Tag: UFC 304

Belal Muhammad Says Trash Talk From Fans At UFC 304 Only Motivated Him More: ‘I’m From The South Side Of Chicago!’ 

Newly crowned UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad says hostility from fans only aided in his successful pursuit of gold this past weekend. Muhammad emerged from enemy territory with the 170-pound title in his possession, having headlined the UFC 304 pay-per-view alongside Leon Edwards at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Against the odds and predictions […]

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Says Trash Talk From Fans At UFC 304 Only Motivated Him More: ‘I’m From The South Side Of Chicago!’  at MMA News.

Newly crowned UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad says hostility from fans only aided in his successful pursuit of gold this past weekend.

Muhammad emerged from enemy territory with the 170-pound title in his possession, having headlined the UFC 304 pay-per-view alongside Leon Edwards at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

Against the odds and predictions of many fans, pundits, and fellow fighters alike, Muhammad made good on his vows to dominate “Rocky” in his own backyard, utilizing his grappling to secure large periods of control and finding success on the feet too.

With that, “Remember the Name” was able to silence a crowd that didn’t shy away from letting him know their feelings as he made his way to the Octagon. That trend was also visible last week at the press conference and ceremonial weigh-ins.

While some may be negatively affected by such a reception, Muhammad says it was ideal…

Muhammad Relished UFC 304 Boos: ‘I Want That Energy’

During a backstage interview with Caroline Pearce for TNT Sports, Muhammad reflected on his experience competing in front of a hostile Manchester crowd.

While Muhammad had downplayed the support Edwards had in the UK, “Remember the Name” was seemingly pleased to be on the receiving end of heavy boos during fight week events and his UFC 304 walkout.

“Honestly, I liked it. It was motivation,” Muhammad said. “I like to get booed. I want that energy. Like I said, I’ve been doubted my whole career. Those boos, they only push me to go harder.

“I’m from like, the south side of Chicago, so I’m not afraid of like, altercations or people talking trash to me. I love that type of energy,” Muhammad continued. “When they’re talking trash to me or I get an opponent I can talk trash to, those are the best kind of fights for me.”

Having proved plenty wrong with his ascent to top spot at 170 pounds, Muhammad will now turn his attention to cementing his grip on that crown and beginning the pursuit of another.

This week, Muhammad debuted in the pound-for-pound rankings at #6, just behind featherweight champ Ilia Topuria and bantamweight kingpin Sean O’Malley. With some title defenses down the line, “Remember the Name” will hope to further climb that pecking order.

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Says Trash Talk From Fans At UFC 304 Only Motivated Him More: ‘I’m From The South Side Of Chicago!’  at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad Says Trash Talk From Fans At UFC 304 Only Motivated Him More: ‘I’m From The South Side Of Chicago!’ 

Newly crowned UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad says hostility from fans only aided in his successful pursuit of gold this past weekend. Muhammad emerged from enemy territory with the 170-pound title in his possession, having headlined the UFC 304 pay-per-view alongside Leon Edwards at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Against the odds and predictions […]

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Says Trash Talk From Fans At UFC 304 Only Motivated Him More: ‘I’m From The South Side Of Chicago!’  at MMA News.

Newly crowned UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad says hostility from fans only aided in his successful pursuit of gold this past weekend.

Muhammad emerged from enemy territory with the 170-pound title in his possession, having headlined the UFC 304 pay-per-view alongside Leon Edwards at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

Against the odds and predictions of many fans, pundits, and fellow fighters alike, Muhammad made good on his vows to dominate “Rocky” in his own backyard, utilizing his grappling to secure large periods of control and finding success on the feet too.

With that, “Remember the Name” was able to silence a crowd that didn’t shy away from letting him know their feelings as he made his way to the Octagon. That trend was also visible last week at the press conference and ceremonial weigh-ins.

While some may be negatively affected by such a reception, Muhammad says it was ideal…

Muhammad Relished UFC 304 Boos: ‘I Want That Energy’

During a backstage interview with Caroline Pearce for TNT Sports, Muhammad reflected on his experience competing in front of a hostile Manchester crowd.

While Muhammad had downplayed the support Edwards had in the UK, “Remember the Name” was seemingly pleased to be on the receiving end of heavy boos during fight week events and his UFC 304 walkout.

“Honestly, I liked it. It was motivation,” Muhammad said. “I like to get booed. I want that energy. Like I said, I’ve been doubted my whole career. Those boos, they only push me to go harder.

“I’m from like, the south side of Chicago, so I’m not afraid of like, altercations or people talking trash to me. I love that type of energy,” Muhammad continued. “When they’re talking trash to me or I get an opponent I can talk trash to, those are the best kind of fights for me.”

Having proved plenty wrong with his ascent to top spot at 170 pounds, Muhammad will now turn his attention to cementing his grip on that crown and beginning the pursuit of another.

This week, Muhammad debuted in the pound-for-pound rankings at #6, just behind featherweight champ Ilia Topuria and bantamweight kingpin Sean O’Malley. With some title defenses down the line, “Remember the Name” will hope to further climb that pecking order.

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Says Trash Talk From Fans At UFC 304 Only Motivated Him More: ‘I’m From The South Side Of Chicago!’  at MMA News.

Kamaru Usman Quashes Notion Of Early Stoppage In Tom Aspinall’s Win Over Curtis Blaydes: ‘The Best Heavyweight’

Tom Aspinall continued his track record of finishing fights early on, in the co-main event of UFC 304 this past weekend. His interim title defense against Curtis Blaydes came to an end in just one minute of the very first round, when he dropped his opponent and landed some follow-up strikes on the floor to […]

Continue Reading Kamaru Usman Quashes Notion Of Early Stoppage In Tom Aspinall’s Win Over Curtis Blaydes: ‘The Best Heavyweight’ at MMA News.

Tom Aspinall continued his track record of finishing fights early on, in the co-main event of UFC 304 this past weekend.

His interim title defense against Curtis Blaydes came to an end in just one minute of the very first round, when he dropped his opponent and landed some follow-up strikes on the floor to get the win.

The speed and timing of Aspinall was on full display once again, despite taking a punch or two from Blaydes in that opening minute.

By his own admission, the Brit was still taking some time to work out his opponent’s range and timing after being hit when he thought Blaydes would would miss.

What makes him so dangerous is that this didn’t even matter in the grand scheme of things as once a shot of his own landed clean, he was able to get the finish.

Kamaru Usman Says He Had No Issues With Blaydes Stoppage, Calls Aspinall The Best Heavyweight

Given that it was the jab from Aspinall that tipped Blaydes off balance, some questioned whether it was an early stoppage because nothing appeared to really hurt the challenger.

Kamaru Usman doesn’t believe this was a factor as he stated during the UFC 304 review episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast.

Usman said that similar to Aspinall’s own view of the finish, Blaydes had nowhere to go and was only going to take more damage if the referee didn’t step in.

“Everyone is speculating, ‘Oh, was it an early stoppage.’ At first, I would think so but this is the thing with big boys though. Yes, the jab didn’t completely [drop him]…like it was just kind of momentum. He’s coming in, he ate the jab, okay he sat him down. But when he sat him down, Curtis was still there, Curtis saw him coming, Curtis tried to get back up but those are big boys.

“He fell on Curtis, he jumped on Curtis and when you jumped on him I mean those boys don’t move as fast and then he starts wailing off and there was moments to where Curtis was there trying to get up, a shot lands on the side of the head, he goes back down, he tries to get up so it was just kind of this grey area. I don’t think it was an early stoppage I just think Curtis was kind of caught off guard and was unable to recover quickly enough before Tom Aspinall was able to pounce on him and completely finish the fight.”

Usman was also very high in his praise for the interim champion, labelling him as the best in his weight class despite the presence of Jon Jones.

“I just think it was a tremendous fight. I think the speed of Tom Aspinall sets him apart from every heavyweight now. His speed, his awareness, his fearlessness to go in there and know that, ‘Hey, my shots are going to get there before yours.’ I think you have to put him in there, you have to say that Tom Aspinall right now is the best heavyweight.”

Read also: Kamaru Usman Reacts To Belal Muhammad Dominating Leon Edwards At UFC 304: ‘Leon Doesn’t Necessarily Know How To Fight There…’

Continue Reading Kamaru Usman Quashes Notion Of Early Stoppage In Tom Aspinall’s Win Over Curtis Blaydes: ‘The Best Heavyweight’ at MMA News.

Muhammad Mokaev Defends Pulling Manel Kape’s Shorts Down At UFC 304: ‘There’s A Reason We Have Warnings…’ 

UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev appears keen to make the most of some controversial leniency from mixed martial arts referees. Mokaev was among the most talked about fighters leading into this past weekend’s UFC 304 pay-per-view event in Manchester, England — and in the aftermath. The Dagestan-born Brit appeared on the preliminary card, sharing the Octagon […]

Continue Reading Muhammad Mokaev Defends Pulling Manel Kape’s Shorts Down At UFC 304: ‘There’s A Reason We Have Warnings…’  at MMA News.

UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev appears keen to make the most of some controversial leniency from mixed martial arts referees.

Mokaev was among the most talked about fighters leading into this past weekend’s UFC 304 pay-per-view event in Manchester, England — and in the aftermath.

The Dagestan-born Brit appeared on the preliminary card, sharing the Octagon with Manel Kape. While relegated from the main card, the matchup was among the most anticipated in the lead-up to the numbered event.

But despite the pair’s apparent bad blood, fueled by multiple altercations during fight week, the bout fell flat. “The Punisher” ultimately had his hand raised on the scorecards, but the manner of victory left Mokaev as the subject of criticism.

In addition to that being down to the low-volume and entertainment nature of the fight, the 23-year-old also raised eyebrows with one particular tactic he employed on the ground. After taking Kape down in the first round, the Brit blatantly pulled “Starboy’s” shorts.

Many have suggested Mokaev was fortunate to escape without losing a point, but the man himself seemingly has no regrets, insisting he’ll use whatever warnings he has in the chamber to stretch the rules…

Mokaev On UFC 304 Fouling: ‘I Have To Take Every Single Opportunity’

During a backstage interview in Manchester with Caroline Pearce for TNT Sports, Mokaev reflected on his victory over Kape and some of the controversy surrounding it.

In his first post-fight statement on social media, the Angola-born Portuguese flyweight slammed Mokaev for the pull of his shots, as well as multiple other fouls he believes went against him.

The topic of how referees enforce the rules has long been a prominent one, with frequent fouls such as fence grabs going unpunished and met with a multitude of verbal warnings.

Mokaev, though, appeared to share a ‘if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying’ mantra.

“It’s a fight, yeah? You grab, do everything you can to win a fight,” Mokaev said. “There’s a reason we’ve got the warnings. I’ll do everything. I am young, I have to take every single opportunity in the Octagon. I know sometimes stuff doesn’t look (good), but I’ll do what I can.”

Unfortunately for Mokaev, his performance and conduct in Manchester evidently didn’t impress the UFC, with Dana White revealing during the UFC 304 post-fight press conference that the promotion wouldn’t be re-signing the flyweight up-and-comer.

It remains to be seen what lies in the future of “The Punisher,” who told TNT Sports in the aftermath of his win that he was hoping to be sent a new contract ahead of a possible title shot against Alexandre Pantoja.

It now appears that he’ll have to adjust his sights to a championship elsewhere.

Continue Reading Muhammad Mokaev Defends Pulling Manel Kape’s Shorts Down At UFC 304: ‘There’s A Reason We Have Warnings…’  at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley Reacts To Paddy Pimblett Choking King Green Out At UFC 304: ‘He Could Be Champ…’

UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley looks to be extremely high on Paddy Pimblett’s lightweight title chances following this past weekend. Pimblett was among the most prominent names in action at the UFC 304 pay-per-view, which took place in front of his home crowd at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England. Off the back of […]

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley Reacts To Paddy Pimblett Choking King Green Out At UFC 304: ‘He Could Be Champ…’ at MMA News.

UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley looks to be extremely high on Paddy Pimblett’s lightweight title chances following this past weekend.

Pimblett was among the most prominent names in action at the UFC 304 pay-per-view, which took place in front of his home crowd at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

Off the back of decision wins over Jared Gordon and Tony Ferguson, and amid plenty of doubt regarding his ability to compete with the best at 155 pounds, “The Baddy” had his first shot at cracking the rankings opposite King Green.

Against the odds and expectations of many, Pimblett made good on his promise to dispatch Green with ease, capitalizing on the American veteran’s ill-advised takedown attempt by locking in a triangle choke to put him unconscious.

The result impressed most and has left Pimblett closer to his goal of touching gold on MMA’s biggest stage. And while that target remains a considerable distance and plenty of major victories away, O’Malley isn’t writing the Liverpool native off…

O’Malley Lauds Pimblett’s Home Win At UFC 304

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, O’Malley reacted live to the major matchups that played out in the UK this past weekend.

“Sugar” appeared impressed when Pimblett choked Green out cold, and he proved as much by suggesting that the Brit’s improvements could pave the way for a possible title crowning down the line.

“Paddy is f*cking focused, ready to go. Got two kids now. He does have skills, he does have f*cking good skills,” O’Malley said. “He’s out! He put him to sleep! Paddy just put Bobby to sleep! … That was f*cking beautiful. Damn, he’s still sleeping.

“That was sick, bro. Good for him. He answered a lot of questions,” O’Malley continued. “I guess I don’t know how good Bobby’s jiu-jitsu is. I’ve always thought of him as a f*cking brawler, but for Paddy to do that to a guy like Bobby Green is huge. It’s a massive win. … Paddy called out Renato Moicano. … Paddy could definitely be — I mean, if he wins the right fights, he could be champ.”

For now, Pimblett will be keeping a close eye on Tuesday’s rankings update before turning his attention to the upcoming Paris showdown between Moicano and Benoît Saint Denis on September 28.

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley Reacts To Paddy Pimblett Choking King Green Out At UFC 304: ‘He Could Be Champ…’ at MMA News.

Shavkat Rakhmonov demands title shot against Belal Muhammad: “Keep your word”

Shavkat Rakhmonov demands title shot against Belal Muhammad: "Keep your word"Before the belt was even wrapped around Belal Muhammad’s waist, Shavkat Rakhmonov was shooting his shot on social media….

Shavkat Rakhmonov demands title shot against Belal Muhammad: "Keep your word"

Before the belt was even wrapped around Belal Muhammad’s waist, Shavkat Rakhmonov was shooting his shot on social media.

The UFC’s return to Manchester on Saturday night saw the rise of a new welterweight world champion as ‘Remember The Name’ delivered a mostly dominant performance against Leon Edwards in the UFC 304 headliner.

Belal Muhammad

Almost immediately following his unanimous decision victory over ‘Rocky,’ the division’s No. 3 ranked contender called for the first crack at Muhammad’s new hardware.

Shavkat

“Congratulations on your well-deserved victory, @bullyb170! I hope you keep your word and defend your title against me when you’re ready, champ,” Rakhmonov wrote on X.

Nomad’ is a perfect 18-0 in his mixed martial arts career, his last six wins coming inside the Octagon. Perhaps even more impressive is that Rakhmonov boasts a 100% finish rate, choking out Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson in his last three outings.

Shavkat

Belal Muhammad welcomes Shavkat Rakhmonov’s challenge

Never one to back down from a challenge, Belal Muhammad gladly accepted Rakhmonov’s challenge as a first step toward establishing himself as the greatest welterweight of all time.

“Yeah, of course,” Muhammad said on fighting Rakhmonov at the UFC 304 post-fight press conference. “I’ve literally never turned down a fight. I’ve never backed down from anybody. I had so many people turn down fights against me so, now I’m at the top. I’m the man and for me, now it’s cementing my legacy as the best welterweight to ever do it.

“I’m not going to sit there and call out these random guys. Who’s next in line, who’s best in line. I’m going to show you who I am, what I can do. They thought Leon could walk through me, now I’m going to walk through all these other guys” (h/t BJPenn.com).

Bully B’ extended his unbeaten streak to 10 while simultaneously snapping Leon Edwards‘ undefeated run that began all the way back in May 2016.