MMA News
Brian Ortega explains why he's willing to wait for Frankie Edgar to get title shot
Tom Taylor - December 10, 2017
Last night, surging featherweight contender Brian Ortega picked up the biggest win of his career, tapping long-time contender Cub Swanson in the second round. With this win, Ortega immediately stands out as one of the top contenders in the featherweight division – perhaps even the next man in line for the champ Max Holloway.
Aljamain Sterling issues statement after brutal KO loss to Marlon Moraes
Tom Taylor - December 10, 2017
Last night, on the main card of the UFC’s anticipated debut in the fight town of Fresno, California, former World Series of Fighting bantamweight king Marlon Moraes stepped into the cage to battle long-time contender Aljamain Sterling. Since joining the UFC roster, Moraes has looked good, but not great, losing a debatable decision to Raphael Assuncao before winning a similarly contentious decision over John Dodson. When he stepped into the cage with Sterling, he nixed any chance of another close decision, as he authored an absolutely hellacious knockout, putting his foe down with a first-round knee.
Dana White reacts to the Conor McGregor vs. Manny Pacquiao rumors
Tom Taylor - December 10, 2017
Earlier this week, rumors began to surface with respect to UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor‘s next fight. Contrary to widespread expectations that his next bout will occur in the Octagon, these rumors suggest McGregor will once again compete in boxing, where he would take on a bona fide legend in Manny Pacquiao. These rumors began with comments from Pacquiao himself, who claimed that he’s been in preliminary negotiations with McGregor and his team, and that they’re working toward a spring showdown.
Pros react to Brian Ortega's submission of Cub Swanson
Tom Taylor - December 10, 2017
Last night, in the main event of the UFC’s long awaited debut in the fight hub of Fresno, California, surging featherweight contender Brian Ortega stepped into the cage for the biggest test of his career: a battle with the ever-dangerous Cub Swanson. After a competitive first round, Ortega found the win he sought, locking up a standing guillotine as the second round wore down, and forcing the tap in the subsequent seconds.
UFC Fresno Results: Brian Ortega submits Cub Swanson
Chris Taylor - December 9, 2017
A key featherweight scrap between veteran Cub Swanson and undefeated contender Brian Ortega served as the main event of tonight’s UFC Fight Night card in Fresno, California. Brian Ortega submitted Cub Swanson in round two to put himself in title contention.
UFC Fresno Results: Gabriel Benitez defeats Jason Knight
Chris Taylor - December 9, 2017
A featherweight tilt between Gabriel Benitez and Jason Knight served as the co-main event of tonight’s UFC Fight Night card in Fresno, California. Gabriel Benitez was able to pull out the unanimous decision victory over Jason a knight at UFC Fresno.
BREAKING: UFC officially announces Francis Ngannou to fight for heavyweight title
Russell Ess - December 9, 2017
It’s on! The UFC announced late Saturday that UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic will meet Francis Ngannou at UFC 220 on January 20 in Boston at the at the TD Garden.
UFC Fresno Results: Marlon Moraes KO’s Aljamain Sterling
Chris Taylor - December 9, 2017
A key bantamweight scrap between Marlon Moraes and Aljamain Sterling took place at tonight’s UFC Fight Night event in Fresno, California. Round one begins and Moraes lands a devastating knee that sends Sterling crashing to the canvas! This one is all over just seconds in. Wow Marlon Moraes!
Colby Covington Has Become Too Much for These UFC Fighters to Handle
Justin Golightly - December 9, 2017
Colby Covington has been making a case for a shot at welterweight champion Tyron Woodley for awhile now, but it’s been more than just talk. He did end up with a win over the last title challenger in grappling guru Demian Maia. This only heated up his rampage promotional tour to make sure Woodley, and every other welterweight for that matter, knew he was the new man to beat at 170-pounds. His relentless tirade looks like it has resulted in a roster-wide blocking on social media. You can block it on twitter but the chaos sensation is sweeping the world!!! It can’t be stopped!!! pic.twitter.com/ks0T2c3AWn
VIDEO | Joanna Jedrzejczyk Joins the Fight Against the Rebel Alliance
Justin Golightly - December 9, 2017
Joanna Ex-Champion shadow boxing dressed as a Stormtrooper pic.twitter.com/BZLk6EKLBS — Zombie Prophet (@ZPGIFs) December 9, 2017
Kelvin Gastelum Clowns UFC and Claims Robert Whittaker Took the 'Easy Road'
Justin Golightly - December 9, 2017
It didn’t take Nostradamus to predict that Kelvin Gastelum wasn’t going to like Luke Rockhold getting the title shot against Robert Whittaker. The next day after Georges St-Pierre announced he was leaving the middleweight division, the title was vacated and the UFC made Rockhold’s fight in Perth with Whittaker for the undisputed belt. Gastelum felt like he deserved it after knocking out Michael Bisping, who just carried the title a month ago, and has been pleading his case over social media ever since. “I knew Luke Rockhold and I were both in the front-running for this fight. I was then told Robert Whittaker wanted the tougher fight and he picked Rockhold. In my opinion that is the easier fight because I feel I’m the toughest fight for anyone in this division. I think Whittaker took the easier fight by going with Luke. He’s absolutely worried about me and for good reason. He and I have trained together in the past and know what the other is all about. We know what the other brings to the table.”
Betting Odds Released on Every Potential Conor McGregor Opponent
Justin Golightly - December 9, 2017
Conor McGregor has gone on record saying that he’ll be returning to the fighting game in the Spring of 2018, but we’re not holding our breath. Both Manny Pacquiao and Tony Ferguson both say they are in negotiations to fight the man around April, one to compete in a multi-million dollar boxing match and the other to unify the UFC lightweight titles. Even though those are two big fights, we know the options reach far beyond that. From MMA to multiple boxing bouts, here are the odds of all the potential fights McGregor can choose from via Justin Hartling on Twitter. Betting Odds
VIDEO | The Commission Fines Fighter for UFC Frenso Weigh-in Shove
Justin Golightly - December 9, 2017
The fights at UFC Fresno are mere hours away, but that didn’t stop two fighters from nearly throwing down at the weigh-ins last night. Albert Morales and Benito Lopez will crack open the main card but the started early yesterday. Things started off innocent enough, until Morales feinted and barked at Lopez. The fighter gave Morales a shove in reaction for it and now the California State Athletic Commission has fined him as reported by MMA Fighting. The talk is over… Tomorrow night I’m coming for your soul! #TeamAlphaMale #530 #916 pic.twitter.com/QlLbqYK1zW
Tony Ferguson Says His Surgery Was to Sharpen His Elbows for McGregor in 2018
Justin Golightly - December 9, 2017
Just a couple of days ago, it was made known to the world that Tony Ferguson underwent surgery on his elbow and his return to the Octagon was up in the air. The info was released by his wife on her private Instagram account, but the news quickly proliferated all the outlets asking what this meant for the lightweight division. But fear not, Ferguson took to social media today to give an update on his health. Not only will he be returning sooner than expected but he drops the bomb than when he does come back, it will be against none other than Conor McGregor to unify the UFC lightweight title.
Invicta FC 26 Results: Dern Wins Promotional Debut, Maia Retains Title Against Niedzwiedz
Drake Riggs - December 8, 2017
Starting with the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern controlled the action right away and was implementing a non-stop pressure and aggression that left Medeiros with no space to breathe early on. The size difference was evident and Dern was less wild with her striking than in her previous bouts but her punches were still fairly predictable and wound up when thrown. It didn’t really affect her path to victory though, as Medeiros was unable to effectively create space at any point. She hit several trips on caught kicks to the body and avoided the lethal ground game of Dern for most of the fight…minus the end of round two where Dern had the mount and was dropping bombs. And then the very end of round three where Dern got a mount once more and quickly slapped on an armbar that forced Medeiros to tap. The story of the fight was easily the pressure and aggression from Dern and regardless of whether it was super pretty or not, she got the win over her biggest challenge to date. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the six-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion.
Jedrzejczyk's Teammate & Former Opponent: "definitely wasn't expecting Rose to win this way"
Drake Riggs - December 8, 2017
UFC 193 is most commonly remembered for being the night that Ronda Rousey’s reign ended to Holly Holm. And rightfully so, that was a historic upset and change for the Bantamweight division. But that night also featured one of the former Strawweight queen, Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s five title defenses while champion. Joanna took on Canadian challenger, Valerie Letourneau on route to earning a unanimous decision. Letourneau was with American Top Team at the time while Joanna had yet to make the move on over. Now teammates, Letourneau recently spoke to Sherdog about her former opponent’s first career loss from UFC 217. When asked whether or not she though Joanna was overconfident going into her bout with Rose Namajunas, Letourneau had this to say: “I don’t think so. It’s always been her attitude. We are very different. I like to be very humble. I don’t talk too much. I don’t like to show off. I think most Canadians are like that,” Letourneau said “It’s always been her attitude. But she is a different person in the gym. She’s not cocky in the gym. She’s close to everybody. She’s coming to the gym riding her bicycle. I don’t see her this way. This is what matters the most to me. She’s been training so freaking hard. This is something that inspires me from Joanna, is how hard [she trains] after beating almost everybody in the division. She didn’t take this fight lightly.
TUF 26 Finale Racks Up Record Lows on Fox Sports 1
Drake Riggs - December 8, 2017
The Ultimate Fighter season 26 wrapped up last week and in the finale, the UFC crowned their first ever women’s Flyweight champion. Originally expected to be #12 seed, Sijara Eubanks vs #14, Nicco Montano, Eubanks was hospitalized the day of weigh-ins and forced out of the championship bout. Replacing her was the #1 seeded women’s pioneer and top Flyweight, Roxanne Modaferri. Unfortunately for the UFC, the late change in opponents didn’t help the television ratings. Going head to head with the UFC last Friday was Bellator who hosted Bellator 189. Bellator’s event was also headlined by a female title fight as Featherweight champion, Julia Budd defended her title in a rematch against Arlene Blencowe. According to MMA Fighting, Bellator peaked at 439,000 viewers. Since getting swooped up under the Viacom umbrella, this marks Bellator’s third lowest event numbers.
Combat Sports to be Banned for One Year in Edmonton
Drake Riggs - December 8, 2017
Don’t expect to see any fights of any sort going on in Edmonton, Alberta for the next year. That’s because they won’t be allowed. After the tragic death of former UFC Heavyweight, Tim Hague, the Edmonton City Council has decided to ban combat sports of any kind for the entirety of next year.