Tag: UFC News

EXCLUSIVE | Jared Cannonier Expects Derek Brunson To Wrestle, Predicts Knockout Win At UFC 271

Jared CannonierJared Cannonier has certainly made no bones about his game plan for his UFC 271 showdown and potential title-eliminator with Derek Brunson – predicting a knockout win over the North Carolina veteran, whom he believes will enter the Octagon with the intent of wrestling early and often. Cannonier, who returned to the winner’s enclosure back […]

Jared Cannonier

Jared Cannonier has certainly made no bones about his game plan for his UFC 271 showdown and potential title-eliminator with Derek Brunson – predicting a knockout win over the North Carolina veteran, whom he believes will enter the Octagon with the intent of wrestling early and often.

Cannonier, who returned to the winner’s enclosure back in August at UFC Vegas 34, managed to secure a unanimous decision win over former interim middleweight title challenger, Kelvin Gastelum. The win kept Cannonier alive and kicking in the middleweight title hunt, landing him at #3 following a prior loss to former division best, Robert Whittaker.

Jared Cannonier currently boasts a 4-1 record at middleweight since his division move

For Brunson, the top-10 mainstay has enjoyed a certain purple-patch recently, extending his winning spree to five straight victories with a September third round guillotine win over former welterweight title challenger, Darren Till. The win came as Brunson’s second of the year, following a dominant wrestling display en route to a unanimous judging success against Kevin Holland.

Originally expected to meet next weekend at UFC 270 on January 22. – the bout between Cannonier and Brunson has been elevated to UFC 271 on February 12. – beneath a middleweight title rematch between champion, Israel Adesanya, and the above mentioned, Whittaker. 

With the victor likely to challenge for spoils in their next outing, Cannonier recently spoke with LowKick MMA reporter, James Lynch, where he provided his thoughts on how a matchup with Brunson could play out, from a stylistic point of view. 

“I think, stylistically – we’ve all heard that old moniker, ‘striker vs. grappler’ thing,” Jared Cannonier said. “And it’s a prevalent aspect of this fight. Pretty much, his only means of victory is to impose his wrestling. Of course, he’s got that power, he’s got that long, lunging left hand that we’re all accustomed to seeing and stuff like that so. And he’s got that ground-and-pound as well. 

“I think one thing leads to another and it’s always gonna lead to his wrestling,” Jared Cannonier continued. “And especially when he fights me, it’s gonna have to be, you know – that’s it. You’re gonna have to wrestle if you wanna win a fight with me, but that’s gonna be hard, that’s gonna be a hard mountain to climb. Especially with the fact that I know he’s gonna have to wrestle me. … We’re working on what he’s gonna bring to the table. I think the game plan we’re formulating is great. I feel like we’re already ahead of schedule as far as implementing the skills, the techniques, the ability to ‘do’. The outlook is bleak for Derek Brunson as far as I’m concerned.”

As far as a prediction for the fight, Cannonier explained how he wants to create the opportunity to land a right-hand shot early, resulting in a stoppage victory.

“I envision, the ref saying, ‘Go’, we walk up – maybe we shake hands, maybe we don’t, “Jared Cannonier said. “But I’m gonna create some sort of action, create some energy or momentum and put myself in the position to land my right hand. And he won’t be able to withstand it.”

Helwani Ponders Possible Mass Departure Of UFC Stars In 2022

Renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has discussed the possibility of a mass departure of the UFC’s top stars taking place in the promotion this year.

With the success of celebrity boxing, among other factors, the sport of MMA has moved into a cli…

Ariel Helwani, UFC Apex

Renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has discussed the possibility of a mass departure of the UFC’s top stars taking place in the promotion this year.

With the success of celebrity boxing, among other factors, the sport of MMA has moved into a climate where fighter pay is at the forefront of the agenda.

UFC President Dana White has blamed a media narrative for the increased attention and cited the riches of wealthy and successful fighters as proof there’s no issue. However, many involved in the sport, both inside and outside the UFC, often argue that a major problem exists.

Recently, White and UFC owners Endeavor boasted of the “best nine-month” financial report in the promotion’s history. That comes a year after White suggested the world’s premier MMA organization “broke just about every record” in 2020, including revenue.

Since then, however, the UFC has chosen to increase pay-per-view prices and keep the lesser-regarded fighters in the promotion on as low as $12,000 per fight.

With the UFC also distributing one of the lowest percentages of its profits to its athletes among the top sports leagues and companies in the United States, it’s no surprise some stars believe they’re owed more, both in terms of money and treatment.

Still, despite the criticism on the matter, White maintains the debate is as simple as ‘it’s only bad if you lose’.

In recent months and years, we’ve seen the likes of Jon Jones express their dismay at the money they’re receiving. In response to Jones requesting more remuneration to face Francis Ngannou in what would have arguably been one of the biggest fights in history, the UFC seemingly abandoned plans for the showdown, leading to Jones spending the entirety of 2021 on the sidelines.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise that talk of a number of stars moving into free agency instead of signing new contracts has hit the surface. This year, we could see Ngannou, Israel Adesanya, Nate Diaz, and Conor McGregor all complete the final bouts on their active deals.

In a recent episode of The MMA Hour, host Helwani discussed the possibility of those names choosing to test the waters of free agency rather than re-sign with the UFC.

“That’s another interesting story to follow in 2022, Israel Adesanya’s contract. Not quite at the point of Nathan (Diaz’s), I think there’s a couple (fights) left, but that’s an interesting one to follow. Could you imagine in 2022, we are facing a potential scenario where Izzy might reach the end of his contract, Diaz reaches the end of his contract, Conor McGregor reaches the end of his contract, Francis Ngannou reaches the end of his contract. Think about that for a second. Think about how big those names are. Think about the power that they have. It could be fascinating times.”

As Helwani later pointed out, the UFC usually re-signs its fighters before they reach the final appearance on their contracts. While the unranked Charles Jourdain recently dipped his toes into the market before choosing to sign another UFC deal, Helwani questioned the impact it would have if the biggest stars in the promotion chose to follow suit.

“The brilliance of the UFC is they don’t let the fighters get to the end because they know they wanna lock them up before they get to the end, before they’re able to test those waters, those free-agent waters. But what if they want to? What if they play their cards right and they get to the point where they can? Fascinating times.”

Ngannou Could Depart The UFC If He Loses At UFC 270

The biggest contractual story in the UFC right now surrounds the status of UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou. Remarkably, “The Predator” is heading into a blockbuster unification title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 with a possible departure from the promotion looming.

If Ngannou loses on January 22, he will be out of contract and free to take his power elsewhere. If he wins, he’ll be contractually obliged to defend the title again.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXy2596vj6Q/

According to Ngannou’s manager, the issue isn’t about money. He recently laid out the two things that need to happen for his client to re-sign: increased activity and better promotion. The Cameroonian then seemingly added the need for a boxing crossover to be possible to his demands.

With an increasing number of fighters now questioning their pay and contracts in comparison to the likes of YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, one of the promotion’s top champions potentially about to fight out his deal, and a number of the UFC’s top stars one or two fights away from a similar situation, will we see a new tone set in regards to testing free agency before re-signing? Only time will tell.

Do you think we could see some UFC stars fight out their contracts and explore free agency in the near future?

Continue Reading Helwani Ponders Possible Mass Departure Of UFC Stars In 2022 at MMA News.

Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres Set For UFC 273 On April 9

Mackenzie Dern will have the chance to rebound on April 9 when she takes on the in-form Tecia Torres at UFC 273.

The bout, which has been rumoured for a number of days, was confirmed by Torres today in a post on Twitter. The #7-ranked strawweight c…

Mackenzie Dern, Tecia Torres

Mackenzie Dern will have the chance to rebound on April 9 when she takes on the in-form Tecia Torres at UFC 273.

The bout, which has been rumoured for a number of days, was confirmed by Torres today in a post on Twitter. The #7-ranked strawweight contender is clearly excited to have the opportunity to break into the 115-pound top five when she enters the Octagon with Dern.

“I got my Top 5 fight. Cracking into that Top 5 April 9th at #UFC273“

Torres will be riding a three-fight win streak into the contest. Since defeats to Jéssica Andrade, Joanna J?drzejczyk, Zhang Weili, and Marina Rodriguez between 2018 and 2019 left her on a four-fight losing skid, “The Tiny Tornado” has returned to form.

Along with a TKO (doctor’s stoppage) against Sam Hughes, Torres has recorded two unanimous decision triumphs, most recently against Angela Hill at UFC 265 last August. She’ll hope to break back into title contention at UFC 273.

Dern, meanwhile, will be hoping to rebound on April 9 by stalling the charge of her strawweight peer. Like Torres, the Brazilian also has a loss to Rodriguez on her record. But while her upcoming opponent’s loss extended her woes at the time, Dern’s main event defeat to her compatriot last October halted her surge towards the gold and ended her win streak.

Nevertheless, Dern’s form beforehand can’t be forgotten. After returning from pregnancy in mid-2020, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt put her talents on the ground on full display, submitting Hannah Cifers and Randa Markos with brutal armbars. She extended her win streak to three by outpointing Virna Jandiroba on the feet at UFC 256. At the age of 28, Dern’s potential remains high, and she’ll look to show her improvements and re-rail her train to the top at the April pay-per-view.

The event currently looks set to play host to two blockbuster title fights. After Max Holloway’s withdrawal, “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung is seemingly in line to challenge Alexander Volkanovski in the UFC 273 headliner. Also moving over from the UFC 272 event is the unification fight between bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and interim titleholder Petr Yan.

Listed below are the fights expected to take place at UFC 273:

Alexander Volkanovski (C) vs. The Korean Zombie (featherweight title fight)

Aljamain Sterling (C) vs. Petr Yan (IC) (bantamweight unification title fight)

Lauren Murphy vs. Miesha Tate (women’s flyweight)

Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres (women’s strawweight)

Mickey Gall vs. Mike Malott (welterweight)

Irene Aldana vs. Aspen Ladd (women’s bantamweight)

Pat Sabatini vs. Gavin Tucker (featherweight)

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 273, Mackenzie Dern or Tecia Torres?

Continue Reading Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres Set For UFC 273 On April 9 at MMA News.

Javier Mendez: ‘Khabib & Islam Would Both Dominate Charles Oliveira’

Khabib NurmagomedovJavier Mendez has all of the confidence in the world that two of his star pupils would be able to beat current lightweight UFC champ, Charles Oliveira. Khabib Nurmagomedov won’t be able to test this theory because of his recent retirement but, Islam Makhachev is right there in terms of a title shot at 155 […]

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Javier Mendez has all of the confidence in the world that two of his star pupils would be able to beat current lightweight UFC champ, Charles Oliveira.

Khabib Nurmagomedov won’t be able to test this theory because of his recent retirement but, Islam Makhachev is right there in terms of a title shot at 155 pounds. On February 26, Machachev is scheduled to main event against Beneil Dariush in a lightweight contender fight on a UFC Fight Night card. Securing a win in that fight would do a ton for Makhachev in earning that title shot.

During a fan Q&A on his YouTube channel, Mendez explained how he thinks it would go down in a potential match-up between the champ and his two students. (H/T mmajunkie.com)

“I know they both would beat Charles, in my opinion because look, they’re both my fighters,” Mendez said. “Stylistically-wise, Islam could strike, he can kick. Khabib wasn’t a great kicker. Khabib would have to go straight to the grappling with Charles and probably dominate him there. As a matter of fact, I know he would. I know Khabib would dominate him there, and I kind of feel, my personal opinion, as great as Charles is, I think Islam would dominate him there. too.”

However, in a recent interview with ESPN, Nurmagomedov praised Oliveira after his submission win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 269. He also said that he hopes Oliveira is still the champ when Makhachev gets his title shot.

Makhachev is currently on a nine-fight win streak at 155 pounds. He has finished his last three opponents with his last being a kimura win over Dan Hooker at UFC 267. His last lose came in 2015, when he got knocked out in the first round against Adriano Martins.

The full Q&A with Javier Mendez is available below.

Do you agree with Javier Mendez and his claims that both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhechev would dominate Charles Oliveira?

Leon Edwards Reacts To Covington/Masvidal UFC 272 Booking

Leon Edwards had to add his two cents in when Covington vs. Masvidal was announced.

Some big news was announced on Tuesday afternoon as UFC 272 had a new headliner. In a surprising twist, the event will now have a non-title fight featuring Colby Co…

Leon Edwards Jorge Masvidal Colby Covington

Leon Edwards had to add his two cents in when Covington vs. Masvidal was announced.

Some big news was announced on Tuesday afternoon as UFC 272 had a new headliner. In a surprising twist, the event will now have a non-title fight featuring Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal as the main event. Fight fans all over the world began to express either their interest or disappointment in this match-up. Leon Edwards was the latter group.

“2 bums coming off losses,” Edwards wrote on Twitter.

Edwards, Masvidal, and Covington have all been circling the top of the welterweight division. There may have been a time in the past year that they were all rumored to be fighting one another.

Edwards has been vocal about wanting a title shot, especially once Masvidal was forced out of their fight with an injury. Now with Masvidal and Covington locked up, that could mean Edwards finally gets the shot at Usman he has been wanting.

Another reason this matchup is abnormal is, as Edwards pointed out, both men are coming off losses. This type of bout is not usually considered for a PPV main event, but the background between the two fighters and their growing animosity makes it a very compelling fight for most fans.

Usman is coming off a win over Covington in November. Following that win, he stated that he would like to take some time off to spend with family. A return date has not been mentioned, but perhaps he could be ready to face Edwards in the summer.

Do you like Colby Covington vs. Jorge Masvidal as the non-title fight main event of UFC 272 in March?

Continue Reading Leon Edwards Reacts To Covington/Masvidal UFC 272 Booking at MMA News.

Michael Chandler: Dustin Poirier Ate His Words At UFC 269

UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler believes Dustin Poirier “ate his words” at UFC 269 after describing the vacant title fight at UFC 262 as a clash for “fool’s gold.”

At the start of 2021, the future of the lightweight division was uncertai…

UFC 269: Charles Oliveira vs. Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler

UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler believes Dustin Poirier “ate his words” at UFC 269 after describing the vacant title fight at UFC 262 as a clash for “fool’s gold.”

At the start of 2021, the future of the lightweight division was uncertain. But after Khabib Nurmagomedov committed to his retirement by vacating the gold and Poirier pursued a third fight with Conor McGregor, the path was laid out.

While “The Diamond” and the “Notorious” Irishman faced off in a title eliminator at UFC 264, a champion was crowned two months prior at UFC 262. The main event pitched Charles Oliveira against former three-time Bellator champion Chandler.

After “Do Bronx” mounted an incredible second-round comeback to secure his place on the lightweight throne, a moment 28 UFC fights in the making, Poirier later cemented his place as the Brazilian’s first challenger with his second triumph of the year over McGregor.

At UFC 269, Oliveira made his first title defense. Despite many expecting Poirier to be too much for the champion, the underdog once again upset the odds. In the third round, Oliveira submitted Poirier with a standing rear-naked choke.

Chandler Details The “Irony” Of Poirier’s Loss

In the aftermath of the final pay-per-view of 2021, Chandler wasted no time in criticizing the fallen challenger. In a couple of posts on Twitter, “Iron” suggested Poirier “quit” in his main event clash against Oliveira.

While he slightly walked back the comment in a later interview and admitted it was harsh, Chandler maintained that “The Diamond” has doubted him since the start, a sentiment he reiterated during a recent appearance on The MMA Hour.

Discussing where his comments came from, Chandler brought up the fact Poirier had described the title as “fool’s gold” when he fought Oliveira for it last May. Given the fact the former interim titleholder then went on to lose to “Do Bronx,” Chandler believes Poirier ate his words at UFC 269.

“The reason I was critical of Dustin Poirier has been his dismissal and just downright disrespectful of me when I came into the UFC lightweight division,” claimed Chandler. “Even after Dustin made the decision that he didn’t wanna fight for the UFC title and he wanted to hold out for the money fight against Conor, when me and Oliveira were next in line and we said yes and we were gonna fight, instead of just saying, ‘Hey, I decided to fight Conor and let these guys fight for the title,’ he called the title ‘fool’s gold,’ and I think that was part of it.

“That’s what he called the title that Charles Oliveira won, and then Charles Oliveira went out there and finished him,” added Chandler. “My only regret was that I didn’t type in ‘fool’s gold’ somewhere in that statement because that was exactly what Dustin Poirier called the title that me and Charles Oliveira fought for. Dustin Poirier decided to take the money fight with Conor, which I don’t blame him (for) whatsoever, but that’s the decision you make, so don’t go ahead and discredit the guys who are fighting for the title and call the title ‘fool’s gold.’

“So the ‘fool’s gold’ champion Charles Oliveira went out there and finished Dustin Poirier, which is just a little bit ironic… I think Dustin Poirier ate his words that night.”

In 2022, both Chandler and Poirier have their eyes on possible opponents but are yet to have one set in stone. Whilst “The Diamond” has his sights set on a welterweight clash with Nate Diaz, a prospect that also entices Chandler, “Iron” is looking at potential matchups with Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson.

But outside of these possibilities, Chandler is also open to settling his score with Poirier inside the Octagon. Given their exciting and fan-friendly styles, the fight would undoubtedly be highly anticipated and highlight entertaining.

Would you like to see Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier share the Octagon in 2022?

Continue Reading Michael Chandler: Dustin Poirier Ate His Words At UFC 269 at MMA News.