247 Combat Sports Podcast (Ryan Middleton)

UFC 205 Live Coverage – This historic card lived up to the hype that we all had hoped it would and Conor McGregor was the big winner of the night. We discuss and dissect the reason that Conor was able to find so much success and dominate Alvarez. We discuss what is next for Conor McGregor, what the big announcement was and get down to the nitty gritty of the main event of UFC 205.

UFC 205 Live Coverage – This was the event that so many fight fans had been waiting for. Finally, Madison Square Garden got to experience UFC mania, and in particular, McGregor Mania.

Here is what i wrote about pre-fight – were these questions answered?

• After watching the UFC 205 preview during the Fight Night Mexico City card, I can tell you tha tI am more excited and fired up about it as ever.
• Is there anyone that can promote a fight, as well as self-promote, like Conor McGregor?
• Fighters that hate McGregor need to understand what he is doing and learn from him instead of hating on him.  Seriously, is it that hard to understand that he is generating interest beyond what anyone has ever done for the sport?  He is interesting.  If you hate him, it is probably because you, as a fighter, are not.  Be interesting.
• Eddie Alvarez seems to be discounting McGregor as a fighter.  Maybe he is just that confident.  Maybe he is right.  But I don’t see Conor McGregor as somebody who has hand selected fights.  He has done everything he said he was going to do in the fights that he has had with the exception of the 1st Diaz fight.
• Eddie Alvarez can win this fight.  I truly see it as a toss up at this point.  I haven’t looked at the betting lines (I probably should check them out, huh?) but I am assuming that Conor is a favorite.  If I had to be, with an even line I would take McGregor, but anything more that a 1½ to 1 favorite, then I think the smart money goes on Alvarez.
• My main concern with Alvarez at this point is him sticking to a game plan and not trying to bang with McGregor. If Alvarez lets this turn into a boxing match or slugfest, I don’t think it will end well for him.  If he uses his stand-up to set up his takedowns, I think the ground and pound is where this fight will be won for Alvarez.
• My prediction for McGregor v. Alvarez is …… McGregor by TKO in Round 2.

UFC 205 Recap

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

UFC 205 Recap – episode discusses the main card fights at UFC 205, except for Conor Mcgregor and Eddie Alvarez, who we covered on the previous podcast. We discuss the great battle between Tyron Woodley and Stephan “Wonderboy” Thompson. Miesha Tate’s surprise retirement announcement which was a shock to this Madison Square Garden crowd. Her stunning loss to Raquel Pennington. Sahara Mooney’s pants catching on fire, Joanna’s great battle with Karolina and Khabib’s destruction of Michael Johnson. We talk about Rydog’s inability to pronounce any difficult names and his unwillingness to even try.

The thoughts we had before UFC 205 were:

·        Boy have I been impressed with the power that Tyron Woodley has displayed lately. I mean, he has always been a powerful puncher, but his stand up game has improved so much that he is able to find his shots easier now than ever before it seems.

·        Woodley needs to use faints well in this fight. I think his ground and pound and wrestling is great and that can be used to position Thompson to protect himself from the takedown and open Woodley up to try to land some big shots.

·        I did not take Wonderboy seriously at first. I mean, I took him seriously but not to the level where I saw him fighting for a title at this point. He is a beast. The way he completely outclassed Johny Hendricks was unreal. Hendricks has had trouble getting to where he was after the GSP fight, I’ll give you that, but NOBODY has manhandled him and completely outclassed him the way that Thompson did. Was that because of where Hendricks has slipped or the greatness of Thompson? We will find out!

·        If Thompson is able to keep his distance in this fight, it could be a very long fight for Tyron Woodley.

·        If Woodley is able to get the takedown and keep Thompson down, it could be a very long night for Thompson.

·        I don’t see this fight going 5 rounds. Both of these guys are too dangerous and well conditioned to not land something big enough to end the fight prior to the final bell.

·        I am guilty as charged. I have NOT gotten into the women’s 115lb. division like I have the 135lb. division. The star power hasn’t been created yet like it has with the likes of Ronda Rousey, Meisha Tate, Holly Holm, Amanda Nunes and the rest of the top of the 135 division.

·        That said, Joanna Jedrzejczyk is a force. She fights with intensity and ferocity that is intimidating and overwhelming.

·        I know very little about Karolina Kowalkiewicz. What I do know is that I will not be spelling either one of these ladies last names again. They are now Joanna and Karolina. I won’t be pronouncing their last names either.

·        If I had to bet on the best fight of the night, I am going to go for this. There is something about the ladies going at it that brings out an excitement in the crowd that can lift a fight to legendary status.

·        Kelvin Gastelum is quite the overachiever, isn’t he? Wasn’t he the last (or one of the last) picks on TUF? And he won the season. And now he is beating up everyone in the UFC?

·        Is Donald Cerrone looking past Gastelum? WHY? Have you not seen that Gastelum is Rocky? Don’t be Drago, Cowboy!

·        Cowboy Cerrone really looks like he’s finding his own at this weight. He looks as impressive as ever. He combination of striking (punching and kicking) and takedown defense might be the best I’ve seen since Chuck Liddell.

·        Miesha Tate. Why did you have to lose to Nunes? I wanted to see Tate/Rousey III! Hopefully that is a fight still in the making.

·        Miesha Tate was the bridesmaid for so long then only got to be the bride for a short time. How is she going to come back from losing the belt? I expect to see her at her very best in this setting. Will she ever be able to recapture gold again though?

·        Frankie Edgar has been the scrappy kid that just hasn’t been able to put himself over the top. Sure, he won the lightweight title from BJ Penn many moons ago, but since then has always kind of played second fiddle. The typical “if only in a different time” type of fighter that has been second best for the majority of his career. He is a great boxer who moves very fast and is fluid. The problem is, his quickness that he lands his shots doesn’t allow for him to load up and make the shots KO shots. I’d love to see him load up on his shots just a little bit.

·        The man that tried to verbally go toe to toe with the Notorious One, Conor McGregor, at the UFC 205 announcement press conference was Jeremy Stevens (Remember the classic McGregor line, “Who the fook is that?”). He is going to have his hands full with Frankie. It seems this guy has been hanging around the lightweight division forever now. But, as he says, he’s the only guy in the division that just has to touch someone to put them to sleep. I predict that he is going to have a hard time “touching” Frankie then.

UFC 205 Recap

UFC 205 Behind The Scenes – We take a look at the event that was UFC 205, discussing the experience of being a part of the single biggest MMA event in history.

photo courtesy of Fox Sports

We discuss chance encounters with Conor McGregor’s father, how UFC 203’s crowd in Cleveland, OH stacked up with the crowd at Madison Square Garden and much more. Join Ryan Middleton, Jim Mooney and Terry Dactyl for this final wrap up discussion on UFC 205 and take a look at UFC 205 Behind The Scenes. In case you missed it, MMA Fancast, which is brought to you by Octagon 247.com, was live at UFC 205 and were podcasting live from New York City for this very special occasion. MMA Fancast had five Special Edition podcasts while in New York City. Be sure to check out the previous podcasts that break down all of the action that happened at UFC 205, including:

• Conor McGregor’s complete destruction of Eddie Alvarez. The talk finally ended and we got a chance to see who was really going to back up the bold and strong predictions that they two had been jawing about for weeks now.
• The tremendous fight that was Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. These two are likely headed to a rematch after their majority draw on Saturday night. I think that makes everyone happy!
• Joanna defeating Karolina for the 115lb. Women’s strap. This has the making of a very nice rivalry that can catapult this division.
• Yoel Romero’s devastating knee that took Chris Weidman to somewhere else, not in this world. It was brutal but it was nice to see Chris get up and walking on his own power.
• Miesha Tate’s stunning loss and even more surprising announcement of her retirement from MMA. All credit goes to Raquel Pennington as she really handled herself well. I would be surprised if Miesha did not come back in the next couple years.
• We also broke down many of the undercard fights as well as look at UFC 205 Behind The Scenes

UFC FightNight 100

• Ryan Baderʼs 3rd Rd. TKO victory over Rogerio Nogueira in Brazil at UFC Fight Night 100 moves his record to 22-5 overall and 15-5 in the UFC.He has never lost a fight thatʼs gone the distance, and his latest victory puts him behind Chuck Liddell and Jon Jones, both of whom have 16, for the most all-time in the UFC Light Heavyweight division.
• Gegard Mousasi avenged his loss to Uriah Hall with a TKO stoppage of Rd. 1 at UFC Fight Night 99 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Heʼs now on a 4-fight winning streak, with his last loss coming from, ironically, Uriah Hall last year.Mousasi has fought 4 times this year and twice in little more than a month. Heʼs now 11-3 in the UFC and has a 41-6-2 overall MMA record. His 2 most recent victories, done in impressive fashion, have moved him up the rankings of the middleweight division and should put him in consideration for a title shot after Michael Bisping defends his title against Yoel Romero.
• Conor McGregor won’t fight until at least may
• Conor McGregor is not thrilled about taking a fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov,citing that he has pulled out of many fights and not been active.“Look, heʼs fought once in eight years. He ainʼt fight too frequent for my liking. For me to commit to something like that, I need solid proof that people are going to show up. And heʼs a consistent pull-out merchant.“I need to see activity. I need to see consistency. I need to see me. If you want me to come and change your life, if you want me to come pick you, you better have some damn reasons for me to do that.”
• Anthony Pettis says he is coming for both of Conorʼs belts. Join the line. You can hear him on MMA Podcasts.
• Khabib Nurmagomedov is threatening to leave the UFC if they do not offer him a title shot for his next fight.Now, I can certainly understand his frustration, but letʼs be honest, they guy has been hurt and the least active fighter ever. If I was a fighter, I would have absolutely NO motivation to fight him. He is a very dominant ground fighter, he gets injured and pulls out of fights a lot and he is not a big draw. Where would your motivation be to fight him? I can’t wait to talk about this on our UFC FightNight 100
• Triple H was in attendance at UFC 205 and would LOVE for Conor to join the WWE. Triple H told the Telegraph,“He could come over, heʼs got it all, man—heʼs got the personality, the skills, the talk. Heʼs an entertainer, for sure. What does he walk around at? 180 pounds? I have smaller guys now in the WWE. We have 200-pound guys who are stars. You donʼt need to be 300 pounds

• Roy Nelson was suspended for 9 months for being a total moron and kicking John

• Floyd Mayweather was approached by about whether or not he watched UFC 205. He said that he didnʼt even know that there was a fight. He said that nobody should compare Conor McGregor to him because he is an elephant and elephants donʼt beef with ants. McGregor responded by saying that Mayweather needs to say that to his face.

• A rematch between Woodley and Wonderboy is what Dana White is looking to push for.
• Dana White is indicating that Bisbing vs. Romero is what he is looking to schedule as it is the fight that makes the most sense.Bisping has since agreed to that fight, so it seems like it will happen.
• Joanna doesnʼt think Karolina is worthy of a rematch, stating that she beat her badly every round except for 10 seconds in the 4th round.
• Mark Henry, who is Eddie Alvarezʼs striking coach, stated that Conor McGregor would beat Floyd Mayweather in a boxing match. He said that McGregor is a “once in a lifetime” fighter. Here is what he said on The Luke Thomas Show:“You cannot teach somebody how to swing like that. It takes hips, it takes a certain shoulder, it takes a flick of the wrist, there are so many tiny mechanics. What it takes to make an eyeball work is what it takes to make the perfect swing. Like Babe Ruth. I just compare Conor – his swing – to Babe Ruth. I always watch tape of it but to be that close and watch it was a whole other thing.“It comes along once in a lifetime or once every hundred years or what not. I think God has just blessed him with a swing that Iʼll probably never see again. Before this fight, I would highly doubt him fighting Mayweather, but I think this dude can take out Mayweather. Iʼm not even joking.”
• The UFC released itʼs UFC 205: The Thrill and the Agony Preview video, which highlights fighters after their wins and losses at a specific event. This video is particularly interesting for two reasons.

1. It shows Khabib Nurmagomedov talking to Michael Johnson during their fight, telling him that he needs to quit and that Johnson knows that he deserves the title shot.
2. It shows Miesha Tate talking with her boyfriend and trainer, Bryan Caraway, after her loss saying that she just doesnʼt have it in her anymore, she doesnʼt care like she needs to.

• UFC FightNight 100
• Lyoto Machida was suspended for 18 months by USADA due to the infraction he committed by taking a banned substance in preparation for a scheduled bout with Dan Henderson .
• Roy Nelson was suspended for 9 months for being a total moron and kicking John McCarthy.
• Jon Jones thinks Dana White wasnʼt serious when Dana said that he would not trust Jon Jones to headline UFC card.
• UFC 206 fight cardDaniel Cormier (c)(18-1) vs. Anthony Johnson (22-5)*
• Max Holloway (16-3) vs. Anthony Pettis (19-5)
• Rashad Evans (19-5-1) vs. Tim Kennedy (18-5)
• Donald Cerrone (31-7, 1 NC) vs. Matt Brown (20-15)
• Valerie Letourneau (8-5) vs. Viviane Pereira (11-0)
• Zach Makovsky (19-7) vs. John Moraga (16-5)John Makdessi (14-5) vs. Lando Vannata (8-1)
• Olivier Aubin-Mercier (8-2) vs. Drew Dober (17-7)
• Jason Saggo (12-2) vs. Rustam Khabilov (20-3)
• Nikita Krylov (21-4) vs. Misha Cirkunov (12-2)
• Cub Swanson (23-7) vs. Doo Ho Choi (15-1)
• Jordan Mein (26-10) vs. Emil Meek (8-2-1)
• Mitch Gagnon (12-3) vs. Matthew Lopez (8-1)
• UFC 207 Fight cardAmanda Nunes (c)(13-4) vs. Ronda Rousey (12-1)*
• Dominick Cruz (c)(22-1) vs. Cody Garbrandt (10-0)**
• Fabricio Werdum (21-6-1) vs. Cain Velasquez (14-2)
• TJ Dillashaw (13-3) vs. John Lineker (29-7)Johny Hendricks (17-5) vs. Neil Magny (18-5) Matt Brown (20-15) vs. Tarec Saffiedine (16-5) Alex Garcia (13-3) vs. Mike Pyle (27-12-1) Tim Means (26-7-1) vs. Alex Oliveira (16-3-1)
• Brandon Thatch (11-4) vs. Sabah Homasi (11-6)
• Antonio Carlos Junior (6-2) vs. Marvin Vettori (11-2)
• Louis Smolka (11-2) vs. Ray Borg (9-2)

UFC FightNight 100

Fight Number 1 Quentin Deal V due to ref stoppage for injury at 1:26 of the 1st Round. Right Cross from Bennet popped shoulder out. Fight continued briefly but fighter could not go past 1:26 …… noticeable protrusion on right shoulder

Fight Number 2 MMA debut by Matt “Goat” Adams Dustin “Big Wig” Freet out of South Bend, Indiana TKO Ref Stoppage at :30 seconds for Adams win in debut. Take down 10 seconds into the fight with Adams on top landing heavy shots. Freet covering up could not get back to his feet and showed little defense. Adams has a college wrestling background. Fought in Super HW Division

Fight Number 3 — Ref Jerry Crisp Steve Allen Blue Corner 6’3″ 184lbs Cambridge MA …. New Lexington, OH Josh “Malibu” Barbee Red Corner 6’3″ 181.5 lbs. Independent Fighter Barbee 10 seconds in going for guillotine choke, Allen could never escape and taps out in Round 1 at :31 seconds “When I hit the ground, I knew it was in deep, but I couldn’t get it sunk in while standing.”

Fight Number 4 Featherweight Division Referee Victor Franscesca Anthony “The Noodle” Kocheran Red Corner 5’8″ 143lbs. Carlson Gracie Columbus Columbus, OH Hector “The Jet” Mares Blue Corner 5’6″ 144 lbs. Personal Combat Systems Kilbuck, OH front kick by Mares backfires as opponent takes him to the ground. Ground control in favor of Kocheran as he gets an armbar submission from full guard. Tapout at :42 seconds. “We don’t need no excuse to work, baby. We just work.”

Fight Number 5 — Super HW Division Referee Jerry Crisp George “The Grizzly” Pointer Red Corner 6’3″ 302lbs. Apex Fight Systems Akron, OH MMA Debut Omar Bedingfield Blue Corner 6’2″ 290lbs. Wrestling Factory Cleveland, OH up against the cage and to the ground, no defense at all from Bedingfield, blows to kidneys, tapout Victory for Pointer in Rd. 1 at :49 seconds”

Fight Number 6 Referee Victor Vantresca Jon Knott Blue Corner MMA debut 5’9″ 162lbs. Indy Allentown, PA Terry Neff Red Corner 5’8″ 165lbs. Cambridge MA Cambridge, OH rd. 1 Knott with submission attempt with reversal and back to the feet. Body slam, body blows and back control 2nd guillotine choke attempt. Neff gets position reversal and finishes rd.1 on the ground in rear naked choke attempt. Rd.2 … Knott takes it to the mat but loses control. Neff goes into the corner and gets positioned for ground n pound ends with Rear Naked Choke and tapout for victory by Terry Neff in Rd.2 at 2:33.

Fight Number 7 Featherweight Division Referee Jerry Crisp J’Mar Moore Red Corner 6’0″ 148.5lbs. Indy Akron, OH Jose “El Matador” Burgos Blue Corner 5’3″ 147lbs. Personal Combat Systems Kilbuck, OH Burgos quickly gets ground control and full mount. lands a few shots then Moore gets FAST reversal and back to their feet. BIG knee by Moore, Burgos takes it to the ground and up against the fence. Rd.1 finishes on the ground with Burgos on top. Rd.2 start– not much action to start until it goes against the fence with heavy blows in a flurry from top by Moore for TKO victory 1:17 of Rd.2 moves to 4-0 and next wants a title shot.

Fight Number 8 Welterweight Title Fight Explosive Fight Promotions Referee Victor Vantresca Nate Davies Red Corner 6’2″ 170lbs. Victory MA Tyler “The Outlaw” Collins Blue Corner 6’0″ 168.5lbs. Ares Combat Sports Rd.1 arms gassed by red after guillotine choke attempt, back to their feet. slam to the mat by Collins, Davies goes to full guard with slick reverse by Davies …. Collins then finishes with top position to end the round. Round 1 to Collins Rd.2 Moore starts the round quickly getting on top, big blows from the top (2) rights landing solid. Collins gets back to top against the fence and continues with top control and finishes with him on top. Round could go either way but leaning towards Davies. Rd.3 quick into the round Collins takes it to the ground with a body slam. No action any further after about :25-30 seconds and ref orders them up. Collins again gets control against the fence, back to the ground putting Davies in half guard. Round finishes once again with Collins on top. Collins pushed the action more often with Davies on defense, round to Collins. 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 to Collins out of the blue corner for new champ. “This isn’t even my weight class …. moved up a weight class like McGregor and look what I got now.”

Fight Number 9 Middleweight Title Fight Explosive Fight Promotions Referee Crisp Joe Wheeler Red Corner 5’10” 185lbs. Indy Fombell, OH “Hershey” Myles Robinson Blue Corner 5’10” 185lbs. Westside Barbell MMA Columbus, OH Rd.1 — Robinson starting with kicks, fighters eventually go to the mat with Wheeler taking top position :30sc in. QUICK(wow) reverse to the top by Robinson and pushes it to the fence. No action for 1/2 minute and ref stands them up. flurry by both fighters to finish the round, even round, edge to Robinson. Rd.2 — Robinson starts more aggressive this round and gains back control. Wheeler escapes but it is short lived. back to the feet midway. Left cross, big by Robinson with a continuous flurry, ground n pound to finish the round with Robinson on top. Solid round to Myles Robinson. note …… Wheeler never gets up after the end of the round and scuttles back to his corner Rd.3 — big straight left by Wheeler, jabs by both, scrum to the ground then ref stands them up again after little action. Wheeler gets more active midway but no real damage. uppercuts from Wheeler end up glancing Robinson, both fighters seem tired and end up against the fence with Robinson on top. Edge to Robinson. 30-27 Unanimous decision to Robinson for title. “I knew he gets wild with punches and I tried to stay straight ahead.” “This is just a taste of what’s to come.”

Fight Number 10 — Pro Bout 150lbs. Ref Victor Dru “Drucifer” Schottenheimer Red Corner 5’11” 150lbs. Victory MA Brandon “The Head Hunter” Davis Blue Corner 5’7″ 150lbs. Rd.1 — both fighters trying to find distance, Davis starts to land with kicks. Fence action and dirty boxing with Davis back to the fence, big knee by Dru 2X midway, 1-2 combo by Davis lands both, Davis gets knocked down, leg kicks by Dru with opponent on the ground, flurry by Davis with a few elbows, round could go either way, giving edge to Davis. Rd.2 — jockey for position again, left by Drucifer midway lands followed by left leg kick, spinning back kick by Dru lands, continues with kicks to Davis’ legs and starting to do damage. Dru now becomes more aggressive this round. leg kicks by Davis starting to get through and do some damage to Drucifer. The fight stayed up all round, edge to Dru’s corner. Rd.3 — Dru starts with kicks again. continues with kicks to inside front leg(left), solid kicks again to the front leg, takedown attempt by Davis was unsuccessful. Davis gets backed up to the fence with a few knees, Solid round for Drucifer …… (leg kicks brutal). 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 for Dru Schottenheimer in the red corner

Fight Number 11 Pro Bout Welterweight Division Ref Crisp Andrew Law Red Corner 6’2″ 170lbs. Victory MA Scott Hudson Blue Corner 6’2″ 170lbs. Rd.1 – Hudson starts with heavy right cross then leg kick to head, stiff jabs by both. Law with takedown attempt but is unsuccessful. Right cross by Hudson misses badly and Law gets the takedown. heavy right kick by Hudson to the midsection. knee lands by Hudson, right leg kick again. Law finally lands combos on the counter. Law right starting to land. Law gets more aggressive towards round end, elbow opens cut above left eye, but edge to Hudson, Rd.2 — stiff jabs by Hudson, to the ground. strong flurry of combos, but an illegal knee stops the fight, should end in DQ. Ref confirming with head judge with LONG conversation. Call is an intentional foul and fighter is disqualified. “He’s tough as nails, an incredible fighter, my hat’s off to him.”

Myles Robinson gets Fighter of the Night, Octagon247.com gets exclusive interview.

Discussion on the UFC 206 Card, it blew up this week,  the UFC Fight Night 101 card, Brunson-Whittaker in particular, Rashad and Cormier being pulled, Gastelum and Kennedy being scheduled on the UFC 206 card, McGregor giving up his Featherweight Championship, does this make Jose Aldo happy now? Meisha Tate questioning Rousey’s desire to fight, Big Nog questioning Fedor, JDS calling out Stipe (politely), Rothwell being annoyed.

UFC Fight Night 101 Discussion Robert Whittaker (16-4) vs. Derek Brunson (16-3)

Round 1 – Brunson lands a couple single shots. Brunson returns and this just turned into a brawl. Things get a little sloppy as Brunson is chasing desparately. It calms. I had to stop typing because this fight got crazy. Crazy. They exchange wildly, reminiscent of Forrest and Bonnar. Then Whittaker catches Brunson. Brunson is dazed. Whittaker swarms him but somehow Brunson stays alive. It calms for a moment and then Whittaker lands a huge right head kick and it disillusions Brunson. He covers up on the feet and Whittaker unleashes a barrage of blows that collapses Brunson. More on the ground before the ref finally steps in. WOWOWOWOW!!!!!

/ what was brunson doing?

“It really sucks,” Brunson told MMAjunkie. “I put together a streak, and worked really hard. But I came out here and fought with no game plan, like a chump tonight. Iʼll take it on the chin. Iʼm better than I showed.

“This sport is growing. Itʼs about patience, rather than getting caught up in five in a row, want a title shot, main event. The goal is to put on a great fight and be smart.”

“I had him against the cage, and I felt him breathing really hard,” Brunson told Australiaʼs Submission Radio. “I could have really slowed him down and gotten the takedown. But I didnʼt make smart decisions. Instead of going to my wrestling, which I knew I had the upper hand, I was more intent on trying to knock him out.”

Brunson could potentially fight Chris Weidman or Vitor Belfort in 2017

/ Whittaker wants to fight Moussasi next

Whittaker has his sights set on the reinvented Gegard Mousasi, who has been on a tear in the 185 pound division and has won three of his last four fights via KO or TKO.

“Heʼs a top athlete, heʼs a top fighter, and heʼs a cool dude,” Whittaker said of Mousasi at the post-fight press conference, per Steven Marrocco and John Morgan of MMA Junkie. “If thatʼs a fight the UFC wants, thatʼs a fight theyʼll get.”

“Itʼs funny, because I actually remember in the fight as I was backing away, I was thinking, does he think he rocked me? I wasnʼt rocked,” Whittaker said. “I was still in it. A lot of people were critical of his game plan charging forward, but ask the last four dudes. He takes you out of it.”

• /  Cormier injured off of UFC 206 card
• /  Rashad issues – off of UFC 206 card
• /  Gastelum vs Kennedy announced for UFC 206 card despite suspension
• /  UFC 206 card – PreviouslyDaniel Cormier (c)(18-1) vs. Anthony Johnson (22-5)* Max Holloway (16-3) vs. Anthony Pettis (19-5) Rashad Evans (19-5-1) vs. Tim Kennedy (18-5) Donald Cerrone (31-7, 1 NC) vs. Matt Brown (20-15) Valerie Letourneau (8-5) vs. Viviane Pereira (11-0) Zach Makovsky (19-7) vs. John Moraga (16-5)

  John Makdessi (14-5) vs. Lando Vannata (8-1) Olivier Aubin-Mercier (8-2) vs. Drew Dober (17-7) Jason Saggo (12-2) vs. Rustam Khabilov (20-3) Nikita Krylov (21-4) vs. Misha Cirkunov (12-2) Cub Swanson (23-7) vs. Doo Ho Choi (15-1) Jordan Mein (26-10) vs. Emil Meek (8-2-1) Mitch Gagnon (12-3) vs. Matthew Lopez (8-1)

  NOW Max Holloway (16-3) vs. Anthony Pettis (19-5)** Tim Kennedy (18-5) vs. Kelvin Gastelum (12-2) — Pending Commission Approval

  Donald Cerrone (31-7, 1 NC) vs. Matt Brown (20-15) Valerie Letourneau (8-5) vs. Viviane Pereira (11-0) Zach Makovsky (19-7) vs. John Moraga (16-5) John Makdessi (14-5) vs. Lando Vannata (8-1) Olivier Aubin-Mercier (8-2) vs. Drew Dober (17-7) Jason Saggo (12-2) vs. Rustam Khabilov (20-3) Nikita Krylov (21-4) vs. Misha Cirkunov (12-2)

  Cub Swanson (23-7) vs. Doo Ho Choi (15-1) Jordan Mein (26-10) vs. Emil Meek (8-2-1) Mitch Gagnon (12-3) vs. Matthew Lopez (8-1) Dustin Ortiz (15-6) vs. John Moraga (16-5)

• /  McGregor gives up Featherweight belt
• /  jose aldo – does he feel better ?
• /  Meisha Tate questions Rousey’s motivation upon return, is rooting for Nunes to retain belt“I guess whatʼs really difficult for me to decide is what weʼre going to get out of Rousey,” Tate told MMA Junkie at a recent media scrum in Melbourne, Australia. “Is she doing it because she wants to or is she doing it before she feels obligated? Is that knockout going to be in the back of her mind? Is she going to be punch shy? Itʼs kind of like – I remember when I went skiing for the first time, I was like 5 years old and I just blitzed down the hill. I had no fear. The first time that I wrecked really, really hard is when I realized this is actually dangerous … so you kind of wonder what has that put in the back of her mind?”

  “I know that Amanda is a very solid fighter and she hits like a ton of bricks,” Tate said. “Sheʼs a very worthy opponent. It should be interesting. … I want Amanda to win. Sheʼs a sweetheart and a good girl. I think she deserves it.”

• /  Big Nog says its time for Fedor to retire”He waited too much to [get into] the UFC,” Nogueira said. “If he got to the UFC five years ago, maybe seven years ago, something like this, he’d be in his prime, but now, it’s not his time to go anymore. So if I’m in his place, it’s time to retire.”

  Fedor (36-4, 1 NC) will be facing Matt Mitrione on February 18th, the first of his multi-year, multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA. Big Nog acknowledged Fedorʼs performance against Fabio Maldonado, which ended in a controversial decision win for “The Last Emperor,” but otherwise still believes he has enough left in the tank to get the win.

  “I mean Fedor is the favorite for this fight, he’s fighting more, he’s been more in shape,” Nogueira said. “But a fight’s a fight, you never know, you know? You have a fighter in [Fabio] Maldonado, in the last fight, you know, Maldonado surprised him. So a fight is a fight, but letʼs see — Fedor’s got everything to win this fight.”

• /  JDS calls out Stipe in tweetHey @stipemiocicufc enjoy Thanksgiving in ur new home- hope it’s filled w great food & friends. Let’s fight after the holidays?Brooklyn? LMK
• /  Rothwell annoyed by JDS @stipemiocicufc serious who cares man. **** off. Are wegoing to build the HW division or what?

Top UFC Podcasts: MMA Fancast E10

Conor McGregor applied for a boxing license in multiple states. Mayweather camp says it means nothing. Will these two ever fight? Why would Conor be applying for a boxing license now? Is it all a publicity stunt?

• Cyborg continuing to prod and publicly taunt Rousey. Cyborg talks about Rousey getting an unannounced drug test. Is Ronda Rousey going to fight long enough to even have a chance to fight Cyborg?
• MMAAA is not a union, it’s a …. ???? Bjorn Rebney is in charge of it, or the face of it? We discuss this and much more on the top UFC podcasts at MMA Fancast

• Are Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg on their way out due to “cost-cutting” efforts by WME-IMG? We hope on at the top UFC podcasts
• Demetrius Johnson vs Tim Elliott ….. Elliott says Conor has no heart ….. at press conference, he stood with his hands in his pockets and stared down at the floor
• Dana White on stripping McGregor of his Featherweight belt … “Look, I let Conor fight [Nate] Diaz and then I let him fight Diaz again. Then there was the whole 155-pound thing I let him do. But at the end of the day, him doing that tied up the division for a year. There’s a logjam there and a lot of guys were [angry]. This was my way to fix the logjam. I wanted Aldo to fight Holloway for the belt, but he needed more time. So I looked at it and I said, well, it makes sense to make Aldo the champion and then have Holloway and Pettis fight for the interim title, and when Jose’s ready, barring any crazy injuries, the winner can fight him. [Conor’s coach is] misinformed. Yeah, he doesn’t know all that has gone on, I guess. Do you think I just did this? This was Conor’s decision.” ……. Dana stands by the story that Conor relinquished the belt.
• Jon Jones make proclamation that he used to get black-out drunk one week prior to his fights so that he had a built in excuse in case he ever lost.
• UFC 208, originally scheduled in California, got cancelled and what was supposed to be UFC 209 in Brooklyn now becomes UFC 208.

Best MMA Podcast

MMA Fancast E11 Topics – Best MMA Podcast!

• Jon Bones Jones Joe Rogan Podcast, used to get black out drunk before fights, is he mentally mature enough to stay out of trouble going forward? Why did he care to tell us about that? Can you root for him? Root against him? Do you want to like him again?

 

Best MMA Podcast

• TUF Finale – Demetrius Johnson gets a surprising challenge, where were the fans? Stands looked empty in a tiny venue.
• Bloody Elbow’s analysis:
  • Weird ending to Jorge Masvidal and Jake Ellenberger. Ellenberger got his toes stuck in the cage and Herb Dean called a timeout to find out the rules. Masvidal was winning the contest, but expect the story to continue as Ellenberger is likely to appeal for a no contest.
  • The only loser in the Cannonier-Cutelaba fight was on the official record as both proved their toughness and gained a boatload of fans in the process. Cannonier’s no-showing Cutelaba’s punches late were the highlight as he taunted his opponent.
  • Alexis Davis and Sara McMann had a fantastic grappling contest. McMann showed newfound grappling prowess by scoring an arm-triangle choke in the second after having her face smashed by elbows in the first.
  • By the way Sara… you’re not getting the next crack at the belt. Asking nicely gets you nothing. Look at McGregor.
  • Entertaining back and forth contest between Brandon Moreno and Ryan Benoit kicked off the main card. Moreno was more consistent in his attack to earn the win, then he went too long with his interview. Sometimes less is more.
  • Dana White says he has no idea what Conor is doing in reference to his boxing license.
• • Best MMA Podcast
  • “I have no idea what Conor is doing,” White told Yahoo Sports. “Conor’s Conor. He does his thing. But he’s under contract to me. Who knows with this guy? I just let Conor be Conor. And the other thing is, it’s fun to talk about this (Mayweather) fight and what might happen, but what commission would let that fight happen? Really, think about that.”
    • Could this have to do with his future attempts at negotiating with the UFC ownership about part ownership?
• The Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight are aging greatly
• Anthony Johnson says he has bad luck
  • He was supposed to fight Jon Jones but then he was arrested for hit and run
  • Now he was supposed to fight Cormier – who got injured

Best MMA Podcast

Prelims

• Remember when Gray Maynard was pissed about Clay Guida running from him? Well, he just employed that strategy against Ryan Hall in a terrible contest. Hall rightly won, though it should be noted he ran from Maynard when the former title challenger tried to engage as well. Just a weird-ass fight.

• Jon Jones says he has conquered his demons and now he wants his belt back. Long interview with Rogan. Terry D. watched it.

Best MMA Podcast

Top MMA Podcast

❏ UFC 206 review

Max Holloway is the new interim champ and will face Jose Aldo to unify the titles. First time ever that Pettis has been finished. Showed great timing, patience and aggression as well. Holloway seems to be acting differently and more outlandish.

Anthony Pettis – Not a good event for Pettis. He missed weight, broke his hand early in the fight. Admits he needs to go back to lightweight. He has the talent to still be relevant but needs to really get focus back and avoid the depression that accompanies many fighters after a loss.

Donald Cerrone – He showed a great deal in this fight, having come back from adversity and being rocked. I’m not sure I remember him ever having come back from being as badly hurt as he was at points in this fight. This was the greatest headlock knockout since Gonzaga-CroCop and maybe the best ever.

Matt Brown – Really tough loss for Brown, he showed so much in this fight. This is his third fight in a row. My indifference toward him changed, this fight made me like him quite a bit.

Cub Swanson – Is this for real? Like, seriously, did this dude really just do what I saw. This was quite possibly the best stand up battle in UFC history. Cub Swanson made my night, he made a lifelong fan out of many and this was truly a performance of a lifetime. He stole the show. If you missed it, you done messed up. Cub Swanson is why you don’t not watch some PPV cards. This was truly a can’t miss fight.

Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Doo Ho Choi – This kids got some serious potential. All of the things said about Swanson apply as well to Ho Choi. Now this guy just has to learn English so he does not limit his potential earnings and status. Unbelievable performance and heart of a true warrior.

Kelvin Gastelum – He looked very good… and … I hate that he is insisting on returning to welterweight. He needs to stay at middleweight. He missed weight 3 out of 7 times at welterweight. Not good enough. And beating Tim Kennedy at middleweight proves he can be a top fighter there. DUDE, YOU CAN’T CONSISTENTLY MAKE 170!

Tim Kennedy – Not his best performance, he didn’t seem to be the fighter we all know and love. A second fight will determine if it was rust or if he just isn’t what he used to be.

Drew Dober – what happened?

Top MMA Podcast

Performances of the Night: Lando Vannata and Max Holloway

Fight of the Night Cub Swanson vs. Dooho Choi

Top fight of the year discussed on the Top MMA Podcast

❏ Cerrone/Dana White/Bjorn Rebney

Dana quotes – “The only thing that I need to know is that the biggest scumbag in the history of combat sports, Bjork, is involved in this thing. There are three unions out there right now battling against each other, and if you’re a fighter, all these guys are looking to get in your pocket. It’s a business where guys are going to make money. As a fighter, if this is what you want to do, you need to figure our whose hand you want in your pocket. I guarantee you don’t want Bjork’s hand in your pocket.”

White seemed genuinely baffled that Cerrone would be a part of the newly formed association. He recalled an incident that, according to him, led to legal intervention due to an altercation while Donald was on one of his boating trips. White claims that he paid for the criminal defense attorney out of his own pocket, to the tune of $100K.

“I was shocked that Cerrone didn’t give me a call. He has headlined three [UFC events]; never held a title in WEC or UFC. A couple of years ago, he was on his boat and gets into a beef with a guy on another boat, and he’s in big trouble. Who does he call? He calls me. What do I do? I go out and find him the best criminal defense lawyer and spent $100,000 of my own money. So, when I see “Cowboy” standing up there I’m like, ‘really?’”

Bjorn Rebney – “When the UFC, Jason, got sold to WME-IMG… Dana White walked away with roughly four hundred million dollars. Every year prior to that he was making in excess of 20 million dollars a year.

I can say it again – when the UFC sold to WME-IMG Dana White who just belittled Cowboy Cerrone and talked crap about a valiant warrior who has fought in the cage innumerable times and who fans love, made close to four hundred million dollars. That man, that gluttonous pig. And he got twenty million a year, on average before that to run the UFC. And he’s got the cojones to step up and to belittle Cowboy? How many fights did Dana have? How many times did Dana step into the cage in the WEC and in the UFC? But he made close to four hundred million dollars when the organization was sold. Please. Are you kidding me?”

Cerrone after speaking to Dana – “It went very good. It wasn’t a lunch, he just pulled me aside after the media scrum,” Cowboy said about speaking to the UFC president. “We talked for about 15-20 mins. He’s a happy man, and I’m a happy man.”

“We were just talking about what I wanted, like what I discussed with (the media), and what he expected out of me. It went very well. (He was) 1000% receptive, definitely.

“We were always in a good place. It’s like when you get in trouble with your dad and they don’t ground you, but just tell you how disappointed they are — which is even worse. It’s kinda what he did to me. It was kind of like a slap in his face. I should’ve let him know what I was going to get involved with. It is what it is, but we’re on the up and up now.”

❏ UFC Fight Night Albany

Derrick Lewis did not look good but finally showed some urgency and got the takedown and destroyed Abdurakhimov from there.

Top MMA Podcast

❏ Tyron Woodley called out Nick Diaz for UFC 209

Tyron Woodley’s Tweet:

Tyron T-Wood Woodley  ✔@TWooodley

@MMAFighting @arielhelwani Is @nickdiaz209 Free to Scrap to? Perfect time 4 #UFC209 I have the perfect person in mind🤔 @malkikawa @danawhite https://twitter.com/mmafighting/status/806591181702524928 …

Top MMA Podcast

He obviously wants big payday but Dana White has already said that Wonderboy rematch is next for Woodley

❏ Goldberg out the door?

Top MMA Podcast

❏ UFC on Fox 22 on Saturday, Dec 17th

UFC on FOX 22 Fight Card

Paige VanZant (7-2) vs. Michelle Waterson (13-4)

Urijah Faber (33-10) vs. Brad Pickett (25-12)

Sage Northcutt (8-1) vs. Mickey Gall (3-0)

Takeya Mizugaki (21-10-2) vs. Eddie Wineland (22-11-1)

James Moontasri (9-4) vs. Alex Morono (12-3)

Alan Jouban (14-4) vs. Mike Perry (9-0)

Bryan Barberena (12-3) vs. Colby Covington (10-1)

Josh Emmett (10-0) vs. Scott Holtzman (9-1)

Sultan Aliev (13-2) vs. Bojan Velickovic (14-3-1)

Paul Craig (8-0) vs. Luis Henrique da Silva (12-0)

Fredy Serrano (3-1) vs. Hector Sandoval (12-3)

Cole Miller (21-10) vs. Mizuto Hirota (17-7-2)

Irene Aldana (7-2) vs. Leslie Smith (8-7-1)

Top MMA Podcast

UFC 207 Podcast

UFC 207 is finally approaching and that means one thing and one thing only… The long awaited return of Ronda Rousey! It seems like it has been far longer than 13 months since we have seen Rousey in the Octagon and she has been missed.

On this  UFC 207 podcast, we discuss:

Rousey vs. Nunes

• Ronda Rousey is not scheduled to partake in any of the media coverage during fight week
• Neither Rousey or Nunes is scheduled to take part in the media-only Wednesday Press Conference
• Which Ronda Rousey will we see on Friday night?
• Is Amanda Nunes ready for this type of spotlight?
• Nunes doesn’t understand Rousey’s media snub… and she spoke to Fox Sports on the matter…
  • “Yeah I think she’s been very weird about everything. This is MMA, people are going to talk good about you, people are going to talk bad about you. You have to be ready for it,”“You guys (the media), you’re part of our lives, part of our careers. We have to talk and speak to the media because this is part of our job. She’s being so dramatic and weird about that. She knows this is normal.”
• What does Nunes expect from Rousey come Friday night?
  • “I really don’t want to think she’s weak but she shows that she’s been avoiding all those things that made her who she is now. I think it’s a little bit weird.”“I don’t think she’s weak in mind. I really think she’s prepared for the comeback. I expect the best Ronda but I don’t know what’s wrong with her.”

UFC 207 Podcast

Dominic Cruz and Cody Garbrandt 

• Is this real bad blood or fight hype?
• Is this overboard and immature banter?
• Clip of Cruz and Garbrandt from UFC of Fox

UFC 207 Podcast

Cain Velazquez vs. Fabricio Werdum is off! Cain hurt again, is this the case of a career that never got to be what it could be due to constant injuries?

UFC 207 Podcast

The entire UFC 207 Fight Card:

• Main Card (on Pay-Per-View – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) Amanda Nunes (c)(13-4) vs. Ronda Rousey (12-1) Dominick Cruz (c)(22-1) vs. Cody Garbrandt (10-0) Fabricio Werdum (21-6-1) vs. Cain Velasquez (14-2) TJ Dillashaw (13-3) vs. John Lineker (29-7) Louis Smolka (11-2) vs. Ray Borg (9-2)
• Prelims (on FS1 – 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT) Johny Hendricks (17-5) vs. Neil Magny (18-5) Dong Hyun Kim (21-3-1, 1NC) vs. Tarec Saffiedine (16-5) Antonio Carlos Junior (6-2) vs. Marvin Vettori (11-2) Mike Pyle (27-12-1) vs. Alex Garcia (13-3)
• Early Prelims (on Fight Pass – 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT) Alex Oliveira (16-3-1) vs. Tim Means (26-7-1) Brandon Thatch (11-4) vs. Niko Price (8-0)

We will give our official main card predictions for UFC 207. Winner, method, round.

Other UFC News and discussion topics

• Dana squashes talk of Diaz McGregor trilogy fight
• UFC 206 replay does HUGE numbers
• Khabib vs Ferguson interim title fight expected for UFC 209?
  • UFC 209 is scheduled to take place on March 4, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
• Cyborg is once again flagged for having illegal substances in her body

UFC 207 Podcast

UFC 207 Review

MMA Fancast E14 Discussion Topics

• UFC 207 review
  • Amanda Nunes defeats Ronda Rousey via TKO :48 into round 1
    • Disappointed in strategy of Ronda Rousey
    • Does Ronda have a chance to regain her glory?
    • How much to blame is Rousey’s team?
    • Where does Ronda Rousey go from here?
    • How good is Amanda Nunes?
    • Does she have the star power to push this division forward?
    • Who would win between Nunes and Cyborg?
    • Will Rousey be making the leap to WWE?
  • Cody Garbrandt defeats Dominick Cruz via unanimous decision
    • Where did Dominick Cruz go wrong
    • Has the division/age finally caught up with Cruz or was it just Cody being that good?
    • Does Cruz deserve an immediate rematch?
    • Wow! Cody Garbrandt proved so many people wrong!
    • Could Team Alpha Male have given him a more perfect game plan?
    • How much credit goes to fight camp?
    • Is Cody Garbrandt ready for pound for pound list?
    • Who should next bout be, rematch with Cruz or Dillashaw?
    • UFC 207 Review
  • TJ Dillashaw defeats John Lineker via unanimous decision
    • Was this TJ’s most impressive victory?
    • How does Dillashaw stack up against Cody?
    • Where does this leave Lineker?
  • Dong Hyun Kim defeats Tarec Saffiedine via split decision – UFC 207 Review
  • Ray Borg defeats Louis Smolka via unanimous decision
  • Neil Magny defeats Johny Hendricks via unanimous decision
    • This was a very controversial decision
    • Hendricks was able to consistently get the takedown and that was the first time that happened in quite some time
    • Hendricks blaming media for his previous fight performances
    • Where does this put each fighter?
    • Johny Hendricks did not make weight
  • Antonio Carlos Junior defeats Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision
  • Alex Garcia defeats Mike Pyle via KO 3:34 into round 1
    • Devastating knockout – overhand right
  • Niko Price defeats Brandon Thatch via submission (arm-triangle choke) 4:30 into round 1
  • Alex Oliveria vs. Tim Means was determined to be a no-contest due to illegal knees – UFC 207 Review
    • Why is there uncertainty over a rule that should be very clear
    • Should those knees be illegal or legal?
  • I am completely disgusted at the people who are just tearing Ronda Rousey down. Media, fighters and fans alike.
  • Ben Rothwell says that Cain Velazquez got pulled from UFC 207 intentionally in an interview with Flo Combat – “People are also surprised Cain got pulled and that baffles me because it’s not surprising at all,” Rothwell told Duane Finley of Flo Combat. “He started saying all that sh*t in public knowing he’s going to get pulled. Telling the commission you’re doing marijuana to manage pain and your back surgery is already scheduled is a surefire way to tell them you’re not fit to fight. But that’s pretty convenient because now it doesn’t look like Cain pulled out and it’s the commission who wouldn’t let him fight. UFC 207 Review. Cain going public with all that sh*t (stuff) two weeks before a fight is evidence he didn’t want to fight. Don’t sit there and tell me you’ve been in this business for that many years and don’t f*****g know how this works. You obviously needed them to pull you out of the fight.”
  • Khabib continues to talk about the UFC protecting Conor McGregor from him. He says in a tweet – This message to @UFC : It is clear to everyone that you hiding Conor from me. But stop lying to your fans like I don’t want fight with Aldo, I’m ready to fight with anyone in my division. Give me relevant fight, so you won’t be able to hide the belt from me after. But not the fight, where people say after my victory: he is too small, Khabib too big for him etc. I’m asking you for match that whole world is waiting for, give me Tony. You have never matched up two guys with 9 and 8 win streak in UFC, NEVER IN UFC HISTORY. #telltruthtopeople

UFC Podcast

☐ Looking at Ronda Rousey and the devastation of the loss, will she return to the octagon ever again?

 

☐ Amanda Nunes says she is going to retire after 2-3 fights because she wants to have a family. What does this mean for the future of the UFC’s women’s division when so many ladies are looking to retire in their prime?

☐ Michael Bisping out until May, will undergo surgery

☐ McGregor to do PPV interview… Is this for real?

UFC Podcast

☐ Ferguson talking smack on Khabib & Conor

On Khabib:

“I want to make him quit,” Ferguson told MMA Junkie. “I want to push and grind him so hard that I have to look at him and tell him, ‘Are you done? Have you had enough? Because I’m tired.’”

On Conor:

“Is Conor gonna defend his belt, that little b****? Probably not,” Ferguson told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto on Thursday (h/t Jed Meshew of MMA Fighting). “He’s gonna run. Go ahead. Go run. Go try to box. You’ll get your a** kicked too. And when you’re ready to come back, they’re gonna strip your belt and at 155, I’m gonna be holding it and you’re gonna be like, ‘Oh I want my belt back’ and this and that. I don’t give a s***. The fight, the real fight, is between Conor? No. Conor, sorry buddy. The fight’s between Khabib and Ferguson.”

☐ Fancast Flashback: Bonnar vs. Griffin

Dana White called it the “most important fight in UFC history”.

The fight was also voted the greatest fight in UFC history in 2009.

Recently rated #6 best fight in UFC history by Fox Sports

The significance of this fight, the timing of this fight and the battle that we all saw could have very well changed MMA forever.

Rated most important fight in UFC history by National Post 

UFC Podcast

MMA’s Greatest Podcast

☐ UFC 208 results

Dustin Poirier defeated Jim Miller by majority decision (28-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Glover Teixiera defeated Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Jacare Souza defeated Tim Boetsch by submission (kimura), 3:41 of round 2

Anderson Silva defeated Derek Brunson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Germaine de Randamie defeated Holly Holm by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)

MMA’s Greatest Podcast

☐ De Randamie says she wants to give Holm a rematch

☐ Dana White didn’t object to Todd Anderson being the ref for Holm de-Randamie

☐ UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Browne fight card for Sunday,  in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. 19.02.2017

Derrick Lewis vs. Travis Browne

Johny Hendricks vs. Hector Lombard

Sam Sicilia vs. Gavin Tucker

Elias Theodorou vs. Cezar Ferreira

Sara McMann vs. Gina Mazany

Nordine Taleb vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio

Carla Esparza vs. Randa Markos

Aiemann Zahabi vs. Reginaldo Vieira

Jack Marshman vs. Thiago Santos

Alessandro Ricci vs. Paul Felder

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Ryan Janes

Alex Volkanovski vs. TBA

MMA’s Greatest Podcast

☐ Report | Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather have reached a deal regarding financial figures for a boxing match

MMA’s Greatest Podcast

☐ Ref says bell does not end round, the ref has to

☐ changes to MMA rules in 2017

With new scoring changes, 10-8 rounds should be more prevalent

Grounded fighter

Under the original rules, fighters could place a single finger tip in the ground to establish themselves as grounded, thereby avoiding legal kicks and knees to the head. Officials have long dubbed that “playing the game.” It’s no longer viable. Now, fighters must have both hands on the ground — either their palms or fists — to be considered grounded. As always, if a fighter’s knee or any other part of the body except the hands and feet are touching the mat, then that fighter is also grounded.

MMA’s Greatest Podcast

Extended fingers

Eye pokes have been a topic of controversy lately. They are fight-ending, career-damaging illegal maneuvers. Under the original rules, referees could do nothing about it until it was too late and the poke was already landed. The new rules empower referees by making it a foul to extend your fingers outward toward an opponent’s face, which could lead to an eye poke.

Previously, a referee could tell a fighter to close his or her hand, but the ref had no recourse — a point could not be taken. Now, it can be if a fighter continues to extend fingers in the direction of an opponent’s face.

Female apparel

The days of T-shirts, half-shirts and loose-fitting tank tops (sorry, Reebok) are over in women’s MMA. Women must wear either a sports bra or a form-fitting rash guard in the cage. For bottoms, the rules are the same as for men: nothing below the knee, which means no more grappling or yoga pants.

Why is this a big deal? Well, loose-fitting shirts are actually dangerous. Fingers and toes can get caught in them. They can slip over a fighter’s head if too loose. UFC fighter Valerie Letourneau recently had an issue when her opponent Joanna Calderwood’s foot pulled down her tanktop with a front kick and she nearly had a wardrobe malfunction. Letourneau covered up and was struck in the head by Calderwood when she wasn’t defending herself. That kind of thing can’t happen in MMA.

Grappling pants, which have been used by Marloes Coenen and others, are an inherent advantage. Men have never been able to wear them under the Unified Rules. This is the first time women’s apparel has been standardized in the official rules.

Many have asked, Why are a bunch of men deciding what women can wear? That’s a good point. But MMA rules and regulations committee chairman Sean Wheelock consulted with Invicta FC matchmaker and women’s MMA pioneer Julie Kedzie .before writing these regulations.

MMA’s Greatest Podcast

Heel kicks to the kidneys

The last time any of us saw this technique was Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock. It’s not prevalent and the fact there was a rule against it was kind of odd. All other blows to the kidneys are 100 percent legal, but heel kicks (used by fighters holding opponents in guard) were banned. Not any longer.

Heel kicks to the kidneys aren’t much more than an annoyance or cause to change positions, as demonstrated Tuesday by MMA legends and Randy Couture and Jeremy Horn.

“The kidney strike with the heel is not an effective strike,” Couture told MMA Fighting. “It doesn’t make sense for it to be illegal. We do get hit in the kidneys. I can get in on a shot, if you’re trying to take an opponent down, and he’s perfectly free to hit me in the back all that he wants. It’s not illegal now.”

Grabbing the clavicle

Very few people knew this was even illegal before. The foul has now been removed. It was unanimous this week at the ABC Conference that no one had ever seen this attack attempted in an MMA fight.

MMA’s Greatest Podcast

UFC Podcast

Fedor’s fight with Matt Mitrione was cancelled at Bellator!!!!

Georges St. Pierre is back in the UFC! Who is he going to fight? Will it be Conor McGregor???

Cyborg was cleared and will be able to fight ASAP for the UFC. Will she get an immediate title shot?

☐ Michael Bisping: Anderson Silva disrespected ‘everybody’ with performance at UFC 208

“He was kind of disrespecting everybody there, disrespecting his opponent,” Bisping said on his Sirius XM show The Countdown (h/t Damon Martin of FOX Sports).

“At times, he grabbed the Thai clinch on Derek Brunson, had the Thai clinch but didn’t do anything. Didn’t throw an elbow, certainly didn’t throw a knee, and he allowed Brunson to just tee off with like 10, 15 punch combinations to Anderson Silva while Anderson just held him. It’s just bizarre.”

“Now I’m not trying to kick a man while he’s down, I’m really not, because I bought the pay-per-view to watch Anderson Silva,” Bisping said. “Regardless of what’s happened between the two of us, I’m a fan of Anderson Silva and he still always brings that excitement and even still right up until the final bell of a 15-minute fight you still thought ‘hold on is he going to pull something amazing out of the bag?’ but he didn’t.

“What he did was he allowed Brunson to out work him so when he went to decision, everybody, and we had a few people over, my manager and some of his staff came over and we had some friends there, there was about 20 people in the house and everybody thought Derek Brunson was going to get the decision and of course it went to Anderson Silva, which was shocking. I guess maybe you could see an argument for Anderson winning rounds one and two but it was just a bizarre performance.”

“He’s tarnishing his legacy,” Bisping said. “Let’s put it like that.”

UFC Podcast

☐ UFC Fight Night Lewis Vs. Browne

Hector Lombard vs. Johny Hendricks

☐ the return of GSP

☐ Cyborg cleared of wrongdoing and granted retroactive TUE, setting stage for 145 title fight against  Germaine de Randamie

☐ Fedor Mitrione canceled!

UFC Podcast

UFC 209 Preview

The amazing card is right around the corner and we break down all of the main card action right here on MMA Fancast’s UFC 209 Preview Episode! Alexander Gustafsson vs. Glover Teixeira – is that fight going to happen? The rumors are swirling, we will discuss that. Demian Maia is not going to sit around and wait for his shot, he is now scheduled to throw down in April against Jorge Masvidal. Plus, we will have our second Fight Pass Flashback, featuring the epic showdown at UFC 1 between Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock!

☐ UFC 209 Preview – Card

Main Card (10 PM ET/7 PM PT, PPV)

Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson

Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Rashad Evans vs. Daniel Kelly

David Teymur vs. Lando Vannata

Mark Hunt vs. Alistair Overeem

Preliminary Card (8 PM ET/5 PM PT, FS1)

Luis Henrique vs. Marcin Tybura

Mirsad Bektic vs. Darren Elkins

Iuri Alcantara vs. Luke Sanders

Mark Godbeer vs. Daniel Spitz

Preliminary Card (6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT, Fight Pass)

Paul Craig vs. Tyson Pedro

Amanda Cooper vs. Cynthia Calvillo

Albert Morales vs. Andre Soukhamthath

UFC 209 Preview

☐ Report: Demian Maia vs. Jorge Masvidal set to headline UFC Nashville

UFC Fight Night Nashville is scheduled to take place on April 22nd at the Bridgestone Arena.

Maia (24-6, 18-6 UFC) was expecting to get a crack at the welterweight strap when he defeated Carlos Condit in August, but that was put on hold since Wonderboy and Ty Woodley fought to a draw at UFC 205 and are rematching this weekend. Maia is currently on a six fight win streak dating back to

☐ Alexander Gustafsson vs. Glover Teixeira in the works for UFC Stockholm

☐ UFC 210 Card

Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson

Gegard Mousasi vs. Chris Weidman

Will Brooks vs. Charles Oliveira

Thiago Alves vs. Patrick Cote

Jan Blachowicz vs. Patrick Cummins

Kamaru Usman vs. Sean Strickland

Shane Burgos vs. Charles Rosa

Magomed Bibulatov vs. Jenel Lausa

Irene Aldana vs. Katlyn Chookagian

Josh Emmett vs. Desmond Green

Gregor Gillespie vs. Andrew Holbrook

UFC 209 Review

UFC 209 review – It came and went and we were thrilled as well as diappointed. MMA Fancast has immediate reaction to this card, as we are joined by special guest John Schell.

In a main event that will long be remembered as a rematch that does NOT need a trilogy, Tyron Woodley was able to defend his welterweight strap in what can only be considered one of the most disappointing fights in UFC and welterweight championship history.

UFC 209 Review

Lando Vannata and David Teymur went toe to toe in a fight that stole the show. This pairing has all the makings of a longtime rivalry and these are two young men who show great promise to reach the top of the lightweight division and possibly be stables there for years to come.

UFC 209 Review

Rashad Evans and Daniel Kelly had a battle that showed both the age of these combatants as well as the growth of these two. Rashad looked to be in amazing shape visually, but ring rust was also apparent. Was this an indication that he simply can no longer compete with the top tier or will things improve once he can shake off the ring rust?

UFC 209 Review

Amanda Cooper and Cynthia Calvillo was a true story of being presented opportunities and capitalizing on them. Cynthia Calvillo was making her octagon debut against Cooper and was originally slated to fight on the Fight Pass Prelim portion of the card. That all changed when the Khabib / Furguson fight got scrapped. Calvillo’s UFC debut was not going to occur on the PPV portion of the card and boy did she take full advantage of the opportunity.

UFC 209 Review

Alistair Overeem and Mark Hunt was bound to end with devastation, and it certainly did not disappoint. Overeem landed some huge knees in the 3rd round of this contest and Hunt was left motionless.

UFC 209 Review

On the undercard, we were truly treated to one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the UFC. Prior to that fight, we saw another amazing comeback!

We talk about all this and much more on this episode of MMA Fancast!

UFC Best Podcast

☐ UFC Fight Night 106

Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

Vitor Belfort vs. Kelvin Gastelum — Gastelum def. Belfort by TKO (punches) at 3:52 of Round One

Mauricio Rua vs. Gian Villante — Rua def. Villante by TKO (punches) at 0:59 of Round Three

Edson Barboza vs. Beneil Dariush — Barboza def. Dariush by KO (flying knee) at 3:35 of Round Two

Ray Borg vs. Jussier Formiga — Borg def. Formiga by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Bethe Correia vs. Marion Reneau — Majority draw (27-29, 28-28 x2)

Tim Means vs. Alex Oliveira — Oliveira def. Means by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:38 of Round Two

Kevin Lee vs. Francisco Trinaldo — Lee def. Trinaldo by submission (rear naked choke) at 3:12 of Round Two

Sergio Moraes vs. Davi Ramos — Moraes def. Ramos by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Joe Soto vs. Rani Yahya — Soto def. Yahya by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27 x2)

Josh Burkman vs. Michel Prazeres — Prazeres def. Burkman by submission (north-south choke) at 1:42 of Round One

Rony Jason vs. Jeremy Kennedy — Kennedy def. Jason by unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 29-27)

Paulo Borrachinha vs. Garreth McLellan — Borrachinha def. McLellan by TKO (punches) at 1:17

UFC Best Podcast

☐ Gastelum calls out Anderson Silva

☐ Should Belfort retire?

☐ The fans vs. Tyron Woodley

UFC Best Podcast

☐ Will McGregor Mayweather ever happen

Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s pronouncement that he’s “coming out of retirement just to fight Conor McGregor” heightens the momentum for a super-fight between boxing’s unbeaten, pound-for-pound great and the popular UFC lightweight champion from Ireland.

Mayweather, 40, said in a video that was posted by his Internet mouthpiece fighthype.com that the boxing match between the 49-0 boxer and the striking-skilled, two-division UFC champion could happen as soon as June.

“I don’t want to hear no more excuses about the money, the UFC … sign the paperwork with the UFC so we can fight in June,” Mayweather said, underling the point that he will receive the greater share of the purse money.

Mayweather, who is currently touring the United Kingdom, said accepting such a deal is part of the fight game, and something he did himself before elevating to superstar status in 2007 after defeating Oscar De La Hoya by split decision.

“I don’t want to hear no more excuses about the money, the UFC … sign the paperwork with the UFC so we can fight in June,” Mayweather said, underling the point that he will receive the greater share of the purse money.

Mayweather, who is currently touring the United Kingdom, said accepting such a deal is part of the fight game, and something he did himself before elevating to superstar status in 2007 after defeating Oscar De La Hoya by split decision.

☑ UFC 210 Card

Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson

Gegard Mousasi vs. Chris Weidman

Will Brooks vs. Charles Oliveira

Thiago Alves vs. Patrick Cote

Jan Blachowicz vs. Patrick Cummins

Kamaru Usman vs. Sean Strickland

Shane Burgos vs. Charles Rosa

Magomed Bibulatov vs. Jenel Lausa

Irene Aldana vs. Katlyn Chookagian

Josh Emmett vs. Desmond Green

Gregor Gillespie vs. Andrew Holbrook

☐ Bisping vs St. Pierre – is it deserved?

should this fight have been made? What happens if St. Pierre wins? If St. Pierre loses? What about Romero?

☐ Young fighters not overtaking older fighters

Our Fancast Fightpass Flashback this week is Liddell-Ortiz 2 from UFC 66. Join us!

☐ UFC Fight Night: Manuwa vs. Anderson

Manuwa vs Anderson

Nelson vs Jouban

Pickett vs Vera

Allen vs Amirkhani

Duffy vs Madadi

Stewart vs Barroso

Omielanczuk vs Johnson

Diakiese vs Packalen

Breese vs Bamgbose

Edwards vs Luque

Entwistle vs Johns

Scott vs Askham

Macedo vs Lansberg

McGregor Mayweather starting to look like it might actually happen

McGregor Mayweather has been long rumored and seemed fictitious until very recently. What is being said now that makes it seem like these two are now destined to fight?

B.J. Penn-Dennis Siver, Johny Hendricks-Tim Boetsch set for UFC Fight Night: Oklahoma City

Gracie Wants Rematch with Hughes via http://TeamStre.am by Bleacher Report  http://teamstre.am/2mtYf2n

Our Fancast Fightpass Flashback takes us to UFC 60 Royce Gracie vs. Matt Hughes

Bellator 180 Wanderlei Silva vs. Chael Sonnen & Fedor Emelianenko vs. Matt Mitrione June 24

Nate Diaz blast Dana White, who says Diaz is turning down fights – McGregor Mayweather

Derrick Lewis vs. Mark Hunt fight rumored for New Zealand Card  (10th in US) 11.06.2017

UFC London card

Brad Pickett vs. Marlon Vera

Marlon Vera defeated Brad Pickett by TKO (head kick and punches), 3:50 of round 3

 

Alan Jouban vs. Gunnar Nelson

Gunnar Nelson defeated Alan Jouban by submission (guillotine), :46 of round 2

 

Jimi Manuwa vs. Corey Anderson

Jimi Manuwa defeated Corey Anderson  by KO (left hook), 3:05 of round 1

McGregor Mayweather

UFC Podcasts

UFC 211 – May 13, Dallas Texas (amazing freaking card!) Stipe vs. JDS

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Jessica Andrade Gabriel Benitez vs. Enrique Barzola Demian Maia vs. Jorge Masvidal Eddie Alvarez vs. Dustin Poirier Sergio Pettis vs. Henry Cejudo Frankie Edgar vs. Yair Rodriguez UFC 212 – Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 3 Jose Aldo vs. Max Holloway Kelvin Gastulum vs. Anderson Silva

Rampage says he regrets getting involved in MMA

Yay! Hendricks is officially staying at Middleweight

McGregor vs. Mayweather talk

McGregor next UFC opponent?

Fancast Fightpass Flashback – UFC on Versus 4 – Pat Berry vs. Cheick Kongo

Introduction to next weeks special guest – James Fleming http://triblive.com/sports/college/-topcollege/3550671-74/fleming-clarion-wrestler

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/James-Fleming-142495

https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/56930-james-fleming

UFC 210 Preview, MMA Fancast digs into the card this weekend from Buffalo, NY.

• Daniel Cormier looks to extend his title reign with another win over the incredibly powerful and extremely dangerous Anthony “Rumble” Johnson UFC 210 Preview
   

  UFC 210 Preview – After withstanding the barrage in the first round of their last clash, Daniel Cormier will look to finish off Rumble so that he can get his rematch against Jon Jones, who is set to return this summer.

• Chris Weidman will look to return to his winning ways against the streaking Gegard Mousasi, who will look to extend his win streak to 5 for the first time this decade. UFC 210 Preview  

   

  Weidman will look to make things happen after going undefeated in his first 13 bouts and being 9-0 in the UFC, having lost his last 2 fights. His devastating loss to Yoel Romero is a memory he wants to quickly erase in his native state of New York. Mousasi is headed in the opposite direction, having won his past 4 fights.

• Cynthia Calvillo fights just one month after her UFC debut and will be looking to keep her perfect record in tact against the UFC debut of Pearl Gonzalez, who hasn’t tasted defeat since her MMA debut and has reeled off 6 straight wins herself. UFC 210 Preview
• Thiago Alves looks to rebound from his first 2 fight losing streak since 2010 against the 11 year UFC vet Patrick Cote. UFC 210 Preview

  Cote has been in there with the best of the best, but can he make it all count against Thiago Alves? Cote has a long history with the UFC, including a 2008 title fight against Anderson “The Spider” Silva. Does he have a chance here?

• Will Brooks looks to avenge his first defeat in years to Alex Oliveira in October against Charles Oliveira, who is making his scheduled lightweight debut after failing to make weight 4 times in the past 5 years at featherweight. UFC 210 Preview

  Brooks have only 2 loses on his resume and has 2 long winning streaks, a 10 and a 9 fight streak. Is he ready to start a new winning streak or will he experience his first ever 2 fight skid?

• In the Conor McGregor saga, there is no guarantee that he will be fighting in the UFC again. If he gets the fight with Mayweather, will he have the motivation to come back to fighting MMA?

We discuss this and much, much more on MMA Fancast! UFC 210 Preview

The tension was in the air at the Bellator 178 weigh-ins. Official weights are as follows:

Straus Vs. Pitbull 4 Main Card: Bellator 178 Weigh-Ins

• Featherweight World Title Main Event – Daniel Straus (145) vs. Patricio Freire (144)

• Flyweight Co-Main Event – Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (126) vs. Jessica Middleton (126)
• Lightweight Feature Bout – Saad Awad (164.5) vs. Ryan Quinn (164.5)
• Featherweight Feature Bout – A.J. McKee (146) vs. Dominic Mazzotta (146)

Preliminary Card: Bellator 178 Weigh-ins

• Welterweight Preliminary Bout – Nick Alley (167) vs. Kastroit Xhema (165)
• Featherweight Preliminary Bout – Don Shainis (149.5) vs. Max Kelleher (149.75)
• Bantamweight Preliminary Bout – Regivaldo Carvalho (149.75) vs. Jason Perrin (140)
• Welterweight Preliminary Bout – Kemran Lachinov (164.5) vs. Sam Watford (164)
• Flyweight Preliminary Bout – John Lopez (125.5) vs. Remo Cardarelli (124)
• Featherweight Preliminary Bout – Chris Foster (145) vs. Shane Manley (146)
• Featherweight Preliminary Bout – Thomas English (146) vs. Blair Tugman (146)
• Catchweight Preliminary Bout – Jordan Young (195) vs. Tim Caron (195)
• Welterweight Preliminary Bout – Ed Ruth (185.5) vs. David Mundell (184.25)
• Heavyweight Preliminary Bout – Tyrell Fortune (244.5) vs. Branko Busick (220)
• Flyweight Preliminary Bout – Billy Giovanella (124.75) vs. Joshua Ricci (126)

Octagon 24/7 will be covering this event extensively. Be sure to check back often for our continuing coverage of Bellator 178. Bellator 178 Weigh-ins

Bellator 178 features a 15-fight card headlined by bout number 4 between Daniel Straus and Patricio “Pitbull” Freire and their 3rd bout for the featherweight strap. Straus got his first nod of Pitbull in their last bout and took the title from him in the meantime, so these familiar foes will be looking to punish each other.

Of note, AJ McKee and Dominic Mazzotta both predicted a finish in their fight, Mazzotta said he would finish it while McKee showed us what he thought Mazzotta would look like come fight night.

This card is live and free on Spike TV beginning at 9PM Eastern, and you can catch the prelim action on bellator.com beginning at 7PM Eastern.

Octagon 24/7 is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hometown of Bellator newcomer Dominic Mazzotta. Dominic happens to be the largest underdog on the main card. Stop back this afternoon and find out why the main card’s biggest underdog is the safe and smart bet, and we will dig into how he will come out victorious as well.

Bellator 178 Review

Bellator 178 review – Octagon 24/7 and MMA Fancast were live and in person in Uncasville, CT for Bellator 178. We spend this podcast answering the questions about covering a major event like this for our first time.

  As our listeners know, we seek to represent the fans. We seek to give our fans a glimpse into the world of MMA that is not always seen from the outside looking in.     This podcast does just that by diving into the world of MMA and Bellator. Ryan Middleton and Johnny Stats share their experiences in covering their first national promotion from press row.     Bellator 178 was a mixed martial arts show that took place on April 21, 2017. Headlining the card was a forth fight between two featherweight warriors, champion Daniel Straus and contender Patricio Pitbull.     The co-main event was a great scrap between two up and coming female fighters in the women’s flyweight division, as Ilima-Lei Macfarlane battled Jessica Middleton. The complete of the card, and results, follow:     Complete Bellator 178 Review – Results:   Daniel Straus vs. Patricio Freire — Freire sub (guillotine) 0:37 R2. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane vs. Jessica Middleton — Macfarlane sub (armbar) 2:15 R1. Ryan Quinn vs. Saad Awad — Awad UD 30-27 X3. A.J. McKee vs. Dominic Mazzotta — McKee KO 1:15 R1. Nick Alley vs. Kastroit Xhema — Xhema KO 3:19 R1. Don Shainis vs. Mak Kelleher — Shainis UD (30-27, 29-28 X2). Regivaldo Carvalho vs. Jason Perrin — Carvalho sub (guillotine) 2:04 R3. Kemran Lachinov vs. Sam Watford — Lachinov SD (30-26 X2, 28-29). John Lopez vs. Remo Cardarelli — Cardarelli UD (30-27, 29-28 X2). Chris Foster vs. Shane Manley — Foster def. Manley (SD). Thomas English vs. Blair Tugman — Tugman sub (bar arm choke) 4:54 R3. Jordan Young vs. Tim Caron — Young sub (d’arce) 3:55 R1. Ed Ruth vs. David Mundell — Ruth TKO 3:13 R2. Tyrell Fortune vs. Branko Busick — Fortune UD 29-27 X3. Billy Giovanella vs. Joshua Ricci — Giovanella def. Ricci.   In this Bellator 178 review, we focus on the behind the scenes action and the experience.

MMA Fight Cards: Previews Schedule:  Nothing this weekend.  Nothing next weekend.

• Upcoming MMA Fight Cards
• Next for: UFC 211  May 13th
• Next for: Bellator 179  May 19th (Fri) The boss talks:  Dana White about:  UFC Minute

• Ronda Rousey
• The Middleweight picture

Have gloves, will travel.  UFC’s upcoming dates/sites.  Going Global!

• Dallas TX May 13th
• Stockholm Sweden May 28th
• Rio de Janeiro June 3rd
• Auckland, New Zealand June 10th
• Kallang, Singapore June 17th
• Oklahoma City June 25th
• Las Vegas July 7th-8th
• Glasgow, Scotland July 16th
• US dates to finish July
• Netherlands Sept 2, Edmonton Sept. 9th, Poland  Oct 21st

MMA Fight Cards

UFC 211 Fight Card Main Card (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Pay-Per-View)

• Stipe Miocic (c)(16-2) vs. Junior dos Santos (18-4)*
• Joanna Jędrzejczyk (c)(13-0) vs. Jéssica Andrade (16-5)**
• Demian Maia (24-6) vs. Jorge Masvidal (32-11)
• Frankie Edgar (21-5-1) vs. Yair Rodriguez (10-1)
• Henry Cejudo (10-2) vs. Sergio Pettis (15-2)

Prelims (8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on FX)

• Eddie Alvarez (28-5) vs. Dustin Poirier (21-5)
• Chas Skelly (17-2) vs. Jason Knight (16-2)
• Krzysztof Jotko (19-1) vs. David Branch (20-3)
• Marco Polo Reyes (7-3) vs. James Vick (10-1)

Prelims (6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on UFC Fight Pass)

• Jessica Aguilar (19-5) vs. Cortney Casey (6-4)
• Jared Gordon (12-1) vs. Michel Quinones (8-1)
• Gabriel Benítez (19-6) vs. Enrique Barzola (13-3-1)
• Chase Sherman (9-3) vs. Dmitry Poberezhets (24-5-1)

*For UFC heavyweight championship **For UFC women’s strawweight championship

 

MMA Fight Cards

UFC 212  
Aldo vs. Holloway

Date: June 3, 2017

Venue: Jeunesse Arena

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

UFC 212 Fight Card

• Jose Aldo (c)(26-2) vs. Max Holloway (ic)(17-3)*
• Anderson Silva (34-8, 1NC) vs. TBA
• Cláudia Gadelha (14-2) vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz (10-1)
• Raphael Assuncao (24-5) vs. Marlon Moraes (18-4-1)
• Johnny Eduardo (28-10) vs. Matthew Lopez (9-1)
• Antonio Carlos Junior (8-2, 1NC) vs. Eric Spicely (10-2)
• Marco Beltran (8-5) vs. Deiveson Alcantara (11-0)
• Erick Silva (19-7, 1NC) vs. Yancy Medeiros (13-4, 1NC)
• Paulo Borrachinha(9-0) vs. Oluwale Bamgbose (6-2)
• Leonardo Santos (16-3-1) vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier (9-2)
• Viviane Pereira (12-0) vs. Jamie Moyle (4-1)
• Luan Chagas (14-2-1) vs. Jim Wallhead (29-10)

*For UFC featherweight unification championship

MMA Fight Cards

Bellator 179: Daley vs. MacDonald Main Card:

Welterweight Main Event: Paul Daley (39-14-2) vs. Rory MacDonald (18-4)

Welterweight Feature Bout: Michael Page (12-0) vs. Derek Anderson (14-3)

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Liam McGeary (12-1) vs. Linton Vassell (17-5)

Heavyweight Feature Bout: Cheick Kongo (26-10-2) vs. Augusto Sakai (9-0-1)

Preliminary Card:

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jay Dods (6-0) vs. Alfie Davis (6-1)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Rob Beech (4-1) vs. Stav Economou (17-5)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Jamie Powell (6-1) vs. Amir Albazi (8-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Umer Kayani (4-3) vs. Nathan Jones (10-5)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Dan Vinni (14-14) vs. Alex Lohore (10-1)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Liam Etebar (6-1) vs. Rafal Cejra Cejrowski (2-0)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (150 lbs.): Jeremy Petley (10-8) vs. Chase Morton (6-3)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Marcin Prostko (4-5) vs. Mike Shipman (9-1)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Salih Kulucan (4-5) vs. Diego Barbosa (3-0)

UFC Fight Rumors

• Frank Shamrock on UFC sale to WME-IMG: ‘Perfect time to get out‘

“Hundred percent. You know, the discord is coming, the regulation is coming, the government oversight is coming. So yeah, that’s the time to get out. The brand’s had a great run, it’s built up. The girl’s beautiful globally, no one knows what it’s really like. Perfect time to get out. I mean, I applaud their business. They’re great business men. I knew they would be super successful with it, but at the same time, I want to be respected at work, I want to be cared for, I want my values to be acknowledged.” UFC Fight Rumors

• Conor McGregor Jr. born with massive Instagram following
• Dana White shoots down Anderson Silva’s interim belt demands

Anderson Silva wants to fight Yoel Romero for the UFC interim middleweight title. Dana White isn’t having any of that.

UFC Fight Rumors

“We will not do an interim title. No. It won’t happen,” White said (transcription via MMAjunkie). “Bisping’s ready, willing and able to fight the actual No. 1 contender, who is Yoel Romero. Anderson Silva’s ranked No. 7 right now. … Anderson’s mad. I didn’t pull Kelvin Gastelum out. Kelvin Gastelum smoked weed, and now he got busted, and we’ve done everything we could to make another fight for Anderson. So it’s nothing we did.”

“Every time for the last however many years, dealing with Anderson is always interesting,” White said. “Obviously, he wants an interim title – obviously, we’re not going to do an interim title. He’s definitely coming out publicly (with his demands). You know my philosophy on that: If you ever say the ‘R’ word, you should probably do it, anyway. If you’re considering retirement, you should probably do it.”

There is no word yet if Anderson is off UFC 212, which is scheduled for June 3rd in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We understand that Silva declined fights against both Luke Rockhold and Vitor Belfort, names that are believed to be on the table to replace Gastelum are Ovince Saint Preux and Mauricio Rua. UFC Fight Rumors

• White: We just lost Conor vs Floyd date to Canelo vs GGG
• GSP has Instagram that he could be fighting at MSG on Tues May 2

Expected MSG card is November. UFC Fight Rumors.

Then he left Instagram video on Friday, May 5th saying,“Mr. Bisping, I cleared my entire schedule to get ready for training camp after the summer. So I can fight you any time after October. You pick the date. Let’s get it on.”

Jump back to last month, Bisping said:“Long story short, it looks like GSP is trying to push for a later date. I heard rumors of that a while ago from Ariel Helwani. I heard that they wanted September/October and that’s what the UFC told me as well. But I’m just throwing it out there right now, if he wants to wait until September or October, then he can go find himself another opponent, buddy. Because I call the shots. Without sounding like an a—hole, it’s my belt. I’m the champion and I’m not willing to sit around until September or October.” UFC Fight Rumors.

• Al Iaquinta acting crazy

“The stories he’s telling are not true,” a UFC official stated off the record. “The premise for his whole beef is not accurate, and I think he’s trying to justify the fact that he thinks he should still get bonuses.”

 

It has been confirmed by MMA Junkie from UFC officials that the bout was the first of a three-fight stretch for Iaquinta in which he’s not eligible to receive a $50,000 fight-night award. The order is a result of three incidents, which Iaquinta has previously discussed.

 

First, he destroyed a hotel room at MGM Grand in Las Vegas following a UFC 183 win over Joe Lauzon. In his next appearance, he cussed on national TV while addressing a belligerent crowd following a controversial split-decision win over Jorge Masvidal.

 

The final straw was no-showing a 2015 UFC fighter summit in Las Vegas. Iaquinta insisted he gave the company fair warning that he would not be attending, but UFC officials said that was not the case.

 

“His story about the summit, the part that he left out was that he never called us to tell us he didn’t get on the plane,” the UFC official told MMAjunkie. “He never called us to tell us not to send a car to the airport to pick him up. We had all these arrangements for the hotel. All these things were arranged, and he never bothered to call us to tell us he wasn’t coming, which I think would make anyone mad.

 

“We sent a car to the airport to pick him up, and he wasn’t there. He never called us to say, ‘I’m not coming.’ Not calling us, not telling us that he wasn’t going to show up, having to send a car to the airport to pick him up, literally, and him not being there – how immature is that? To not call and say, ‘I didn’t make the flight. I’m not coming.’ It’s immature.”

 

“It was a chronic injury, and since it was a chronic injury and not something that happened while training or fighting for us, the insurance denied it,” a UFC official told MMAjunkie. “There were also a number of alternatives that could have been done that would have been covered, but Al insisted on using a specific surgeon back east. The UFC paid tens of thousands of dollars to cover that out of our pocket without any obligation to do so since it was a chronic injury, which means it happened over years and years and years.

 

“Mr. Iaquinta never once called the medical team or (UFC President) Dana (White) to say thank you. Instead, he talks about how he had to beg for it, which is not true. … We agreed to do it. We paid for it. The entire medical team assisted through his surgeon getting this done and getting it paid, and Al never once called anyone to thank them. Instead he goes out on the Internet and says he had to beg for it, which is absolutely, 100 percent false. That’s a lie.”

• UFC 211

   UFC 211 Fight Card

 

   Main Card (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Pay-Per-View)

Stipe Miocic (c)(16-2) vs. Junior dos Santos (18-4) – For UFC heavyweight championship

Joanna Jędrzejczyk (c)(13-0) vs. Jéssica Andrade (16-5) – For UFC women’s strawweight championship

Demian Maia (24-6) vs. Jorge Masvidal (32-11)

Frankie Edgar (21-5-1) vs. Yair Rodriguez (10-1)

Henry Cejudo (10-2) vs. Sergio Pettis (15-2)

 

   Prelims (8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on FX)

Eddie Alvarez (28-5) vs. Dustin Poirier (21-5)

Chas Skelly (17-2) vs. Jason Knight (16-2)

Krzysztof Jotko (19-1) vs. David Branch (20-3)

Marco Polo Reyes (7-3) vs. James Vick (10-1)

 

   Prelims (6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on UFC Fight Pass)

Jessica Aguilar (19-5) vs. Cortney Casey (6-4)

Jared Gordon (12-1) vs. Michel Quinones (8-1)

Gabriel Benítez (19-6) vs. Enrique Barzola (13-3-1)

Chase Sherman (9-3) vs. Rashad Coulter (8-1)

Joachim Christensen (14-4) vs. Gadzhimurad Antigulov (19-4)

• Boxing has stepped up in the absence of MMA the past 2 weekends
• Will Conor Floyd really happen?

McGregor vs. Mayweather is happening

McGregor vs. Mayweather

We preview Bellator 180 – we will be live all week with coverage on octagon247.com! Also on the show:

• Tim Hague in ICU with brain injury – Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tim and his family as Tim fights for his life

 

• Matt Hughes Involved In Car Accident Involving Train – There are conflicting reports at this time, however, it seems that Matt has been stabilized, although he is still not awake.

The UFC legend has “no broken bones or internal injuries,” Hughes’ sister Beth Hughes Ulrici wrote in an official statement from his family.

“He has some minor lacerations and bruising and is currently being weaned from his ventilator,” the statement read. “He is not yet awake and not responding as we would like to see but we see the fight in him.”

Hughes, 43, was seriously injured when he drove a pickup truck onto train tracks in front of a train Friday morning in Raymond, Ill., per Illinois State Police. The train struck the passenger side of his truck. He was airlifted to HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Ill.

• UFC Fight Night 111 Results: Holly Holm Knocks Out Bethe Correia to Lead Card

 

• Covington dominates Dong Yong Kim – calls out Woodley
• Arlovski loses his 5th straight
• Mayweather/McGregor is reality

  McGregor vs. Mayweather

• Will McGregor return to the UFC?
• Bellator 180 preview

Fight card Bellator 180 Main Card (PPV)               Light Heavyweight Chael Sonnen vs. Wanderlei Silva         Heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko vs. Matt Mitrione         Lightweight Michael Chandler (c) vs. Brent Primus         Welterweight Douglas Lima (c) vs. Lorenz Larkin         Lightweight Aaron Pico vs. Zach Freeman         Bellator 180 Card (Spike TV) Light Heavyweight Phil Davis (c) vs. Ryan Bader         Featherweight James Gallagher vs. Chinzo Machida         Welterweight Neiman Gracie vs. Dave Marfone         Women’s Flyweight Heather Hardy vs. Alice Yauger         Bellator 180 Preliminary Card (Bellator.com) Welterweight Ryan Couture vs. Haim Gozali         Lightweight Jerome Mickle vs. Anthony Giacchina         Catchweight (168 lbs) John Salgado vs. Hugh McKenna         Catchweight (130 lbs) Matt Rizzo vs. Sergio da Silva         Lightweight Bradley Desir vs. Nate Grebb

Bellator NYC Podcast

We talks all things Bellator NYC Podcast during our time with you. Also included in this podcast are:

13:59 – Exclusive Octagon 24/7 Interview with Bellator President Scott Coker

 

24:35 – Exlusive Octagon 24/7 Interview with Fedor Emelianenko’s Bellator NYC opponent, Heavyweight Matt Mitrione

 

41:40 – Bellator 180 and Bellator NYC Fight analysis and predictions

The entire podcast – Jim Sahara Mooney acting old

Bellator NYC Podcast – Bellator NYC is a mixed martial arts event scheduled for June 24th, 2017 at world famous Madison Square Garden. This is the second PPV card in the history of the MMA promotion. Bellator’s plans are to build their PPV branding and have a regular schedule of PPV events.

Headling the card is a grudge match years in the making. Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva have continuously verbally, and sometime physically, sparred through their time in the UFC and on The Ultimate Fighters, as opposing coaches. Their battle at the end of the airing of TUF was scrapped due to both fighters having issues with drug testing prior to their bout. Years later, they are ready to settle the score and put an end to this saga.

In the co-main, the legendary Fedor Emelianenko will be battling Matt Mitrione in a battle that is sure to produce fireworks. Fedor is widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight fighter in MMA history and Mitrione is an athletic, skillful and intelligent fighter who will be looking to use Fedor’s legend to boost his own.

This stacked card features three title fights in bouts that Bellator is hoping to boost their brand and their impact on the MMA landscape. By combining skilled veterans of MMA that are well known and respected and having their own young, talented stable of fighters, Bellator is closing the distance between their promotion and the worldwide leader of MMA, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC. Bellator NYC Podcast

McGregor-Mayweather Analysis is a lot of our discussion in this episode, but also:

1. Bellator NYC – Feedback from our live coverage
2. Is James Gallagher the poor man’s Conor McGregor
3. Tons of McGregor-Mayweather analysis and discussion and quite a bit of disagreement

☐ Bellator NYC

• Chael Sonnen did to Wanderlei Silva exactly what I suspected. That was the one fight on the card that I pretty much nailed down in my pre-fight predictions during the Bellator NYC Special Edition MMA Fancast Podcast. It was hard for me to hear exactly what Chael said in regard to Fedor in the post-fight interview with Jimmy Smith in the ring, but it sounded to me like he was calling Fedor out. Does that mean that this fight will, or even should, happen? I would think not. McGregor-Mayweather Analysis • I am curious to see what Wanderlei decides to do at this point. It was pretty clear to me that he is only a shell of the fighter that he once was and, after a four-year layoff, it is clear that his better days are behind him. That being said, he is still a draw for a promotion that is still heavily dependent on big draws as opposed to having world-class fighters headlining. • Some people say they have grown tired of the whole “Chael” schtick. I will just come out now and say that I am not one of those people. Are there moments that I grow tired of some of the things that he says? Absolutely. At the same time, there are also moments that he comes up big and shows his genius. Case in point: (video of the sweet potato comment from the presser) • For the amount of anger that Wanderlei showed at the presser and throughout the entire promotion of this fight, I did not see a fighter that was so eager to get his hands on Chael. Also of note, it was incredibly disappointing to see a complete lack of readiness to even come remotely close to anything that resembled takedown defense from Silva. It was as if he were in a boxing match and was completely taken by surprise that someone was going to shoot on his legs in an effort to secure a takedown. • It is sometimes very difficult for me to tell when Chael is being sarcastic and sincere. He is sarcastic most of the time, at least it seems to me, that when he is being sincere I am waiting for the next line or how he is using the sincerity as a set-up. • Neiman Gracie made the most of the opportunity to be on the PPV portion of the card with a very nice performance against Marfone. • It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for Gracie. The welterweight division in Bellator is not the deepest division in the world and it begs the question of how many fights until he is in title contention. • Matt Mitrione made a household name of himself with a legendary win against a legend. A double knockdown? Are you kidding me? The difference in the fight had little to do with anything except Mitrione’s shot knocking Fedor to his back and Fedor’s shot only knocking Mitrione to his butt, which then led to a race to get up and on top of the other first, which Meathead won. • Mitrione is such a down to earth guy, how can you not love him? He’s just a cool, personable guy and that was on display very clearly in the cage during the post-fight interview with Jimmy Smith. That said, what is on the horizon for him? Does he have a reasonable next fight? Roy Nelson? • Scott Coker made a reference that there was going to be an upcoming announcement concerning the heavyweight division and that they were going to be focusing on it. With not current champion, is a 4-man tournament on the horizon? • What is next for Fedor? Does he continue to fight? Does he go back to Russia to fight? I would like to see him discontinue his fighting career as I feel he can only tarnish his legacy and I would hate to see that happen. • Brent Primus was loudly booed at MSG. Very unfortunate. There was nothing random or undeserving of his win. He caused the injury to Chandler that led to the fight being stopped. They guy scores a monumental upset and it is unfortunate for him that it was greeted by a chorus of boos. • Speaking of that injury to Michael Chandler… wow! Ouch! I have not seen replays of the cause of the injury, but here is what I did see – very early in the fight, Primus threw a leg kick at Chandler to his thigh. At that point, Chandler started reaching repeatedly to his thigh. And things just went downhill for him from there. It was as if there was some type of nerve damage or something. To me, it looked as if he didn’t have feeling in his leg and that is why he kept turning over his ankle. Regardless, it was hard to watch – it reminded me of a horse with a broken leg trying to run.

☐ James Gallagher (Galla — hey) of Bellator, Poor man’s Conor McGregor

 

☐ Scott Coker to UFC: You’re putting Conor McGregor ‘in harm’s way’ in Floyd Mayweather fight – McGregor-Mayweather Analysis

As a fellow fight promoter, rival Scott Coker disagrees. According to Bellator’s CEO, there actually could be long-term repercussions that could affect the UFC’s biggest superstar.

“Obviously, it’s gonna be a big money maker for everybody and that’s why they’re doing it. But you’re putting your fighter in harm’s way, so what’s the long-term impact on that? I’m not sure. But I’ll tell you this: It’ll be a lot of fun to watch,” Coker told MMA Fighting. McGregor-Mayweather Analysis

☐ Conor McGregor is a ‘free agent’ for Mayweather fight sponsorships, not tied to Reebok – McGregor-Mayweather Analysis ☐ MayMac 10 city tour – McGregor-Mayweather Analysis ☐ McGregor tells Dana White that he wants Khabib after Mayweather fight – McGregor-Mayweather Analysis ☐ Preview of UFC International Fight Week

UFC 213 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass. The night before, The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale takes place at T-Mobile Arena and airs on FS1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

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But in the buildup to both events, “International Fight Week” will be in full swing around T-Mobile Arena on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip.

On Wednesday, fans can attend a live taping of FS1 weekly show “UFC Tonight,” as well as a live taping of FS1’s “TUF Talk.” Both events will take place at Park Theater at Monte Carlo, adjacent to T-Mobile Arena. The “UFC Tonight” taping will take place at noon PT local time. The “TUF Talk” taping begins at 7:30 p.m.

Also on Wednesday, fans can attend open workouts for fighters appearing on the TUF 25 Finale and UFC 213 cards. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., and the first fighter will work out at 1 p.m. The TUF 25 Finale is headlined by a lightweight fight between Michael Johnson and former WSOF champion Justin Gaethje. UFC 213 is headlined by a women’s bantamweight title fight between champ Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko. In the co-feature, Robert Whittaker meets Yoel Romero for the interim middleweight title.

Additionally, there will be a “Women of UFC” panel discussion at Park Theater at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday moderated by Megan Olivi. The panel will feature current strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, upcoming featherweight title challenger Cristiana Justino, former bantamweight champion Miesha Tate, and current strawweight contenders Michelle Waterson and Paige VanZant. The show will make its way to UFC Fight Pass that day, as well.

On Thursday, fans can attend a “UFC Legends” panel discussion at Park Theater. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. PT and the session starts at 3 p.m. with participants yet to be announced. At 4 p.m., the ceremonial weigh-ins for the TUF 25 Finale take place at Park Theater. And at 7:30 p.m., also at Park Theater, the UFC’s 2017 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place. The free ticketed event will open its doors at 6:30 p.m.

On Friday, fans can attend autograph sessions with more than a dozen fighters and fight personalities in the lobby of T-Mobile Arena. Between 9-11 a.m. PT, fans can meet Joseph Benavidez, Misha Cirkunov, Tony Ferguson, Cody Garbrandt, Jedrzejczyk, Anthony Johnson, Julianna Pena, Stephen Thompson, James Vick, Waterson, and Octagon Girls Luciana Andrade, Chrissy Blair and Vanessa Hanson.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the UFC’s “Fan Experience” will take place in Toshiba Plaza outside T-Mobile Arena. Additionally, doors open for the UFC 213 ceremonial weigh-ins at 1 p.m. at Park Theater and the first fighter will step on the scale at 2 p.m. Immediately after, the TUF 25 Finale kicks off at 3 p.m. inside T-Mobile Arena.

On Saturday, there are more than two dozen additional autograph and meet-and-greet opportunities in the T-Mobile Arena Lobby. From 9-10:30 a.m. PT, fans can meet UFC Hall of Famers Urijah Faber and Tito Ortiz, heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic, Ferguson, Claudia Gadelha, Kevin Lee, Raquel Pennington, Dustin Poirier and Tate. Additionally, Octagon Girls Red Dela Cruz and Brooklyn Wren will be on hand, as will play-by-play voice Jon Anik and Olivi.

From 10:30 a.m. to noon, fans can meet UFC Hall of Famers Don Frye, Forrest Griffin, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Bas Rutten, featherweight champ Max Holloway, Jorge Masvidal, Rose Namajunas, Francis Ngannou, Vick and Waterson, plus Octagon Girls Arianny Celeste, Brittney Palmer and Jamillette Gaxiola.

The UFC Fan Experience also will take place Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. in Toshiba Plaza leading into UFC 213, which starts at 3:30 p.m. inside T-Mobile Arena. At 10 p.m. PT, the UFC’s official after-party for UFC 213 will take place at Hakkasan inside MGM Grand Las Vegas. McGregor-Mayweather Analysis

   The TUF 25 Finale lineup includes:

MAIN CARD (FS1, 9 p.m. ET)

Michael Johnson vs. Justin Gaethje TBA vs. TBA – TUF 25 final Marc Diakiese vs. Drakkar Klose Steve Bosse vs. Jared Cannonier Brad Tavares vs. Elias Theodorou Marcel Fortuna vs. Jordan Johnson PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1, 7 p.m. ET)

Angela Hill vs. Ashley Yoder C.B. Dollaway vs. Ed Herman Jessica Eye vs. Aspen Ladd PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 6 p.m. ET)

Teruto Ishihara vs. Gray Maynard Juliana Lima vs. Tecia Torres

   The UFC 213 lineup includes:

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

Champ Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko – for women’s bantamweight title Yoel Romero vs. Robert Whittaker – for interim middleweight title Curtis Blaydes vs. Daniel Omielanczuk Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum Jim Miller vs. Anthony Pettis PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1, 8 p.m. ET)

Travis Browne vs. Aleksei Oleinik Brian Camozzi vs. Chad Laprise Gerald Meerschaert vs. Thiago “Marreta” Santos Jordan Mein vs. Belal Muhammad PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 6:30 p.m. ET)

Rob Font vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade Cody Stamann vs. Terrion Ware James Bochnovic vs. Trevin Giles

McGregor-Mayweather Analysis

The UFC 213 Recap Dominates This Episode, Here’s the quick rundown:

1. Amanda Nunes bails on defending her belt after making weight and being cleared by doctors to fight
2. Justin Gaethje made a huge debut in the UFC
3. McGregor-Mayweather press conferences have been set, what can we expect?

UFC 213 Recap – Amanda Nunes pulls out of fight the day of title defense

What should the fallout be?

 

 

UFC 213 Recap: Results PPV Card

Robert Whittaker def. Yoel Romero via unanimous decision

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Alistair Overeem def. Fabricio Werdum via majority decision

 

Curtis Blaydes def. Daniel Omielanczuk via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Anthony Pettis def. Jim Miller via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Rob Font def. Douglas Silva de Andrade via sub (guillotine) (R2, 4:36)

 

FS1 Undercard

Oleksiy Oliynyk def. Travis Browne via submission (RNC) (R2, 3:44)

Chad Laprise def. Brian Camozzi via third-round TKO (1:27)

Thiago Santos def. Gerald Meerschaert via second-round TKO (2:04)

Belal Muhammad def. Jordan Mein via unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)

Cody Stamann def. Terrion Ware via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

Trevin Giles def. James Bochnovic via second-round TKO (2:54)

 

Amazing fight on TUF 25 Finale – Justin Gaethje ko’s Michael Johnson

 

What lies ahead?

Mayweather McGregor press conferences set

 

Tuesday, July 11

The Staples Center – Los Angeles, CA.

 

Wednesday, July 12

Sony Centre for the Performing Arts – Toronto, Canada

 

Thursday, July 13

Barclays Center – Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

Friday, July 14

The SSE Arena, Wembley – London

 

Dana White’s Contender Series starts Tuesday, July 11

 

Bellator 181 in Thackerville Oklahoma on Friday, July 14

Headlined by Derek Campos and Brandon Girtz in a lightweight clash

Valerie Latourneau making her Bellator debut

 

UFC Fight Night 113 in Glasgow Scotland, Sunday July 16

Pretty uneventful card

Headlined by Gunnar Nelson vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio

 

UFC on FOX 25 in Uniondale NY on Saturday, July 22

Chris Weidman vs. Kelvin Gastelum

Dennis Bermudez vs. Darren Elkins

Gian Villante vs. Patrick Cummins

Jimmie Rivera vs. Thomas Almeida

Ryan LaFlare vs. Alex Oliveira

Lyman Good vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

Frankie Perez vs. Chris Wade

Shane Burgos vs. Godofredo Pepey

Kyle Bochniak vs. Jeremy Kennedy

Christian Colombo vs. Damian Grabowski

Timothy Johnson vs. Junior Albini

Rafael Natal vs. Alessio Di Chirico

Brian Kelleher vs. Marlon Vera

UFC 213 Recap

MayMacWorldTour Recap

MayMacWorldTour Recap

Episode Notes

7:03 – LA Conor predicts win inside 4 rounds

9:52 – LA  Floyd talks about his legacy, how great he is

MayMacWorldTour Recap

14:35 – Toronto Conor does this mic work?

15:35 – Toronto Conor Crowd F The Mayweathers

21:11 – Toronto Conor 28 years old compared to Floyd

23:41 0 Toronto Conor His head is too small

24:56 – Toronto Conor you’re 40, dress your age, schoolbag

26:55 – Toronto Floyd the fans can’t fight for you

27:46 – Toronto Floyd being at the top for 21 years

28:25 – Toronto Floyd mocks Conor as quitter

37:58 – Toronto Floyd grabs flag Conor grabs schoolbag

MayMacWorldTour Recap

40:29 – NY Conor highlights

44:33 – NY Floyd highlights

47:26 – NY – Floyd quitter again

MayMacWorldTour Recap

50:13 – London Conor highlights

56:18 – London Floyd highlights

MayMacWorldTour Recap

1:09:21 – McGregor wants Khabib next (or Diaz trilogy)

1:12:08 – Mousasi signs with Bellator

1:18:00 – UFC Fight Night 116 Coming To Pittsburgh!!!!

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MayMacWorldTour Recap

Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor will square off in a boxing match that is expected to be the highest grossing sporting event in history.

Floyd Mayweather comes out of retirement and brings his undefeated 49-0 boxing record with him to square of against the brash, outspoken and fan favorite Conor McGregor. McGregor will be making his boxing debut. He has made an historic rise through the UFC, becoming the first ever fighter to hold belts in multiple weight classes at the same time.

What will happen when a young gun brings his elite level MMA striking to the ring against an aging boxing great? What will happen when youth and inexperience face off against wisdom and age? What will happen when two of combats sports all time greatest promoters put on the gloves to settle the score?

We will talk all this and much, much more, right here on MMA Fancast!

UFC on Fox 25 Preview Embed from Getty Images  

 

UFC on Fox 25 Preview

2:42 – UFC on Fox 25 Card Overview

5:24 – Damian Grabowski vs. Chase Sherman

10:16 – Ryan LaFlare vs. Alex Oliveira

17:09 – Jimmie Rivera vs. Thomas Almeida

30:27 – Patrick Cummins vs. Gian Villante

35:30 – Dennis Bermudez vs. Darren Elkins

42:21 – Chris Weidman vs. Kelvin Gastelum

54:57 – Brock rumors – will he return?

UFC 214 Anaheim overview – Volkan Oezdemir vs. Jimi Manuwa – Robbie Lawler vs. Donald Cerrone – Cris Cyborg vs.Tonya Evinger – Tyron Woodley vs. Damien Maia – Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones

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Pittsburgh’s own Mark Cherico to be featured on Dana White’s Contender Series – Reactions to UFC Fight Night 116 announcement – the return of Luke Rockhold – Jon Jones vs. Brock Lesnar?

UFC 214 Post Fight Analysis

UFC 214 Post Fight Analysis – Jon Jones kicks his way back to gold against Daniel Cormier, Ryan’s prediction was WRONG! – Jon Jones called out Brock Lesnar after the fight! – Tyron Woodley bores everyone to defend against Demian Maia – Cris Cyborg goes conservative for a couple rounds before turning it up on Tonya Evinger – Donald Cerrone gets robbed against Robbie Lawler – Jimi Manuwa feels the insane power of Volkan Oezdemir – Drew Dober punches through the world to end Josh Burkman’s night.

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UFC 214 Post Fight Analysis

UFC Upcoming Events

We do not hate Jon Jones!

UFC Fight Night 114 Discussion – The growth of Sergio Pettis -Should Rashad Evans retire?

Cyborg exploring boxing options?

UFC Upcoming Events – Conor McGregor/ Floyd Mayweather debate

UFC Upcoming Events – Paige Van Zant vs. Jessica Eye added to UFC 216

UFC 217 in MSG fight rumors

Looking ahead at the UFC 215 Card and who will be the UFC 215’s last main card fight?

As a reminder, UFC Pittsburgh tickets are now on sale!

Be sure to check out all of our latest MMA articles on www.octagon247.com  including the one last week chronicling the aftermath of Jon Jones.

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Mark Cherico UFC Debut

 

Michael Bisping’s potential boxing match against Tony Bellew.

The NSAC ruled against their standing rules and will allow Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather to wear 8 oz. gloves for their boxing match. Who does it favor?

Mark Cherico UFC debut is set for August 22nd on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.

Conor McGregor is financially restrained from throwing kicks in his fight with Floyd Mayweather.

Matt Hughes recovery update and reminiscing over his Frank Trigg victory

How good will the Steelers be this year?

Penn State/ Michigan game October 21st and the Foo Fighters handcuffs on Andrew.

Gegard Mousasi set to debut for at Bellator 185 on October 20. How dominant can he be?

Mike Winklejohn (Holly Holm’s coach) spoke out about Holm “picking apart” Cris Cyborg. Our thoughts and Cyborg’s reaction.

UFC Lightweight interim title fight between Kevin Lee and Tony Ferguson scheduled for UFC 216. Our reactions.

Anthony Pettis and Dustin Poirier scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night: Norfolk on November 11.

Breaking down the Pittsburgh card: Thiago Alves/ Mike Perry, Hector Lombard/ Anthony Smith, Krzysztof Jotko/ Uriah Hall, Kamara Usman/ Sergio Moraes, and Luke Rockhold/ David Branch

Frank Mir has signed with Bellator. How well will he do?

Brock Lesnar continues to tease a potential comeback to the UFC and why Paul Heyman must come back with him if he decides to do so.

Mark Cherico UFC debut

Be sure to tune in next week for Mark Cherico news and complete coverage of Conor McGregor/ Floyd Mayweather

As a reminder, UFC Pittsburgh tickets are now on sale!

Be sure to check out all of our latest MMA articles at Octagon 24/7 including the one last week chronicling the aftermath of Jon Jones.

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This podcast episode features: Mark Cherico MMA – He fights in the UFC today!

Lyoto Machida vs. Derek Brunson confirmed for UFC Fight Night 119 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 28th. Is this the end for the ‘Dragon?’

Fabricio Werdum accepts fight against Derrick Lewis instead of Mark Hunt at UFC 216 on October 7th and Mark Hunt’s reaction.

Is Tony Ferguson vs. Kevin Lee for the interim UFC lightweight championship a big enough draw to headline UFC 216?

Diego Sanchez vs. Matt Brown is scheduled for November 11th at UFC Fight Night 120 in Norfolk, Virginia, and why Sanchez is in trouble.

Andre Arlovski vs. Junior Albini is also scheduled for UFC Fight Night 120, and why is Arlovski still fighting?

Reminiscing about the Andre Arlovski of the past.

War hero, veteran fighter, family man, and excellent UFC analyst Brian Stann is retiring from his role with the UFC. Stann is accepting a leadership position with a real estate firm and pursuing an Executive MBA from Northwestern.

Junior dos Santos tested positive for a banned substance and was pulled from his UFC 215 fight against Francis Ngannou. Can the UFC find him a replacement?

The state of the heavyweight division.

Mark Cherico MMA of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, fights August 22nd, on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.

 

Be sure to tune in next week for Mark Cherico news and complete coverage of Conor McGregor/ Floyd Mayweather

As a reminder, UFC Pittsburgh tickets are now on sale!

Be sure to check out all of our latest MMA articles at Octagon 24/7 including the one last week of our breakdown of Mark Cherico vs. Mike Santiago.

Mark Cherico MMA – Also check out our exclusive interview with Mark Cherico and Dominic Mazzota.

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McGregor destroy Mayweather?

McGregor destroy Mayweather? Really? Listen and find out!

Features: Everything McGregor/ Mayweather -McGregor destroy Mayweather?

Mark Cherico’s performance on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series and his future

Jon Jones’ latest failed drug test. Is this the end for the most talented fighter of all time?

Should athletes be more weary of supplements and avoiding tainted supplements?

Will George St.-Pierre and Michael Bisping ever make their fight official and how concerned are we?

Quick reminder that Octagon247 will be at UFC 217 and all regional coverage s be sure to stop by and say hi!

Cody Garbrandt vs. TJ Dillashaw has been confirmed as a co-main event at UFC 217. Our panel is split in a fight that could produce a career defining performance.

The depth of UFC 217 and Ryan’s sleeper pick, the undefeated Paulo Borrachinha takes on Johny Hendricks.

The fall of Johny Hendricks and how close is he to the end.

Jorge Masvidal vs. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson has been confirmed for UFC 217. Why Masvidal is in the worst match-up in his division.

Nick Diaz vs. Masvidal, Diaz vs. Wonderyboy? Neither will ever happen, but we would love to see either.

Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather predictions -McGregor destroy Mayweather?

Debating the fighting styles, cardio, and if Mayweather is taking this fight seriously.

Anthony Joshua is willing to fight MMA, one catch though, no submissions. Wait, what?

Reminiscing on the world beater that Roy Jones Jr. once was. McGregor destroy Mayweather?

Be sure to tune in next week for complete reaction to Conor McGregor/ Floyd Mayweather and UFC 215!

As a reminder, UFC Pittsburgh tickets are now on sale!

Be sure to check out all of our latest MMA articles at Octagon 24/7 including an upcoming piece about “The Money Fight” and Jon Jones’ Meteoric Rise and Imminent Meteoric Descent.

Mark Cherico MMA – Also check out our exclusive interview with Mark Cherico and Dominic Mazzota.

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MayMac Reactions, UFC Fight Night 115, and UFC 215

Addressing the round by round scoring of Mayweather vs. McGregor

Discussing our reactions to the key moments in the fight and the final decision.

Floyd Mayweather turned his back to McGregor several times during the fight. Is this a smart strategy or exposing a flaw in boxing?

Was this boxing match a win-win for scenario and more importantly, was it a win for MMA?

Quick MayMac break to confirm GSP vs. Michael Bisping has been made official.

Revisiting our predictions to Mayweather vs. McGregor and who was the closest.

We fall into the Jon Jones rabbit hole to discuss his meteoric rise, subsequent fall, and speak on his lost heavyweight potential.

What is next for Conor McGregor? Nurmagomedov? Ferguson/ Lee? Diaz?

Khabib’s weight cutting issues severely limit his lightweight potential.

The depth of the lightweight division.

Francis Ngannou scratched from UFC 215.

UFC Fight Night 115: previewing Volkov vs. Struve

Analyzing Volkov’s decision power and life after Struve.

UFC 215 Preview

Jeremy Stephens vs. Gilbert Melendez: Diving into the history of both and Melendez’s potential at 145.

Latifi vs. Pedro: UFC creating a platform to showcase Pedro.

Neil Magny vs. RDA and will RDA ever be a champion again?

MayMac Reactions

 

Be sure to tune in next week for a complete preview of UFC 215 complete with analysis and predictions!

As a reminder, UFC Pittsburgh tickets are now on sale!

Be sure to check out all of our latest MMA articles at Octagon 24/7 including an upcoming piece about “The Money Fight” and Jon Jones’ Meteoric Rise and Imminent Meteoric Descent.

Mark Cherico MMA – Also check out our exclusive interview with Mark Cherico and Dominic Mazzota.

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E41 – UFC 215 – Mighty Mouse Attempts to make history by defending a UFC title an unprecedented 11 times!

Prefer video podcasts? Find us on YouTube!

 

MayMac streaming issues including Sahara’s own problems with the broadcast.

UFC has decided to work with a new streaming partner FITE TV and will broadcast UFC 215 this week.

Discussing Jose Aldo’s recent negative comments involving Conor McGregor. Are these comments merited or is Aldo simply a sore loser?

Nobody takes a loss like Conor McGregor and why is Aldo struggling to get past his UFC 194 loss to Conor McGregor?

MayMac PPV numbers are not as high as Dana White initially projected. How low are they?

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson and the pound-for-pound rankings.

UFC 215 Prelims prediction: Sara McMann vs. Ketlen Vieira. McMann’s under-the-radar streak.

UFC 215 Main Card predictions: Gilbert Melendez vs. Jeremy Stephens. The brawl to start the card!

Ilir Latifi vs. Tyson Pedro, can the newcomer Pedro make a name for himself?

Neil Magny vs. Rafael dos Anjos, Magny’s outside range against RDA’s inside power.

Valentina Shevchenko vs. Amanda Nunes, a fight of the night contender, we revisit their first fight and discuss Nunes’ future in the division.

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson vs. Ray Borg, the experience and skill of DJ will be too much for the 24 year-old Borg.

Be sure to tune in next week for complete reaction to UFC 215 as well as an extensive preview/ breakdown of UFC Fight Night 115 in Pittsburgh.

As a reminder, UFC Pittsburgh tickets are still available!

Be sure to check out all of our latest MMA articles at Octagon 24/7 including an upcoming piece about the underappreciated dominance of Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.

Mark Cherico fans – Check out our exclusive interview with Mark Cherico and Dominic Mazzota.

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  UFC 215 Recap and UFC Fight Night 116 Pittsburgh Preview UFC 215 Recap

UFC Fight Night 116 Pittsburgh

Gilbert Melendez vs. Jeremy Stephens, what’s next for Stephens?

Prefer video podcasts?

 

Is Yair Rodriguez good enough for top competition yet?

Illir Latifi vs. Tyson Pedro, Pedro’s potential shown bright for the future.

Henry Cejudo vs. Wilson Reis and Cejudo’s performance of the night!

Should Mighty Mouse have lobbied for a fight against Cejudo to save the main event?

Neil Magny vs. RDA, where does RDA go next in the division? Does he already deserve a title shot?

Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko, did either woman really win?

Briefly discussing Ray Borg and the weight cutting problems in MMA.

UFC Fight Night 116 Pittsburgh Preview

Discussing the absolute travesty of the UFC not having any Pittsburgh fighters on this card.

David Branch’s NSFW interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani and why he is building interest,

Predictions

David Branch vs. Luke Rockhold, will Branch finally break through in the UFC against a former champion?

Mike Perry vs. Thiago Alves , how powerful is ‘Platinum’ and will Alves’ fighter years catch up?

Hector Lombard vs. Anthony Smith, Will Lombard’s experience outweigh Smith’s youthful dominance?

Gregor Gillespie vs. Jason Gonzalez, the classic power versus submissions match-up.

Kamaru Usman vs. Sergio Moraes, the “Nigerian Nightmare” vs. “The Panther,” need we say more?

Justin Ledet vs. Zu Anyanwu, Ledet is on an undefeated hot streak and Anyanwu is stepping in on short notice. Can he pull off the upset?

A brief look at the undercard. UFC Fight Night 116 Pittsburgh Preview

 

 

As a reminder, UFC Pittsburgh tickets are still available and the event is THIS Saturday!

Be sure to check out all of our latest MMA articles at Octagon 24/7 including a recent piece about the underappreciated dominance of Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.

Mark Cherico fans – Check out our exclusive interview with Mark Cherico and Dominic Mazzota.

Like Octagon 24/7 on Facebook!

Subscribe to our YouTube page!

Follow us on Twitter!

Check out our brand new Instagram!

Subscribe, rate and review our podcast, MMA Fancast, on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast and it is now available on our YouTube page!

Rockhold UFC Pittsburgh

UFC Fight Night 116 (Pittsburgh)

❏ UFC Fight Night 116 recap - Rockhold UFC Pittsburgh The event drew just 7,005 fans for a gate of $396,190.75. Per MMA Junkie, that is the lowest live gate of the year. Rockhold UFC Pittsburgh

❏ What went right at UFC Fight Night 116? ❏ What was wrong with UFC Fight Night 116?

Rockhold Pittsburgh

❏ Ryan's interview with Luke Rockhold ❏ What is next for Luke Rockhold? ❏ What is next for David Branch?

Rockhold Pittsburgh

❏ Ryan's interview with Mike Perry ❏ What is next for Mike Perry? ❏ Thoughts on the remainder of the UFC Fight Night 116 Pittsburgh card and reacting to Justin Ledet split decision victory

Around The Corner

❏ Rumored bout Jacare vs. Weidman? Late Dec early Jan per Souza's manager Gilberto Faria ❏ UFC Fight Night: Okami vs. Saint Preux fight card Main Card (FXX, 10 PM ET)

Ovince Saint Preux vs. Yushin Okami Jessica Andrade vs. Claudia Gadelha Takanori Gomi vs. Dong Hyun Kim Gokhan Saki vs. Luis Henrique Rolando Dy vs. Teruto Ishihara Mizuto Hirota vs. Charles Rosa

Preliminary Card (FXX, 8 PM ET)

Alex Morono vs. Keita Nakamura Jussier Formiga vs. Ulka Sasaki Chan-Mi Jeon vs. Syuri Kondo Shinsho Anzai vs. Luke Jumeau

Preliminary Card (Fight Pass, 7:30 PM ET)

Daichi Abe vs. Hyun Gyu Lim

How does the UFC keep fighters from dropping out?

❏ St. Preux original opponent Shogun out ❏ Addressing major fighters dropping out late on card?

Looking Ahead - Great Fights

Bellator 183 Sept 23rd, Spike TV Benson Henderson vs. Patricky Freire Roy Nelson Bellator debut vs. Javy Ayala Paul Daley vs. Lorenz Larkin Aaron Pico fights again vs. Justin Linn

UFC 216 Oct 7th, PPV, Las Vegas Tony Ferguson vs. Kevin Lee Mighty Mouse vs. Ray Borg Derrick Lewis vs. Fabricio Werdum Jessica Eye vs Paige Van Zant

Bellator 185 Oct 20th, Spike TV, Uncasville CT Gegard Mousasi vs. Alexander Shlemenko Muhommed Lawal vs. Liam McGeary

UFC Fight Night 119 Oct 28th, FS1, Sao Paulo, Brazil Lyoto Machida vs. Derek Brunson Colby Covington vs. Demian Maia

 

Be sure to check out all of our latest MMA articles at Octagon 24/7 !

Mark Cherico fans – Check out our exclusive interview with Mark Cherico and Dominic Mazzota.

Like Octagon 24/7 on Facebook!

Subscribe to our YouTube page!

Follow us on Twitter!

Check out our brand new Instagram!

Subscribe, rate and review our podcast, MMA Fancast, on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast and it is now available on our YouTube page!

Rockhold UFC Pittsburgh

UFC Fight Night 116 (Pittsburgh)

❏ UFC Fight Night 116 recap – Rockhold UFC Pittsburgh The event drew just 7,005 fans for a gate of $396,190.75. Per MMA Junkie, that is the lowest live gate of the year. Rockhold UFC Pittsburgh

❏ What went right at UFC Fight Night 116? ❏ What was wrong with UFC Fight Night 116?

Rockhold Pittsburgh

❏ Ryan’s interview with Luke Rockhold ❏ What is next for Luke Rockhold? ❏ What is next for David Branch?

Rockhold Pittsburgh

❏ Ryan’s interview with Mike Perry ❏ What is next for Mike Perry? ❏ Thoughts on the remainder of the UFC Fight Night 116 Pittsburgh card and reacting to Justin Ledet split decision victory

Around The Corner

❏ Rumored bout Jacare vs. Weidman? Late Dec early Jan per Souza’s manager Gilberto Faria ❏ UFC Fight Night: Okami vs. Saint Preux fight card Main Card (FXX, 10 PM ET)

Ovince Saint Preux vs. Yushin Okami Jessica Andrade vs. Claudia Gadelha Takanori Gomi vs. Dong Hyun Kim Gokhan Saki vs. Luis Henrique Rolando Dy vs. Teruto Ishihara Mizuto Hirota vs. Charles Rosa

Preliminary Card (FXX, 8 PM ET)

Alex Morono vs. Keita Nakamura Jussier Formiga vs. Ulka Sasaki Chan-Mi Jeon vs. Syuri Kondo Shinsho Anzai vs. Luke Jumeau

Preliminary Card (Fight Pass, 7:30 PM ET)

Daichi Abe vs. Hyun Gyu Lim

How does the UFC keep fighters from dropping out?

❏ St. Preux original opponent Shogun out ❏ Addressing major fighters dropping out late on card?

Looking Ahead – Great Fights

Bellator 183 Sept 23rd, Spike TV Benson Henderson vs. Patricky Freire Roy Nelson Bellator debut vs. Javy Ayala Paul Daley vs. Lorenz Larkin Aaron Pico fights again vs. Justin Linn

UFC 216 Oct 7th, PPV, Las Vegas Tony Ferguson vs. Kevin Lee Mighty Mouse vs. Ray Borg Derrick Lewis vs. Fabricio Werdum Jessica Eye vs Paige Van Zant

Bellator 185 Oct 20th, Spike TV, Uncasville CT Gegard Mousasi vs. Alexander Shlemenko Muhommed Lawal vs. Liam McGeary

UFC Fight Night 119 Oct 28th, FS1, Sao Paulo, Brazil Lyoto Machida vs. Derek Brunson Colby Covington vs. Demian Maia

 

Be sure to check out all of our latest MMA articles at Octagon 24/7 !

Mark Cherico fans – Check out our exclusive interview with Mark Cherico and Dominic Mazzota.

Like Octagon 24/7 on Facebook!

Subscribe to our YouTube page!

Follow us on Twitter!

Check out our brand new Instagram!

Subscribe, rate and review our podcast, MMA Fancast, on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast and it is now available on our YouTube page!

Rockhold UFC Pittsburgh

Kaden Cassidy won the PA 138lb State AA title for Bedford High School in March 2020- going 38-0 his senior year and amassing a 105-7 career HS record. Kaden shares his thoughts on his wrestling career, future plans and transition to MMA. Cassidy fights for 247 Fighting Championship on November 25th. Tickets available at https://www.247fighting.com/buy-tickets/

Undefeated amateur MMA fighter Cam Allgeier shares about his training, mindset and expectations of his upcoming fight on March 14th. 

Lisa Edinger looks back on the history she made by becoming the first ever female Pro Muay Thai Champion in PA for USKA. Lisa talks about the process of opening her own gym- Burning Spirits Muay Thai, getting ready for an overseas fight, and how Muay Thai can be used in MMA. 

AOW Pro Middleweight Andre Petroski talks his recent title defense. 

Justin Pippens is ready for his MMA debut!

Alan Liu talks about his MMA fights so far, training and his mindset of his upcoming fight.

Al "Sweetness" Matavao (8-2 MMA) talks about growing up in American Samoa, moving to Alaska, getting into MMA and his career so far. Sweetness talks his upcoming opponent and shares his plans for his DWCS fight on September 8th.

Aaron Jeffrey (9-2) is on a 3 fight KO streak, ranked #2 in Canada in #8 in USA at pro middleweight and is preparing for a championship fight March 12th fight in Philadelphia, PA that will be on UFC fight pass. Hear all about his journey into mma, career so far and plans going forward. SHOW LESS

Orion "Galaxy" Cosce (7-0) previews his UFC 255 fight vs Nicolas Dalby, talks mental stimulus training, the importance of pressure in a fight and his plans to get a finish. *strong language*

Josh Fremd headlined LFA 98 and won by KO in just over 2 minutes into round one. Josh is a top middleweight prospect with three first round KO wins in a row with 6 of his 7 pros wins coming by finish. Josh talks about the emotions of winning, technical progression in his career, his move to training in Colorado and fighting three times in six months. Fremd sees himself making an impact in the UFC. Josh encourages listeners that "their situation is not their destination".

Tapology's #1 in the nation 125lb fighter Sean Santella comes on the show to talk his big announcement of being in the Brave CF 8 man flyweight tournament. 

Kyle VanderLaan talks about his high school wrestling career at West Springfield HS in VA, Ohio Valley University, training at Marietta Combat Sports and fighting for 247 Fighting Championships on November 25th. Tickets are available through https://www.247fighting.com/buy-tickets/.

Dylan Harnish (2-0 MMA) takes on Alan Liu (2-0 MMA) in a battle of undefeated amateur fighters. Dylan shares about training at team alpha male, taking a boxing fight in September and his thoughts on his next fight. It all goes down on November 28th. For tickets go to https://www.247fighting.com/buy-tickets/.

Luke gives his predictions for the three title fights and reasons why the challengers can come away with the titles.

Happy New Year (a little late, but we got it in there) to all you mma fans. We took a break over the holidays and are ready to bring you more of the behind-the-scenes stories you love about the mma world. The MMA FanCast locomotive was tuned up, inside and out, during the break and she sparkled down the tracks as Jim and Luke headed across PA to chat with Thomas Powell. Not a long trip and certainly not a "sleepy" one either. But that didn't keep us from meeting The Sandman, as Powell is known inside the mma cage. Having won 3 of his 4 professional victories by way of KO/TKO and all of his amateur wins by the same nature, the new moniker seems fitting. Powell won his most recent bout at Ring Of Combat 70 in November, having now won 4 of 6 and improved his pro record to (4-4). The Sandman says his time is now and, though his mma career is young, he's elevated his fight game to a new level ready for the big time. Listen in to hear how he got there ........ but don't sleep on this one, 'cause the Sandman just might get you.

Sydney Ross talks about her lengthly amateur MMA career, future pro plans and mindset for her fight vs Kelsey Gilmore on November 28th for 247Fighting Championship.

Brittany Bickhart talks about her journey to making her MMA debut this week.

Chase "The Croatian Crowbar" (4-1) talks his upcoming fight vs Brogan Endres (5-1) and training at the Academy Pittsburgh.

Listen to Edwin share about the influence of his Bellator MMA fighter brother on him getting started in MMA, his 2 wins so far and how much he has improved between his last fight and the one on March 14th. 

Alberto Trujillo (5-1) talks about his upcoming title defense fight for CFFC 92, MMA journey, training with Dominick Cruz and his career ahead.

Adli "Sunshine" Edwards is ready for the UFC to call at any point. Adli is coming off a TKO win, has a title fight next month and says that "the danger is getting in the cage with me".

Jeromy "The Adonis" Mitchell returns to the show to discuss his upcoming bantamweight title fight for Valor Fights at Valor Fighting Challenge 73 on September 12th. Jeromy shares how COVID-19 his impacted his fighting and training and what led him to drop to 135lbs.  

Undefeated Jeromy Mitchell looks to snap the red hot Fadi Shuman who is on a three fight win streak when they fight March 14th. 

Orion "Galaxy" Cosce 7-0 MMA is fresh off his dominate DWCS TKO win and talks about the fight and his plans for himself and his brother Louis Cosce's time in the UFC. *strong language*

Jared Vanderaa (10-4 MMA) shares about his ammy MMA career, fighting in South Africa, opening up his own gym during COVID, his mindset about training, experience with the Dan the "H-Bomb" Henderson and his many side hobbies-including writing books. *strong language*

John De Jesus talks about his upcoming Bellator fight against Aaron Pico on November 12th. John breaks down how his day job works into his MMA career and the importance of support from his family. John states that Pico "will be the best wrestler I have ever faced" while also noting that he will be landing knees and elbows.

UFC fighter Jonathan Pearce talks his recent pro grappling win, training during COVID-19, recovery from surgery and future UFC matchups. 

Richard talks his unblemished MMA record, his LFA 98 fight, training and his future plans.

Jaden Palombine is just 13 years old and has a 187-7 BJJ record! Jaden is set to rematch an opponent from several years ago for the JitzKing Youth 2 event on March 21st in Clearwater Florida. "Pint Size" talks about his varied and extensive martial arts background, mindset of training and his favorite accomplishment to date. SHOW LESS

Jeromy "The Adonis" Mitchell previews his March 27th 145lb title fight, undefeated pro record, importance of strength of his opponents and planned path to the UFC.

Jeromy "The Adonis" Mitchell talks all things regarding his Bantamweight first round submission win in his championship fight. Check it out to hear about his Glory to God mindset and Clean Cut Killers clothing brand.

Aaron Jeffery (9-2 MMA) talks winning his title at CFFC93, what it takes to be at his level, and being ready for the UFC.

*adult language*

Jacob Lowry is ranked #1 in PA, OH, US NorthEast in both the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions by tapology and has a 6-0 amateur MMA record. Jacob shares about recent changes in his life and turning pro. 

MMA FanCast is all about introducing MMA to audience members who don't know MMA. Luke sat down with Kristina to get her viewpoint as someone who knew nothing about MMA and her feedback on her experience watching a MMA fight event live. 

"We go out there, we do our thing ....... and it just elevates our team." Lots to gather from that one simple statement. When you watch an mma event, most viewers just take in the spectacle of a one on one fight. Behind the scenes, though, there's so much more than the two fighters inside the cage and John De Jesus is proof that success is not done alone. Coming off 2 consecutive KO/TKO victories, MMA FanCast caught up with the 247 Fighting Championships featherweight champ to talk about what's next.  De Jesus, who trains at The Academy: Martial Arts and Fitness in Pittsburgh, will make his first title defense on March 14th at Printscape Arena for Brawl In The Burgh 3. His teammates push him at every practice, only drawing the line when it's time to go home. It's one of the reasons why he talks about "we" and "team". Listen in now for the rest of the reasons.

Jimmy "the Brick" Flick takes on Cody Durden on Saturday's UFC fight night. Flick shares his highlights from his DWCS fight this summer, his experience in Vegas so far and his thoughts on his upcoming fight.

*Strong Language* Louis "The Monster" Cosce (6-0 MMA) is the main event fight of week three of DWCS and gives his thoughts on his MMA career so far, training for the fight and fight night. 

Jimmy (14-5) talks about his history of getting quick submissions, his DWCS opponent Nate Smith (6-0) and his fight highlights. With a win and contract "The Brick" will inject an exciting finisher into the 125lb UFC division.

Timmy "Vicious" Tyler shares his experience getting into MMA, training at American MMA and Wrestling, maturing as a fighter and his feelings on being main event for 247 Fighting Championships.

Dylan Harnish (2-0) talks about his upcoming fight for 247 FC on March 14th at Printscape Arena.

Fadi Shuman (3-1) talks about his upcoming fight against Jeromy Mitchell (2-0) on March 14th at Brawl in the Burgh 3 for 247 Fighting Championships. 

Cole "the Prince of Pittsburgh" is an undefeated amateur fighter, former D1 football player and current real-estate agent. Cole talks about his transition to MMA, MMA career so far and future plans. *strong language*

Kyron "Bullseye" Bowen (9-4 MMA) is set to fight on DWCS week 4 on August 25th. Kyron shares about his current 7 fight win streak and prediction for the fight. 

Cam Allgeier (3-0 MMA) takes on Justin Patton (5-3 MMA) for the amateur bantamweight belt for 247Fighting Championship. Cam reviews his most recent fight, training for title fight and the future of Gorilla House gym fighters.

Justin Pippens is set to make his amateur MMA debut for 247 Fighting Championships on November 28th.

Cam "The Molerat" Allgeier (4-0 MMA) is fresh off a win against a tough opponent at CFFC 92 and talks about the fight, his training and future plans to get the 247 Fighting Championship ammy bantamweight belt in May.

*Strong Language*       Orion "Galaxy" Cosce (6-0 MMA) chats with MMAfancast a week before his DWCS fight. Orion gives insight into his fighting career to this point, his plans for his next fight and his plans for his MMA future. Both Orion and his brother Louis fight on week 3 of DWCS. 

Ethan Goss (5-5 MMA) takes on Ethan Hayes (2-0 MMA) on November 28th for 247 Fighting Championships. "The Wolverine" talks about his most recent fight, training during the pandemic and says "I'm looking to create carnage". 

Most people never get to experience a win inside an MMA cage and an even smaller number of people experience a first round TKO stoppage. An even smaller, much smaller, elite group of people earn the experience of a TKO win on their birthday. Cheyenne Hall did just that and joined the show to talk all about it.

John "Platano" De Jesus takes us through round by round of his dominate win over Vladyslav Parubchenko, his training and his future plans of taking over the featherweight division.

This is going to be a battle between a demon and a shark! Listen to Sydney "the Blonde Demon" Ross give her thoughts on her most recent fight, the opponents she accepts and her plans for March 14th.

UFC Fight Night 117/ UFC Japan

Ovince Saint Preux, ranked #6 in the UFC's Light Heavyweight Division, defeated Yushin Okami at 1:50 mark of Round 1 with another Von Flue submission. It is his third such submission of his career and only the fifth in UFC history. First performed by Jason Von Flue in January 2016, it is now being referred to as the "Von Preux." Jessica Andrade won in dominant fashion over Claudia Gadelha with a unanimous decision victory (30-26, 30-25, 30-27). Fight stats had Andrade out-striking her opponent 242-47 with 141 of those being significant strikes. Andrade came in as the #4 ranked strawweight and Gadleha was #1. New rankings have Gadelha falling to #3 and Andrade moving to #2. Bellator 183 Roy Nelson made his Bellator debut in San Jose, California, by defeating Javy Ayala by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28). Aaron Pico picked up his first professional MMA victory with a highlight reel knockout of Justin Linn at 3:45 of the first round. Paul Daley got a big win over Lorenz Larkin. Is MVP the next fight for Daley? Where does Larkin go from here now that he is 0-2 in Bellator? Is there a more inconsistent fighter than Lorenz Larkin? What is next for Conor McGregor Is it Nate Diaz, Khabib Nurmagomedov, the winner of Kevin Lee/ Tony Ferguson, or something else? Conor McGregor MMA Future Edmond Tarverdyan wants Rousey to fight Cyborg... what? Reacting to Tarverdyan's surprise call out and Cyborg's response. UFC 216 and Paige Van Zant's Withdrawal Main Card: Tony Ferguson vs. Kevin Lee, Demetrious Johnson vs. Ray Borg, Fabricio Werdum vs. Derrick Lewis, Beneil Dariush vs. Evan Dunham. Prelim Standouts: Will Brooks returns to action as does the electric Lando Vanatta. Mark Cherico MMA – Also check out our exclusive interview with Mark Cherico and Dominic Mazzota - https://youtu.be/B8FlriD93OY Like Octagon 24/7 on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Octagon247/ Subscribe to our YouTube page! Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Octagon24_7 Check out our brand new Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/octagon_247... Subscribe, rate and review our podcast, MMA Fancast, on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast and it is now available right here on YouTube!

Complete UFC 216 Breakdown Tony Ferguson vs. Kevin Lee for the interim Lightweight Belt Demetrious Johnson vs. Ray Borg for the Flyweight Belt Fabricio Werdum vs. Derrick Lewis Beneil Dariush vs. Evan Dunham Tom Duquesnoy vs. Cody Stamann Will Brooks vs. Nik Lentz Bobby Green vs. Lando Vannata Pearl Gonzalez vs. Poliana Botelho Walt Harris vs. Mark Godbeer John Moraga vs. Magomed Bibulatov Thales Leites vs. Brad Tavares Matt Schnell vs. Marco Beltran Bellator 186 – State College Get Ready! Octagon247.com was live in Altoona, PA as four fighters prepared for their fights on the Bellator 186 card coming to State College, PA on November 3rd. Dominic Mazzotta, Chris Dempsey, Francis Healy and Ethan Goss were all at this rigorous training session and octagon247.com had exclusive access. Jason Dignan, of Dignan/Brumbaugh MMA in Altoona hosted this session at their brand new training facility, at the Gorilla House Gym. We compare UFC Fight Night Pittsburgh to Bellator 186 and how the different events were approached by the 2 promotions. Politics In Sports – Yes Or No? We also discuss politics in sports… do they have a place? Does anyone want to see that? Mark Cherico MMA – Also check out our exclusive interview with Mark Cherico and Dominic Mazzota - https://youtu.be/B8FlriD93OY Like Octagon 24/7 on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Octagon247/ Subscribe to our YouTube page! Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Octagon24_7 Check out our brand new Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/octagon_247... Subscribe, rate and review our podcast, MMA Fancast, on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast and it is now available right here on YouTube!

Bellator 186 State College - We are joined live with Bellator 186 fighters Dominic Mazzotta and Ethan Goss. Find out all kind of great stuff from these two warriors, including some WWE style promos that will have heads turning. Find out why Dominic Mazzotta would love to punch Conor McGregor in the face, how he would openly welcome a handicap match in the cage against Tom Brady and Bill Belicheck and so much more. Find out from Ethan Goss how he ended up on MMA, what it is like to work full time and train for professional MMA and hear his very first WWE-style promo in advance of his Bellator cage debut against Andrew Salas. It's an MMA Fancast episode you DON'T want to miss, focusing on Bellator 186 State College.

This is a card that is really showcasing the talent in the state of Pennsylvania, something that the UFC has failed to do time and time again in PA. There has been plenty of buzz around the region for this fight card, from the moment it was announced that the card was taking place and particularly once it was announced that Dominic Mazzotta would be appearing at Bellator 186 State College.

  Bellator 186 Stage College card

Main Card (Spike TV, 9pm): Ryan Bader (c) vs. Linton Vassell – Light Heavyweight Title Fight Emily Ducote vs. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane – Inaugural Women's Flyweight Title Fight Ed Ruth vs. Chris Dempsey Phil Davis vs. Leo Leite Zach Freeman vs. Saad Awad

Preliminary Card (7pm): Tywan Claxton vs. Jonathan Bonilla-Bowman Dominic Mazzotta vs. Matt Lozano Mike Putnam vs. Scott Clymer Ethan Goss vs. Andrew Salas Francis Healy vs. Frankie Buenafuente Mike Wilkins vs. Brett Martinez Logan Storley vs. Matt Secor Joshua Fremd vs. Mike Diorio

Be sure to check back often for continuing coverage of Bellator 186 both on octagon247.com as well as on MMA Fancast!

Mark Cherico fans – Check out our exclusive interview with Mark Cherico and Dominic Mazzota.

Like Octagon 24/7 on Facebook! Subscribe to our YouTube page! Follow us on Twitter! Check out our brand new Instagram! Subscribe, rate and review our podcast, MMA Fancast, on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast and it is now available on our YouTube page!

Bellator 186 Mike Wilkins

 

Bellator MMA will be live in State College, PA this week and so will MMA Fancast! Friday night, November 3rd at the Bryce Jordan Center will feature Ryan Bader’s first light heavyweight title defense in what is sure to be an exciting fight against a very confident and game Linton Vassell. On today’s episode, we talk in depth with Iron City Mike Wilkins, the Pittsburgh product who gets a chance to show the world’s second largest mixed martial arts promotion what he can bring to the table.

Bellator 186 Mike Wilkins - On Making His Bellator Debut

Mike Wilkins discusses many things, including how he beat up his future brother-in-law, how Mark Cherico is a hater, the Yinzer Scrappack, how getting nervous for fights is a thing of the past, visualizing standing across the cage from his opponents, waiting four hours for your date to show up and many more things right here on MMA Fancast!

At Bellator 186 Mike Wilkins will face a fighter who has been focusing on BJJ for the past couple years and is now returning to the cage. Brett Martinez was on a three fight losing streak when he decided to shift his focus to BJJ two years ago.

Bellator 186 State College card

Main Card (Spike TV, 9pm): Ryan Bader (c) vs. Linton Vassell – Light Heavyweight Title Fight Emily Ducote vs. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane – Inaugural Women’s Flyweight Title Fight Ed Ruth vs. Chris Dempsey Phil Davis vs. Leo Leite Zach Freeman vs. Saad Awad

Preliminary Card (7pm): Tywan Claxton vs. Jonathan Bonilla-Bowman Dominic Mazzotta vs. Matt Lozano Mike Putnam vs. Scott Clymer Ethan Goss vs. Andrew Salas Francis Healy vs. Frankie Buenafuente Mike Wilkins vs. Brett Martinez Logan Storley vs. Matt Secor Joshua Fremd vs. Mike Diorio

Bellator 186 Mike Wilkins

Podcast Bellator 186 State College Dominic Mazzotta Goss

Bellator State College Does What UFC Pittsburgh Didn't

Mark Cherico Interview With Dominic Mazzotta (Exclusive)

Octagon 24/7 Has Breakfast With Dominic Mazzotta

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Bellator 186 recap - MMA Fancast reviews our time as credentialed media at Bellator 186. We discuss the fights as well as giving special attention to the fighters representing Pittsburgh and Western PA.

Preliminary Card: Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Josh Fremd (1-0) vs. Ryan Parker (Pro Debut) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 – Here we go. Parker with an early flurry and Fremd gets the takedown. Fremd works for the guillotine and Parker works back to his feet. Parker ends on top of Fremd but Josh gets back up. Parker working him against the cage. Parker going for single leg but it’s stopped by Fremd. Grappling against the cage, Parker controlling. Fremd finally reverses and briefly gets the back. Parker on bottom on his side hanging onto Kimora but never gets it. Fremd on top and looking for gnp. ou can hear Dominic Mazzotta from the first row extending Josh’s corner. Round ends with Josh in control. Close round but we score it 10-9 Fremd.

Round 2 – Fighters feel out for a little bit then a ferry by Parker awakens Fremd and Fremd explodes with a high kick that barely connects followed up by a flurry of punches that puts Parker on the canvas. Fremd gets on top and is ruthless. Finally takes his back and forces the tap via RNC just 1:25 into the round.

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Ethan Goss (3-3) vs. Andrew Salas (3-1) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 – Clearly the fan favorite, Goss came out with several kicks from a southpaw stance. Jabs keeping Salas at a distance continue setting up the kicks for Goss. Salas was eventually able to get some pressure against the cage 1 minute in.  Battle along the fence for both men and a takedown attempt by Salas was stuffed. Goss eventually got off the cage with a takedown but Salas quickly got back to his feet. The fight went back to the fance again, again with Salas pressing and trying to wear down Goss by leaning against him and throwing knees to the abdomen.  The round finished in the middle of the ring.

Round 2 –  Round 2 began with kicks again from Goss and Salas pressing to move it to the fence.  At the 1 minute mark again and Salas was able to secure a takedown.  Goss got back to his feet and was able to fight off a back mount attempt.  Much of the same in Rd.2 with the action against the cage, but half way through, Goss was able to move it to the middle. Salas controlling the pace and pressure, but separation and space gave Goss a window for strikes to land.  Goss ended the round with a choke attempt but Salas escaped and it moved to the middle to end the round.

Round 3 –  Round 3 begins and the action, went to the fence again, but in favor of Goss.  Goss gained top position and eventually got back position but could not sink the choke. Salas tried an escape and then found himself in trouble with Goss in full mount.  Salas was able to fight off most off the blows, but Goss maintained full mount.  Round 3 was all for Goss. Salas eventually made it back to his feet, but Goss was undeterred and took it to the ground again.  The round ended with Goss looking for the rear-naked choke but was unsuccessful.  The fans wanted the victory for Goss who was from State College.  The judges scored it 29-29 Goss, 29-28 Salas and 29-28 Salas to give Salas the split decision but the crowd felt otherwise.

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Francis Healy (7-4) vs. Frank Buenafuente (7-4) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 –  Round 1 began with the action quickly going up against the fence and Buenafuente with the pressure. Healy was able to fight him off and move it to the center of the ring, but Buenafuente secured a takedown and put Healy in full guard.  Still on the ground, the fight moved up against the cage once more and Healy found a hole for an armbar. Buenafuente was eventually able to escape.  After a flurry for position, Healy was in full guard, but this time at the center of the ring where the round ended.

Round 2 –  With round 1 going to Buenafuente, Healy came out pressuring, throwing jabs and kicks.  The fight eventually went to the ground again and Buenafuente .  Healy moved to the fence and could not get back to his feet after several attempts. Healy found himself on his back once more in half guard, pulling Buenafuente down to avoid blows from the top. With about 1 minute left in the round, Healy was able to get back to his feet briefly, but the action went back to the mat and ended there.

Round 3 –  Round 3 begins with Healy losing both rounds.  Healy came out with pressure again and this time took the fight to fence but could not get a takedown.  After a scramble and going back to the ground, Healy went for an armbar once more, but Buenafuente was able to escape.  The action continued on the ground with each fighter looking for control before the ref finally moved the fighters to their feet. In the center, both briefly exchanged jabs and crosses, before going to the ground and Healy looking for another armbar attempt.  After a scramble back to their feet and a few more strikes the round ended, probable for a unanimous decision for Buenafuente, who  was sporting a size-able welt and swelling under his left eye.  The judges scoring was announced as 30-27 and 29-28 for Buenafuente.

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Ty-wan Claxton (Pro Debut) vs. Johnny Bonilla-Bowman (1-0) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 –  Ty-wan Claxton is making his pro debut in this fight.  Round 1 begins with both fighters trying to find distance for strikes, with circling in the middle.  Several attempts did not find their mark, until a flying left knee by Ty-wan Braxton, the only significant strike landed by either fighter, ended the fight with a knockout.  The fans went crazy with the live action and each instance of replay.  Bonilla-Bowman was attended to for several minutes before he was able to gain his feet.  Wow is and understatement for the finish.  Not a bad way to start your professional mma career.

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Logan Storley (6-0) vs. Matt Secor (9-4) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 –  A fight to keep your eye on, as we stated in an earlier post.  Both fighters met in the middle and got right to exchanges blows and landing.  The gap closed and the fight went to the ground with Storley on top and finding his mark in a flurry, opening a cut on Secor’s forehead.  Storley looked to finish, but Secor was able to temporarily scramble away from further damage. Short lived, and looking for a sub from the bottom, Storley backed off and Secor was able to land upkicks.  The ref eventually brought Secor to his feet but the round ended with a small flurry of action, Secor on his back again.  Round 1 to Storley.

Round 2 –  Round 2 began again with both men meeting in the center for an exchange of jabs before, 30 seconds in, Secor was on his back again.  Not much action while on the mat, so the ref brought them back up.  Storley started the action again with a right kick to Secor’s front left leg and Secor returned the favor, but landed up high around the shoulders.  Once again, midway through the round, Storley took his opponent down , but there was limited action and the ref, again, brought them back up.  Secor went for a choke attempt, but Storley was able to scramble, avoiding a 2nd submission attempt and the round ended with Storley on top, taking the 2nd round as well.

Round 3 –  Round 3 and Storley came out looking to pressure and wear his opponent down with strikes.  A successful takedown by Storley found him on top, with Secor in full guard.  Limited action on the ground, except for a few small flurries from both the bottom and the top.  Storley found his mark with a right hand over the top but, for the most part, Secor was able to block and deflect.  After Secor regained his feet, he made a successful takedown but scrambling on the mat, Storley was able to reverse and, once again, find the top position.  The fighters eventually got back up and to the fence where the round and the fight ended.  This should be a 30-27 unanimous decision for Storley.  UPDATE: 30-26, 30-27, 30-27 for Storley with a unanimous decision. His knockout streak ended but remained undefeated.

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Dominic Mazzotta (12-2) vs. Matt Lozano (8-5) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 –  A much anticipated bout for Western Pennsylvania and Central PA, Mazzotta is looking to get his 1st Bellator victory in his 2nd attempt.  He is a heavy crowd favorite.  The action starts in the middle with successfully landing a front kick and spinning back kick.  :30 seconds in, Mazzotta took Lozano down and kept pressure, landing a few blows from the top, as well as several elbows.  A right elbow from Mazzotta land and badly cut Lozano. The fight doctor came in to look at the cut and immediately stopped the fight.  Mazzotta picks up his 1st Bellator victory in convincing fashion by TKO at 2:37.

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Otwell (3-1) vs. Michael Trizano (4-0) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 –  Round 1 begins with a quick flurry/scramble in action and Otwell controlled the action against the fence until 1 minute in, Trizano made a successful takedown.  Trizano threw a few palm punches from the bottom, but Otwell maintained control.  The pace slowed somewhat until Otwell gained side control.  n armbar attempt from the bottom by Trizano  was unsuccessful, but he eventually went for a guillotine choke, unable to fully sink the hooks and Trizano ended on top with some rights the found their mark.

Round 2 – Otwell started rd.2 with pressure, attempting a takedown, finding some success, but eventually Otwell reversed positioning and took his opponent down.  Trizano eventually found himself an opportunity for the d’arce choke and, this time, was successful, as his opponent tapped out to give Trizano the win and remain undefeated.  This was Trizano’s 2nd submission victory.

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Wilkins (7-4) vs. Brett Martinez (6-4) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 –  Mike Wilkins is making his Bellator debut tonight and is a crowd favorite. Rd.1 begins with Wilkins in southpaw, his opponent in orthodox.  Martinez went for a takedown but was stuffed by Wilkins, landing significant shots from side position. Wilkins was able to maintain control from this point, taking his opponent to the ground and looking for a choke.  Martinez made his way back to his feet but could get off the fence.  Wilkins continued pressure against the cage and was able to land significant strikes by way of knees to the stomach.   Martinez was able to separate and get off the fence, but sporting a some swelling under his right eye.  :30 left in the round and Wilkins started to land heavy blows and knees.  The round ended with both men in the center. Wilkins takes round 1.

Round 2 –  Round 2 starts in the center with a left kick from Wilkins, who continues to pressure and force his opponent backwards.  Wilkins gets back mount 1 minute in and ends it with a rear-naked choke.  Wilkins wins his Bellator debut in impressive fashion.  UPDATE: 1:09 mark of the 2nd round, win for Wilkins with the rear-naked choke.

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Putnam (1-1) vs. Scott Clymer (Pro Debut) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 –  Action begins quickly Clymer aggressive and forces his opponent to the fence and landing significant strikes from close range.  Clymer is relentless with the pressure and starts landing knees in tight to the ribs.  Putnam briefly gets to his feet, but Clymer keeps up with heavy pressure and pins his opponent to the fence, forces him down and continues landing strikes, all getting through.  Putnam eventually taps out to strikes, giving Clymer the victory in his pro debut, coming at 3:00 in to round 1.  Impressive start to his professional mma career.  UPDATE: Official scoring was a TKO/Ref stoppage. Bellator 186 recap

Main Card: Lightweight Feature Bout: Saad Awad (20-9) vs. Zach Freeman (9-2) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 –  Round 1 begins with Freeman and Awad exchange front low leg kicks.  1 minute in and neither fighter has landed a strike. But that was short lived as Awad connected with a right just behind the left ear and it was clear that Freeman would not continue, losing has balance in an attempt to cover.  Awad gets the TKO in the 1st round at the 1:07 minute mark. Bellator 186 recap

Middleweight Feature Bout: Ed Ruth (3-0) vs. Chris Dempsey (11-5) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 –  Dempsey will be up against a raucous crowd, facing heavy hometown fan favorite and Penn State alum Ed Ruth.  The action with Dempsey attempting a takedown and stopped by Ruth. Dempsey pressures Ruth, but Ruth ends up with a takedown and maintains control from the back.  Ruth briefly had full mount, but Dempsey was able to fight him off, moving him to side control.  Dempsey gets back to his feet and exchanges strikes in the center of the ring.  Ruth pushes forward,but Dempsey slows him with a stiff left jab and finds an uppercut that lands, as well.  Dempsey comes close to ending the fight with a guillotine,but Ruth escapes and the fighters finish on the ground. Close one, but edge to Ruth.

Round 2 –  The fighters come to the center again and exchanges punches.  An opening found by Ruth lands solid with Dempsey going down and Ruth gets the KO.  Official time of the knockout was :27 seconds  of the 2nd round. Bellator 186 recap

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (17-4, 1 NC) vs. Leo Leite (10-0) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 –  Can you top the previous bout, where one of the combatants was a hometown crowd favorite and Penn State alum?  You can if you’re Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis.  Round 1 begins with a strong front kick by Davis and the jockey in the center to find their distance.  Davis gains control against the fence and is able to fight off several takedown attempts by Leite. The fight moves to the center of the ring. Davis is content to jab and push his opponent backwards with pressure on Leite. Leite attempts some counter strikes but they are largely insignificant and the round ends with both men in the center on their feet.

Round 2 – Both men come to the middle, touch gloves and the action begins with Davis pressuring his opponent backwards again.  Leite begins countering and there’s a brief stoppage for the Leite claims is an eye poke.  Together again, the action resumes with Davis being stopped on a takedown attempt.  Leite trades punches with Davis in the middle.  The pace slows a bit, but Davis is controlling the action and eventually pressures Leite and pins him again with his back to the fence and standing.  1:30 left in round and Davis has his opponent trapped against the fence once more and gets his opponent to one knee.  Back up and Leite connects with a back fist on the break.  Davis starting to land with more consistency and the round ends in the middle again,strikes exchanged. Round 2 to Davis, same as Round 1.

Round 3 –  Center circle and Davis looks to be picking his spots to land.  Leite tries pressuring, but Davis counters, forcing Leite backwards.  Davis attempts a takedown again, stopped again by Leite.  The action moves back to the center of the cage with an exchange of strikes and some solid ones landing.  Leite proves to be difficult to takedown again, but Davis continues with the pressure, forcing his opponent pressed against the fence again.  Leite starts countering again, but Davis easily slips and the fight ends with both men striking near the center.  Scoring should end with a unanimous decision for Davis.  UPDATE: Official scoring is 30-27 for Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis in a unanimous decision. Bellator 186 recap

Women’s Flyweight World Title: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (6-0) vs. Emily Ducote (6-2) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 –  The ref brings the fighters to center circle for instructions, touch gloves and the action begins with a kick by Ducote and a counter by Macfarlane . Action moves up against the cage with Macfarlane controlling the pace, throwing knees in the clench.  Ducote gets forced backwards with jabs but finds her way out to the middle and both fighters look for an opening.  The action is coming in spurts and Macfarlane  starts forcing the pressure, striking more aggressively.  Macfarlane gets her opponent to the ground and attempts a rear-naked choke.  Ducote is able to escape but finds herself on the receiving end of some significant elbows. Macfarlane  attempts an armbar and gets full mount from there.  Her opponent stretched out, she begins landing blows to an open torso. She goes for an armbar again but the round comes to a close. Round 1 to Macfarlane .

Round 2 –  Round 2 starts with Ducote trying to pressure and back up Macfarlane.  Fighters meet in the middle again, exchanges successful strikes, while moving in and out.  Ducote starting to show signs of damage from Macfarlane’s striking. The pace remains steady and an even round thus far 3 minutes into round 2.  Ducote tries again to pressure her opponent back to the fence but Macfarlane circles and counters with a right that lands on the left eye of Ducote.  Macfarlane attempts a takedown at the end of the round but unsuccessful.  Close round, but giving the edge to Ducote. Touch to call.

Round 3 –  Round 3 begins with Macfarlane as the aggressor this time.  The contest has largely been fought in the middle of the ring.  Ducote lands a right kick and Macfarlane  counters with a left at the same time. The action picks up 2:30 into the round and Macfarlane  maintaining a clench around Ducote’s neck, landing some knees.  The fighters separate and Macfarlane lands another right to the left cheek.  Ducote fights off a takedown attempt.  Macfarlane pins her opponent to the fence and after several attempts, finally gets her takedown.  Round 3 comes to a close with Macfarlane on top and landing. Round 3 to Macfarlane.

Round 4 –  Back to action, Ducote tries pressuring Macfarlane but she circles away to her right and off the fence.  Ducote lands a solid kick to her opponents left leg.  The pace slows noticeably midway in round 4.  Ducote continues to try moving Macfarlane back but she, once again, circles to her right and avoids the pressure.  Center circle again, Ducote misses with several left crosses and a jab.  Brief exchange, Macfarlane  gets a takedown, but Ducote reverses and gets side control.  The round ends here.  It might be enough to give her the round, but we’re giving it to Macfarlane.

Round 5 –  Round 5 ….. Ducote pressures again, leg kick by Ducote. Combinations being thrown, now singles, but no power punches.  Ducote lands a jab.  Macfarlane  counters with a straight right. Macfarlane lands a combo and a knee right up the middle.  Leg kick by Macfarlane caught by Ducote. Macfarlane attempts a throw but Ducote gets control on the ground.  Macfarlane in full guard and she’s more active on the bottom than her opponent is on top.  Not much action on the ground at this point by Ducote.  Macfarlane has a high guard and looks to be leveraging for a submission attempt, Ducote not able to doing anything with top position.  Macfarlane working toward an armbar attempt, rolls and gets the submission.  And new!!! 3:42 of the 5th round and Bellator’s Inaugural Flyweight Champion. Bellator 186 recap

Light Heavyweight World Title: Ryan Bader (23-5) vs. Linton Vassell (18-5, 1 NC) - Bellator 186 recap

Round 1 –  Round 1 begins with Bader attempting a takedown, action against the fence.  Vassell reverses position and then Bader, with a quick sprawl gets the takedown and ends up with side control.  Vassell gets back to his feet and the fighters meet in the middle for exchanges.  Bader finds an opening for an uppercut.  They separate and Vassell lands 2 successful legs kicks.  A third attempt is perfectly timed by Bader and he gets the shot for a takedown.  Bader maintains control on the ground, moves for side control and Vassell escapes back to his feet.  Bader continues his pressure and eventually gets another takedown.  Now with his back against the fence and on the ground, Vassell attempts some striking, starts moving to his feet and the round ends here.  Round 1 to Bader.

Round 2 –  Action returns and Bader quickly rushes Vassell and gets the takedown once more.  Vassell finds him in the same position where round 1 ended.  Bader throws short lefts and keeps pressure on his opponent.  Vassell scrambling to get to his feet, moves to his knees and Bader keeps him on the ground.  Pressure from Bader is stifling on his opponent, but now Vassell lands significant shots, hammer fists, from his back.  Bader is able to scramble to Vassell’s back and starts raining down blows and gets the ref stoppage for a TKO. Bellator 186 recap

Bellator 186 recap

Podcast Bellator 186 State College Dominic Mazzotta Goss

Bellator State College Does What UFC Pittsburgh Didn’t

Mark Cherico Interview With Dominic Mazzotta (Exclusive)

Octagon 24/7 Has Breakfast With Dominic Mazzotta

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Bellator 186 recap

In this very special episode of MMA Fancast, we interview Mike Wilkins, interview Francis Healy and interview Ethan Goss.

 

Mike Wilkins Interview

Michael Wilkins had a very successful Bellator debut at Bellator 186. Wilkins beat Brett Martinez early in the second round. We spend time discussing the experience with Michael, the changing point in the fight, how he felt compared to Martinez, vicious elbows and whether Martinez seemed to tap quickly or not.

Francis Healy Interview

Francis Healy joined us as well as he makes his way home to Pittsburgh. Healy spent time in Philadelphia after his Bellator debut just a week ago and pulled over to chat with MMA Fancast. He discussed what is next, how Frankie did a good job of hugging him to death and what the game plan is to address that particular issue, as it has been the downfall for him in multiple fights now.

Ethan Goss Interview

Ethan had a very controversial fight in which the first two rounds had very little action and the third round he completely dominated. Goss lost a very tough split decision. We discussed that and so much more as Ethan will be looking to make amends for this L on his record that he feels is unjust.

Join us as we interview Mike Wilkins, interview Francis Healy and interview Ethan Goss.

Looking for a daily MMA roundup? Check out Today in MMA on octagon247.com.

Did you miss our pre-Bellator 186 interviews with these guys? Check it out... Mike Wilkins - Ethan Goss

We live blogged the Bellator 186 prelims and main card, as well as previewed both the prelims and main card!

What did we learn from Bellator 186?

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Dominic Mazzotta Bellator Interview, Scott Clymer Bellator Interview

In this big 50th epidsode of MMA Fancast, we are joined by Dominic Mazzotta and Scott Clymer, both hot off their big and completely dominating wins at Bellator 186.

Dominic shares with us many things about this fight and the joy he found in it. But I have to be honest, from the very start of the interview with Dom, he did not seem his normal self. That is because he has a very heavy heart right now and he shares with us why. Dominic Mazzotta Bellator Interview, Scott Clymer Bellator Interview

Scott Clymer had the opportunity of a lifetime, to make his pro MMA debut for the world's second largest mixed martial arts organization and boy did he take advantage of it. Scott came out guns ablazin' in his pro debut fight and complete dominated his opponent. We learn all about Scott, his background and why his faith is very important to him. Dominic Mazzotta Bellator Interview, Scott Clymer Bellator Interview

Additionally, we preview the remaining calendar in MMA as it relates to big fights. What does the last 6 weeks of the year have in store for us? We give a complete look at that and much, much more on this epidsode of MMA Fancast! Dominic Mazzotta Bellator Interview, Scott Clymer Bellator Interview

We talked to Dominic Mazzotta before Bellator 186 as well!

What's it like to have breakfast with Dom?

Our previous epidsode had 3 interviews with Western PA/Bellator fighters!

Be sure to check out all of our latest MMA articles at Octagon 24/7 !

Like Octagon 24/7 on Facebook!

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Check out our brand new Instagram!

Subscribe, rate and review our podcast, MMA FanCast, on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast and it is now available on our YouTube page!

Or send us an email, for whatever’s on your mind, to: info@octagon247.com

 

Mat Factory Isaac Greeley Interview

Today on MMA Fancast we preview UFC 218, which is coming up this weekend and features an excellent card. Additionally, we have a very special guest in Isaac Greeley. Isaac was one of the founding members of the Mat Factory, a mixed martial arts school right here in the Pittsburgh area. Mat Factory has produced talent that has reached all levels of MMA, including Bellator and the UFC. Mat Factory Isaac Greeley Interview

We have mentioned Isaac on the show quite a few times, as he has been a huge influence on many fighters in the area. We learn more about Isaac and the integrity that he brings to the world of MMA. Training fighters like Chris Dempsey and Dominic Mazzotta, as well as wrestlers at all levels, competing in BJJ competitions and running The Rehab Centre, Isaac Greeley certainly keeps himself busy.

The UFC 218 card is quite a card, with the main card sporting some very interesting matchups. We discuss those matchups. The UFC 218 card this Saturday night currently looks like this:

UFC 218 Fight Card Main Card (10PM ET on PPV):

Max Holloway (c)(18-3) vs. Jose Aldo (26-3) — Aldo replaced injured Frankie Edgar Alistair Overeem (43-15, 1NC) vs. Francis Ngannou (10-1) Henry Cejudo (11-2) vs. Sergio Pettis (16-2) Eddie Alvarez (28-5, 1NC) vs. Justin Gaethje (18-0) Tecia Torres (9-1) vs. Michelle Waterson (14-5)

Preliminary Card (8 pm ET on FS1):

Charles Oliveira (22-7, 1NC) vs. Paul Felder (14-3) — Al Iaquinta Out Alex Oliveira (17-3-1, 2NC) vs. Yancy Madeiros (14-4, 1NC) David Teymur (6-1) vs. Drakkar Klose (8-0-1) Felice Herrig (13-6) vs. Cortney Casey (7-4) Preliminary Card (6:15 pm ET on UFC Fight Pass):

Sabah Homasi (11-6) vs. Abdul Razak Alhassan (7-1) Jeremy Kimball (15-6) vs. Dominick Reyes (7-0) Justin Willis (5-1) vs. Allen Crowder (9-2, 1NC) Amanda Cooper (2-3) vs. Angela Magana (11-8)

We got to hear from Bellator's Dominic Mazzotta in this interview. Hear what Dom had to say both before and after his dominant Bellator 186 win!

What did we learn from Bellator 186?.

What's it like to have breakfast with Dom? Or what about other Meals with Mazzotta?

A previous episode had 3 interviews with Western PA/Bellator fighters!

Be sure to check out all of our latest MMA articles at Octagon 24/7 !

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Subscribe, rate and review our podcast, MMA FanCast, on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast and it is now available on our YouTube page!

Or send us an email, for whatever’s on your mind, to: info@octagon247.com

UFC 219, Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, Pinnacle FC16

Today on MMA FanCast, we talk about Conor McGregor and his future inside the octagon and the combat sports arena. Ryan and Jim both give their thoughts on the side show antics and happenings regarding McGregor and what the future holds for him. You'll also here about UFC 219 and the biggest fight in the history of women's mma, a scheduled bout between Chris Cyborg and Holly Holm. Is it the biggest historically? If so, what are the things elevating it? You'll hear our early predictions for the fight and what each fighter will do. Follow this link for our previous talk on this fight.

UFC 219, Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, Pinnacle FC16

Additionally, the co-main is one that could possibly change the landscape of the lightweight division. What are the factors playing into this and how does it affect Conor McGregor? How does he affect the top of the lightweight division without fighting inside the octagon in over a year? Is Manny Pacquiao next in line for a fight with Conor McGregor?

UFC 219, Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, Pinnacle FC16

Georges St-Pierre has vacated the middleweight title. How does Dana White feel about it and what are the reasons for Georges St-Pierre giving up his belt without defending it? What does the future hold for Georges St-Pierre?

UFC 219, Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, Pinnacle FC16

The Pittsburgh MMA community has been anxiously awaiting for another fight card featuring local talent from Western Pennsylvania and Pinnacle FC16 is rumored to be happening March 24th, 2018. Who will be on this card and what big regional names are rumored for the main event?

Our most recent podcast episode is right here, just in case you missed it.

Be sure to check out all of our latest MMA articles at Octagon 24/7 !

Like Octagon 24/7 on Facebook!

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Subscribe, rate and review our podcast, MMA FanCast, on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast and it is now available on our YouTube page!

Or send us an email, for whatever’s on your mind, to: info@octagon247.com