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Report – Johnny Walker vs. Jimmy Crute Set For UFC Event On March 27.

An interesting light heavyweight matchup of 205-pound prospects, Johnny Walker, and Jimmy ‘The Brute’ Crute has been booked for a UFC event on March 27 — with a location or venue for the showcase yet to be determined by the promotion. Snapping a two-fight slide in September at UFC Vegas 11, Walker, recently under the […]

Snapping a two-fight slide in September at UFC Vegas 11, Walker, recently under the tutelage of John Kavanagh at Straight Blast Gym Ireland, scored a first-round knockout victory over Ryan ‘Superman’ Spann.

The winner of two on the trot, New South Wales prospect, Crute featured on ‘Fight Island’ in October, stopping former Cage Warriors light heavyweight champion and fellow up and comer, Modestas Bukauskas in the opening-round via strikes. News of the slated tie was first reported by ESPN MMA reporter, Brett Okamoto.

Per sources, Jimmy Crute (@CruteJim) vs. Johnny Walker (@JohnnyWalker) agreed to for March 27. Sick matchup between some of the new blood at 205 … really like this one. pic.twitter.com/nGu7kf2YJ5

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 2, 2021

Walker, 28, is an alum of Dana White’s Contender Series, and since his transition to the Octagon back in November of 2018, has managed a 4-2 promotional résumé.

The Rio de Janeiro native has scored wins over Khalil Rountree Jr., Justin Ledet, and Misha Cirkunov all via massive knockouts, prior to a UFC 244 stoppage loss to recent Bellator debutante, Corey ‘Overtime’ Anderson in the first round.

Returning to Brazil in March, Walker featured against former Fight Nights Global champion, Nikita Krylov — dropping a unanimous decision defeat.

24-year-old Australian finisher, Crute currently sits at #12 in the official light heavyweight pile, and is also a former feature of DWCS. With a 4-1 promotional record himself, the 24-year-old had submitted fellow Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standout, Paul ‘The Bearjew’ Craig with a third-round kimura on home soil in his first Octagon appearance.

Prior to a Peruvian necktie defeat to common-opposition, Cirkunov, Crute had stopped ‘Smilin’ Sam Alvey via strikes before embarking on his two-fight rise over Michal Oleksiejczuk with another stunning first-round kimura stoppage, and his aforenoted win over Lithuanian finisher, Bukauskas.

Between top-fifteen contenders, Walker and Crute, the pair has managed an eye-catching combined twenty knockout stoppages as well as six stoppages via submission.

Khamzat Chimaev Deemed Unfit To Fight Leon Edwards Due To Lung Issue

Ruled from his first promotional headliner at UFC Fight Island 8 on January 20 — uber-prospect, Khamzat ‘Borz’ Chimaev has been deemed medically unfit to prepare for his would-be showdown with perennial welterweight contender, Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards, as he deals with a lung issue following a recent positive COVID-19 test result. Chimaev, who was initially […]

Chimaev, who was initially paired with Birmingham native, Edwards at UFC Vegas 17 on December 19 seen that pairing shelved as well after the former had been struck down with a particularly debilitating case of COVID-19 to boot, where he shed a whopping twelve pounds of body weight.

The winner of three straight despite only debuting under the UFC’s banner in July, Chimaev had reportedly returned a positive novel coronavirus test result at the beginning of this month, and according to a report from MMA Junkie, the Chechen-born fighter was deemed medically unfit to continue preparations for a matchup with Edwards, as he suffers from a lingering lung issue as a result of the positive test.

Team Renegade BJJ & MMA mainstay, Edwards noted his willingness to remain on the Abu Dhabi, UAE card against new opposition, and last night called for a long-rumoured tie with BMF champion, Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal on short-notice — who himself has been floated as a potential opponent for former American Top Team teammate, Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington.

Debuting on ‘Fight Island’ in July, AllStars product, Chimaev made light work of John Phillips, nabbing a second-round kimura, before stopping highly-touted former Cage Warriors contender, Rhys ‘Skeletor’ McKee with first-round ground-and-pound just ten days later.

Fast-tracked to Las Vegas in September, Chimaev scored a stunning, one-punch knockout over veteran grappling maestro, Gerald Meerschaert in just seventeen seconds, earning him the accolade as the consensus Prospect of the Year.

For Edwards, the eight-fight streaker has yet to feature since UFC Fight Night San Antonio in July of last year where he knocked back former 155-pound gold holder, Rafael dos Anjos via a unanimous decision win.

While former-foe, Vicente Luque called for a rematch with Edwards, UFC Fight Island 8 also features a welterweight tie between contenders, Neil Magny and Michael Chiesa, with the pairing largely viewed as a backup to the since lost main event.

Kevin Holland, Vicente Luque Offer To Replace Khamzat Chimaev Against Leon Edwards

With uber-prospect, Khamzat ‘Borz’ Chimaev out of his first promotional headliner on January 20 against perennial welterweight contender, Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards — some notable suitors have offered their services on short notice to meet to the Birmingham native at the ‘Fight Island’ event. Streaking fan-favourite, Kevin ‘The Trailblazer’ Holland, and one-time opponent of Edwards, Vicente […]

Streaking fan-favourite, Kevin ‘The Trailblazer’ Holland, and one-time opponent of Edwards, Vicente ‘The Silent Assassin’ Luque have both offered Edwards the opportunity to feature at the Flash Forum, Abu Dhabi, UAE showcase.

With reasons for Chimaev’s withdrawal still undisclosed, this marks the second time in just over a month a pairing of the two has been shelved. Originally scheduled to headline the promotion’s final event of the year at UFC Vegas 17 on December 19 — Edwards was forced to remove himself from the card after he was struck down with a particularly hampering case of the novel coronavirus.

The winner of five on the trot in 2020 alone, Travis Lutter Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Holland has been chomping at the bit at a quickfire return to the Octagon following his shocking, innovative finish of former world champion, Jacare Souza at UFC 256 earlier this month.

Luque, of course, shared the Octagon with the Team Renagade BJJ & MMA mainstay, Edwards back at UFC Fight Night London back in March of 2017, on his way to a unanimous decision defeat. Edwards would go on to compile an eight-fight win streak which he’s still currently riding.

The 29-year-old New York-born finish, Luque has won two-straight this year — knocking back Niko Price again before an August knockout of Randy Brown.

Taking to his official Twitter account this afternoon, Holland claimed he would draft in on January 20 against Edwards, urging the promotion to “call big mouth“.

“Hold up, so am I hearing the #UFCFightIsland hotel has a vacancy and needs a real man to come in and do work on January 20th? #callbigmouth

Hold up, so am I hearing the #ufcFightIsland hotel has a vacancy and needs a real man to come and do work January 20th? #callbigmouth pic.twitter.com/0zX4cPZMvo

— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) December 29, 2020

Hoping to avenge his 2017 decision loss to Edwards, the above mentioned Luque also threw his name into the hat in the hopes of securing a rematch.

“I’m ready to get that rematch with @Leon_edwardsmma I know MMA fans would love to watch it! Let’s go @ufc @seanshelby @AliAbdelaziz00“

I’m ready to get that rematch with @Leon_edwardsmma I know MMA fans would love to watch it! Let’s go @ufc @seanshelby @AliAbdelaziz00 https://t.co/UbwobCxMeH

— Vicente Luque (@VicenteLuqueMMA) December 29, 2020

Whilst both Holland and Luque have offered their services on short notice, the promotion had recently penned a matchup between The Ultimate Fighter 15 victor, Michael ‘The Maverick’ Chiesa and longtime welterweight contender, ‘The Haitian Sensation’ Neil Magny for the same UFC Fight Island 8 event, with that matchup viewed as a possible backup to our now scrapped main event.

UFC Set To Return To Network Television

The UFC might be kicking off 2021 with a sensational return to network television. The UFC Fight Night event on January 16th, which is being headlined by Max Holloway and Calvin Kattar, is currently projected to air on ABC, in a dramatic shift away from the ESPN networks. (H/T MMA Junkie) The move could mean […]

The UFC might be kicking off 2021 with a sensational return to network television.

The UFC Fight Night event on January 16th, which is being headlined by Max Holloway and Calvin Kattar, is currently projected to air on ABC, in a dramatic shift away from the ESPN networks. (H/T MMA Junkie)

The move could mean the new year starts with the promotion having its first-ever event being held on ABC. This could also mark the promotion’s first live network event since UFC on Fox 31 on December 31st 2018. The UFC on Fox included 31 live events being held on the broadcasting station. This run started in November 2012 with the UFC heavyweight title bout between Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos. Ultimately, the stint ended on December 15th, 2018 with Kevin Lee vs. Al Iaquinta 2.

How many UFC fights will air on ABC? I don’t know.

Will the whole card be shown on ABC? I don’t know.

Very little is known about the finer details of the potential move, as you can see.

UFC Fight Night on January 16th will mark the return of the promotion to Fight Island. The other two events’ headline fights are Leon Edwards vs. Khamzat Chimaev and Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor 2.

January 30th was set to have a UFC card, but that has allegedly been scrapped. Additionally, a large amount of the fights pencilled in for that date have been moved to other events, adding validity to the cancellation specualtions. (H/T MMA Junkie)

I can’t wait for the UFC draught to end on January 16th. If you are wondering what the next UFC event looks like, then check out the scheduled match-ups below.

Max Holloway vs. Calvin Kattar Sara McMann vs. Julianna Pena Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov Mike Grundy vs. Nik Lentz Brian Kelleher vs. Ricky Simon Jacob Kilburn vs. Austin Lingo Carlos Felipe vs. Justin Tafa Punahele Soriano vs. Dusko Todorovic Anthony Hernandez vs. Rodolfo Vieira Bethe Correia vs. Wu Yanan Christian Aguilera vs. Warlley Alves Omari Akhmedov vs. Tom Breese Ramazan Emeev vs. David Zawada.

What do you think this alleged partnership with ABC will mean for the UFC in the long-term?

The UFC Returns To ‘Fight Island’ With January Triple-Header

Set to land on ‘Fight Island’ for the third time in less than a year, the UFC is slated to host the first three-events of 2021 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, in UAE — featuring two Fight Night events as well as January 23’s. UFC 257 showcase. Originally moving their base of operations for the […]

Originally moving their base of operations for the month of July to the Middle East island, the promotion hosted four events during the summer month — with a pay-per-view event opening first ahead of three Fight Night outings.

Returning to the Flash Forum in late September this time for four events, the promotion hosted UFC 253 and UFC 254 pay-per-view events — bookending a trio of Fight Night cards.

Set to host events on Saturday the 16. — Wednesday the 20. — and finally, Saturday the 23. — the promotion will spend just over a week on Yas Island this time around. Taking to his official Instagram to announce the return to Abu Dhabi, UFC president, Dana White confirmed the recent report from BJPENN.com reporter, Cole Shelton.

Opening up proceedings will be UFC Fight Island 7, which is currently slated to feature a massive potential featherweight title-eliminator, with former 145-pound championship holder, Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway matching up with New England Cartel standout and striking talent, the #6 ranked, Calvin Kattar.

Rescheduled from a failed matchup for last weekend’s UFC Vegas 17 headliner in the promotion’s final event of the year, perennial welterweight contender, Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards draws uber-prospect, Khamzat ‘Borz’ Chimaev in the main event of UFC Fight Island 8 on January 20.

Edwards and Chimaev were originally booked to round out 2020 at the UFC Apex last weekend, until a particularly debilitating case of COVID-19 forced the former to withdraw from the pairing.

At UFC 257 on January 23 — two-time foes, Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier and ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor meet for the second time under the UFC’s banner, with the winner of the high-stakes rematch certainly drafting themselves into lightweight title contention.

For the upcoming January 30. event — the organization is expected to return to the aforenoted, Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Stephen Thompson Grabs Decision Win Over Geoff Neal With Masterful Striking Display – UFC Vegas 17 Highlights

It’s two consecutive victories for two-time UFC welterweight title challenger, Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. The road to the 170-pound top-five still goes through Simpsonville, South Carolina with fan-favourite Thompson displaying some of the most technical striking in recent memory to score a dominant judging win over Geoff ‘Handz of Steel’ Neal. Utilzing his phenomenal footwork from […]

Utilzing his phenomenal footwork from the get-go, Thomspon fired from ranfe on cue, countering and evading the pace-pushing and pressuring from Neal. With just over a minute remaining in the round, Thompson and Neal unfortunately clashed heads during an exchange — opening a cut on both of their eyebrows. Round one in the books and a round for Wonderboy.

Closing the distance with a lot more urgency given the location of his cut, Neal clinched alongside the fence against Thompson, after eating a front-leg side-kick to the body. Picking each shot with aplomb, Thompson landed his shot of choice before changing direction and evading any incoming counters. Doing his best work before the buzzer, Neal clipped Wonderboy with a nice short left-hook. Another round under Wonderboy’s belt, however.

Again clinching after some more masterful striking from Thompson, Neal, who seemed somewhat dejected managed to control the Simpsonville native at the fence. Thompson again nabs a round with a more aggressive approach to the final exchanges of the third.

More of the same in the penultimate round for Thompson who landed his best shots in the center of the Octagon as Neal retreated as the former evaded. Worryingly for the karate practitioner, he noted a potentially injured right leg with some major swelling above the 38-year-old’s knee. Battling through the apparent injury, Thompson traded in the pocket with Neal, however, it was too little too late for the Fortis MMA mainstay as Wonderboy makes it two in two with a unanimous decision win.

Following the announcement of the official decision, Thompson called for an NMF vs. BMF rematch with recent welterweight title challenger, Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal.

Below, catch the highlights from Wonderboy’s second straight win as he dominates surging contender, Neal.