking game in Abu Dhabi two years ago. Muhammad is set to main event this weekend’s pay-per-view card at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, where he’ll challenge for the UFC’s welterweight championship against a familiar foe in reigning kingpin Leon Edwards. […]

Continue Reading UFC Full Fight: Relive Belal Muhammad’s Bonus-Winning Knockout Of Sean Brady Ahead Of UFC 304 Title Challenge at MMA News.

UFC 304 headliner Belal Muhammad delivered his career-best display when showcasing his ever-improving striking game in Abu Dhabi two years ago.

Muhammad is set to main event this weekend’s pay-per-view card at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, where he’ll challenge for the UFC’s welterweight championship against a familiar foe in reigning kingpin Leon Edwards.

The pair first collided back in 2021, with an accidental eye poke rendering Muhammad unable to continue. While “Rocky” went on to capture the belt the following year, “Remember the Name” has been working his way toward a shot of his own and a rematch with the Brit.

A major step on that journey came in the Middle East in October 2022 when Muhammad shared the Octagon with then-undefeated up-and-comer Sean Brady. While renowned for his grappling game, the Chicago standout showed new wrinkles to his game by piecing Brady up on the feet en route to a second-round TKO.

Ahead of Saturday’s event, the promotion has released the full Muhammad vs. Brady fight from UFC 280 on its official YouTube channel.

Muhammad is looking to put in a similarly impressive display this weekend to unseat Edwards, vowing to finish the reigning welterweight kingpin before reaching the championship rounds in the UFC 304 main event.

Continue Reading UFC Full Fight: Relive Belal Muhammad’s Bonus-Winning Knockout Of Sean Brady Ahead Of UFC 304 Title Challenge at MMA News.