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Cannonier: Adesanya Will Have To Change His Approach To Beat Me

UFC middleweight Jared Cannonier believes Israel Adesanya will have to adapt his game plan against him if he’s to defend his title once more. The UFC middleweight champion is expected to put his title on the line against ‘The Killa Gorilla’ sometime later this year. Adesanya has previously stated his intentions to face Cannonier sometime…

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UFC middleweight Jared Cannonier believes Israel Adesanya will have to adapt his game plan against him if he’s to defend his title once more.

The UFC middleweight champion is expected to put his title on the line against ‘The Killa Gorilla’ sometime later this year. Adesanya has previously stated his intentions to face Cannonier sometime this summer.

Cannonier looks to have earned himself a title shot having beaten fellow top-ranked contender Derek Brunson at UFC 271 via 2nd round knockout. Adesanya defended his title that night and liked what he saw from the #2 ranked middleweight.

Having now won five out of his last six, with four of those wings being knockouts, Cannonier looks certain for a shot at the title. Adesanya has even labeled the UFC middleweight as the ‘darkhorse’ of the 185lbs division.

In an interview with Helen Yee Sports, Cannonier spoke of what he is expecting when is set to take on the champion later this year.

“All I know, without giving up too much of my gameplan, all I know is that it’s gonna be very competitive, more competitive than any other fights that he’s had in the Octagon. I’m sure it’s gonna be the same for me, but I’m gonna anticipate less. (It’s just about) answering any other questions that he’s gonna present to me, answering them with ferocity… I feel like he’s gonna have to change his approach, that’s for sure. He’s not gonna be stylebending in there. I plan on neutralizing his game and opposing mine, like I do with any and everybody.”

Adesanya has been eager to face Cannonier for some time with a fresh challenge on the mind of the champion. ‘The Last Stylebender’ has had to endure two rematches that have failed to excite him as much as the opportunity to face a new challenger.

Cannonier now brings the threat Adesanya wanted, with the UFC middleweight champion facing a former light heavyweight fighter that will bring destructive knockout power.

Do you see Cannonier causing an upset against Adesanya?

Continue Reading Cannonier: Adesanya Will Have To Change His Approach To Beat Me at MMA News.

Sonnen: Volkanovski Is The Greatest Featherweight Of All Time

Chael Sonnen believes Alexander Volkanovski is the greatest featherweight of all time. The UFC featherweight champion looked to claim another prestigious name to his résumé at UFC 273 and did so with his 3rd round stoppage victory over Chan Sung Jung. Following his win over ‘The Korean Zombie’, Volkanovski climbed to #2 in the UFC’s…

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Chael Sonnen believes Alexander Volkanovski is the greatest featherweight of all time.

The UFC featherweight champion looked to claim another prestigious name to his résumé at UFC 273 and did so with his 3rd round stoppage victory over Chan Sung Jung.

Following his win over ‘The Korean Zombie’, Volkanovski climbed to #2 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings above Israel Adesanya and behind only Kamaru Usman.

Adesanya himself came out declaring Volkanovski as the featherweight GOAT post-UFC 273. Sonnen agrees with the UFC middleweight champion, telling his YouTube channel that he has never seen a featherweight capable of defeating Volkanovski.

“Volk is the greatest 45 pounder ever,” said Sonnen. “I don’t need to hear about résumés, I don’t need to hear about how many years he had or how many times he defended, I don’t need to hear about finishes and knockouts and submissions, I don’t need any of that. Real simple, have I ever seen a 45-pounder in the history of my life that can beat Volkanovski? No. Okay then Volkanovski’s the guy, that’s the math here.

“And when I tell you that he’s done enough, he has done enough. At some point, it’s up to the passengers if you want on that seat next to him. If you want to do big business, if you want to do main events, that’s up to you, you got to figure that out. Volk does not need to lower himself, Volk does not need to start calling guys out, Volk does not need to do any kind of publicity stunt. He has done his part and he gave everyone a chance to beat him, everybody. He gave some guys multiple chances to beat him. He’s done his part.”

The UFC featherweight champion has conquered some prestigious names inside the organization including the likes of José Aldo, Max Holloway, Chad Mendes, and Brian Ortega. He remains undefeated inside the UFC while having lost only once professionally, which was during the early stages of his career.

Many have claimed that Max Holloway is the greatest featherweight of all time. Yet Volkanovski holds two wins over the Hawaiian in his argument for greatness.

A trilogy fight may well be next in the pipeline for the featherweight division, and it could determine whether Volkanovski really is the GOAT of 145lbs.

Do you think Volkanovski is the greatest featherweight of all time?

Continue Reading Sonnen: Volkanovski Is The Greatest Featherweight Of All Time at MMA News.

Vicente Luque vs. Belal Muhammad 2 – Staff Predictions

This weekend the UFC returns to the Apex Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, bringing with it an electric welterweight rematch between two top contenders. When Belal Muhammad and Vicente Luque first clashed, back in 2016, ‘The Silent Assasin’ made short work of his opponent. Luque knocked Muhammad out cold in round one of their first […]

This weekend the UFC returns to the Apex Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, bringing with it an electric welterweight rematch between two top contenders.

When Belal Muhammad and Vicente Luque first clashed, back in 2016, ‘The Silent Assasin’ made short work of his opponent. Luque knocked Muhammad out cold in round one of their first UFC octagon meeting. However, ‘Remember The Name’ now has the chance to live up to his moniker and take his revenge on the hard-hitting Brazilian.

Will history repeat itself in another Luque KO victory? Or will Muhammad manage to turn the tables and show just how much he has developed since their first fight? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff have to say:

Vicente Luque vs. Belal Muhammad 2

Frank Bonada

As much as Muhammad has impressed over the past few years, I simply find it incredibly hard to bet against Vicente Luque. ‘The Silent Assasain’ is such a dangerous individual inside the octagon, perfectly showcased in the first fight with Muhammad. However, upon diving deeper into this matchup, it is considerably more intriguing than it initially appeared. Muhammad’s wrestling game was on full display against ‘Wonderboy’ in his most recent UFC appearance, and this could well be another avenue for him to exploit against Luque. A counter-argument could be made that Luque’s dangerous submission game could work as a deterrent, but Muhammad has never been submitted in his entire career. Ultimately I will go with a Luque KO/TKO victory later in the fight, but Muhammad is certainly a live dog in this one.

Ross Markey

Both Vicente Luque and Belal Muhammad have come on leaps and bounds since their November 2016 clash it must be said. The pair have since accumulated so much more Octagon experience — against a range of high-level, championship-caliber opponents to boot. Luque, in particular, has a knack for finishes throughout his tenure with the organization – displaying his grappling ability in his two most recent wins. That new edge to his game – paired with his grit and striking makes him good value for me to land a second career win over Muhammad at UFC Vegas 51.

Makoa Goble

This weekend fight fans are highly anticipating the interesting rematch between Vicente Luque and Belal Muhammad. The pair first fought in 2016, and both have steadily climbed the rankings and made significant improvements to their game. Expect this one to be a war. With Luque fighting, things can end in an instant. However, on paper, everything points to this one going the distance and being a very tough contest. Although it’s hard to choose, you could say Luque will win via decision. Don’t be surprised if it ends up going the other way though, or if the fight ends via finish!

Patrick Post

I’m picking Vicente Luque. He’s got the clear advantage in the striking which Belal is going to have a hard time dealing with. If Belal looks to utilize his wrestling/takedowns it could leave him vulnerable to submission attempts from Luque. Chiesa left his neck open for a second and Luque snatched it up! Luque by submission.

Lewis Simpson

‘Im taking Vicente Luque to leave victorious again. I feel Luque is really one of the most underrated and appreciated in the division. A statement victory over a durable Muhammad could potentially be a coming-out party for the Brazilian. Muhammad’s last and only stoppage loss came to Luque, which would leave you with a pinch of self-doubt even as a mentally strong individual. Overall, I think the bout will be fought at a grueling pace, with Muhammad landing several takedowns and controlling the action. Luque has shown an excellent will to get back to his feet in the past, and I think that will be the difference-maker. Muhammad may struggle over 25-minutes to keep the fight on the mat, but once Luque has the freedom to pick his openings and dive into the toolbox, he will capitalize on the shot selection, like in the first bout. Luque by stoppage.

Raul Arent

I got Belal. I believe He learned his lesson last time. He won’t want to be in a striking match again with Luque. I think he looks to take this to the ground where he squeezes out a win on the Judge’s scorecards after 5 rounds.

What’s your prediction for this welterweight rematch?

Jake Paul Reveals Shortlist for His Next Boxing Opponent, Feels Ready to Make the Transition to MMA

Jake Paul continues to take the boxing world by storm, and the YouTube sensation has revealed a shortlist of who could be next for him between the ropes. In his most recent outing, Jake Paul dismantled former UFC welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley in spectacular fashion. The anticipation pursues to grow on who Paul will face next. Several […]

Jake Paul continues to take the boxing world by storm, and the YouTube sensation has revealed a shortlist of who could be next for him between the ropes.

In his most recent outing, Jake Paul dismantled former UFC welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley in spectacular fashion. The anticipation pursues to grow on who Paul will face next. Several notable names have been thrown in that hat, but nothing is locked in as of yet.

In a recent interview with Teddy Atlas, Jake Paul shortlisted six potential opponents that are on his radar for the next bout.

Jake Paul Reveals Six-Man Shortlist

“Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, Anderson Silva, Michael Bisping, Tommy Fury or Sonny-Bill Williams out of Australia. There’s a lot of people on the hit-list and some other names that we’re talking to. Just trying to pick the biggest opponent.

“Everyone I’ve fought I’ve carried the promotion, nobody has matched my star power so I’m looking for someone who can match my star power – we might fight in Australia, America or the UAE.”

Despite boxing being Paul’s chosen craft, the 25-year-old is banking on himself to transition to mixed martial arts. ‘The Problem Child’ believes UFC President Dana White would be open to having him compete under the UFC banner. White and Paul have had previous back and forths, but the UFC boss is not stupid when it comes to intelligent business. It’s a move that the organisation could very well gain from.

Paul Eager on Transitioning to MMA

“I think it’s timing and proving myself more in the boxing side of things, and pretty soon the UFC and the MMA side, it’ll be undeniable for me to get into the Octagon, or fight for one of these other organizations against a big name. So I think it’s all a timing thing and Dana [White] seems to be open to it. Right,” Paul said on Teddy Atlas’ podcast.

“He said on my brother’s podcast he might let Logan fight in the UFC and I think he’s coming around to me and starting to see what I’m about and what I actually stand for. Obviously, he doesn’t like me harping on the fighter pay side of things and sort of harming his business, and being a shareholder in Endeavor and pushing on the investment side of things. There’s definitely a feud there, so we’ll see what happens.”

With White open to having one Paul brother in Logan try his luck among the best mixed martial artists in the world, there’s no reason to suggest why White would decline Jake’s interest in competing in the UFC. The Paul brothers have made a name for themselves through hard work, dedication and the skill of promotion. Whatever the pair set their mind to, both seem to accomplish the goal.

Paul’s last three wins have come against former MMA champions Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley, and he does have an extensive background in Wrestling. It would be a case of perfecting the craft and mixing the ability to strike and wrestle in the Octagon. A whole different ball game, but one Paul feels confident he would succeed in.

The Cleveland born sits at (5-0) in his boxing career, with four of those victories becoming viral knockouts. Every outing, Paul finds himself against progressively better opposition, which is smart for his development and growth as a fighter. Still, with success comes critics. Many don’t hold Paul’s skill-set in high regard due to continuing to fight undersized athletes who aren’t professional boxers.

Who do you believe will be the next fighter to stand across the ring from Jake Paul, and do you believe we will see him transition to MMA?

Muhammad: Poirier & Adesanya Callouts Prove Covington Isn’t Hungry

UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad thinks Colby Covington’s priorities aren’t straight when it comes to his recent callouts. Muhammad will face rising contender Vicente Luque in a UFC Fight Night headliner on April 16. He has been on a roll as of late with wins over the likes of former title challengers Stephen Thompson and…

Continue Reading Muhammad: Poirier & Adesanya Callouts Prove Covington Isn’t Hungry at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad thinks Colby Covington’s priorities aren’t straight when it comes to his recent callouts.

Muhammad will face rising contender Vicente Luque in a UFC Fight Night headliner on April 16. He has been on a roll as of late with wins over the likes of former title challengers Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia.

Following Covington’s infamous Brazil rant following his win over Demian Maia, Muhammad promised to put Covington in the ICU for his comments. Covington most recently defeated Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 and is seeking a third go-around with Kamaru Usman.

During a recent interview with YouTuber AbzTalks, Muhammad explained why a fight with Covington would make a lot of sense with a win.

“I think the build-up to that one would be huge, just with the talking back-and-forth,” Muhammad said. “But Colby is one of those guys that’s gonna sit on the sidelines and think that he’s a money fight—wait for the easier road back to the title. Like, alright, you fought Masvidal coming off two losses, and he came off a big knockout. It’s not like you sat there and beat somebody coming off a win or a win streak. Then you go back even before that, who’d you beat? Woodley, another guy off a losing streak. Who have you beaten that makes me think you need another chance at a title shot?

Belal Muhammad (Image Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LlC)

“Cause you had two close matches with Usman? Give somebody else the Usman match. I think I’ll beat Usman… (Covington vs. Usman 3) doesn’t really make sense to me cause he hasn’t beaten anyone else that’s been in the rankings like that,” Muhammad continued. “Beat a guy like Gilbert Burns, beat a guy like Khamzat, beat a guy like me… He’s sitting their calling out Dustin Poirier, a ’55er; calling out Nate Diaz; sitting there calling out Israel Adesanya, trying to go straight up to the title shot. Like, those things tell me that he ain’t really that hungry.”

Covington called out another former American Top Team teammate, Dustin Poirier, following his win over Masvidal. He’s also hinted at potentially moving up to middleweight to challenge Israel Adesanya for the belt, but Muhammad seems to be a willing opponent if he intends to continue at welterweight.

Muhammad has a massive opportunity to earn another signature win en route to a potential title shot. If he can get past Luque this weekend, a fight with Covington could ensure his path to fighting for the belt.

Would you want to see Belal Muhammad vs. Colby Covington if Muhammad beats Vicente Luque?

Continue Reading Muhammad: Poirier & Adesanya Callouts Prove Covington Isn’t Hungry at MMA News.

Shavkat Rakhmonov Fires Back at Khamzat Chimaev:’We Can Fight in the Cage or in the Streets’

Shavkat Rakhmonov has fired back at Khamzat Chimaev after the Chechen born labeled Rakhmonov a ‘chump’. Chimaev continues to be the hot topic of discussion within the world of MMA. The 27-year-old is fresh off a significant victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC 273, which saw both men battle it out in a fight of […]

Shavkat Rakhmonov has fired back at Khamzat Chimaev after the Chechen born labeled Rakhmonov a ‘chump’.

Chimaev continues to be the hot topic of discussion within the world of MMA. The 27-year-old is fresh off a significant victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC 273, which saw both men battle it out in a fight of the year contender. Chimaev moved to #3 in the welterweight rankings and now targets a super fight with titleholder Kamaru Usman.

Since joining the UFC in 2020, Rakhmonov has also made waves in the welterweight division, accumulating three stoppage victories, taking his undefeated record to an imposing (15-0).

Preceding UFC 273, Rakhmonov was questioned about the proposition of meeting Chimaev in the Octagon. He said the following:

Shavkat Rakhmonov Responds to Khamzat Chimaev’s Comments

“I don’t know! It doesn’t really matter. Whoever they tell me to fight. If the rankings match right and the UFC makes that fight, I’m gonna do it without hesitation. But it’s not the right time to call him out, cuz he’s got an upcoming fight and might fight for a title potentially. The callouts are unnecessary now. Once I’ll get to him (in the rankings) we’ll fight!”

Many were impressed by the showing of heart, determination, grit, and overcoming adversity that Chimaev displayed on the night. However, Rakhmonov felt the performance was underwhelming:

“Shavkat Rakhmonov not impressed with Khamzat Chimaev’s skills”

Chimaev was quick to bite back in response, which was later deleted:

Khamzat Chimaev Throws Jab at Shavkat Rakhmonov

“Who’s that chump?!”

In a Q&A session, Rakhmonov was asked about his overall thoughts on Chimaev as a fellow competitor, responding (h/t MMANews):

“Let him say it to my face, not in comments. We’ll talk when we see each other. I’ve nothing against him. We’re just opponents and I’m not gonna insult him. I’m not gonna insult his family or nation. We’ll fight one day and then see who’s better.”

Rakhmonov was unfazed by Chimaev’s ‘Chump’ comment, stating he doesn’t take much from insults and believes it’s an indication that he’s in Chimaev’s head.

Later, a fan asked if he thought Chimaev was even aware that he existed. Rakhmonov responded, adamant that the Swede knows precisely who the Kazakh is, claiming he would be the biggest fight for Chimaev.

“Surely, he does! How can he not know?! I’m the biggest fight for him! It’s not Burns or a title. We can fight in the cage or in the streets. If someone has something to tell, we can do it. If someone has ‘questions’ to me, we can do it anywhere.”

With two undefeated welterweights throwing jabs at each other, a fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov is a fight we could very well see in the future. How would you expect this matchup to unfold?