MMA News
Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad react to newly announced main event showdown
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2021
Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad have both shared their initial reactions to their newly announced welterweight showdown. On Thursday afternoon, ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported that Muhammad has agreed to step in against Edwards in the main event of a March 13 fight card.
Leon Edwards gets new opponent for March 13, will now meet Belal Muhammad in five-round main event
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2021
Leon Edwards has accepted a new opponent for March 13. According to ESPN‘s Brett Okamoto, the long-absent welterweight star will now take on Belal Muhammad. Five days removed from a win last weekend, Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) has agreed to replace Khamzat Chimaev in a five-round main event against Leon Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) on March 13 per sources … And if Edwards wins this, it’s gotta be a title shot next, right? Gotta be. pic.twitter.com/tFM7KdhdAQ
Gilbert Burns returns to the gym, receives "the best advice" from Robbie Lawler
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2021
Gilbert Burns is already back in the gym and receiving comeback advice from former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. Burns was in action in the main event of UFC 258 last weekend, when he challenged Kamaru Usman for the UFC welterweight title. Burns managed to drop Usman in the fight’s opening round, but Usman surged back in round two and ultimately stopped burns in round three.
Jared Gordon glad Charles Oliveira loss happened, expects to finish Danny Chavez
Cole Shelton - February 18, 2021
Jared Gordon is set for his second fight at featherweight when he takes on Danny Chavez at UFC Vegas 19. Why Gordon made the drop down to featherweight was simple. After he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Charles Oliveira in Brazil, he knew he no longer belonged at lightweight. He then made the drop down to featherweight and beat Chris Fishgold in the summer. Without the loss, to Oliveira, Gordon admits his move back down to 145lbs wouldn’t have happened so he’s glad the loss took place.
Jorge Masvidal rips Kamaru Usman and ESPN's "fake MMA reporter" over comments about Miami
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2021
Jorge Masvidal has responded to a recent comment from UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman—and snuck in a jab at an ESPN reporter. Earlier this week, Usman partook in an interview Brett Okamoto, who works for ESPN but also regularly appears on UFC broadcasts. During the interview, the welterweight champion laid out plans for a high-profile rematch with Masvidal in Miami—Masvidal’s hometown.
Kevin Lee returns to training after double knee surgery: "My love for the game is back"
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2021
UFC lightweight star Kevin Lee has returned to training for the first time since having surgery on both of his knees—and from the sounds of it, his time away from the mats has renewed his enthusiasm for the sport. Lee opened up on his return to training in a Wednesday post to Instagram.
Gilbert Burns explains how Kamaru Usman fight was "way different than our training sessions"
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2021
Gilbert Burns says his recent fight with UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman was “way different” than their previous sparring sessions. Burns and Usman trained together at Sanford MMA for many years, engaging in upward of 200 sparring rounds during that time. When it became clear that they may have to fight one another, however, Usman left the gym and relocated to Colorado to train with acclaimed coach Trevor Wittman.
Antonio Carlos Junior explains why he wasn't a good fit on the UFC roster
Adam Martin - February 18, 2021
Former Ultimate Fighter winner and UFC middleweight contender Antonio Carlos Junior explained why he wasn’t a good fit on the UFC roster. Junior was among the fighters who were released cut by the promotion as part of the UFC’s 60 planned roster cuts. Despite being a former TUF Brazil winner and having a winning record in the Octagon, Junior was not able to stick around the organization as the matchmakers continue to make cuts. Of all of the fighters who have been recently released by the UFC, Junior has been the one who fans and media have pointed to as being a potential mistake. But according to the Brazilian, he’s okay with the way things played out.
Kamaru Usman forecasts Jorge Masvidal grudge match in Miami: "Miami is mine"
Tom Taylor - February 18, 2021
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has laid out plans for a grudge match with Jorge Masvidal—in his rival’s native Miami. Usman and Masvidal have fought once before, at UFC 251 in July 2020. Usman had originally been expected to defend his title against Gilbert Burns on the card, but when Burns withdrew from the matchup, Masvidal stepped in to replace him on less than a week’s notice. Usman ended up beating Masvidal by unanimous decision, but given the short-notice circumstances of the fight, there’s been widespread interest in a rematch ever since—and not just among fans.
Gilbert Burns believes there are two opponents who could get him right back to a title shot
Harry Kettle - February 18, 2021
UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns has listed two potential opponents who could get him right back to a shot at the title. Burns fell short in his attempt to capture the Welterweight Championship from Kamaru Usman at UFC 258, falling to a TKO loss despite a strong start to the bout.
Jake Paul reacts to news that Tyron Woodley is training Ben Askren for their boxing match: “It’s a loser training another loser”
Harry Kettle - February 18, 2021
YouTuber turned professional boxer Jake Paul doesn’t seem to be all too concerned by the prospect of Tyron Woodley training Ben Askren for their upcoming boxing fight. Paul is set to step back into the ring once again when he locks horns with the aforementioned Askren in what could be one of the most anticipated exhibition bouts of the year.
UFC Vegas 20: ‘Rozenstruik vs. Gane’ Fight Card and Start Times
Drake Riggs - February 17, 2021
UFC Vegas 20 will be the second of two pivotal heavyweight main events going back to back as Jairzinho Rozenstruik looks to put a stop to Ciryl Gane. To close out 2020, France’s Gane extended his undefeated record to 7-0 by earning his biggest win yet. Opening up the main card of UFC 256, Gane disposed of former UFC champion Junior Dos Santos by second-round TKO.
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman details requirements for a move up to middleweight
Christopher Taylor - February 17, 2021
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has revealed his required stipulations for a potential move up to middleweight. Usman (18-1 MMA) successfully defended his welterweight title at last weekend’s UFC 258 event scoring a third round TKO victory over Gilbert Burns. The victory marked Kamaru’s seventeenth in a row and third consecutive title defense.
Stephen Thompson says he's next for Kamaru Usman
Adam Martin - February 17, 2021
UFC welterweight contender Stephen Thompson believes he should be the next man in line to challenge champion Kamaru Usman for his title. There are several contenders vying for the chance to take on Usman and capture his UFC welterweight crown. Among them is Jorge Masvidal, who Usman himself has called out for a rematch. “Gamebred” seems to be at the top of the UFC’s list, but that’s not set in stone. There’s also Colby Covington, who had a competitive fight with Usman two years ago and who is coming off of a TKO win over Tyron Woodley. As well, Leon Edwards is also vying for a rematch with Usman after winning his last eight fights. And finally, there’s Thompson, who is the highest-ranked fighter at 170lbs who the champ Usman hasn’t fought yet.
Dana White admits being a "degenerate" gambler, recalls losing $1 million bet on boxing match
Adam Martin - February 17, 2021
UFC president Dana White admitted to being a “degenerate” gambler and recalled losing a $1-million bet on a boxing match nearly 15 years ago. White recently spoke to ESPN Sports Betting about the role that gambling plays in the modern sports world. In White’s view, the legalization of gambling across more states and in more countries is only a good thing for MMA, since betting on sports can generate more fan interest. The UFC bossman admitted in the interview that he keeps his eye on the betting lines for the UFC events himself and also said that he’s glad ESPN started showing live betting lines on the broadcast. For White, the more gambling on UFC fights, the better.
Deiveson Figueiredo wants Brandon Moreno rematch in June according to manager
Cole Shelton - February 17, 2021
Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno 2 will happen later than expected. After Figueiredo and Moreno fought to a draw at UFC 256 in December, it was clear an immediate rematch was in order. However, the Brazilian was calling out Henry Cejudo and the Cody Garbrandt fight is still there. Yet, according to Wallid Ismail, who manages Figueiredo, the champ’s next fight will be against Moreno but they want it to be in June.
Chris Daukaus expects to KO Alexey Oleynik and become a legit heavyweight contender
Cole Shelton - February 17, 2021
Chris Daukaus couldn’t have imagined he would be fighting the 10th-ranked guy in the world just six months after his UFC debut. Daukaus stepped up on short notice at UFC 252 in August and scored a first-round TKO win over Parker Porter. He followed that up with a 45-second TKO win over Rodrigo Nascimento in October and is now set to face Alexey Oleynik at UFC Vegas 19, which is an opponent he didn’t think he’d face in his third UFC appearance.
Derrick Lewis expects to "break" Curtis Blaydes in a very bloody and violent fight
Cole Shelton - February 17, 2021
Derrick Lewis is expecting a violent and bloody fight against Curtis Blaydes. In the main event of UFC Vegas 19, Lewis and Blaydes will finally meet after the two have trash-talked one another for months. It’s a very intriguing fight as there is no question Lewis has one-punch KO power, but Blaydes will have the wrestling advantage. For “The Black Beast” he believes he has what it takes to put Blaydes away given he is in the best shape of his career.