Category Archives: Mmanews.com

Islam Makhachev may have picked up where the great Khabib Nurmagomedov left off with dominating the lightweight division, but his legacy has also been continued by his own family.

There are a lot of parallels in the careers of Khabib and his younger cousin Umar Nurmagomedov.

Both have been incredibly dominant inside the Octagon but during their climbs, were held back by injuries and issues with finding opponents.

Eventually, “The Eagle” was undeniable and proved himself to be a top-tier lightweight and that’s what happened in the bantamweight division with Umar this past weekend.

His win over Cory Sandhagen means that just like Islam and his cousin before him, he’s arrived at the top at long last.

Javier Mendez Says Khabib Was A Better Grappler But Umar Nurmagomedov Is Already A Better Striker

In a recent interview with The Schmo, AKA head coach Javier Mendez was asked to compare Umar and Khabib as fighters, given where the undefeated 135-pound contender is at right now.

Mendez is very high on Umar’s potential and went on to say that with Islam being four years older than him, Khabib’s cousin could go on to claim the position of being the number 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world at some stage.

He spoke about what separates the two cousins, by running down which one has the edge in terms of their skill set and toughness.

“Well as far as skills at this juncture of their careers, that’s a tough one you hit me with. I would say that Khabib’s ground is still top notch. Umar’s ground is great but Khabib was just another level but again, Khabib’s stand up wasn’t up to where Umar’s is on par. But, as far as their mental, their mental is fairly comparable. Khabib’s chin’s granite, I’ve never seen anybody have a chin like Khabib. Umar has got a great chin as he proved from the last fight when he got dropped and he was able to go for the takedown as he was being dropped but I guess the chin level would have to go with Khabib but the mental toughness, I think they’re pretty equal, mental toughness. I mean Umar is a tough customer man.”

Read also: Umar Nurmagomedov ‘Not Happy’ With Performance Against Cory Sandhagen At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi: ‘I Thought I Would Maul Him’

Continue Reading Javier Mendez Chooses Between Khabib & Umar Nurmagomedov In Striking, Grappling, Mental Toughness, & Chin at MMA News.

MMA News

The biggest fight of Umar Nurmagomedov’s career led to his most impressive performance to date in the main event this past weekend.

There’s been hype surrounding him for a long time now but in an opponent like Cory Sandhagen, he was facing his most skilled, dangerous, and experienced opponent.

Nurmagomedov got his hand raised at the end of five rounds in Abu Dhabi and could have leapfrogged the rest of the division with this win.

He may have been holding the #11-ranking in the division but the writing has been on the wall for some time now in terms of his ranking not reflecting his ability.

UFC commentator Jon Anik believes that even with Sandhagen being his first big win, he would expect Nurmagomedov to be a betting favorite over the two men that are set to fight over the bantamweight title next month.

Jon Anik Believes That Umar Nurmagomedov Will Be A Betting Favorite When He Fights For The Title

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Anik was asked about Nurmagomedov’s win and who he thinks he will end up fighting for the bantamweight title which is set to be contested between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306, in September.

The UFC commentator didn’t pick a winner in that fight for obvious reasons, but he did say that Nurmagomedov could be the oddsmakers pick in either match-up.

He started by complimenting the undefeated contender both for his skills inside the Octagon and his conduct outside of it.

“Umar is like one of the most impressive human beings, fighters, that I’ve met in any walk of life. His ability to connect with people in English already is insane relative to what it was like 24 months ago and he’s always banging on himself in terms of his ability to speak English. He’s fantastic. He’ll be favored against Sean or Merab, I feel pretty convicted in saying that. I just don’t think a lot of guys would be able to dominate Cory Sandhagen in that way. With respect to Cory, and my kids distracting me, I gave Umar all five rounds so impressed doesn’t even begin to describe it.”

Judge Mike Bell agreed with Anik’s viewpoint, awarding all five rounds to Nurmagomedov on the scorecards whilst Ben Cartlidge and David Lethaby both gave Sandhagen one of the five.

Read also: VIDEO: UFC Champ Sean O’Malley Reacts To ‘Close Fight’ Between Umar Nurmagomedov & Cory Sandhagen

Continue Reading UFC Commentator Heaps Praise On Umar Nurmagomedov: ‘He’ll Be Favorite Against Sean Or Merab’ at MMA News.

MMA News

We have seen some great knockouts in the combat sports world this year now that we’re more than halfway through 2024. But while many will look at the Max Holloway last-second throwdown KO of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 as their favorite, kickboxer Taimu Hisai gave that nomination a run for its money.

Hisai provided fight fans with a major finish in his Muay Thai bout with Chuut Seryvanthong at Knock Out 2024 Vol. 3.

With less than 10 seconds to go in the opening round of their fight, Hisai countered a Seryvanthong right hand by throwing his body in a spinning motion and landing his left heel right on the button, completing a rare rolling thunder knockout.

Taimu Hisai Lands Spectacular Rolling Thunder

Seryvanthong crumbled to the mat in response to the rolling thunder kick, with Hisai scoring the knockout.

Hisai has now won three straight and six of his last seven combined in the kickboxing and Muay Thai spheres.

Seryvanthong, according to Tapology, was competing in just his first Muay Thai bout and just his second professional fight in combat sports.

• Read More: 4 Positives & 3 Negatives From UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

Continue Reading VIDEO: Muay Thai Fighter Nails Rolling Thunder Kick For Potential Knockout Of The Year Highlight at MMA News.

MMA News

MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring all the additions to the upcoming cards.

With UFC events being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week.

In recent days, a few notable fights were made official by the UFC or reported by reputable sources. For more information on those matchups, check out the links below:

• José Aldo vs. Mario Bautista – UFC 307 (October 5)
• Kayla Harrison vs. Ketlen Vieira – UFC 307 (October 5)
• Chris Curtis vs. Kevin Holland – UFC 307 (October 5)
• Carla Esparza vs. Tecia Pennington – UFC 307 (October 5)
• Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira – UFC Vegas 98 (October 12)
• Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway – UFC 308 (October 26)
• Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev – UFC 308 (October 26)
• Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakić – UFC 308 (October 26)
• Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov – UFC 308 (October 26)

A number of lower-profile matchups also came together. For those, check out this week’s quick hits:

• Ovince Saint Preux vs. Ryan Spann – UFC Vegas 97 (September 7)
• Brad Tavares vs. JunYong Park – UFC Vegas 98 (October 12)
• Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Josh Fremd – UFC Vegas 98 (October 12)
• Cory McKenna vs. Polyana Viana – UFC Vegas 98 (October 12)
• Rob Font vs. Kyler Phillips – UFC Vegas 99 (October 19)
• Robelis Despaigne vs. Austen Lane – UFC Vegas 99 (October 19)
• Sumudaerji vs. Charles Johnson – UFC Vegas 99 (October 19)
• Matheus Nicolau vs. Asu Almabayev – UFC Vegas 99 (October 19)
• Geoff Neal vs. Rafael dos Anjos – UFC 308 (October 26)
• Marcos Rogério de Lima vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu – UFC 308 (October 26)
• Jamey-Lyn Horth vs. Ivana Petrović – UFC Event TBA (November 2)
• Luana Pinheiro vs. Gillian Robertson – UFC Event TBA (November 9)

But it wasn’t all positive, with two fights falling through or being adjusted. For those, see below:

• Calvin Kattar (OUT, Steve Garcia IN) vs. Kyle Nelson – UFC Vegas 97 (September 7)
• Cody Garbrandt vs. Miles Johns – UFC Vegas 98 (October 12, rearranged For UFC event on November 9)

Continue Reading UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/29-8/4): Geoff Neal, Rob Font, Robelis Despaigne, & More Get Next Fights at MMA News.

MMA News

After having his own run in the UFC as a dominant undefeated champion years ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov is now helping to mentor others toward their own reigns. Islam Makhachev already has secured the lightweight title, and now cousin Umar Nurmagomedov may be next.

Umar secured a clear decision win over Cory Sandhagen in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. The bout seemingly served as a bantamweight title eliminator, and “The Young Eagle” is most likely next in line to challenge the winner of the Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili title fight that takes place at The Sphere on September 14.

Following Umar’s win, Khabib Nurmagomedov was asked about his thoughts on who his cousin might have a better matchup with when it comes to claiming the gold. The former lightweight champion says the undefeated up-and-comer will be prepared regardless of who is holding the title.

That’s not to say he doesn’t have a preference, though…

Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Cousin Umar Nurmagomedov Is Ready To Be UFC Champion

“I want Merab to be honest, because he’s from Georgia. [Dagestan and Georgia are] neighbors. I want Merab to win because it’s going to be a very interesting fight. White papakha vs. black papakha. But if O’Malley wins, it’s going to be white papakha vs. pink papakha.

“He’s going to be good competition for O’Malley. A very good fight, high-level fight for all of the fans all over the world. It’s not easy to beat Umar. And it’s not easy to beat Merab or Sean O’Malley. This is high level. Anything can happen, but in my opinion, Umar is ready.”

Umar Nurmagomedov is now 6-0 in the UFC (and 18-0 overall) since entering the promotion in 2021.

O’Malley, meanwhile, won the bantamweight championship by defeating Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292. He retained the title against Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC 299 in Miami this past March.

For his part, Dvalishvili has won 10 straight fights, clinching himself a title shot after defeating former champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 in February.

• Read More: ‘Khabib With Striking Skills’ – Fans React As Umar Nurmagomedov Wins ‘Chess Match’ Against Cory Sandhagen In UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi Main Event

Continue Reading Khabib Names Who He’d Rather Umar Nurmagomedov Fight For The UFC Bantamweight Title Out Of Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.

MMA News

In the eyes of UFC CEO Dana White, the rejection of the settlement in the UFC’s antitrust, class-action lawsuits was more than just business — it was personal.

White recently sat down for an interview with Kevin Iole. During it, he made his first public comments about the class-action lawsuits since Judge Richard Boulware formally rejected the $ 335 settlement from the UFC’s parent company, TKO Holdings Group.

White feels that Boulware’s actions went beyond legalities and may have been based on a personal grudge, with White — who says he usually lets the UFC’s legal team deal with matters involving things like this — claiming that he and Lorenzo Fertitta, former UFC CEO, went to high school with Boulware.

“It’s getting to a point now where this feels personal. You know I went to high school with this guy? Me and Lorenzo went to high school with him. I don’t know what me or Lorenzo did to him in high school, but this seems very, very personal.

“I don’t think I did anything to this guy. I don’t know what the hell happened, but there’s no doubt in my mind that this feels absolutely personal. And whatever it is with this guy, we’ll let the lawyers deal with it, and it is what it is.”

Dana White Claims Judge’s Rejection Of UFC Antitrust Lawsuit Settlement Stems From ‘Personal’ High School Grudge

In March, TKO agreed to the $ 335 million payout to settle a pair of class-action lawsuits brought against the UFC, [Cung] Le et al. vs. Zuffa and [Kajan] Johnson et al. vs. Zuffa. The plaintiffs were seeking $ 1.6 billion in damages and contractual changes to UFC contracts.

Boulware, in previous weeks, had express concern about the settlement for various reasons. Firstly, the amount obtained in the settlement greatly differed from what the plaintiffs were originally seeking, creating concern over how much each fighter would actually receive from this.

Secondly, each class-action lawsuit had a different focus, with the Le case centered around money and the Johnson case focused on contractual changes. Boulware expressed worry that this settlement did little to nothing for fighters represented in the Johnson case.

A jury trial is currently scheduled to begin on October 28 for Le vs. Zuffa. Johnson vs. Zuffa, meanwhile, is still in a very early portion of the legal process.

• Read More: UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Live Results & Highlights

Continue Reading Dana White Suggests Judge’s Rejection Of UFC Antitrust Settlement Could Be Personal: ‘Me & Lorenzo Went To High School With Him!’ at MMA News.

MMA News

Terence Crawford returns in a new weight class tonight to take on WBA Super Welterweight Champion Israil Madrimov. MMA News has the results and highlights here!

The event will occur at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California. In addition to Madrimov defending his title, the vacant WBO interim world super welterweight championship will also be up for grabs.

Crawford makes his comeback to the boxing ring after a year of inactivity. His last bout was a spectacular TKO win over Errol Spence Jr. in July 2023, which helped catapult him to superstardom.

DraftKings has Crawford as a considerable favorite to win tonight, but Madrimov has the ability to pull off the upset. The WBA super welterweight champion is undefeated with 10 wins and has finished seven of his opponents. He’ll also be more accustomed to the weight class than the American pugilist, which could play a role in their bout. However, Crawford is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world and has shown he can rise to the challenge.

Elsewhere on the card, WBA World Super Lightweight Champion Isaac Cruz will defend his title against Jose Valenzuela. “Pitbull” aims to win decisively and finally get a rematch against Gervonta Davis. Valenzuela will have the height and reach advantage but must deal with Cruz’s relentless pressure.

Crawford vs. Madrimov main card will start at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT on pay-per-view for $ 79.99. ESPN+ and DAZN will stream the event live, but fans must be subscribed and pay for the PPV. The preliminary card will kick the event off at 4:30 PM ET/1:30 PM PT for free on the DAZN YouTube Channel. 

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov Fight Card Results

(Fight Card Is Subject To Change)

Main Card: (DAZN PPV & ESPN+ PPV)

• WBA World Super Welterweight Championship & Vacant WBO Interim World Super Welterweight Championship: (C) Israil Madrimov (10-0-1) vs.
  Terence Crawford (40-0)
• WBA World Super Lightweight Championship: (C) Isaac Cruz (26-2-1) vs. Jose Valenzuela (13-2)
• Heavyweight: Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2) vs. Jarrell Miller (26-1-1)
• Vacant WBA Light Heavyweight Championship: David Morrell (10-0) vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic (29-2)
• IBF International & WBA Continental Latin-American Lightweight Championship: (C) Andy Cruz (3-0) vs. Antonio Moran (30-6-1)
• USWBC & WBO International Heavyweight Championship: Jared Anderson (17-0) vs. Martin Bakole (20-1)

Preliminary Card: (DAZN YouTube Channel)

• Welterweight: Ziyad Al Maayouf (5-0) vs. Michał Bulik (6-7)
• Super Middleweight: Steven Nelson (19-0) vs. Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez (20-0-1)

Continue Reading Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov Results & Highlights (4:30 PM ET) at MMA News.

MMA News

Boxing superstar Terence Crawford will make his long-awaited return to the ring this Saturday. He takes on Israil Madrimov for the WBA Super Welterweight Championship and the vacant WBO Interim World Super Welterweight Championship at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

While all eyes will be on the main event, fans are also excited about the matchups on the undercard. One of the anticipated bout will feature Andy Ruiz Jr. facing Jarrell Miller in an interesting heavyweight contest

Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Jarrell Miller

Ruiz Jr. returns to the boxing ring after nearly two years of absence from competition. His last fight was a unanimous decision win against Luis Ortiz on September 4, 2022. Since then, he’s been looking for a big fight with Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, or even his former rival Anthony Joshua. In addition to being unsuccessful in securing a fight with another heavyweight superstar, Ruiz Jr.’s inactivity has removed him from title opportunities. 

The comeback fight against Miller will test whether the former champion can still threaten the rest of the division. That said, “Big Baby” isn’t an easy opponent to return against. Although Miller lost his fight against Daniel Dubious by TKO on December 23, 2023, he had moments where he hurt the current IBF World Heavyweight Champion.

DraftKings currently has the “Destroyer” victorious on Saturday. However, it’s unclear if his time away from competition will affect his performance. 

Other Key Matchups On The Undercard

Elsewhere on the card, there are more fights that fans will be intrigued to watch. Here are some of the key matchups on the undercard:

• Vacant WBA Light Heavyweight Championship: David Morrell (10-0) vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic (29-2)

Morrell will try to get his seventh straight knockout win this Saturday. Kalajdzic has more professional experience than his opponent, but Morrell’s punching power can be difficult to handle.

• IBF International & WBA Continental Latin-American Lightweight Championship: Andy Cruz (3-0) vs. Antonio Moran (30-6-1)

Undefeated with three wins, Cruz will put his title on the line against Moran. Both fighters come into the matchup having won the last fight and try to get a statement win to put the division on notice. 

• USWBC & WBO International Heavyweight Championship: Jared Anderson (17-0) vs. Martin Bakole (20-1)

Anderson will take the next step toward becoming a title contender by taking on Bakole to open the main card. Both heavyweights have a record of 15 knockouts, so it’s possible the bout will not go the distance. 

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov Fight Card

(Fight Card Is Subject To Change)

Main Card: (DAZN PPV & ESPN+ PPV)

• WBA World Super Welterweight Championship & Vacant WBO Interim World Super Welterweight Championship: (C) Israil Madrimov (10-0-1) vs.
  Terence Crawford (40-0)
• WBA World Super Lightweight Championship: (C) Isaac Cruz (26-2-1) vs. Jose Valenzuela (13-2)
• Heavyweight: Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2) vs. Jarrell Miller (26-1-1)
• Vacant WBA Light Heavyweight Championship: David Morrell (10-0) vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic (29-2)
• IBF International & WBA Continental Latin-American Lightweight Championship: (C) Andy Cruz (3-0) vs. Antonio Moran (30-6-1)
• USWBC & WBO International Heavyweight Championship: Jared Anderson (17-0) vs. Martin Bakole (20-1)

Preliminary Card: (DAZN YouTube Channel)

• Welterweight: Ziyad Al Maayouf (5-0) vs. Michał Bulik (6-7)
• Super Middleweight: Steven Nelson (19-0) vs. Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez (20-0-1)

Continue Reading Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov Undercard Preview at MMA News.

MMA News

It appears that Francis Ngannou is gearing up for his long awaited return to MMA, after what has been a difficult year for the former UFC heavyweight champion.

The PFL fighter recently announced that he will be hoping to step back inside the cage later this year in what is sure to be an emotional moment for both he and his fans.

Messages and support poured in from all angles of the combat sports world in April after Ngannou announced the tragic passing of his 15-month-old son Kobe.

A teammate of his said that “The Predator” appears to be building up some steam in training, and he’s doing it with fire in his eyes after what he has been through.

Tim Johnson Says Francis Ngannou Is Slowly Returning To The Gym With Motivation

Former UFC and Bellator veteran Tim Johnson is set to make his return in the main event of PFL 7 this weekend where he takes on Denis Goltsov.

During his training camp at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, he crossed paths with his teammate and fellow PFL fighter as he works his way back.

Johnson gave an update on Ngannou during a recent interview with MMA News, stating that one of the baddest men on the planet is slowly coming back to speed.

“He’s been in the gym, getting his wheels greased again. Kind of going slow but he’s in no rush like he doesn’t, it’s not like he’s fighting in eight weeks or anything but yeah he’s been back in the gym, feeling big, strong, like he always has.”

Johnson also said that Ngannou appears to be doing okay mentally from what he has been able to take away from their conversations.

He said that if anything, the heavyweight knockout artist is now in a position where he is using this difficult time in his life as fuel.

“He seems to be, yeah. I talked to him a little bit and as a father to father, I told him, me and my wife gave him our sympathies. I couldn’t imagine it, that’d be the worst scenario in any parents life and he seems to be harnessing it and utilizing it.”

Read also: 2024 PFL 7 Playoffs: Denis Goltsov vs. Tim Johnson Weigh-In Results

Continue Reading PFL Headliner Tim Johnson: Francis Ngannou ‘Harnessing’ Grief Of Losing Son In Training [Exclusive] at MMA News.

MMA News

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins!

After staging its return to Manchester, England, for the UFC 304 pay-per-view last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion has remained on the road for a card inside the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Before returning to the venue for its annual numbered event this October, the UFC will put on a Fight Night event topped by elite bantamweight contenders Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov. The former interim title challenger and his undefeated Russian opponent will be looking to stake their claims for a shot at the winner of Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili.

Saturday’s co-headliner, meanwhile, will see another unbeaten name back in action as Sharabutdin Magomedov looks to make it three from three in the UFC at the expense of Michał Oleksiejczuk.

Before that, a second crucial contest at 135 pounds will go down. Making the walk for the first time since his defeat to O’Malley in their UFC 299 title fight, Marlon Vera will look to revive his championship ambitions before stalling the two-weight goals of ex-flyweight kingpin Deiveson Figueiredo.

Elsewhere on the lineup, the likes of former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson and strawweight submission specialist Mackenzie Dern are among those set to be in action.

Ahead of the event, all 26 fighters successfully made weight. With that, all that remains on Friday is for the athletes to face off one final time at the UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi ceremonial weigh-ins!

Check out a stream via the official UFC YouTube channel below, commencing at 10 AM ET.

UFC Fight Night Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream at MMA News.

MMA News