Top UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson solidified his case for a UFC title shot by beating former champ Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of last night’s (Sat., November 5, 2016) UFC Fight Night 98 from the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. Pressuring dos Anjos with a heavy mix of unorthodox strikes coming from many
Top UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson solidified his case for a UFC title shot by beating former champ Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of last night’s (Sat., November 5, 2016) UFC Fight Night 98 from the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico.
Pressuring dos Anjos with a heavy mix of unorthodox strikes coming from many various angles, Ferguson picked up his ninth straight win and solidified his chances at a coveted title shot. ‘RDA’ did look effective early on and appeared to fade after a mid-fight eye poke seemed to slow his momentum, but Ferguson still showed why many feel he is the next champion of the dangerous UFC lightweight division.
But fights against Eddie Alvarez, Conor McGregor, and/or his oft-scheduled nemesis Khabib Nurmagomedov. While those three contests would form quite a gauntlet, Ferguson has proven to be more than ready to take on anyone and everyone.
Do you believe ‘El Cucuy’ will be UFC champ in the near future?
Already owning 22 wins in his professional MMA career, 24-year-old submission grappler Marcin Held was looking to make a splash debut in the Octagon when he battled longtime veteran Diego Sanchez in the co-main event of tonight’s (Sat., November 5, 2016) UFC Fight Night 98 from the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. Unfortunately
Already owning 22 wins in his professional MMA career, 24-year-old submission grappler Marcin Held was looking to make a splash debut in the Octagon when he battled longtime veteran Diego Sanchez in the co-main event of tonight’s (Sat., November 5, 2016) UFC Fight Night 98 from the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico.
Unfortunately for the Bellator standout, however, it was ‘The Nightmare’s’ own ground game that won the day in a highly exciting contest. Aside from strong moments early in the striking from Held, Sanchez was more than able to fend off the a never-ending string of leglock attempts from the quickly fading newcomer, punishing him with solid ground and pound as his limbs twisted and turned out of every hold.
The victory was a decisive one for the fan favorite Sanchez, a hard-charging veteran who won the first season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) and picked up a win over a tough challenger at the TUF Latin America 3 Finale tonight. Watch the highlights of Sanchez’ second win in three fights this year here:
Two lightweights looking for a fast track to a title shot threw down this evening when surging contender Tony Ferguson met former champ Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of tonight’s (Sat., November 5, 2016) UFC Fight Night 98 from the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. On a strong eight-fight win streak,
Two lightweights looking for a fast track to a title shot threw down this evening when surging contender Tony Ferguson met former champ Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of tonight’s (Sat., November 5, 2016) UFC Fight Night 98 from the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico.
On a strong eight-fight win streak, Ferguson came into the fight feeling disrespected after no top names like Eddie Alvarez and Conor McGregor called him out and many bouts with Khabib Nurmagomedov fell by the wayside. Ferguson also came in off a close call when he stopped unorthodox late replacement Lando Vannata at July’s UFC Fight Night 91 after absorbing some huge strikes from ‘Groovy.’
RDA came in off of a somewhat surprising first-round TKO loss to current champ Alvarez, signaling he had to re-prove himself in one of the UFC’s most talented divisions. Despite some good moments, however, he was unable to do that when Ferguson used a heavy pressure game to out-land “RDA” by a steady clip over the course of five grueling rounds to score his biggest-ever win, also his ninth in a row.
Check out the video highlights of Ferguson’s stellar victory below:
Tony Ferguson vs. Rafael Dos Anjos: Mike Drahota: The UFC picked a strong fight to kick off their jam-packed year-ending push, and it’s one that many are pegging as unpredictable. Ferguson clearly has the momentum with his lengthy win streak, and he also provides some value as a +125 underdog according to BigOnSports.com. Favored former
The UFC picked a strong fight to kick off their jam-packed year-ending push, and it’s one that many are pegging as unpredictable. Ferguson clearly has the momentum with his lengthy win streak, and he also provides some value as a +125 underdog according to BigOnSports.com. Favored former champion dos Anjos has some questions to answer after he lost the belt to Eddie Alvarez in a surprising TKO loss this July.
Ferguson does as well, as he was nearly finished by unorthodox late replacement Lando Vannatta at July’s UFC Fight Night 91, signifying that he’s far from invincible despite his gaudy results. Still, I think the rangy Ferguson will be tough to take down, and his reach advantage could lend him an advantage in striking exchanges. If dos Anjos can pressure “El Cucuy” and make this fight dirty, it should be in his favor, but I think Ferguson is just too hungry to let that gameplan succeed. Ferguson by decision.
Rory Kernaghan:
The main event in Mexico City is certainly a tough one to pick. The former champion Rafael dos Anjos was steam-rolling opponents up until he met Eddie Alvarez, and is arguably the highest caliber of fighter Tony Ferguson has ever faced. ‘El Cucuy’ has looked rampant in his eight fight winning streak, and I feel he will be too much for dos Anjos. The reach advantage, ability to strike from a distance and an overall unpredictability will all play in favor of Ferguson. My pick is Tony Ferguson by decision.
Mike Henken:
This main event features an intriguing battle between two of the very best lightweights in the world, and I also admit that it was a difficult pick. Dos Anjos, the former champion, is an explosive striker/wrestler in addition to a rock-solid Brazilian Jiu-jitsu background. His striking has improved greatly in recent years and he has the ability to finish a fight in multiple ways, but he’s also coming off of a brutal stoppage loss to Eddie Alvarez just last July, which may affect him. Ferguson, on the other hand, has won an incredible eight straight. He typically uses an unorthodox striking style backed by a strong submission skill set of his own. In fact, five of his last eight wins have come by way of stoppage. With this bout, I simply feel as if “El Cucuy” will carry more momentum into the fight. Ferguson by fourth round TKO.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas for USA TODAY Sports
Diego Sanchez vs. Marcin Held:
Mike Drahota:
A throwback to the early days of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), fan-favorite Sanchez now has his back against the wall against submission whiz Held after several losses. The young grappler will present some serious problems for Sanchez if and when this fight hits the ground, even though he possesses his own jiu-jitsu black belt. Time could be running out for Sanchez’ storied career, and unless he can goad Held into a brawl, things aren’t looking all that rosy for the +210 underdog on BigOnSports.com. The 24-year-old mat technician reminds me of a 155-pound Demian Maia in the making, and I agree that he has earned every bit of his status as a -255 favorite. With the deck stacked against Sanchez, I have to choose Held by first round submission.
Rory Kernaghan:
Diego Sanchez returned to lightweight against Jim Miller at UFC 196, looking miles better than he did at 145 pounds. At UFC 200 Joe Lauzon wrecked him, and so his bout against Marcin Held in Mexico really depends on who shows up. ‘The Nightmare’ is a demon in the pocket, but I feel the years of abuse in the octagon have really caught up to him lately. Although Held isn’t exactly a threat in the striking, he has some serious grappling chops to display. It’s a tough pick, and five years ago it would have clearly been a lot easier. Hometown advantage, and the fact Marcin Held is fighting for the first time in the UFC could come in to play here. I’m going to go with my gut, Diego Sanchez by decision.
Mike Henken:
Held will be making his UFC debut in this bout after a successful stint in Bellator, and he will be thrown right in with a longtime UFC veteran in Diego Sanchez. Sanchez is a wild fighter with a wealth of experience and a strong submission skill set, but I simply don’t feel as if he’s the fighter he once was. At 34 years of age, Sanchez has lost four of his last seven bouts. Held, 24, also possesses a decorated BJJ background and I see him getting the job done here. Held by first round submission.
Tony Ferguson vs. Rafael Dos Anjos: Mike Drahota: The UFC picked a strong fight to kick off their jam-packed year-ending push, and it’s one that many are pegging as unpredictable. Ferguson clearly has the momentum with his lengthy win streak, and he also provides some value as a +125 underdog according to BigOnSports.com. Favored former
The UFC picked a strong fight to kick off their jam-packed year-ending push, and it’s one that many are pegging as unpredictable. Ferguson clearly has the momentum with his lengthy win streak, and he also provides some value as a +125 underdog according to BigOnSports.com. Favored former champion dos Anjos has some questions to answer after he lost the belt to Eddie Alvarez in a surprising TKO loss this July.
Ferguson does as well, as he was nearly finished by unorthodox late replacement Lando Vannatta at July’s UFC Fight Night 91, signifying that he’s far from invincible despite his gaudy results. Still, I think the rangy Ferguson will be tough to take down, and his reach advantage could lend him an advantage in striking exchanges. If dos Anjos can pressure “El Cucuy” and make this fight dirty, it should be in his favor, but I think Ferguson is just too hungry to let that gameplan succeed. Ferguson by decision.
Rory Kernaghan:
The main event in Mexico City is certainly a tough one to pick. The former champion Rafael dos Anjos was steam-rolling opponents up until he met Eddie Alvarez, and is arguably the highest caliber of fighter Tony Ferguson has ever faced. ‘El Cucuy’ has looked rampant in his eight fight winning streak, and I feel he will be too much for dos Anjos. The reach advantage, ability to strike from a distance and an overall unpredictability will all play in favor of Ferguson. My pick is Tony Ferguson by decision.
Mike Henken:
This main event features an intriguing battle between two of the very best lightweights in the world, and I also admit that it was a difficult pick. Dos Anjos, the former champion, is an explosive striker/wrestler in addition to a rock-solid Brazilian Jiu-jitsu background. His striking has improved greatly in recent years and he has the ability to finish a fight in multiple ways, but he’s also coming off of a brutal stoppage loss to Eddie Alvarez just last July, which may affect him. Ferguson, on the other hand, has won an incredible eight straight. He typically uses an unorthodox striking style backed by a strong submission skill set of his own. In fact, five of his last eight wins have come by way of stoppage. With this bout, I simply feel as if “El Cucuy” will carry more momentum into the fight. Ferguson by fourth round TKO.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas for USA TODAY Sports
Diego Sanchez vs. Marcin Held:
Mike Drahota:
A throwback to the early days of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), fan-favorite Sanchez now has his back against the wall against submission whiz Held after several losses. The young grappler will present some serious problems for Sanchez if and when this fight hits the ground, even though he possesses his own jiu-jitsu black belt. Time could be running out for Sanchez’ storied career, and unless he can goad Held into a brawl, things aren’t looking all that rosy for the +210 underdog on BigOnSports.com. The 24-year-old mat technician reminds me of a 155-pound Demian Maia in the making, and I agree that he has earned every bit of his status as a -255 favorite. With the deck stacked against Sanchez, I have to choose Held by first round submission.
Rory Kernaghan:
Diego Sanchez returned to lightweight against Jim Miller at UFC 196, looking miles better than he did at 145 pounds. At UFC 200 Joe Lauzon wrecked him, and so his bout against Marcin Held in Mexico really depends on who shows up. ‘The Nightmare’ is a demon in the pocket, but I feel the years of abuse in the octagon have really caught up to him lately. Although Held isn’t exactly a threat in the striking, he has some serious grappling chops to display. It’s a tough pick, and five years ago it would have clearly been a lot easier. Hometown advantage, and the fact Marcin Held is fighting for the first time in the UFC could come in to play here. I’m going to go with my gut, Diego Sanchez by decision.
Mike Henken:
Held will be making his UFC debut in this bout after a successful stint in Bellator, and he will be thrown right in with a longtime UFC veteran in Diego Sanchez. Sanchez is a wild fighter with a wealth of experience and a strong submission skill set, but I simply don’t feel as if he’s the fighter he once was. At 34 years of age, Sanchez has lost four of his last seven bouts. Held, 24, also possesses a decorated BJJ background and I see him getting the job done here. Held by first round submission.
The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 finale just got a blockbuster main event confirmed. The UFC will make their return to Mexico City on November 5 to seal up their latest season of TUF Latin America, and they’ll do so with two of the most dangerous and explosive lightweights the division has to offer. Former […]
The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 finale just got a blockbuster main event confirmed. The UFC will make their return to Mexico City on November 5 to seal up their latest season of TUF Latin America, and they’ll do so with two of the most dangerous and explosive lightweights the division has to offer. Former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos will hope to bounce back from his title losing defeat against Eddie Alvrez, but faces a surging contender like very few others in Tony Ferguson.
Prior to the July 7 loss to ‘The Silent Assassin,’ the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ace was tearing through contenders like nobody’s business. ‘El Cucuy’ is doing the same right now, having recently stopped Lando Vannata in a thrilling encounter at UFC Fight Night 91. It’s eight straight with six finishes for Ferguson now,but he’s arguably never faced anyone close to the calibre of ‘RDA.’
Fan will no doubt be treated to a great fight when these two dangerous 155-pound monsters throw down, and it’s going to be hard to deny either man a title fight with a victory.
Here’s the UFC’s official announcement of dos Anjos vs. Ferguson for November 5:
So will it be the ex-champion, still healing from his KO loss, to get the b-line back to the title picture, or does the TUF veteran ‘El Cucuy’ continue his demolition spree?
