UFC lightweight title picture clearing as Justin Gaethje vs. Charles Oliveira targeted

A fight between UFC lightweight contenders Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira is being targeted to help clear up the title picture.

UFC president Dana White, in an ESPN+ question and answer session with fans, said that Gaethje vs. Oliveira could be the next bout for the two contenders.

Gaethje (22-3) is fresh off of a loss to UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in October. He had been on a four-fight winning streak before losing his bid for the belt, but still remains the No. 1 contender in the division.

Oliveira (30-8, 1 NC) is on an incredible streak, having won his eight most recent bouts. His most recent bout was the most notable, as Oliveira dominated Tony Ferguson at UFC 256.

With Khabib’s future in limbo, as he announced his retirement following UFC 254, a bout between Gaethje and Oliveira could help bring a potential successor into focus. If Khabib decides to fight again, it could also whittle down his potential opponents.

Other pivotal lightweight bouts are already on order, as UFC 257 features Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor in a main event rematch, as well as former Bellator champion squaring off with No. 6 ranked Dan Hooker.

TRENDING Michael Chandler finally books first UFC bout on ‘the biggest stage’ possible


Article source: https://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-lightweight-title-picture-clearing-as-justin-gaethje-vs-charles-oliveira-targeted

 

UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson gives update on arm – in classic ‘El Cucuy’ fashion

UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson says his arm is feeling great.

Well, actually his exact phrasing was, “The Arm Is As Good As Iron Ahhhhhhhh Ah Ahhhhh Ahhhh Ah.”

That’s a substitute for “great,” right?

Ferguson (25-5 MMA, 15-3 UFC) suffered his second loss in a row at UFC 256, and in that fight, found himself on the receiving end of a gruesome Charles Oliveira armbar attempt. Somehow, someway, Ferguson refused to tap.

Although Ferguson has never acknowledged explicitly that his arm suffered any sort of injury in the fight, he’s posted images on social media of physical therapy treatment.

On Tuesday, Ferguson took to Twitter to further update fans on how he was doing – and he did so in vintage fashion.

It was written in all caps. There were random hashtags. Yes, Ferguson even used 15 different emojis and added a random video of him dancing. And of course, he signed it off with his signature, “CSO” meaning “Champ Sh*t Only.”

But that’s “El Cucuy” for you, right? That’s what makes him so awesome and intriguing. He’s truly one of a kind. Twitter might not be for everyone – but it’s certainly for Tony Ferguson.

The Blue Corner is MMA Junkie’s blog space. We don’t take it overly serious, and neither should you. If you come complaining to us that something you read here is not hard-hitting news, expect to have the previous sentence repeated in ALL CAPS.

Article source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/ufc-news-tony-ferguson-arm-update-el-cucuy-fashion

 

MMA rankings report, 2020 review: Who were the year’s biggest movers?

Before events kick into full swing this year, John Morgan and “Gorgeous” George Garcia look back at the biggest movers in the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings during 2020.

Which fighters stood out in shooting up their respective divisions this past year? You can watch the video above for discussion on the following:

, , , , , , , , , , , , , Bellator, Featured, News, Radio Highlight, UFC, Videos

Article source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/2020-ufc-bellator-rankings-year-in-review-movers-shakers

 

Anthony Pettis explains signing with PFL, relishes ‘target on my back’ going into season

Anthony Pettis had multiple reasons for joining the PFL upon the completion of his UFC contract.

Pettis (24-10), a former UFC and WEC lightweight champion, fought out the final bout on his contract at UFC Fight Night 183 in December, earning a unanimous decision win over Alex Morono.

Not long after the fight, Pettis announced he was not going to re-sign with UFC, and would instead test free agency. Just hours after that, it was revealed he had put pen to paper on a new deal with PFL.

Pettis’ primary motivations for joining the organization was two-fold, he said. He didn’t want to go to Bellator because he would be putting his younger brother Sergio Pettis back in his shadow, and he’s highly intriguing by the season-based format of PFL, and how he can end the year with a lightweight belt from a third fight promotion.

“There’s a couple reasons behind the PFL deal,” Pettis told MMA Junkie. “My little brother at Bellator, seeing him go over there, I like that he has his own home. I feel like he kind of had an identity by me (in the UFC). He was Anthony Pettis’ little brother and he was fighting these tough fights and these guys were coming at him hard. Now he’s in Bellator and he’s one fight away from becoming a world champion. I’m really happy where he’s at.

“The PFL deal and their format is kind of what drew me toward making that signature happen fast. I thought their offering was very fair and I guarantee four fights next year – I’ve got to earn that last one – but I have four fights on the schedule for 2021 and it’s a season. The format was huge or me. Being able to go in there and know when my fights are. In my previous career in the UFC, I had to take a lot of last-minute fights. I was fighting on four weeks’ notice, three weeks’ notice and cutting crazy weight. Now, this year, I know what my fights are, I know what weight I have to be at. So a little more structure for me.”

After 20 fights in the UFC, Pettis had seen and done it all inside the octagon. He fought everything from champions to surging contenders, picked up finishes in three weight classes and provided some unforgettable highlights.

The idea of putting a fresh coat of paint on his career was a major attraction for “Showtime.” He likes the concept of starting new and having to earn his keep, and given the fact he instantly became the most high-profile name in the division upon signing, he said he relishes that everyone is going to be coming for his head.

“I’ve got to start at a new job (and prove myself),” Pettis said. “Everything I’ve done in my past, we all know in the fight world, you’re only as good as your last fight. Going into a new organization and having that target on my back. I know these guys are looking at me like – when I was fighting in the UFC, I fought the best version of every fighter. When they heard my name they were like, ‘Oh, I’m fighting Anthony Pettis.’ They were the best version of themselves, so they know what a fight against me does for them. I think the same thing for the PFL. I’ve got a target on my back. I’ve already seen it. When I announce the signing a lot of their fighter were like, ‘I look forward to meeting you in the octagon.’ I’m excited about a new journey, a whole new path of my career and a new chapter.”

Pettis’ departure from the UFC might give some fans the impression that his career is winding down. At 33, though, Pettis said that’s absolutely not the case. He doesn’t know exactly what the future will look like with PFL – or how many seasons he’ll be there for – but Pettis knows he’s got a lot of gas in the tank.

“I think it’s just another chapter in my career,” Pettis said. “I don’t feel really close to retirement age, I don’t feel like my body is giving up on me or my mindset, if anything it’s getting stronger. Dealing with he sports physiologist has opened up my mind to that sides of sports training. I’m excited to keep continuing that journey.”

Article source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/pfl-news-anthony-pettis-explains-signing-reslishes-target-season

 

UFC 258 to feature Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns welterweight title fight

Let’s see if the old “third time’s a charm” saying holds true. That’s what everyone has to be thinking when it comes to UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman defending his belt opposite Gilbert Burns at UFC 258.

The bout has been verbally agreed to as the UFC 258 headliner on Feb. 13. The booking was first reported by ESPN. It marks the third attempt at booking the bout.

Usman was originally slated to defend against Burns at UFC 251 on July 12, 2020. Burns had to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19. He was replaced by Jorge Masvidal, whom Usman defeated by unanimous decision.

The bout was then being considered for the UFC 256 headliner on Dec. 12, the promotion’s final pay-per-view event of the year. Usman, however, pulled out of the bout citing the need for more time to recover from undisclosed injuries.

UFC 256 was eventually headlined by flyweight champion Deveison Figueiredo putting his belt on the line for the third time in three weeks. He fought Brandon Moreno to a majority draw, retaining his title.

With Usman and Burns ready to compete, officials have penciled in the bout as the UFC 258 headliner on Feb. 13, which will likely take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Usman’s record currently sits at 17-1. The Nigerian-born U.S. citizen is undefeated in his 12 UFC bouts, including winning the welterweight championship and defending it twice.

Burns (19-3) is currently on a five-fight winning streak that includes victories over the likes of Tyron Woodley, Demian Maia, and Gunnar Nelson.

The UFC kicks off its 2021 schedule with three events over the course of an eight-day span on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Kattar is the first event of the stint on Jan. 16. That is followed by UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Chiesa on Jan. 20, a rare Wednesday event. The third round on Fight Island culminates with UFC 257: Poirier vs. McGregor 2, Conor McGregor’s return in a rematch opposite Dustin Poirier.

TRENDING Michael Chandler finally books first UFC bout on ‘the biggest stage’ possible


Article source: https://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-258-to-feature-kamaru-usman-vs-gilbert-burns-welterweight-title-fight

 

 

House of Nutrition

 

WELCOME


*** READ ME ***

Welcome to FightFan.net. Your home for local combat sports news and info. Be sure to set up your account for full access. Its EASY. Click the “register” link above. Fill in your name and email. We’ll send a funky password to your email. You log in to your account and set up something not so funky. Oh yeah, and when you’re ready to come back and start checking everything out, just click the “Your home for local combat sports” link at the top of the page. That's it, you’re a member! Tons of stuff to check out, so get after it.