Tag: UFC

UFC Rankings Report: Dominick Cruz Makes Way For UFC Edmonton Winner

As always, the latest action on offer inside the UFC Octagon has been followed by the release of the updated rankings. And in the aftermath of UFC Fight Night: Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings. Men’s Pound-For-Pound: No changes. Women’s Pound-for-Pound: Erin Blanchfield may have stayed […]

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As always, the latest action on offer inside the UFC Octagon has been followed by the release of the updated rankings.

And in the aftermath of UFC Fight Night: Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings.

Men’s Pound-For-Pound: No changes.

Women’s Pound-for-Pound: Erin Blanchfield may have stayed put at flyweight following her win over Rose Namajunas this past weekend, but she has received a small boost up the P4P ladder. “Cold Blooded” has climbed one place to #6. Her defeated opponent, meanwhile, is two spots worse off at #8.

In a bizarre UFC rankings switch further down, Jéssica Andrade (#13) has leapfrogged Natália Silva (#14). That’s despite the former strawweight queen losing to Silva this past September.

Women’s Strawweight: No changes.

Women’s Flyweight: While she’s been the victim of an odd change on the P4P list, Silva has completed her ascent into the top five at 125 pounds. That’s courtesy of Namajunas’ loss in Edmonton, which has seen her fall to #6.

Toward the bottom of the top 15, Jasmine Jasudavicius has continued to rise following an impressive submission win over Ariane da Silva. The Canadian now finds herself in the #13 position, one place above her Brazilian counterpart.

Women’s Bantamweight: Following Germaine de Randamie’s retirement, the former champ has been removed from the UFC rankings at 135 pounds and replaced by Jacqueline Cavalcanti (#15).

Flyweight: Having been released, Matheus Nicolau has departed the 125-pound list. In his place comes Matt Schnell at #15, despite “Danger” exiting recently after announcing his retirement earlier in the year. The changes have paved the way for the in-form Charles Johnson to climb two places to #13.

Within the top 10, Manel Kape has further fallen months on from his loss to Muhammad Mokaev. He’s now ranked #9, with Australia’s Steve Erceg benefitting with a small boost to #8.

Bantamweight: Aiemann Zahabi extended his winning run on home soil this past weekend, and it’s secured a number next to his name for the first time. The Canadian 36-year-old has debuted in the UFC rankings at #14, replacing the legendary Dominick Cruz on the list.

Featherweight: No changes.

Lightweight: No changes.

Welterweight: No changes.

Middleweight: No changes.

Light Heavyweight: No changes.

Heavyweight: After their prelim in the “Great White North,” both the defeated Rodrigo Nascimento and out-of-contract Alexandr Romanov have found themselves outside the rankings. As a result, Waldo Cortes-Acosta (#14) and the undefeated Mick Parkin (#15) have arrived in the heavyweight contenders’ list.

You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.

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UFC Champ Alex Pereira Embraces his Heritage and Celebrates His Pataxó Legacy in Ceremony

UFC Champ Alex Pereira Embraces his Heritage and Celebrates His Pataxó Legacy in CeremonyThe UFC light heavyweight champion ‘Poaton’ Alex Pereira recently participated in an indigenous ceremony with his Pataxó tribe in…

UFC Champ Alex Pereira Embraces his Heritage and Celebrates His Pataxó Legacy in Ceremony

The UFC light heavyweight champion ‘Poaton’ Alex Pereira recently participated in an indigenous ceremony with his Pataxó tribe in Brazil. The event took place shortly after Pereira’s knockout victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307.

Alex Pereira Pataxó

During the ceremony, Alex Pereira joined in ritual dances and blessings, paying homage to his indigenous heritage. Photos and videos shared on social media showed the champion proudly displaying his Indigenous identity alongside fellow tribe members.

This celebration of Alex Pereira’s roots comes at a time when he is still recovering from a hand injury sustained during his title defense against Rountree Jr. Pereira’s connection to his Pataxó heritage runs deep. In 2014, before his MMA career began, he was introduced to Ubiranan, the leader of the Pataxó people. Since then, Pereira has consistently represented his Indigenous community in his professional fights, either through clothing or face paint.

What Tribe is Alex Pereira From Pataxo

Interestingly, Ubiranan had predicted Pereira’s success in the UFC when they first met. The Pataxó chieftain told MMA Fighting that he had foreseen Pereira becoming a world champion and gaining national recognition. Ubiranan even expressed his belief that Pereira could potentially become a heavyweight champion in the future.

He even predicted that ‘Poatan’ would lose his second title match against Israel Adesanya.

“When we met I told him he would become world champion, and the whole country would know him,” Ubiranan said. “He has the support of every indigenous. We are more than 300 indigenous groups and almost a million indigenous men and women. Every tribe knows him. He’s in the United States now, but we’re always in touch, sending him good energy” [Ht MMAFighting]

What Tribe is Alex Pereira From Pataxó

UFC Fighter Chris Curtis Calls Out Red Pill Ideology: “Destroyed an entire generation of boys and young men.”

Chris Curtis Red PillUFC fighter Chris Curtis has recently made headlines with his strong criticism of the “Red Pill” ideology and its…

Chris Curtis Red Pill

UFC fighter Chris Curtis has recently made headlines with his strong criticism of the “Red Pill” ideology and its impact on young men. Curtis expressed concern over the movement’s influence, stating that it has destroyed the minds of young men.

Chris Curtis on Red Pill Ideology

‘Action Man’ Chris Curtis emphasizes the importance of supporting women’s rights, which contrasts this with the Red Pill ideology’s often negative stance towards feminism. Curtis is critical of the “just be a man” narrative promoted by figures such as Andrew Tate. He explains that this discourages men from seeking professional help for mental health issues. The US-born athlete brings attention to the alarming rise in male suicide rates, suggesting a connection.

The Red Pill community promotes several core beliefs that the UFC fighter Curtis believes to be harmful. They argue that feminism is harmful to society and men in particular. Red Pill adherents often cite evolutionary theories to justify traditional gender roles. Many in the community believe that men, not women, are the truly oppressed gender in modern society.

chris curtis

Chris Curtis on X has Tweeted:

“Red pills have destroyed an entire generation of boys and young men…”

In the past he has said:

“This is exactly why I hate Andrew Tate, it’s fucking 2023 and men are still afraid to seek professional help for their mental well-being because mfers perpetuate this just be a man narrative. And we wonder why suicide rates in men are skyrocketing.

“Kinda sad all this debate talk has kinda blown a cloud over the well-deserved end of Andrew Tate for dating a 15 year old and the inevitable proof that all the Red pill bros have been worshiping two pedophiles. Way to go, guys.”

Action Man’ Chris Curtis has some impressive wins in the UFC defeating notable fighters such as Rodolfo Vieira, Marc-André Barriault, Phil Hawes, and Joaquin Buckley.

Chael Sonnen Suggests Sean O’Malley Could Challenge Ilia Topuria In UFC Return: ‘It’s Not A Crazy Idea!’

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen sees no reason why the promotion couldn’t pair featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria with Sean O’Malley next year. O’Malley ignited talk of pursuing two-division glory following Topuria’s rise to the 145-pound throne at the start of 2024. At the time, “Suga” occupied top spot in the bantamweight division and would […]

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Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen sees no reason why the promotion couldn’t pair featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria with Sean O’Malley next year.

O’Malley ignited talk of pursuing two-division glory following Topuria’s rise to the 145-pound throne at the start of 2024. At the time, “Suga” occupied top spot in the bantamweight division and would soon add a successful defense to his reign at the expense of Marlon Vera.

With work still to do in his own weight class, O’Malley instead met the challenge of Merab Dvalishvili. The Georgian proved to be an insurmountable hurdle for the Montana native inside the Sphere in September, where “The Machine” cruised to a title crowning.

With that, a possible superfight with “El Matador” appeared to take some damage. But despite O’Malley putting his sights on redemption against Dvalishvili and a second stint with 135-pound gold in his possession, Sonnen has questioned why Topuria is now out of the question.

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, “The American Gangster” pointed out that Alex Pereira’s rise to a second title was made possible by his knockout loss to Israel Adesanya.

Believing it to be easier to move up without a title, Sonnen doesn’t see a clash between Topuria and bantamweight contender O’Malley in 2025 to be a “crazy” idea.

“One of the big talking points this week is what could have been. What could have been with a superfight between Sean O’Malley and Ilia Topuria, how massive that could have been,” Sonnen said. “The thing holding up a superfight between Topuria and Sean O’Malley is not Merab or Merab getting a decision over Sean or Sean not being the champion. It is none of those things. That is not true. Had Sean won, he and Ilia Topuria would not be fighting. They had not cleaned out their divisions, respectively.

“If I’m right, but you’re also right in that that’s the massive fight, we can now make it and we can make it right now. The thing in the way of it (was) Sean being the champion at 135. They can now do that fight,” Sonnen continued. “The quickest way you’re ever gonna get Pereira vs. (Tom) Aspinall or Pereira vs. (Jon) Jones…(is) if Pereira is to lose at light heavyweight. That is how we got Pereira to the 205-pound class to start with. … It’s not a crazy idea. … What if he (O’Malley) did take 10 or 12 months? 10 or 12 months to put on some size and he comes right up and challenges Ilia Topuria.”

It remains to be seen whether O’Malley or the promotion may have the same idea as Sonnen down the line. For now, it appears that “Suga” is intent on avenging his loss to Dvalishvili once healed from the surgery he underwent to repair a torn labrum last month.

Topuria, meanwhile, appears likely to run it back with Alexander Volkanovski next year after getting past Max Holloway in his first defense in October.

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Daily Street Fights: Ilia Topuria’s Mother Reveals His Unruly Past Defending Himself on Georgia’s Streets

Daily Street Fights: Ilia Topuria’s Mother Reveals His Unruly Past Defending Himself on Georgia's StreetsEl Matador’ Ilia Topuria, the UFC featherweight world champion, carved his toughness through daily street fights in his hometown,…

Daily Street Fights: Ilia Topuria’s Mother Reveals His Unruly Past Defending Himself on Georgia's Streets

El Matador’ Ilia Topuria, the UFC featherweight world champion, carved his toughness through daily street fights in his hometown, according to a book by his mother.

Ilia Topuria and Street Fighting

The Spanish-Georgian Ilia Topuria captured the UFC featherweight crown with a highly impressive knockout against the top-ranked pound-for-pound athlete Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski. He then defended this throne by way of knockout against the all-time great ‘Blessed’ Max Holloway.

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 26: Ilia Topuria of Spain reacts after a knockout victory against Max Holloway in the UFC featherweight championship fight during the UFC 308 event at Etihad Arena on October 26, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

‘El Cazador’ Aleksandre Topuria is the brother of Ilia and is an MMA fighter as well. Their mother Inga recently wrote a book about them and tells a story about their days of street fighting. She said:

“I mentioned fights and this was about street fights. It was not rare, it was a daily routine. Whenever they were in the streets, they were fighting. To imagine – Three boys would appear. They looked like they had just watched “Scarface” movie and didn’t know what to do.

“They would come and tell you that they wanted your hat or your belt. There were three ways – giving up, running away and fighting. There was a fourth one – finding a mutual friend, but this fourth one was a bit difficult, so Ilia and Sandro always prefered to fight and surprisingly, at the end of the day, they always had a hat and a belt.

“It was not about the things, it was about to secure/defend their place in the streets. It’s where they realized that the way to their biggest (Championship) belts started with keeping their own, ordinary belts in the streets of Rustavi.”

The family grew up in Rustavi, Georgia which was destroyed during the Mongol invasions in the 13th century and remained largely abandoned until the 20th century. The modern city of Rustavi was rebuilt in the 1940s with industrialization efforts. It has faced significant economic challenges after the collapse of the Soviet Union

Brandon Moreno Assesses Opponent Options After UFC Edmonton, Rules Out One Top-5 Contender

Former two-time UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno has his eyes on some prominent names following a return to winning ways this past weekend. Moreno entered the Octagon at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Edmonton, Canada facing the prospect of the first three-fight losing skid of his professional career if things didn’t go his way. They […]

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Former two-time UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno has his eyes on some prominent names following a return to winning ways this past weekend.

Moreno entered the Octagon at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Edmonton, Canada facing the prospect of the first three-fight losing skid of his professional career if things didn’t go his way. They did, however, go his way — and then some.

In Amir Albazi, the Mexican faced a surging contender who boasted a perfect 5-0 UFC record and had most recently climbed the ladder with a main event win over Kai Kara-France.

But “The Assassin Baby” wasn’t about to be the star at the expense of whom the Iraqi secured a title shot, instead firmly beating “The Prince” up across five rounds to secure a lopsided unanimous decision victory.

Having put his name back in the title mix at 125 pounds, Moreno assessed what could lie in his immediate future during his post-fight press conference in Edmonton.

Moreno welcomed the chance to settle the score in a trilogy with Royval. But he doesn’t share the same excitement when it comes to running it back with Kara-France, favoring first-time clashes with Tatsuro Taira or Kai Asakura should the latter fall short of the title at UFC 310 next month.

“I can get (a rematch) with Royval,” Moreno said. “I don’t want to fight with Kai again because I fought him twice and I beat him, but if I have to do that (I will). Tatsuro Taira is there. Kai Asakura, let’s see what happens there against Pantoja. If he loses, that can be the next one.

“I don’t know, let’s see what happens,” Moreno concluded.

While he expects to require another strong performance before earning a shot at regaining the flyweight crown yet again, he seemingly caught the eye of the division’s champion with his display in the “Great White North.”

Pantoja mixed praise with a small jibe toward the Mexican in a social media post, commending him for the victory but also referring to “The Assassin Baby” as his “son.”

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