Tag: UFC results

Opinion | Fights To Make After UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba

UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. CutelabaFights to make after UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba – formerly UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivac. Welcome to a brand-new segment we are going to be running here at LowKickMMA. Each week I will be taking a look at the fights from the previous week and share my two cents on what should […]

UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba

Fights to make after UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba – formerly UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivac.

Welcome to a brand-new segment we are going to be running here at LowKickMMA. Each week I will be taking a look at the fights from the previous week and share my two cents on what should come next from each winner on the card.

Be sure to share your thoughts down below and let me know whether you agree or disagree with the choices I have gone for. Also, feel free to offer any alternative matchups which you think would be better suited for any of the fighters mentioned below.

Now, without further ado, let us take a look at UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba.

After their originally scheduled matchup was canceled during the prelims portion of the card due to a medical issue on the side of Derrick Lewis, it only makes sense for ‘The Black Beast’ and Sergey Spivak to have the opportunity to face each other once again. Given Lewis receiving the all-clear medically just a few hours after their matchup had been canceled, this fight could very well occur in the back end of 2022 or early 2023 headlining a UFC Fight Night card again.

UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs Cutelaba – Main Card

Kennedy Nzechukwu

Making excellent work of the opportunity at hand when his fight against Ion Cutelaba was bumped up to the main event of this UFC Fight Night card, Kennedy finds himself on a two-fight winning streak and will now be looking to climb the light-heavyweight standings.

Sitting in the 15th spot is a former kickboxing veteran, Dustin Jacoby. Both men have strong striking acumen and would match up well. Jacoby himself will be looking to bounce back after suffering his first defeat in the promotion since he re-signed following a controversial decision loss to Khalil Roundtree Jr.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Waldo Cortes-Acosta moved to 2-0 in the UFC and 9-0 overall after he was able to beat Chase Sherman over fifteen minutes. Given his first two fights with the promotion have seen him emerge victorious via decision, it only feels right that Acosta should face the decision machine of recent times and take on former UFC heavyweight champion, Andrei Arlovski.

Muslim Salikhov

Muslim Salkihov delivered an extremely impressive performance when he was able to secure a stoppage victory over Fialho this past weekend. Now, it seems the perfect time for the Russian to begin his ascent up the welterweight rankings. A big step up in competition granted, however, Vicente Luque and Salikhov would provide a fan-friendly affair should the two be matched up against each other.

Jack Della Maddalena

It seems with have something special on our hands with Jack Della Maddalena. His clinical combinations and striking have seen him earn two stoppage victories since joining the promotion and he clearly is showing great potential. Given UFC 284 in Perth is just around the corner, let us see him find a spot on that card and in my opinion in a matchup against Daniel Rodriguez. 2023 could well be a big year for the Aussie and it would not be surprising to see him headline a UFC Fight Night card before the year is out.

UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs Cutelaba – Prelims

Charles Johnson

In the featured prelim of UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs Cutelaba, Charles Johnson managed to secure a decision victory in a fight not many believed he had won. Despite this Johnson showed clear signs of ability and toughness as he had to battle through a leg injury during the bout. Tyson Nam always brings the heat and after his impressive knockout of Ode Osbourne back in August, I’d like to see this pair matched up.

Jennifer Maia

Jennifer Maia proved that she is still a serious contender in the flyweight division with a victory over Maryna Moroz this past weekend. I would like to see her try and work her way back up the rankings and she could do exactly that in a matchup with Viviane Araujo.

Miles Johns

Miles Johns edged out a close and somewhat controversial decision victory this past weekend against Vince Morales to place himself back in the winning column. In what would be a chaotic affair, I think Johns would match up well with Jonathan Martinez whose last outing saw him defeat UFC veteran Cub Swanson.

Ricky Turcios

Ricky Turcios dealt with some brutal shots from Kevin Natividad en route to his decision victory at UFC Vegas 65. Next in line for Turcios could potentially be the ever-game Brit, Davey Grant. Grant’s last outing saw him defeat Louis Smolka via ground and pound in the third round.

Vanessa Demopoulos

Vanessa Demopoulos laid down a dominant display with her unanimous decision victory over Maria Oliveira this past weekend. Her third victory in a row since dropping her debut in the promotion, it now seems time for Demopoulos to attempt to scale the strawweight rankings. And what better place for her to start than by taking on recently ranked number fifteen, Polyana Viana.

Brady Hiestand

Brady Hiestand was able to neutralize the striking abilities of Fernie Garcia en route to his decisive victory and his first victory inside the promotion after dropping his debut matchup to a man he shared this very card with Ricky Turcios. In a similar-styled matchup next for Brady Hiestand should be Mongolia’s Danaa Batgeral who will be looking to bounce back following two consecutive defeats.

Watch his post-fight interview here:

Natalia Silva

Natalia Silva got UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba off to a flying start with her finish over undefeated prospect Tereza Bleda. Next for Silva could be American flyweight, JJ Aldrich, who will be looking to bounce back from her submission defeat to Erin Blanchfield.

That concludes the first segment of our fights to make column, be sure to check us out in the days following UFC Orlando, aka UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Holland.

Let us know in the comments below what you think of our speculative matchups for the winners of UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba, and be sure to share your own thoughts on who you would like to see each fighter face next.

Zhang Weili submits Carla Esparza to reclaim UFC strawweight championship – UFC 281 Highlights

Carla EsparzaSix months removed from her not-so-celebrated UFC strawweight title win over ‘Thug’ Rose Namajunas at UFC 274, Carla Esparza put her championship on the line against former titleholder Zhang Weili in the UFC 281 co-main event. With an unprecedented 2,612 separating her first world title reign from her second, Esparza walked UFC 281 in a […]

Carla Esparza

Six months removed from her not-so-celebrated UFC strawweight title win over ‘Thug’ Rose Namajunas at UFC 274, Carla Esparza put her championship on the line against former titleholder Zhang Weili in the UFC 281 co-main event.

With an unprecedented 2,612 separating her first world title reign from her second, Esparza walked UFC 281 in a unique position as the heavy underdog against one of the most prolific finishers in strawweight history. Was ‘Cookie Monster’ able to implement her wrestle-heavy game or did Zhang Weili once again capture UFC gold?

Zhang came out in the opening round immediately putting pressure on Esparza. Landing some solid shots and a glancing head kick, Esparza responded by shooting for a takedown but was immediately reversed. Both women scrambled for the dominant position before getting back to their feet. Esparza once again shot for a takedown, but again, found herself in an inferior position. In the second, Esparza immediately comes out shooting for a takedown. Zhang is able to scramble, taking Esparza’s back in the process, and sinks in a rear-naked choke forcing ‘Cookie Monster’ to tap out in round two.

Official Result: Zhang Weili def. Carla Esparza via submission (rear-naked choke) 1:05 of Round 2

Check out Highlights From Carla Esparza vs. Zhang Weili at UFC 281 Below:

Watch: ‘Bam Bam’ Brutally KO’d by Ciryl Gane in UFC Paris ‘Fight of the Night’

Tai 'Bam Bam' Tuivasa, Ciryl GaneTai “Bam Bam” Tuivasa suffered a knockout defeat to Ciryl Gane at UFC Paris. This past Saturday, the rising Australian prospect faced his toughest challenge in former UFC interim heavyweight champion, Gane, who was competing in his homeland in the promotion’s first event in France at Accor Arena. Stakes were high going into the matchup […]

Tai 'Bam Bam' Tuivasa, Ciryl Gane

Tai “Bam Bam” Tuivasa suffered a knockout defeat to Ciryl Gane at UFC Paris.

This past Saturday, the rising Australian prospect faced his toughest challenge in former UFC interim heavyweight champion, Gane, who was competing in his homeland in the promotion’s first event in France at Accor Arena. Stakes were high going into the matchup as each man looked to solidify his place in the mix of title contention.

‘Bam Bam’ was brutally knocked out by Ciryl Gane in UFC Paris ‘Fight of the Night’

The headlining bout between Gane and Tuivasa delivered on every mark. Tuivasa became the first fighter to score an impressive knockdown on Gane, who has only lost to the reigning heavyweight king Francis Ngannou. Gane did well to recover and fired right back with some massive kicks to the body that clearly hurt Tuivasa, who crumbled in pain but refused to give up.

As the exciting slugfest carried on, Gane adopted his regular more technical approach. He exhibited his touch and move style, peppering in the piercing jab on Tuivasa. The body shots started to slow down Tuivasa, and although he displayed his extreme toughness, a huge shot from Gane in the third round would mark the beginning of the end for “Bam Bam.”

Gane called out for a second title shot following the incredible win in his post-fight octagon interview. He heaped praises on the crowd in attendance in Paris, suggesting more UFC events, possibly including a title rematch with Ngannou, to be held in the country.

It’s unclear if the win would be enough for Gane to get another chance for the gold. He could be looking at a showdown with other top-ranked contenders, such as Curtis Blaydes, next.

You can watch the highlights from UFC Paris: “Bam Bam” Tuivasa vs. Gane main event below.

Gane knocked out Tuivasa with a flurry of follow-up punches in round 3 (4:23).

Nassourdine Imavov slicks past a wild swinging Joaquin Buckley in exciting show – UFC Paris Highlights

Nassourdine Imavov, Joaquin BuckleyNassourdine Imavov edged out Joaquin Buckley in an exciting barn-burner at UFC Paris. Nathaniel Wood put on a dominant display to defeat Charles Jourdain in the opening bout of the main card at UFC Paris. Going into the bout after two impressive finishes, Imavov was looking to extend his win streak to three against Buckley […]

Nassourdine Imavov, Joaquin Buckley

Nassourdine Imavov edged out Joaquin Buckley in an exciting barn-burner at UFC Paris.

Nathaniel Wood put on a dominant display to defeat Charles Jourdain in the opening bout of the main card at UFC Paris.

Going into the bout after two impressive finishes, Imavov was looking to extend his win streak to three against Buckley on the main card of UFC Paris this Saturday at Accor Arena for the promotion’s debut event in France.

Buckley showed some great lateral movement, keeping on the outside against the seemingly much larger opponent. Imavov knocked Buckley’s mouthguard out of his mouth in the first round with a front kick and showed major aggression. Buckley looked to be in trouble after Imavov caught a spinning kick attempt and took him against the cage but managed to escape.

Imavov’s footwork looked stellar as he remained elusive. Imavov got Buckley on the ground and landed a few strikes before the buzzer in the first. Buckley landed a good shot in the second but got taken down by Imavov, who took his back quickly for a rear-naked choke. Buckley did well to survive the submission attempt. Buckley started swinging hard and wild in the last round.

Nassourdine Imavov defeated Joaquin Buckley after going the full distance via a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).

Below, catch the highlights from Nassourdine Imavov vs. Joaquin Buckley

Nathaniel Wood shuts down Charles Jourdain in a thrilling affair – UFC Paris Highlights

Nathaniel Wood, Charles JourdainNathaniel Wood put on a dominant display to defeat Charles Jourdain in the opening bout of the main card at UFC Paris. After a rocky last five outings under the banner, winning two and dropping two, Wood returned to take on Charles Jourdain on the main card of UFC Paris this Saturday at Accor Arena […]

Nathaniel Wood, Charles Jourdain

Nathaniel Wood put on a dominant display to defeat Charles Jourdain in the opening bout of the main card at UFC Paris.

After a rocky last five outings under the banner, winning two and dropping two, Wood returned to take on Charles Jourdain on the main card of UFC Paris this Saturday at Accor Arena for the promotion’s debut event in France.

Jourdain looked sharp from distance in an exciting affair that saw high-volume action from both men. Wood appeared to get out struck before landing a huge shot that wobbled Jourdain in the first round. Wood asserted his dominance in the second round but Jourdain held his own to keep it competitive.

Nathaniel Wood defeated Charles Jourdain after going the distance by unanimous decision.

Below, catch the highlights from Nathaniel Wood vs. Charles Jourdain

Luke Rockhold announces retirement after close-fought defeat to Paulo Costa – UFC 278 Highlights

Paulo Costa, Luke RockholdPaulo Costa came out on top over Luke Rockhold at UFC 278. The former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold returned to action after a three-year hiatus to take on former title challenger Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 278: Usman vs. Edwards 2 at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Rockhold made […]

Paulo Costa, Luke Rockhold

Paulo Costa came out on top over Luke Rockhold at UFC 278.

The former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold returned to action after a three-year hiatus to take on former title challenger Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 278: Usman vs. Edwards 2 at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Rockhold made it clear that he was looking to get a title shot if he beat out Costa, and received support from Jon Anik, who believed another chance at the gold was possible for him.

Costa got off to a solid start, scoring good combinations before Rockhold got a few nice shots of his own in. Both men appeared to be gassed out after the first round. Rockhold was especially fatigued while Costa looked relatively fresher even if a bit exhausted. They carried on battling it out in a brawl of hearts before the buzzer called an end to the contest.

Costa defeated Rockhold after going the distance by unanimous decision (30-27 x3).

Below, catch the highlights from Paulo Costa vs. Luke Rockhold