🥊 The UFC Info and Prediction Thread

[pawel7777]

If Khabib ever wants to return to MMA, he will get back as a coach. I think that extra weight he has got now is hereditary. His father wasnt slim either. And the body, after years of training and cutting, I think it is relaxing and protesting to get back in shape I dont know how much you get media information about Khabibs life on your language or in English for example. But among Russian speaking we have tons about him. His popularity is on such huge level, that even if all of his funds are frozen, for many it will be an honour to help or support him. Besides, he is great relationships with sheikhs. He can be someone's friendly coach, so he and several next of his family generations will be provided with everything.

That's all true, but I just can't imagine him accepting money for nothing or acting as a personal trainer to some rich kids. That's just not who he is.

(...) They already tested the sales on Chandler, and there have been speculations money never flows and that they have to make a pinky accident to cancel the fight.

I wouldn't be surprised if that was true. There was almost no hype before the fight, or at least nothing was coming through to me. That's not what you'd expect from the great return of the most marketable MMA fighter of all time.
We all know Chandler would beat him easily, making it hard to sell any future fights. Pairing Conor up with some bigger name, or someone from a higher weight class (so he can have an excuse for losing) would make more sense.

[TopTort777]

Again discussing possible McGregor fight I highly believe that he will never ever return to a professional fighting sport. I have never seen anyone return from a leg injury the same as he was before, and perform on high level. If it isnt joints, but a bone crack, forget about sport. Biggest example - Anderson Silva. After that leg break, he has retired. As to Conor. Why would he even continue fighting. He has got money, fame, business, family. If he wants to fight that much, pay sparring partners and beat them. No need to cut weight and push yourself hard If there some fights in his contract, I think he is able to buy out himself from UFC

[tokeweed]

Nobody's really interested in betting at this weekend's event eh?  Lolol.    Seems like McGregor is still in the news...  And like what TopTort said, I don't think he's going back in the cage.  I mean why would he?  He prolly thinks he misses the game but then when it's time to fight, he flakes out.

Anyway, here are more vids to watch.  Enjoy... 

UFC Free Fight:  Namajunas vs JJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIcZaxVXgpY

UFC Free Fight:  Bonfim vs Giles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4_MGeJFXGY

UFC Free Fight:  Santos vs Miller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RzxJh3sD0U

[bbc.reporter]

If Khabib ever wants to return to MMA, he will get back as a coach. I think that extra weight he has got now is hereditary. His father wasnt slim either. And the body, after years of training and cutting, I think it is relaxing and protesting to get back in shape I dont know how much you get media information about Khabibs life on your language or in English for example. But among Russian speaking we have tons about him. His popularity is on such huge level, that even if all of his funds are frozen, for many it will be an honour to help or support him. Besides, he is great relationships with sheikhs. He can be someone's friendly coach, so he and several next of his family generations will be provided with everything.

Similar to these boxing events that were arranged and managed in Saudi Arabia with very large purses from the Saudi prince, I reckon this would certainly be very good for Khabib vs. Conor if the sheiks will also support a MMA event that is not under the organization of uncle Dana. Also, Khabib is not very fat if you compare his body to his father. He is not a round pound. I am quite certain Khabib can fight in welterweight and he will be comfortable in this weight division. It will also be the same for Conor.

Again discussing possible McGregor fight I highly believe that he will never ever return to a professional fighting sport. I have never seen anyone return from a leg injury the same as he was before, and perform on high level. If it isnt joints, but a bone crack, forget about sport. Biggest example - Anderson Silva. After that leg break, he has retired. As to Conor. Why would he even continue fighting. He has got money, fame, business, family. If he wants to fight that much, pay sparring partners and beat them. No need to cut weight and push yourself hard If there some fights in his contract, I think he is able to buy out himself from UFC

However, if the opponent is Khabib, I am quite very much certain if Conor had a broken leg, he will use this and kick Khabib. Conor has a different type of hatefulness against Khabib. He will accept the fight.

[pawel7777]

(...) Also, Khabib is not very fat if you compare his body to his father. He is not a round pound. I am quite certain Khabib can fight in welterweight and he will be comfortable in this weight division. It will also be the same for Conor.
(...)

And let's not forget Khabib is only 35 years old, so the same age as Poirier or Gaethje and younger than e.g. Chandler, Usman, Belal, or Covington.
He could easily drop to even 155 if given enough time (Conor probably wouldn't though).
From what I know, he stayed reasonably active and didn't let himself go too much.

[tokeweed]

So finally we're just around 9 hours before the event starts.  The weigh ins are in and it's good to see that everybody made weight.  There was a close call on Cortez tho as she was .5 lbs over the limit.  She went back stage, chopped some hair off, went on the scale and made weight. 

Here are the weigh ins.

Rose Namajunas (124.75) vs Tracy Cortez (126)
Santiago Ponzinibbio (171) vs Muslim Salikhov (171)
Drew Dober (155) vs Jean Silva (155)
Gabriel Bonfim (171) vs Ange Loosa (170)
Julian Erosa (145.5) vs Christian Rodriguez (145.5)
Abdul Razak Alhassan (185) vs Cody Brundage (185.5)
Charles Johnson (125.5) vs Joshua Van (125)
Jasmine Jasudavicius (125) vs Fatima Kline (125)
Da’Mon Blackshear (135.5) vs Montel Jackson (135)
Mariya Agapova (125) vs Luana Santos (125)
Josh Fremd (186) vs Andre Petroski (185.5)
Evan Elder (170) vs Darrius Flowers (170)

Here are the vids.  I feel like Charles Johnson is gonna win.  Dunno tho...

UFC Fight Night:  Namajunas vs Cortez Weigh In
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M2p4hPDFHw

UFC Fight Night:  Namajunas vs Cortez Face Off
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AheZYJ8bDw

[TopTort777]

Imho, with Dagestani and Muslim religion, if a man made a word, he will lose tons of respect if he suddenly changes his mind. Khabib told that he has finished his career, and I think he wont ever return, not even in a exhibition fight. He will not be man of his word if he does. He will get so much hate from his own people. The only way he could get involved into a fight, someone touches his family. But that wont be a fight under any rules

[cabron]

Imho, with Dagestani and Muslim religion, if a man made a word, he will lose tons of respect if he suddenly changes his mind. Khabib told that he has finished his career, and I think he wont ever return, not even in a exhibition fight. He will not be man of his word if he does. He will get so much hate from his own people. The only way he could get involved into a fight, someone touches his family. But that wont be a fight under any rules

Khabib losing his assets I think is just like someone touches his family. Taking away what's supposedly for them. It's their culture though so I have no idea what things may mean to them. But in general, a man has to do things he may not like to provide for his family. The news is already widespread, I think the people will understand if he breaks his word.

Sports events today have to provide the most popular fighters to divert the people's attention and not focus on what the government is doing. I think Dana is even open to the idea of Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou, I read a headline just today about this. PFL vs UFC will be bigger.

[AmoreJaz]

Imho, with Dagestani and Muslim religion, if a man made a word, he will lose tons of respect if he suddenly changes his mind. Khabib told that he has finished his career, and I think he wont ever return, not even in a exhibition fight. He will not be man of his word if he does. He will get so much hate from his own people. The only way he could get involved into a fight, someone touches his family. But that wont be a fight under any rules

Khabib losing his assets I think is just like someone touches his family. Taking away what's supposedly for them. It's their culture though so I have no idea what things may mean to them. But in general, a man has to do things he may not like to provide for his family. The news is already widespread, I think the people will understand if he breaks his word.

Sports events today have to provide the most popular fighters to divert the people's attention and not focus on what the government is doing. I think Dana is even open to the idea of Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou, I read a headline just today about this. PFL vs UFC will be bigger.

As mentioned in the news, his gym was raided as he is being tied to an extremist. We don't know his next plans owed to this development. But changing the mind of a fighter is not new in this sports and in the boxing as well. Do take note, some of the boxers who are already in retirement will get out of retirement to fight one more match.

Khabib’s gym raided after terror attack: here’s what you need to know

[tokeweed]

^  Oof...  At first I was like whatever.  But that is something serious.  He'll prolly go into hiding if the Russian government intends to throw him in behind bars or some serious interrogation.  And is Russia in something like a state of national emergency because of the shenanigans going on vs Ukraine?  Now is not the time to be involved in some sht like that...

I feel bad for his team as they prolly have nothing to do with the whole thing.

But yeah...  I hope he gets everything sorted out.

Anyway here are the results.  It was a decent event until the co main and the main event.  Lol.

Women's Flyweight:  Rose Namajunas def Tracy Cortez
Welterweight:  Muslim Salikhov def Santiago Ponzinibbio
Lightweight:  Jean Silva def Drew Dober
Welterweight:  Gabriel Bonfim def Ange Loosa
Featherweight:  Julian Erosa def Christian Rodriguez
Middleweight:  Abdul Razak Alhassan vs Cody Brundage
Flyweight:  Charles Johnson def Joshua Van   
Women's Flyweight:  Jasmine Jasudavicius def Fatima Kline   
Bantamweight:  Montel Jackson def Da'Mon Blackshear   
Women's Flyweight:  Luana Santos def Mariya Agapova   
Middleweight:  Andre Petroski def Josh Fremd
Welterweight:  Evan Elder def Darrius Flowers

[TopTort777]

Hey tokeweed, how do you like Jackson vs Blackshear fight? Blackshear has cought maximum - heavy left from southpaw. 18 seconds and Blackshear is finished. Jackson is on a series of 5 wins. That is a nice warning for all bantamweight guys. Jackson is fron Uncle Dana White series. Thought you were pro in it. Any more guys I should pay attention to?

[OgNasty]

Imho, with Dagestani and Muslim religion, if a man made a word, he will lose tons of respect if he suddenly changes his mind. Khabib told that he has finished his career, and I think he wont ever return, not even in a exhibition fight. He will not be man of his word if he does. He will get so much hate from his own people. The only way he could get involved into a fight, someone touches his family. But that wont be a fight under any rules

Khabib losing his assets I think is just like someone touches his family. Taking away what's supposedly for them. It's their culture though so I have no idea what things may mean to them. But in general, a man has to do things he may not like to provide for his family. The news is already widespread, I think the people will understand if he breaks his word.

Sports events today have to provide the most popular fighters to divert the people's attention and not focus on what the government is doing. I think Dana is even open to the idea of Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou, I read a headline just today about this. PFL vs UFC will be bigger.

As mentioned in the news, his gym was raided as he is being tied to an extremist. We don't know his next plans owed to this development. But changing the mind of a fighter is not new in this sports and in the boxing as well. Do take note, some of the boxers who are already in retirement will get out of retirement to fight one more match.

Khabib’s gym raided after terror attack: here’s what you need to know

I know that Conor McGregor thought the whole thing was pretty funny. Sort of makes you wonder who really won that fight between them. Khabib never fought again and is now broke, Conor went on to make hundreds of millions and is still wanting to get back in the ring…

[TopTort777]

UFC on ESPN: Lemos vs. Jandiroba



Date: July 21, 2024
Preliminary Card : SUN, JUL 21 / 12:00 AM GMT+3
Main Card: SUN, JUL 21 / 3:00 AM GMT+3

Venue: UFC Apex

Main card (ESPN)
Women's Strawweight: Amanda Lemos vs. Virna Jandiroba            
Middleweight: Brad Tavares vs. Park Jun-yong            
Featherweight: Steve Garcia vs. Choi Seung-woo            
Lightweight: Kurt Holobaugh vs. Kaynan Kruschewsky            
Featherweight: Choi Doo-ho vs. Bill Algeo   

Preliminary card (ESPN)
Flyweight: Cody Durden vs. Bruno Gustavo da Silva            
Featherweight: Lee Jeong-yeong vs. Hyder Amil            
Bantamweight: Brian Kelleher vs. Cody Gibson            
Women's Flyweight: Miranda Maverick vs. Dione Barbosa            
Lightweight: Loik Radzhabov vs. Trey Ogden            
Women's Flyweight: Luana Carolina vs. Lucie Pudilová            
Heavyweight: Mohammed Usman vs. Thomas Peterse   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFC_on_ESPN:_Lemos_vs._Jandiroba

[tokeweed]

^  Watch Steve Garcia's last fight, wait for the second round but watch it from the first. 

Hey tokeweed, how do you like Jackson vs Blackshear fight? Blackshear has cought maximum - heavy left from southpaw. 18 seconds and Blackshear is finished. Jackson is on a series of 5 wins. That is a nice warning for all bantamweight guys. Jackson is fron Uncle Dana White series. Thought you were pro in it. Any more guys I should pay attention to?

Not sure why Montel Jackson isn't fighting anybody in the top 15 yet as he's getting older.  He's a decent fighter and has been in the UFC for around 5 years?  He should have a break out year this year if he could fight a top 15 guy.  I think the UFC shouldn't do him dirty and give him an opportunity.  135 will be a better weight class with him moving up.

The other guy to watch is Jean Silva.  Was surprised to see he won all rounds vs Dober then finished the fight.  Another one is Bonfim.  He had a meh fight but...  He has shown us that he could finish all three rounds and at altitude.  Looks like the cardio issues are gone.  That makes him dangerous.

^  Those are the guys who could be in the top 10 in their weigh classes in a couple of years or less.

[TopTort777]

Any thought on next event? I have market couple of fights that I would watch, but not the whole event. Seems another filler before next big event (or big disappointment if Belal wins lol:D). Tavares vs Park, Durden vs Silva, and I think I am going to watch Radzhabov vs Ogden only because he was rather good at PFL and nearly became champ. All other fighters are unknown to me.

[tokeweed]

^  The match ups I like at first glance are Steve Garcia vs Choi Seung-woo and the main event.  The fighters I'd like to watch are Garcia and Lemos from what the match ups mentioned then Park Jun-yong after his loss, Bill Algeo after his loss and I guess Cody Durden vs Bruno Silva could be a decent match up.

And Brad Tavares is a live dog here mostly due to size.  Park Jun-yung is kinda small for his weight class.

Have you watched Steve Garcia's last fight? 

[pawel7777]

Apparently Jon Jones got charged with two cases of misdemeanour in an incident from few months back involving drug-testing agent.
I don't think that's anything serious that could get him suspended, and from the video he posted it does indeed look like it might have been blown out of proportions:
https://youtu.be/14RB6Ybw54E?si=QG_BvTvhf4HlkU0H&t=315

[TopTort777]

^  The match ups I like at first glance are Steve Garcia vs Choi Seung-woo and the main event.  The fighters I'd like to watch are Garcia and Lemos from what the match ups mentioned then Park Jun-yong after his loss, Bill Algeo after his loss and I guess Cody Durden vs Bruno Silva could be a decent match up.

And Brad Tavares is a live dog here mostly due to size.  Park Jun-yung is kinda small for his weight class.

Have you watched Steve Garcia's last fight? 

Nope. I dont know. I dont remember You made me google that. Turns out his last fight was in December 2023 against a "guy without page in wiki" Even though it was an elbow KO, which is always something nasty (and I used to remember such nasty, bloody things), I dont remember his fight. Since there was no bonus... I found that fight on ufc (https://www.ufc.com/video/135393). Nice beating.

P.S. Not surprised Bones in in troubles again

[tokeweed]

^  You didn't see the whole thing.  At R1 Costa who is a decent fighter himself was dominating Garcia.  At R2 you could see in Garcia's face that he was really annoyed by it, so what he did was at the very first second of the round he just walked straight to Costa and threw a couple of punches from a standing position that looked like he was just a regular guy walking fast in town.    Garcia wasn't even in fighting stance, he just walked straight.  It was so funny.

I tried looking for the replay at MMA Core, but it's not there anymore for some reason.

UFC Free Fight:  Lemos vs Rodriguez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zCYFFktn50

UFC Free Fight:  Jandiroba vs Herrig
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgbRf71ej8k

[Hanadawa]

Pereira hasn't fought someone like Jones so that going to be a big puzzle for him when they fight.  Tom is not getting the belt easily, Dana is just not letting Jones go despite not being around anymore. The belt wasn't stripped either.

Poatan has become one of the "GOATS" in the UFC after successfully winning championship titles in 2 divisions. Alex Pereira is even said to be able to win 3 divisions because he has a unique body. It is very difficult for fighters to fight in 2 divisions because of the problem of a fighter's weight. Moreover, fighting in 3 divisions will require a fighter to cut or gain extreme weight.

But like you said there are a lot of great fighters in HW. Pereira must really prepare great endurance and stamina to fight Jones. He also had to prepare for better Jiujitsu and wrestling skills. Jones is a smart fighter who can exploit his opponent's weaknesses. Like when he beat Gane with his wrestling. I think even Jones will be able to win the match against Miocic because of the fact that Miocic is already 40 years old and of course Jones can take the match to the ground and wrestle which will drain a lot of Miocic's stamina.