Tag: ufc 307

Ankalaev’s Manager: ‘Embarrassing’ If Pereira Avoids Next Fight

Alex Pereira made it clear in his post-fight interview at UFC 307 that he has no plans to leave the light heavyweight division right now. “Poatan” has flirted with both moving up to heavyweight and returning to middleweight but said himself that competing at 205-pounds is a sweet spot for him right now. Though his […]

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Alex Pereira made it clear in his post-fight interview at UFC 307 that he has no plans to leave the light heavyweight division right now.

“Poatan” has flirted with both moving up to heavyweight and returning to middleweight but said himself that competing at 205-pounds is a sweet spot for him right now. Though his clash with Khalil Rountree in the main event delivered an entertaining fight, many expected Magomed Ankalaev to be his opponent in Salt Lake City.

The #2-ranked contender will instead face Aleksandar Raki? at UFC 308 later this month where if he wins, there surely can be no denying him.

Ali Abdelaziz Says Magomed Ankalaev Has To Be Next For Alex Pereira

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Ankalaev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz gave his thoughts on the current title picture at 205-pounds. He believes that Pereira’s statement on remaining at light heavyweight gives him no option but to face Ankalaev if he defeats Raki? in Abu Dhabi.

Abdelaziz also pointed to some of his other fighters that have also had to campaign for a long time in order to get their title shots. He said that like the examples he gave, Ankalaev will make up for this long period of waiting by being champion for a significant period of time.

“It would be embarrassing if he did this. He clearly said he’s not running, it would be clearly running but listen, let’s see what happens. Ankalaev needs to focus on Raki? but if I’m a champion and I believe I’m the best in the world, I’m going to fight anybody and listen, remember Islam Makhachev take him a long time to get there but when he’s there, he’s there for a long time.

Khabib, Kamaru, these guys wait for a long time to become a champion, they hang around for a while and I believe this is going to be the deal for Ankalaev.” 

Read also: Khalil Rountree Reflects On Brutal Loss To Alex Pereira At UFC 307: ‘Didn’t Win The Title But I Grew’ 

Continue Reading Ankalaev’s Manager: ‘Embarrassing’ If Pereira Avoids Next Fight at MMA News.

PFL Founder Touts Superior Women’s Division After UFC 307 Harrison, Peña Wins

UFC 307 was a big night for the women’s bantamweight division due to two match-ups that took place right at the top of the rankings. Julianna Peña was able to reclaim the 135-pound title by defeating Raquel Pennington via split decision in the co-main event. Earlier on in the night, Kayla Harrison cemented her status […]

Continue Reading PFL Founder Touts Superior Women’s Division After UFC 307 Harrison, Peña Wins at MMA News.

UFC 307 was a big night for the women’s bantamweight division due to two match-ups that took place right at the top of the rankings.

Julianna Peña was able to reclaim the 135-pound title by defeating Raquel Pennington via split decision in the co-main event.

Earlier on in the night, Kayla Harrison cemented her status as the next in line by defeating Ketlen Vieira via a unanimous decision.

Harrison’s return to the Octagon wasn’t without comment from her former home, the PFL, who received some criticism for posting about her loss to Larissa Pacheco on the same evening.

The use of Harrison’s time spent in the PFL didn’t stop being talking point there after the promotion’s founder commented once again on the day after UFC 307.

Donn Davis Says PFL’s Women’s Division Would ‘Crush’ The UFC’s, Lays Down A Challenge To Prove It

In a post on X, PFL founder Donn Davis made a statement that was followed by a challenge to the UFC regarding the strength of their female roster.

He took Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco, who are set to face off on October 19, and put them up against the champion and top contender in the UFC’s 135-pound division.

Davis makes it clear that he would back Cyborg and Pacheco over Peña and Harrison and even offers to put money on it.

Following Dana White’s harsh comments regarding the success of the PFL in his post-UFC 307 press conference, Davis wrote “#DanaScared” underneath the post.

“It is clear from UFC 306 that @PFLMMA female division would crush @UFC. I am so confident… winner take all. PFL: Cyborg + Pacheco. UFC: Harrison + Peña. $2m to each fighter… losing company pays $8m total fighter purses”

Read also: Kayla Harrison On Being Bloodied For The First Time At UFC 307: ‘That Threw Me…’

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Alex Pereira’s Last Kickboxing Rival Claims He’s Not MMA’s Top Striker

The main event of UFC 307 was a fun fight but ultimately, the elite level striking of Alex Pereira was too much for Khalil Rountree. As a former two-weight world champion in GLORY kickboxing, the current light heavyweight champion is one of the best strikers in the history of MMA. Ahead of his latest title […]

Continue Reading Alex Pereira’s Last Kickboxing Rival Claims He’s Not MMA’s Top Striker at MMA News.

The main event of UFC 307 was a fun fight but ultimately, the elite level striking of Alex Pereira was too much for Khalil Rountree. As a former two-weight world champion in GLORY kickboxing, the current light heavyweight champion is one of the best strikers in the history of MMA.

Ahead of his latest title defense, “Poatan” was asked about other kickboxers following in the footsteps of him and Israel Adesanya and there was one name that was mentioned specifically. Artem Vakhitov was the last man to beat Pereira in kickboxing, winning a majority decision back in 2021 after the Brazilian got the nod the first time around.

Now, he’s hoping to carve out his own path in mixed martial arts.

Artem Vakhitov Says That Alex Pereira Is Too Limited To Be Considered The Best Striker In MMA Today

After suffering an injury on his MMA debut, Vakhitov has earned consecutive first-round finishes and will now fight for a spot on the UFC roster.

He faces Islem Masraf on this week’s edition of Dana White’s Contender Series where his 2-1 pro record will be overlooked due to his kickboxing background and history with the current light heavyweight champion.

Despite now having his own experiences with adapting to MMA, Vakhitov doesn’t believe that his former foe is the best striker in the sport today.

He said to Submission Radio that “Poatan” can’t be in the conversation due to his reliance on his signature strike, the left hook.

“I don’t think he’s really the best striker because to have just one good punch, it doesn’t mean that he’s really good striker. The real striker is someone who has a lot of combinations, very different opportunities. He just taught well one punch and delivering it but it doesn’t mean that having good distance and other stuff so I think he’s not really good striker because of it.”

When asked who he would pick as the best striker in MMA today if it isn’t Pereira, he provided one name who will headline UFC 308 later this month.

“I like the style of Max Holloway but I really couldn’t say who’s really the best one. I like who he’s fighting and I believe he could be the best one.”

Read also: Tom Aspinall Significant Favorite For Potential Alex Pereira Fight After UFC 307

Continue Reading Alex Pereira’s Last Kickboxing Rival Claims He’s Not MMA’s Top Striker at MMA News.

‘I Felt It’ Alex Pereira Responds to Being Hurt by Rountree Jr. in Round 2 of UFC 307 Main Event

Alex PereiraAlex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr. went to war at UFC 307, and damage was sustained on both sides….

Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr. went to war at UFC 307, and damage was sustained on both sides.

Surprisingly, this battle played out almost exclusively on the feet. Rountree and Pereira never really committed to takedowns; instead, the duo opted to have a high-stakes kickboxing match.

Things stayed pretty even in the first three rounds, but the tide would definitely change in round four. Pereira didn’t push much of a tempo in the first three rounds and instead just reacted to what Rountree Jr. dished out and provided his own consistent but not overwhelmingly active offense in return.

The calf kicks were flowing despite Rountree Jr. being a southpaw. And while Rountree saw a lot of success with his hands in the early rounds, it was almost a trap laid by the champion. Pereira seemingly felt out his opponent in those first three rounds while taking care not to fall behind volume-wise.

In round two, however, the champion experienced a very sketchy moment when he seemed to get dropped momentarily by his hungry opposition.

Alex Pereira comments on The sketchy moment in the second round of Khalil Rountree Jr. Fight

What happened was like poetry in motion. Khalil Rountree Jr. slipped a headkick from Pereira and appeared to wobble his opponent with a slick counter punch. Sadly, this would be Rountree’s biggest moment of the fight, and it was all downhill from there.

Pereira began to apply more pressure as the fight aged, and in round four, it was all over. The Brazilian wasted no time in walking forward and landing damage. He steadily landed sharp strikes on his opponent all round long, and by the end of things, he reduced Rountree Jr. into a swollen and bloody mess that crumpled onto the canvas In defeat.

After his victory and successful title defense, Alex Pereira explained what it was like during that sketchy moment in round two of the fight.

“If it’s the moment that I’m thinking of, I felt [the strike]. But I’ve got to rewatch it, I’m not sure,” Alex Pereira told media at the post-fight press conference. “I think it was something spinning, maybe. I had my back to him. I don’t remember. (But) I felt it.”

How close do you think Pereira was to getting finished during that hectic moment in round two of the fight?

‘I Felt It’ Alex Pereira Responds to Being Hurt by Rountree Jr. in Round 2 of UFC 307 Main Event

Alex PereiraAlex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr. went to war at UFC 307, and damage was sustained on both sides….

Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr. went to war at UFC 307, and damage was sustained on both sides.

Surprisingly, this battle played out almost exclusively on the feet. Rountree and Pereira never really committed to takedowns; instead, the duo opted to have a high-stakes kickboxing match.

Things stayed pretty even in the first three rounds, but the tide would definitely change in round four. Pereira didn’t push much of a tempo in the first three rounds and instead just reacted to what Rountree Jr. dished out and provided his own consistent but not overwhelmingly active offense in return.

The calf kicks were flowing despite Rountree Jr. being a southpaw. And while Rountree saw a lot of success with his hands in the early rounds, it was almost a trap laid by the champion. Pereira seemingly felt out his opponent in those first three rounds while taking care not to fall behind volume-wise.

In round two, however, the champion experienced a very sketchy moment when he seemed to get dropped momentarily by his hungry opposition.

Alex Pereira comments on The sketchy moment in the second round of Khalil Rountree Jr. Fight

What happened was like poetry in motion. Khalil Rountree Jr. slipped a headkick from Pereira and appeared to wobble his opponent with a slick counter punch. Sadly, this would be Rountree’s biggest moment of the fight, and it was all downhill from there.

Pereira began to apply more pressure as the fight aged, and in round four, it was all over. The Brazilian wasted no time in walking forward and landing damage. He steadily landed sharp strikes on his opponent all round long, and by the end of things, he reduced Rountree Jr. into a swollen and bloody mess that crumpled onto the canvas In defeat.

After his victory and successful title defense, Alex Pereira explained what it was like during that sketchy moment in round two of the fight.

“If it’s the moment that I’m thinking of, I felt [the strike]. But I’ve got to rewatch it, I’m not sure,” Alex Pereira told media at the post-fight press conference. “I think it was something spinning, maybe. I had my back to him. I don’t remember. (But) I felt it.”

How close do you think Pereira was to getting finished during that hectic moment in round two of the fight?

Dana White Blasts UFC 307 Officiating: ‘Just Madness… Atrocious’

Dana WhiteUFC judges and referees have always erred on the controversial side, and at UFC 307, they made multiple decisions…

Dana White

UFC judges and referees have always erred on the controversial side, and at UFC 307, they made multiple decisions that left many people scratching their heads.

Chief among those who were annoyed by the officiating at UFC 307 was UFC president Dana White. Like always, White didn’t hold back when it came time to discuss the frustrating decisions made by the officials, and he let his thoughts be known to the world.

The first annoyance was the referee’s decision to let Mario Bautista stall Jose Aldo out against the cage in the last round of their fight. White maintained that it is the referee’s job to prevent fighters from stalling out the fight, and he was not too happy that Bautista was able to do this against Aldo and quite literally clinch a split-decision victory over the legend.

Dana White vents about terrible judging and referee’s at UFC 307

“I always think that the referee should be more active on that, 100%, especially when somebody keeps doing it to stall,” White told the media during the UFC 307 post-fight press conference (H/T MMA Mania). “You guys aren’t going to f—king let up on this, are you? I guess we’ll get into it. If you’re judging a guy, whether it is control, if it’s this or that, if you’re not trying to fight, how do you win the fight? Right? And if you’re looking at attempted takedowns, what about stuffing the takedowns? Just madness.”

“When you can tell that the guy definitely doesn’t want to stand and strike and just wants to stall against the fence. Yes, the refs, that’s their job,” Dana White continued. “When they see it continually happening and that the guy is not trying to win the fight, then you keep breaking them up…I mean, it’s common sense when the guy keeps doing it and is doing everything he can to not fight and not win the fight. As a ref, you should break it up immediately.”

The second frustration of the night was due to the poor judging. Several decisions on the card seemed wrong, and many fellow fighters, media members, and fans seemingly unanimously scored the fight the other way. When asked about this, Dana White didn’t hesitate to comment on that as well.

“I thought the judging tonight was atrocious,” White sighed, not amused. “I felt like I was at a boxing match in Ireland tonight.”

Do you agree with Dana White’s sentiments about the atrocious officiating at UFC 307?