Tag: ufc vegas 51

Muhammad: Sterling Win Motivated Me To Prove The Haters Wrong

UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad has revealed how Aljamain Sterling’s successful title defense at UFC 273 motivated him ahead of his main event this past weekend. At UFC Vegas 51, Muhammad continued his charge towards the title by extending his win streak to three and his unbeaten run to eight straight fights. “Remember The Name”…

Continue Reading Muhammad: Sterling Win Motivated Me To Prove The Haters Wrong at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad has revealed how Aljamain Sterling’s successful title defense at UFC 273 motivated him ahead of his main event this past weekend.

At UFC Vegas 51, Muhammad continued his charge towards the title by extending his win streak to three and his unbeaten run to eight straight fights. “Remember The Name” did so by avenging his 2016 knockout loss to Vicente Luque.

The victory, which marked his first headline triumph in MMA’s premier promotion, secured Muhammad a place inside the welterweight top five, meaning he’s likely just one more win away from a shot at gold.

Despite his 2021 triumphs over Demian Maia and Stephen Thompson, Muhammad had his fair share of detractors heading into his first appearance of 2022. By dispatching Luque, who was in hot form and tipped by many to earn a title shot soon, the Chicago native certainly scored a point over his doubters.

His scenario is certainly similar to that of 135-pound king Sterling, who, like Muhammad, recently achieved the feat of silencing his doubters. “Funk Master” proved his naysayers wrong in the UFC 273 co-main event on April 9, earning a split decision win against heavy favorite Petr Yan.

In an interview with ESPN MMA’s Marc Raimondi, Muhammad compared the hate he and Sterling have received and expressed joy at seeing the New York native have the gold wrapped around his waist without the controversy of a disqualification.

“Aljamain got illegally kneed, and people hate him for that. I got poked, and that’s when it like, swings at me that I’m a crybaby now. I’m like, bro, the stuff happened to us. We didn’t go out there and illegally do the stuff,” reminded Muhammad. “It’s weird how it just changes. It’s funny and it’s great seeing it. He was doubted by so many people and hated by so many people before (UFC 273)… It felt good seeing them actually put (the title) around his waist.”

Muhammad went on to state that Sterling’s against-the-odds success in Jacksonville inspired him to stick it to his own doubters a week later in Las Vegas.

“He proved a lot of haters and doubters wrong, and it motivated me to prove the haters and doubters wrong. Everybody told me I’m gonna get knocked out, I’m gonna go out there and I’m gonna lose,” continued Muhammad. “The same way as, ‘Oh, Yan was killing Aljamain the first fight,’ I got, ‘You got knocked out the first fight, you’re gonna get knocked out again.’ So, it felt good to get that one up over all of them.”

Muhammad will now be hoping to go even further by reaching the top of the welterweight mountaintop. For his remaining doubters, the presence of gold around his waist would certainly damage their line of argument.

Were you impressed by Belal Muhammad’s performance against Vicente Luque at UFC Vegas 51?

Continue Reading Muhammad: Sterling Win Motivated Me To Prove The Haters Wrong at MMA News.

Muhammad: Sterling Win Motivated Me To Prove The Haters Wrong

UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad has revealed how Aljamain Sterling’s successful title defense at UFC 273 motivated him ahead of his main event this past weekend. At UFC Vegas 51, Muhammad continued his charge towards the title by extending his win streak to three and his unbeaten run to eight straight fights. “Remember The Name”…

Continue Reading Muhammad: Sterling Win Motivated Me To Prove The Haters Wrong at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad has revealed how Aljamain Sterling’s successful title defense at UFC 273 motivated him ahead of his main event this past weekend.

At UFC Vegas 51, Muhammad continued his charge towards the title by extending his win streak to three and his unbeaten run to eight straight fights. “Remember The Name” did so by avenging his 2016 knockout loss to Vicente Luque.

The victory, which marked his first headline triumph in MMA’s premier promotion, secured Muhammad a place inside the welterweight top five, meaning he’s likely just one more win away from a shot at gold.

Despite his 2021 triumphs over Demian Maia and Stephen Thompson, Muhammad had his fair share of detractors heading into his first appearance of 2022. By dispatching Luque, who was in hot form and tipped by many to earn a title shot soon, the Chicago native certainly scored a point over his doubters.

His scenario is certainly similar to that of 135-pound king Sterling, who, like Muhammad, recently achieved the feat of silencing his doubters. “Funk Master” proved his naysayers wrong in the UFC 273 co-main event on April 9, earning a split decision win against heavy favorite Petr Yan.

In an interview with ESPN MMA’s Marc Raimondi, Muhammad compared the hate he and Sterling have received and expressed joy at seeing the New York native have the gold wrapped around his waist without the controversy of a disqualification.

“Aljamain got illegally kneed, and people hate him for that. I got poked, and that’s when it like, swings at me that I’m a crybaby now. I’m like, bro, the stuff happened to us. We didn’t go out there and illegally do the stuff,” reminded Muhammad. “It’s weird how it just changes. It’s funny and it’s great seeing it. He was doubted by so many people and hated by so many people before (UFC 273)… It felt good seeing them actually put (the title) around his waist.”

Muhammad went on to state that Sterling’s against-the-odds success in Jacksonville inspired him to stick it to his own doubters a week later in Las Vegas.

“He proved a lot of haters and doubters wrong, and it motivated me to prove the haters and doubters wrong. Everybody told me I’m gonna get knocked out, I’m gonna go out there and I’m gonna lose,” continued Muhammad. “The same way as, ‘Oh, Yan was killing Aljamain the first fight,’ I got, ‘You got knocked out the first fight, you’re gonna get knocked out again.’ So, it felt good to get that one up over all of them.”

Muhammad will now be hoping to go even further by reaching the top of the welterweight mountaintop. For his remaining doubters, the presence of gold around his waist would certainly damage their line of argument.

Were you impressed by Belal Muhammad’s performance against Vicente Luque at UFC Vegas 51?

Continue Reading Muhammad: Sterling Win Motivated Me To Prove The Haters Wrong at MMA News.

Exclusive | Devin Clark Targets Fall UFC Return, Light Heavyweight Comeback

Devin ClarkOff the back of an impressive, hard-fought third round knockout success against William Knight at UFC Vegas 51 last weekend, Devin Clark has revealed how he has already been offered a quickfire turnaround in the next month by the organization, however, prefers a potential August return at 205lbs. Clark, who improved to 13-6 as a […]

Devin Clark

Off the back of an impressive, hard-fought third round knockout success against William Knight at UFC Vegas 51 last weekend, Devin Clark has revealed how he has already been offered a quickfire turnaround in the next month by the organization, however, prefers a potential August return at 205lbs.

Clark, who improved to 13-6 as a professional last weekend at the UFC Apex facility, managed to make good on a brief heavyweight division excursion, battling the tough, Knight over the course of three rounds en route to an eventual third round knockout victory. 

The victory snapped a run of two successive losses for the Sioux Falls native, who had dropped a unanimous decision loss to Ion Cutelaba, as well as former title challenger, Anthony Smith in a UFC Vegas 15 main event back in November 2020. 

Expected to pen a new, multi-fight deal with the organization off the back of his win over Knight, Clark featured in the Octagon for the thirteenth time, establishing a 7-6 promotional résumé

Devin Clark revealed he is expected to re-up with the UFC on a new contract to boot

Speaking with LowKick MMA reporter, James Lynch off the back of his win over Knight, Clark confirmed that he has held discussions over a new contract, with the promotion asking him to fill in on short notice for a bout next month.

“Should be getting a new one (contract), but we haven’t finalized anything, but we’ve been talking to Mick Maynard – and it looks like we’re going to be getting another deal so,” Devin Clark said. “They were actually asking me if I was ready to fight next month already, so – you know, they wanted me to fill in for a fight next month, but I told them I couldn’t, yet.”

Expected to make a light heavyweight division return in his next Octagon walk – Clark explained how he plans to feature once again in the fall of this year.

“Probably like August, September – somewhere like that,” Devin Clark said on an Octagon return. “Early fall. That makes sense, not too much time off, just a little bit to rest and recover. I have some bumps and bruises, and I think it’s good to give the mind a little bit of time to rest as well.”

“I’ll most likely go down to 205, unless there’s a really good opportunity or something,” Devin Clark explained. “Kinda whoever, there’s a whole lot of guys right around that top-15 realm, and they’re all good fights. There’s not too many fights in the division that are bad fights for me.” 

Amongst his other promotional victories, Clark has landed wins against Josh Stansbury, Jake Collier, Mike Rodriguez, Darko Stosic, Dequan Townsend, and Alonzo Menifield. 

Mounir Lazzez Gives Props To Wanted Irish Crime Boss After UFC Win

Following his dominant victory against Ange Loosa at UFC Vegas 51, Mournir Lazzez thanked Daniel Kinahan, an alleged Irish gang boss and boxing promoter. Lazzez was successful in his return to the Octagon after his round one TKO loss to Warlley Alves back in January 2021. The “Sniper” put on a stellar performance against Loosa…

Continue Reading Mounir Lazzez Gives Props To Wanted Irish Crime Boss After UFC Win at MMA News.

Following his dominant victory against Ange Loosa at UFC Vegas 51, Mournir Lazzez thanked Daniel Kinahan, an alleged Irish gang boss and boxing promoter.

Lazzez was successful in his return to the Octagon after his round one TKO loss to Warlley Alves back in January 2021. The “Sniper” put on a stellar performance against Loosa on Saturday’s event, however, his victory may be overshadowed by his post-fight interview comments.

Mounir Lazzez and Ange Loosa
Mounir Lazzez and Ange Loosa, via Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Immediately after his initial Octagon interview, Lazezz pulled the microphone away from Daniel Cormier to shout out some people.

“I would love to thank my coaches and my brother Daniel Kinahan,” Lazzez said in a post-fight interview on the ESPN broadcast. “Without him, I would never be the man who I am today and my career at this point. Thanks a lot.”

There is an enormous amount of controversy circling Daniel Kinahan, who outside of being the founder of boxing management company MTK Global is a wanted criminal with serious allegations against him.

The High Court of Ireland has classified Kinahan as a major influence in organized crime on a global scale.

The Irishman is accused of involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, and an alleged gang war in Dublin and Spain that has taken 18 lives. In addition, Kinahan allegedly ran one of the largest cartels in the world.

Kinahan was sanctioned along with his father and brother, and others, by the US Treasury earlier in the month. Officials announced they are offering a $5million reward for information that will lead to their arrests.

According to Lazzez, he was completely unaware of the allegations against the Kinahan, who also managed Boxing champion, Tyson Fury.

Tyson Fury(left) and Daniel Kinahan(right), via The Guardian

“I think I’m here to entertain people,” Lazzez said. “I give the credit to whoever deserves credit. I’m not involved on stuff. I don’t know about it and I will investigate how it is.” (h/t New York Post)

The Tunisian fighter also claims to meet with Kinahan for advice and considers him a friend. His praises for the wanted ganglord could bring some unwanted attention to himself and the UFC.

What is your reaction To Mounir Lazzez praising Daniel Kinahan in his post-fight interview?

Continue Reading Mounir Lazzez Gives Props To Wanted Irish Crime Boss After UFC Win at MMA News.

Mounir Lazzez Gives Props To Wanted Irish Crime Boss After UFC Win

Following his dominant victory against Ange Loosa at UFC Vegas 51, Mournir Lazzez thanked Daniel Kinahan, an alleged Irish gang boss and boxing promoter. Lazzez was successful in his return to the Octagon after his round one TKO loss to Warlley Alves back in January 2021. The “Sniper” put on a stellar performance against Loosa…

Continue Reading Mounir Lazzez Gives Props To Wanted Irish Crime Boss After UFC Win at MMA News.

Following his dominant victory against Ange Loosa at UFC Vegas 51, Mournir Lazzez thanked Daniel Kinahan, an alleged Irish gang boss and boxing promoter.

Lazzez was successful in his return to the Octagon after his round one TKO loss to Warlley Alves back in January 2021. The “Sniper” put on a stellar performance against Loosa on Saturday’s event, however, his victory may be overshadowed by his post-fight interview comments.

Mounir Lazzez and Ange Loosa
Mounir Lazzez and Ange Loosa, via Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Immediately after his initial Octagon interview, Lazezz pulled the microphone away from Daniel Cormier to shout out some people.

“I would love to thank my coaches and my brother Daniel Kinahan,” Lazzez said in a post-fight interview on the ESPN broadcast. “Without him, I would never be the man who I am today and my career at this point. Thanks a lot.”

There is an enormous amount of controversy circling Daniel Kinahan, who outside of being the founder of boxing management company MTK Global is a wanted criminal with serious allegations against him.

The High Court of Ireland has classified Kinahan as a major influence in organized crime on a global scale.

The Irishman is accused of involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, and an alleged gang war in Dublin and Spain that has taken 18 lives. In addition, Kinahan allegedly ran one of the largest cartels in the world.

Kinahan was sanctioned along with his father and brother, and others, by the US Treasury earlier in the month. Officials announced they are offering a $5million reward for information that will lead to their arrests.

According to Lazzez, he was completely unaware of the allegations against the Kinahan, who also managed Boxing champion, Tyson Fury.

Tyson Fury(left) and Daniel Kinahan(right), via The Guardian

“I think I’m here to entertain people,” Lazzez said. “I give the credit to whoever deserves credit. I’m not involved on stuff. I don’t know about it and I will investigate how it is.” (h/t New York Post)

The Tunisian fighter also claims to meet with Kinahan for advice and considers him a friend. His praises for the wanted ganglord could bring some unwanted attention to himself and the UFC.

What is your reaction To Mounir Lazzez praising Daniel Kinahan in his post-fight interview?

Continue Reading Mounir Lazzez Gives Props To Wanted Irish Crime Boss After UFC Win at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad: Leon Edwards Has Dana White Privilege

UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad feels he should get more credit for a title shot than former adversary Leon Edwards. Muhammad outstruck Vicente Luque towards a unanimous decision in the UFC Vegas 51 headliner. He’s now won three in a row after wins over former title challengers Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia and before that…

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad: Leon Edwards Has Dana White Privilege at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad feels he should get more credit for a title shot than former adversary Leon Edwards.

Muhammad outstruck Vicente Luque towards a unanimous decision in the UFC Vegas 51 headliner. He’s now won three in a row after wins over former title challengers Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia and before that a no-contest against Edwards.

Muhammad got revenge against Luque after getting knocked out in their first matchup at UFC 205. After earning arguably the biggest win of his career, Muhammad thinks he deserves more respect when it comes to the title shot conversation.

During his UFC Vegas 51 post-fight press conference, Muhammad opined on where he believes he stands against some of the top welterweight contenders.

“Who is the only one in the division with a better run than I am on?” Muhammad said. “I’m literally fighting Maia, Wonderboy, Luque. Who is Colby fighting? He’s fighting guys off of two losses in a row. Who is Leon fighting? He’s fighting ’55ers.

“None of these guys are fighting the contenders in the division, none of these guys have the guts to do that. I’m the one that’s going through 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. I’m the one saying yes to the toughest in the division. Leon may have more wins than me, but he doesn’t have the quality of wins that I have.”

Muhammad went on to answer whether or not he feels more deserving of a title shot against Kamaru Usman than Edwards.

“I do. I don’t think he deserves to fight for the title. I think he has that Dana White privilege, but whatever. I don’t expect to be handed anything, I had to fight for everything I got. And I have to be willing to keep doing it.”

Muhammad is far from the first to refer to ‘Dana White Privilege’ during various interviews. Former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson coined the phrase aimed at Michael Chandler during the leadup to his fight against Beneil Dariush at UFC 262.

While nothing has been officially announced, Edwards will get the next title shot against Usman, as confirmed by UFC President Dana White. This means that Muhammad will more than likely need to win one more to earn a shot at the belt.

Do you agree with Belal Muhammad?

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad: Leon Edwards Has Dana White Privilege at MMA News.