Tag: UFC fight booking

Ben Rothwell vs. Junior Dos Santos Booked For Fight Night 86 in Croatia


(No no no, Ben. You’re supposed to kick dirt *in* your opponent’s face, you silly goose. via Getty)

Ben Rothwell has been enjoying quite the little career resurgence in recent years. After starting his UFC career off a mediocre 2-2, “Big Ben” has been running roughshod over every heavyweight he’s faced in the past three years. Even more impressive than the wins themselves has been the ways in which Rothwell has been finishing his opponents, which include a knockout win over former K1 champion Alistair Overeem and most recently, a submission of the previously unsubmittable Josh Barnett at UFC on FOX 18.

What Rothwell has yet to capture, however, is that one big win that immediately places him in the title picture — a Johny Hendricks to his Wonderboy Thompson, if you will. With the heavyweight division being thrown into a constant state of chaos thanks to Cain Velasquez, the Wisconsinan’s options were limited to essentially two fighters: Stipe Miocic and Junior Dos Santos.

As it just so happens, Rothwell was booked against one of those two guys late last night, so if you’re not the type of person who reads headlines, head after the jump to find out which.

The post Ben Rothwell vs. Junior Dos Santos Booked For Fight Night 86 in Croatia appeared first on Cagepotato.


(No no no, Ben. You’re supposed to kick dirt *in* your opponent’s face, you silly goose.via Getty)

Ben Rothwell has been enjoying quite the little career resurgence in recent years. After starting his UFC career off a mediocre 2-2, “Big Ben” has been running roughshod over every heavyweight he’s faced in the past three years. Even more impressive than the wins themselves has been the ways in which Rothwell has been finishing his opponents, which include a knockout win over former K1 champion Alistair Overeem and most recently, a submission of the previously unsubmittable Josh Barnett at UFC on FOX 18.

What Rothwell has yet to capture, however, is that one big win that immediately places him in the title picture — a Johny Hendricks to his Wonderboy Thompson, if you will. With the heavyweight division being thrown into a constant state of chaos thanks to Cain Velasquez, the Wisconsinan’s options were limited to essentially two fighters: Stipe Miocic and Junior Dos Santos.

As it just so happens, Rothwell was booked against one of those two guys late last night, so if you’re not the type of person who reads headlines, head after the jump to find out which.

Unfortunately for Rothwell, Miocic is currently trapped in something of a title shot purgatory; the Cleveland native received a last-minute title shot against Werdum following Velasquez’s withdrawal from UFC 196 last month, only to have it ripped away from him when Werdum subsequently withdrew from the fight. Despite this, Miocic has been hinting at a potential fight with Werdum in May recently, dependent on how Velasquez recovers from his latest surgery.

So with Miocic off the table, a matchup with the former heavyweight champion was really all that was left for Rothwell, and for once, the UFC was able to give “Big Ben” exactly what he wanted. (via Rothwell’s Facebook):

Considering that Dos Santos is coming off a loss to Alistair Overeem, another recent victim of Rothwell’s, fans were quick to criticize this booking as “not making any sense.” Rothwell, on the other hand, was quick to dismiss these notions in an interview with MMAFighting.

“Look at it this way: waiting 10 months is really the [other] option,” said Rothwell. “No. Because, Alistair Overeem, even though we already fought, is a top guy. Top guys are top guys, and he’s injured or he’s dealing with things. He says it’s a shoulder. Andrei Arlovski, same thing. He said it’s a shoulder. Cain Velasquez, everybody knows. It’s documented. Cain, back injury.”

“Travis Browne was, I guess from everything I’m hearing, supposed to take this fight (against dos Santos). It was a lock. Then things were said, or something happened, and he said that his foot was too injured. So all four of the top guys [are out], and then the other two (Stipe Miocic and Fabricio Werdum), obviously common sense will say something is happening there. So, that leaves Junior.”

In a world where heavyweights are going down left and right, one cornfed, soft-shoeing sonofabitch stands alone, it would seem. On April 10th, the ultimate battle of good and evil will be held in Croatia, so start placing your bets, Nation.

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Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort II Reportedly Booked for UFC 197


(Never go full Ritor. via Getty.)

When Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort first met in the octagon, the former was an unstoppable, arrogant-bordering-on-cocky champion and the latter was a battle-tested veteran who would supposedly serve as his toughest test to date. They shared many similarities beyond their penchant for knocking people out (they’re both Brazilian!), but when push came to shove, Silva emerged as the clearly superior fighter.

Four years later, Silva has lost his title, broken his leg in the cage, and been popped for PED’s which may or may not have been caused by Thai black market sex pills, while Belfort himself has also lost a title bid and done pretty much everything within his power to deflect criticism from his PED-riddled past. Again, the similarities are striking here, which is perhaps why the two former champions have once again been booked to throw down.

Details after the jump. 

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(Never go full Ritor. via Getty.)

When Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort first met in the octagon, the former was an unstoppable, arrogant-bordering-on-cocky champion and the latter was a battle-tested veteran who would supposedly serve as his toughest test to date. They shared many similarities beyond their penchant for knocking people out (they’re both Brazilian!), but when push came to shove, Silva emerged as the clearly superior fighter.

Four years later, Silva has lost his title, broken his leg in the cage, and been popped for PED’s which may or may not have been caused by Thai black market sex pills, while Belfort himself has also lost a title bid and done pretty much everything within his power to deflect criticism from his PED-riddled past. Again, the similarities are striking here, which is perhaps why the two former champions have once again been booked to throw down.

Details after the jump. 

According to a report by Brazilian publication Globo, Belfort and Silva have agreed to face one another at UFC 197 in March. UFC officials have yet to confirm the booking, which will serve as a rematch of the pair’s infamous title fight back at UFC 126.

Most recently, Belfort bounced back from a quick loss to champion Chris Weidman at UFC 187 with an even quicker starching of Dan Henderson at Fight Night 77 earlier in the month. If confirmed, the fight will serve as Silva’s first since his unanimous decision win over Nick Diaz at UFC 183, the aftermath of which saw him test positive for several banned substances.

Meanwhile, Tim Kennedy, who has been calling out both Silva and Belfort for some time now, remains on the sidelines. His reaction to the potential booking between the two was about the most Tim Kennedy thing ever (via Twitter):

For what it’s worth, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza also seems to think that this fight is a bad idea for Silva, telling MMAFighting that:

I believe the result would be the same. Anderson is impressive, but, in my opinion, as a friend and seeing him as guy that is helping me now, I think he should fight again before fighting Belfort to get his rhythm back.

Belfort is in a strong rhythm now, he fought three times in a row now. Anderson spent some time off, had this issue now and spent a year off, so I think Anderson should fight again first.

So yeah, this should be an interesting fight, with even more interesting drug test results. Who you go, Nation?

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Ryan Bader vs. Anthony Johnson Booked in Main Event of UFC on FOX 18


(God help Bader if he decides to yoga in that outfit while Rumble is in the building.)

As crazy as it may sound to haters like Uproxx’s Jessica Hudnall, Ryan Bader should be looking at a title shot right now. He’s won five straight in a weight class that is nearly impossible to do so in, he’s done so over increasingly impressive competition, and he’s looked more and more well-rounded with each performance. On the heels of a one-sided decision win over returning former champ Rashad Evans, it seemed as if Bader was all but guaranteed to be the man to face the winner of Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier (which FYI, will be Jon Jones).

But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about the modern era of the UFC, it’s that Reebok Fight Kits are terrible. If there’s a second thing we’ve learned, it’s that title fights are *never* guaranteed. As such, Bader has once again been passed over and instead booked against his toughest opponent to date…

The post Ryan Bader vs. Anthony Johnson Booked in Main Event of UFC on FOX 18 appeared first on Cagepotato.


(God help Bader if he decides to yoga in that outfit while Rumble is in the building.)

As crazy as it may sound to haters like Uproxx’s Jessica Hudnall, Ryan Bader should be looking at a title shot right now. He’s won five straight in a weight class that is nearly impossible to do so in, he’s done so over increasingly impressive competition, and he’s looked more and more well-rounded with each performance. On the heels of a one-sided decision win over returning former champ Rashad Evans, it seemed as if Bader was all but guaranteed to be the man to face the winner of Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier (which FYI, will be Jon Jones).

But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about the modern era of the UFC, it’s that Reebok Fight Kits are terrible. If there’s a second thing we’ve learned, it’s that title fights are *never* guaranteed. As such, Bader has once again been passed over and instead booked against his toughest opponent to date…

Last night’s edition of UFC Tonight broke the word that Bader will take on Anthony “Rumble” Johnson in the main event of the UFC’s first FOX card of 2016, which goes down on January 30th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

After coming up short in his own title bid against Cormier, Johnson bounced back by bouncing Jimi Manuwa‘s head off the canvas repeatedly, scoring a second round knockout and a “Performance of the Night” bonus in the process. Aside from the loss to Cormier, Johnson has been undefeated in some 9 fights dating back to his last stint in the UFC.

If you’re wondering how Bader feels about what should be an unfortunate development for anyone who appreciates having brain cells, well, he’s taking it about as well as one can. (via Fox Sports)

It’s more palatable that it’s Jon Jones coming back and getting it than the whole (Alexander) Gustafsson situation coming off a knockout loss and all that.

For me, it looks like I’ve got to beat all these guys in the top five to get a shot. For me, having a big main event on FOX and fighting Anthony Johnson and he’s ranked No. 1 and that’s where we want to be. Obviously, I wanted to title shot but that’s not happening. The next best thing is this fight.

I’ll give Bader this much: I don’t think I’ve ever heard a fighter call a match with Rumble “the next best” option to *anything*, unless that next best thing was “wearing a Reebok Fight Kit.”

See, I had a plan for that joke all along!! How is it that I get paid so little to do this?!!

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Eddie Alvarez vs. Anthony Pettis (!) & TJ Dillashaw vs. Dominick Cruz (!!) Booked for Fight Night 81

Now, let’s all try not to get too excited about the news we’re about to deliver, because we all know the long and heartbreaking history of one of the competitors involved, but OMG DOMMY CRUZ VS TJ DILLY IS FINALLY GON’ HAPPEN!!!!!!

Actual details after the jump. 

The post Eddie Alvarez vs. Anthony Pettis (!) & TJ Dillashaw vs. Dominick Cruz (!!) Booked for Fight Night 81 appeared first on Cagepotato.

Now, let’s all try not to get too excited about the news we’re about to deliver, because we all know the long and heartbreaking history of one of the competitors involved, but OMG DOMMY CRUZ VS TJ DILLY IS FINALLY GON’ HAPPEN!!!!!!

Actual details after the jump. 

After being cleared to resume training by his doctors earlier this week, Dominick Cruz was immediately booked to take on the man who rose to championship gold in his absence, TJ Dillashaw. The two will determine who is the true bantamweight champion once and for all on January 16th at UFC Fight Night 81 at a location TBD (but potentially the TD Garden in Boston). That’s right, we’re getting possibly the greatest bantamweight matchup of all time…FO FREE.

“The Dominator” has not competed since his shellacking of Takeya Mizugaki back in September of 2014, which itself came following a three year layoff he spent recovering, re-injuring, and re-re-recovering from various ACL, *A*CL, and groin injuries (and lest we forget, ACL injuries as well). Dillashaw, meanwhile, has risen to the top 5 pound-for-pound rankings with his recent destructions of Joe Soto and Renan Barao, the latter of which came in an absolutely brilliant performance at UFC on FOX 16 in July.

As if that news wasn’t great enough, it looks like we’ll be treated to an incredible lightweight matchup at Fight Night 81 as well, in the form of former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis vs. former Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez. On the heels of a title-losing effort against Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 185, Pettis will look to put himself back in title contention with a win over Alvarez, who is fresh off a decision victory over a slightly juiced-up Gil Melendez at UFC 188.

What a card this will be if all goes according to plan.

(We’ll be sure to let you know when Cruz blows both his knees out in November.)

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Edgar vs Mendes (!), Dos Santos vs. Overeem (!!) Locked In For TUF 22 Finale, UFC on FOX 17


(What could’ve been, now finally is. via Sherdog)

It may have taken two extra years, a failed drug test, and a series of tough, tough losses on both sides of the equation, but it looks like we will finally be seeing Junior Dos Santos and Alistair Overeem throw down after all.

The announcement came via the UFC last night:

It’s the most heated rivalry in the heavyweight division today, and on Saturday, Dec. 19, Junior Dos Santos and Alistair Overeem settle the score in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

In the FOX-televised card’s main event, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone challenges for a UFC title for the first time when he battles lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos in a highly-anticipated rematch.

That’s right, not only are we getting Ubereem vs. JDS, but we’re getting it on a card that is already ridiculously stacked, and FO FREE. Get hype, Nation.

The post Edgar vs Mendes (!), Dos Santos vs. Overeem (!!) Locked In For TUF 22 Finale, UFC on FOX 17 appeared first on Cagepotato.


(What could’ve been, now finally is. via Sherdog)

It may have taken two extra years, a failed drug test, and a series of tough, tough losses on both sides of the equation, but it looks like we will finally be seeing Junior Dos Santos and Alistair Overeem throw down after all.

The announcement came via the UFC last night:

It’s the most heated rivalry in the heavyweight division today, and on Saturday, Dec. 19, Junior Dos Santos and Alistair Overeem settle the score in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

In the FOX-televised card’s main event, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone challenges for a UFC title for the first time when he battles lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos in a highly-anticipated rematch.

That’s right, not only are we getting Ubereem vs. JDS, but we’re getting it on a card that is already ridiculously stacked, and FO FREE. Get hype, Nation.

Dos Santos enters this bout having not fought since December of 2014, wherein he picked up a controversial decision over Stipe Miocic in at UFC on FOX 13. Overeem, on the other hand, is riding a two-fight win streak over Stefan Struve and Roy Nelson, the latter of whom he bested via unanimous decision at UFC 185.

This is a fight that we’ve been waiting on for years, and one so heated that it can even draw a good guy like dos Santos to trash-talk.

“I don’t choose opponents, but I’m not gonna lie — it will feel great to shut this guy up,” said dos Santos posted on his Instagram following the announcement. “USADA Let’s work. I hope he doesn’t fail the drug test this time.”

Yes, let us hope.

In other fight booking news, featherweight contenders Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes are also set to do battle in the main event of TUF 22 Finale, which transpires just eight days prior to UFC on FOX 17 at a Las Vegas venue yet to be announced. Edgar has arguably looked better than ever since dropping to featherweight, collecting four straight wins over the likes of Urijah Faber, Cub Swanson, B.J. Penn and Charles Oliveira. Despite rallying for a title shot on social media lately, Edgar will instead face the last man to fight for the one true featherweight title, Mendes, who also happens to be on the heels of a TKO loss to Conor McGregor at UFC 189.

It would be hard not to see the winner of this headliner not receiving a(nother) shot at the Aldo-McGregor winner, especially considering that’s it’s been booked for the finale of the TUF season that McGregor will coach, but who knows? Maybe Aldo will pull out with injury again, and we’ll get McGregor vs. Faber vs. Edgar vs. Mendes in a fatal four, TLC match for the one true belt. Crazier things have happened, Nation.

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Nate Diaz Returns, Faces Michael Johnson at UFC on FOX 17 (and Other UFC on FOX 17 Fight Bookings)


(Oh gee, you think, Wikipedia?!)

On the heels of a technical draw with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s crew in the WSOF lobby, it appears that Nate Diaz is once again ready to do some fighting *inside* the octagon. You know, for money this time, because apparently the royalty checks he’s collecting for being the first guy to use the middle finger as a taunt aren’t quite cutting it.

A little over a year removed from his last actual in-ring confrontation (a one-sided decision loss to Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC on FOX 13), Diaz will return to the octagon at UFC on FOX 17 in December, facing rising contender turned recent robbery victim Michael Johnson.

The post Nate Diaz Returns, Faces Michael Johnson at UFC on FOX 17 (and Other UFC on FOX 17 Fight Bookings) appeared first on Cagepotato.


(Oh gee, you think, Wikipedia?!)

On the heels of a technical draw with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s crew in the WSOF lobby, it appears that Nate Diaz is once again ready to do some fighting *inside* the octagon. You know, for money this time, because apparently the royalty checks he’s collecting for being the first guy to use the middle finger as a taunt aren’t quite cutting it.

A little over a year removed from his last actual in-ring confrontation (a one-sided decision loss to Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC on FOX 13), Diaz will return to the octagon at UFC on FOX 17 in December, facing rising contender turned recent robbery victim Michael Johnson.

Diaz was briefly linked to a welterweight bout with Matt Brown earlier this year, but the fight was scrapped when 209′s finest announced that the UFC had never actually contacted him about said fight. My guess is that his excuse went a little something like this…

Johnson, on the other hand, had put together a respectable four fight win streak dating back to 2013 — including wins over Joe Lauzon and Edson Barboza (among others) — and seemed all but destined for a title shot in 2016. That was until fate threw a wrench in his plans in the form of Beneil Dariush, or perhaps more appropriately, in the form of the MMA judges on hand at Fight Night 73 earlier this month, who inexplicably awarded Dariush with a split decision victory over Johnson despite “The Menace” all but completely dominating the fight.

So in one corner, you’ve got an eager, hungry competitor looking to get back on the path to a title shot, and in the other, you’ve got a street brawling Diaz bro who’s dropped 3 out of his past 4 and could not give less of a fuck about a title shot if it came rolled in a Zig Zag with a side of Funyuns. Anyone care to take a guess at how the betting lines will look for this one?

Also on tap for UFC on FOX 17 main card are a pair of middleweight matchups. First up, our boy Tamdan “The Barn Cat” McCrory makes his UFC return against TUF 18 alum turned BloodyElbow contributor Josh Samman. Although we may not endorse McCrory in any way, shape, or form, this is as good a time as any for the Great Site Wars to begin, so if anyone from BE is looking to throw down ipecac bets on this thing, you know where to find us.

Also set for UFC on FOX 17 will be a middleweight clash between the struggling CB Dollaway and the I-Thought-He-Was-Retiring-Oh-God-Why-Isn’t-He-Retiring Nate Marquardt. The TUF 7 runner up is currently on the heels of his first two-fight skid since 2011 (with losses to Lyoto Machida and Michael Bisping), but it was Marquardt’s last performance against that really left us wondering if we’d ever see him in the octagon again. If you recall, Marquardt’s corner threw in the towel in between the second and third round of his fight with Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 188 after Nate more or less admitted that he had had enough.

Perhaps Marquardt’s hoping to go out on a win, or at least a more convincing performance against Dollaway here? I can only hope so, because the last thing this sport needs is a legend of the game who has to be forced into retirement. (Looking at you, Big Nog. You break-a my heart against the Skyscraper.)

UFC on FOX 17 transpires on Dec. 19 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

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