Tag: UFC London

Dana White Has ‘No Idea’ About Russian Fighter Status Amid Ukraine Conflict

Dana WhiteUFC president Dana White has revealed he is unsure what the future holds for Russian athletes competing in the UFC amidst their countries conflict with Ukraine. Many sporting organisations and countries have cancelled the visas of Russian athletes in response to what has been going on. Promotions such as KSW have already announced the cancellation […]

Dana White

UFC president Dana White has revealed he is unsure what the future holds for Russian athletes competing in the UFC amidst their countries conflict with Ukraine.

Many sporting organisations and countries have cancelled the visas of Russian athletes in response to what has been going on. Promotions such as KSW have already announced the cancellation of matchups scheduled within Russian fighters involved, such as Shamil Musaev for KSW 68.

UFC London may be scheduled to lose one-half of its main event due to Russian fighter Alexander Volkov potentially being unable to travel.

White asked for Volkov to travel over earlier in hopes to avoid any issues like this however it appears they have been unable to avoid such problems.

“We’re trying to get him into England sooner so he can fight,” White said.

“When things like this start blowing up, we start looking at potential problems and what possibilities are, and we try to get around them. We try to figure out ‘if that’s going to happen, let’s get these guys into England earlier.’ I know that we’ve been trying to get Volkov to leave Russa, and he hasn’t wanted to.”

Dana White Concerned For The Future

If this issue continues to develop any further the UFC will begin to have a serious problem on its hands. A large majority of fighters are based in Russia, including interim bantamweight champion Petr Yan who is scheduled to have his title unification bout take place next month at UFC 273.

As it currently stands, Dana White is unsure what the future will hold for everyone.

“Like I tell you guys all the time, just when you think the world’s about to get normal again, it gets even nuttier,” Dana White added.

“So, we’ll see how it works out. You keep asking me questions like, ‘Will Conor McGregor fight for the title when he comes back in the fall?’ I don’t know what’s going on in the fall. When the fall comes, we’ll see what’s happening.

“‘If Petr Yan cannot get into the country?’ I have no idea what’s going to happen with Russia and all these other things. I don’t know.” (Transcribed by middleeasy.com)

Only time will tell much of an impact this will have on the availability of Russian fighters.

Do you think Russian fighters should currently be banned from competing in the UFC?

UFC London Main Event At Risk Amid Ongoing Ukraine-Russia Conflict

UFC LondonThe March 19. UFC London main event bout between heavyweight contenders, Alexander Volkov, and Tom Aspinall is reportedly in jeopardy amid the continued and escalating conflict between Ukraine and neighbouring Russia.  Per a report from MMA Fighting, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has put the heavyweight fight between Volkov and Aspinall in jeopardy, with […]

UFC London

The March 19. UFC London main event bout between heavyweight contenders, Alexander Volkov, and Tom Aspinall is reportedly in jeopardy amid the continued and escalating conflict between Ukraine and neighbouring Russia. 

Per a report from MMA Fighting, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has put the heavyweight fight between Volkov and Aspinall in jeopardy, with the possibility of Volkov obtaining a visa to compete in London, England, cast into doubt amid the ongoing conflict. The event is booked to take place at The O2 Arena in London, England.

UFC London is set to make the promotion’s first visit to the U.K. since March 2019

A member of the U.K, Parliament confirmed in a Twitter post over this weekend that it would be denying visas to sports teams from countries “complicit” of the Russian invasion of Ukraine by the country’s president, Vladimir Putin. 

“The U.K. will not welcome the national sports teams of those countries who are complicit in (Vladimir) Putin’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine.” 

The aforenoted report from MMA Fighting confirmed that the UFC are aware of the ongoing situation regarding the visa of Volkov, and, in particular, the possibility of the Moscow native obtaining a visa – and are currently exploring solutions. 

Today, the promotion’s official UFC Europe Twitter account released the official UFC London poster – that features the heavyweight bout between Volkov and Aspinall, as well as the featherweight division co-main event between Ipswitch native, Arnold Allen, and New Zealander, Dan Hooker.

Along with Volkov, UFC London currently features three other fighters on the card from Russia – namely, Timur Valiev, and the heavyweight duo of Sergei Pavlovich, and Shamil Abdurakhimov. 

For Volkov, the M-1 Global and Bellator MMA veteran last featured professionally at UFC 267 back in October, scoring a unanimous decision win over Marcin Tybura in a European pairing.

For Aspinalll the Greater Manchester native stopped Sergei Spivak in his most recent outing back in September at UFC Vegas 36 – landing his fourth consecutive UFC victory since a July 2020 promotional land.

Watch: O2 Arena Ripped Apart By Storm Weeks Before UFC London

It appears the UFC’s long-awaited return to London, England may have hit another roadblock in the form of Britain’s worst storm in decades. On March 19, MMA’s premier promotion is set to host a card in England’s capital for the first time since 2019. After an attempt to cross the Atlantic proved unsuccessful last September,…

Continue Reading Watch: O2 Arena Ripped Apart By Storm Weeks Before UFC London at MMA News.

It appears the UFC’s long-awaited return to London, England may have hit another roadblock in the form of Britain’s worst storm in decades.

On March 19, MMA’s premier promotion is set to host a card in England’s capital for the first time since 2019. After an attempt to cross the Atlantic proved unsuccessful last September, the UK audience has finally had an event officially confirmed, one that sold out in minutes.

But an extreme weather event may be about to throw a spanner in the works. As Storm Eunice causes havoc across the British Isles and delivers record-breaking gusts, damage is inevitable. What most probably hadn’t banked on, though, was the roof of the O2 Arena being torn off…

While it’s uncertain how serious the damage is and what a potential repair timeline will look like, the storm continues to rage on. With that in mind, it’s unlikely the venue will remain in its current state, with further destruction expected.

It’s impossible to tell at this stage whether UFC London will be affected. However, with WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Lawrence Okolie set to make his second defense against challenger Michel Cieslak next weekend at the O2, we can expect the status of the March 19 UFC Fight Night to become clearer towards the end of the month.

The O2 Is Set To Host A Stacked British Showcase

Having been kept to US-based events and Abu Dhabi-held cards since the COVID-19 pandemic caused havoc in 2020, the UFC has understandably pulled out all the stops ahead of its return to overseas events.

As well as the presence of top UK names and prospects like Tom Aspinall, Arnold Allen, Paddy Pimblett, Paul Craig, and Molly McCann, well-known international fighters like Dan Hooker, Ilia Topuria, Nikita Krylov, Gunnar Nelson, and Alexander Volkov are also set to enter the cage inside London’s O2 Arena.

With a host of exciting matchups set, fans will certainly be hoping any more damage to the host venue as a result of Storm Eunice is limited.

Listed below are the fights currently expected to go down on March 19 in London, England:

Alexander Volkov vs. Tom Aspinall (heavyweight main event)

Dan Hooker vs. Arnold Allen (featherweight)

Paul Craig vs. Nikita Krylov (light heavyweight)

Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Sergei Pavlovich (heavyweight)

Jack Shore vs. Timur Valiev (bantamweight)

Paddy Pimblett vs. Kazula Vargas (lightweight)

Gunnar Nelson vs. Claudio Silva (welterweight)

Nathanial Wood vs. Liudvik Sholinian (bantamweight)

Ilia Topuria vs. Jai Herbert (lightweight)

Makwan Amirkhani vs. Mike Grundy (featherweight)

Molly McCann vs. Luana Carolina (women’s flyweight)

Cody Durden vs. Muhammad Mokaev (flyweight)

Cory McKenna vs. Elise Reed (women’s strawweight)

Which UFC London fight are you most looking forward to on March 19?

Continue Reading Watch: O2 Arena Ripped Apart By Storm Weeks Before UFC London at MMA News.

Ilia Topuria vs. Jai Herbert Set For UFC London

Ilia TopuriaIlia Topuria has been scheduled to make his lightweight debut when he takes on Jai Herbert at UFC London. First Reported by @Campos_Gon on Twitter. Topuria was scheduled in to face undefeated Movsar Evloev earlier this year, however, Evloev had to pull out of their scheduled matchup due to a positive COVID-19 test. Charles Jourdain […]

Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria has been scheduled to make his lightweight debut when he takes on Jai Herbert at UFC London.

First Reported by @Campos_Gon on Twitter.

Topuria was scheduled in to face undefeated Movsar Evloev earlier this year, however, Evloev had to pull out of their scheduled matchup due to a positive COVID-19 test. Charles Jourdain was called upon as a late replacement however that matchup also then was removed from the card due to weight cutting issues on Topuria’s side.

Topuria will be looking to continue rolling with the momentum following back-to-back stoppage victories over Damon Jackson and most recently Ryan Hall at UFC 264. Herbert will be looking to also to continue his winning ways, after starting slower than he would have liked in the promotion with losses to Francisco Trinaldo and Renato Moicano, ‘The Black Country Banger’ picked up his first victory inside the UFC with a first-round finish of Khama Worthy.

Herbert was originally set to take on Mike Davis at UFC London however after that fight fell through he has been tasked with welcoming the unbeaten ‘El Matador’ to the lightweight division.

Ilia Topuria Added To The UFC London Card

UFC London was already stacked from head to toe in top-tier talent. The addition of Jai Herbert Vs. Ilia Topuria is already a bonus. UFC London is set to be an amazing night for UK MMA fans, whilst this list won’t cover them all, this is just some of the action you can look forward to come March 19th.

The card sees the likes of Nathaniel Wood return to action when he takes on Liudvik Sholinian. Gunnar Nelson will also be returning for the first time since his loss to Gilbert Burns back in 2019. Arnold Allen faces his toughest test to date when he welcomes Dan Hooker back down to the featherweight division. Jack Shore looks to extend his unbeaten run to 16-0 when he faces Timur Valiev. Not to mention the main event which will see Tom Aspinall try to earn his biggest win to date when he takes on #6 ranked Heavyweight Alexander Volkov.

What fight are you looking forward to the most at UFC London?

Ilia Topuria vs. Jai Herbert Added To March 19 UFC London Card

A lightweight scrap between Ilia Topuria and Jai Herbert has reportedly been added to the UFC’s return to London on March 19. In one of many matchups featuring British fighters, Herbert (11-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) will have a huge opportunity in front of a home crowd when he welcomes Topuria (11-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) to…

Continue Reading Ilia Topuria vs. Jai Herbert Added To March 19 UFC London Card at MMA News.

A lightweight scrap between Ilia Topuria and Jai Herbert has reportedly been added to the UFC’s return to London on March 19.

In one of many matchups featuring British fighters, Herbert (11-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) will have a huge opportunity in front of a home crowd when he welcomes Topuria (11-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) to 155 pounds inside the O2 Arena. The bout was first reported by Eurosport’s Gonzalo Campos.

Topuria initially rose up the featherweight ladder with a trio of impressive victories on MMA’s biggest stage. After arriving with a unanimous decision win against Youssef Zalal and a knockout of Damon Jackson, the Georgian established himself as one of the promotion’s hottest prospects with a memorable KO of veteran grappler Ryan Hall at UFC 264 last July.

Having moved inches away from a place in the featherweight rankings, “El Matador” was set to have his chance to enter the top 15 last month against Movsar Evloev, the current #13 contender. After the Russian withdrew, Charles Jordain stepped in, only for Topuria to be forced out days later. He’ll hope to return to regular activity in the coming months, starting with a win on his lightweight debut in England’s capital.

In the way of the 25-year-old making an impression at 155 pounds will be Herbert, a former lightweight champion in the renowned Cage Warriors promotion. While the Wolverhampton native fell to consecutive losses in his first two UFC outings, he was faced with the tough challenges of Renato Moicano and veteran Francisco Trinaldo.

Having entered the win column in the UFC for the first time last October, a triumph that came in the form of a first-round TKO victory over Khama Worthy, Herbert will hope to continue his momentum by adding the first blemish to Topuria’s record in front of a home crowd.

Herbert initially appeared set to meet Mike Davis on the March 19 card. However, with the 29-year-old’s reluctance to fight overseas, “The Black Country Banger” was left searching for a new foe, one that’s come in the form of an unbeaten divisional newcomer.

With Herbert’s place on the card set, he’ll join fellow Brits like Tom Aspinall, Arnold Allen, Paddy Pimblett, Paul Craig, and Molly McCann in London, as well as prominent international fighters like Dan Hooker, Gunnar Nelson, and Nikita Krylov.

Listed below are the fights currently expected to go down on March 19 in London, England:

Alexander Volkov vs. Tom Aspinall (heavyweight main event)

Dan Hooker vs. Arnold Allen (featherweight)

Paul Craig vs. Nikita Krylov (light heavyweight)

Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Sergei Pavlovich (heavyweight)

Jack Shore vs. Timur Valiev (bantamweight)

Paddy Pimblett vs. Kazula Vargas (lightweight)

Gunnar Nelson vs. Claudio Silva (welterweight)

Nathanial Wood vs. Liudvik Sholinian (bantamweight)

Ilia Topuria vs. Jai Herbert (lightweight)

Makwan Amirkhani vs. Mike Grundy (featherweight)

Molly McCann vs. Luana Carolina (women’s flyweight)

Cody Durden vs. Muhammad Mokaev (flyweight)

Cory McKenna vs. Elise Reed (women’s strawweight)

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC London, Ilia Topuria or Jai Herbert?

Continue Reading Ilia Topuria vs. Jai Herbert Added To March 19 UFC London Card at MMA News.

Tom Aspinall Ready To Begin Heavyweight Takeover At UFC London

UFC heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall is raring to go in 2022 and plans on beginning a heavyweight takeover with a main event victory over Alexander Volkov at UFC London. Early this week, the headlining fight for the UFC’s long-awaited return to England’s capital was confirmed. Unbeaten rising star Aspinall will collide with UFC veteran and […]

Continue Reading Tom Aspinall Ready To Begin Heavyweight Takeover At UFC London at MMA News.

UFC heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall is raring to go in 2022 and plans on beginning a heavyweight takeover with a main event victory over Alexander Volkov at UFC London.

Early this week, the headlining fight for the UFC’s long-awaited return to England’s capital was confirmed. Unbeaten rising star Aspinall will collide with UFC veteran and former Bellator heavyweight champion Volkov.

For Manchester’s Aspinall, the event will mark the first time he’s fought in front of a capacity UFC crowd, having defeated his first four opponents, Jake Collier, Alan Baudot, Andrei Arlovski, and Sergey Spivak, inside Las Vegas’ Apex facility and on Fight Island. What better way to arrive in front of a sold-out audience than in his home country?

Opposite him in the Octagon on March 19 will be a talented and unique Russian striker standing six feet and seven inches tall. Incredibly, UFC London will mark Volkov’s sixth main event in just 12 UFC appearances.

After having his title charged stalled at the hands of Ciryl Gane last summer, “Drago” will look to ride the momentum from his rebound victory over Marcin Tybura into his first outing of 2022, and set himself back on a winning streak.

Aspinall: “I’m Gonna Be Up There”

Many have been comparing Aspinall’s potential to that of Gane at the start of 2021. Last year was a breakout period for “Bon Gamin,” who made his main event debut against Jairzinho Rozenstruik in February, before defeating Volkov in a five-rounder four months later and having interim gold wrapped around his waist in a pay-per-view main event against Derrick Lewis in August.

With Aspinall boasting an unblemished UFC record and getting set for his first headlining bout in the first quarter of this year, many expect the Englishman to replicate the 2021 of his French UFC peer. If he’s to do so, Aspinall will have to get past Volkov, a task the Manchester native is confident he can complete.

During an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Aspinall suggested he’s ready to make the most of his UFC London opportunity and begin his takeover at heavyweight.

“These opportunities don’t come around all the time. I just feel like I’m ready, man. I just feel like this is my time man,” said Aspinall. “I just wanna go in there and show everybody just what I can really do, because everybody thinks they know what I’m good at and what I’m not good at, but nobody really knows. The only people who really know are the people around me. Mate, I’m gonna be up there and I’m gonna be flying the flag, and I’m gonna take over this shit.”

Similar to UK stars like Arnold Allen, Paddy Pimblett, Jack Shore, Nathanial Wood, Mike Grundy, Molly McCann, and Muhammad Mokaev, Aspinall will be hoping to leave his mark when he enters the cage inside London’s O2 Arena on March 19.

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC London in March, Tom Aspinall or Alexander Volkov?

Continue Reading Tom Aspinall Ready To Begin Heavyweight Takeover At UFC London at MMA News.