MMA News
VIDEO | Hear what Robbie Lawler said to Herb Dean after controversial Ben Askren stoppage
Tom Taylor - March 6, 2019
At UFC 235, former UFC welterweight champ Robbie Lawler was tasked with welcoming former ONE and Bellator champ Ben Askren to the Octagon. In the opening seconds of the first round it looked as though Lawler would spoil Askren’s debut, as he executed a beautiful slam and nearly finished the wrestler with a storm of ground strikes. Miraculously, however, Askren was able to weather this storm and lock up a bulldog choke for the victory.
On three-year anniversary, Conor McGregor reflects on battles with Nate Diaz
Drake Riggs - March 6, 2019
Believe it or not, 2016 was the last year that former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor has scored a victory in combat sports. His opponent for his second to most recent win was none other than Stockton, Calfornia’s finest, Nate Diaz. However, that win came in the pairing’s second of two outings. The first coming just a few months prior when the two met at UFC 196 an entire years ago as of yesterday. A bout that saw Diaz pull off the upset on short notice via second-round submission (rear-naked choke).
Anthony Johnson will only come out of retirement for a heavyweight fight with Jon Jones
Cole Shelton - March 5, 2019
When Anthony Johnson announced his retirement from MMA, a fight many fans were disappointed that didn’t happen is ‘Rumble’ vs. Jon Jones. The fight had major intrigue given the fact Jones had looked unstoppable and Johnson had legitimate one-punch knockout power. The two were scheduled to fight at UFC 187 but the fight was called off after Jones was involved in a hit and run. From then on, the fight just didn’t come to fruition and Johnson walked away from MMA without ever getting the chance to fight Jones.
Georges St-Pierre exits USADA testing pool, solidifies retirement
Drake Riggs - March 5, 2019
Canada’s own Georges “Rush” St-Pierre is one of, if not the greatest MMA fighter to ever live. But after accomplishing all that there is to accomplish, the legend found himself retiring on top of the mountain. Shortly after his big 2013 welterweight title defense against Johny Hendricks at UFC 167, St-Pierre would announce that he would need a break from the sport that he helped build.
Kamaru Usman broke records in UFC 235 victory over Tyron Woodley
Tom Taylor - March 5, 2019
On Saturday night, Kamaru Usman wrested the UFC welterweight strap from the waist of long-time champion Tyron Woodley. It was a near flawless victory from Usman, who dominated the champion for five rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory. Some stats collected by Michael Carroll on Twitter, however, reveal Usman’s win was more than just impressive. It was record-breaking.
Colby Covington details tense run-in with NFL player Todd Gurley
Tom Taylor - March 5, 2019
Former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington was in Las Vegas for last weekend’s UFC 235 card, and he certainly made his presence known. All through Fight Week, the polarizing welterweight star was stirring up drama with figures like Kamaru Usman and Dana White. And apparently, he nearly fought LA Rams running back Todd Gurley in the crowd on Fight Night. Colby Covington detailed this run-in with with the NFL star on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show on Monday.
Ben Askren won't fight for UFC welterweight strap without speaking to Tyron Woodley first
Tom Taylor - March 5, 2019
The first shot at new UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman is expected to go to his arch rival Colby Covington. That being said, after an ugly altercation with Covington, Usman’s manager Ali Abdelaziz is pushing for a fight with new UFC star Ben Askren instead. Ben Askren, of course, has his eyes on UFC gold. Yet he says he won’t accept a title fight with Kamaru Usman until he’s spoken with the former champion, his good friend and training partner Tyron Woodley.
EXCLUSIVE | After going two years without a win, Beneil Dariush is out to build a win-streak at UFC Wichita
Cole Shelton - March 5, 2019
Beneil Dariush went 735 days without a win. It was a rough two years for the 29-year-old. There’s no other way to put it. In that stretch, he suffered losses to Edson Barboza and Alexander Hernandez as well as a draw with Evan Dunham. But finally, this past November, Dariush got his hand raised again inside the Octagon. Dariush had a dominating performance and scored a unanimous decision win over Thiago Moises to snap his winless streak. This was a massive relief for him.
Brian Ortega gives take on Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier booking
Mike Pendleton - March 5, 2019
As current UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway prepares to move up to lightweight and challenge Dustin Poirier for the interim lightweight title at UFC 236, the featherweight title picture has become a bit uncertain. Holloway’s most recent featherweight title defense came at UFC 231 when he beat top contender Brian Ortega by TKO (doctor stoppage), handing “T-City” his first professional loss. Before his fight against Holloway, Ortega had defeated the likes of Frankie Edgar, Cub Swanson, and Renato Carneiro to stake his claim to a title shot in the featherweight division.
UFC 235 medical suspensions: Jon Jones, Johnny Walker and Mickey Gall facing long sits
Tom Taylor - March 5, 2019
UFC 235 was a memorable card, packed to the edges with wild scraps and thrilling stoppages. An unfortunate side-effect of this kind of card, of course, is a prevalence of lengthy medical suspensions. MMAjunkie has obtained a list of UFC 235 medical suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).
EXCLUSIVE | Blagoy Ivanov excited to welcome Ben Rothwell back to the UFC
Cole Shelton - March 5, 2019
Blagoy Ivanov is ready to fight again. The Bulgarian heavyweight was considered a big signing for the UFC after he dominated in the now defunct World Series of Fighting organization, capturing heavyweight gold. The UFC had so much confidence in Ivanov that his UFC debut was a main event spot against former champion Junior dos Santos. He ended up losing the fight by unanimous decision, but for Ivanov it was a great learning experience.
Joe Rogan details surprising obstacle for Conor McGregor vs. 'Cowboy' matchup
Tom Taylor - March 5, 2019
For a couple of weeks, one of the most talked about UFC matchups was a potential showdown between lightweight stars Conor McGregor and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Both fighters seemed to want the fight, UFC President Dana White was on board, and of course, every fight fan with a pulse was eager to see it happen. UFC commentator Joe Rogan even said it was a ‘done deal.’ Unfortunately, it now sounds as though the fight could be off the table.
Combate Americas delivers another viewership home run
Tom Taylor - March 5, 2019
Press release: Combate Americas today announced stellar ratings for its first live televised Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event of 2019 – ‘Mexico vs. USA’ – that garnered 610,000 viewers on Univision and UDN despite its midnight ET start time, on Friday, Feb. 22. “Combate Americas is kicking off 2019 by continuing to disrupt the industry with knockout ratings, leaving our competitors dazed and confused,” said Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren. “Last Friday’s return to live television on Univision is evidence that Combate Americas’ fight talent, unique format and production continue to drive a bigger and more engaged audience.”
UFC Rankings Update: Kamaru Usman cracks pound for pound top 10
Christopher Taylor - March 4, 2019
The UFC rankings have seen some major changes following the conclusion of this past weekend’s UFC 235 pay-per-view event in Las Vegas. Newly crowned UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman soared into the pound for pound ranks to #9 (via UFC.ca), this following his dominant decision victory over Tyron Woodley.
Johnny Walker provides shoulder update, hopes for Alexander Gustafsson bout next in Sweden
Drake Riggs - March 4, 2019
At UFC 235, we were treated to awesome performances aplenty. Two of which were brought to us by light heavyweights. While one of those belonged to the division’s champion, Jon Jones, the other was the rising star from Brazil, the 6-foot-6 highlight machine, Johnny Walker.
UFC 235 Fighter Salaries: Jon Jones and Tyron Woodley lead payroll
Christopher Taylor - March 4, 2019
Jon Jones successfully defended his UFC light heavyweight title in the headliner of UFC 235 defeating Anthony Smith by unanimous decision. Jon Jones earned a disclosed $500,000 on Saturday night, while Anthony Smith took home $350,000 for his efforts.
UFC 235 | Ben Askren 'really disappointed with the UFC staff' for not letting him corner Tyron Woodley
Cole Shelton - March 4, 2019
Ben Askren made his highly anticipated UFC debut on Saturday night against Robbie Lawler. He beat Lawler by submission — although in controversial fashion. Following his fight, Askren planned to walk out and corner his teammate Tyron Woodley in his title fight with Kamaru Usman. The UFC initially approved of Askren serving as a cornerman. However, after his fight, the UFC wouldn’t allow it.
Invicta FC announces one-night tournaments with the Phoenix Rising Series, Jimmy Smith to commentate
Drake Riggs - March 4, 2019
Invicta FC is getting back to the roots of MMA as over this past weekend they announced that they’ll be putting on a one-night strawweight tournament as part of their new Phoenix Rising Series. In addition to that news, longtime top MMA commentator for Bellator and UFC, Jimmy Smith will be on duty for the events alongside Invicta’s usual correspondent and post-fight interviewer, Laura Sanko.