MMA News
What's next for the UFC Phoenix main and co-main event fighters?
Cole Shelton - February 18, 2019
The UFC had its first card on big ESPN last night. In the co-main event of the evening, we witnessed a battle between two top lightweights in James Vick and Paul Felder. In the main event, meanwhile, Cain Velasquez made his long awaited return to the Octagon to take on Francis Ngannou. Ultimately, Felder defeated Vick by unanimous decision which should put a number beside his name, while Ngannou beat Velasquez in just 26 seconds by TKO to cap off a crazy night of fights.
Francis Ngannou assures he dropped Cain Velasquez with a punch
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2019
Last night, in the headlining bout of the UFC’s debut event on ESPN, Francis Ngannou picked up arguably the biggest win of his career, defeating former heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez in less than 30 seconds. In the wake of this fight, however, there’s been some debate as to whether or not Velasquez was put down by Ngannou’s punches, the knee injury he sustained, or a grisly combination of both.
Joe Rogan says he believes Conor McGregor vs Donald Cerrone is 'done deal'
James Lynch - February 18, 2019
A blockbuster fight between Conor McGregor and Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone may be one step closer to happening. UFC commentator Joe Rogan spoke about the proposed matchup on his Fight Companion podcast last night during the UFC on ESPN broadcast. “Conor-Cowboy is a done deal, as far as I know.” Rogan stated plainly.
Daniel Cormier shares confident prediction for potential fight with Francis Ngannou
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2019
Having dispatched UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez in the headliner of the UFC’s Sunday night debut event on ESPN, Francis Ngannou now wants a shot at the UFC heavyweight title. As luck would have it, that title is currently owned by Daniel Cormier, a long-time friend and training partner of Velasquez. “I think what should be next for me is the title shot,” Ngannou said at the post-fight press conference. “I think Cain is the one that the victory against him, after that you deserve a title shot.”
Cain Velasquez on Francis Ngannou loss: I beat myself tonight
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2019
Cain Velasquez didn’t get the return to action he was hoping for. Instead, the heavyweight legend was stopped by the ferocious Francis Ngannou in the first 30 seconds of their UFC Phoenix fight — apparently injuring his knee in the process. Post-fight, Cain Velasquez offered his complete disbelief with the way his knee quit on him. He says he felt completely healthy heading into the fight.
Dana White on Francis Ngannou title shot: 'We have another fight lined up for Cormier'
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2019
Last night, in the main event of the UFC’s first-ever card on ESPN, former UFC heavyweight title challenger Francis Ngannou picked up arguably the biggest victory of his career, deflating the returning Cain Velasquez in less than 30 seconds. Post fight, the victorious Francis Ngannou called for a heavyweight title shot opposite reigning champion Daniel Cormier.
Pros react to Kron Gracie scoring a first round submission win at UFC Phoenix
Chris Taylor - February 17, 2019
Kron Gracie made his highly anticipated octagon debut in a featherweight bout against Alex Caceres at tonight’s UFC Phoenix event. The son of legendary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu wizard Rickson Gracie, Kron, entered tonight’s fight sporting a perfect professional record of 4-0.
Pros react to Francis Ngannou defeating Cain Velasquez at UFC Phoenix
Christopher Taylor - February 17, 2019
A highly anticipated heavyweight tilt between former division champion Cain Velasquez and feared knockout artist Francis Ngannou headlined tonight’s UFC Phoenix event. Cain Velasquez returned to action for the first time since defeating Travis Browne via first round TKO at UFC 200 in July of 2016.
UFC Phoenix Results: Paul Felder defeats James Vick (Highlights)
Chris Taylor - February 17, 2019
A lightweight bout between Paul Felder and James Vick served as the co-headliner of tonight’s UFC Phoenix event. James Vick (13-2 MMA) enters tonight’s co-main event looking to rebound, this after suffering a knockout loss to Justin Gaethje in his most recent effort at UFC Lincoln.
UFC Phoenix Results: Cynthia Calvillo defeats Cortney Casey
Chris Taylor - February 17, 2019
A women’s strawweight bout between Cortney Casey and Cynthia Calvillo took place on the main card of tonight’s UFC Phoenix event. Cortney Casey was last seen in action at August’s UFC Fight Night event in Lincoln, where she picked up a split-decision win over Angela Hill.
UFC Phoenix Results: Kron Gracie submits Alex Caceres (VIDEO)
Chris Taylor - February 17, 2019
A featherweight bout between Kron Gracie and Alex Caceres took place on the main card of tonight’s UFC Phoenix event. Kron Gracie, who is the son of legendary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ace Rickson Gracie, will enter tonight’s fight with Caceres sporting a perfect professional record of 4-0.
UFC Phoenix Results: Vicente Luque stops Bryan Barberena in the final seconds (VIDEO)
Chris Taylor - February 17, 2019
A welterweight bout between Vicente Luque and Bryan Barberena took place on the main card of tonight’s UFC Phoenix event. Bryan Barberena was last seen in action this past August, where he scored a TKO victory over Jake Ellenberger.
EXCLUSIVE | Javier Mendez expects Cain Velasquez to smash dangerous Ngannou
Jason Kindschy - February 17, 2019
With the highly anticipated return of former heavyweight kingpin Cain Velasquez just hours away, the question remains if we will see the dominant display of cardio and technique that Cain is known for against a very dangerous opponent in Francis Ngannou. Following a hiatus from combat sports for over two years, one individual who has no doubt that Velasquez will make a big statement tonight on ESPN is his longtime friend and coach, Javier Mendez. On the most recent episode of BJPENN.COM Radio, Mendez discussed his star pupil, the long journey back to action, and the continued evolution of Cain as a martial artist.
BJPENN.COM Radio Ep. 110 // Javier Mendez | Leonard Garcia
Jason Kindschy - February 17, 2019
Founder and head coach of the famed American Kickboxing Academy, mentor and close friend of Cain Velasquez, Javier Mendez returns to the show to preview the highly anticipated return of his star pupil. We’ll get Javi’s thoughts on the matchup against Francis Ngannou and the challenges he poses for Cain, how Mendez sees the fight playing out, and what the future has in store for the former champion Velasquez. Mendez believes Cain will become the heavyweight king yet again, and is confident about his chances in a potential matchup with Jon Jones. We’ll also get Javi’s thoughts on the immediate future for Daniel Cormier, and what the ideal scenario is for DC to wrap up a historic career in style. Mendez also gives us his thoughts on Khabib’s refusal to compete before November, best-case-scenario matchups for Nurmagomedov, and a whole lot more.
Cheick Kongo and Ryan Bader get heated over potential title fight
Tom Taylor - February 17, 2019
When Cheick Kongo handed former Bellator champ Vitaly Minakov his first loss on the main card of Bellator 216 on Saturday night, he earned himself a shot a reigning Bellator heavyweight champ Ryan Bader. He did not hesitate to call Bader out at the Bellator 216 post-fight press conference.
Paul Daley protests MVP loss, accuses Bellator of 'protecting their investment'
Tom Taylor - February 17, 2019
On Saturday night, in the main event of the stacked Bellator 216 card, Paul Daley and Michael Page finally stepped into the cage together for an anticipated grudge match. Although Daley had some real success in this fight, using his wrestling edge to ground the action on multiple occasions, he ultimately wound up losing a unanimous decision to his rival.
Coach explains what is motivating Cain Velasquez ahead of Francis Ngannou fight
Tom Taylor - February 17, 2019
On Sunday evening, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez will return from a hiatus of almost three years to battle brick-fisted knockout artist Francis Ngannou. Speaking on the UFC Unfiltered podcast recently, Velasquez’s chief handler Javier Mendez explained what is motivating the former champion as he heads into this high-stakes showdown with Ngannou.
VIDEO | Daniel Cormier previews Cain Velasquez vs. Francis Ngannou fight
Tom Taylor - February 17, 2019
On Sunday night, the UFC will makes its debut on ESPN with a stacked card from Phoenix, Arizona. This card will be headlined by a crucial heavyweight battle between two-time former champion Cain Velasquez and former title challenger Francis Ngannou. Daniel Cormier will be watching this fight very closely — not just because he’s the reigning heavyweight champion, but because he’s a long time friend and training partner of Cain Velasquez.