Tag: UFC News

Tony Ferguson Shares Deep Reflections After UFC 274 KO Loss

UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson posted a message of optimism despite suffering his fourth-straight loss to Michael Chandler at UFC 274. Ferguson got off to a good start against Chandler in their lightweight bout on the UFC 274 main card. He knocked down Chandler early in the fight and seemed comfortable utilizing his range on the…

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UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson posted a message of optimism despite suffering his fourth-straight loss to Michael Chandler at UFC 274.

Ferguson got off to a good start against Chandler in their lightweight bout on the UFC 274 main card. He knocked down Chandler early in the fight and seemed comfortable utilizing his range on the feet.

But Chandler would end the fight almost as quickly as it started with a vicious head kick knockout of Ferguson.

Ferguson was knocked out cold by the leg kick in Round 2, with many concerned about his wellbeing. After regaining consciousness, he was able to leave the Octagon and receive medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

Despite suffering from the jaws of defeat for a fourth-straight time, Ferguson seems in good spirits and is looking ahead to what’s next.

In a recent Instagram post, Ferguson sent an in-depth message to his fans following his fourth-straight loss.

“NewEnergy” ThanksCoach for takin’ the time to keep me Active Crew I Took a big kick to the dome this past Saturday inside that Octagon… It put me out for a longtime It was a scary feeling not remembering anything from beginning of second round all the way until I walked up to the ambulance I thank God EVERYDAY I made the trip back to reality,” Ferguson said. “All jokes aside, I didn’t mean to scare you all, should have done things different like keep my “Hands Up & Chin Down.” My fault I lost, props to Chandler for the highlight real finish.  I have many things to work on, not just competing. One Battle At A Time. I’m not perfect by any means, but I’ll continue to strive for it in-N-out of the practice room ( Perfection: an unobtainable goal).

“Someone wise once told me “Perfect practice makes perfect.” There’s always more to learn & being coachable is big. I’m Beyond greatful my movements are ok, my bones are intact & except for a slight headache in the mornings I’m glad to be back & doing what I Love (light duty) I want to be better than yesterday for sure,.. not for anyone else but for me. Making good adjustments daily, and will continue to do so- Champ -XTA2- Hometeam  # Thanks For Being Great, You’re The Best Crew A Type Of Guy Like Me Could Ask For *respect* Gonna watch my fight now for the first time B# Cleared and ready to learn again.”

Ferguson’s claims that he suffered memory loss as a result of the knockout are particularly concerning. But, he seems to be on the right path towards full recovery as he looks ahead to returning to the Octagon later this year.

Ferguson’s last win came against Donald Cerrone at UFC 238 via doctor’s stoppage. Before that, he earned the interim lightweight title over Kevin Lee and also defeated Anthony Pettis in his next appearance.

UFC President Dana White said leading up to the UFC 274 event that the Ferguson/Chandler loser’s job isn’t in jeopardy. Now, Ferguson will look forward to his return and a chance to snap his recent losing skid.

What was your reaction to Michael Chandler’s knockout of Tony Ferguson?

Continue Reading Tony Ferguson Shares Deep Reflections After UFC 274 KO Loss at MMA News.

Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksandar Raki? – LowKick MMA Staff Predictions

Jan BlachowiczThis weekend’s UFC main event features two elite light heavyweights clashing in what could well be a No.1 contender bout, with the victor likely to go on and face the winner of Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz will take on surging contender Aleksandar Rakic. The two European giants […]

Jan Blachowicz

This weekend’s UFC main event features two elite light heavyweights clashing in what could well be a No.1 contender bout, with the victor likely to go on and face the winner of Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz will take on surging contender Aleksandar Rakic. The two European giants are known for their finishing ability, and will undoubtedly put on an exciting and dynamic performance as they attempt to assert dominance over the 205lb landscape.

Who will pick up the win and take that next step towards title contention? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff have to say:

LowKick MMA Staff Predictions for Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksandar Rakic

Frank Bonada

Excellent matchmaking here from the UFC between two elite contenders both hailing from Europe – If only the fight were taking place in Poland or Austria. Regardless, it still has the makings of an extremely competitive bout. I am currently leaning towards Blachowicz. Rakic has a reputation for being a lethal knockout artist, but since his split decision loss to Volkan Oezdemir in 2019, ‘Rocket’ has become considerably more tentative in his approach. This did allow him to pick up wins over Thiago Santos and Anthony Smith, but against the ferocious tenacity of Blachowicz, I believe this approach will crumble. Blachowicz has demonstrated the ability to keep a high pace throughout and has a number of additionally damaging attacks in his arsenal. Blachowicz by decision or late stoppage.

Prediction: Blachowicz

Ross Markey

Former champion, Jan Blachowicz has been sidelined since losing the undisputed UFC light heavyweight championship last October to Glover Teixeira – and appears to be entering this weekend’s UFC Vegas 54 rescheduled headliner against Aleksandar Rakic with a certain chip on his shoulder. Suffering a surprising submission loss to the Brazilian, a combination of age and the fact that he’s surrounded by surging contenders at 205lbs, the Pole is faced with somewhat of a crossroads fight at light heavyweight. Experience will likely play a sizeable factor in his fight with Austrian-born upstart, Rakic – as well as a certain technical edge which will force Rakic to consider all means of offense beyond his composed striking, rangy shots, and the eventual utilization of his wrestling game. Blachowicz can, however, take solace in the fact that he’s faced the likes of fellow athletic strikers such as Israel Adesanya, and former champion, Luke Rockhold – and has emerged with victories in both. I’m expecting Blachowicz to land a decision victory over Rakic in a composed outing, without an overabundance of risking taking over the course of five rounds.

Prediction: Blachowicz

Michael Gringich

Rakic is ready to take that next step and will walk away with his hand raised. He’s been lights out since his loss to Volkan Oezdemir. I see Rakic fighting a smart fight and staying along the outside while technically picking Blachowicz apart. Although, one thing that is worrisome is Rakic’s long absence from the cage. With that being said, I believe youth prevails in this one and Rakic will most likely fight the winner of Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka for the title.

Prediction: Rakic

Olli Brockett

The main-event show at UFC Vegas 54 is set to be an interesting affair. Aleksander Rakic will be looking to further establish himself in the Lightweight division, with a win over the former champion Jan Blachowicz. However, despite the fact that Blachowicz is in the latter stages of his career. I believe the 39-year-old still has miles in the tank and will aim to utilize his high-level wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu to reduce Rakic’s ability to use his length and come out with a convincing decision victory this Saturday evening.

Prediction: Blachowicz

Who do you see winning this weekend?

Strickland Unleashes After Mitrione Defends Barry/Namajunas Relationship

Sean Strickland has unleashed on Matt Mitrione after the heavyweight spoke up in defense of the relationship between Pat Barry and UFC strawweight Rose Namajunas. Sean Strickland has quickly become one of the most outspoken members of the MMA community. He has been unafraid to tackle any subject, regardless of how taboo the take or…

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Sean Strickland has unleashed on Matt Mitrione after the heavyweight spoke up in defense of the relationship between Pat Barry and UFC strawweight Rose Namajunas.

Sean Strickland has quickly become one of the most outspoken members of the MMA community. He has been unafraid to tackle any subject, regardless of how taboo the take or subject matter.

This includes the personal relationships of his peers, namely the coach/fighter romantic relationships between Jim West and UFC women’s bantamweight Aspen Ladd and that of Namajunas and Barry.

Sean Strickland, Aspen Ladd, Rose Namajunas
Sean Strickland, Aspen Ladd, Rose Namajunas

Strickland has publicly condemned both relationships by classifying them as cases of sexual predators grooming underage girls. Ladd is rumored to have met West when she was 12, and Namajunas reportedly met Barry for the first time when she was 14. More recently, most of Strickland’s attention has been placed on the relationship between Namajunas and Barry.

That attention would increase this week after Barry touched on Strickland’s comments earlier this week in an appearance on The MMA Hour.

While Barry did not offer Strickland’s remarks much of a response, he did state that Strickland has always been friendly with him and Namajunas and also that those closest to them, including family members, understand the true story and all the pertaining facts behind their relationship.

After media outlets began to run Barry’s comments, Strickland would again take aim and fire.

“Here’s the thing guys 99 percent of what I say is usually wrong.. This is not that time.. @rosenamajunas@TheAspenLadd like my post if you need help. I’ll treat Pat Berry and Jim West like they treat minor.. Without consent, although it won’t be behind closed doors lmao!”

Strickland Blasts Matt Mitrione For Defending Barry

matt mitrione

Last week, days out from Namajunas’ UFC 274 bout against Carla Esparza, heavyweight MMA veteran Matt Mitrione addressed Strickland’s remarks on a podcast.

Mitrione has been a professional mixed martial artist since 2009. He spent seven years in the UFC, defeating names like Shawn Jordan, Gabriel Gonzaga, and even KO king Derrick Lewis. Mitrione joined Bellator MMA in 2016 and has gone winless in his last five fights.

In the clip below, Mitrione takes a strong tone in personally addressing Strickland, accusing the middleweight of not knowing what he’s talking about.

“I was there. I was at Duke Roufus’ gym when Rose was 17 years old. I was there on her 18th birthday. I was there for the conversation that Rose had with me (and) was like, ‘Hey, how do you think Pat feels about this situation? I’m turning 18 tomorrow and I want to ask him to date. I love who he is, I love his energy, I love how excited he is, I think he’s a great human being.’

“And Rose knew from the jump, from the jump that Pat was gonna be somebody who was in her life forever and ever. So for you to run your mouth, talking about whatever kind of bullshit you’re talking about, calling my good buddy Pat a predator when you don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about, that really kinda bothers me a little bit.”

Days after the podcast episode, it was revealed that Strickland was quite bothered as well. Strickland fired back at Mitrione for what he considered to be defending a predator while also being ignorant of the definition of “grooming.”

“So Matt Mitrione, I heard you had some shit to say about me and how what I said doesn’t sit well with you. Well, let me tell you, Matt: I don’t give a fuck what sits well with you. You’re a fucking can. When’s the last time you won a fucking fight? Aren’t you like 0-8 right now? You’re a fucking loser. Me and you aren’t even in the same fucking category.

“But I’m gonna address what you said about Pat Barry waiting till she was 18. Do you understand what fucking ‘grooming’ means? And mind you, I don’t give a fuck about Rose, I don’t give a fuck about you, I don’t give a fuck about Pat. I’m just stating the facts — that fucking Rose was groomed by Pat Barry. And you defending him, you fucking loser, why don’t we go and fucking check what’s on your fucking laptop, you fucking can?”

For good measure, Strickland would be sure to let Jim West know that he has not forgotten about him, either.

“And Jim West, you’re the same fuckin’ weirdo. And I don’t understand why nobody fuckin’ talks about you, but we all fuckin’ know what you’re doing, too.”

What are your thoughts on Matt Mitrione’s remarks and Sean Strickland’s response?

Continue Reading Strickland Unleashes After Mitrione Defends Barry/Namajunas Relationship at MMA News.

Luke Rockhold Reveals Khamzat Chimaev Turned Down Fight At Middleweight – “I Think That Was A Wise Move”

Luke RockholdFormer UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold has revealed that Khamzat Chimaev turned down a fight between the two men, preferring to continue his run in the welterweight division. Rockhold has not competed in the UFC since 2019, when he had a failed venture up to light heavyweight. However, the former champ is now ready to […]

Luke Rockhold

Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold has revealed that Khamzat Chimaev turned down a fight between the two men, preferring to continue his run in the welterweight division.

Rockhold has not competed in the UFC since 2019, when he had a failed venture up to light heavyweight. However, the former champ is now ready to return to his natural division. One of the potential opponents initially touted to face Rackhold was rising welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev, who has also previously competed at 185lbs.

In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Rockhold stated that

“Khamzat didn’t take the fight, by the way, we were set to fight,” he concluded. “He wanted to stay at 170. I think that was a wise move for him at this point.”

Luke Rockhold to face Paulo Costa at UFC 277

Whilst Luke Rockhold will not be facing Khamzat Chimaev next, he does have an oppoennt booked. Rockhold will face off against former title challenger Paulo Costa at UFC 277 in July.

Costa is currently riding a two fight losing streak, having come up short against Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori. For a time, it seemed likely that Costa’s future would be at light heavyweight, after he missed the weight limit by over 10lbs for the Vettori fight.

However, he will now face Rockhold, as both men attempt to rejuinate their 185lb careers. Speaking with ESPN, Rockhold discussed the fight, stating that:

“[The challenge] gets me up in the morning. I’m not here to fight bums. I’m here to fight people that have proven their worth, that gets me excited. I don’t get excited to get up and fight f—king idiots. Honestly, the Sean Strickland thing wasn’t that motivating. Paulo, he’s tested himself against the best and he’s just a f—king piece of s—t, he’s a meathead. So there’s certain parts about him that just get me excited to go correct the situation and get back on top. I want people that motivate me” (H/T MMA Mania).

How do you see Luke Rockhold vs. Paulo Costa playing out?

Michael Chandler Fractures Shin in Devastating Knockout of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274

Michael ChandlerMichael Chandler believes he fractured his shinbone moments before delivering a jaw-dropping knockout against Tony Ferguson at UFC 274.  Chandler (23-7-0) stepped into the Octagon at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ with the goal of getting back into the win column after a two-fight skid. In the process, Chandler provided the live audience and […]

Michael Chandler

Michael Chandler believes he fractured his shinbone moments before delivering a jaw-dropping knockout against Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. 

Chandler (23-7-0) stepped into the Octagon at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ with the goal of getting back into the win column after a two-fight skid. In the process, Chandler provided the live audience and fans at home with a stunning first-round front-kick KO of ‘El Cucuy’. 

While discussing the bout on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Chandler confirmed that his shinbone was likely fractured from one of the two kicks thrown that evening.

“God did not create our bones to crack up against each other like we do,” said Chandler. “I threw two kicks in that fight – one on Tony’s inside right leg as he was a southpaw. He switched stances and I hit him with a really hard low kick as well.”

“So [my] shinbone is jacked up, could have a fracture in there. My ankle has had some problems in the past. Obviously, the dislocated finger… it was definitely a hundred percent dislocated after having Dr. Davidson look at it,” Chandler said.

Michael Chandler’s Knockout Created a Scary Situation For Tony Ferguson Fans

Early in the fight, Ferguson appeared to have Chandler on the ropes as he landed clean causing Chandler’s right eye to swell significantly. Luckily for ‘Iron’ Mike, it only took 17 seconds of the second round for Chandler to send Ferguson crashing to the mat with a kick to the chin, reminiscent of Anderson Silva’s beloved front-kick to the face of Vitor Belfort at UFC 126. 

‘El Cucuy’ remained unconscious for multiple minutes causing concern among fans. Thankfully Ferguson regained consciousness and was released from a local hospital following a CT scan that evening.

After his win, Michael Chandler had words with Nate Diaz on Twitter with the both seemingly agreeing to a bout slated for UFC 277 on July 30. The UFC has not commented on the potential bout as of yet.

Would you like to see Michael Chandler vs. Nate Diaz?

Michael Chandler Feels Bad About Making Tony Ferguson A Meme

Michael Chandler feels bad about turning Tony Ferguson into a meme at UFC 274. Chandler knocked Ferguson out in devastating fashion on the main card of the UFC 274 pay-per-view (PPV) from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona this past weekend. The victory ended a two-fight losing skid for Chandler, who has quickly established himself…

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Michael Chandler feels bad about turning Tony Ferguson into a meme at UFC 274.

Chandler knocked Ferguson out in devastating fashion on the main card of the UFC 274 pay-per-view (PPV) from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona this past weekend. The victory ended a two-fight losing skid for Chandler, who has quickly established himself as one of the more exciting fighters under the promotion’s banner. As for Ferguson, this marks his fourth-straight loss in a row.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani on “The MMA Hour” this week, Chandler discussed his win over Ferguson, explaining that he actually feels bad for turning “El Cucuy” into a meme with the still image of the knockout shot going around.

Photo: The moment of impact from Chandler's KO of Ferguson at UFC 274 - MMAmania.com
Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler

“I feel more bad for him than I do feel proud of myself, to be honest with you. It’s one of those pictures where it’s just like, gosh, dang, man. That could be any of us. Mixed martial arts is such a ruthless, tough game, man.

“And we’ve all been on the wrong side of those exchanges. We’ve all been on the right side of those exchanges. It’s just is your card gonna be called? Is your number gonna be called tonight? Is it my number or your number that’s getting called tonight?

“And luckily for me, it was his number that got called. Unfortunately for him but lucky for me, those pictures will live on the internet forever, and he has become a meme and that kind of stuff.”

Chandler went on to explain that the vulnerability that fighters put themselves in when stepping into the Octagon should make people love the sport even more.

“If anything it should make people love the sport more that we’re braving the unknown and braving the embarrassment every single time we put those gloves on. Because the internet is ruthless, it’s undefeated, and the trolls be everywhere.”

With his big win, Chandler has put himself back in the mix at the top of the lightweight stack. Of course, with the title now vacant the possibilities are endless matchup-wise. It will be interesting to see who “Iron” gets paired with next time around.

Would you feel bad for Tony Ferguson if you were Michael Chandler?

Continue Reading Michael Chandler Feels Bad About Making Tony Ferguson A Meme at MMA News.