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Marlon Moraes Targeted To Return Against Song Yadong In March

Former UFC bantamweight title challenger Marlon Moraes will look to get back in the win column against Song Yadong at a March 12 event.

MMA Junkie was among the first to report news of the targeted matchup.

Moraes most recently fell to Merab Dva…

Former UFC bantamweight title challenger Marlon Moraes will look to get back in the win column against Song Yadong at a March 12 event.

MMA Junkie was among the first to report news of the targeted matchup.

Moraes most recently fell to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 266 via second-round TKO. After nearly finishing the fight in the first round, Moraes appeared gassed, and Dvalishvili took advantage of it with a barrage on the feet and ground.

Moraes has had a tough recent run of fights inside the Octagon. After losing the title fight against Henry Cejudo at UFC 238, he squeaked out a split-decision win against José Aldo before losing three straight. Before the loss to Cejudo, Moraes had been considered one of the most dangerous bantamweight contenders in the world.

Moraes has also suffered tough losses to top contenders such as Rob Font and Cory Sandhagen, both of whom are in the upper echelon of the division.

With the bantamweight division being as stacked as it is in many eyes, Moraes desperately needs a win to remain in the conversation at 135 pounds.

Marlon Moraes Faces A Tough Task In Song Yadong

Another Turning Point For Song Yadong | UFC — Song Yadong. Image Credit: UFC.com

Moraes will face a rising prospect in Yadong, a 24-year-old juggernaut who has won back-to-back fights against Julio Arce and Casey Kenney. He is widely regarded as one of the top prospects to watch in 2022 and beyond.

Yadong made his UFC debut in 2017 against Bharat Khandare, earning a first-round submission before winning four straight bouts. He’s earned wins over the likes of Vince Morales and Marlon Vera during his run in the promotion.

Moraes and Yadong are both fiery strikers who could provide a potential Fight of the Year matchup in the first quarter of 2022. The winner could get back into title contention at bantamweight.

What is your early prediction for Marlon Moraes vs. Song Yadong?

Continue Reading Marlon Moraes Targeted To Return Against Song Yadong In March at MMA News.

Muhammad Reveals Racial Abuse In UFC Apex During Wonderboy Fight

In the aftermath of his impressive co-main event victory over Stephen Thompson at UFC Vegas 45 this past weekend, Belal Muhammad revealed the racism he’d been subjected to by a member of the Apex crowd.

After his first opportunity to break into the…

After his first opportunity to break into the welterweight elite ended in disaster thanks to an inadvertent eye poke at the hands of top-five contender Leon Edwards in March, Muhammad had his second chance to do so at the final UFC event of 2021. Opposite him in the Octagon was perennial contender and two-time title challenger, “Wonderboy.”

Following a similar blueprint to Gilbert Burns, who defeated Thompson earlier this year, Muhammad imposed his will, consistently taking the 38-year-old down and delivering damage on the ground and against the fence. After 15 minutes of control and dominance, “Remember The Name” took home a unanimous decision victory and will be ascended further up the division when the next rankings update arrives.

? @BullyB170 ended 2021 on a high note!

Who stands across from him in 2022? ? #UFCVegas45 pic.twitter.com/y5kunfnUDG
— UFC (@ufc) December 19, 2021

While he secured the win and established himself as a real contender at 170 pounds, the night wasn’t without some disappointment for Muhammad.

Muhammad: “It Was Some Drunk Hick”

Since introducing small crowds at the Apex, the facility that allowed the UFC to continue hosting events throughout the pandemic, the atmosphere has increased and provided a better feeling to Fight Nights. But on Saturday, not everyone let through the door behaved appropriately.

During his Octagon interview with Michael Bisping, Muhammad addressed someone in the audience who’d seemingly been sending abuse his way during his three-round fight with Thompson. During the post-fight press conference, the 33-year-old expanded on the racism he was subjected to from a “drunk hick” outside the Octagon.

“He was screaming out like, it was some drunk hick or something like that, screaming out racist Arabic words and stuff like that. I was just like, ‘Wonderboy, are these your boys?’ And he’s like, ‘Nah, nah, they ain’t my boys.’ I was like, ‘Alright, cool,’ and kept punching him again. It’s a small Apex, so you hear everything, and it was just weird. I was like, ‘Alright, I can see who you are.’ So I’m about to catch him on the Strip later today.”

There is certainly no room for racism in MMA, or any sport for that matter, not least when an athlete is putting their body on the line to entertain you. Given the size of the crowd and Muhammad’s knowledge of which individual used the terms, it shouldn’t be hard for the UFC to take action.

Should the abusive audience member be banned from the Apex for life?

Continue Reading Muhammad Reveals Racial Abuse In UFC Apex During Wonderboy Fight at MMA News.

Gregor Gillespie Calls Out Tony Ferguson: ‘It’s Time For Me To Ankle Pick You’

Gregor Gillespie wants former UFC interim title challenger Tony Ferguson as his next opponent.

Hot off a successful performance in his return, Gillespie wants to continue his climb up the lightweight ranks. In an attempt to do so, he has targeted t…

Gregor Gillespie wants former UFC interim title challenger Tony Ferguson as his next opponent.

Hot off a successful performance in his return, Gillespie wants to continue his climb up the lightweight ranks. In an attempt to do so, he has targeted the division’s seventh-ranked fighter in Ferguson.

Gillespie took to social media earlier this week to call for the matchup. He noted the importance of his message, stating that it is rare for him to ever call for a specific fight.

“For the last 15 fights, people have been pressuring me and annoying me to call someone out. I never wanted to, but I think it’s time to play the game,” said Gillespie in a Twitter clip. “I want my second callout to count, so Tony Ferguson, I think it’s time for me to ankle pick you in that Octagon. What do you say?” (h/t Sportskeeda)

What Gillespie vs. Ferguson Would Mean To Both Fighters

Tony Ferguson — Image Credit: John Locher/AP

The theoretical fight offers Ferguson a chance to break a losing streak, putting him in the win column for the first time since his campaign towards a title shot in 2020. On the other hand, it gives Gillespie the opportunity to potentially climb numerous spots in the rankings, pushing him one step closer to the ultimate goal of becoming a champion.

Gillespie bounced back from his sole pro loss in May, scoring a second-round stoppage victory over Diego Ferreira. The victory was later given a “Fight of the Night” award.

The recent win for Gillespie was his first appearance in over a year. His prior fight was a loss against Kevin Lee in November 2019.

Ferguson is currently on a three-fight skid, although the losses have come against some of the best at lightweight. In 2020, Ferguson lost to Justin Gaethje and now-UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira. His last appearance saw him unfavored on the scorecards against Beneil Dariush.

Do you want to see Gregor Gillespie against Tony Ferguson? Who do you think would win?

Continue Reading Gregor Gillespie Calls Out Tony Ferguson: ‘It’s Time For Me To Ankle Pick You’ at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier Casts Doubt On 2022 Clash With Nate Diaz: ‘He Doesn’t Want It’

Dustin Poirier appears now less than hopeful that an originally planned pairing with Nate Diaz actually occurs next year, claiming that the Stockton native has no intention of actually taking the fight, despite initially showing an immediate interest this month. Poirier, a former interim UFC lightweight champion, headlined UFC 269 earlier this month, suffering an […]

Poirier, a former interim UFC lightweight champion, headlined UFC 269 earlier this month, suffering an eventual third round standing rear-naked choke loss to defending undisputed champion, Charles Oliveira – snapping an eye-catching three-fight winning spree.

Following the bout, a dejected Poirier questioned if he wanted to attempt a third title siege at 155lbs, as well as hint at a potential welterweight division move, before landing on the topic of a reworked bout with Diaz, which appears to have his attention.

The Louisianan welcomed a 2022 pairing with the outspoken Californian, claiming that potential showdown was the only fight that currently piqued his interest.

Similarly, Diaz voiced his willingness to score the bout, with the two welcoming a UFC 270 fight in January.

Dustin Poirier casts doubt on potential showdown with rival Nate Diaz next year

However, Poirier claimed that he agreed to fight the former title challenger next month, but hinted that the bout was impossible for the organization to secure.

After testing the waters on a February matchup at UFC 271 in Houston, Texas – Poirier replied to a Twitter user and claimed that Diaz no longer wanted to fight him; “He (Nate Diaz) doesn’t want it,” Dustin Poirier tweeted.

He doesn't want it https://t.co/i2fUlLcCxu

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) December 20, 2021

Poirier and Diaz were initially tied to a targeted UFC 230 lightweight clash back in November 2018 at Madison Square Garden, before the worked on fight failed to materialise. In the time since, both have placed the blame on each other’s doorstep, with Poirier claiming Diaz failed to reach terms with the UFC, while the latter chalked the failed bout up to a Poirier hip injury.

Diaz was in attendance on Saturday night in Tampa, Florida in support of his teammate, UFC, and Bellator MMA alum, Chris Avila who scored a decision win over Anthony Taylor in a boxing match.

The Stockton native was also the subject of another callout from undefeated boxer, Jake Paul following the Ohio native’s thunderous sixth round knockout win over former UFC welterweight kingpin, Tyron Woodley in the event’s headliner.

Gaethje Questions If McGregor Paychecks Affected Poirier At UFC 269

UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje has questioned whether Dustin Poirier’s lucrative fights with Conor McGregor earlier this year may have hampered his performance against Charles Oliveira at UFC 269.

At the final pay-per-view of 2021, many e…

At the final pay-per-view of 2021, many expected Poirier to secure his place in contention for Fighter of the Year through a title crowning. In January, “The Diamond” got his 2014 loss to McGregor back by becoming the first man to knock the former two-division champion out. Six months later, the pair headlined their second event of the year. Poirier secured the trilogy victory after the Irishman broke his leg in the opening round.

Following two lucrative money fights, Poirier turned his attention back to the belt. He became the first man to challenge the reign of fellow promotional veteran Charles Oliveira at UFC 269.

Despite entering the fight as the favorite, the Louisianan had a dose of déjà vu from his previous title attempt in 2019. Like against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Poirier was submitted with a rear-naked choke in the third round by “Do Bronx.”

UFC 269: Dustin Poirier suffers more title heartache as Charles Oliveira chokes him out to retain lightweight title — Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, UFC 269

The result has seemingly set the stage for new #1-ranked contender Gaethje to have his second crack at the undisputed gold in 2022. Following the main event fight that likely determined which individual he’ll be looking to dethrone next year, “The Highlight” discussed the action that unfolded in an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto.

Gaethje suggested that Poirier’s previous outings in 2021 may have had a negative impact on his drive to succeed at UFC 269. Having earned millions with two triumphs over MMA’s biggest superstar, the Arizona native believes Poirier may have had less hunger than before this year.

“Luckily for me, I’ve just lost a fight two fights ago. You know, I’m back here in this position, but when you get to the top and you lose, you’re not sure if you’re gonna get back. And I’m not coming off two (fights) where I just made $10 million-plus, at the end of the day. (I have) the same goals I had from day one, which are to represent my family, my country, my town, to inspire the world, and to gain economic comfortability for me and my family through this sport.

“I don’t have that yet, so of course I’m still as hungry as ever. I can’t say that’s why Poirier wasn’t or was; I don’t think he wasn’t hungry, I just, I don’t know. I can’t imagine… I hope one day I know how hard it is to get ready for a fight coming off those two big paychecks.”

Gaethje Suggests Oliveira Had “More Hunger” At UFC 269

Whether the McGregor fights had a significant part to play or not, Gaethje, who was in attendance for Oliveira’s first title defense, believes the Brazilian had “more hunger” on the night. Nevertheless, “The Highlight” acknowledged there was more to the result than just that, also suggesting “Do Bronx” is simply better at this moment in time.

“You know, I think he’s (Oliveira) better right now (than Poirier), more hungry, per se, more specifically. That’s such a huge factor, and then the confidence, the fact the belt is around his waist, he’s representing Brazil on that level, it just makes this man that much harder to beat. I think that was a big piece of it.”

Having previously doubted the toughness and resolve of Oliveira, Gaethje will now look to prove himself right and do what Poirier failed to do when he gets his own shot at the Brazilian’s gold next year.

Do you agree with Justin Gaethje? Did Charles Oliveira have more hunger than Dustin Poirier at UFC 269?

Continue Reading Gaethje Questions If McGregor Paychecks Affected Poirier At UFC 269 at MMA News.

Dana White Says Khabib Will “Learn The Hard Way” About Promoting

UFC President Dana White is open to being an advisor to fellow promoter Khabib Nurmagomedov but thinks he’ll learn just how difficult it is for himself.

Nurmagomedov, a former UFC lightweight champion and arguably one of the greatest fighters ever,…

UFC President Dana White is open to being an advisor to fellow promoter Khabib Nurmagomedov but thinks he’ll learn just how difficult it is for himself.

Nurmagomedov, a former UFC lightweight champion and arguably one of the greatest fighters ever, is the promoter of Eagle FC. The promotion has been in the headlines recently, as they signed former UFC interim lightweight title challenger Kevin Lee and UFC Hall of Famer Rashad Evans.

Nurmagomedov is off to an active start in this new career venture after retiring from MMA in 2020. However, White believes that sooner rather than later, Nurmagomedov will be confronted with the various challenges of being in the fight business.

“No, I haven’t talked to Khabib about his promotion at all, but he’s gonna find out what it’s like to be on the other side, and it’s not as fun as it seems,” White said at the UFC Vegas 45 post-fight press conference. “He’s gonna learn. If he doesn’t know, he’s gonna know.”

White was then asked if he would be open to helping Nurmagomedov ride the waves that come with fight promotion.

“Listen, if he calls me and wants some advice, I would absolutely give him advice,” White said. “But yeah, he’s gonna learn the hard way. [Chuckles]”

Eagle FC will host its first U.S. event next month in Miami, FL. The card will be headlined by kickboxing legend Tyrone Spong taking on Sergei Kharitonov.

White has been one of the most prominent personalities in MMA since he began his reign as the UFC headman in the early 2000s. While White and Nurmagomedov are now technically competitors, it sounds like the two could be in communications sooner rather than later regarding promoter life.

What are your thoughts on Dana White’s remarks about Khabib ‘learning the hard way’ about promoting?

Continue Reading Dana White Says Khabib Will “Learn The Hard Way” About Promoting at MMA News.