The MMA/Boxing Thread

[Mike Rotch]

And we'll never know now, as GSP has vacated his Middleweight title.

health related it seems. Oh well.

 

[NW48]

health related it seems. Oh well.

Yeah,I was reading that he has colitis. Not good. Hoping he has a full recovery sooner rather than later so we can see him back in the octagon.

However, I can see Woodley using this as a way to try and get a money fight, since the reported fight with Nate Diaz fell through. He can try all he wants, but if GSP is out with sickness, it won't happen.

 

[mcpon14]

I think Gastelum should have gotten the title shot against Whitaker. Hopefully, he gets the next one.

 

[Andrew R]

Great for Whittaker, will even better if he defends it in Perth. He certainly deserves it but feels strange him getting the belt without a fight involved. I hope GSP makes a full recovery and comes back in a lighter division.

The Miocic vs Ngannou fight should be an absolute war.

 

[NW48]

I think Gastelum should have gotten the title shot against Whitaker. Hopefully, he gets the next one.

He would have been the next in line for sure, but only after Rockhold. Gastelum lost to Weidman just a couple months ago, so maybe one more win against say, Yoel Romero, then definitely, but he's gotta beat someone in the top 5, who isn't coming off of a war just 13 days earlier

 

[mcpon14]

GSP said that he could make 155. That would be so cool if he could become a 3 division champ, lol. They would probably give him an automatic title shot, too, lol.

 

[NW48]

Great way to start 2018's PPV schedule 👍

 

[mcpon14]

Yes! Brian Ortega is a new title picture contender. And I think that the way he snatches chokes is just as impressive as KO's.

 

[JockeP22]

Great video.

 

[mcpon14]

^ Joanna said that she almost died during the weight cut. She said that it was torturous. I think that affected her performance, to be honest.

 

[NW48]

The UFC's annual NYE PPV card is on tomorrow, and while it's not as stacked with big names as previous end of year cards, this is one you don't want to miss. Here's the card:

Fight # 1 - Welterweight - Carlos Condit v Neil Magny
Fight #2 - Women's Strawweight - Cynthia Calvillo v Carla Esparza
Fight #3 - Lightweight - Dan Hooker v Marc Diakiese
Co-Main Event - Lightweight - Khabib Nurmagomedov v Edson Barboza
Main Event - Women's Featherweight Championship - Cris Cyborg (c) v Holly Holm

I'm keen to see if Calvillo can beat Esparza, I thought she'd be the one to dethrone Joanna, but of course Rose got to that first, but I can see the title in her future, for sure. The Khabib/Barboza fight is really intriguing to me. It's a classic lethal striker v ground specialist matchup, and I see a lot of people tipping Khabib and rightfully so, he's a beast, but I would not count out Barboza at all. He's got one of the highest takedown defenses in the lightweight division, so if he can stuff the takedowns of Khabib and keep the fight standing, it's his to lose. But by far, the fight I'm most excited for, Cyborg v Holm. Can Holm defeat yet another giant of women's MMA? Or will Cyborg once again show that she is head and shoulders above the rest? Cyborg to me, is just more well rounded as a mixed martial artist, she's got KO power, and great technique now that she's with Jason Parillo, and add that on top of her black belt in jiu-jitsu, she's just more of a threat everywhere than Holly is. I got Cyborg winning this one, maybe by submission.

 

[Mr P]

Wow!!! what a night of fighting and what a cracking way to finish the year... That was definitely worth staying up for!! 👍
Top marks to all the main card fighters for giving their all

 

[NW48]

The card fell pretty flat for me, fight of the night was Khabib absolutely mauling Barboza, proving me wrong again. Thing I was most impressed by was how Khabib ate a wheel kick like it was nothing. Definitely looking forward to Ferguson v Khabib for what is the real title. McGregor can keep his plastic belt warm, cause if he ever comes back, ain't no way he's getting past Khabib, and to a lesser extent, Ferguson.

Cyborg v Holm was surprising, Holly started good, but her fight IQ was just awful. Every time she'd get an effectve strike in, she'd clinch and stall on the cage wall and not take advantage of it, that's not to mention her telegraphing her shots. But again, Cyborg shows she's just too good. I'd personally like to see Nunes v Cyborg now at Featherweight, Nunes and Dana like the idea. I feel like Holly should get Megan Anderson and if Anderson wins, then she can get Cyborg. She needs to prove herself after being inactive for so long.

Diakiese v Hooker, good to see Hooker get the win, fight fell a bit flat, but I'm all for an Aussie/Kiwi getting a win.

Calvillo v Esparza, decent fight, had some good exchanges, but some questionable choices by Calvillo's corner, telling her to stand and strike instead of staying on the ground where she had heaps of success in the first round. In my eyes, that cost her the win tonight.

Condit v Magny... besides the absolutely bizzare sponsored walkout song for Condit (plugging Bright hard was a theme of the evening), Condit just seemed rusty and uninterested, like he was only there for the paycheck. Not to take anything away from Magny though, he was stellar tonight. Not a memorable fight in the slightest though.

One last note though, Cruz, love the technical insight, but good god, you're boring as hell to listen to and kill the chemistry of the commentary. Keep him off, and get DC in as third man whenever possible.

But anyway, roll on UFC 220! Stipe Miocic v Francis Nagnnou and Daniel Cormier v Volkan Oezdemir. Already, the promo has me hyped as hell. Easily one of the best ever:

 

[mcpon14]

DC is more interesting to listen to because he seems to be more excited.

 

[NW48]

Robert Whittaker has been pulled from UFC 221 in Perth as a result of "several significant injuries". Instead, Yoel Romero will step in on short notice to face Luke Rockhold for the interim Middleweight title. They've also offered full ticket refunds as a result.

Well, that's an interesting fight, but that card is definitely now just a glorified fight night. I mean, Hunt v Blaydes as your co-main? That's a sign you're struggling to get fights. This card could have the worst buy rate in recent memory. It's a far-cry from UFC 193, for sure.

 

[NW48]

So the UFC PPV schedule kicks off tomorrow with UFC 220. The card is quite literally the definition of top heavy, with really only two big, interesting fights. Without further ado, the main card;

Fight #1 - Bantamweight - Thomas Almeida v Rob Font
Fight #2 - Light Heavyweight - Gian Villante v Francimar Barroso
Fight #3 - Featherweight - Calvin Kattar v Shane Burgos
Co-Main Event - Light Heavyweight Championship - Daniel Cormier (c) v Volkan Oezdemir
Main Event - Heavyweight Championship - Stipe Miocic (c) v Francis Ngannou

I got DC to win by TKO against Volkan in the 2nd round, Volkan is good, but he isn't "DC good". The LHW division is really just DC and Gustafsson, then everyone else. I mean, Volkan has only beat Cirkunov and Manuwa, they aren't even close to DC's level, especially in terms of fight IQ. Just as Cormier said, once he beats Volkan, it's back to the undercard for him. Hopefully Gustaffson returns from injury soon, otherwise Glover Teixera (who got demolished by Gustaffson not even 8 months ago) will be next in line, and that's not a good look for the division.

As for the main event, it's an interesting fight. It really can go either way here. Stipe has the better cardio and wrestling, but Ngannou has the power and the strength advantage. I like both guys, but I've got Ngannou getting the edge against Stipe. Just the raw strength and power of Ngannou is insane. Now I know MMA math rarely works, but Ngannou and Stipe's respective fights with Overeem are what I look to. Overeem dropped Stipe in their fight, and Overeem does not have the power that Ngannou possesses. Now, you look at when Overeem took Ngannou against the cage in the clinch, and Ngannou just overpowered Overeem, whose clinch game is among the best, so the power and strength is well in the favour it seems to Ngannou. In my opinion, this fight rests in if Ngannou can use that 75% takedown defence and 17 pound weight adavntage effectively and keep it on the feet. He does that, and you'll be hearing "And New" at the conclusion of the fight.

 

[Andrew R]

So the UFC PPV schedule kicks off tomorrow with UFC 220. The card is quite literally the definition of top heavy, with really only two big, interesting fights. Without further ado, the main card;

Fight #1 - Bantamweight - Thomas Almeida v Rob Font
Fight #2 - Light Heavyweight - Gian Villante v Francimar Barroso
Fight #3 - Featherweight - Calvin Kattar v Shane Burgos
Co-Main Event - Light Heavyweight Championship - Daniel Cormier (c) v Volkan Oezdemir
Main Event - Heavyweight Championship - Stipe Miocic (c) v Francis Ngannou

I got DC to win by TKO against Volkan in the 2nd round, Volkan is good, but he isn't "DC good". The LHW division is really just DC and Gustafsson, then everyone else. I mean, Volkan has only beat Cirkunov and Manuwa, they aren't even close to DC's level, especially in terms of fight IQ. Just as Cormier said, once he beats Volkan, it's back to the undercard for him. Hopefully Gustaffson returns from injury soon, otherwise Glover Teixera (who got demolished by Gustaffson not even 8 months ago) will be next in line, and that's not a good look for the division.

As for the main event, it's an interesting fight. It really can go either way here. Stipe has the better cardio and wrestling, but Ngannou has the power and the strength advantage. I like both guys, but I've got Ngannou getting the edge against Stipe. Just the raw strength and power of Ngannou is insane. Now I know MMA math rarely works, but Ngannou and Stipe's respective fights with Overeem are what I look to. Overeem dropped Stipe in their fight, and Overeem does not have the power that Ngannou possesses. Now, you look at when Overeem took Ngannou against the cage in the clinch, and Ngannou just overpowered Overeem, whose clinch game is among the best, so the power and strength is well in the favour it seems to Ngannou. In my opinion, this fight rests in if Ngannou can use that 75% takedown defence and 17 pound weight adavntage effectively and keep it on the feet. He does that, and you'll be hearing "And New" at the conclusion of the fight.

I also had DC down for second round TKO, turned a $5 bet into $55. The Miocic vs Ngannou fight was way too hard to pick though. Should be a battle.

 

[NW48]

I also had DC down for second round TKO, turned a $5 bet into $55. The Miocic vs Ngannou fight was way too hard to pick though. Should be a battle.

DC didn't look great in the first minute of the fight, but after that, he went to a whole different level. To me, DC is the GOAT.

As for this main event, Ngannou has proved to be one dimensional, amd Stipe proves his doubters wrong and that he does have an amazing chin... But my god, Ngannou literally hadn't moved on the ground for 2 whole rounds, and Stipe did nothing. Great strategy but all you proved was that you can spam takedowns whenever you're in trouble. Still not the heavyweight GOAT in my eyes. This fight was disappointing.

FOTN was either Kattar v Burgos or DC v Volkan.

 

[Theufcveteran]

DC didn't look great in the first minute of the fight, but after that, he went to a whole different level. To me, DC is the GOAT.

As for this main event, Ngannou has proved to be one dimensional, amd Stipe proves his doubters wrong and that he does have an amazing chin... But my god, Ngannou literally hadn't moved on the ground for 2 whole rounds, and Stipe did nothing. Great strategy but all you proved was that you can spam takedowns whenever you're in trouble. Still not the heavyweight GOAT in my eyes. This fight was disappointing.

FOTN was either Kattar v Burgos or DC v Volkan.

Ngannou can still CRACK even when he’s gassed. And while I do think Stipe could’ve finished, I reckon Cain would’ve done the same thing, it’s the smartest way to fight a big, explosive guy like Ngannou. Pretty damn good card, I must say! Had some great fights.

 

[Mr P]

Never saw either of these fight before tonight but the Kattar v Burgos scrap was Awesome! Kattars speed and accuracy was superb and Burgos had a chin like Granite! FOTN for me that one

Good to see both Champs retain by gassing out the power punchers! I agree with Joe Rogan suggesting that Daniel v Stipe should be the next superfight... I see DC win that one in the later rounds after a good battle 👍

 

[NW48]

Ngannou can still CRACK even when he’s gassed. And while I do think Stipe could’ve finished, I reckon Cain would’ve done the same thing, it’s the smartest way to fight a big, explosive guy like Ngannou. Pretty damn good card, I must say! Had some great fights.

Yeah, card was much better than I expected, only negative would be that Villante v Barroso as Barroso just rarely wanted to engage.

Never saw either of these fight before tonight but the Kattar v Burgos scrap was Awesome! Kattars speed and accuracy was superb and Burgos had a chin like Granite! FOTN for me that one

Same, although I had seen a fight of Kattar's but never really remembered him. But after that, I'm gonna remember both fighters. Definitely have to look out for their future fights. Kattar v Michael Johnson, pretty please?

I agree with Joe Rogan suggesting that Daniel v Stipe should be the next superfight... I see DC win that one in the later rounds after a good battle

I'd love to see it, but I won't be surprised if it doesn't happen. Mainly because DC wouldn't want to take the opportunity from Cain, who could be returning soon. If anyone deserves to be a two weight champion, it's Cormier. Such a great guy, and in my eyes, the GOAT alongside GSP.

EDIT: Some really unfortunate news just coming out now about Robert Whittaker, Dana has said that the reason why Whittaker had been removed from UFC 221 was that he has a staph infection... in his stomach, that's apparently eating away at some of his organs. Not good at all. Hopefully he has a full recovery, hate to see that happen to someone who has very young kids and so much ahead of him. Get well soon, Champ!

 

[NW48]

Well, after a few disappointing international fight week PPV cards, this year's card in July already looks set to be one of the best ever. Demetrious Johnson and TJ Dillashaw is being targeted for that card, Cyborg v Nunes is apparently scheduled for that card as well but just coming out now, Stipe Miocic will defend his heavyweight title against Daniel Cormier. It's also confirmed they will be opposing coaches on TUF 27 as well.

UFC 226 is the card of the superfights, hopefully the MMA Gods let us have this card.

EDIT: Woodley also believes he'll be back for UFC 226... wonder who he would be fighting? Dos Anjos or Covington? Or maybe another champion?

 

[Eva]

Cat Zingano finally got herself a fight at UFC 222 against Ketlan Vieira as well.

 

[NW48]

Also, hasn't be stated in this thread but UFC 223 looks great, Khabib v Ferguson for the Interim/Undisputed title, Thug Rose v Joanna II as well as Paul Felder v Al Iaquinta.

Looks to be a good start to the year for the UFC. Let's hope it continues.

 

[NW48]

Jon Jones has had his CSAC hearing today, where he has had his MMA license revoked, and been fined $205,000. He now awaits whatever punishment USADA gives him, in which he won't be able to reapply for that license until the USADA hearing is over and whatever suspension/ban they give him is over.

Jones really showed what a narcissist he is at that hearing too. It was all about himself and his legacy and nothing else. He also made numerous slip ups making himself seem super reckless, even stating that; no he hadn't done the USADA training programs like they suggested, instead getting his team to do that for him and also admitting that his team forged his signature on those programs. He also talked at great lengths about what Barry Bonds' steroid usage did for boxing... despite the fact Barry Bonds is a baseball player.

Anyway, it's all in the hands of USADA... please throw the book at him. These fighters will keep doing this and blaming it on tainted supplements/cocaine/whatever until they know that there is a big penalty for not doing their job and looking at what they're outting into their bodies. I say 8 year suspension should be handed down by USADA. It's only right.

 

[Mr P]

Well yet again for the 4th time Khabib v Tony has been cancelled! Absolutely gutted the same as all the other times after waiting months closing in on the fight date 👎

Now the saviour is obviously Holloway for stepping up to fight Khabib on 6 days notice! Friggin awesome and total respect to him for doing it! I can only imagine an epic fight in this main event and can't think of a better replacement for Tony

So much for Conor tweeting last week that he was ready to step in and cover any injured party you had your chance to step up but it seems you are just full of hot air nowadays

Anyway what an awesome new main event for 223

 

[NW48]

Now the saviour is obviously Holloway for stepping up to fight Khabib on 6 days notice! Friggin awesome and total respect to him for doing it! I can only imagine an epic fight in this main event and can't think

And with an injured foot. He's ballsy. But for the UFC, this is the best case scenario. I love Holloway, but the deck is stacked against him. He would have to pull off the biggest upset to beat Khabib given the situation. So naturally, Dana loves this. As long as Khabib makes it to the octagon, he is guaranteed a win. Why is this so good for the UFC? Well, that PPV event that is scheduled (not yet announced) for a Russian arena (cant recall the name). Khabib wins the undisputed title against Max, and defends it against McGregor in Russia like Dana has always wanted. All the pieces are falling into place for Dana and the UFC.

As for McGregor, I'm just glad this Ferguson injury has forced Dana's hand to actually strip Conor officially. From all reports, he's stripped, making him the first fighter in history to be stripped of two titles for inactivity.

But how freak was Ferguson's injury though? Apparently he was on the FOX set to do some media when he turned to wave at someone before tripping, tearing his LCL off the bone. I don't entirely buy it, given the fact just a couple days beforehand he was kneeing steel poles, but, as one Max Holloway would say; "It is what it is".

Finges crossed nothing happens to the Namajumas v Joanna fight

 

[Mr P]

But how freak was Ferguson's injury though? Apparently he was on the FOX set to do some media when he turned to wave at someone before tripping, tearing his LCL off the bone. I don't entirely buy it, given the fact just a couple days beforehand he was kneeing steel poles, but, as one Max Holloway would say; "It is what it is".

Finges crossed nothing happens to the Namajumas v Joanna fight

Yeah I don't buy it either tbh.. after the exchange they had on the media phone conference and Khabib definitely won the war of words and Tony seemed very nervous/angry/on edge! I think he pretty much talked himself out of fighting but that's just my own thoughts, what a great fight they had arranged for the 4th time.. I don't think there will be a 5th time 👎

 

[bremics]

At least if Hollaway wins the UFC gets to have McGregor fight again.

A title fight against another two division champ that he already beat? That should get home to show up lol.

 

[NW48]

At least if Hollaway wins the UFC gets to have McGregor fight again.

A title fight against another two division champ that he already beat? That should get home to show up lol.

As much as it sucks that Ferguson is injured, this is money for the UFC. He was always the third party sorta getting in the way of what they want, but now he's gone, they can hope for a Khabib/McGregor fight in Russia, or if Max pulls the bigget upset ever, Holloway/McGregor 2 in Hawaii. It's a license to print money, this situation. I'm fine with either one,because whilst it may be a money fight, it's a sensible and deserving fight against a very elite guy. Holloway has really come along since the first fought, as Khabib working with the guys at AKA isn't as ine dimensional as he was, and can trade on the fight. I'm excited.