Tag: UFC Abu Dhabi

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins! After staging its return to Manchester, England, for the UFC 304 pay-per-view last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion has remained on the road for a card inside the Etihad Arena […]

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream at MMA News.

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins!

After staging its return to Manchester, England, for the UFC 304 pay-per-view last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion has remained on the road for a card inside the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Before returning to the venue for its annual numbered event this October, the UFC will put on a Fight Night event topped by elite bantamweight contenders Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov. The former interim title challenger and his undefeated Russian opponent will be looking to stake their claims for a shot at the winner of Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili.

Saturday’s co-headliner, meanwhile, will see another unbeaten name back in action as Sharabutdin Magomedov looks to make it three from three in the UFC at the expense of Micha? Oleksiejczuk.

Before that, a second crucial contest at 135 pounds will go down. Making the walk for the first time since his defeat to O’Malley in their UFC 299 title fight, Marlon Vera will look to revive his championship ambitions before stalling the two-weight goals of ex-flyweight kingpin Deiveson Figueiredo.

Elsewhere on the lineup, the likes of former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson and strawweight submission specialist Mackenzie Dern are among those set to be in action.

Ahead of the event, all 26 fighters successfully made weight. With that, all that remains on Friday is for the athletes to face off one final time at the UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi ceremonial weigh-ins!

Check out a stream via the official UFC YouTube channel below, commencing at 10 AM ET.

UFC Fight Night Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream at MMA News.

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Weigh-In Results

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results! After staging its return to Manchester, England, for the UFC 304 pay-per-view last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion has remained on the road for a card inside the Etihad Arena in Abu […]

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Weigh-In Results at MMA News.

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results!

After staging its return to Manchester, England, for the UFC 304 pay-per-view last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion has remained on the road for a card inside the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Before returning to the venue for its annual numbered event this October, the UFC will put on a Fight Night event topped by elite bantamweight contenders Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov. The former interim title challenger and his undefeated Russian opponent will be looking to stake their claims for a shot at the winner of Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili.

Saturday’s co-headliner, meanwhile, will see another unbeaten name back in action as Sharabutdin Magomedov looks to make it three from three in the UFC at the expense of Micha? Oleksiejczuk.

Before that, a second crucial contest at 135 pounds will go down. Making the walk for the first time since his defeat to O’Malley in their UFC 299 title fight, Marlon Vera will look to revive his championship ambitions before stalling the two-weight goals of ex-flyweight kingpin Deiveson Figueiredo.

Elsewhere on the lineup, the likes of former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson and strawweight submission specialist Mackenzie Dern are among those set to be in action.

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov Weigh-In Results

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, August 3, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The main card begins at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT, with the preliminary card starting at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

The weigh-ins took place early Friday morning. See the full results below!

Main Card:

  • Bantamweight Main Event: Cory Sandhagen (136lbs) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (135lbs)
  • Middleweight Co-Main Event: Sharabutdin Magomedov (186lbs) vs. Micha? Oleksiejczuk (185lbs)
  • Bantamweight: Marlon Vera (136lbs) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (135.5lbs)
  • Welterweight: Tony Ferguson (170lbs) vs. Michael Chiesa (170lbs)
  • Women’s Strawweight: Mackenzie Dern (115lbs) vs. Loopy Godinez (115.5lbs)
  • Lightweight: Joel Álvarez (155.5lbs) vs. Elves Brener (155lbs)

Preliminary Card:

  • Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov (205lbs) vs. Alonzo Menifield (204lbs)
  • Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (155lbs) vs. Kaue Fernandes (155.5lbs)
  • Heavyweight: Shamil Gaziev (262lbs) vs. Don’Tale Mayes (265lbs)
  • Lightweight: Guram Kutateladze (155lbs) vs. Jordan Vucenic (155lbs)
  • Women’s Strawweight: Victoria Dudakova (115.5lbs) vs. Sam Hughes (114lbs)
  • Lightweight: Jai Herbert (155.5lbs) vs. Rolando Berdoya (155lbs)
  • Middleweight: Sedriques Dumas (186lbs) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (185lbs)

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Weigh-In Results at MMA News.

Henry Cejudo Dislikes UFC’s Continued Patronage Of Tony Ferguson: ‘I Think You Have To Give Other People Opportunities…’

Henry Cejudo recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the UFC’s ongoing support of Tony Ferguson, suggesting that the promotion should now shift its focus to new contenders and fresh talent. Ferguson is gearing up for what could be the final chapter in his Octagon career. He is set to face off against Michael Chiesa in a […]

Continue Reading Henry Cejudo Dislikes UFC’s Continued Patronage Of Tony Ferguson: ‘I Think You Have To Give Other People Opportunities…’ at MMA News.

Henry Cejudo recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the UFC’s ongoing support of Tony Ferguson, suggesting that the promotion should now shift its focus to new contenders and fresh talent.

Ferguson is gearing up for what could be the final chapter in his Octagon career. He is set to face off against Michael Chiesa in a welterweight clash on the main card of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi, scheduled for this weekend at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates.

Once hailed as the most intimidating fighter in the UFC lightweight division, “El Cucuy” surged through a 12-fight unbeaten streak, securing the interim championship with a victory over Kevin Lee at UFC 216 in October 2017 during that remarkable run.

However, the 40-year-old Californian’s ascent took a sharp downturn following a tough defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 in May 2020, which decisively shattered his unbeaten run. Currently, Ferguson is mired in a string of setbacks, tying the promotion’s record for the longest losing streak with seven consecutive losses. “Triple C” believes it’s time for the UFC to part ways with Ferguson…

Cejudo Claims Ferguson Is Long Past His Competitive Best

During a recent episode of Pound 4 Pound with former champ Kamaru Usman, Cejudo weighed in on the upcoming fight between Ferguson and Chiesa. The former UFC two-division champion argued that, given “El Cucuy’s” string of defeats, the UFC should offer other fighters a chance to shine on the main card and consider releasing the veteran lightweight.

“I don’t like it personally; I’m surprised,” Cejudo said. “I think you’ve got to give other people opportunities to be on main cards too. Tony has had his last, what, seven fights or six fights or something crazy in a row. I’m just like, man, he’s not the same Tony who fought Kevin Lee before that. But he’s not the same guy, man.”

“Triple C” further noted that Chiesa might pose a challenging matchup for Ferguson, given that “Maverick” is larger and enters the fight with fresher legs.

“I think Tony’s on his way out. I think if the UFC wants to give him a better fight, they should match him with someone whose style suits him a bit more. I think Chiesa is just stronger, especially moving up a weight class. I feel like Chiesa is bigger, stronger, and hasn’t endured the same level of punishment as Tony. He’s never been knocked out like Tony, and yeah, I do feel like this is a bad match.”

Ferguson is coming off a tough defeat to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 last December, which has led the MMA community to suggest that “El Cucuy” should consider retiring to avoid taking further damage.

Even UFC CEO Dana White has openly expressed a desire for Ferguson to retire, yet the veteran believes he can reignite his career with a move back to the welterweight division.

Continue Reading Henry Cejudo Dislikes UFC’s Continued Patronage Of Tony Ferguson: ‘I Think You Have To Give Other People Opportunities…’ at MMA News.

‘Going to send him back’ Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera looking to stop Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Abu Dhabi

'Going to send him back' Marlon 'Chito' Vera looking to stop Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Abu DhabiReturning this weekend in a potential bantamweight championship eliminator, most recent title chaser, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera has vowed to…

'Going to send him back' Marlon 'Chito' Vera looking to stop Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Abu Dhabi

Returning this weekend in a potential bantamweight championship eliminator, most recent title chaser, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera has vowed to turn back former two-time flyweight best, Deiveson Figueiredo in the Brazilian’s quest for a second title reign a division higher.

Vera, a former bantamweight championship challenger, currently holds the number four rank at 135lbs, most recently dropping a hugely one-sided unanimous decision loss to the incumbent, Sean O’Malley in their title grudge match re-run at UFC 299 back in March in Miami.

chito vera

As for Figueiredo, the former flyweight titleholder twice, turned in the most high-profile win of his bantamweight tenure so far at UFC 300, opening the card with an impressive second round rear-naked choke win over former champion, Cody Garbrandt in his sophomore outing at 135lbs. 

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Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera vows to stop Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Abu Dhabi

WIth both keeping a firm eye on next month’s title affair at Noche UFC between O’Malley and the streaking, Merab Dvalishvili – Chone native, Vera has plans to finish Figueiredo this weekend in Abu Dhabi and knock back his surge.

Marlon Vera, USADA, UFC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

“He’s (Deiveson Figueiredo) a great fighter,” Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera told MMA Junkie. “He seems like he punches hard, seems like he’s a strong guy. He’s been using a lot of Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling lately, so maybe he feels that the power and size difference [at bantamweight] are too much. But he took to ground the last two opponents. Let’s see what he brings to the table. I just feel like I’m going to make an example of him, and I’m going to send him back to [flyweight].”

Prior to his booking against Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera and submission of ex-champion, Garbrandt, Brazilian finisher, Figueiredo made a successful bantamweight bow at UFC Austin last December, taking home a comprehensive decision win over Rob Font over the course of three rounds in a main card bantamweight debut.

Who wins at UFC Abu Dhabi: Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera or Deiveson Figueiredo?

Mackenzie Dern Promises To ‘Clean’ Up Fight Style In Pursuit Of Becoming Two-Division UFC Champion 

Ahead of her return, UFC strawweight contender Mackenzie Dern knows a more controlled approach is needed if she’s to reach her goals in MMA. She is among the prominent names set to be in action at this weekend’s UFC Fight Night event in Abu Dhabi. A number of key matchups will play out before the […]

Continue Reading Mackenzie Dern Promises To ‘Clean’ Up Fight Style In Pursuit Of Becoming Two-Division UFC Champion  at MMA News.

Ahead of her return, UFC strawweight contender Mackenzie Dern knows a more controlled approach is needed if she’s to reach her goals in MMA.

She is among the prominent names set to be in action at this weekend’s UFC Fight Night event in Abu Dhabi. A number of key matchups will play out before the bantamweight headliner between Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov, including Dern’s 115-pound scrap with Loopy Godinez.

For the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist, the contest marks her first since a decision defeat to former title challenger Amanda Lemos at UFC 298 this past February. That short-notice assignment saw her fall to a second straight setback, having previously been stopped for the first time by Jéssica Andrade.

As for much of her career, the current winless run has left Dern as the subject of criticism for her lack of striking development and habit of ill-advised brawling.

While that’s left many dismissing her title ambitions on MMA’s biggest stage, Dern is confident that championship glory in multiple weight classes still lies in her future, providing she can rein in emotion inside the Octagon…

Dern On UFC Title Chances: ‘If I’m More Rational…’

During a recent fight week interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Dern reflected on the two defeats she’s suffered to fellow Brazilians since a career-best display opposite Angela Hill in an Apex main event last year.

The #7-ranked contender acknowledged the areas she must improve in starting this weekend, and she believes that success in that field could pave the way for glory in more than just the strawweight division.

“From my last fight, the biggest thing I’ve been trying to work on is just like, control the emotions. We kind of feel like that’s the biggest detail, what my losses are coming from,” Dern said. “Not necessarily, ‘Oh, the technique isn’t there, missing the wrestling, missing the striking.’ Just that fact like, when you take a punch or something, sometimes I stay in a brawl and make the fight harder than what it needs to be.

“I want to have a long career. I want to be a champion. I would like to be like, a two-weight class champion,” Dern continued. “Brawlers don’t really have that. They take the damage. … It’s just unnecessary. I always have that card in my back pocket if I need to brawl. I can go out there and brawl. We all know I have that heart in there. I want to have a long career and try to see everything. And I think if I’m more rational and reasonable, I can have everything it takes to be a champion.”

First things first, Dern must show development and defend her spot on the ladder against Godinez in the Middle East on Saturday.

Continue Reading Mackenzie Dern Promises To ‘Clean’ Up Fight Style In Pursuit Of Becoming Two-Division UFC Champion  at MMA News.

Tony Ferguson Reacts To Dana White’s Retirement Pleas Ahead Of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi Return

Former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson was unsurprisingly dismissive of Dana White’s recent retirement suggestion. Ferguson is among the notable names set to make the walk at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, with the Etihad Arena playing host to his latest outing on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage. The TUF 13 winner […]

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Former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson was unsurprisingly dismissive of Dana White’s recent retirement suggestion.

Ferguson is among the notable names set to make the walk at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, with the Etihad Arena playing host to his latest outing on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

The TUF 13 winner has been competing inside the Octagon since 2011, with much of his stint spent toward the top of the UFC’s lightweight ladder. But while he entered 2020 riding a 12-fight win streak, he’s fallen on hard times in recent years.

Since having his run of victories emphatically ended at the hands of Justin Gaethje, “El Cucuy” has lost a further six fights, most recently failing to stall the surge of Paddy Pimblett last December.

Following that result, White suggested Ferguson hang up his gloves. And after the veteran had his next assignment scheduled for welterweight opposite Michael Chiesa this weekend, the UFC CEO once again suggested he shouldn’t fight beyond August 3.

According to Ferguson, though, White has his own decisions to make…

Ferguson Turns The Tables On White’s Retirement Advice: ‘We Want Dana To Do A Lot Of Things Last Too!’

During his appearance at media day ahead of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night, Ferguson looked ahead to his latest chance to break a lengthy losing skid and reacted to White’s retirement pleas.

“El Cucuy” was firm in rejecting the UFC CEO’s comments, insisting he is feeling rejuvenated up at 170 pounds and is confident this weekend’s event won’t mark his farewell.

“Well, we want Dana to do a lot of sh*t last for him too. So, I mean, we can’t discredit that either. I’m just being real with it,” Ferguson said. “At 170 pounds, I’m not killing myself to get to 155. I do feel fresher. 155 pounds is closer to my high school wrestling weight. … I’m 40 f*cking years old. … Wrestled in college at 165. 170 is what I won The Ultimate Fighter at. We do the math, we do the numbers, you’re not supposed to go backwards.

“170 pounds, I feel comfortable. I don’t feel like this is gonna be my last fight,” Ferguson continued. “I have to do some extraordinary sh*t, is what I’m planning to do. So that’s why I feel sharp. I did two practices already this morning. … I love this company and I have plenty of fights left. This is not a fight, last or first or how everybody wants to see it. I feel so f*cking fresh.”

Ferguson will look to show that he has more left in the tank on Saturday night at the expense of Chiesa, a fellow veteran who is also pursuing a return to the winner’s circle in the Middle East.

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