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[ARCHIVES] Alvarez Regrets In-Octagon Attack At UFC 205 Vs McGregor

[MMA NEWS ARCHIVES]

Many people regard UFC 205 as Conor McGregor’s finest performance. The victim? One Eddie Alvarez. The following is an article that captures Alvarez’s fresh thoughts in the immediate aftermath of the event. The story is presented…

[MMA NEWS ARCHIVES]

On This Day Five Years Ago…

[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 14, 2016, 9:46 AM]

Eddie Alvarez knew he would be in for a battle against Conor McGregor Saturday night at UFC 205.

And while Alvarez was disappointed in the outcome, as he dropped the lightweight title, he was more disappointed in himself for how he fought.

“I fought a bad fight,” Alvarez said (thanks to MMAjunkie for the quotes). “The idea wasn’t to go in there and box and stand in front of him. I didn’t fight a good fight. We started throwing kicks, and the kicks were successful. I would have started throwing more. We didn’t wrestle enough.

“The idea was to go in there and wrestle. Wrestle a guy who likes to box, and I didn’t do that. Not quite sure why I didn’t do that. But I didn’t do it tonight, and I paid for it. He capitalized.”

Alvarez, who became the first-ever fighter to wear gold in the UFC and Bellator MMA when he finished Rafael dos Anjos earlier this year, believes the speed of the new two-division champion was what really bothered him the most.

“It was more speed (that got me),” Alvarez said. “I think I got dropped. The first time I was dropped, I remember being on my butt, and I was like, ‘Wow that was quick. Whatever that was, it was fast.’ I’ve been there before a lot of times in my career. I’ve been dropped. I don’t panic. I get my composure and get right back up. It was more – his speed and timing were very good.”

Continue Reading [ARCHIVES] Alvarez Regrets In-Octagon Attack At UFC 205 Vs McGregor at MMA News.

Bisping Pitches Usman vs. Whittaker If “The Reaper” Beats Adesanya

Michael Bisping believes UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman should challenge for the middleweight gold if Robert Whittaker defeats 185-pound king Israel Adesanya next year.

At UFC 268, Usman extended his 170-pound dominance. A unanimous decisio…

Michael Bisping believes UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman should challenge for the middleweight gold if Robert Whittaker defeats 185-pound king Israel Adesanya next year.

At UFC 268, Usman extended his 170-pound dominance. A unanimous decision victory over top contender Colby Covington increased his perfect UFC record to 15-0, leaving him just one victory short of Anderson Silva’s all-time winning streak record in the promotion.

Since securing his place on the welterweight throne with a controlling performance against Tyron Woodley in 2019, “The Nigerian Nightmare” has defended his belt on five occasions, and staked his claim to be considered the greatest welterweight of all time.

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

Bisping Believes Whittaker is Usman’s Route To Champ-Champ Status

Having brushed past two challenges from Covington, two from Jorge Masvidal, and one from Gilbert Burns, many are wondering what Usman has left to prove at 170 pounds. Should Leon Edwards defeat Masvidal at UFC 269 next month, it seems inevitable “Rocky” will get the next shot. Beyond the Englishman, Vicente Luque could have secured his opportunity, while the surging Khamzat Chimaev is likely only one or two victories away from contention.

However, the idea of Usman challenging for a second belt has been thrown around. Some believe that in order to be spoken about in the same breath as Georges St-Pierre, the 24-year-old has to follow in the Canadian’s footsteps and make his mark at middleweight as well.

However, Usman has repeatedly stated that he won’t fight friend and compatriot Israel Adesanya, who currently occupies top spot at 185 pounds. With that in mind, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping believes Usman’s path to two-division glory relies on “The Last Stylebender” falling short in his next defense.

Speaking in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, “The Count” suggested former champ Robert Whittaker has what it takes to dethrone the Nigerian-New Zealander in their rematch, which is being targeted for UFC 271 in February. If “The Reaper” does become a two-time champ, Bisping believes that opens the door for Usman to move up.

“They’re talking about Kamaru Usman going up to middleweight, going up a division. But he said he doesn’t want to do that because Israel Adesanya is the champ and he doesn’t want to go up against his countryman, and he has respect, which I understand a little bit, a little bit I understand that. Far be it for me to send any judgement. But, just because you’re both from the same country doesn’t mean you can’t fight. Still, I get it, I get it, they’re brothers.

“But Adesanya’s fighting Robert Whittaker, and that’s not a given. Yes, the first fight Adesanya absolutely destroyed Whittaker, wasn’t even close, it wasn’t even what you call a fight if I’m honest. But Whittaker’s rebounded. Whittaker looked amazing against Gastelum. I though that was the best performance of his career. And Whittaker really looks focused. So, you never know. Whittaker might beat Adesanya, which then opens the door for Kamaru Usman to go up to middleweight and go after that belt there. And let’s remember, Robert Whittaker used to be a welterweight… Stylistically, size wise, Kamaru Usman, he might even be the bigger guy, he might even be bigger than Robert Whittaker.”

Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum — Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Since losing his belt to Adesanya at UFC 243 in 2019, Whittaker has been back to his best. After taking almost a year away from the Octagon to reset, the New Zealand-born Aussie returned and recorded wins over Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, and Kelvin Gastelum over the course of 10 months.

Given his form, many believe Whittaker has the best chance at becoming the first man to defeat Adesanya at middleweight. If he does, perhaps he’ll be entering the cage with another Nigerian soon after.

Would you like to see Kamaru Usman challenge for the middleweight title if Robert Whittaker beats Israel Adesanya at UFC 271?

Continue Reading Bisping Pitches Usman vs. Whittaker If “The Reaper” Beats Adesanya at MMA News.

REPORT | Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev Is In The Works For January

A welterweight match-up between one-time title challenger, Gilbert Burns, and top prospect, Khamzat Chiamev, is reportedly in the works for January. Front Kick Online report that talks are currently ongoing for the 170lb clash. “Talks are in fact ongoing for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns, according to sources. Not done, but likely to get booked. […]

A welterweight match-up between one-time title challenger, Gilbert Burns, and top prospect, Khamzat Chiamev, is reportedly in the works for January.

Front Kick Online report that talks are currently ongoing for the 170lb clash.

“Talks are in fact ongoing for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns, according to sources. Not done, but likely to get booked. The plan seems to be January rather than December but again, nothing signed or set in stone as of now. Developing …”

Talks are in fact ongoing for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns, according to sources. Not done, but likely to get booked. The plan seems to be January rather than December but again, nothing signed or set in stone as of now. Developing …

— Frontkick.online (@FrontkickOnline) November 14, 2021

Gilbert Burns & Khazmat Chimaev Are Always Ready To Fight

Burns and Chimaev recently offered to fight Leon Edwards at UFC 269 after Jorge Masvidal withdrew from what appeared to be a number one contender’s fight. ‘Rocky’ seem set to sit out and wait for a title shot after putting together a nine-fight winning streak. As a result, it appears ‘Durinho’ and ‘Borz’ will face off against each other in a fight that will surely have a significant impact on the 170lb title picture.

Chimaev returned from a year-long layoff at UFC 267. ‘The Wolf’ faced the toughest test of his 10-fight career when he squared off against Li Jingliang in Abu Dhabi. ‘Borz’ reminded everyone why he is one of the most exciting prospects in MMA when he picked up Jingliang, carried him over to the corner Dana White was sitting in, and then slammed him to the mat in that area so he could chat with the UFC president. Chimaev made the toughest test of his career to date look like a stroll in the park, submitting Jingliang in just over three minutes.

Burns wobbled Kamaru Usman early but ultimately fell to a third-round TKO defeat when he fought for the welterweight title earlier this year. The Brazilian has already begun his journey back to title contention and did so in style with a three-round decision win over long-time contender, Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson at UFC 264 in July.

Do you want to see Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev?

Volkanovski: “What Do I Get Out Of Beating Cejudo Up?”

UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski would only fight Henry Cejudo for the paycheck. In his mind, beating up “Triple C” would do nothing for his career.

Volkanovski recently returned to action for the first time in over a year. Having w…

UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski would only fight Henry Cejudo for the paycheck. In his mind, beating up “Triple C” would do nothing for his career.

Volkanovski recently returned to action for the first time in over a year. Having won the 145-pound belt from Max Holloway at UFC 245 in December 2019, “The Great” faced “Blessed” in an immediate rematch on Fight Island last summer. In an extremely tight and competitive five-round affair, the Australian left the Octagon with the gold after falling on the right side of a split decision.

Brian Ortega, who’d only lost in MMA to Holloway at the time, was slated to challenge for the title for the second time at UFC 260 in March. His #1-contender status came after an impressive return win against “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung. After the champ tested positive for COVID-19, the bout was postponed.

In the end, the pair signed on as coaches for this year’s return of The Ultimate Fighter, before eventually meeting inside the Octagon at UFC 266 last month. In a main event classic, Volkanovski successfully defended his belt with a unanimous decision victory.

This fight has us LIKE ??? #UFC266 pic.twitter.com/vl86i8JftK
— UFC (@ufc) September 26, 2021

Alexander Volkanovski Addresses Henry Cejudo

In the aftermath of his 20th consecutive win in the sport, Volkanovski was called out by the retired Cejudo, who is seemingly after a blockbuster comeback fight. “Triple C” hasn’t fought since a successful bantamweight title defense against Dominick Cruz at UFC 249 last May, after which he called time on his career.

With the likely title eliminator between Holloway and Yair Rodriguez still weeks away, many have suggested Volkanovski’s path to remaining active should go through “The Messenger.” Others have claimed Cejudo hasn’t done anything to deserve an immediate championship opportunity at 145 pounds.

Discussing the potential matchup during an interview with ESPN MMA, Volkanovski suggested he’d gain nothing from beating a retired bantamweight and flyweight fighter returning to the Octagon. He did, however, leave the door open to the fight should the UFC offer him a lucrative paycheck.

“People are gonna throw out Henry Cejudo (as a possible next opponent). But again, does he deserve to just jump the queue when he’s been retired for how long? You know, what do I get out of beating him up anyway? Does that move me anywhere? It’s a paycheck. If I do it, it’s purely for the pay check.”

Further questioning why he’d grant Cejudo the chance to become the UFC’s first ever three-division champion, Volkanovski said that while he respects the 34-year-old’s achievements, the expected outcome would be a dominant victory for the Aussie.

“He’s talking about his legacy and all that kinda stuff, yeah, yeah you get a lot out of it. No one cares if I beat you up like I would, you know what I mean? Because at the end of the day, ‘Ah he moved up.’ No one gives me credit for beating you up because that’s expected to happen. Everyone knows that’s what I’m gonna do.

“You go out there and somehow make it happen, mate, that works well for you, but why does he even get that puncher’s chance? Why should I give him that puncher’s chance when that’s all I believe he has, if that. No disrespect to him, I’ve got a lot of respect, I think he’s got a lot of skills, but I’m used to big boys trying to put a beating on me… You’re not gonna out strategize me and whatnot, you ain’t gonna hurt me, so it just doesn’t make sense… If they wanna throw money at it I’ll be like, ‘Hey, alright, I’ll give him that chance.'”

How do you think Henry Cejudo would fare against UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski?

Continue Reading Volkanovski: “What Do I Get Out Of Beating Cejudo Up?” at MMA News.

Andrea Lee Hoping To Be ‘Fresh Face’ To Challenge Valentina Shevchenko

Andrea Lee believes she could be the fresh new challenge for Valentina Shevchenko. Lee was regarded as one of the most promising flyweight prospects in the UFC. However, a three-fight losing streak stopped her momentum in a big way. “KGB” has since bounced back with two consecutive victories with her latest being a second-round TKO […]

Andrea Lee believes she could be the fresh new challenge for Valentina Shevchenko.

Lee was regarded as one of the most promising flyweight prospects in the UFC. However, a three-fight losing streak stopped her momentum in a big way.

“KGB” has since bounced back with two consecutive victories with her latest being a second-round TKO win over Cynthia Calvillo at UFC Vegas 42 last night.

Right back on track again, Lee is already setting her sights on her next outing.

“There’s going to be a fight in Houston in February, and that’s the day after my birthday,” Lee said after her win (via MMA Junkie). “I don’t (have an opponent), but anyone in the top five for sure. The closer to home, the better, and I would love to fight in front of a crowd.”

Andrea Lee Would Love To Be Fresh Face

A win over a top-five opponent could set Lee up for title contention with current champion Shevchenko still yet to be tested at all during her run at 125 pounds.

The domination from Shevchenko has almost made her fights boring and unexciting in a way as we more or less know what to expect.

Lee, however, is hoping to change that soon by being a fresh and new opponent for the queen of the flyweights.

“For sure, (Valentina Shevchenko) is probably looking for a fresh face, and I know the UFC is looking for a fresh face and I’d love to be that one,” Lee added. “We’ll see what happens. I’m trying to earn it and I’m trying to deserve it. I don’t want to leapfrog over everybody. I want to earn it and I want to deserve it.

“Valentina is pretty close to perfect. She doesn’t have a whole lot of weaknesses, but I’m hoping to get out there and bring it to her some day and give the fans something to watch.”

Do you think Andrea Lee will challenge Valentina Shevchenko for her title soon?

Jake Paul Rules Out Tyron Woodley Rematch: ‘He Had His Chance’

Jake Paul doesn’t see himself boxing Tyron Woodley again. Paul defeated the former UFC welterweight champion in their much-hyped boxing matchup back in August with a unanimous decision victory. However, Woodley was not satisfied with the scorecards and called for a rematch during the post-fight interview. He even agreed to get a “I love Jake […]

Jake Paul doesn’t see himself boxing Tyron Woodley again.

Paul defeated the former UFC welterweight champion in their much-hyped boxing matchup back in August with a unanimous decision victory.

However, Woodley was not satisfied with the scorecards and called for a rematch during the post-fight interview. He even agreed to get a “I love Jake Paul” tattoo in order to secure it to which the YouTuber-turned-boxer agreed.

It took Woodley some time to follow up on his end, but he eventually got the tattoo.

If it was a permanent tattoo indeed, Woodley wasted his time as Paul would eventually finalize a boxing matchup with Tommy Fury instead set to take place December 18 in Florida.

Paul: People Don’t Want To See Woodley Rematch

And as far as Paul is concerned, Woodley had his shot.

“Nah,” Paul responded to TMZ Sports when asked if a rematch would ever happen. “By the time he got the tattoo, we had already moved on to fighting Tommy Fury and making that fight negotiation happen.

“I don’t really think the people want to see Tyron vs. Jake Paul again. He had his chance. He had his chance.”

Paul certainly has a point as not many would be too keen on watching him box Woodley again.

Do you think Tyron Woodley will ever get a rematch with Jake Paul?