Tag: UFC 304

Dan Ige Has Return After Same-Day Notice Diego Lopes Scrap In The Works For Abu Dhabi-Held UFC 308

While he didn’t get the next assignment he was after, UFC featherweight fan favorite Dan Ige does appear to have a major matchup in the calendar. Ige, who currently occupies the #14 spot at 145 pounds, made headlines last month when he replaced Brian Ortega on fight day to share the Octagon with Diego Lopes […]

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While he didn’t get the next assignment he was after, UFC featherweight fan favorite Dan Ige does appear to have a major matchup in the calendar.

Ige, who currently occupies the #14 spot at 145 pounds, made headlines last month when he replaced Brian Ortega on fight day to share the Octagon with Diego Lopes in the UFC 303 co-main event.

Although he fell short on the scorecards, the Hawaiian was widely praised for his efforts and seemingly promised something big next time out. Ige was hoping for that to be an appearance at the upcoming Sphere event in September.

That, however, has not come to fruition. Instead, per MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, a clash between Ige and the #11-ranked Lerone Murphy is in the works for the UFC 308 pay-per-view in Abu Dhabi on October 26.

The pair were originally set to collide this past February, but an injury to Murphy forced him out on late notice.

Murphy, Ige Target Featherweight Top 10 In Rearranged Clash

Should this fight come to fruition for the Etihad Arena later this year, Murphy will be looking to defend his position on the ladder and keep his hopes of a spot in the featherweight top 10 alive.

Murphy (14-0-1) has long been touted as one of the most promising up-and-comers at 145 pounds, with wins over the likes of Ricardo Ramos and Joshua Culibao paving the way for his entry into the rankings. And the undefeated Brit recorded his biggest win to date this past May, beating Edson Barboza in his maiden main event at the Apex.

If “Iceman” is to keep his 0 and stake his claim for a spot in title contention, he must send Ige (18-8) to a losing skid. The 32-year-old has exchanged wins and losses in recent times, outpointing Nate Landwehr and violently stopping Andre Fili, but falling short against Movsar Evloev and Lopes.

With the spotlight on him following the events of International Fight Week, Ige will look to return to winning ways in a big way and begin a resurgence up the featherweight pecking order.

Continue Reading Dan Ige Has Return After Same-Day Notice Diego Lopes Scrap In The Works For Abu Dhabi-Held UFC 308 at MMA News.

Old Video Shows Belal Muhammad’s Eerily Accurately Prediction Of How He Would ‘Break’ Leon Edwards At UFC 304

Belal Muhammad became the UFC welterweight champion this past weekend after convincingly beating Leon Edwards as the underdog. Many expected that the champion would defend his title on home soil based on what we have seen from both men in their previous fights. Whilst Muhammad has been able to dominate opponents with his constant pressure […]

Continue Reading Old Video Shows Belal Muhammad’s Eerily Accurately Prediction Of How He Would ‘Break’ Leon Edwards At UFC 304 at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad became the UFC welterweight champion this past weekend after convincingly beating Leon Edwards as the underdog.

Many expected that the champion would defend his title on home soil based on what we have seen from both men in their previous fights.

Whilst Muhammad has been able to dominate opponents with his constant pressure and wrestling, this is something that “Rocky” has been able to deal with as of late.

However, in an old video that has recently resurfaced, Muhammad broke down why his fight with Edwards would be different to the ones the Brit had with Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington.

Belal Muhammad Correctly Predicts Multiple Aspects Of UFC 304 Title Shot Before It Was Made Official

Speaking in an interview with MMA Fighting, Muhammad very accurately predicted what would happen in the main event of UFC 304 long before that date was confirmed.

He spoke about where he believes Edwards is beatable and why his style would be able to capitalize on what Usman and Covington couldn’t.

Muhammad also gave his take on Edwards’ corner which ended up being very similar to what happened this past weekend.

“When you look at stylistically of why they thought Colby would be a bad match-up for him, it was cardio, it was pressure, it was taking him down, keeping volume in his face and I do all those better than Colby. I do all those better than Usman. Usman in that third fight, he wasn’t the same Usman. People can say whatever they want. I think he came back too soon for that head kick.

“But in that second fight, it was volume, pressure, and it was breaking Leon and Leon’s easily broken. I think that’s why when you see in between rounds, his coaches, his team, they’re all like, they’re not giving him advice right? They’re not telling him, ‘Oh yes, on the outside jab.’ No, they’re like, ‘You’re looking beautiful Leon, You’re a beast Leon, Don’t let him bully you son.’”

It was a bad night at the office for the former welterweight champion and as proven by this interview, Muhammad was able to do exactly what he intended.

“Once he starts getting on his back foot, he starts breaking. Once he stars getting taken down, he starts breaking. Once he starts getting hit, he hates it. So the last two fights that he’s had, it’s been more so let me stay on the outside, let me keep the pace at what I like it at… when I’m in there, it’s not going to be that at all.”

Read also: Leon Edwards’ Coach Names Preferred Next Opponent After Title Loss At UFC 304

Continue Reading Old Video Shows Belal Muhammad’s Eerily Accurately Prediction Of How He Would ‘Break’ Leon Edwards At UFC 304 at MMA News.

Spiteful: Dricus du Plessis looking to knock out Israel Adesanya standing

Spiteful: Dricus du Plessis looking to knock out Israel Adesanya standingDricus Du Plessis plans to beat Israel Adesanya on his feet. On Saturday, August 17 (Sunday for those in…

Spiteful: Dricus du Plessis looking to knock out Israel Adesanya standing

Dricus Du Plessis plans to beat Israel Adesanya on his feet.

On Saturday, August 17 (Sunday for those in Australia), ‘Stillknocks’ will head to The Land Down Under to defend the middleweight crown against two-time champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.

Dricus Du Plessis

It will be Du Plessis’ first time competing since his title-winning performance against Sean Strickland—the same man who handed ‘The Last Stylebender’ a five-round shellacking nearly a year ago.

With fight night a few short weeks away, Du Plessis’ coach at the CIT Performance Institute, Morne Visser, recently offered some insight into how his fighter plans to approach their long-awaited clash and dispelled any rumors that ‘DDP’ may rely on a wrestle-heavy approach against the New Zealander.

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Adesanya

“We’ll fight Izzy wherever it is that Izzy wants to take it,” Visser said during an appearance on EFC Engaged. “We are 100% where we need to be. They think that Dricus is going to shoot and take him down. No way. We want to beat him on the feet.”

Finishing 19 of his 21 career wins, Du Plessis has 10 submissions and nine knockouts to his credit, proving without a shadow of a doubt that no matter where the fight goes, he’s capable of scoring a highlight-reel stoppage.

‘Poatan’ backs Adesanya to defeat Dricus Du Plessis

Of course, that’ll be much easier said than done against the ‘Stylebender’ who’s only been stopped once in his mixed martial arts career, that coming against current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

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But despite their multi-promotional rivalry, ‘Poatan’ is still backing Adesanya to come out on top and reclaim the middleweight strap for a history-making third time in Perth.

“I don’t see Adesanya losing,” Pereira said on his YouTube channel. “Just because he said that about me, doesn’t mean I’ll say it back. It’s what I think. I don’t think he loses this fight. I hope he wins because he has a beautiful story. I think he has to continue his story. He isn’t a young guy.”

‘They’re Always Injured When They Lose’ – MMA Fans Don’t React Kindly To Leon Edwards’ Coach Saying He Was Carrying Back Injury Into Belal Muhammad Fight

Many suspected that Leon Edwards could have come into his welterweight title defense at UFC 304 less than in ideal condition following his performance. The champion was defeated by Belal Muhammad over five rounds with his head coach later revealing some details about what they went through in camp. Dave Lovell spoke in an interview […]

Continue Reading ‘They’re Always Injured When They Lose’ – MMA Fans Don’t React Kindly To Leon Edwards’ Coach Saying He Was Carrying Back Injury Into Belal Muhammad Fight at MMA News.

Many suspected that Leon Edwards could have come into his welterweight title defense at UFC 304 less than in ideal condition following his performance.

The champion was defeated by Belal Muhammad over five rounds with his head coach later revealing some details about what they went through in camp.

Dave Lovell spoke in an interview with Submission Radio about how a back injury to Edwards had him questioning whether they should proceed with the fight.

The champion himself made the call to keep aiming for July 27 and whilst Lovell clearly stated that Muhammad more than deserved to win, it did play a factor.

“Where Leon was concerned, a lot of people don’t know this — and I’m not making any kind of excuses for him — but we had a few niggles in camp. His back was niggling him,” Lovell said. “So he couldn’t wrestle the way he really needed to, offensively and defensively. We’re not taking anything away from Belal’s performance. He did well; the best man won on the night. But Leon will be back.”

MMA Fans React On Social Media To Leon Edwards’ Back Injury Problem

Despite a lot of people believing that “Rocky” didn’t look himself in Manchester, the reaction on social media to the news about his back injury didn’t appear to go down well with some fans.

The social media reaction to this clip from the interview appears to have attracted a lot of people who would rather that these things remain behind closed doors.

“They’re always injured when they lose.”

“this is the first of many excuses to come”

“I thought Leon already said in the octagon after the fight the reason he performed the way he did was because he was tired all week. I assume he was talking about the fact that he had to fight on the US time zone in the UK. So thats now 2 excuses from Leon and his camp…”

“Cool story bro, 3-4 more wins and maybe Leon will get another title shot”

“Here comes the excuses”

“Here we go. I like Leon, but I bet if he told Dana before the fight there would be a rematch”

Read also: Leon Edwards’ Coach Names Preferred Next Opponent After Title Loss At UFC 304

Continue Reading ‘They’re Always Injured When They Lose’ – MMA Fans Don’t React Kindly To Leon Edwards’ Coach Saying He Was Carrying Back Injury Into Belal Muhammad Fight at MMA News.

Stephen Thompson Gives Glowing Review Of Belal Muhammad’s Striking At UFC 304: ‘He Was Piecing Edwards Up!’ 

UFC welterweight veteran Stephen Thompson was impressed by what he saw from his former opponent Belal Muhammad on the feet this past weekend. Muhammad emerged from enemy territory with the 170-pound championship in his possession after upsetting the odds to bring Leon Edwards’ reign to a sudden halt at the UFC 304 pay-per-view. Headlining the […]

Continue Reading Stephen Thompson Gives Glowing Review Of Belal Muhammad’s Striking At UFC 304: ‘He Was Piecing Edwards Up!’  at MMA News.

UFC welterweight veteran Stephen Thompson was impressed by what he saw from his former opponent Belal Muhammad on the feet this past weekend.

Muhammad emerged from enemy territory with the 170-pound championship in his possession after upsetting the odds to bring Leon Edwards’ reign to a sudden halt at the UFC 304 pay-per-view.

Headlining the event, which played out inside the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, “Remember the Name” made good on his frequent vows to dominate “Rocky” in their rematch.

For large parts of their contest, Muhammad utilized his takedowns and smothering wrestling game to control Edwards. But it wasn’t just on the ground where he put in solid work.

Amid laughter regarding the challenger and his team’s striking confidence, Muhammad showed clear development in that area, and he even appeared to have the champ hurt in some exchanges.

Thompson Highlights Where Muhammad Had Surprising Striking Success Against Edwards

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Stephen Thompson broke down the UFC 304 headliner between Edwards and Muhammad round by round.

As one of the division’s top strikers, a mantle he’s long shared alongside the likes of “Rocky,” the former two-time title challenger played close attention to the standup exchanges between the pair.

In that realm, Muhammad certainly went above and beyond expectation, and “Wonderboy” puts that down to three main techniques.

“In the beginning, there was a few striking exchanges. This was something I also noticed in the third round. Three techniques, striking techniques, that really showcased Belal’s striking and really showed his dominance in this fight,” Thompson said. “Number one, Belal Muhammad’s jab. He was piecing him (Edwards) up with that jab! It was so fast. Leon Edwards had a hard time dealing with it, man.

“When Leon decided to jab back, it was the second technique that really frustrated Leon Edwards, and that was his check hook. Normally you don’t see that from the shorter opponent. … Every time Leon Edwards would jab, Belal Muhammad would come over the top of that jab with the check hook, landing that check left hook, which is super frustrating (to be on the receiving end of),” Thompson continued. “And the third technique was his uppercut. He was uppercutting the crap out of Leon Edwards the entire fight.”

Muhammad was quick to comment on his striking display in the aftermath of the UFC 304 headliner, poking fun at those who had mocked his coach’s comparison to Canelo Álvarez’s Mexican-style boxing.

“Remember the Name” will now look to showcase similar skills and development in that area when he returns to the Octagon, with the expectation being that he’ll defend the belt for the first time against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Continue Reading Stephen Thompson Gives Glowing Review Of Belal Muhammad’s Striking At UFC 304: ‘He Was Piecing Edwards Up!’  at MMA News.

Chael Sonnen Praises Paddy Pimblett For Displaying ‘Jon Jones-esque’ Ability At UFC 304

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen saw some of his ex-rival Jon Jones in the performance of lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett this past weekend. Pimblett recorded the biggest win of his Octagon career at the UFC 304 pay-per-view, getting the better of King Green on the main card to secure a ranking for the very […]

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Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen saw some of his ex-rival Jon Jones in the performance of lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett this past weekend.

Pimblett recorded the biggest win of his Octagon career at the UFC 304 pay-per-view, getting the better of King Green on the main card to secure a ranking for the very first time.

“The Baddy” entered the Octagon in front of his home fans at Manchester’s Co-op Live as an underdog and with many backing Green to stall his charge following a close decision against Jared Gordon and failure to finish Tony Ferguson.

But the Liverpool native needed just one round to prove them wrong, capitalizing on an ill-advised takedown to lock in a triangle choke and render Green unconscious.

Among those majorly impressed by Pimblett’s efforts was Sonnen, who even compared his ability in the fight to an all-time great…

Sonnen Praises Pimblett For Dealing With ‘Street Fighter’ Green

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen gave his take on Pimblett’s successful outing on home soil this past weekend.

More so than the submission finish, “The American Gangster” was impressed by how “The Baddy” combatted a style and approach he won’t have faced in any previous fights or behind closed doors in training.

The ability to do so, Sonnen says, is something Pimblett shares with the consensus greatest of all time, Jon Jones.

“(Green) fights like a street fighter. He’s got his hands down; you don’t know what he’s gonna do. He’s talking to you! It’s like two guys outside a liquor store, truly,” Sonnen said. “You know what? Paddy was dealing with it. It’s hard to deal with ’cause you can’t prepare for it; you can’t prepare for it because your teammates don’t show up drunk talking trash with their hands down.

“Paddy was dealing with it. That is a Jon Jones-esque ability. Jon Jones is the king of fighting fighters that all he has to prepare is video tape,” Sonnen continued. “He’s got some weird guy that’s some kind of a tool that he has to deal with, and Jon doesn’t bring in the partners and doesn’t have the experience, but he watched him on tape and he came up with a plan because he knows the sport well enough. That’s what Paddy just did.”

Having caught the eyes of the likes of Sonnen with his latest triumph inside the Octagon, Pimblett will look to continue his development and habit of proving his detractors wrong next time out.

By all accounts, the Liverpool native will be looking to stake his claim for a spot inside the top 10, having secured the #15 spot in the division as it stands. And given his post-fight callout at UFC 304, he’ll have a close eye on Renato Moicano and Benoît Saint Denis’ upcoming battle in Paris.

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Praises Paddy Pimblett For Displaying ‘Jon Jones-esque’ Ability At UFC 304 at MMA News.