Tag: UFC 309

‘Based UFC Europe’ Account Plays Matchmaker For Jon Jones — Aspinall, Aspinall, Or Aspinall

The conversation surrounding Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall hasn’t disappeared in the aftermath of UFC 309 this past weekend. A lot of fans, media and fellow fighters were very vocal in the lead up to the event about the potential of seeing the heavyweight title unification fight. Whether it was people talking about Jones’ comments […]

The conversation surrounding Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall hasn’t disappeared in the aftermath of UFC 309 this past weekend. A lot of fans, media and fellow fighters were very vocal in the lead up to the event about the potential of seeing the heavyweight title unification fight.

Whether it was people talking about Jones’ comments regarding not wanting to fight the interim heavyweight champion or fans arguing that it should have been Aspinall in the main event instead of a returning Stipe Miocic, the controversy regarding this huge match-up has dominated discussions both before and after the UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden.

In his post-fight interview after stopping Miocic in the third round in what was a one-sided heavyweight title fight, Jones suggested that he will stick around for one more fight if he can come to terms with the UFC. Despite saying “maybe we’ll give you guys what you want to see”, “Bones” stated in his press conference that he isn’t interested in fighting Aspinall and only has eyes for the light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira.

The UFC Europe account on social media weighed in on the topic via a fairly standard post that offered three options for a champion’s next challenge. However, columns A, B and C all featured one name and one name only.

Like-minded fight fans gave their reactions to the post from the official account on X.

“What the UFC Europe social media guy remembered before posting this”

“Based UFC Europe”

“UFC Europe banger”

“I’m all for any of the three options. They all seem like perfect fights to make next for Jon Jones”

Bo Nickal Unhappy With Commentary Of UFC 309 Win: To Hear DC Say, ‘He’s Not Ready For Khamzat…’

UFC middleweight prospect Bo Nickal has continued to defend his performance on Saturday night — this time against what he’s branded “disappointing” commentary. Nickal extended his perfect professional MMA and UFC records on the main card of this past weekend’s UFC 309 pay-per-view, getting past his toughest test to date in the form of Paul […]

UFC middleweight prospect Bo Nickal has continued to defend his performance on Saturday night — this time against what he’s branded “disappointing” commentary.

Nickal extended his perfect professional MMA and UFC records on the main card of this past weekend’s UFC 309 pay-per-view, getting past his toughest test to date in the form of Paul Craig.

But the American wrestling specialist wasn’t tested in the Scotsman’s domain, with the three-round affair playing out entirely on the feet. That led to a less than exciting contest, which the crowd inside Madison Square Garden let the two fighters know.

Boos rained down following the fight and throughout Nickal’s Octagon interview, and they were only amplified when the undefeated 185lber dismissed the fans’ complaints and expressed joy at how he performed.

As it turns out, the paying audience weren’t the only ones with an opinion that Nickal thoroughly disagreed with…

During an appearance on Monday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Nickal took issue with the cageside commentators after watching back his victory over “Bearjew” in New York City.

Nickal appeared particularly frustrated by Daniel Cormier apparently writing off his chances against Khamzat Chimaev based off that performance.

“The commentary and just hearing the way that they were looking at the fight, it made me feel like they didn’t know what was going on as much,” Nickal said. “Because anybody that I’ve talked to that are people that I trust and shoot straight with me were like, ‘Dude, you shut that guy out. Domination. It was a flawless fight.’ Then to hear ‘DC’ say things like, ‘Oh, he’s not ready for Khamzat [Chimaev]’ — I think he was trying to be respectful but also maybe set me down a peg. It was just weird to hear.

“It was a little disappointing to hear those comments from people that I respect a lot. What was going on in these guys’ heads? It just makes me feel like they don’t know what was happening,” Nickal continued. “It’s confusing because I’m like, ‘Wait, what? How do you get that from that?’ I didn’t even really get touched. It’s so crazy.”

Cormier wasn’t the only one sharing that sentiment — and getting pushback from Nickal soon after.

Former welterweight title challenger and middleweight contender Darren Till suggested the same in a more colorful fashion on social media. The decorated wrestler gave a short and sweet reply, attaching a GIF of “The Gorilla’s” knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal in 2019.

UFC Rankings Report: Jon Jones Denied Pound-For-Pound Top Spot

As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder toward contention and others fall away. And in the aftermath of UFC 309, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings. Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Dana White won’t be pleased looking at the updated P4P pecking order. Jon […]

As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder toward contention and others fall away.

And in the aftermath of UFC 309, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings.

Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Dana White won’t be pleased looking at the updated P4P pecking order. Jon Jones’ successful heavyweight title defense at Madison Square Garden wasn’t enough to convince the panel that he should have the crown, with that remaining in Islam Makhachev’s possession. “Bones” has, however, climbed above Alex Pereira (#3) into the #2 position.

Further down, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (#15) has returned to the list as a result of his triumph over Michael Chandler on Saturday night. That’s left ex-middleweight kingpin Israel Adesanya without a number entirely.

Women’s Pound-for-Pound: No changes.

Women’s Strawweight: No changes.

Women’s Flyweight: There was just one change at 125 pounds, with Karine Silva’s defeat to Viviane Araújo at UFC 309 pushing her back one place to #12. That’s provided a boost for Tracy Cortez, who is up one spot to #11 months on from her main event loss to Rose Namajunas.

Women’s Bantamweight: No changes.

Flyweight: No changes.

Bantamweight: Marcus McGhee has debuted in the UFC rankings following his victory over Jonathan Martinez. “The Maniac” has entered at #14, while his defeated opponent is no longer ranked. Aiemann Zahabi has been a beneficiary of those changes, seeing his number improved by one to #13.

Featherweight: No changes.

Lightweight: A few changes unrelated to Saturday’s pay-per-view have taken place at 155 pounds. That includes a switch of positions for Mateusz Gamrot and Beneil Dariush, with the former up to #8 and the latter down to #9. It’s a similar situation further down the ladder, with Paddy Pimblett climbing above Jalin Turner (#14) to #13.

Welterweight: No changes.

Middleweight: No changes.

Light Heavyweight: No changes.

Heavyweight: Following his defeat to Jones, Stipe Miocic announced his retirement from active competition inside the cage. With that, he’s swiftly been removed from the UFC rankings and replaced by Shamil Gaziev, who’s slot in at #15.

You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.

Conor McGregor Calls For Dana White to Cut Michael Chandler Following Latest Loss at UFC 309

Conor McGregor Calls For Dana White to Cut Michael Chandler Following Latest Loss at UFC 309Conor McGregor thinks Michael Chandler should be cut after coming up short at UFC 309. Okay, not really, but…

Conor McGregor Calls For Dana White to Cut Michael Chandler Following Latest Loss at UFC 309

Conor McGregor thinks Michael Chandler should be cut after coming up short at UFC 309. Okay, not really, but we all knew the Irish megastar would eventually react to Chandler’s latest loss one way or another.

After waiting the better part of two years for a fight with McGregor that never came to fruition, the former Bellator champion returned to the Octagon on Saturday night for a rematch with former lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira. Chandler delivered another exciting showing that had fight fans on their feet — particularly in the fifth and final round — but it wasn’t enough to land in the win column.

Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor

‘Do Bronx’ leaned on his BJJ skills to take an early lead against ‘Iron’ and never look back, setting himself up for a potential rematch with reigning lightweight king Islam Makhachev — once the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ takes care of a bit of business with Arman Tsarukyan.

McGregor, who was long-tied to a fight with Chandler until ‘Iron’ ultimately decided to move on, reacted to his former TUF foe’s loss on social media.

Conor McGregor

“Cut Michael Chandler! Just kidding, good fight,” McGregor wrote in a since-deleted post on X. “Mad little fellow is Michael. I like ’em!”

Dana White assures conor mcGregor that ‘Iron’ isn’t going anywhere

Even if McGregor was sincere in his initial statement, it sounds like Dana White has no intention of letting Chandler go.

“He’s like an Arturo Gatti,” White said during the UFC 309 post-fight press conference. “He’s one of those — win, lose, or draw, you’re never bummed out at the end of a Michael Chandler fight. He’s always exciting, he’s always fun. In the last round of that fight, he kept getting taken down.

“He got on his back. So when he got on his back at the end, he just stood up and started slamming him…The kid always tries to win. He always comes to fight, and Michael Chandler’s always going to have a home here. Until he decides to retire, Michael Chandler isn’t going anywhere” (h/t MMA Mania).

On paper, Chandler’s record isn’t exactly anything to write home about. He’s 2-4 with losses against the likes of Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Charles Oliveira. But those who watched those fights know the value that ‘Iron’ brings to any UFC card he’s connected to.

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‘Overrated’ Bo Nickal Disappointed by Cormier’s Pro-Khamzat Commentary During UFC 309 Fight

'Overrated' Bo Nickal Disappointed by Cormier's Pro-Khamzat Commentary During UFC 309 FightBo Nickal was proud of the performance he delivered at UFC 309. Unfortunately, not everyone enjoyed watching it. Nickal’s…

'Overrated' Bo Nickal Disappointed by Cormier's Pro-Khamzat Commentary During UFC 309 Fight

Bo Nickal was proud of the performance he delivered at UFC 309. Unfortunately, not everyone enjoyed watching it.

Nickal’s return to the Octagon on Saturday night was a bit of a mixed bag. Sure, the three-time NCAA Division I national champion earned a fairly decisive victory, moving to 7-0 in his mixed martial arts career, but he definitely didn’t make any new fans with the lackluster performance. Instead of utilizing his world-class wrestling, Nickal opted to keep the fight standing and show off his evolution as a well-rounded fighter.

Bo Nickal

It was a bold move and one that proved to pay off, but the lack of fireworks — or really anything of note — had fans relentlessly booing Nickal and dubbing him overrated.

The commentary team wasn’t exactly kind to Nickal either. Especially Daniel Cormier who made his thoughts on Nickal’s performance and his chances against someone like Khamzat Chimaev quite clear.

Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Nickal snapped back at the negative comments by the UFC 309 commentary team and defended his decision to stand and trade with Craig.

“When I watched the fight back, something that was a little disappointing was the commentary and just kinda hearing the way they were looking at the fight,” Nickal said. “It made me feel like they didn’t really know what was going on. Anybody that I’ve talked to, the people that I trust and shoot straight with me, they’re like, ‘Dude, you shut that guy out, total domination, it was a flawless victory’” (h/t MMA Mania).

Truth be told, Nickal’s victory was far from dominant. According to the UFC Stats website, Nickal only landed six more total strikes than Craig throughout the 15-minute affair, but landed at a significantly higher clip, connecting on 63% of his strikes while ‘Bearjew’ only landed 37% of his.

However, Craig also threw 45 more total strikes than Nickal, so clearly he was the busier fighter on the night.

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Dana White acknowledges that Bo Nickal Still ‘Needs Work’

Daniel Cormier and the MSG crowd weren’t the only ones critical of Nickal’s performance. During the post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged that the former Nittany Lion still needs a lot of work before he can achieve his lofty goals.

“Well, you know, we’ve had these discussions with Bo. Bo needs work,” White told the media. “Bo is an up-and-coming guy. I know he has big aspirations and wants to move faster than he should. But, tonight showed that — I mean, he still dominated, he won the whole fight — but he’s got work to do. It’s alright, we’ll move him. When you’re in a position like Bo is, there’s a lot of expectations.”

Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Wealth Fund Chief Draw Attention at Star-Studded UFC Night

Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Wealth Fund Chief Draw Attention at Star-Studded UFC NightPresident-elect Donald Trump returned to Madison Square Garden on Saturday night to take in all the action at UFC…

Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Wealth Fund Chief Draw Attention at Star-Studded UFC Night

President-elect Donald Trump returned to Madison Square Garden on Saturday night to take in all the action at UFC 309, and he had plenty of company in the stands.

Joining the 45th and now 47th POTUS inside the world’s most famous arena were Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk, Kid Rock, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and of course, Dana White.

Trump was also spotted on camera speaking with the head of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Yasir Al-Rumayya.

Donald Trump

For those unfamiliar, the PIF is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, which is controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and governed by Al-Rumayyan. According to a report from Reuters, the PIF was estimated to have about $925 billion in assets in July.

The PIF has become a major player in global sports over the last several years. Aside from owning the Newcastle United football club, the fund was a major backer of LIV Golf and leveraged a merger with the PGA which is still being negotiated.

Saudi Arabia also hosts biannual WWE events and has seemingly taken over the world of boxing, putting together some of the biggest possible fights like Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou, Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, and Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol.

Donald Trump

‘Bones’ hands Donald Trump His UFC Belt following third-round KO of Stipe Miocic

While the night gave us some pretty solid fights, including a brutal third-round body kick KO in the long-awaited main event between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, the entire night felt more like a love letter to Trump and his improbable defeat of Kamala Harris to once again take up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

‘Bones’ had the most egregious display of admiration for Trump, imitating his YMCA dance following his 28th career win and even going so far as to hand the 34-time convicted felon the UFC heavyweight championship belt.

Donald Trump