Tag: UFC results

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Jan Blachowicz declared a split draw – UFC 282 Highlights

Jan BlachowiczFormer light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz had an opportunity to recapture the 205-pound title at the T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night. Standing in his way was 18-1 light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev. Originally scheduled to be the co-main event feature, a twist of fate provided Blachowicz and Ankalaev the opportunity to capture gold in the […]

Jan Blachowicz

Former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz had an opportunity to recapture the 205-pound title at the T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night. Standing in his way was 18-1 light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev. Originally scheduled to be the co-main event feature, a twist of fate provided Blachowicz and Ankalaev the opportunity to capture gold in the UFC 282 main event.

Both fighters came out hesitant in the opening round, sizing up one another and gauging interest. Blachowicz effectively landed a series of calf kicks while Ankalaev targeted the body with front kicks. Both fighters came out for the second round slinging heavy leather and trading kicks. 90 seconds left in the second, Blachowicz lands a heavy leg kick that knocks Ankalaev off balance, forcing him to switch stances. Blachowicz continues working the calf as Ankalaev clinches up to avoid further damage.

Halfway through the third, Jan Blachowicz lands back-to-back calf kicks that clearly compromise Ankalaev further. From that point, the Russian began putting on pressure and landed a takedown as the third came to a close. With his legs severely damaged, Ankalaev came out desperate for a takedown and scored one less than two minutes into the fourth. Ankalaev holds the position through the end of the round.

Ankalaev comes out quickly in the fifth round causing Blachowicz to overreact and fall to his back giving Ankalaev an easy takedown. In clear control, Ankalaev began to rain down heavy ground and pound on the former champion. With 90 seconds to go, Blachowicz made no attempt to get off his back. The fifth round ended with Ankalaev dropping bombs, putting an exclamation point on a fantastic performance despite some early adversity.

Official Result: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Jan Blachowicz is declared a split draw (47-48, 48-46, 47-47)

Check Out Highlights Below From Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282

Ilia Topuria submits Bryce Mitchell via second-round arm triangle – UFC 282 Highlights

Bryce Mitchell‘Thug Nasty’ Bryce Mitchell (15-0-0) stepped into the Octagon for the seventh time at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night at UFC 282. Meeting him inside the cage was Ilia Topuria (12-0-0), another undefeated standout looking to hand ‘Thug Nasty’ his first career loss. Both fighters came out hot with Ilia Topuria looking […]

Bryce Mitchell

‘Thug Nasty’ Bryce Mitchell (15-0-0) stepped into the Octagon for the seventh time at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night at UFC 282. Meeting him inside the cage was Ilia Topuria (12-0-0), another undefeated standout looking to hand ‘Thug Nasty’ his first career loss.

Both fighters came out hot with Ilia Topuria looking to land big strikes early. As the fight developed, it was clear that Topuria had both the power and technique advantage on the feet. A heavy calf kick early forced Mitchell to switch his stance and shoot for a takedown. Topuria showed great wrestling defense, avoiding Mitchell’s multiple takedown attempts until finally succumbing to one in the last minute of the opening round. By then, the damage caused by Topuria likely already earned him a 10-9 on the judges’ scorecards.

Going into the second round, Topuria began to headhunt, looking for the highlight reel knockout. Hoping to avoid damage, Mitchell moved in for the takedown, but Topuria overpowered him, putting Mitchell’s back to the canvas and immediately locking in an arm triangle choke. Mitchell immediately tapped out.

Official Result: Ilia Topuria def. Bryce Mitchell via submission (arm triangle) at 3:10 of Round 2

Check Out Highlights From Bryce Mitchell vs. Ilia Topuria at UFC 282 Below:

Opinion | Fights To Make After UFC Orlando: Thompson vs. Holland

UFC OrlandoUFC Orlando certainly delivered a fantastic card. A heavy hitter in the heavyweight division emerged as a potential title contender following another first-round finish. A legend of the sport rolled back the clock with a striking masterclass in the main event to reinstate himself as a contender in the welterweight division. Fresh faces also established […]

UFC Orlando

UFC Orlando certainly delivered a fantastic card. A heavy hitter in the heavyweight division emerged as a potential title contender following another first-round finish. A legend of the sport rolled back the clock with a striking masterclass in the main event to reinstate himself as a contender in the welterweight division. Fresh faces also established themselves with two very impressive victories in the opening matchups on the card.

Let us take a look at all of those who emerged victorious from the entire UFC Orlando card and plot where their next fights should take place again.

Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson and Kevin Holland provided a captivating end to a truly fantastic card in the main event of UFC Orlando. Despite being just shy of forty, Thompson rolled back time to deliver a striking masterclass on his way to a TKO finish over Kevin Holland.

Now as everyone knows, Stephen Thompson does not fair well when facing up against opponents with strong wrestling/grappling. Therefore, it seems only right that his next matchup should take place against an opponent we know for certain will be looking to stand and bang with him. Jorge Masvidal could well be that man, currently unbooked and looking to get back to winning ways in 2023!

Rafael Dos Anjos

Despite his title interest being long gone as he nears the end of his brilliant career. Rafael Dos Anjos showed he still has talent in abundance as he simply outclassed Bryan Barberena on his way to a second-round submission victory.

Now for RDA, he made this one very easy for me when he went to callout out Conor McGregor during his post-fight interview. McGregor expressed an interest in competing at 170-pound when he does return and provided, he will be back inside the octagon in early 2023, this matchup seems very fitting for both men.

Matheus Nicolau

Matheus Nicolau announced himself as a serious contender following his finish over the always-game Matt Schnell at UFC Orlando. It seems only right that Nicolau should get a crack at the top five in the flyweight division since he has built up an impressive four-fight winning streak. Provided he is willing to wait for Brandon Royval to recover from his injury I can only expect fireworks should these two eventually meet inside the octagon.

Sergei Pavlovich

We may have a serious contender in the heavyweight division in Sergei Pavlovich. Two back-to-back first-round finishes have seen him shoot up to the 5th-ranked spot in his division. Next for Pavlovich needs to be a fellow top-five contender. Given that the two were previously scheduled to fight, I’d like to see the Russian test himself with the former interim heavyweight champion, Cyril Gane.

Roman Dolidze

Roman Dolidze may have had one of the best years for a fighter following his three-fight finishing streak to cap off 2022. A short-notice bout in which many did not have him favored has now landed him in the top ten of the middleweight rankings following his finish over Jack Hermanson. Let us continue to move him up the rankings and give him a matchup against veteran fighter, Derek Brunson.

Eryk Anders

Eryk Anders took advantage of what many would consider a too-soon turnaround for Kyle Daukaus. Anders snapped a two-fight skid as he picked up a 2nd round TKO at UFC Orlando. Next for Anders comes a test in fellow hard hitter in Marc Andre Barriault.

Phillip Rowe

Phillip Rowe overcame adversity on his way to a third-round TKO over Niko Price in the headline prelim of UFC Orlando. Following this win, Rowe has gone 3/3 in his last three outings with all of his victories coming via finish. I’d like to see Rowe take on Khaos Williams in his next matchup as a final test before attempting to make his way up the welterweight rankings.

Fights To Make Following UFC Orlando: Thompson vs. Holland

Angela Hill

Angie ‘Overkill’ Hill and fights going to a decision is something that goes hand in hand. Fortunately for the 37-year-old this time the decision was in her favor. Hill was able to neutralize any threat coming from Ducote en route to her 15th professional victory. Next for Hill should be a matchup moving upwards in the strawweight rankings and that comes in the form of Amanda Ribas.

Clay Guida

Clay Guida secured an impressive victory as he entered an MMA octagon for the 60th time. As he has recently confirmed that retirement is not in his plans for any time soon, his 61st professional bout should take place against Australia-born, Jamie Mullarkey.

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson made his experience count en route to his decision victory over Marc Diakese. Bouncing back from his defeat to Jamie Mullarkey, let’s see if Johnson can make it two on the bounce should he get the next matchup I would like for him, which is the winner of Bobby Green vs Drew Dober.

Jonathan Pearce

Jonathan Pearce put on a beatdown of Darren Elkins on his way to score his fourth consecutive victory in a fight in which he most certainly could have secured himself a finish. I believe it is time for Pearce to take a step up in competition and face former Olympian, Mark O. Madsen who will be looking to return to winning ways after suffering his first professional defeat back in November.

Natan Levy

Israel’s Natan Levy made it two wins in a row to end his 2022 on a high following his decision victory over Genaro Valdez at UFC Orlando.  Levy has shown a solid skillset on the ground to neutralize his opponents. Therefore, I would like to see him face a man who has nearly half of his victories via submission and comes in the form of ‘The Smile Killer’, Fares Ziam.

Francis Marshall

Francis Marshall made good on his promotional debut after securing a second-round finish against Marcelo Rojo. Marshall is only 23 years old and has plenty of time to develop himself as a fighter. It will be interesting to see how well he can do in the sport. Next for him should be a man he shared the card with, 38-fight veteran, Darren Elkins.

Yazmin Jauregui

Similarly, to Marshall, Jauregui delivered in the opening bout of UFC Orlando to extend her undefeated record to 10-0. For Jauregui’s next test I would like to see her matched up with a wrestler and therefore my final selection comes in the form of Sam ‘Sampage’ Hughes.

That concludes this round of the ‘Fights To Make’ Column from UFC Orlando. We shall return following the conclusion of the highly anticipated card coming that is UFC 282.

Be sure to let me know if you agree or disagree with any of the choices I have gone with. As well as let me know your thoughts on the UFC Orlando card as a whole.

Opinion | Fights To Make After UFC Orlando: Thompson vs. Holland

UFC OrlandoUFC Orlando certainly delivered a fantastic card. A heavy hitter in the heavyweight division emerged as a potential title contender following another first-round finish. A legend of the sport rolled back the clock with a striking masterclass in the main event to reinstate himself as a contender in the welterweight division. Fresh faces also established […]

UFC Orlando

UFC Orlando certainly delivered a fantastic card. A heavy hitter in the heavyweight division emerged as a potential title contender following another first-round finish. A legend of the sport rolled back the clock with a striking masterclass in the main event to reinstate himself as a contender in the welterweight division. Fresh faces also established themselves with two very impressive victories in the opening matchups on the card.

Let us take a look at all of those who emerged victorious from the entire UFC Orlando card and plot where their next fights should take place again.

Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson and Kevin Holland provided a captivating end to a truly fantastic card in the main event of UFC Orlando. Despite being just shy of forty, Thompson rolled back time to deliver a striking masterclass on his way to a TKO finish over Kevin Holland.

Now as everyone knows, Stephen Thompson does not fair well when facing up against opponents with strong wrestling/grappling. Therefore, it seems only right that his next matchup should take place against an opponent we know for certain will be looking to stand and bang with him. Jorge Masvidal could well be that man, currently unbooked and looking to get back to winning ways in 2023!

Rafael Dos Anjos

Despite his title interest being long gone as he nears the end of his brilliant career. Rafael Dos Anjos showed he still has talent in abundance as he simply outclassed Bryan Barberena on his way to a second-round submission victory.

Now for RDA, he made this one very easy for me when he went to callout out Conor McGregor during his post-fight interview. McGregor expressed an interest in competing at 170-pound when he does return and provided, he will be back inside the octagon in early 2023, this matchup seems very fitting for both men.

Matheus Nicolau

Matheus Nicolau announced himself as a serious contender following his finish over the always-game Matt Schnell at UFC Orlando. It seems only right that Nicolau should get a crack at the top five in the flyweight division since he has built up an impressive four-fight winning streak. Provided he is willing to wait for Brandon Royval to recover from his injury I can only expect fireworks should these two eventually meet inside the octagon.

Sergei Pavlovich

We may have a serious contender in the heavyweight division in Sergei Pavlovich. Two back-to-back first-round finishes have seen him shoot up to the 5th-ranked spot in his division. Next for Pavlovich needs to be a fellow top-five contender. Given that the two were previously scheduled to fight, I’d like to see the Russian test himself with the former interim heavyweight champion, Cyril Gane.

Roman Dolidze

Roman Dolidze may have had one of the best years for a fighter following his three-fight finishing streak to cap off 2022. A short-notice bout in which many did not have him favored has now landed him in the top ten of the middleweight rankings following his finish over Jack Hermanson. Let us continue to move him up the rankings and give him a matchup against veteran fighter, Derek Brunson.

Eryk Anders

Eryk Anders took advantage of what many would consider a too-soon turnaround for Kyle Daukaus. Anders snapped a two-fight skid as he picked up a 2nd round TKO at UFC Orlando. Next for Anders comes a test in fellow hard hitter in Marc Andre Barriault.

Phillip Rowe

Phillip Rowe overcame adversity on his way to a third-round TKO over Niko Price in the headline prelim of UFC Orlando. Following this win, Rowe has gone 3/3 in his last three outings with all of his victories coming via finish. I’d like to see Rowe take on Khaos Williams in his next matchup as a final test before attempting to make his way up the welterweight rankings.

Fights To Make Following UFC Orlando: Thompson vs. Holland

Angela Hill

Angie ‘Overkill’ Hill and fights going to a decision is something that goes hand in hand. Fortunately for the 37-year-old this time the decision was in her favor. Hill was able to neutralize any threat coming from Ducote en route to her 15th professional victory. Next for Hill should be a matchup moving upwards in the strawweight rankings and that comes in the form of Amanda Ribas.

Clay Guida

Clay Guida secured an impressive victory as he entered an MMA octagon for the 60th time. As he has recently confirmed that retirement is not in his plans for any time soon, his 61st professional bout should take place against Australia-born, Jamie Mullarkey.

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson made his experience count en route to his decision victory over Marc Diakese. Bouncing back from his defeat to Jamie Mullarkey, let’s see if Johnson can make it two on the bounce should he get the next matchup I would like for him, which is the winner of Bobby Green vs Drew Dober.

Jonathan Pearce

Jonathan Pearce put on a beatdown of Darren Elkins on his way to score his fourth consecutive victory in a fight in which he most certainly could have secured himself a finish. I believe it is time for Pearce to take a step up in competition and face former Olympian, Mark O. Madsen who will be looking to return to winning ways after suffering his first professional defeat back in November.

Natan Levy

Israel’s Natan Levy made it two wins in a row to end his 2022 on a high following his decision victory over Genaro Valdez at UFC Orlando.  Levy has shown a solid skillset on the ground to neutralize his opponents. Therefore, I would like to see him face a man who has nearly half of his victories via submission and comes in the form of ‘The Smile Killer’, Fares Ziam.

Francis Marshall

Francis Marshall made good on his promotional debut after securing a second-round finish against Marcelo Rojo. Marshall is only 23 years old and has plenty of time to develop himself as a fighter. It will be interesting to see how well he can do in the sport. Next for him should be a man he shared the card with, 38-fight veteran, Darren Elkins.

Yazmin Jauregui

Similarly, to Marshall, Jauregui delivered in the opening bout of UFC Orlando to extend her undefeated record to 10-0. For Jauregui’s next test I would like to see her matched up with a wrestler and therefore my final selection comes in the form of Sam ‘Sampage’ Hughes.

That concludes this round of the ‘Fights To Make’ Column from UFC Orlando. We shall return following the conclusion of the highly anticipated card coming that is UFC 282.

Be sure to let me know if you agree or disagree with any of the choices I have gone with. As well as let me know your thoughts on the UFC Orlando card as a whole.

Stephen Thompson TKO’s Kevin Holland in Fight of the Year contender – UFC Orlando Highlights

Kevin HollandFan favorite Kevin Holland made his fourth walk to the Octagon on Saturday night at UFC Orlando. Emanating from the Amway Center, ‘Trailblazer’ looked for the biggest win of his career against another fan-favorite fighter, Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. Holland is coming off a short-notice mauling against undefeated Chechen monster Khamzat Chimaev. Prior to that, Holland […]

Kevin Holland

Fan favorite Kevin Holland made his fourth walk to the Octagon on Saturday night at UFC Orlando. Emanating from the Amway Center, ‘Trailblazer’ looked for the biggest win of his career against another fan-favorite fighter, Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. Holland is coming off a short-notice mauling against undefeated Chechen monster Khamzat Chimaev. Prior to that, Holland was the winner of back-to-back fights. On the flip side, ‘Wonderboy’ is looking to get back to his winning ways after dropping four of his last six including back-to-back defeats against Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad.

Kevin Holland immediately came out talking and stalking his opponent, pushing the pace. Thompson landed solid strikes in the opening round, but Holland appeared to eat them without issue showing a clear difference in the power each fighter possesses. Just past the halfway point of the first round, Holland landed a massive right hand that rocked Thomspon. Holland moved in for the kill but backed away as ‘Wonderboy’ regained his bearings.

The second round brought more excitement as ‘Wonderboy’ turned up the heat, moving in on Holland repeatedly, peppering him with strikes. That trend continued into the third as Holland began to slow down. In the fourth, Thompson unloaded a barrage of kicks, including direct hits to Holland’s liver clearly compromising him. With a potentially broken hand, Holland was unable to muster any real offense in the fourth.

Going back to their corners following a frenetic fourth round, Kevin Holland and his corner opted to throw in the towel due to an injured hand.

Official Result: Stephen Thompson def. Kevin Holland via TKO (retirement) at 5:00 of Round 4

Check Out Highlights from Kevin Holland vs. Stephen Thomspon at UFC Orlando Below:

Rafael dos Anjos scores second-round submission of Bryan Barberena – UFC Orlando Highlights

dos AnjosFormer UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos returned to the Octagon at UFC Orlando on Saturday night against the streaking Bryan Barberena in a welterweight showdown. Barberena entered the co-main event clash on a three-fight win streak with wins over Darian Weeks, Matt Brown, and Robbie Lawler. Dos Anjos stepped into the Amway Center intent […]

dos Anjos

Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos returned to the Octagon at UFC Orlando on Saturday night against the streaking Bryan Barberena in a welterweight showdown. Barberena entered the co-main event clash on a three-fight win streak with wins over Darian Weeks, Matt Brown, and Robbie Lawler. Dos Anjos stepped into the Amway Center intent on getting back into the win column following a knockout loss to Rafael Fiziev in July.

Barberena came out immediately putting pressure on RDA. A minute into the opening round, RDA was able to clinch, pushing Barberena to the fence and securing a takedown. RDA put his grappling skills on display, nearly finishing things early with an arm triangle choke, but the fence prevented him from getting the proper positioning. Barberena came out for the second round determined to flip the script by immediately initiating a clinch with dos Anjos.

Unfortunately, the decision did not work out for ‘Bam Bam’ who once again found himself on the canvas with three minutes left in the round. Working his way around to Barberena’s back, RDA was able to lock in a rear-naked choke, forcing ‘Bam Bam’ to tap out in round two.

Official Result: Rafael dos Anjos def. Bryan Barberena via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:20 of Round 2.

Check Out Highlights From Rafael dos Anjos vs. Bryan Barberena at UFC Orlando Below: