By Blue Corner
January 22, 2021 9:14 pm
Article source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-news-dustin-poirier-best-instagram-photos
Fight Game on the ‘Gram: Dustin Poirier’s best posts before UFC 257
Fight Game on the ‘Gram: Conor McGregor’s best posts before UFC 257
By Blue Corner
January 22, 2021 9:15 pm
Article source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/conor-mcgregor-best-instgram-posts-photo-gallery-mma-ufc-social-media
John Makdessi vs. Ignacio Bahamondes added to UFC Fight Night on April 10
Ignacio Bahamondes will draw a seasoned veteran in his UFC debut.
Bahamondes (11-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) faces John Makdessi (17-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC) at UFC Fight Night on April 10, which does not currently have an announced location or venue.
A person with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie of the booking but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. Milenio was first to report the news.
Chile’s Bahamondes earned his UFC contract with a spectacular head-kick knockout of Edson Gomez at Dana White’s Contender Series 34 in Las Vegas. The 23-year-old will drop to lightweight in his promotional debut.
Makdessi, 35, saw his three-fight winning streak snapped at the hands of Francisco Trinaldo at UFC Fight Night 170 last March. Prior to that, the Canadian scored decision wins over Abel Trujillo, Ross Pearson and Jesus Pinedo.
With the addition, the UFC Fight Night lineup for April 10 includes:
- Nina Ansaroff vs. Mackenzie Dern
- Jarjis Danho vs. Yorgan De Castro
- Norma Dumont vs. Bea Malecki
- Ignacio Bahamondes vs. John Makdessi
Article source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/john-makdessi-vs-ignacio-bahamondes-added-to-ufc-fight-night-on-april-10
Photos: UFC 257 ceremonial weigh-ins and faceoffs
UFC 257 breakdown: Michael Chandler’s wrestling could be deciding factor vs. Dan Hooker
(Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
The co-main event for UFC 257 features a fun pairing of two action-first fighters who have a penchant for turning striking exchanges into car crashes.
An inherent pressure-fighter who is busting onto the UFC stage like a proverbial bull in a China shop, Michael Chandler can seldom be found taking a back step in his contests. Carrying over the athletic ability and explosiveness that he demonstrated as a wrestler on the Mizzou mats, Chandler’s boxing technique made impressive strides back in his initial Bellator tournament run, which in turn helped him earn his first world title.
From his upgraded punching mechanics to little details like rolling under his crosses, it was clear that Chander’s trajectory was upward. And despite a handful of notable bumps in the road and changes in training camps, the former Bellator champion still seems to be firing on all cylinders after settling into his new home.
Now under the tutelage of Henri Hooft, Chandler appears to be furthering his fundamentals and footwork, moving much more fluidly in combinations and even adding in leg kicks of his own. The 34-year-old has also made a more concerted effort to go to the body as of late, which should serve him well against his current counterpart.
Nevertheless, Chandler is not beyond being caught or countered upon entry, as he’ll need to be careful of tunnel vision in regards to landing big bombs or looking for takedowns.
A marauding muay Thai stylist who can stick and move off of pressure, [auttoag]Dan Hooker[/autotag] wields a diverse arsenal of attack.
Whether he’s fighting from orthodox or southpaw, the New Zealand native can strike well from either stance, both coming forward or off the counter.
Working nicely off of a long and well-placed jab, Hooker can offensively prod with effect or attach it to the end of combinations as a disruptive check to help dissuade counters. Often following up with his patented crosses and head kicks, the 30-year-old talent will continue to vary his tempo and attacks throughout the contest, attempting to build in pace and pressure.
Helping glue together Hooker’s offensive repertoire is his ability to effectively feint in space – something that I suspect he can thank Eugene Bareman and the City Kickboxing crew for. And whenever Hooker is able to get a beat on his opponent’s attacks, he’s not afraid to let unforgiving knees fly up the centerline, which could come in handy against a level-changing threat like Chandler.
However, despite Hooker’s noted technical improvements and inherent chin, defense has not necessarily been his strong suit, making offense a potent, two-way street for as long as this stays on the feet.
Article source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-257-breakdown-michael-chandlers-wrestling-could-be-deciding-factor-vs-dan-hooker
