Tag: UFC Norfolk

Joseph Benavidez Releases Statement Following UFC Norfolk

BenavidezJoseph Benavidez appears to be in good spirits. Benavidez suffered the heartbreak of losing yet another title fight when he was TKO’d by Deiveson Figueiredo in the UFC Norfolk headliner last night. It took Benavidez to 0-3 in UFC title fights with many in the combat sports world gutted for the former WEC star. In […]

Benavidez

Joseph Benavidez appears to be in good spirits.

Benavidez suffered the heartbreak of losing yet another title fight when he was TKO’d by Deiveson Figueiredo in the UFC Norfolk headliner last night. It took Benavidez to 0-3 in UFC title fights with many in the combat sports world gutted for the former WEC star.

In his post-fight interview, Benavidez notably claimed that the moment didn’t feel real and that he felt like he was living in a nightmare.

However, after more reflection, it appears he is taking the loss much better following an Instagram post on Sunday afternoon:

“We done come a long way like them slim-ass cigarettes
From Virginia, this ain’t gon’ stop, so we just gon’ continue”

Benavidez’s caption is lyrics from the Outkast song “Elevators” and appears to be denote that he isn’t giving up on his quest of becoming a UFC champion.

And he shouldn’t either. Benavidez holds a 28-6 record and is 15-4 in the UFC. Whoever the flyweight champion will be in the future will certainly end up facing him at some point. Based on last night’s showing, it won’t be an easy task for them either.

What do you make of his response?

Ion Cutelaba Explains UFC Norfolk Game Plan, Will Appeal Loss

CutelabaUFC light heavyweight Ion Cutelaba was understandably disappointed at how his fight with Magomed Ankalaev ended. The pair competed on the main card of UFC Norfolk on Saturday night with Ankalaev rocking Cutelaba early on in the first round. Although Cutelaba was wobbled, he was still in the fight and was countering with strikes despite […]

Cutelaba

UFC light heavyweight Ion Cutelaba was understandably disappointed at how his fight with Magomed Ankalaev ended.

The pair competed on the main card of UFC Norfolk on Saturday night with Ankalaev rocking Cutelaba early on in the first round. Although Cutelaba was wobbled, he was still in the fight and was countering with strikes despite being hurt.

Unfortunately, the referee saw enough and called an end to the fight with Cutelaba seemingly okay right away as he protested immediately while the fans started booing.

Many have since labeled it the worst stoppage in UFC history and Cutelaba believes the fans were robbed off a good fight:

”When it’s two fighters on this level and they came here to fight and show the world a good fight, it doesn’t matter, one round, three rounds, 40 seconds – let them fight,” Cutelaba said backstage (via MMA Fighting). “That referee, he doesn’t know how to do that. They have to (have) another referee to control this kind of fight.”

As for being wobbled, the Moldovan was simply playing possum as he revealed it was part of the game plan to get Ankalaev to engage him more. He also adds that he was controlling every strike Ankalaev threw on him during the sequence:

”I came all the way from Moldova, 14 or 15, to show the world I am the best, and the referee didn’t leave me to fight,” Cutelaba explained. “Every (strike) that my opponent did, I controlled it. When the referee stopped the fight, I was countering. This was a part of the game plan, and the referee thought I fell. But that was part of the game plan.

”When they stopped it, I was fighting him.”

Cutelaba later took to social media where he revealed that he would be appealing the loss on Monday:

“First thing monday morning we will be talking to the commission to make the appeal. Hopefully they see What all fans watching tonight saw and correct this injustice.Thank YOU for your support!”

A rematch appears to be the only option at this point.

What do you make of the whole situation?

UFC Norfolk Bonuses, Attendance & Gate

UFC NorfolkEarlier tonight (Sat. February 29, 2020) UFC Norfolk took place from Chartway Arena Norfolk, Virginia. The gate for the event was $402,958 with 7,098 people in attendance to witness Deiveson Figueiredo spoil Joseph Benavidez’s hopes at claiming the Flyweight title by way of second round knockout. Like the main event, the card provided many exciting […]

UFC Norfolk

Earlier tonight (Sat. February 29, 2020) UFC Norfolk took place from Chartway Arena Norfolk, Virginia.

The gate for the event was $402,958 with 7,098 people in attendance to witness Deiveson Figueiredo spoil Joseph Benavidez’s hopes at claiming the Flyweight title by way of second round knockout. Like the main event, the card provided many exciting moments warranting post-fight bonuses.

Fight of the night came in the final bout on the preliminary card in which Kyler Phillips defeated Gabriel Silva by Unanimous Decision. This fight started fast with Silva immediately throwing heavy right hand which was returned by Phillips with a flying knee. The two men continued to trade heavy blows throughout the remainder of round one. Round two saw a wrestling heavy contest between the two both fighting for position displaying their high level grappling abilities with Phillips ending the round on top. Starting round three Phillips began by showcasing his technical striking abilities before taking Silva down and dominating the remainder of the round. After a high level display of MMA, both men will take home a $50,000 fight of the night bonus.

Jordan Griffin earned himself a $50,0000 performance of the night bonus after submitting TJ Brown with a Guillotine choke in round two. Brown’s wrestling heavy approach seemed to be causing problems for Griffin in the beginning seeing him on his back for the majority of the contest, however, in the second round, Griffin managed to successfully set up a Guillotine from side control to choke Brown completely unconscious.

The final performance of the Night bonus went to Megan Anderson for her devastating knockout of Norma Dumont 3:31 into the first round. Anderson was able to control the striking exchanges forcing Dumont to resort to her wrestling game, Holding Anderson against the cage looking for the takedown. Once Anderson was able to separate and get herself off the cage back into the center of the octagon she was able to find the finishing blow to put Dumont away.

Deiveson Figueiredo Puts Out Joseph Benavidez – UFC Norfolk Highlights

FigueiredoDeiveson Figueiredo put in an impressive performance against Joseph Benavidez. After an entertaining back-and-forth first round, Figueiredo knocked out Benavidez in the second round of their vacant flyweight title fight in the UFC Norfolk headliner on Saturday. The finish came after a headbutt which bloodied Benavidez right away with Figueiredo dropping him afterwards with a […]

Figueiredo

Deiveson Figueiredo put in an impressive performance against Joseph Benavidez.

After an entertaining back-and-forth first round, Figueiredo knocked out Benavidez in the second round of their vacant flyweight title fight in the UFC Norfolk headliner on Saturday.

The finish came after a headbutt which bloodied Benavidez right away with Figueiredo dropping him afterwards with a right hand that landed on the button.

Regardless, the Brazilian came away with the victory — although he wasn’t eligible to win the title because he missed weight.

You can watch the highlights below:

What did you think of the fight?

Deiveson Figueiredo Stops Joseph Benavidez, Title Still Vacant – UFC Norfolk Results

UFC NorfolkFinally, we arrive at the UFC Norfolk main event! Joseph Benavidez vs. Deiveson Figueiredo. Long-time contender Benavidez (28-5) gets his third crack at the UFC flyweight title. Previously he twice fell short to 125lb great Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson. Will it be third time lucky for the popular veteran? Figueiredo (17-1) lost out on his […]

UFC Norfolk

Finally, we arrive at the UFC Norfolk main event!
Joseph Benavidez vs. Deiveson Figueiredo.

Long-time contender Benavidez (28-5) gets his third crack at the UFC flyweight title. Previously he twice fell short to 125lb great Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson. Will it be third time lucky for the popular veteran?

Figueiredo (17-1) lost out on his chance at UFC gold on the scales yesterday. The Brazilian came in 2.5lb over the flyweight limit therefore he isn’t eligible to become champion tonight. Nonetheless he’ll be keen to secure the biggest win of his career.

Round 1: Lot’s of posturing in the first 30 seconds, not a lot of action. Eventually Joseph Benavidez throws a wicked fast over hand right which just misses. Deiveson Figuerodo then snatches a takedown and immediately looks for an arm bar. It is super tight and Benavidez is scrambling for his life. His arm bends the wrong way but the flyweight veteran eventually pops out and rises to his feet. Benavidez then goes back to throwing big shot, not many are landing but a few are sneaking in. Figueiredo has started well and is stalking his opponent, forcing erratic and sloppy shots from Benavidez. Big right hand gets the attention of Figueiredo, who for the first time takes a back step. The final twenty seconds sees both guys let it all hand out. Big swings, big misses (mostly), Figueiredo pushes his man down to the mat but he gets back up and begins swinging until the horn sounds.

Round 2: Figueiredo tries a spinning back kick but misses. Benavidez rushes in but is made to pay. He’s cracked with the biggest punch of the fight, but looks unfazed. He continues to to dive in with shots. Not much is working for Benavidez. Figueiredo appears to have cut his opponent who is dabbing at his eye. Moments later the Brazilian lands a huge straight right dropping Benavidez, he follows up with ground and pound before the referee steps in to end the fight.

Official Result: Deiveson Figueiredo def. Joseph Benavidez, Knockout R2, 1:54

Felicia Spencer Dominates Zarah Fairn Earns First Round Win- UFC Norfolk Results

Felicia Spencer returns against Zarah FairnNext up Canadian stand-out Felicia Spencer faces off against Zarah Fairn in tonight’s co-main event. Spencer (7-1) is looking to get back to winning ways after suffering the first defeat of her career against Cris Cyborg last time out. The 29-year-old is making just her third octagon appearance, having previously beat Megan Anderson in her […]

Felicia Spencer returns against Zarah Fairn

Next up Canadian stand-out Felicia Spencer faces off against Zarah Fairn in tonight’s co-main event.

Spencer (7-1) is looking to get back to winning ways after suffering the first defeat of her career against Cris Cyborg last time out. The 29-year-old is making just her third octagon appearance, having previously beat Megan Anderson in her promotional debut.

The 33-year-old Fairn (6-2) lost her UFC debut against Megan Anderson who fought earlier on at UFC Norfolk. Prior to that she won three straight in various promotions to earn her shot at the big time.

Round 1: Felicia Spencer immediately throws a left high-kick which just misses her opponents head. Zarah Fairn begins to put shots together, big long strikes straight down the pipe are catching Spencer, who clinches and begins looking for the takedown. Fairn defends well but quickly finds her back on the cage and eventually on the mat. Spencer falls into mount with plenty of time to work. She takes high mount and begins dropping punches and elbows. Fairn looks unresponsive on the mat and the referee is taking a good look at it. Fairn rolls to her side but continues to take punishment, ultimately the referee steps in and stops the fight.

Official Result: Felicia Spencer def. Zarah Fairn, TKO (Punches) R1, 3:37