Nate Diaz Posts New Footage Of His Fake Punch At Carrese Archer

Nate DiazNate Diaz has uploaded a new angle of his run-in with Carrese Archer. For those with short memories, Diaz was in attendance throughout the Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley 2 fight week and made his presence known. At the ceremonial weigh-ins, Diaz and his entourage got into a brawl with the Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee and his group […]

Nate Diaz

Nate Diaz has uploaded a new angle of his run-in with Carrese Archer.

For those with short memories, Diaz was in attendance throughout the Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley 2 fight week and made his presence known.

At the ceremonial weigh-ins, Diaz and his entourage got into a brawl with the Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee and his group of friends, that included 2-6 MMA fighter, Carrese Archer.

On fight night, Diaz was walking through the crowd when he faked throwing a punch at someone in attendance resulting in the person spilling their beer. The moment was captured on video and went viral after being posted on various social media platforms.

It now appears that someone in Diaz’s team was documenting the entire event and managed to capture an up-close shot of the UFC fan favourite punking Archer. Check out the below video that was uploaded to Diaz’s YouTube account. You can skip to the 12:35-minute mark of the video below to see his altercation with Archer.

Carrese Archer Wants To Fight Nate Diaz In The UFC

Archer has responded to the viral clip by calling on Dana White to give him a one-fight contract so he can settle his beef with Diaz inside the Octagon.

“Hello world, I see a lot of laughter,” Archer said in a video posted to his Instagram account. “Everybody laughing, same thing, make you laugh, make you cry. Nate Diaz is a bona fide female dog. He has the security protecting him and you go flinch on me and try to sucker punch me when I am not paying attention and you all think this man is a gangster?

“I think the world is f***ed up and confused around here,” Archer continued. “When they think about what is a real gangster. I am a real street dog. I’m in the streets, believe that. Anybody that knows me knows how ‘One Punch’ rock it… Anyway, back to why I’m making this video, Dana White, I see you made a post and you laughed and you thought it was funny. I bet you won’t think it’s funny, you sign me for one fight and I knock Nate Diaz the f**k out in the first round.”

Is Nate Diaz making Carrese Archer flinch the funniest MMA moment of 2021?

The MMA News Top 100 UFC Fighters of 2021 Part 1: #100-91

Happy New Year, fight fans! To kick off our 20th anniversary, we will be rolling out the MMA News Top 100 UFC fighters of 2021 throughout the month of January as voted on by our panel. In order to qualify for the list, a fighter must have competed at …

UFC Vaccine

Happy New Year, fight fans! To kick off our 20th anniversary, we will be rolling out the MMA News Top 100 UFC fighters of 2021 throughout the month of January as voted on by our panel. In order to qualify for the list, a fighter must have competed at least once in 2021. Before we begin, here is a look at the criteria used in making this list:


1: Career Trajectory/Recent Performances (50%)

Where are the fighters trending right now? How much evidence-backed momentum do they have?


2: Career Success/Body of Work (25%)

Championships, wins, résumé, etc.


3: Likelihood To Be The Betting Favorite In Any Fight In 2021 (25%)

This was determined using past betting history, betting lines during 2021, and the projected odds moving forward as determined by the panel. This category is being used to get a gauge of the talent level the public feels the fighter is/was at.

Be sure to keep checking back right here at MMANews.com for frequent updates to this list throughout the month of January as we continue to update this list!

#100: Erin Blanchfield

With Montana De La Rosa out, Erin Blanchfield steps in to face Maycee  Barber at UFC 269 - MMA Fighting
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Primary Reason Behind Ranking: With a Cold-Blooded performance over Miranda Maverick and five straight wins overall, the career trajectory category was the strongest reason behind her placement in the top 100.

Heading into 2022: At only 22 years old, Erin Blanchfield is arguably the biggest prospect at flyweight and perhaps all of the UFC’s women’s divisions, not just for the year ahead but for far beyond. Sitting at #100, the stage is set for Blanchfield to continue marching straight ahead with ice in her veins before possibly making the biggest jump of any fighter from this year’s placement to the next.

#99: Casey O’Neill

Casey O'Neill vs. Antonina Shevchenko in the works for UFC event on Oct. 2  - MMA Fighting
Casey O’Neill

Primary Reason Behind Ranking: “King” Casey O’Neill has big plans to rule the fight game, and after going 3-0 in 2021 with three finishes, the 24-year-old may be well on her way. With a composure far beyond her years, O’Neill seems to welcome the pressure without folding a single crease and has been a blueprint of what a true MMA prospect looks like.

Heading Into 2022: O’Neill (#15) is in no hurry to rise up the ranks and is taking it one step at a time. Her next fight is scheduled against Roxanne Modafferi on February 12.

#98: Jack Shore

Jack Shore | UFC

Primary Reason Behind Ranking: Undefeated after 15 professional fights and a 4-0 UFC record, Jack Shore looks like he has it all. Former UFC champion Michael Bisping has compared Shore to Georges St-Pierre himself, which is some high praise coming from a high place. At 26 years old, we’ve only caught a whiff of Shore’s potential, so his number could be much higher in the 2022 MMA News rankings.

Heading Into 2022: Shore was originally slated to face fellow undefeated fighter Umar Nurmagomedov in his first bout of 2022 but will now be tasked with another Russian, Timur Valiev. This will be a stiff test for Shore, as he looks to shift his hype train into a Supersonic helicopter.

#97: Tyron Woodley

Tyron Woodley
Image Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Primary Reason Behind Ranking: As will often be the case in these rankings, body of work and résumé plays a role in ranking position over prospects still on the rise, not only because they are more proven but because if they were placed against similar competition as most prospects, someone like Tyron Woodley would still be expected to win despite his decline.

However, that decline is very real and noticeable, with “The Chosen One” losing four consecutive bouts, not counting the Paul boxing losses. This losing streak and rapid fall from grace are why the former champion only barely made the list.

Heading Into 2022: Tyron Woodley may or may not compete in MMA this year, but he has expressed an interest to do so and to have an active 2022. And even if it does not and cannot come against Jake Paul, Woodley will no doubt be entering the new year with Revenge on his mind.

#96: Lerone Murphy

Lerone Murphy was shot in the face TWICE before spitting out the bullets -  now 'The Miracle' is aiming to be the next British UFC star
Lerone Murphy, Getty Images

Primary Reason Behind Ranking: Lerone Murphy is undefeated and has maintained his flawless record after four UFC fights against some stiff competition. In 2020, Murphy earned Performance of the Night with his TKO win over formerly ranked featherweight Ricardo Ramos. In 2021, he defeated proven veteran Douglas Silva de Andrade as well as earned a KO win over Makwan Amirkhani.

Heading Into 2022: Thus far, Murphy has given no indication that he will be denied heading into 2022. He is likely one win away from finding himself in the featherweight rankings and could very well be deep in the top 10 by the end of the year and earn himself a much higher place on next year’s MMA News Top 100 list!

#95: Sodiq Yusuff

After losing his brother, Sodiq Yusuff continues his fight for family back  in Nigeria - MMA Fighting
Sodiq Yusuff, Image: James Elsby-USA TODAY Sports

Primary Reason Behind Ranking: “Super” Sodiq Yusuff has a UFC record of 4-1, with the one loss coming against a fighter in Arnold Allen who has not lost in eight years. In two of his four UFC wins, Yusuff displayed just how much power this one man has.

With his measured approach and calculated cruelty, the 28-year-old Yusuff has proven to be one of the top prospects at featherweight.

Heading Into 2022: Yusuff enters the year ranked #12 at featherweight. There are currently rumblings that Yusuff will be making his first Octagon appearance of the year against “Bruce Leeroy” Alex Caceres.

#94: Cody Garbrandt

Cody Garbrandt
Cody Garbrandt (Image Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Primary Reason Behind Ranking: While it is no secret that Cody Garbrandt has had his share of struggles as of late, there is also no denying that he’s made a big noise during his seven-year UFC run. This includes becoming bantamweight champion after a career-defining victory over arguably the greatest bantamweight of all time, Dominick Cruz.

Additionally, Garbrandt was able to make the cut due to his most recent victory being only two fights ago in a devastating KO over Raphael Assuncao that won him performance of the night. Garbrandt also made the list due to him being the betting favorite in two of his last three fights (category #3).

Heading Into 2022: Entering 2022, Garbrandt has lost five of his last six fights, which definitely makes his placement on the list up for debate. However, Garbrandt is always one win or KO away from showing that it’s not too late for this 30-year-old to recapture his glory days. And if he has it this way, that KO will come against “Suga” Sean O’Malley.

#93: Pedro Munhoz

Rise of Pedro Munhoz - YouTube
Pedro Munhoz vs. Cody Garbrandt, UFC 235

Primary Reason Behind Ranking: Pedro Munhoz remains a top-10 bantamweight in the UFC, but he only falls at #94 due to the Brazilian losing two consecutive fights via unanimous decision (José Aldo, Dominick Cruz) and losing four of his last fight fights.

However, Munhoz does have a victory this year over Jimmie Rivera in what was a Fight of the Night winner. He also holds an impressive KO victory over our #94-ranked fighter, former champion Cody Garbrandt on his résumé as well as a win over another fighter who will appear later in these rankings, Rob Font.

Heading Into 2022: Coming off a loss to Dominick Cruz at UFC 269 to end 2021, the 35-year-old Munhoz will fight to keep his spot in the bantamweight top 10 and prove that he’s still a Young Punisher who is ready to start killin’ ’em again. There is currently no word yet on who the first man in that potential murder lineup will be.

#92: Darren Till

UFC News: Darren Till Out Of Jack Hermansson Fight | FIGHT SPORTS
Darren Till, Image Credit: 2018 Alex Livesey – Zuffa LLC

Primary Reason Behind Ranking: Darren Till has lost four of his last five fights and narrowly made the top 100 due to holding two wins over other fighters ranked on this list and his likelihood to be the betting favorite in 2021 compared to others. Additionally, Till has a very high unlikelihood to ever be a heavy underdog due to his technical fighting style, which often has opponents fighting at his pace.

If you need another reason for Till making the list at #92, one need only look at the night he gave former champion and pound-for-pound ranked Robert Whittaker all he can handle just one fight ago, taking two rounds on all three of the judges’ scorecard. Not many fighters have the ability to do that or the potential for greatness that still remain within this 29-year-old.

It’s also worth remembering that Till has only fought the best of the best over the past three years, which leaves him more open to setbacks than many prospects who’ve seen more recent success but against lower competition.

Heading Into 2022: Darren Till enters the year still ranked as the #8 middleweight in the UFC. His next fight remains unclear at this time, but there have been informal talks of a potential fight against Uriah Hall.

#91: Tony Ferguson

Tony Ferguson Discusses His Title Loss And His Aspirations
Tony Ferguson

Primary Reason Behind Ranking: It wasn’t too long ago that a #91 placement for Tony Ferguson would seem blasphemous. Today, after suffering three bad losses in a row, the ranking will likely warrant some explanation and be considered too high by some readers.

Tony Ferguson’s recent struggles are clearly behind the low ranking, but how did Ferguson make the list at all? Well, in category #2, which factors in career body of work and résumé, Ferguson remains tied for the most consecutive victories in lightweight history. In terms of category #3, which factors in respect from bettors and oddsmakers, Ferguson was a betting favorite against current champion Charles Oliveira in December 2020, and he was only a -165 underdog against #3-ranked Beneil Dariush in his most recent fight.

Finally, in terms of the most heavily weighted category of recent performances, while it’s true Ferguson’s defeats were one-sided, they came against the current champion, the current #1 contender (Justin Gaethje), and the current #3 contender (Beneil Dariush).

Furthermore, a strong case can be made that Ferguson’s fight against Gaethje was more competitive than the prevailing narrative would have you believe. After all, Gaethje may very well have been saved by the bell after a devastating uppercut to close out the second round.

Heading Into 2022: Tony Ferguson is still ranked at #7 in one of the deepest divisions in the UFC despite his recent struggles. Far from considering retirement, El Cucuy is eying a potential bout against Michael Chandler to kick off 2022 and get back in the win column to prove that the Boogeyman’s party has just begun.

Stay tuned to find out who is next on the MMA News Top 100 Fighters Of 2021 in Part 2!

Continue Reading The MMA News Top 100 UFC Fighters of 2021 Part 1: #100-91 at MMA News.

Jake Paul Reveals His List Of Goals For 2022

Jake PaulJake Paul has taken to social media to reveal his goals for 2022. ‘The Problem Child’ has enjoyed a very successful 2021, stretching his professional boxing record to 5-0 with three wins. Paul started the year by taking out former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder Ben Askren inside one round. The 24-year-old then went the […]

Jake Paul

Jake Paul has taken to social media to reveal his goals for 2022.

‘The Problem Child’ has enjoyed a very successful 2021, stretching his professional boxing record to 5-0 with three wins.

Paul started the year by taking out former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder Ben Askren inside one round.

The 24-year-old then went the distance with former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in September before rematching ‘The Chosen One’ in December and knocking him out cold.

On New Year’s Eve, Paul took to Twitter to reveal that he has some pretty specific goals for the year ahead which seems to have a lot to do with Floyd Mayweather.

“Some people are asking about my 2022 goals Here they are,” Paul wrote. “1. Buy Mayweather Promotions and save them from bankruptcy 2. Hire stylist for Floyd Mayweather 3. Take selfie with Oprah 4. Go 2 chiropractor 2 heal back from carrying the sport of boxing.”

Jake Paul Recently Released His Boxing Bucket List

The YouTuber is making a habit of releasing his lists of goals on social media.

In December, Paul took to Twitter to name the five people he wants to box before he retires from the sport.

Shockingly, the list included UFC president Dana White and heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson – both are in their fifties.

“My boxing bucket list,” Paul wrote.  “1) Canelo Alvarez 2) Floyd Mayweather 3) Mike Tyson 4) Tyson Furry 5) Dana White”

What do you want to see Jake Paul do in 2022?

Jake Paul Reveals His List Of Goals For 2022

Jake PaulJake Paul has taken to social media to reveal his goals for 2022. ‘The Problem Child’ has enjoyed a very successful 2021, stretching his professional boxing record to 5-0 with three wins. Paul started the year by taking out former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder Ben Askren inside one round. The 24-year-old then went the […]

Jake Paul

Jake Paul has taken to social media to reveal his goals for 2022.

‘The Problem Child’ has enjoyed a very successful 2021, stretching his professional boxing record to 5-0 with three wins.

Paul started the year by taking out former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder Ben Askren inside one round.

The 24-year-old then went the distance with former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in September before rematching ‘The Chosen One’ in December and knocking him out cold.

On New Year’s Eve, Paul took to Twitter to reveal that he has some pretty specific goals for the year ahead which seems to have a lot to do with Floyd Mayweather.

“Some people are asking about my 2022 goals Here they are,” Paul wrote. “1. Buy Mayweather Promotions and save them from bankruptcy 2. Hire stylist for Floyd Mayweather 3. Take selfie with Oprah 4. Go 2 chiropractor 2 heal back from carrying the sport of boxing.”

Jake Paul Recently Released His Boxing Bucket List

The YouTuber is making a habit of releasing his lists of goals on social media.

In December, Paul took to Twitter to name the five people he wants to box before he retires from the sport.

Shockingly, the list included UFC president Dana White and heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson – both are in their fifties.

“My boxing bucket list,” Paul wrote.  “1) Canelo Alvarez 2) Floyd Mayweather 3) Mike Tyson 4) Tyson Furry 5) Dana White”

What do you want to see Jake Paul do in 2022?

The Pulse of MMA: What Was The Best UFC Event of 2021?

The Pulse of MMA: Fan Reactions To The Sport’s Biggest Stories

In this installment of The Pulse of MMA, we look at the raw, unfiltered reactions from MMA fans to the UFC‘s nominations for Best Event of 2021.

It’s the last week of 2021, whic…

UFC 267: B?achowicz vs. Teixeira

The Pulse of MMA: Fan Reactions To The Sport’s Biggest Stories

In this installment of The Pulse of MMA, we look at the raw, unfiltered reactions from MMA fans to the UFC‘s nominations for Best Event of 2021.

It’s the last week of 2021, which means it’s time to start looking back at the biggest and best moments of the year. Right now, that means taking a peek at the UFC’s nominations for the best event of the year.

There were four events nominated for the honor. Below, you can find the fast results for each event, followed by a brief video recap, then we’ll see what the Pulse of MMA had to say when they let their voices be heard.

UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal

UFC 261 poster drops for championship tripleheader on April 24 in  Jacksonville - MMAmania.com

EARLY PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+/6 p.m. ET)

  • Bantamweight bout: Danaa Batgerel def. Kevin Natividad by TKO (punches) at :50 of Round 1
  • Lightweight bout: Kazula Vargas def. Rongzhu by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Flyweight bout: Jeffrey Molina def. Aoriqileng by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
  • Women’s strawweight bout: Ariane Carnelossi def. Na Liang by TKO (punches) at 1:28 of Round 2

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/8 p.m. ET)

  • Welterweight bout: Randy Brown def. Alex Oliveira by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:50 of Round 1
  • Welterweight bout: Dwight Grant def. Stefan Sekulic by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Middleweight bout: Brendan Allen def. Karl Roberson by submission (heel hook) at 4:55 of Round 1
  • Featherweight bout:  Pat Sabatini def. Tristan Connelly by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

MAIN CARD (ESPN/10 p.m. ET)

  • Welterweight title bout: Kamaru Usman def. Jorge Masvidal by knockout (punches) at 1:02 of Round 2 to retain the title
  • Women’s strawweight title bout: Rose Namajunas def. Zhang Weili by knockout (head kick) at 1:18 of Round 1 to win the title
  • Women’s flyweight title bout: Valentina Shevchenko def. Jessica Andrade by TKO (elbows) at 3:19 of Round 2 to retain
  • Middleweight bout: Uriah Hall def. Chris Weidman by TKO (injury) at :17 of Round 1
  • Light heavyweight bout: Anthony Smith def. Jimmy Crute by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 1

UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira

UFC 267 on ESPN+ (10/30/21): How to Watch Two Title Fights | Start time,  Live stream Info - mlive.com

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 10:30 a.m. ET)

  • Flyweight bout: Tagir Ulanbekov def. Allan Nascimento by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Middleweight bout: Andre Petroski def. Hu Yaozong by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:46 of Round 3
  • Featherweight bout:  Lerone Murphy def. Makwan Amirkhani by knockout (knee) at :14 of Round 2
  • Light heavyweight bout: Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Shamil Gamzatov by TKO (punches) at 3:31 of Round 1
  • Welterweight bout: Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Benoit Saint-Denis by unanimous decision (29-26, 29-26, 29-26)
  • Middleweight bout: Albert Duraev def. Roman Kopylov (30-27, 29-27, 29-27)
  • Featherweight bout:  Zubaira Tukhugov def. Ricardo Ramos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) 
  • Women’s strawweight bout: Amanda Ribas def. Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 2 p.m. ET)

  • Light heavyweight bout: Magomed Ankalaev def. Volkan Oezdemir by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Welterweight bout: Khamzat Chimaev def. Li Jingliang by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:16 of Round 1 
  • Heavyweight bout: Alexander Volkov def. Marcin Tybura by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) 
  • Lightweight bout: Islam Makhachev def. Dan Hooker by submission (kimura) at 2:25 of Round 1
  • Interim bantamweight title bout: Petr Yan def. Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
  • Light heavyweight title bout: Glover Teixeira def. Jan Blachowicz by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:02 of Round 2

UFC 268: Usman vs. Covington 2

The Countdown To UFC 268: Usman vs. Covington 2 Officially Begins

EARLY PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

  • Flyweight bout: Ode Osbourne def. CJ Vergara by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Featherweight bout:  Melsik Baghdasaryan def. Bruno Souza by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Light heavyweight bout: Dustin Jacoby def. John Allan by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
  • Heavyweight bout: Chris Barnett def. Gian Villante by TKO (wheel kick and punches) at 2:23 of Round 2
  • Welterweight bout: Ian Garry def. Jordan Williams by knockout (punches) at 4:59 of Round 1

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPNews/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)

  • Middleweight bout: Nassourdine Imavov def. Edmen Shahbazyan by TKO (elbows) at 4:42 of Round 2
  • Middleweight bout: Chris Curtis def. Phil Hawes by knockout (punches) at 4:27 of Round 1
  • Lightweight bout: Bobby Green def. Al Iaquinta by TKO (punches) at 2:25 of Round 1
  • Middleweight bout: Alex Pereira def. Andreas Michailidis by TKO (flying knee) at :18 of Round 2

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

  • Lightweight bout: Justin Gaethje def. Michael Chandler by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
  • Featherweight bout: Shane Burgos def. Billy Quarantillo by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Bantamweight bout: Marlon Vera def. Frankie Edgar by knockout (front kick) at 3:50 of Round 3
  • Women’s strawweight title bout: Rose Namajunas def. Zhang Weili by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46) to retain
  • Welterweight title bout: Kamaru Usman def. Colby Covington by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to retain

UFC Vegas 42: Holloway vs. Rodriguez

UFC Vegas 42: Holloway vs Rodriguez – Main card predictions | Tap Ins & Tap  Outs

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET)

  • Light heavyweight bout: Da Un Jung def. Kennedy Nzechukwu by knockout (elbows) at 3:04 of Round 1
  • Lightweight bout: Rafael Alves def. Marc Diakiese by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:48 of Round 1
  • Women’s flyweight bout: Cortney Casey def. Liana Jojua by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Featherweight bout: Sean Woodson def. Collin Anglin by TKO (punches) at 4:30 of Round 1
  • Women’s flyweight bout: Andrea Lee def. Cynthia Calvillo by TKO (referee stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2
  • Lightweight bout: Joel Alvarez def. Thiago Moises by TKO (strikes) at 3:01 of Round 1

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET)

  • Bantamweight bout: Song Yadong def. Julio Arce by TKO (punches) at 1:35 of Round 2 
  • Welterweight bout: Khaos Williams def. Miguel Baeza by TKO (punches) at 1:02 of Round 3
  • Women’s featherweight bout: Felicia Spencer def. Leah Letson by TKO (punches) at 4:25 of Round 3
  • Heavyweight bout: Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Ben Rothwell by TKO (punches) at :32 of Round 1
  • Featherweight bout: Max Holloway def. Yair Rodriguez by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)

Event Of The Year Highlights Package

You can check out the highlights from the four Events of the Year nominees down below!

MMA Twitter Weighs In

Finally, here is what the Pulse of MMA had to say about the UFC’s nominations list after UFC 268 took home 47.2% of the votes as of this writing.

What say you, MMA News family? Which event gets YOUR vote for Event of the Year??

Continue Reading The Pulse of MMA: What Was The Best UFC Event of 2021? at MMA News.

Sonnen: Ngannou/Gane Is The Most Compelling Heavyweight Fight Ever

Former two-division UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has described the upcoming unification showdown between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane as the “biggest” and most “compelling” heavyweight fight of all time.

The two behemoths are set to open the…

UFC 270: Ngannou vs. Gane, Chael Sonnen

Former two-division UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has described the upcoming unification showdown between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane as the “biggest” and most “compelling” heavyweight fight of all time.

The two behemoths are set to open the UFC’s pay-per-view account for 2022 in style, headlining January 22’s UFC 270 event. When a champion and interim titleholder collide, the stakes are always that much higher. But for this one, they’re through the roof.

Ngannou has held the title since March 2021, when he dethroned Stipe Miocic with a brutal second-round knockout. After being unable to return to the US for an August defence against Derrick Lewis, Gane was drafted in for an interim title clash with “The Black Beast,” much to the fury of Ngannou and his management team.

By dominating Lewis in the UFC 265 main event, Gane set up a blockbuster unification clash with “The Predator,” whom he used to train with at Paris’ MMA Factory gym. The heavyweight landscape will alter one way or another at UFC 270, but it could drastically shift should “Bon Gamin” emerge victorious.

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

Sonnen Reveals What Ngannou/Gane Has That No Other HW Fight Did

There are a number of storylines at play heading into the next PPV headliner. While Ngannou’s feud with his former coach and Gane’s current mentor Fernand Lopez is providing a nice narrative, as is the champ’s frustration at the creation of interim gold, chief among them is Ngannou’s current contractual situation.

With failed negotiations and a feeling of under-appreciation within the Cameroonian’s camp, it appears there’s a chance Ngannou could depart the UFC if he’s dethroned by Gane in in a few weeks time. While Dana White recently provided a positive update on the stand-off, he also doubled down on his criticism of the champ’s manager.

Discussing the fractious relationship between the promotion and one of its top titleholders in a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Chael Sonnen suggested the uncertainty surrounding Ngannou’s future has helped make his clash with Gane the biggest, most interesting, and most compelling heavyweight fight of all time.

“I believe by the time Francis gets in there with Gane, I think when this promotion is done, when we get excited and when we all get told this story over these next three weeks, I think it’s going to be the biggest heavyweight fight of all time. Not the biggest fight of all time. It’s not going to beat UFC 100. It’s not gonna beat a Conor McGregor (fight). I think it’s going to be the biggest heavyweight fight of all time.

“It is, for sure, the most interesting. It is, for sure, the most compelling. It, for sure, comes with the most at stake here. Where Francis’ contract stands and what Francis wants to do within the organization as the champion, whether he wins or he loses, he brings those pressures with him. That story alone is better than any heavyweight story I’ve ever been told, and I’m not even starting the story of this fight… I submit to you that no other heavyweight fight has ever gone off in this particular situation, where the heavyweight champion himself, is looking to fulfil a contract and say, ‘Adios.’ The pressure that comes with that alone is more compelling than any other heavyweight fight we’ve had.”

Despite White’s latest remarks, it appears things are far from being sorted with regards to Ngannou’s contract. With all the factors at play leading up to UFC 270, the main event and the aftermath of it is set to be an intriguing affair.

Do you agree with Chael Sonnen? Is Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane the biggest and most compelling heavyweight fight of all time?

Continue Reading Sonnen: Ngannou/Gane Is The Most Compelling Heavyweight Fight Ever at MMA News.