Tag: UFC 306

Sean O’Malley’s Coach Theorizes Conor McGregor Uncertainty Is Delaying Confirmation Of Merab Dvalishvili Title Fight At The Sphere

A fight between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC bantamweight championship is all but confirmed. The fighters have been targeting each other online for months and have repeatedly suggested that they might main event the Riyadh Season Noche UFC event. O’Malley last defended his title in March against Marlon “Chito” Vera in dominant […]

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A fight between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC bantamweight championship is all but confirmed. The fighters have been targeting each other online for months and have repeatedly suggested that they might main event the Riyadh Season Noche UFC event.

O’Malley last defended his title in March against Marlon “Chito” Vera in dominant fashion. Dvalishvili on the other hand, secured his title shot by beating Henry Cejudo in February for his tenth consecutive win in the UFC.

With both fighters and fans worldwide awaiting an official announcement regarding their matchup, O’Malley’s coach has speculated the reason behind the delay from the UFC.

Sean O’Malley’s Coach Blames McGregor vs. Chandler For Delay In Dvalishvili Fight Confirmation

During a recent episode of the TimboSugarShow on O’Malley’s official YouTube channel, he and Tim Welch discussed whether the UFC has an interest in adding McGregor vs. Chandler to the UFC 306 card at the Sphere. If true, this can naturally lead to other major fights being shifted to different events.

“Sugar” highlighted that Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway is also rumored to be an option for the September 14 card. Yet again, the return of the Irishman can impact when and where this fight happens.

“The Sphere, and Dana keeps saying it’s going to be something f*****g crazy, and then you got Conor-Chandler maybe going around, you got Max-Ilia, you got me and Merab. You got f*****g some pretty big fights to possibly make, but honest to god, I have not heard from the UFC,” O’Malley said.

The champ’s coach agreed that the UFC could be eager to organize McGregor vs. Chandler at UFC 306. Because the Dubliner’s commitment has been called into question lately, Welch thinks that the UFC hasn’t been able to confirm the other fights on the card.

“It’s probably a tough thing for the UFC. It’s like, they want to let you know. If they knew, I’m sure they’d let you know right away. But when you’re dealing with someone like Conor McGregor, who’s just, one day he probably wants it, one day he doesn’t, one day he’s just booger sugared up, one day he’s this. They’re probably waiting on that.”

During his iconic run to becoming a double UFC champion, McGregor was known for fighting consistently and not pulling out despite injuries. However, his returns to the Octagon since fighting Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the ring have been the exact opposite.

With nine weeks remaining before the Riyadh Season Noche UFC event, both O’Malley and his coach expect the official announcement for the Merab Dvalishvili fight to arrive as soon as possible should the promotion decide the bantamweight gold will be on the line at the Sphere.

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley’s Coach Theorizes Conor McGregor Uncertainty Is Delaying Confirmation Of Merab Dvalishvili Title Fight At The Sphere at MMA News.

UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/1-7/7): Sphere-Held Noche UFC Gets First Four Fights

MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring all the additions to the upcoming cards. With UFC events being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week. In recent days, a […]

Continue Reading UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/1-7/7): Sphere-Held Noche UFC Gets First Four Fights at MMA News.

MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring all the additions to the upcoming cards.

With UFC events being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week.

In recent days, a couple of notable fights were made official by the UFC or confirmed by reputable sources. For more information on those matchups, check out the links below:

A few lower-profile matchups also came together. For those, check out this week’s quick hits:

But it wasn’t all positive, with one fight being adjusted. For that, see below:

And for more detailed information on one newly booked fight that may have flown under your radar between July 1 and July 7, scroll down and check out this week’s UFC Matchmaking Bulletin spotlighted fight.

Shamil Gaziev vs. Don’Tale Mayes – UFC Abu Dhabi (August 3)

After failing to capitalize on the main event spotlight earlier this year, Shamil Gaziev will look to get back on track at the UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on August 3.

Gaziev (12-1) received a shot at the heavyweight rankings and a maiden headliner in just his second UFC fight, being matched against Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the main event of UFC Vegas 87 this past March. The then-undefeated Bahraini was unable to continue into the fifth round, granting “Bigi Boy” the victory by way of TKO.

To avoid the first losing skid of his career, Gaziev must get the better of Don’Tale Mayes (11-6) in the Middle East next month. “Lord Kong” has exchanged wins and losses since a win over Josh Parisian in 2021, falling short against Augusto Sakai and Rodrigo Nascimento but defeating Andrei Arlovski and Caio Machado.

This heavyweight fight was first reported by Vestnik MMA.

Continue Reading UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/1-7/7): Sphere-Held Noche UFC Gets First Four Fights at MMA News.

Aljamain Sterling offers to fight Diego Lopes in huge UFC 306 battle: ‘I want him at The Sphere’

Aljamain Sterling calls for fight with Diego Lopes at UFC 306 I want him at The SphereFormer undisputed bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling is hoping to book his sophomore featherweight clash at UFC 306 – regardless…

Aljamain Sterling calls for fight with Diego Lopes at UFC 306 I want him at The Sphere

Former undisputed bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling is hoping to book his sophomore featherweight clash at UFC 306 – regardless if that comes against Movsar Evloev or not, as he calls out recent winner, Diego Lopes for a huge bout at the Noche event.

Sterling, a former undisputed bantamweight champion and a record-setting gold holder at 135lbs pounds, landed at number eight in the featherweight ranks off the back of his impressive victory at UFC 300.

Aljo UFC 300

Making his divisional bow in April, Uniondale native, Sterling turned in a one-sided unanimous decision triumph against perennial contender, Calvin Kattar, despite receiving criticizm from promotional officials as well as fans in attendance.

Aljamain Sterling offers to fight Diego Lopes at UFC 306

And despite remaining open to a showdown with surging Russian contender, Evloev in his next outing at the featherweight limit, Sterling has now switched his attention to Brazilian star, Lopes – who is fresh from a short-notice win over Dan Ige at UFC 303 at the end of last month.

lopes

“Movsar Evloev, I don’t know what he’s doing,” Aljamain Sterling said on his YouTube channel. “I gave him a date and he hasn’t accepted it yet, he’s been making all these excuses. Either, you fight on my terms, or I fight somebody else. So, Diego Lopes, if you oblige, let’s make it happen at The Sphere, on September 14.”

Fresh from a decision win over Ige on just four hours’ notice at UFC 303 last weekend, Lopes made his promotional bow on short-notice against the above-mentioned, Evloev, pushing him the distance over the course of three rounds in a close loss.

Aljamain Sterling rips sad champion Sean O'Malley you're not a real man my guy
Mandatory Credit: Carmen Mandato

In the time since, Manaus-born contender, Lopes – who currently holds the number twelve rank at the featherweight limit, has landed victories over Gavin Tucker, Pat Sabatini, and a blistering knockout of Sodiq Yusuff to go with his win against Ige last month.

Who wins in a future featherweight showdown: Aljamain Sterling or Diego Lopes?

Aljamain Sterling offers to fight Diego Lopes in huge UFC 306 battle: ‘I want him at The Sphere’

Aljamain Sterling calls for fight with Diego Lopes at UFC 306 I want him at The SphereFormer undisputed bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling is hoping to book his sophomore featherweight clash at UFC 306 – regardless…

Aljamain Sterling calls for fight with Diego Lopes at UFC 306 I want him at The Sphere

Former undisputed bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling is hoping to book his sophomore featherweight clash at UFC 306 – regardless if that comes against Movsar Evloev or not, as he calls out recent winner, Diego Lopes for a huge bout at the Noche event.

Sterling, a former undisputed bantamweight champion and a record-setting gold holder at 135lbs pounds, landed at number eight in the featherweight ranks off the back of his impressive victory at UFC 300.

Aljo UFC 300

Making his divisional bow in April, Uniondale native, Sterling turned in a one-sided unanimous decision triumph against perennial contender, Calvin Kattar, despite receiving criticizm from promotional officials as well as fans in attendance.

Aljamain Sterling offers to fight Diego Lopes at UFC 306

And despite remaining open to a showdown with surging Russian contender, Evloev in his next outing at the featherweight limit, Sterling has now switched his attention to Brazilian star, Lopes – who is fresh from a short-notice win over Dan Ige at UFC 303 at the end of last month.

lopes

“Movsar Evloev, I don’t know what he’s doing,” Aljamain Sterling said on his YouTube channel. “I gave him a date and he hasn’t accepted it yet, he’s been making all these excuses. Either, you fight on my terms, or I fight somebody else. So, Diego Lopes, if you oblige, let’s make it happen at The Sphere, on September 14.”

Fresh from a decision win over Ige on just four hours’ notice at UFC 303 last weekend, Lopes made his promotional bow on short-notice against the above-mentioned, Evloev, pushing him the distance over the course of three rounds in a close loss.

Aljamain Sterling rips sad champion Sean O'Malley you're not a real man my guy
Mandatory Credit: Carmen Mandato

In the time since, Manaus-born contender, Lopes – who currently holds the number twelve rank at the featherweight limit, has landed victories over Gavin Tucker, Pat Sabatini, and a blistering knockout of Sodiq Yusuff to go with his win against Ige last month.

Who wins in a future featherweight showdown: Aljamain Sterling or Diego Lopes?

Jonathan Martinez Calls For Dominick Cruz Sphere Showdown After Taking Issue With His Commentary

Jonathan Martinez has a bone to pick with former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz, one that he wants to settle in the unique surroundings of the Sphere this fall. Martinez is on the hunt for his next assignment on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage following a disappointing night at the office in Rio de Janeiro, […]

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Jonathan Martinez has a bone to pick with former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz, one that he wants to settle in the unique surroundings of the Sphere this fall.

Martinez is on the hunt for his next assignment on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage following a disappointing night at the office in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this past May, where he fell to defeat at the hands of the returning José Aldo in the UFC 301 co-main event.

Having risen into the rankings at 135 pounds courtesy of six straight wins following a knockout loss to Davey Grant, Martinez looked to ride the momentum from victories over Cub Swanson, Said Nurmagomedov, and Adrian Yañez into his showdown with the UFC legend.

Unfortunately for the #14-ranked contender, he was convincingly outpointed at Jeunesse Arena, and he subsequently had to watch on as Aldo returned to the top 10 spot he had desired.

A couple of months on, the Factory X standout is looking ahead to his opportunity to bounce back, and he hopes it’ll come against another prominent name in the sport…

Martinez Was ‘Never A Fan’ Of Cruz

During an interview with MMA Junkie at UFC X during International Fight Week, Martinez reflected on his setback in South America and named his preferred option moving forward.

After outlining his desire to join the lineup for the upcoming pay-per-view event at Las Vegas’ Sphere on September 14, Martinez pitched former champion Dominick Cruz as the ideal opponent.

Explaining that choice, the 30-year-old Californian said he’s been noting some frustrating remarks from “The Dominator” while he’s been commentating over his fights in recent times.

“I want to be on that (Sphere) card in September,” Martinez said. “I want to be on that card, and I’ve been hearing Dominick Cruz wants to fight on that date, too. Hopefully they give me him. I just hear him every time I fight he’s always saying, ‘I don’t know why they don’t check Jonathan’s kicks.’ Put him in front of me and let him do that and see what happens.”

While analyzing his defeat to Aldo, Martinez admitted that he was somewhat starstruck by the “King of Rio” on May 4. Suffice to say, he wouldn’t have that issue should he be stood across from Cruz inside the cage down the line…

“I was never a fan. He was just there to me.”

The promotion is set to stage its second Mexican Independence Day celebration, titled Riyadh Season Noche UFC, from the Sphere on September 14.

While nothing major has been announced toward the top of the card to date, the likes of Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez, Yazmin Jauregui, and Edgar Cháirez are among the names with reported matchups for the lineup thus far.

Continue Reading Jonathan Martinez Calls For Dominick Cruz Sphere Showdown After Taking Issue With His Commentary at MMA News.

MMA News Today: Jon Jones Teases Date For Potential Stipe Miocic Fight, Dan Ige Calls In His Favor With Dana White After Saving UFC 303, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 4, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Jon Jones Says His Return Will Be On November 9 At Madison Square Garden In a post on social media, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones teased a potential […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Jon Jones Teases Date For Potential Stipe Miocic Fight, Dan Ige Calls In His Favor With Dana White After Saving UFC 303, & 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 4, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Jones says he will return at MSG in November
  • Ige calls to face Garcia
  • 303 winner makes quick turnaround to face Drew Dober

Jon Jones Says His Return Will Be On November 9 At Madison Square Garden

In a post on social media, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones teased a potential date and location for the first defense of his title.

“Bones” was set to face off with former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November of last year until an injury forced him to withdraw and postpone the fight.

Jones appears to now be targeting the rescheduled fight for the same month in the originally planned venue, Madison Square Garden in New York.

He replied to a comment on Instagram where he named November 9 at the iconic venue as the target that he is working towards right now.

Dan Ige Wants To Fight Ryan Garcia At UFC 306 With No Takedowns Or Weigh-In

After he stepped up on the day of the fight to save the co-main event of UFC 303, Dana White said that he will try to make it up to Dan Ige.

Ige didn’t get his hand raised against Diego Lopes this past weekend but his efforts to be a company man didn’t go unnoticed or without reward.

The featherweight contender posted on social media where he made his request for his next outing with a very bold idea.

Ige posted that he wants to face the controversial boxing star Ryan Garcia at UFC 306 inside the Sphere with a few extra rules being put in place.

Garcia responded on social media, so clearly the call out at least caught his attention, that he’s down to compete.

Jean Silva Set To Make Two-Week Turnaround To Fight Drew Dober In Denver

Jean Silva delivered one of the stand-out performances at UFC 303 as he stopped Charles Jourdain in the second round.

Despite missing weight for the fight, the Brazilian is now set to make a remarkable two-week turn-around in order to take on Drew Dober up at lightweight.

Dober was originally set to face Mike Davis in a significant bout for the 155-pound fan favorite due to him training out of Denver, Colorado where the card will be hosted.

Brazilian outlet Ag. Fight reported the news that Silva will be looking to pick up his third consecutive win in the UFC after debuting on the first card of 2024.

Read more on the story here.

For more MMA news, check out:

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