Tag: UFC 304

Tom Aspinall Invites Grappling-Heavy Approach From Curtis Blaydes At UFC 304: ‘Not A Very Comfortable Guy To Train For…’

Despite wanting to get his own back after the way their first fight ended, Tom Aspinall has not had an enjoyable training camp to prepare for his rematch with Curtis Blaydes. The interim UFC heavyweight champion has called this contest his dream fight because he gets the opportunity to get revenge in front of his […]

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Despite wanting to get his own back after the way their first fight ended, Tom Aspinall has not had an enjoyable training camp to prepare for his rematch with Curtis Blaydes.

The interim UFC heavyweight champion has called this contest his dream fight because he gets the opportunity to get revenge in front of his home fans in Manchester at UFC 304.

But, with the wrestling heavy style that Blaydes brings to the table, this has been a training camp which Aspinall won’t be wanting to relive quite so soon.

The champion came into martial arts through jiu-jitsu with his father being a coach and whilst we’ve seen glimpses of his grappling inside the Octagon, we are still yet to see how he fares against a top wrestler.

Aspinall has been leaving no stone unturned and that means putting himself through the ringer each day in training, to make sure that he is ready for what could be a very physically exhausting and draining fight.

Tom Aspinall Has Put In The Tough Grappling Rounds To Prepare For Curtis Blaydes Rematch

Aspinall reflected on his training camp just a few days out from fight night during a recent interview with New York Post Sports.

Training in the north of England, the Brit has surrounded himself with other big fighters and athletes to ensure that they all get the best and most suitable training possible.

That being said, whilst he’s excited to step back inside the Octagon on July 27, this camp has been gruelling to say the least.

He spoke about how in preparing for Blaydes’ wrestling, he has been constantly putting himself in bad positions against big bodies which will be incredibly valuable for him once the cage door closes but it hasn’t been a fun cycle at the same time.

“That’s probably where I spent the most of this camp is on my back with guys on top of me. It’s not been a very, Curtis Blaydes is not a very comfortable guy to train for. Do you know what I mean, you’re getting up off your back. See the way I work it is I work it with multiple training partners so I’ll be starting on bottom, I get them off, the energy that it takes to get a big guy off is, you know, you expend a lot of energy. Then I restart on my back with a fresh partner, like it’s exhausting man, it’s just exhausting training for this guy and I’ve done everything I can so we’ll see on Saturday how it goes.”

Read also: Curtis Blaydes Dismisses Notion He’s Planning To Target Knee Tom Aspinall Injured: ‘I Can’t Even Tell You Which One It Is’

Continue Reading Tom Aspinall Invites Grappling-Heavy Approach From Curtis Blaydes At UFC 304: ‘Not A Very Comfortable Guy To Train For…’ at MMA News.

Exclusive | “F idiots who are in PFL” – Paddy Pimblett talks free agency: “They don’t shut up about me.”

Exclusive | "F idiots who are in PFL" - Paddy Pimblett talks free agency: "They don't shut up about me."Paddy Pimblett doesn’t have time for all the “idiots” playing around in the B Leagues. From the moment Pimblett…

Exclusive | "F idiots who are in PFL" - Paddy Pimblett talks free agency: "They don't shut up about me."

Paddy Pimblett doesn’t have time for all the “idiots” playing around in the B Leagues.

From the moment Pimblett first stepped inside the Octagon in September 2021, it seemed like he was destined for fame and fortune. Three years and five fights later, ‘The Baddy’ has found exactly that, becoming one of the organization’s top stars out of the UK and building a three-million-strong fanbase on Instagram.

Paddy Pimblett

On July 27, Pimblett will return to the Octagon seeking his eighth-straight win and a spot in the lightweight top 15 when he meets division staple King Green at UFC 304.

Paddy Pimblett

Once their bout is in the books, Paddy Pimblett will become a free agent as Saturday’s scrap will be the final fight on his existing UFC contract. That realization has led to much speculation regarding Pimblett’s future, but don’t expect to see ‘The Baddy’ bail on Dana White and Co. anytime soon.

Speaking with Tim Wheaton in an exclusive interview on behalf of AceOdds.com, ‘The Baddy’ made it clear that he has no interest in leaving the “marquee promotion in the world” to join the “B Leagues.”

“I would not go to the B Leagues,” Pimblett said. “All the clowns in the B League talk about me. I have seen interviews lately of f*cking idiots who are in PFL. They don’t shut up about me. It’s f*cking embarrassing.

“I’m in the UFC, I’m in the marquee promotion in the world. You wish you were there saying, ‘Oh, I’ve gone to PFL for the money.’ No, you haven’t. You went to PFL because the UFC doesn’t want you. That’s why you went to PFL, you f*cking idiot.”

Paddy Pimblett

It’s probably safe to say that Pimblett will look to re-sign with the UFC no matter what happens in Manchester this weekend, but a win over Green will give him a whole lot of extra leverage at the negotiating table.

Paddy Pimblett’s underdog status diminishing ahead of UFC 304

The Baddy’ approaches his UFC 304 clash with Green as an underdog for the first time in his UFC career. Currently, Pimblett is sitting at -102 compared to his opponent who is slightly favored at -118.

Originally, Pimblett was a +160 on multiple sportsbooks.

Clearly, fans are feeling more confident in Pimblett’s ability to get the job done as fight night grows closer.

Paddy Pimblett

Belal Muhammad Outlines Where He’s Being ‘Underrated’ Ahead Of UFC 304 Title Fight

UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad believes the masses aren’t giving some aspects of his game the attention they deserve. Muhammad is in Manchester, England, this week in pursuit of the 170-pound title, which he’ll have his first career shot at in the main event of the UFC 304 pay-per-view on Saturday night. To return back […]

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UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad believes the masses aren’t giving some aspects of his game the attention they deserve.

Muhammad is in Manchester, England, this week in pursuit of the 170-pound title, which he’ll have his first career shot at in the main event of the UFC 304 pay-per-view on Saturday night.

To return back across the Atlantic with a sizable piece of gold added to his luggage, “Remember the Name” must bring the reign of Leon Edwards to an end in enemy territory.

Muhammad has long awaited his opening opportunity to win the belt, having won five straight since a no contest against Edwards in their 2021 fight and remained on the sidelines for the 14 months since his most recent triumph over Gilbert Burns.

During that time and in the lead-up to UFC 304, the Chicago standout hasn’t been short of detractors when it comes to his chances of reaching the welterweight mountaintop.

But having seen the waves of criticism that arrive at his feet, Muhammad is confident that his doubters — including the champion and his team — aren’t aware of just how good he really is in certain areas…

Muhammad Claims To Be ‘One Of The Most Complete Fighters’ In The UFC

During a recent interview with Zac Pacleb for UFC.com, Muhammad looked ahead to his title opportunity across the pond this weekend.

“Remember the Name” has frequently acknowledged the dismissive attitude toward his chances held by some fans and those in Edwards’ camp, outlining the areas they are all underestimating him in.

“I think that my IQ is underrated,” Muhammad said. “My style is underrated. The way that I go into fights, people don’t understand the strategy. I beat these guys where they’re weakest. I take them to the weakest point. That’s where I beat them at. I could do it all.

“I think that people are starting to realize I am truly one of the best complete fighters in the UFC,” Muhammad added.

Muhammad will look to prove as much come fight night in Manchester by achieving what both Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington failed to in 2023.

And more than just having his hand raised and the belt wrapped around his waist on Saturday night, “Remember the Name” has vowed to dominate the welterweight kingpin and finish him before the championship rounds.

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Outlines Where He’s Being ‘Underrated’ Ahead Of UFC 304 Title Fight at MMA News.

Beneil Dariush Brands Teammate Giga Chikadze The ‘Best In The World When He’s On’ Ahead Of UFC 304

UFC featherweight contender Giga Chikadze has received a glowing endorsement from his teammate Beneil Dariush ahead of his return this weekend. Chikaze will head to enemy territory for his first assignment of 2024, clashing with England’s own Arnold Allen in the opening fight on the UFC 304 pay-per-view main card at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena […]

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UFC featherweight contender Giga Chikadze has received a glowing endorsement from his teammate Beneil Dariush ahead of his return this weekend.

Chikaze will head to enemy territory for his first assignment of 2024, clashing with England’s own Arnold Allen in the opening fight on the UFC 304 pay-per-view main card at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena on Saturday.

The Georgian previously had his fast charge toward a title shot violently stalled by Calvin Kattar at the start of 2022, with the brutal nature of that setback keeping him out for 19 months.

But having returned successfully in Singapore last August and defended his spot in the top 10 at 145 pounds against Alex Caceres, “Ninja” has his sights back on those above him in the pecking order in pursuit of a title clash with Ilia Topuria.

And when it comes to the July 27 matchup and any other bout for him in the division, Dariush sees Chikadze at his best as a step above the competition…

Dariush Speaks Highly Of Fellow Kings MMA Standout Chikadze, Including His Grappling

During episode two of the UFC 304 Embedded: Vlog Series, Chikadze can be seen putting in the work alongside lightweight contender Beneil Dariush over at Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, California.

Speaking to the camera, Dariush praised not just Chikadze’s well-known striking, but also his ever-improving grappling game. And with those developments in mind, the veteran 155lber sees the Georgian as featherweight’s top fighter when he’s firing on all cylinders.

“It’s obvious to see how great his striking is, right? But I think the place he’s improved the most is his grappling. I think there’s been a shift in Giga’s mindset,” Dariush said. “His game is just, it’s changed so much since his days in kickboxing. When Giga’s on, he’s the best in the world. We’re gonna show up (at UFC 304) and we’re make sure he’s on.”

With that in mind, perhaps Allen — who is coming off a wrestling-heavy defeat to Movsar Evloev — isn’t in for the preferred striking battle he’s after and has preached about in the lead-up to UFC 304.

“Almighty” got exactly that the last time he competed on home soil, with lightweight contender Dan Hooker falling to a flurry of strikes early into their clash at a London-held UFC Fight Night in 2022.

Having slipped from title contention with consecutive losses, Allen will no doubt be hoping to deliver a similar statement display on home soil this weekend.

Continue Reading Beneil Dariush Brands Teammate Giga Chikadze The ‘Best In The World When He’s On’ Ahead Of UFC 304 at MMA News.

MMA News Today: Emotional Francis Ngannou Opens Up About The Passing Of His Son, Paddy Pimblett Shares Warm Encounter With Former Foe At UFC 304 Fighter Hotel, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 24, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Francis Ngannou Shares Heartbreak Following Family Tragedy The combat sports world rallied around the former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou after he suffered a family tragedy. His 15-month-old […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Emotional Francis Ngannou Opens Up About The Passing Of His Son, Paddy Pimblett Shares Warm Encounter With Former Foe At UFC 304 Fighter Hotel, & More at MMA News.

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 24, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Ngannou bravely opens up following a tough year
  • Pimblett jokes with Gordon during shared elevator ride
  • Muhammad ranks welterweights, puts Edwards fourth

Francis Ngannou Shares Heartbreak Following Family Tragedy

The combat sports world rallied around the former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou after he suffered a family tragedy.

His 15-month-old son, Kobe, sadly passed away in April and after taking time to have privacy, Ngannou spoke about this recently.

The PFL fighter is hoping to resume his fighting career in the near future but after what he has been through as of late, his outlook on life has changed to some degree.

He bravely spoke on the JRE MMA Show about what this was like to go through and how he now sees things differently.

Despite always being grateful for what he has right now, Ngannou said that he looks forward to being reunited with his son in another life.

“You have a lot of things to be grateful about but in your heart, you feel like you’re broke, you have nothing. I mean, I always love life and know that I have everything but at least for once, I’m like at least whenever I die, I’m going to go see my kid. I’m going to see him. I’m not afraid of it. I still want to live but at least whenever, you get to that point, to think like that. So someway you’re looking for what, for whenever that happen.”

Paddy Pimblett And Jared Gordon Cross Paths And Exchange Pleasantries During UFC 304 Fight Week

Ahead of his UFC 304 encounter with King Green this weekend in Manchester, Paddy Pimblett crossed paths with a former opponent of his when stepping into the fighter hotel lift.

“The Baddy” earned a controversial split decision win against Jared Gordon back at UFC 282 but the two lightweights have always been friendly towards one another.

After coming across one another, the two men embraced and Pimblett told him that he thought Gordon should have won his last fight which went the way of Nasrat Haqparast via another split decision.

Gordon jokingly remarked, “I f****** did, again”, which both the lightweight contenders had a laugh about.

“Flash” gave his prediction for the fight before they parted ways, stating that he thinks Pimblett will stay undefeated in the UFC this weekend by finishing Green who he faced in March last year.

Belal Muhammad Says Leon Edwards Is The Fourth Best Active Welterweight

Belal Muhammad believes that whilst his opponent this weekend at UFC 304 is the welterweight champion, he isn’t the best fighter in the weight class.

Leon Edwards is set to make his third title defense in Manchester but Muhammad isn’t so sure that he’s worthy of being called the champion.

In a recent interview with Kaz Crossley for Title Sports Network, the challenger was asked to give his own version of the top five rankings at 170-pounds.

He, of course, put himself at the top spot with Edwards sitting below both Kamaru Usman (who Edwards beat twice) and Shavkat Rakhmonov with Jack Della Maddalena rounding out the top five.

Muhammad will look to back up his claims on July 27 when he faces the man that, in his opinion, isn’t the top dog in the division.

“I would be one. Then I would put Kamaru two, Shavkat (Rakhmonov) three. I would put Leon four. And then number five, I would put Jack Della (Maddalena),” Muhammad said. “Man, you’re gonna lose the last couple fans you have left once I take the belt away from you. sorry bro. … I don’t like Leon. My other opponents, I didn’t wanna fake it (trash talk) with like, a ‘Wonderboy’ or a Maia. … It’s easier to bully him (Edwards).”

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Paddy Pimblett Praises ‘Big Sister’ Molly McCann’s Training Ahead Of UFC 304: ‘She’s Coming To Take Bruna’s Soul!’

UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett is confident of Molly McCann starting the night off in strong fashion for their team this weekend. Both Pimblett and McCann will be in action at UFC 304, set for the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on July 27. The pair will look to recreate their double does of success at […]

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UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett is confident of Molly McCann starting the night off in strong fashion for their team this weekend.

Both Pimblett and McCann will be in action at UFC 304, set for the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on July 27. The pair will look to recreate their double does of success at two London-held UFC Fight Nights back in 2022.

First to the cage will be “Meatball,” who is slated to throw down with Bruna Brasil on the preliminary portion of the event. The bout marks her sophomore strawweight outing, having moved down following consecutive defeats at 125 pounds.

In her divisional debut, McCann impressed by showing new wrinkles to her game in a gruesome armbar submission victory over Diana Belbi?? this past February.

And having seen her preparation pre-UFC 304, Pimblett is expecting a similarly emphatic performance in a few days’ time…

Pimblett: McCann In ‘Best Shape Of Her Life’ Ahead Of UFC 304

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Pimblett broke down and predicted the matchups set to play out in Manchester this weekend.

When it came to his teammate and friend’s second fight since dropping to strawweight, the Liverpudlian unsurprisingly backed McCann to get the job done in convincing fashion.

More than just a Next Generation MMA bias, “The Baddy” touted McCann’s work behind closed doors as justification for his one-sided pick.

“Next fight, my big sister, Molly the ‘Meatball’ McCann. … Yous know I don’t need to give a prediction for this,” Pimblett said. “Molly is in the best shape of her life. I’ve never seen her look so good in sparring and in strength and conditioning and everything.

“She’s coming to take Bruna’s soul. I’m predicting a TKO for Molly in this fight,” Pimblett continued. “You never know though. Just like last time, she could get a submission. People are sleeping on her jiu-jitsu game.”

McCann will look to prove Pimblett’s prediction correct when she makes the walk on Saturday’s preliminary card and in doing so set the stage for “The Baddy” to record a crucial victory of his own over Bobby “King” Green on PPV.

Continue Reading Paddy Pimblett Praises ‘Big Sister’ Molly McCann’s Training Ahead Of UFC 304: ‘She’s Coming To Take Bruna’s Soul!’ at MMA News.