MMA News
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.
BREAKING | Conor McGregor in Talks for Another Gigantic Boxing Match for April
Justin Golightly - December 8, 2017
Back last month when Manny Pacquiao winked at a possible fight with Conor McGregor, we all just took it with a grain of salt just like Paulie Malignaggi’s constant petition to settle his differences with the Irish MMA Champ Champ. However, it looks like it is more than just talk. The two have entered into negotiations to have a multi-million dollar boxing match in April of 2018. If this goes down, McGregor would most likely vacate his UFC lightweight title in order to make another obscene amount of money. In the boxing world, reports tonight Manny Pacquiao -39 later this month – has confirmed he’s opened talks to fight Conor McGregor in April next year.
Early Odds Released on Luke Rockhold and Robert Whittaker's Title Fight
Justin Golightly - December 8, 2017
After a log jam that brought the middleweight division to a screeching halt, there is about to be a tidal wave of movement like someone blew up a dam. Georges St-Pierre left the middleweight division and now Luke Rockhold’s fight with Robert Whittaker at UFC 221 will be for the actual middleweight title. The opening odds have been released for this main event title shot and Whittaker is a slight favorite over the former Strikeforce and UFC champ. Robert Whittaker will open a slight -125 betting favorite over Luke Rockhold (-105) at UFC 221, according to https://t.co/qZp1ejgvMo.
VIDEO | Kazushi Sakuraba and Josh Barnett Create a New Grappling Tournament
Justin Golightly - December 8, 2017
In a world where submission only grappling has finally rose to prominence over the last couple of years, there are no shortage of tournaments for players of all ground games to showcase their skills. The Eddie Bravo Invitational, Polaris, and Metamoris are just three organizations that are aiming a spotlight on grapplers, complete with production values and belts to raise above their heads. MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba is partnering with former UFC heavyweight champion and Josh Barnett to bring a new storm to the atmosphere with their innovative new promotion called Quintet. “Honestly, I enjoy competing. And if I’m having a great time, it’ll be fun for the audience too. In a regular bout, you’ve got one match and it’s over. But we’ve got attrition-style bouts, called ‘kachi-nuki’. If you win, you keep on fighting, maybe winning two or three times. That right there is what will make it fun to watch. It’ll be a heck of a challenge, but that much more exciting.” — Kazushi Sakuraba
John Lineker Condemns Superfights Saying Fighters Should Stay in Their Divisions
Justin Golightly - December 8, 2017
Georges St-Pierre just left the middleweight division in just a month after becoming champion. TJ Dillashaw is training right now to change weight classes and challenge Demetrious Johnson. Meanwhile, John Lineker is about to fight Jimmie Rivera and he’s not happy. He recently expressed his dislike over fighters jumping around and thinks they should stay where they are at. …Especially guys he wants to fight against. “This business of challenging people in other divisions, I don’t like this. Every fighter has to stay quietly in his division and stay in his corner. But the UFC is now giving these opportunities to fight in other weight categories. Stagnation will not happen, because [TJ Dillashaw] still has the bantamweight belt. Either way, he’ll have to defend the title. But in my opinion, everyone should stay in their division instead of challenging people elsewhere to fight.”
BREAKING | Joanna Jedrzejczyk Opens Up on Weight Cutting Horror Before UFC 217
Justin Golightly - December 8, 2017
Joanna Jędrzejczyk w @przeglad pierwszy raz tak otwarcie o katorżniczym zbijaniu wagi, które jej zdaniem spowodowało przegraną z Rose Namajunas. Cały wywiad na stronie Przeglądu Sportowego, wieczorem na Youtube https://t.co/3xTHDGzJTK pic.twitter.com/XxR3HPT5iy — Przemysław Osiak (@PrzemyslawOsiak) December 8, 2017
Ben Askren Tries to Lure Georges St-Pierre in a Fight With the Power of Bitcoin
Justin Golightly - December 8, 2017
When Ben Askren retired with a squeaky clean record at ONE: Immortal Pursuit, he left an asterisk above the ‘R’ word. He said that the only thing that could lure him back was a shot at the best welterweight in the world, not the third best, not the second best, but the best. The only problem with that was that Georges St-Pierre was a middleweight now and Tyron Woodley is too great of a friend for Askren to look for a fight with. However, as of last night, St-Pierre is no longer a middleweight and has vacated his middleweight title. That was enough for Askren to double-down on his call-out. @GeorgesStPierre if you want to make it more interesting I’ll put my bitcoin against yours as a side bet that you don’t make it 5 rounds against me.
Rafael dos Anjos gives praise to Georges St-Pierre for vacating middleweight title
Russell Ess - December 8, 2017
Big news for the UFC middleweight division was dropped late Thursday as the UFC announced that Georges St-Pierre vacated his newly captured middleweight title. With St-Pierre vacating the title, UFC interim middleweight champion Robert Whittaker was deemed the undisputed champion and former champ Luke Rockhold is now challenging Whittaker for the belt at UFC 221 in February. While Dana White may not be so happy about GSP’s decision to leave the middleweight division, former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos praised “Rush” for his quick decision to drop his new title.
Strawweight Limit Is No Problem for Mackenzie Dern Ahead of Invicta FC Debut
Drake Riggs - December 7, 2017
Mackenzie Dern is one of the brightest prospects in all of MMA. The world championship BJJ black belt has gotten her career off to a hot start, going 4-0 with two spectacular submission victories and two dominant unanimous decisions. The only issue is that in two of Dern’s three fights at the 115 lb Strawweight division she has missed weight, and not by close margins. Invicta FC 26 is tomorrow and that means that the weigh-ins were today! And fortunately for Dern, all went according to plan and she weighed in right at 115.