Film Room: Brad Riddell vs. Drew Dober – UFC 263

At UFC Vegas 44, Brad Riddell will face Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event. Here is a look at his most recent performance against UFC veteran Drew Dober.

Coming into this fight, Dober had won three of his last four fights. He had racked up wins ove…

Brad Riddell, Drew Dober

At UFC Vegas 44, Brad Riddell will face Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event. Here is a look at his most recent performance against UFC veteran Drew Dober.

Coming into this fight, Dober had won three of his last four fights. He had racked up wins over Polo Reyes, Nasrat Haqparast, and Alexander Hernandez, with all three wins coming by way of KO/TKO. That momentum hit a snag, however, in his last fight prior to UFC 263, when he joined the long list of victims of Islam Makhachev at UFC 259.

Islam Makhachev Submits Drew Dober at UFC 259 - MMA Sucka
Image Credit: Zuffa LLC

Brad Riddell, on the other hand, entered the fight with an undefeated UFC record of 3-0 and a professional record of 9-1. Riddell entered the promotion with a reputation as an experienced kickboxer, with an impressive record of 59-10 in the sport.

Will Brad Riddell Be City Kickboxing's Next Big Star?

With Dober having three KO/TKOs out of his last four fights and Riddell using his striking expertise to outpoint each of his prior UFC opponents, fans were ready for a standup battle in what would be Riddell’s biggest test to date.

You can relive this lightweight contest in its entirety below.

Continue Reading Film Room: Brad Riddell vs. Drew Dober – UFC 263 at MMA News.

Film Room: Brad Riddell vs. Drew Dober – UFC 263

At UFC Vegas 44, Brad Riddell will face Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event. Here is a look at his most recent performance against UFC veteran Drew Dober.

Coming into this fight, Dober had won three of his last four fights. He had racked up wins ove…

Brad Riddell, Drew Dober

At UFC Vegas 44, Brad Riddell will face Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event. Here is a look at his most recent performance against UFC veteran Drew Dober.

Coming into this fight, Dober had won three of his last four fights. He had racked up wins over Polo Reyes, Nasrat Haqparast, and Alexander Hernandez, with all three wins coming by way of KO/TKO. That momentum hit a snag, however, in his last fight prior to UFC 263, when he joined the long list of victims of Islam Makhachev at UFC 259.

Islam Makhachev Submits Drew Dober at UFC 259 - MMA Sucka
Image Credit: Zuffa LLC

Brad Riddell, on the other hand, entered the fight with an undefeated UFC record of 3-0 and a professional record of 9-1. Riddell entered the promotion with a reputation as an experienced kickboxer, with an impressive record of 59-10 in the sport.

Will Brad Riddell Be City Kickboxing's Next Big Star?

With Dober having three KO/TKOs out of his last four fights and Riddell using his striking expertise to outpoint each of his prior UFC opponents, fans were ready for a standup battle in what would be Riddell’s biggest test to date.

You can relive this lightweight contest in its entirety below.

Continue Reading Film Room: Brad Riddell vs. Drew Dober – UFC 263 at MMA News.

Rob Font Doesn’t Believe Aldo Win Will Get Him A Title Shot

UFC bantamweight contender Rob Font believes he’ll need a couple more victories before he earns a shot at 135-pound gold.

Since an inconsistent start in the promotion saw him go 5-3, which included losses to John Lineker, Pedro Munhoz, and Raphael …

Rob Font

UFC bantamweight contender Rob Font believes he’ll need a couple more victories before he earns a shot at 135-pound gold.

Since an inconsistent start in the promotion saw him go 5-3, which included losses to John Lineker, Pedro Munhoz, and Raphael Assunção, Font has been in fine form. After decision wins against Sergio Pettis and Ricky Simón put him back on track, the 34-year-old shot into contention with a TKO victory over former title challenger Marlon Moraes.

Font jumped even closer to the bantamweight title this year with a headlining five-round triumph versus former champ Cody Garbrandt. Having leaped into the top five, the Massachusetts native is set for his second main event of 2021 this weekend at UFC Vegas 44. He’ll face former featherweight kingpin José Aldo.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUdjK7DpasY/

In a recent interview with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Font said that while his December 4 clash isn’t an interim title opportunity, which he was forced to turn down in October, Aldo is still a huge name that he hopes to use to cement himself further into contention.

“We had to turn it (UFC 267 interim title fight) down, but at the same time it was like, ‘This doesn’t work, but we might have something for you in a couple of weeks after that.’ I kind of had an idea it would be Aldo. So I was like, ‘Yeah, alright, that works, perfect.’ It’s not, obviously, an interim belt, but it’s just as big a name, just as big of a challenge, and it puts me right back into title contention. This’ll be my fifth win (in a row). You can’t deny I’m there (in contention).”

With a win, Font will add yet another former UFC titleholder to his résumé and extend his winning streak to five. Despite that, the #4-ranked contender doesn’t see himself getting a title shot with a victory over “Junior.”

“It’s weird, it’s tough, because the division’s all jacked up. You’ve got Sterling still out, I’m pretty sure Cory is still in the mix, obviously, even though he lost two in a row, and then you’ve got TJ (Dillashaw) coming back. So it’s like, even after this win, I still think I have one more before I even get like, a real title shot.”

Font Targets Dillashaw Or Loser Of Yan vs. Sterling 2 

Having revealed his expectation that he’ll have to fight again before securing his first championship opportunity, Rob Font discussed the options he’ll have for 2022 if he emerges victorious on Saturday.

As well as the possibility of facing Cory Sandhagen, who was granted the interim title shot at UFC 267 after Font’s inability to make the date, the 34-year-old mentioned TJ Dillashaw or the loser of the inevitable unification fight between UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling and interim titleholder Petr Yan.

“It’s frustrating (the current bantamweight situation). It’d be more frustrating not knowing when I’m gonna fight. But at least I have options. I feel like I have options, as far as maybe fighting the loser of Aljamain and Yan fight or, you know, maybe get in there with TJ… That’s all cool, but I’ve still gotta win these fights; I’ve gotta win the Aldo fight. I feel like we’re there. I’ve got this fight, then one more fight, obviously Cory Sandhagen’s still out there, too. I just gotta go out there, do my job, and see how this all shapes out.”

Do you think Rob Font will move further into contention with a victory over José Aldo this weekend?

Continue Reading Rob Font Doesn’t Believe Aldo Win Will Get Him A Title Shot at MMA News.

Rob Font Doesn’t Believe Aldo Win Will Get Him A Title Shot

UFC bantamweight contender Rob Font believes he’ll need a couple more victories before he earns a shot at 135-pound gold.

Since an inconsistent start in the promotion saw him go 5-3, which included losses to John Lineker, Pedro Munhoz, and Raphael …

Rob Font

UFC bantamweight contender Rob Font believes he’ll need a couple more victories before he earns a shot at 135-pound gold.

Since an inconsistent start in the promotion saw him go 5-3, which included losses to John Lineker, Pedro Munhoz, and Raphael Assunção, Font has been in fine form. After decision wins against Sergio Pettis and Ricky Simón put him back on track, the 34-year-old shot into contention with a TKO victory over former title challenger Marlon Moraes.

Font jumped even closer to the bantamweight title this year with a headlining five-round triumph versus former champ Cody Garbrandt. Having leaped into the top five, the Massachusetts native is set for his second main event of 2021 this weekend at UFC Vegas 44. He’ll face former featherweight kingpin José Aldo.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUdjK7DpasY/

In a recent interview with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Font said that while his December 4 clash isn’t an interim title opportunity, which he was forced to turn down in October, Aldo is still a huge name that he hopes to use to cement himself further into contention.

“We had to turn it (UFC 267 interim title fight) down, but at the same time it was like, ‘This doesn’t work, but we might have something for you in a couple of weeks after that.’ I kind of had an idea it would be Aldo. So I was like, ‘Yeah, alright, that works, perfect.’ It’s not, obviously, an interim belt, but it’s just as big a name, just as big of a challenge, and it puts me right back into title contention. This’ll be my fifth win (in a row). You can’t deny I’m there (in contention).”

With a win, Font will add yet another former UFC titleholder to his résumé and extend his winning streak to five. Despite that, the #4-ranked contender doesn’t see himself getting a title shot with a victory over “Junior.”

“It’s weird, it’s tough, because the division’s all jacked up. You’ve got Sterling still out, I’m pretty sure Cory is still in the mix, obviously, even though he lost two in a row, and then you’ve got TJ (Dillashaw) coming back. So it’s like, even after this win, I still think I have one more before I even get like, a real title shot.”

Font Targets Dillashaw Or Loser Of Yan vs. Sterling 2 

Having revealed his expectation that he’ll have to fight again before securing his first championship opportunity, Rob Font discussed the options he’ll have for 2022 if he emerges victorious on Saturday.

As well as the possibility of facing Cory Sandhagen, who was granted the interim title shot at UFC 267 after Font’s inability to make the date, the 34-year-old mentioned TJ Dillashaw or the loser of the inevitable unification fight between UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling and interim titleholder Petr Yan.

“It’s frustrating (the current bantamweight situation). It’d be more frustrating not knowing when I’m gonna fight. But at least I have options. I feel like I have options, as far as maybe fighting the loser of Aljamain and Yan fight or, you know, maybe get in there with TJ… That’s all cool, but I’ve still gotta win these fights; I’ve gotta win the Aldo fight. I feel like we’re there. I’ve got this fight, then one more fight, obviously Cory Sandhagen’s still out there, too. I just gotta go out there, do my job, and see how this all shapes out.”

Do you think Rob Font will move further into contention with a victory over José Aldo this weekend?

Continue Reading Rob Font Doesn’t Believe Aldo Win Will Get Him A Title Shot at MMA News.

EXCLUSIVE | Stephen Thompson Expects Belal Muhammad To Be ‘Shooting’ At UFC Vegas 45

Stephen ThompsonStephen Thompson is expecting Belal Muhammad to try to wrestle him at some point during their welterweight match-up which is set to take place at UFC Vegas 45 on December 18. During a recent interview with LowKickMMA, ‘Wonderboy’ spoke about the advantages he carries into the fight and how Muhammad is pretty good at neutralizing […]

Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson is expecting Belal Muhammad to try to wrestle him at some point during their welterweight match-up which is set to take place at UFC Vegas 45 on December 18.

During a recent interview with LowKickMMA, ‘Wonderboy’ spoke about the advantages he carries into the fight and how Muhammad is pretty good at neutralizing his opponent’s greatest strengths.

“I feel like I do have the height and reach (advantage) but again I’ve seen him fight taller and longer guys and he works them,” Thompson said. “The guy has got a work ethic and spirit like no other. I mean, he’s relentless, he comes forward, he wrestles, he’s got amazing cardio. I mean, you saw his wrestling against Demian Maia. I’ve never seen that before. I’ve never seen anybody defend Demian Maia like he did.”

Thompson believes his opponent is as well-rounded as they come but expects that on fight night he will try to wrestle him, especially after seeing who Muhammad has recently been training with. “

“He’s good everywhere. He’s a really tough guy,” Thompson said. “So I do believe that at some point he’s going to be shooting, obviously. He’s done some work recently with Gilbert Burns, so he might take a note out of Gilbert Burns’ book and go straight in for the takedown but I’m ready for it.”

Stephen Thompson Is Looking To Remain Relevant At 170lbs

‘Wonderboy’ enters UFC Vegas 45 off the back of a dominant decision loss to Burns last time out. A second successive defeat would be catastrophic to Thompson who at 38-years-old cannot afford any more slip-ups if he wants to become UFC champion before he calls it a career.

The Karate specialist twice came close to dethroning Tyron Woodley but ultimately walked away without the title. Since then his form has been patchy but he has still managed to pick up several high-profile wins over the likes of Jorge Masvidal, Vicente Luque, and Geoff Neal.

Do you think Stephen Thompson will get back in the win column at UFC Vegas 45?

Conor McGregor Donates €10,000 To Help Paralysed MMA Fighter

Conor McGregorConor McGregor has donated €10,000 to help Irish MMA fighter Ian Coughlan try to walk again after he was left paralyzed following an accident in training. Coughlan (1-1) was one of the brightest prospects in Irish MMA and had already made his way to Bellator. In his promotional debut, Coughlan suffered a unanimous decision defeat […]

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor has donated €10,000 to help Irish MMA fighter Ian Coughlan try to walk again after he was left paralyzed following an accident in training.

Coughlan (1-1) was one of the brightest prospects in Irish MMA and had already made his way to Bellator. In his promotional debut, Coughlan suffered a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Constantin Gnusarev. He was training for his comeback when a freak accident during a sparring session led to him being paralyzed.

Conor McGregor Boosts Ian Couglan’s GoFundMe Hopes

In an effort to raise money for a potentially life-changing treatment in Germany, Coughlan set up a GoFundMe page with the goal of raising €73,000.

After 10 days, the page has already raised €41,000 and is well on its way to reaching the target amount. ‘Notorious’ gave his fellow Irishman a huge helping hand by donating €10,000 to the cause and also shouting Coughlan out on his social media.

SBG’s John Kavanagh is hosting a “Super Seminar” on December 18 to help raise funds for Coughlan. The event will attended by Kavanagh, Owen Roddy, UFC fighter Johnny Walker, Brad Katona, Irish MMA legend Paul Redmond and others.

It is set to take place at SBG’s Dublin HQ and it is open to people of all levels. Anyone who donates €100 or more to Coughlan’s cause will be entered into a draw to win some merchandise which includes the fight kit that McGregor wore for one of his UFC bouts.

It will take place at the SBG Ireland HQ in Dublin on December 18, with participants of all levels encouraged to take part once they have made a donation to the GoFundMe.

The former dual-weight UFC champion implored his followers to attend the event if possible and help support Coughlan’s bid to walk again.

“Guys let’s get together and support this young Irish fighter who suffered a terrible injury at a gym in Ireland,” McGregor wrote on Twitter. “Coach John and the team at SBG are hosting a training day and my own recovery permitting, I hope to be in attendance. There will be signed fight wear also!”

Everyone at LowKickMMA wishes Ian Coughlan well in his recovery.