Tag: UFC News

Joe Rogan Tears Into Amanda Nunes: ‘It’s Inexcusable To Be That Tried In The Second Round’

Joe RoganJoe Rogan has some criticism for Amanda Nunes after she lost her bantamweight title this past weekend at UFC 269. Nunes was as high as a -1000 betting favorite to win on Saturday and had been on a tear at both bantamweight and featherweight. That did not deter Julianna Pena from springing one of the […]

Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan has some criticism for Amanda Nunes after she lost her bantamweight title this past weekend at UFC 269.

Nunes was as high as a -1000 betting favorite to win on Saturday and had been on a tear at both bantamweight and featherweight. That did not deter Julianna Pena from springing one of the biggest upsets in UFC history to take the title away from Nunes. After the fight, questions started getting asked about whether Nunes took her opponent too lightly or not.

One prominent person asking this is long-time UFC commentator Joe Rogan. (H/T mmafighting.com)

“The thing is, one thing I did say leading up to the fight, as they were getting ready, you have to think of all the times where someone has underestimated someone,” Rogan said. “You can never underestimate an opponent. You can’t go into a fight not nervous. You can’t go into a fight completely sure you’re gonna win when that other person is hungry and scared, because weird things happen when people underestimate people. But f*ck, that was nuts.”

During the post-fight interview with Rogan, Nunes said that she did not look past her opponent but just simply “checked out” during the fight. She did have a very good opening round but found herself in a sloppy brawl in the second, that resulted in her gassing out and getting submitted toward the end of that round.

It was a shocking performance from Nunes, one that goes back to some of Nunes’ earlier career losses, and one that is still stunning to Rogan, even several days removed from the event.

“She was swinging for the fences,” Rogan said. “She was trying to take her out quick and then when Julianna was still there, you could tell she was f*cking tired. For you to be a world champion in two divisions and universally recognized as the greatest woman fighter of all time, which Amanda is, it’s inexcusable to be that tired in the second round. And just standing in front of her, just swinging in front of her. No movement side to side, standing right in front of her like you’re watching a regional fight.

“It was caused by Julianna. Julianna made her quit, she didn’t just quit on her own. You’ve got to give Julianna all the credit. … You know, that is what Julianna said leading up to the fight. She said I’m going to bring her back to what it was like when she was younger and she would quit in fights. There were fights where she got exhausted and lost her way, and then she became the greatest of all time. It’s wild to see the difference.”

This loss is a setback for the Nunes but she is likely to get another crack at Pena. Both UFC President Dana White and Pena have said that a rematch will happen immediately. Nunes has said that she will accept the rematch once she has her mind right again.

The full clip from Rogan’s podcast can be viewed below.

Do you agree with Joe Rogan and his comments on Amanda Nunes’ performance at UFC 269?

Zhang Weili Agrees With Judges’ Decision In Namajunas Rematch

Former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili agrees with the judges’ verdict at UFC 268, which saw Rose Namajunas retain her title by way of a split decision.

In 2021, Zhang has seen the 115-pound gold taken from her possession, her 21-fight…

Zhang Weili, UFC 268: Namajunas vs. Zhang

Former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili agrees with the judges’ verdict at UFC 268, which saw Rose Namajunas retain her title by way of a split decision.

In 2021, Zhang has seen the 115-pound gold taken from her possession, her 21-fight win streak snapped, and has fallen to consecutive losses for the first time in her career. Her kryptonite has been the only woman in UFC history to regain a belt, “Thug Rose.”

After a shocking first-round knockout at UFC 261 in April dethroned “Magnum” and ascended Namajunas back to the top of the strawweight mountain, the stage was set for a blockbuster rematch inside Madison Square Garden on November 6.

Across a competitive five rounds, both women had moments of success on the feet and periods of control on the ground. The first half of the contest went well for the challenger, but Namajunas came on strong in the championship rounds. After 25 minutes of action, the result went to the scorecards, where the champ saw two tallies of 49-46 and 48-47 fall in her favor.

Zhang Sees No Controversy In UFC 268 Result

After their first contest ended with a brutal head kick and a flurry of punches on the ground, Zhang strongly protested referee Keith Peterson’s decision to step in. While she may have seen some controversy in that result, “Magnum” knows there was none the second time around.

Discussing the rematch in an interview with Migu, the Chinese star admitted she agreed with the decision to award Namajunas the win, citing her fading cardio in the fifth round as the reason she couldn’t regain her title.

“I think yes, I agree with (the decision). Because I did have cardio issues in the last round. It came down to the last round to determine a winner. This was very important.” (h/t South Morning China Post)

Zhang’s next step is uncertain. While she’s targeting a clash with the surging former champ Carla Esparza, most, including Namajunas, believe “Cookie Monster” has done enough to earn a title shot.

If Namajunas and Esparza do run it back, “Magnum” could feature in a rematch of her own with Joanna J?drzejczyk. The Polish star has set her sights on a return to the Octagon in March or April 2022, and while she’s keen to fight for gold, recently said she won’t wait for the champion if she isn’t ready.

How did you score Rose Namajunas vs. Zhang Weili 2 at UFC 268?

Continue Reading Zhang Weili Agrees With Judges’ Decision In Namajunas Rematch at MMA News.

Justin Gaethje Knows He’s ‘F*cked’ If He Can’t Outstrike Charles Oliveira

Justin GaethjeFormer interim UFC lightweight titleholder, Justin Gaethje has provided a rather blunt assessment of his chances of dethroning current undisputed champion, Charles Oliveira, claiming he would more than likely be “f*cked” if he failed to outstrike the Brazilian.  Widely expected to challenge Oliveira next, as soon as May, in fact, Gaethje also received the seal […]

Justin Gaethje

Former interim UFC lightweight titleholder, Justin Gaethje has provided a rather blunt assessment of his chances of dethroning current undisputed champion, Charles Oliveira, claiming he would more than likely be “f*cked” if he failed to outstrike the Brazilian. 

Widely expected to challenge Oliveira next, as soon as May, in fact, Gaethje also received the seal of approval from UFC president, Dana White as the next title challenger, off the back of a Fight of the Year unanimous decision win over Michael Chandler last month.

Promoted to the #1 rank in the official lightweight pile this week, the Arizona native moved ahead of fellow former interim gold holder, and past-foe, Dustin Poirier – who dropped a third round standing rear-naked choke loss to the previously mentioned, Oliveira at UFC 269 last weekend. 

Afterwards, Gaethje complimented Oliveira’s ability, but maintained that when the two expectedly share the Octagon next year, he plans to break the face of the Sao Paulo finisher. 

“I absolutely loved it,” Justin Gaethje said of Charles Oliveira’s performance during the UFC 269 post-fight show. “I will give no disrespect to Charles (Oliveira). He is now the undisputed champion and I cannot wait to fight him. I don’t care where or when. I saw I competitor tonight. I saw a dog and I can’t wait to break his face. He gets hit a lot.”

Justin Gaethje admits trouble could await him if he can’t dispatch Charles Oliveira with strikes

With plans to stop the Brazilian with strikes in their eventual title showdown, Gaethje has admitted, however, that if he is unable to remove the champion from consciousness, he’s more less, likely “f*cked”.

“At the end of the day, if my striking isn’t better than (Charles Oliveira’s), then I’m f*cked, per say,” Justin Gaethje told ESPN MMA reporter, Brett Okamoto. “That’s where I’m great … he’s incredibly dangerous in the striking department … But I better be better or else I’m gonna be in a f*cking world of trouble.”

Whilst Oliveira holds the record for most submission wins in the history of the UFC with 15 separate stoppages, as well as the most overall finishes in promotional antiquity, the Sao Paulo has made wholesale improvements to his Muay Thai game and striking prowess under the tutelage of Chute Boxe head coach, Diego Lima.

Francis Ngannou Thinks Undefeated Fighters Have A Disadvantage

Francis Ngannou is not worried about Ciryl Gane’s undefeated status.

Francis Ngannou is getting ready to face possibly the toughest challenge of his career so far. The UFC heavyweight championship will be unified in January when Ngannou looks to d…

Francis Ngannou, Ciryl Gane

Francis Ngannou is not worried about Ciryl Gane’s undefeated status.

Francis Ngannou is getting ready to face possibly the toughest challenge of his career so far. The UFC heavyweight championship will be unified in January when Ngannou looks to defend his undisputed title against the undefeated interim champion, Ciryl Gane.

These two have a history between them, from being trained by the same coach to now some beef coming up lately. The one thing that Ngannou isn’t worried about is the fact that Gane has never lost in MMA. He spoke to this point with MMA Junkie recently.

“Undefeated opponent doesn’t mean anything,” Ngannou said. “For me, I think undefeated just means he has a lack of experience because it’s not the full experience. Losing a fight is a learning process, as well, so if you haven’t (been) there, you can’t understand something. I think that’s the thing. I have fought undefeated fighters before, so it’s not my first time. I know how it is. You can be undefeated, but when you get in that cage it’s just you and your opponent, and nothing matters at that point.”

Gane burst onto the UFC scene back in 2019 when he was just 3-0 as a professional MMA fighter. He had experience in Muay Thai before making the move to mixed martial arts. In fact, he was undefeated in Muay Thai as well. With seven straight wins in the UFC, Gane is now ready for his undisputed heavyweight title shot. He seems confident in himself and his skills coming into this fight.

Ngannou was on the same track as Gane is now when he first began rising up the UFC heavyweight ranks. He came to the UFC and blazed a trail through every opponent he faced until he fought for the title in 2018. He lost his very first title shot to Stipe Miocic and then followed that up with a loss to Derrick Lewis. Since those two losses, Ngannou picked himself back up and strung together five wins in a row, including a rematch win over Miocic to win the belt at UFC 260.

Now, these two will have the chance to settle the score and see who will be crowned the “Baddest Man on the Planet” at UFC 270 on Jan. 22.

Who do you think will walk away with the heavyweight belt at UFC 270, Francis Ngannou or Ciryl Gane?

Continue Reading Francis Ngannou Thinks Undefeated Fighters Have A Disadvantage at MMA News.

Derrick Lewis Doesn’t Want To Get ‘Rodney King’d’ By Police Officer Chris Daukaus

Derrick LewisDerrick Lewis spoke to the media for the first time following on from his interim title loss to Cyril Gane back in August. ‘The Black Beast’ faces off against Chris Daukaus who is currently undefeated inside the Octagon at UFC Vegas 45 on Saturday. Lewis spoke at the pre-fight press conference about Daukaus and the […]

Derrick Lewis

Derrick Lewis spoke to the media for the first time following on from his interim title loss to Cyril Gane back in August.

‘The Black Beast’ faces off against Chris Daukaus who is currently undefeated inside the Octagon at UFC Vegas 45 on Saturday.

Lewis spoke at the pre-fight press conference about Daukaus and the respect he has for what he does, however, come fight night Lewis knows he cannot allow for that feeling of respect for Daukaus to overtake him.

“He’s got to be a good guy because he’s a police officer, and you know I support the police departments all over the world and especially here in Houston,” Lewis said. “I appreciate most of y’all for letting me slide with a speeding ticket here and there, so I appreciate y’all, back the blue all day long. Whenever you are fighting a police officer you don’t want to get Rodney King’d on ESPN. So, you’ve got to go out there and fight hard man, do it for the people,”

Rodney King was an American activist who was beaten by LAPD police officers during his arrest. Following on from a high-speed chase whilst driving intoxicated. The entire incident was filmed by a local bystander George Holliday, who then sent the footage over to the media and local news station KTLA.

What’s next for Derrick Lewis?

Many fans were unsure what was next for Derrick Lewis, following on from his shortcoming against Cyril Gane, so when the announcement was made, he would be fighting Chris Daukaus fans were delighted.

If Lewis can get the job done, where does he go from here?

Lewis himself spoke upon wanting a match-up with former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic which makes the most sense given both fighters are ranked 2nd and 3rd in the rankings. Another option that would bring two heavy hitters together is Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Rozenstruik sits 6th in the heavyweight rankings and is also coming off a loss to Curtis Blaydes. As well as this another option could be looking into a potential rematch with Alexander Volkov who dominated most of the bout only for Lewis to catch him and still the victory from under his feet in the last 10 seconds.

What’s next for Derrick Lewis if he is able to win come Saturday night?

Stephen Thompson & Tyron Woodley Involved In Cobra Kai Series

Stephen Thompson reveals he and former rival Tyron Woodley have been involved in some way with the Netflix smash hit Cobra Kai.

Cobra Kai is crushing the views. The sequel to the 1980s The Karate Kid films is hailed as a solid mix of drama, martial…

Stephen Thompson reveals he and former rival Tyron Woodley have been involved in some way with the Netflix smash hit Cobra Kai.

Cobra Kai is crushing the views. The sequel to the 1980s The Karate Kid films is hailed as a solid mix of drama, martial-arts action, and a heavy dose of nostalgia for some older viewers. 

It’s no surprise that a series so entrenched in martial arts is reaching out to actual martial artists. And there may have been no better choice for a cameo than real-life karateka, Stephen Thompson. 

The former title challenger revealed that not only is he involved with the show, but so is a former MMA champion turned boxer in Tyron Woodley. The revelation came when “Wonderboy” was asked about the upcoming Woodley vs. Jake Paul rematch on a recent episode of The MMA Hour (h/t MiddleEasy).

“I think so, he’s got to (win). I think Tyron gets it,” Thompson said before letting slip that they are both to feature in Cobra Kai. “I chatted with him not too long doing some Cobra Kai stuff. I can’t really give too much away but we were there hanging out [on set], and yeah, the beef has been squashed. Since then, he’s awesome and fun to hang out with while we were there. I didn’t get to hang out with him a ton but while we were there on set.”

Cobra Kai Never Die

Stephen Thompson and Tyron Woodley face off ahead of their world title fight.

Thompson wouldn’t divulge their role but did say they would not be in the forthcoming season that releases later this month.

It may be some time before we see the fighters on the small screen in an acting capacity, but both men will be active this weekend in very different roles. Stephen Thompson is set to take on Belal Muhammed in the co-main event of UFV Vegas 45 on Saturday. On the same night, Woodley looks for revenge against Jake Paul in a rematch of their October bout. 

Will you be tuning in if Stephen Thompson and Tyron Woodley are announced to appear on an episode of Cobra Kai?

Continue Reading Stephen Thompson & Tyron Woodley Involved In Cobra Kai Series at MMA News.