Bethe Correia Remains With The UFC, Retirement Fight Set For Dec 5

Bethe CorreiaLong-time bantamweight contender Bethe Correia remains a UFC fighter despite reports to the contrary. Correia was apparently released by the promotion back in August after picking up just one win in her last five fights. According to AG Fight, the Brazilian has been granted one more fight with the UFC. Correia is set to face […]

Bethe Correia

Long-time bantamweight contender Bethe Correia remains a UFC fighter despite reports to the contrary. Correia was apparently released by the promotion back in August after picking up just one win in her last five fights.

According to AG Fight, the Brazilian has been granted one more fight with the UFC. Correia is set to face Yanan Wu on December 5, on a UFC Fight Night card set to be headlined by a middleweight bout between top contenders Darren Till and Jack Hermansson.  

Correia took to social media to confirm she will be fighting in December for the final time, she wrote.

“Only a fighter knows the time to stop and follow other paths… Only a fighter and their allies know to tell apart the lies from the truth from what the media puts out. Yes! This will be my last fight and it could not be at any event other than the one and only @UFC Countless lies have been told out there, but I remained centered! I know who I am and I know my story. I have a strong and daring personality that has been the essence of my career and has added many rilvaries that strengthened Women’s MMA. What I leave behind me is my legacy of a fighter who has a bold posture, presentation and unique celebration style in the fighting world. A personality that makes many curious to know more about me. It’s not by chance that #betheeffect is out there. Love me or hate me, in the end everybody wanted to stop to watch me fight. I reached Pay Per View record numbers that back then had not been reached for many years. I have fought the very best and I always made the news. I am certain that I have left my mark and now it’s time to let a new generation arise. And I know that I have taught both good and bad lessons. My very last fight will be at the best in the whole world… Where I dreamed and seeked to fight. This December I will be in the UFC octagon. I will cherish every moment of it and I know I’ll miss it! I’m incredibly thankful to the UFC for the recognition of my career and history, they have never denied me a request.”

Are you glad to see the UFC give Bethe Correia one final fight before retirement?

Nick Diaz Set For Comeback In 2021 After Successful Test Cut

Nick DiazUFC superstar Nick Diaz is set to return to fighting in 2021 after successfully completing a test weight cut on Sunday. Ariel Helwani of ESPN broke the news on social media last night. The veteran MMA reporter spoke with Diaz’s manager, Kevin Mubenga who confirmed his fighter was planning a comeback in 2021 and had […]

Nick Diaz

UFC superstar Nick Diaz is set to return to fighting in 2021 after successfully completing a test weight cut on Sunday.

Ariel Helwani of ESPN broke the news on social media last night. The veteran MMA reporter spoke with Diaz’s manager, Kevin Mubenga who confirmed his fighter was planning a comeback in 2021 and had successfully cut to somewhere between 175-165lbs.

“This is Nick Diaz earlier today,” Helwani wrote. “He weighs in the 175-165 pound range, per his manager Kevin Mubenga. He just completed a 14-week diet and training regimen. This is the first time he cuts weight in approximately four years, Mubenga said. Diaz wanted to do a test cut because he is keeping a close eye on the big welterweight fights coming up. He is “100%” planning on fighting again, per Mubenga, and is targeting an early 2021 return.”

Diaz has not fought since January 2015 when he lost a unanimous decision to Anderson Silva. The fight was eventually overturned to a No Contest after Silva failed a drug test for PEDs. Diaz also failed a post-fight drug test for marijuana and was subsequently suspended. The Stockton, California native is currently on a three-fight winless streak that stretches all the way back to 2012. Diaz lost to Georges St Pierre by unanimous decision at UFC 158. Before that he dropped another decision against ‘The Natural Born Killer’ Carlos Condit at UFC 143. Diaz last picked up a win back in 2011 when he beat lightweight legend BJ Penn over three rounds.

Despite his inactivity and poor form in recent years Diaz remains one of the biggest draws in MMA. Now the tough part begins. The Diaz brothers have an infamous reputation as fierce negotiators. Can Nick come to a deal that will see him return to the Octagon? If so, who will the UFC brass decide to match him up against?

Who should Nick Diaz face in his 2021 comeback fight?

Video: Justin Gaethje Walks Through Massive Head Kick In Sparring Session Ahead Of UFC 254

GaethjeCurrent interim UFC lightweight champion, Justin ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje has been revealed for years for his ability to take quite a stiff shot, and continue walking forward – and more often than not score a finish win of his own. Already in the UFC, we’ve seen Gaethje survive some worrying damage, to rally and find […]

Gaethje

Current interim UFC lightweight champion, Justin ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje has been revealed for years for his ability to take quite a stiff shot, and continue walking forward – and more often than not score a finish win of his own.

Already in the UFC, we’ve seen Gaethje survive some worrying damage, to rally and find himself on the winning side of the equation. Even in his Octagon debut, the Arizonian survived a quick counter from perennial lightweight contender, Michael ‘The Menace’ Johnson to score his own knockout win in the second frame.

Even when he’s found himself on the wrong side of knockouts opposite former world champions, Eddie ‘The Underground King’ Alvarez and Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier – Gaethje managed to withstand massive punishment before he was eventually finished on the feet. 

Currently preparing for a lightweight title unification meeting with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 on October 25th. – Gaethje displayed that incredible chin once more in a recent video clip of a sparring session, in which he’s caught with a close switch head kick – walking through it relatively unfazed.

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HOLLY SH*T ? @justin_gaethje

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Earning his crack at the undefeated Khabib as well as the interim 155-pound crown, Gaethje took out division mainstay, and the similarly durable force, Tony ‘El Cucuy’ Ferguson at UFC 249 in May. Bringing his newly minted composed approach to the forefront yet again, Gaethje survived an early uppercut counter from Ferguson which wobbled him – to score an eventual stoppage on the feet in the fifth-round via strikes.

The October outing will also mark an Octagon return for Khabib, who’s yet to feature since the recent passing of his father and head trainer, Aldulmanap earlier this year. The Dagestani sambo specialist last featured at UFC 242 in September of last year – unifying the titles on that occasion again with a third-round rear-naked choke win over the above noted, Poirier.

Scheduled to take headlining honours at UFC 254 – Khabib and Gaethje will battle for lightweight supremacy, ahead of a tentatively targeted potential lightweight title eliminator between the previously mentioned former interim titleholders, Ferguson and Poirier. 

Michel Pereira Explains Decision To Slap Zelim Imadaev During UFC Vegas 9 Clash

PereiraAlways the entertainer, Michel ‘Demolidor’ Pereira managed a comfortable victory over Russian striker, Zelim Imadaev last night at UFC Fight Night Vegas 9 – scoring a late, albeit controversial rear-naked choke win. On his way to his eventual third-round submission stoppage, Pereira mixed in a wide array strikes – even scoring a volley of open hand […]

Pereira

Always the entertainer, Michel ‘Demolidor’ Pereira managed a comfortable victory over Russian striker, Zelim Imadaev last night at UFC Fight Night Vegas 9 – scoring a late, albeit controversial rear-naked choke win. On his way to his eventual third-round submission stoppage, Pereira mixed in a wide array strikes – even scoring a volley of open hand slaps against Imadaev midway through the bout.

Displaying his very own variation of the ‘Stockton Slap’ – or the ‘Pará Slap’, Pereira, who was involved in a heated exchange with Imadaev at Friday’s staredowns, in which Imadaev slapped him, explained to reporters last night at the post-fight press conference why he decided to throw some open-handed strikes of his own.

I don’t know why exactly he did this (stare down slap),” Pereira said. “But, I told him I would pay him back, and I did during the fight. I’m a man. You cannot slap my face. I did show my hand, I kissed my hand. I slapped to him so he can learn he’s not going to do it again. He cannot do that.

Pereira, scored a late rear-naked choke win, with replays actually detailing how Imadaev hadn’t actually tapped, before referee Chris Tognoni separated the two. The Brazilian set up the submission with a massive suplex, before taking Imadaev’s back, and sinking in the choke, but admitted he didn’t feel Imadaev submit.

I didn’t feel when he tapped, but the position was very, very tight,” Pereira explained. “In that case, he would tap or he would sleep.

Calling for a BMF championship challenge opposite current holder, Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal in his next outing, Pereira improved to 24-11 with his stoppage of Imadaev. Although that matchup is highly unlikely for the time being, with the promotion currently targeting a BMF title rematch between Masvidal, and the would-be returning Nate Diaz for a UFC 257 event in January instead – Pereira spoke of how big a fight between himself and Masvidal would be an exciting matchup for onlooking fans.

I’m always doing my best when I fight the best guys, and I’m pretty sure (Jorge) Masvidal is one of them,” Pereira told. “And, if we fight, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be (a) huge, huge show for everybody. The fans would love it if we fight. If he doesn’t respect me, yes, I would slap him. But I just want to fight the best, and I’m sure we’d give a huge show for the fans.” (H/T MMA Mania)

Cody Garbrandt Tells Deiveson Figueiredo’s Manager To Bring A Body Bag With Him To UFC 255

Cody GarbrandtThis one’s starting to heat up quite drastically. Former UFC bantamweight titleholder, Cody ‘No Love’ Garbrandt has called for Deiveson Figueiredo’s manager, Wallid Ismail to bring a body bag with him for his client ahead of their UFC 255 headliner in November, with flyweight gold up for grabs. Figueiredo, who took the vacant 125-pound crown […]

Cody Garbrandt

This one’s starting to heat up quite drastically. Former UFC bantamweight titleholder, Cody ‘No Love’ Garbrandt has called for Deiveson Figueiredo’s manager, Wallid Ismail to bring a body bag with him for his client ahead of their UFC 255 headliner in November, with flyweight gold up for grabs.

Figueiredo, who took the vacant 125-pound crown at the second time of asking at a UFC ‘Fight Island’ event in July, will attempt his first title defence in November – following an opening-round battering of Joseph Benavidez. Recent Mark Henry mover, Garbrandt will test flyweight waters for the first time following his Knockout of the Year contender against Raphael Assunção at UFC 250 – and fights for undisputed gold from the get-go.

Following Figueiredo’s recent comments in which he detailed how he plans to target Garbrandt’s “fragile” chin and head, Garbrandt responded this afternoon on his official Twitter, urging the aforenoted, Ismail to bring a body bag with him to UFC 255.

You two lemons head mfers need go (sic) realize, I’m not trying to see this fight! I’m going to fu*k him up, Wallid (Ismail) bring a fu*kin’ body bag so you can carry this golem back to Brazil ?? uh vai morrer deez nuts ?.”

For Garbrandt, a victory over Pará all-rounder, Figueiredo would mark his second title reign under the UFC’s banner, following initial bantamweight success opposite former two-time titleholder, Dominick Cruz at UFC 207 back in late 2016.

Experiencing a career downturn somewhat, the Ohio native dropped his title, and a subsequent rematch to former Team Alpha MMA teammate, T.J. Dillashaw via knockout – before another stoppage defeat via strikes against, Pedro Munhoz.

32-year-old finisher, Figueiredo extended his undefeated run to four-fights via his stoppage win over Benavidez in July. Before the win, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt had knocked out Benavidez at UFC Fight Night Norfolk in March – before a submission win over Tim Elliott, and a unanimous judging victory over compatriot, Alexandre Pantoja in July last year.

Rounding off the pay-per-view event which features two title fights, Figueiredo and Garbrandt take headlining status – despite a recent positive COVID-19 test result from Garbrandt, ahead of another flyweight title tilt between Valentina Shevchenko, and former Invicta FC champion, Jennifer Maia. 

Alistair Overeem Believes Former Teammate Jon Jones Can Do Well At Heavyweight

OvereemStreaking UFC heavyweight contender, Alistair ‘The Demolition Man’ Overeem boosted his title aspirations last night in the main event of UFC Fight Night Vegas 9 – scoring a brutal fifth-round stoppage win over Augusto Sakai after some early adversity.  The seasoned striker is approaching a second title opportunity under the UFC’s banner, with the division […]

Overeem

Streaking UFC heavyweight contender, Alistair ‘The Demolition Man’ Overeem boosted his title aspirations last night in the main event of UFC Fight Night Vegas 9 – scoring a brutal fifth-round stoppage win over Augusto Sakai after some early adversity. 

The seasoned striker is approaching a second title opportunity under the UFC’s banner, with the division hotting each time the promotion rolls into town. Former opponent, Francis Ngannou is seemingly next in line for Stipe Miocic, rather than division newcomer, Jon Jones – but Overeem admitted he thinks his former Jackson-Wink MMA teammate could do well a weight class higher.

Speaking at last night’s post-fight press conference, Dutch kickboxing ace, Overeem gave his thoughts on Jones’ incoming leap to heavyweight following continued light heavyweight success, and believe’s the Rochester native can continue his dominant reign in his new home.

I’ve trained with him (Jon Jones), I know him as a person he’s a cool dude,” Overeem said. “I think he’s going to do good, right? He’s a big guy – he’s exactly my frame, he’s probably putting on some weight now, so I think he’s going to do good.

Overeem, who now plys his trade at elevation in Colorado with Elevation Fight Team among the likes of former opponent, Curtis Blaydes, and current interim lightweight best, Justin Gaethje has been somewhat floated as potential litmus test for Jones ahead of his divisional bow.

Prior to Saturday night’s victory, Overeem was also asked if he’d be interested in clashing with his former stablemate in the future – in what on paper comes as quite an exciting matchup given Overeem’s recent run of form.

Yes, I would do it,” Overeem explained. “I think it’s a great fight. I would feel honoured. I think it’s a great addition to the heavyweight division. I’m actually excited. Fresh blood. I’ve trained with him, he’s very capable. He’s tough, he’s good. So I’m excited about that development.” (H/T MMA Fighting)

While the possibility of a high-stakes probable title eliminator between Overeem and Jones is floated at the moment – the former also spoke of his willingness to rematch former-foe, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, or “destroy” Derrick Lewis next, after his teammate Blaydes clashes with Lewis on November 28th. 

Now riding a two-fight win streak, Overeem rebounded from a late, controversial knockout defeat to the above mentioned, Rozenstruik – despite dominating all five-rounds of their UFC Fight Night D.C. curtain closer last December. Last night’s win over Sakai followed a May rally and knockout win over the returning, Walt Harris which earned him the #6 rank in the official heavyweight pile.