News

Matchmaker Monday – UFC 264

Published

3 years ago

July 12, 2021

Jake Davis

The dust has settled in Las Vegas after an eventful MMA return. UFC 264 saw its’ fair share of finishes and shocking moments, but now, it’s time to see where the fighters go from here. Let’s take a look at the matchups to make!

DISCLAIMER: feel free to disagree, this is purely opinion based!

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Dustin Poirier (28-6, 1 NC)

Claiming the trilogy via TKO through a doctor stoppage, former interim champ Dustin Poirier has a clear fight ahead of him. It is, of course, newly-minted lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. Both the UFC brass, Poirier and Oliveira are all in agreement that this is the fight to make. Poirier has 8-1-1 since 2017, riding two stoppage wins. Will ‘The Diamond’ shine through for undisputed gold? Time will tell…

Conor McGregor (22-6)

A tibia and fibula break are the main concern for former champ Conor McGregor right now. According to his team, surgery was successful and a return is planned for late 2021 or 2022. Due to the somewhat controversial nature of the bout’s end, McGregor is petitioning loudly for a fourth bout with Poirier. Personally, I don’t see the need, but I see the appeal on both sides of the argument. I think Tony Ferguson is a fighter in need of a big win, as is McGregor. A clash between these lightweight staples would be entertaining and serve as a ticket to the title discussions for the winner.

Gilbert Burns (20-4)

To the surprise of many, Brazil’s Gilbert Burns picked up a decisive win over the weekend. Many fans wrote off his title aspirations after losing to champ earlier this year, but a smothering performance over Stephen Thompson proved he still belongs amongst the elite at 170lbs. Burns seemed interested in a bout with Jorge Masvidal, something the BMF champ was on board with. I think this serves as a perfect opportunity for both men to get the win and catapult themselves back into title talks.

Stephen Thompson (16-4-1)

Though he came up at short of UFC 264, Stephen ‘Wonderboy Thompson still remains with the elite at welterweight. At 38 years old, many expected a win over Burns to place him against Kamaru Usman to finish the final title run of his career. With a loss, however, it leaves him in a tricky situation. Personally, I think a matchup with Neil Magny presents an interesting stylistic matchup to cap off an amazing career.

Tai Tuivasa (13-3)

Shoeys and all aside, Tai Tuivasa put on a great showcase at UFC 264. His KO of Greg Hardy displayed his power once again, which could be a serious problem at heavyweight. I think his recent run of form is enough to warrant a ranked fight. 3 straight first-rounders is impressive. Unfortunately, heavyweight is slightly logjammed. Throw him in with Tanner Boser and watch all hell break lose.

Greg Hardy (7-4, 1 NC)

Is it fair to say that Greg Hardy hasn’t exactly overperformed in the UFC? He has picked up decent wins, but he has no victories of anyone still on the UFC roster. I genuinely think the UFC needs to let him go until he has some more experience under his belt. He’s still very young to this. Let him take some easier fights on the regional circuit, pick him back up in a few years time.

Irene Aldana (13-6)

Putting on a dominant display in a one-round affair, Irene Aldana has placed herself back in title contention. To actually get a crack at Amanda Nunes, however, she’s gonna have to pick up a win in the top 5. May I suggest – Germaine de Randamie. This will a delight to watch if it stays on the feet, and just as interesting when it hits the mat.

Yana Kunitskaya (14-6, 1 NC)

Though she may have fallen short, Yana Kunitskaya remains one of the most respected at 135lbs. If she’s looking to stay fighting the best, there are plenty of matchups that make sense. I would personally say Macy Chiasson, as both women can mix up striking and grappling effectively. This seems like a fun matchup that could have bigger implications down the line.

Sean O’Malley (14-1)

Continuing his ascent up the bantamweight ladder, Sean O’Malley mentioned plenty of names in his post-fight interview. The likes Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt are fun matchups on paper, but the timing and rankings tell us otherwise. If O’Malley wants top contenders, I think Dominick Cruz vs Sean O’Malley is a fight that needs to be made. The striking is bound to be insane, and the trash talk will draw in plenty of eyes.

Kris Moutinho (9-5)

Can we just appreciate Kris Moutinho for a second? Taking the fight on 11 days notice was credible enough, but to show the grit that was on display takes heart. Whether or not you think he belongs in the UFC, give him another fight because he deserves a fair shot. It doesn’t matter who, just one more to see what he’s all about.

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How would you matchup UFC 264’s fighters? Do you agree with my choices? Let us know in the comments section below?

Interviews

Smilla Sundell Recaps Training With Tawanchai & Stamp In Thailand

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2024

VM Staff

For a fighter to become the best, it helps to remain humble and focused. And if the opportunity to train with world-class athletes arises, they should grab it with both hands. Ahead of her return to ONE Championship next month, ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Smilla Sundell has been doing all that.

The Swedish striker is set to return in the main event of ONE Fight Night 22 on Saturday, 4th May, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, where she’ll defend her crown against Russian ruiner Natalia Diachkova.

Sundell has been dominant across four promotional outings. But she knows she’ll have her hands full with Diachkova, so she recently chose to take some tips from ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai.

“I did his seminar in Bangkok at PK Saenchai with my friend Matt. We went there and wanted to learn some new skills and see how he did seminars because I want to go to America after my fight to do seminars. I’ve done one now, and I like teaching, so it was fun,” Sundell said.

“There’s no competition in it. He’s like a cat playing with a rat. It’s too easy for him sometimes. He doesn’t even try.”

The strawweight Muay Thai queen sharpens her skills at the Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya, Thailand, alongside other world-class striking talents, like three-sport ONE World Champion Stamp Fairtex.

Stamp’s fun-loving nature has rubbed off on Sundell, but it’s her commitment to never backing down that has truly inspired the 19-year-old sensation.

“She’s always been a happy girl and trains hard every day. She’s basically the same funny girl. Still hungry (to get wins),” Sundell explained.

“I think I learned that you can achieve whatever you like as long as you put in the work. But I learned that from my parents, too. But maybe more practical, in a sense, because Stamp did it in martial arts.”

News

CW 171: Final Card & Broadcast Details

Published

4 days ago

April 15, 2024

VM Staff

It’s fight week for Glasgow! Cage Warriors – Europe’s Leading MMA Organisation – heads to Scotland for the first time since 2013 with the stacked CW 171 card pitting the nation’s finest against elite opposition from the UK, Europe and beyond!

With the home nation represented in all six of the main card bouts, the atmosphere is set to be electric in the Braehead Arena as CW presents one of its biggest fight nights of all time.

In the main event, blistering KO artist Dumitru Girlean returns to face home favourite Chris ‘The Bad Guy’ Bungard in what is sure to be an electrifying lightweight contest.

Also featuring in high-stakes bouts are title hopefuls Reece McEwan and Aidan Stephen, who face UFC veteran Cameron Else and Italy’s Gianluca Scottoli respectively.

Elsewhere on the card, former title challenger Scott Malone is back in the famous yellow gloves, as he takes on surging contender Nicolas Leblond, while hot prospect Sean Clancy Jr looks to keep his unbeaten run alive against Lucas Rodriguez.

The final CW 171 card is as follows…

Cage Warriors 171: Glasgow | LIVE on UFC Fight Pass

Main Card – 12:30 (PT) | 15:30 (ET) | 20:30 (BST) | 21:30 (CEST)

Lightweight: Dumitru Girlean vs Chris Bungard
Bantamweight: Cameron Else vs Reece McEwan
Welterweight: Lucas Rodrigues vs Sean Clancy Jr
Bantamweight: Gianluca Scottoli vs Aidan Stephen
Flyweight: Nicolas Leblond vs Scott Malone
Bantamweight: Kaique Modesto vs Keir Harvie

Prelims – 08:30 (PT) | 11:30 (ET) | 16:30 (BST) | 17:30 (CEST)

Lightweight: Konstantinos Ntelis vs Jan Quaeyhaegens
Featherweight: Alberth Dias vs Paul McBain
Bantamweight: Jack Eglin vs Daan Duijs
Lightweight: Jordan Little vs Jordan Stronge
Welterweight: Wallison Henrique vs Carlo Pedersoli Jr
Light Heavyweight: Nell Ariano vs Jamie Macdonald
Catchweight (167lbs): Diego Dikson vs Ieuan Davies
Lightweight: Dec Dean vs Michael Blair
Flyweight: Ronal Siahaan vs Igor Wojtas
Featherweight: TBC vs Damon Donald
Bantamweight: Pav Sahota vs Iain Postlethwaite
Welterweight: Mush Aslani vs Khadim Dia
Featherweight: Cornellius Aritonang vs Thomas Hepburn

Cage Warriors 171: Glasgow will air live on UFC Fight Pass and international broadcast partners.

News

UFC 300 – Live Results | Pereira vs Hill

Published

6 days ago

April 13, 2024

Jake Davis

It’s fight day! The milestone event UFC 300 is finally upon us, bringing with it one of the strongest cards ever put together. In the main event, Alex Pereira will defend his light heavyweight belt against former titleholder Jamahal Hill.

For the full results as they happen, look no further!

Note: any point deductions will be denoted with an asterisk and explained at the bottom of the page.

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