UFC News
UFC reportedly signs Amir Aliakbari, rival promotion claims he's still under contract
Tom Taylor - May 6, 2019
Over the weekend, Brazilian publication Combate reported that the UFC had signed highly-regarded heavyweight prospect Amir Aliakbari. ESPN subsequently verified this report. Unfortunately, these reports seem to have been premature — at least partly so. Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), the promotion that Aliakbari has called home for his last few fights, is claiming that the Iranian wrestler is still under contract with them.
Brian Ortega announces he's clear to compete, targets Holloway rematch
Tom Taylor - May 6, 2019
Brian Ortega sustained quite a bit of damage in his failed December title bid opposite UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway. After several months of healing, however, the talented featherweight contender is one again clear to compete. He announced this exciting news in a recent interview with TMZ:
Dana White praises Donald Cerrone, Al Iaquinta after UFC Ottawa main event
Tom Taylor - May 6, 2019
Over the weekend, in the main event of UFC Ottawa, Donald Cerrone and Al Iaquinta stepped into the Octagon together for a crucial lightweight contender bout. After five, wild rounds, Cerrone walked away with a unanimous decision victory — but both fighters pocketed $50,000 Fight of the Night bonuses. Pretty much every member of the combat sports community enjoyed this fight, and that includes UFC President Dana White.
Daniel Cormier and Sergio Mora get heated over Canelo-Jacobs commentary
Tom Taylor - May 6, 2019
Like many combat sports fans, Daniel Cormier was tuned into the headline dominating boxing match between Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs on Saturday night. Yet while he enjoyed the action, he did not enjoy the ring-side commentary from former WBC champ Sergio Mora and Brian Kenny. Brian Kenny and Sergio Mora really suck! Canelo won but Danny fought a good fight man wtf they ruined the fight.
UFC Ottawa winner Cole Smith: 'This sport sucks'
Tom Taylor - May 6, 2019
The life of a professional fighter is not easy. The physical demands of the job are unmatched, but unfortunately, the pay grade does not reflect that. For Cole Smith, who made a successful UFC debut with a unanimous decision win over Mitch Gagnon at UFC Ottawa, that’s a big problem. “This sport sucks, man,” Smith told the media after his victory in Ottawa (via MMA Junkie). “Cutting weight, doing a bunch of (expletive) I don’t want to do, and I want to get paid accordingly. It’s one thing you’re fighting for peanuts your whole life. I’ve mooched rides, I’ve mooched food, my brothers have to give me clothes. It’s about time. I want to be paid.
Khabib Nurmagomedov planning busy schedule after suspension — including GSP fight
Cole Shelton - May 5, 2019
Khabib Nurmagomedov is looking to remain active once his suspension is up. The lightweight champion is rumored to be taking on the interim champion, Dustin Poirier, at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi in September. Then the plan is for Nurmagomedov to fight in December and again in April. This according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz.
Donald Cerrone sends message to Conor McGregor
Tom Taylor - May 5, 2019
Shortly after he defeated Al Iaquinta in the UFC Ottawa main event, Donald Cerrone once again expressed interest in a fight with Conor McGregor — if he’s not able to get a title shot instead. “If Conor wants to fight, f*ck yeah, let’s go,” Cerrone said. “Especially in July, I’m ready, let’s turn and burn, baby. … Who knows? I’m gonna be sittin’ at home in a couple of months, bored, like, ‘F*ck. Fine. I’ll fight whoever, let’s go.’ But I love it.”
Al Iaquinta issues quick statement after loss to Donald Cerrone
Tom Taylor - May 5, 2019
On Saturday night, in the main event of UFC Ottawa, New York’s Al Iaquinta attempted to assert himself as one of the top contenders in the crowded UFC lightweight division by taking out the veteran Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. While Iaquinta certainly had his moments in this main event battle, he ultimately came up short, weathering a pair of knockdowns to lose a unanimous decision to his foe.
Donald Cerrone set another record at UFC Ottawa
Tom Taylor - May 5, 2019
Donald Cerrone is the owner of a long list of UFC records, and in his Saturday night unanimous decision victory over Al Iaquinta, he set another. By knocking Iaquinta down on two occasions in the fight, Cerrone surpassed both Anderson Silva and Jeremy Stephens and set the record for the most knock downs by any fighter in UFC history. His count now stands at a whopping 20.
Derek Brunson took care not to knock himself out in Elias Theodorou fight
Tom Taylor - May 5, 2019
On Saturday night, in the co-main event of UFC Ottawa, Derek Brunson picked up a decision victory over Canada’s Elias Theodorou. Mid-way through this fight, Brunson hoisted his foe into the air and slammed him into the canvas. We’ve seen similar slams in the Octagon before — and once with disastrous consequences.
Donald Cerrone wants title shot or Conor McGregor next
Tom Taylor - May 5, 2019
After his thrilling decision victory over Al Iaquinta in the UFC Ottawa main event, Donald Cerrone wants one of two fights next: a title shot, or a fight with Conor McGregor. Cerrone outlined his hopes for his next matchup post-fight, beginning by explaining that he’ll be ready to step in and replace Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier should one of them sustain an injury ahead of UFC 242.
What's next for UFC Ottawa main event fighters?
Cole Shelton - May 5, 2019
The Octagon touched down in Ottawa, Ontario last night for UFC Fight Night 151. The main event of the card was a battle between two top-10 lightweights and two fan favorites in Donald Cerrone and Al Iaquinta. Ultimately, ‘Cowboy’ picked apart Iaquinta and dropped him a couple of times to secure a unanimous decision win. And, after the fight, Cerrone called for the title or a fight with Conor McGregor, so is that what should be next for the fan favorite?