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Sonnen: Shame On UFC Welterweights For Being Scared Of Chimaev

Chael Sonnen has his opinion on the UFC welterweights who turn down a fight with Khamzat Chimaev.

Up and coming star Khamzat Chimaev has been quickly rising up the UFC welterweight ranks. He is looking for a fight with any possible top opponent. He…

Chael Sonnen has his opinion on the UFC welterweights who turn down a fight with Khamzat Chimaev.

Up and coming star Khamzat Chimaev has been quickly rising up the UFC welterweight ranks. He is looking for a fight with any possible top opponent. He has been calling them out on social media but has not gotten much response. Chael Sonnen has his ideas about the nature of the fight business and feels that perhaps Chimaev’s reputation is what’s keeping opponents from running to the cage against him.

“There’s a lot of ways to beat a guy, but if you can do it psychologically and you never have to get out there,” Sonnen explained on his Beyond the Fight show. “Dan Henderson had a great line one time, which is Dan was in a bar with somebody, and the guy said, ‘Hey, Dan. If I get in some trouble, you know, will you walk over there, beat this guy down for me?’ And Dan simply said, ‘Why do I need to beat him down when I can stare him down?’ And that rule of life doesn’t go away.”

Sonnen may be implying that Chimaev’s last few performances have been scaring away his opponents. Since coming to the UFC he has had four fights, all of which were finishes, two KO’s, and two submissions. In just one year, he has risen to number 11 in the rankings. Now, he is trying to call out opponents in the top five, which may be why he is not getting a response, however, Sonnen thinks he is doing the right thing.

“You can stare a guy down, and he backs down; it is the art of war because the great generals never fire a shot,” Sonnen said. “They don’t need to. They align their troops and make the other people retreat. And if Chimaev is successfully doing that – If less than 20 minutes of action, three double-legs, a rear-naked choke, and a left hook – If that’s going to scare an entire division away in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, then shame on them. Fair play by Chimaev.”

Sonnen was a big trash talker in his fighting days. He could almost defeat opponents before even facing them by getting in their heads. If he feels Chimaev is planning a similar sort of game plan, then he could be sitting on the sidelines for some time. However, in this day and age, money talks, and maybe the UFC will have to pay up to get a top welterweight to step in against “Borz.”

Who do you want to see take on Khamzat Chimaev next?

Continue Reading Sonnen: Shame On UFC Welterweights For Being Scared Of Chimaev at MMA News.

Bisping Names 2 Options For McGregor’s Return Other Than Poirier

Former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping believes there are two leading options for Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon, neither of which is a fourth fight with Dustin Poirier.

McGregor, a former two-division UFC champion, has been on a …

Former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping believes there are two leading options for Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon, neither of which is a fourth fight with Dustin Poirier.

McGregor, a former two-division UFC champion, has been on a significant downfall since his second title crowning in 2016. In the four years that have followed, the Irishman has gone 1-3. His sole victory came at welterweight against veteran Donald Cerrone last January. That success marked a rebound from his crushing loss to arch-rival Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018.

After re-entering the win column, McGregor would have hoped to return to lightweight title contention in 2021. Instead, the 33-year-old was knocked out for the first time, saw his 1-0 record against Dustin Poirier collapse to 1-2, and suffered a gruesome broken leg. Since sustaining the injury at UFC 264, McGregor has been on the sidelines, tangling with celebrities in public and fellow fighters on social media.

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? Experience #UFC264 in slow-motion.

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— UFC (@ufc) July 15, 2021

Bisping Advises McGregor Against 4th Poirier Fight

In recent weeks, talk of a McGregor return has certainly picked up. Having consistently provided updates on his recovery through training footage, it’s clear the former double champ is deep into the healing process. With that in mind, McGregor recently revealed his hope to begin full MMA sparring again in April 2022, with his return to the cage imminent after that.

The options for McGregor’s comeback seem plentiful. As well as potential clashes with Michael Chandler and Max Holloway, both of whom have expressed interest in welcoming MMA’s biggest superstar back to the Octagon, a potential fourth collision with Poirier remains a possibility. If “The Diamond” dethrones Charles Oliveira at UFC 269 this weekend, that could see McGregor fighting for gold upon his return, something he guaranteed would be the case in a recent Twitter post.

Despite those choices, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has given McGregor some different advice. Suggesting against the Poirier tetralogy during a recent Q&A on his YouTube channel, “The Count” said McGregor should either complete his trilogy with Nate Diaz or face former interim champ Tony Ferguson.

“For McGregor, when he comes back, he needs to think carefully about who he fights next. If Dustin Poirier beats Charles Oliveira next week and Dustin becomes the champion, of course Justin Gaethje’s going to step in and he gets the next shot. But then there’s Islam Makhachev and the whole list of people at lightweight that want to fight for the belt. But McGregor, being who he is, McGregor being the biggest star the sport has ever seen, he may get that privilege to where he can fight Dustin Poirier for the belt because they have unfinished business. They are two and one in Dustin’s favor, but the way the last fight ended with McGregor breaking his leg does give a reason, does give explanation to the subject that perhaps they should do a fourth fight.

“McGregor brings in eyeballs like nobody else so there is a possibility. My advice would be don’t do that. I think he should try and get his mojo back, get comfortable with the octagon again, because it’s a long layoff. Nate Diaz may be the perfect person or even Tony Ferguson.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

Conor McGregor Nate Diaz — Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz

With Nate Diaz having just one fight remaining on his contract, and with heavy talk of a departure from the promotion, it appears that if the UFC wishes to book a third fight between the Stockton native and McGregor, it’ll have to be the highest priority for when the Irishman is ready to return.

On the other hand, McGregor vs. Ferguson is a matchup that would have been mouth-watering a number of years ago. Having lost three consecutive fights against Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Beneil Dariush, the idea of Ferguson facing McGregor has perhaps lost its appeal slightly. Nevertheless, it would certainly make sense given the rankings, and would give one man a path back towards the lightweight top five.

Who do you think Conor McGregor should face when he returns to the Octagon?

Continue Reading Bisping Names 2 Options For McGregor’s Return Other Than Poirier at MMA News.

Poirier Believes Oliveira Deserves More Respect: “Man, Raise The Guy Up”

Dustin Poirier believes fans and fighters need to put some respect on lightweight champ Charles Oliveira’s name.

On December 11, Poirier will make his second attempt to win the lightweight belt when he faces Oliveira at UFC 269. Since his first tit…

Dustin Poirier believes fans and fighters need to put some respect on lightweight champ Charles Oliveira’s name.

On December 11, Poirier will make his second attempt to win the lightweight belt when he faces Oliveira at UFC 269. Since his first title bout loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019, the 32-year-old has won three in a row, including a victory over Dan Hooker and back-to-back wins against Conor McGregor.

Oliveria will be looking to make his first title defence since defeating Chandler to claim the vacant belt in May. However some argue that victory, Oliveria’s ninth in a row, came only as a result of Poirier turning down the original offer to fight for the vacant belt. Instead of UFC gold, the “Diamond” chose to pursue a second big money fight with McGregor.

Many now believe the onus is on Oliveria to prove his legitimacy as champ by defeating Poirier, who some consider the unofficial title holder. And as if that’s not enough, questions regarding the Brazilian’s mental strength have been consistently raised, most most notably by Justin Gaethje who recently branded Oliveira a “quitter,” and on that basis, favors Poirier to claim the title. Chandler has similarly slapped the quitter title on “Do Bronx.”

Poirier Defends Oliveira From Claims That He Isn’t A Worthy Champion

Oliveria may be lacking respect from some of his lightweight peers, but not from the man who will attempt to dethrone him next month. Speaking to The MMA Hour, Poirier defended the honor of Oliveria as champion, saying that in knocking out Chandler, he accomplished something his chief critic, Gaethje, couldn’t.

“Dude, the thing about fighting is: Every time the bell rings, we get a live, real-time appraisal,” said Poirier. “We change from fight to fight. Things happen. We’re in different mental spaces. We’re in different physical positions and in shape or injuries. There’s a lot of things that go on behind the scenes, but the beautiful thing is every time that bell rings, it’s an appraisal in front of the world. And if we’re going off his last appraisal, the guy got hurt and showed grit, came back, won a fight, knocked a former world champion out, something Gaethje didn’t do just recently.”

Dustin Poirier — Image Credit: Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

The “Diamond” believes Oliveira deserves far more respect from fans and fighters, and that he’s under no illusions that come December 11, the Brazilian won’t put up a good fight.

“He did get pressed. He got hurt. He almost got finished. The bell rang, he came back, and won a world championship,” said Poirier. “I’m not here to put anybody down or talk bad about people. Man, people love to try to shit on people. Man, raise the guy up. He’s the world champion. It’s a tough task, and I’m doing everything I can to put myself in position to compete the best on December 11 for 25 minutes and be the world champion, a goal I set out from a very young age. And that’s just it, dude. I don’t really play into all this that much.”

If Oliveira’s critics only remembered the adversity he overcome early in his UFC career, and consider his current phenomenal win-streak, Poirier believes they would truly see how worthy a champion he is.

“It’s one thing to get into this organization and make it to the top, but it’s another thing to do it for a decade like he’s done. That shows that this guy’s a fighter,” said Poirier.

What do you think? Does Charles Oliveria deserve more respect as champ?

Continue Reading Poirier Believes Oliveira Deserves More Respect: “Man, Raise The Guy Up” at MMA News.

Khamzat Chimaev Even As A Child: ‘I’ve Never Lost a Fight’

Khamzat Chimaev took the UFC by storm smashing his way through opponent after opponent before being delayed by a global pandemic which saw him consider retirement. After deciding not to retire Chimaev returned in his latest outing to submit Li Jingliang in a very impressive display inside the first round. It appears winning fights is […]

It appears winning fights is all that Khamzat Chimaev knows after speaking in a recent interview with HustleMMA, the undefeated fighter spoke about the times he would be fighting in the streets on Chechnya as a child.

“We created history for ourselves on the streets. I’ve never lost a fight. Thank God, not yet. I definitely didn’t with my character. I fought with the boys. I still know this guy. We are friends now.

“He is in the 11th grade. I’m in the 5th grade. He was not that big but bigger than me anyway. I’m near the school, I don’t remember, there was a brawl. I say let’s go and we went. He started throwing me from right to left for about 10 minutes. Then he got tired, and I started hitting him.”(Transcribed by Bloodyelbow.com)

Chimaev has displayed his ability every time he steps inside the octagon and given how his journey has started with his brief time in the UFC, it comes as no surprise he has already been dubbed the future of Mixed Martial Arts.

Who is next for Khamzat Chimaev?

The UFC has been hoping to get Chimaev back inside the octagon ever since his last fight finished, however, the promotion is having a harder time than they anticipated as it appears no one wants to fight ‘Borz’. After taking to social media, Chimaev called out anyone and everyone inside the UFC however he has had very little luck in getting fighter’s interest.

Unfortunately, we will have to wait to see what the UFC can get lined up for Chimaev, but one thing is for sure, you can expect absolute carnage when he steps back inside the octagon.

Who would you like to see Khamzat Chimaev face next?

Oliveira Ready To Show Who “The Real Champ” Is At UFC 269

Charles Oliveira says he’ll prove who the “real” lightweight king is this weekend to those who continue to brand his upcoming opponent Dustin Poirier as the ‘uncrowned champion’.

Despite an incredible journey to the top, Oliveira is seemingly being…

Charles Oliveira says he’ll prove who the “real” lightweight king is this weekend to those who continue to brand his upcoming opponent Dustin Poirier as the ‘uncrowned champion’.

Despite an incredible journey to the top, Oliveira is seemingly being undervalued and delegitimized as champion by many, including top contender Justin Gaethje. The Brazilian believes they’ll regret underrating him come December 11 when he makes his first title defense.

“Do Bronx” had UFC gold wrapped around his waist for the first time at UFC 262 in May. After Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement, Oliveira challenged for the vacant belt against former three-time Bellator titleholder Michael Chandler. Having looked close to being finished in the opening round, Oliveira overcame adversity to secure a second-round finish inside Houston’s Toyota Center.

The heart-warming championship crowning came in Oliveira’s 28th Octagon outing. Not many fighters have personified the idea that hard work pays off quite like the Sao Paulo native. He’ll look to continue his story by fending off the challenge of Poirier in this weekend’s main event.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWlcJc0FVbd/

Oliveira: “The Belt Has An Owner”

Leaving Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena with the title will certainly be no easy task for Oliveira. Poirier is widely regarded as the best lightweight in the world, and will enter the blockbuster year-ending pay-per-view off the back of two victories over former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor.

With that in mind, many in the combat sports community perceive “The Diamond” to be a heavy favorite for this Saturday’s headliner. Given his decision to pass up on a shot to challenge for the vacant title in favor of a money trilogy fight with McGregor, the narrative that Poirier is the uncrowned lightweight titleholder has been thrown around a lot.

But for Oliveira, that couldn’t be further from the truth. During a recent interview with TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter, “Do Bronx” promised to show he belongs on the 155-pound throne at UFC 269.

“People love Dustin. Like you said, he’s seen as the uncrowned champion. But I’ll show on Saturday who the real champion is; that the belt has an owner, and his name is Charles Oliveira. I’m happy with this fight, I’m ready, and I’ll show that on Saturday.” (Via a translator)

Having been treated to a barnburner between former title challenger Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler at UFC 268 last month, this weekend’s event will mark another pay-per-view featuring a crucial clash in the lightweight division. It stands to reason the victor will be defending the gold against “The Highlight” in the second quarter of 2022.

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 269, Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier?

Continue Reading Oliveira Ready To Show Who “The Real Champ” Is At UFC 269 at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley Explains Why He’s On The UFC 269 PPV & Dominick Cruz Is On The Prelims

Sean O’Malley is reveling in the fact he will feature in the pay-per-view portion of UFC 269 while former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will compete on the prelims. ‘Suga’ will open this Saturday’s UFC 269 main card when he takes on #15 ranked bantamweight Raulian Paiva. Earlier in the evening Pedro Munhoz and Dominick Cruz […]

Sean O’Malley is reveling in the fact he will feature in the pay-per-view portion of UFC 269 while former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will compete on the prelims.

‘Suga’ will open this Saturday’s UFC 269 main card when he takes on #15 ranked bantamweight Raulian Paiva. Earlier in the evening Pedro Munhoz and Dominick Cruz will square off on the ESPN+ preliminary card, despite the fact they are both higher ranked at 135lbs.

O’Malley finds the fact he is ahead of Cruz quite amusing, especially after the bantamweight legend refused a fight with him.

“I let a little giggle out it just because I remember Dominick Cruz saying something, trying to teach young fighters how to promote, just something like that, how to do something,” O’Malley said on The MMA Hour. “It’s Dominick Cruz, the dude’s a legend, I can’t sit here and disrespect him, but he’s on the prelims. The UFC stacks the card in a specific way for a reason, you know what I mean?

“If they thought Dominick Cruz and Pedro Munhoz could sell more pay-per-views than me, they’d put him on the main card. I think it’s just the UFC’s a business and they understand what they’re doing, so they’re there because they’re there.”

Sean O’Malley On Why He’s So Popular.

The 27-year-old has become one of the most recognizable people in MMA despite never picking up a win over a ranked opponent. O’Malley believes it is his fighting style rather than anything else that has allowed him to stand out from the crowd.

“I think it’s my performances, I really do,” O’Malley said. “All the talk, all the hair, all the whatever, the face tats, all of those things are just additives, I think. My performances, you just want to watch me fight. I move different than people, I think that that’s what it really is.

“But I could be wrong. It could be my beautiful smile.”

Do you think Sean O’Malley deserves his spot on the UFC 269 main card?