Tag: UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis

Brendan Allen Accuses Nassourdine Imavov Of ‘B*tch Move’ By Rejecting Five Rounds For UFC Fight Night Paris (Exclusive)

UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen is not impressed by Nassourdine Imavov’s alleged decision not to share the cage over 25 minutes next month. Allen will head to enemy territory to throw down with a fellow up-and-comer at 185 pounds in Imavov at the Paris-held UFC Fight Night on September 28. The pair will co-headline the […]

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UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen is not impressed by Nassourdine Imavov’s alleged decision not to share the cage over 25 minutes next month.

Allen will head to enemy territory to throw down with a fellow up-and-comer at 185 pounds in Imavov at the Paris-held UFC Fight Night on September 28. The pair will co-headline the event, much to the American’s frustration.

The #7-ranked contender initially publicly rejected the France assignment owing to the fact that the promotion wasn’t looking to have him and Imavov headline. Allen was evidently convinced to compete on the undercard of Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis, but he remains frustrated at one stipulation.

With five-round co-main events becoming more common, Allen says he pushed for that against “The Sniper,” but the Frenchman refused. Having had three of his last four outings scheduled for 25 minutes, the 28-year-old is not pleased about Imavov’s apparent reluctance to prepare for the longer distance…

Allen Tells Imavov: You Want To Fight For The Title? 5 Rounds Is How You Do It

During a recent interview with MMA News’ Ryan Jarrell, Allen looked ahead to his second Octagon appearance of 2024, which comes a few months on from his memorable victory over Chris Curtis in their barnburner at the Apex.

That result added to “All In’s” five-round experience, and Imavov isn’t short on it himself having gone the 25-minute distance with both Sean Strickland and Roman Dolidze, as well as recently entering a fourth frame with Jared Cannonier prior to the TKO stoppage.

Despite that, though, Allen says the three-round stipulation for the Paris co-main event is entirely down to Imavov and his team, a decision he has a firm view on.

“Some people just need all the deck in their favor to try to win. But it’s not gonna be enough. I’m still gonna win,” Allen told MMA News. “I accepted the five rounds; I asked for the five rounds. I’ve heard the explanations but I still don’t agree or understand it. But it’s above my pay grade. I think it’s bullsh*t that 10 and 12 guys are main event over four and seven, where we have title contentions possibly surrounding our fight.

“I think it’s kind of a b*tch move that he (Imavov) doesn’t want to accept five rounds. Even as a co-main, he doesn’t want to accept five rounds,” Allen continued. “You wanna fight for the belt? You wanna stake your claim? Like, that’s how you do it. You go out there and win a five-round fight, even if it doesn’t go five rounds. … I don’t fully understand his reasoning, but I understand their logic. Some people just need all the cards in their favor as much as possible.”

Regardless, Allen will still be looking to deliver a standout performance in the French capital to stake his claim for a long-awaited first shot at title glory on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

Having already won seven straight, perhaps the addition of the #4-ranked contender to his ever-growing résumé is the piece of the puzzle Allen needs to secure his spot opposite the champion next time out.

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City Kickboxing Prospect Kevin Jousset Gets Home Fight, Faces TUF Winner At UFC Fight Night Paris

For the first time in his professional career, UFC welterweight prospect Kevin Jousset is set to compete in front of his compatriots. Jousset made a splash on debut last September in Sydney, following two-division championship glory under Australia’s Hex Fight Series banner with a first-round submission at UFC 293. The Frenchman has long trained alongside […]

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For the first time in his professional career, UFC welterweight prospect Kevin Jousset is set to compete in front of his compatriots.

Jousset made a splash on debut last September in Sydney, following two-division championship glory under Australia’s Hex Fight Series banner with a first-round submission at UFC 293.

The Frenchman has long trained alongside the likes of Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker at New Zealand’s City Kickboxing, fighting exclusively in Oceania prior to his UFC signing. And having competed on United States soil for the first time in his sophomore Octagon outing, Jousset is now set for a homecoming this fall.

Per MMA Junkie’s Nolan King, “Air” has been added to the upcoming UFC Fight Night in Paris, France, on September 28. There, he’s set for a step up in competition against Bryan Battle, winner of The Ultimate Fighter 29 middleweight tournament.

Home Favorite Jousset Targets Third Straight UFC Win At The Expense Of Battle

When Jousset makes the walk to what will no doubt be a positive reception at Accor Arena, he’ll be looking to maintain his perfect UFC slate.

Jousset (10-2) lost two of his first seven pro fights, the first of which came against current top five welterweight contender Jack Della Maddalena under the Eternal MMA banner. But since a split decision setback in 2022, the 31-year-old has won five straight to have two titles in his possession, as well as a UFC contract.

And after submitting Kiefer Crosbie Down Under and outpointing Song Kenan at the Apex last December, “Air” is next tasked with stalling the welterweight ambitions of Battle (10-2, 1 NC) in his first assignment of 2024.

One fight on from his TUF triumph, “The Butcher” committed to a move down in weight, and he debuted at 170 pounds emphatically by knocking out Takashi Sato with a brutal head kick just 44 seconds into their fight. While he subsequently fell to a decision against the highly regarded Rinat Fakhretdinov, he bounced back with a 14-second knockout of Gabe Green and second-round submission of AJ Fletcher.

Having had his strong start opposite Ange Loosa earlier this year rendered null when the Swiss fighter couldn’t continue following an eye poke, Battle will look to get back to the winner’s circle by upsetting Jousset’s home crowd in the French capital later this year.

With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at the UFC Fight Night in Paris on September 28 are as follows:

  • Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis (lightweight main event)
  • Nassourdine Imavov vs. Brendan Allen (middleweight)
  • Germaine de Randamie vs. Nora Cornolle (women’s bantamweight)
  • William Gomis vs. Joanderson Brito (featherweight)
  • Kevin Jousset vs. Bryan Battle (welterweight)
  • Daniel Barez vs. Victor Altamirano (flyweight)
  • Oumar Sy vs. Da Woon Jung (light Heavyweight)
  • Dariya Zhelezniakova vs. Ailín Pérez (women’s bantamweight)

Continue Reading City Kickboxing Prospect Kevin Jousset Gets Home Fight, Faces TUF Winner At UFC Fight Night Paris at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier Backs Teammate Renato Moicano To Defeat Ex-Opponent Benoît Saint Denis In Paris: ‘Honestly, I Think He Submits BSD’

UFC lightweight star Dustin Poirier expects Benoît Saint Denis to lose a second straight fight to an American Top Team standout this fall. Poirier and Saint Denis shared the Octagon in the co-main event of March’s UFC 299 pay-per-view event in Miami. Supporters of the Frenchman tipped him to continue his rise at the expense […]

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UFC lightweight star Dustin Poirier expects Benoît Saint Denis to lose a second straight fight to an American Top Team standout this fall.

Poirier and Saint Denis shared the Octagon in the co-main event of March’s UFC 299 pay-per-view event in Miami. Supporters of the Frenchman tipped him to continue his rise at the expense of the veteran contender.

But although he looked to be on track to doing so through one round, “God of War” faded in the second and ultimately fell to his first UFC defeat at 155 pounds by way of a brutal knockout.

“The Diamond” went on to ride that result into a title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 last month. Saint Denis, meanwhile, recently had his chance to rebound confirmed, and it’ll see him up against ATT once again.

At the UFC Fight Night set for Paris, France, on September 28, Saint Denis is expected to headline in front of his home fans opposite the #10-ranked Renato Moicano.

Poirier and the ATT gym’s experience going up against Saint Denis could come in handy on fight night, and the Louisianan himself is expecting his team to go two up on the Frenchman…

Poirier Offers Moicano Helping Hand For Paris Prep

During a recent in-studio appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Poirier addressed the confirmed matchup between his stablemate and recent opponent.

Having gotten the better of Saint Denis mere months ago, “The Diamond” revealed he’s offered to aid in the latter part of Moicano’s training camp.

And in terms of how he thinks the bout will play out at Accor Arena, Poirier noted his experience seeing the Brazilian’s jiu-jitsu talents in the gym to back a submission victory for him and ATT on September 28.

“I actually saw Moicano during International Fight Week. … I went and talked to him and I told him, if he needs help, I’ll fly back to Florida,” Poirier said. “I’ve been nursing a few injuries from this last one (against Makhachev), but I think they’re fighting in September. … So probably like, August or something like that, maybe end of August I can go help him out a few weeks.

“Honestly, I think he submits BSD,” Poirier continued. “His (Moicano’s) jiu-jitsu is really good. And he’s strong for that weight, and big.”

Moicano has shared similar confidence when it comes to his chances of departing France with a major victory added to his record.

While Saint Denis’ form pre-UFC 299 and early success against Poirier has left many backing him to bounce back at the Brazilian’s expense come fight night on September 28, Moicano is promising to upset the odds and spoil the night for the Paris locals.

Continue Reading Dustin Poirier Backs Teammate Renato Moicano To Defeat Ex-Opponent Benoît Saint Denis In Paris: ‘Honestly, I Think He Submits BSD’ at MMA News.

Ciryl Gane’s Absence From UFC Fight Night Card In Paris Explained

For the first time, a UFC event will be taking place in the French capital without the country’s only champion to date closing the show. Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is back in Paris this week, staging an event in France for the third straight year. The UFC debuted inside the Accor Arena in 2022, […]

Continue Reading Ciryl Gane’s Absence From UFC Fight Night Card In Paris Explained at MMA News.

For the first time, a UFC event will be taking place in the French capital without the country’s only champion to date closing the show.

Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is back in Paris this week, staging an event in France for the third straight year. The UFC debuted inside the Accor Arena in 2022, just under three years on from the legalization of MMA in the country.

On that night, former interim UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane thrilled his compatriots by knocking out Tai Tuivasa. And “Bon Gamin” repeated the feat last September when he stopped Serghei Spivac with strikes.

This year, however, presents an opportunity for a different French standout to make a splash in the main event spotlight: Benoît Saint Denis.

Six months on from his defeat to Dustin Poirier in Miami, “God of War” will look to bounce back in front of a no doubt rowdy Parisian crowd when he shares the cage with Renato Moicano.

Gane’s Coach Explains Decision Not To Fight At Latest UFC Paris Event

During a recent interview with InsideFighting, coach Fernand Lopez commented on the UFC’s latest visit to his country and the fact that his star student won’t be a part of it this time around.

“We don’t have to talk about it with the UFC coming to Paris. It’s obvious that they want Ciryl to fight in Paris, and I was thinking about Ciryl fighting in Paris. This is what we talked (about doing),” Lopez said. “But an opportunity showed up with a better opponent in terms of ranking, a better opportunity in terms of pay-per-view, and better career constructions to go back to the belt.

“It makes sense for us to accept that opportunity. Ciryl already fought two times in Paris, finished his opponent two times in Paris, and enjoyed the moment to win in Paris,” Lopez continued. “I think for him, it is a new challenge to go to Abu Dhabi, a new different market, and for him to be qualified if they need him for the (title).”

Of course, plans have changed since Lopez made those comments. Gane will no longer have the chance to make a splash in Abu Dhabi next month following the withdrawal of Alexander Volkov through injury.

Instead, the Frenchman looks set for the chance for redemption in Las Vegas, where he was submitted in the opening round by Jon Jones in March 2023. His clash with Volkov is expected to be rescheduled for UFC 310 at the T-Mobile Arena this December.

Meanwhile, Saint Denis has the chance to close the gap on his fellow countryman when it comes to being France’s poster boy for MMA. To do so, he’ll need to return to winning ways at the expense of Moicano this weekend.

Continue Reading Ciryl Gane’s Absence From UFC Fight Night Card In Paris Explained at MMA News.

‘Looks Like He Fought 10 Rounds’ – MMA Fans React As Renato Moicano Disfigures Benoît Saint Denis In Brutal Beating At UFC Paris

Benoît Saint Denis was left with quite the battle scars on his face as the doctor stepped in to stop his UFC Paris fight with Renato Moicano. The Brazilian put on a completely dominating display in the opening round, taking the fight to the ground early and having over four minutes of control time there. […]

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Benoît Saint Denis was left with quite the battle scars on his face as the doctor stepped in to stop his UFC Paris fight with Renato Moicano.

The Brazilian put on a completely dominating display in the opening round, taking the fight to the ground early and having over four minutes of control time there. He landed some vicious ground-and-pound on Saint Denis, busting up his face.

Moicano appeared to take the second frame off, as Saint Denis pressed forward. The damage, however, was not getting any better.

The doctor observed “God of War” and his severely swollen eyes after the second round, and it was determined that Saint Denis’ vision in his right eye was obscured, causing the fight to be waved off.

Benoît Saint Denis Left Battered As Doctor Steps In To Stop UFC Paris Main Event vs. Renato Moicano

Moicano has now won four straight and scored three finishes in this stretch. He called out Paddy Pimblett following the fight after “The Baddy” expressed interest in fighting him post-UFC 304 this past July.

After winning 13 of 15 to start his MMA career, meanwhile, Saint Denis has now dropped back-to-back outings after previously getting finished by Dustin Poirier at UFC 299 in March.

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‘Arguably The Greatest Knee I’ve Seen In MMA’ – Fans React As Farès Ziam Knocks Matt Frevola Out Cold At UFC Paris

In his native France, Farès Ziam pulled off a vicious knockout that seemed to come out of nowhere to score a late victory over Matt Frevola on the main card of UFC Paris. Ziam appeared to show continued improvement over the course of the fight’s first two rounds, seemingly in a comfortable lead as the […]

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In his native France, Farès Ziam pulled off a vicious knockout that seemed to come out of nowhere to score a late victory over Matt Frevola on the main card of UFC Paris.

Ziam appeared to show continued improvement over the course of the fight’s first two rounds, seemingly in a comfortable lead as the contest headed into the third.

It was there, however, where Ziam unleashed violence that no one saw coming.

With the two of them against the fence, Ziam turned Frevola and landed a stunning knee to the head that dropped the American out cold to score a KO of the Year contender.

Frevola was unconscious for several minutes after the finish.

Farès Ziam Lands Brutal KO Of The Year Contender With Vicious Knee On Matt Frevola’s Head

Ziam has now won four straight and has lost just twice since making his UFC debut in late 2019.

Frevola, meanwhile, has now lost back-to-back fights and has dropped four of his last seven.

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