Tag: UFC

Manel Kape Has Title Shot Pleas Rejected After Standout UFC Tampa Performance

UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape didn’t shy away from letting the brass know what he wants at Saturday’s event in Tampa. After having his title plans stalled by Muhammad Mokaev in Manchester this past July, Kape returned to action at the UFC’s final event of 2024, where he was tasked with defending his position on […]

UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape didn’t shy away from letting the brass know what he wants at Saturday’s event in Tampa.

After having his title plans stalled by Muhammad Mokaev in Manchester this past July, Kape returned to action at the UFC’s final event of 2024, where he was tasked with defending his position on the ladder against Bruno Silva.

“Starboy” bounced back in style, putting on a show with the kind of striking and confident showboating that attracted the MMA leader’s attention while he held gold under the Rizin banner.

And following two strong rounds, Kape closed the show with strikes in the final frame to cap off a near-flawless return to the win column.

In the aftermath, the Angola-born Portuguese fighter pleaded with Dana White cageside, making his case for the next shot at Alexandre Pantoja. That was a continuation of a conversation Kape also attempted to start in-between rounds.

Unfortunately for “Starboy,” he seemingly wasn’t persuasive enough.

During the post-fight press conference backstage at Amalie Arena, UFC CEO Dana White reflected on Kape’s perseverance when it came to pitching a rematch with champ Pantoja, whom he lost to in his promotional debut back in 2021.

White did not, however, have the answer the flyweight contender would have been hoping for.

“No, he’s not getting a title shot,” White said. “But we’ll definitely give him what he’s looking for.”

It’s unclear what White is referring to, given that Kape was looking for a shot at redemption opposite Pantoja with the flyweight gold on the line next year.

Regardless, it seems “Starboy” has some work to do if he’s to secure a first championship opportunity on MMA’s biggest stage and the chance to add UFC gold to his trophy cabinet in the sport.

Paige VanZant Teams Up with UFC Alumni Hannah Goldy and Wrestling Stars for Steamy Festive Holiday Photoshoot

Paige VanZant Hannah Goldy Macey Estrella Lacey Evans Ashley Mae Sebera Steamy Festive Holiday PhotoshootFormer UFC fighter and OnlyFans creator Paige VanZant is bringing holiday cheer with a poolside Christmas-themed photoshoot that has…

Paige VanZant Hannah Goldy Macey Estrella Lacey Evans Ashley Mae Sebera Steamy Festive Holiday Photoshoot

Former UFC fighter and OnlyFans creator Paige VanZant is bringing holiday cheer with a poolside Christmas-themed photoshoot that has her fans buzzing. Joined by MMA fighter Hannah Goldy and professional wrestlers Macey Estrella (formerly WWE’s Lacey Evans) and Ashley Mae Sebera, VanZant shared a teaser of the shoot featuring the group in red bikinis, Santa hats, and gloves, posing next to a luxurious pool.

Paige VanZant

“Santa’s not the only one delivering gifts this Christmas,” Paige VanZant captioned the now-deleted video, encouraging fans to explore more exclusive content on her OnlyFans. Another post showed her carrying ice skates, teasing, “Naughty never looked so nice.”

Paige VanZant Hannah Goldy Macey Estrella Lacey Evans Ashley Mae Sebera

A Diverse Group of Fighters and Creators

The shoot brought together athletes from different combat sports. Hannah Goldy, who rose to prominence after a win on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019, recently secured a victory at XFC 50 in April 2024. Outside the cage, she’s active in modeling and content creation. Meanwhile, Macey Estrella, a former U.S. Marine and WWE star, has used her platform to champion community issues, opening a café dedicated to mental health and addiction awareness.

Paige VanZant herself has transitioned from MMA to ventures like bare-knuckle boxing, professional wrestling, and content creation. Once known for her aggressive style in the octagon, she now thrives as a social media influencer and model, with 3.2 million Instagram followers.

Financial Success Beyond Fighting

VanZant has been candid about her financial success on OnlyFans, revealing it has far surpassed her earnings from combat sports. “I made more money in 24 hours on OnlyFans than I did in my entire fighting career combined,” she shared on Barstool’s Only Stans podcast. Initially hesitant about the platform, she has embraced it, saying, “I sold my body to the UFC through broken bones and concussions. This is much less than that.”

Paige VanZant Hannah Goldy Macey Estrella Lacey Evans Ashley Mae Sebera 2

Balancing Life and New Ventures

Though VanZant is training for a potential return to Power Slap, she views fighting as a hobby compared to her flourishing career in content creation. “Fighting is just a part-time job now,” she told TMZ.

Fans have responded enthusiastically to her holiday-themed content, flooding her posts with comments like, “You ladies are amazing!” and “Santa, I’ve got a new Christmas wish!” With collaborations and diverse ventures, VanZant continues to redefine her career beyond combat sports.

Paige VanZant

Top MMA Coach Picks Joaquin Buckley As ‘Fighter Of The Year’ Over Alex Pereira & Ilia Topuria

Coach Eric Nicksick, for one, has been extremely impressed by UFC welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley’s efforts in 2024. Buckley closed out his year in style on Saturday night when he headlined the final event of 2024. Opposite him inside Tampa’s Amalie Arena was former interim champion Colby Covington, who planned on placing his name back […]

Coach Eric Nicksick, for one, has been extremely impressed by UFC welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley’s efforts in 2024.

Buckley closed out his year in style on Saturday night when he headlined the final event of 2024. Opposite him inside Tampa’s Amalie Arena was former interim champion Colby Covington, who planned on placing his name back into title contention a year on from a third failed bid for undisputed status.

“Chaos” didn’t succeed in that ambition, however, with Buckley dominating him in the opening two rounds before a deep cut sustained just above Covington’s right eye proved too bad for him to continue.

With the result, “New Mansa” has gone 4-0 this year, having previously knocked out Vicente Luque, outpointed Nursulton Ruziboev, and stopped Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.

And according to Nicksick, that’s elevated him not only into the “Fighter of the Year” discussion, but above both consensus leading candidates Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria.

“Real talk, @Newmansa94 (Buckley) resurrection needs to be studied,” Nicksick wrote on X. “6-0 in a new division w/ 4 stoppages, 4-0 in 2024. Ladies and Gentlemen, he’s your 2024 Fighter of the Year. I’m out”

Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight kingpin, has staked his claim with three title defenses in 2024. After knockouts of Jamahal Hill and Ji?í Procházka, “Poatan” most recently came from behind to batter Khalil Rountree in round four of their headline battle this past October.

Topuria, meanwhile, seemingly has the edge over the Brazilian in terms of competition level. Though he’s fought once less than Pereira, the Spaniard dethroned the highly regarded Alexander Volkanovski in brutal fashion before becoming the first man to knock out Max Holloway to retain the featherweight gold.

But taking into account his career revival since dropping to 170 pounds, Buckley appears to have the vote of one renowned trainer in the fight game.

Belal Muhammad Mocks Colby Covington After Dominant UFC Tampa Loss: ‘He Just Sucks’

UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad was among those roasting the polarizing Colby Covington after his latest defeat. Saturday proved to be a difficult night for Covington, as the former interim titleholder returned to action for the first time since a third failed bid at securing the undisputed crown against Leon Edwards last December. In his […]

UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad was among those roasting the polarizing Colby Covington after his latest defeat.

Saturday proved to be a difficult night for Covington, as the former interim titleholder returned to action for the first time since a third failed bid at securing the undisputed crown against Leon Edwards last December.

In his push to reinsert himself into the championship equation, “Chaos” accepted a short-notice UFC Fight Night headliner opposite the charging Joaquin Buckley in Tampa, looking to hand “New Mansa” his first loss since dropping to the division.

But the controversial veteran convincingly failed in that task, with Buckley putting a beating on him en route to a TKO via doctor’s stoppage in round three.

While a cut caused the bout’s end, there was little doubt over who was having the better of things. That, unsurprisingly, brought out Covington’s sizable group of enemies and detractors.

As expected, champ Muhammad was among those enjoying the result…

“(laughing) man I knows he’s gonna have a bunch of excuses but he just sucks,” Muhammad wrote on X.

Muhammad and Covington have frequently gone back and forth across recent years.

But with the former on the throne following his win over Edwards this past July and the latter far from challenging for it again post-UFC Tampa, it would appear that the chances of the pair settling their score inside the cage are now slim.

‘Perfect End To His Silly Career’ – Fans React As Colby Covington Gets Battered By Joaquin Buckley At UFC Tampa

Joaquin Buckley added to the woes of Colby Covington on Saturday night, battering the former interim welterweight champion in the main event of UFC Tampa. Buckley clearly took the opening round, stopping every takedown attempt from Covington and damaging his eye, including a knockdown of “Chaos” late in the round. The rising contender continued to […]

Joaquin Buckley added to the woes of Colby Covington on Saturday night, battering the former interim welterweight champion in the main event of UFC Tampa.

Buckley clearly took the opening round, stopping every takedown attempt from Covington and damaging his eye, including a knockdown of “Chaos” late in the round. The rising contender continued to land well in the second round, and while he was taken down once, “New Mansa” managed to work his way up with strength and still showed strong defense.

Covington, who was warned about the cut around his eye that had been busted up over two rounds, continued to be battered as the fight entered the third. Even when the fight was on the ground, Buckley’s attack showed no sign of slowing, targeting that cut.

In the midst of the third round, the doctor was called in to check on the cut and ruled that Covington could no longer safely continue.

This marked Buckley’s sixth straight win and perhaps his biggest since a viral knockout of Impa Kasaganay. This most likely will give him a top-five contender as his next opponent.

Covington, meanwhile, has now lost three of his last four. This was his first fight in almost exactly one year since his unsuccessful challenge of then-UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 296.

VIDEO: UFC Tampa Post-Fight Press Conference After Joaquin Buckley, Cub Swanson’s Headline Wins

The year-ending UFC Tampa event recently concluded, and MMA News has you covered with the post-fight press conference at Amalie Arena. The venue played host to Octagon action on Dec. 14, as the mixed martial arts leader closed out its schedule for 2024 with a strong lineup that featured a former interim champion, ranked contenders, […]

The year-ending UFC Tampa event recently concluded, and MMA News has you covered with the post-fight press conference at Amalie Arena.

The venue played host to Octagon action on Dec. 14, as the mixed martial arts leader closed out its schedule for 2024 with a strong lineup that featured a former interim champion, ranked contenders, experienced veterans, and some promising prospects.

Of note were victories for Joaquin Buckley, Cub Swanson, Manel Kape, Dustin Jacoby, Daniel Marcos, Michael Johnson and Sean Woodson.

And before attention turns to next year’s offerings from the mixed martial arts leader, there remains some business to attend to backstage at UFC Tampa.

Shortly after the main event’s ending, Dana White is expected to appear in front of the media to reveal the recipients of the Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses before answering questions. The victorious fighters from UFC Tampa will also take queries from the press in reaction to their performances.

With that said, see below for a live stream of the UFC Tampa post-fight press conference via the UFC’s official YouTube channel, commencing at 1 AM ET.