🥊 The UFC Info and Prediction Thread

[Welsh]

Poirier tweeted about Conor not paying the $500k he promised to his foundation. I can't see any reason Poirier would lie about such a sensitive topic, even if Dana asked him to promote the fight. I know Conor said no more Mr Nice Guy after his loss to Poirier, but I thought he might have kept his word this time around.

I'll be honest I liked that Conor seemed to start maturing, but it did seem to take the edge off of him. So, although I probably do want Conor to bring his trash talk back, and regain his form just because it makes an already stacked division more exciting, but I wish he didn't pull this move.

[1714251745]

1714251745

[1714251745]

1714251745

[1714251745]

1714251745

[1714251745]

1714251745

[1714251745]

1714251745

[1714251745]

1714251745

[tokeweed]

^  Ooohhh well that’s just embarassing for McGregor.  He’s trying to be somebody respectable but he’s anything but.  What a douche.  Just for that, my money is on Poirier.  Stay hydrated!

^  And Jack Shore won.  Does Wales have a good program for wrestling as a competitive sport at University or even highschool?  His wrestling skills are at par or could even be better than some of guys from the US who fight in the UFC.

Not really, we have wrestling clubs at universities, but if were to compare it to the scene in America at colleges, and high school I'd say its no where near the standard or funding. I'm glad Jack Shore won, I've been following him for a while, and fully expected him to make some noise on his debut.

He's probably an anomaly, there's not many Welsh mma fighters in the UFC only a couple, and one of them got cut recently. His name is escaping me at the moment.

Honestly, it was a real tough opponent for him to come up against, but he handled it well, and I know some people might argue that it was close on some of the rounds, and there was definitely some dubious scoring that night, but I think Jack did enough to take the win.

Yup..  very tough.  Hunter Azure is an NCAA wrestler who hits harder and who’s over all more athletic.  And he also has the edge on experience.  It’s a good win and that def brings him higher at the ladder. 

[notblox1]

Poirier tweeted about Conor not paying the $500k he promised to his foundation. I can't see any reason Poirier would lie about such a sensitive topic, even if Dana asked him to promote the fight. I know Conor said no more Mr Nice Guy after his loss to Poirier, but I thought he might have kept his word this time around.

McGregor manager Attar responded on Twitter that Connor will pay but he indirectly admited nothing is sent to Poirier's Good Fight Foundation.
Nobody replied to any of Poirier emails about this and I am not surprised to see this from team Connor, and if someone forgot that UFC 257 and McGregor vs Poirer fight happened months ago in January.

[Welsh]

Like, I don't understand how Conor would benefit him. The fact that he himself, and his team both ignored any incoming messages from Poirier, and his team just tells me it was all talk. Conor's manager might have now responded that they will pay, but its now a long time after, and it required Poirier to go public about it to get it done. This just now seems like damage mitigation by Conor's team rather than actually having the intention to send the donation. The fact a donation helps Conor with his tax rebate is just mind boggling that he would even say this, and not follow through with it right away.

Obviously, we couldn't possibly know everything that's going on behind the scenes, but you'd think they would have sorted this out before it was made public.

[notblox1]

Like, I don't understand how Conor would benefit him.  

Look at him now, he replied to Poirier on twitter with many personal insults, calling him brain dead hillbilly and fool.
He is only ruining last remains of his fighting reputation after this show and lying, maybe he was just trying to get more media attention for his next fight.
You just never know with Connor.


https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1381624066105344000

[TopTort777]

UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Gastelum



Date: April 18, 2021
Main Card: SUN, APR 18 / 5:00 AM EEST
Prelims: SUN, APR 18 / 2:00 AM EEST

Venue: UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Main card (ESPN)
Middleweight: Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum            
Lightweight: Jeremy Stephens vs. Drakkar Klose            
Heavyweight: Andrei Arlovski vs. Chase Sherman            
Middleweight: Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Jacob Malkoun            
Lightweight: Luis Peña vs. Alexander Munoz            
Bantamweight: Ricardo Ramos vs. Bill Algeo      

Preliminary card (ESPN+)
Women’s Flyweight: Tracy Cortez vs. Justine Kish            
Heavyweight: Alexander Romanov vs. Juan Espino            
Women’s Strawweight: Jessica Penne vs. Lupita Godinez            
Middleweight: Gerald Meerschaert vs. Bartosz Fabiński            
Women’s Bantamweight: Zarah Fairn Dos Santos vs. Josiane Nunes            
Bantamweight: Tony Gravely vs. Anthony Birchak   

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFC_on_ESPN:_Whittaker_vs._Gastelum

[7788bitcoin]

Look at him now, he replied to Poirier on twitter with many personal insults, calling him brain dead hillbilly and fool.
He is only ruining last remains of his fighting reputation after this show and lying, maybe he was just trying to get more media attention for his next fight.
You just never know with Connor.

I saw the tweet and i was wondering how come he could fight someone else when the contract is already signed and Conor McGregor is not having any reputation regarding his words and we have seen that time and again after he made millions from the Mayweather bout but to come out and claim that he is going to fight somebody else on the date fixed for the Dustin Poirier trilogy is absurd.

 

[Welsh]

If it wasn't for the fact that this was over Poiriers foundation, I would probably think this is the usual fight promotion, that I'm pretty sure fighters are encouraged to do behind the scenes, but considering its over a delicate situation, I'm more inclined to believe this. I kind of get it if Conor wanted to know what his donation money is being used for, as some charities/foundations provide this information when making a donation, but I really don't believe that Poirer's team would have withheld that information if requested.

I'll admit I didn't think Conor deserved another shot at Poirier, and thought Poirier should have went for the title fight instead, and I wasn't all that excited for the trilogy, but this may have given me a bit more hype to it. I think it'll go ahead, Conor probably jumping the gun by saying he'll find someone else. I think Chandler chimed in suggesting he should replace Poirier.

Who knows we might get the hungry old Conor back.

[AakZaki]

~snip~
Marvin Vettori VS Kevin Holland

Marvin Vettori got a build like Yoel Romero very strong with his takedowns, and Kevin Holland two weeks ago has been defeated by Derek Brunson and right now he is facing a younger version of Brunson "note" just two weeks and he is fighting again, I really think that Vettori had a pretty big percentage in winning these.

Congratulations to Marvin Vettori on winning in this match. Marvin Vettori won and scored 50-44. Marvin Vettori's new record made him take 11 takedowns so he was declared the absolute win. Vettori was smart enough he didn't want to fight over, he always took Holland in bottom fighting and wrestling. For Holland I think he's a little tired after losing three weeks to Derek Brunson. The result of this match made Holland lose twice in a row.

[Welsh]

For Holland I think he's a little tired after losing three weeks to Derek Brunson. The result of this match made Holland lose twice in a row.

I don't think the result against Derek Brunson had much effect if any at all. He didn't look that tired going into this fight, evidenced by his striking ability. He was much quicker than Vettori still, and if he kept it on the feet he would have likely won. Its the fact that Holland has an exposed weakness, and that is once you get him on the ground, he'll just accept the position (against Brunson) or he will get back up just to get taken down again. His takedown defense is atrocious considering he's quite poor on the floor. I do believe he has a black belt, but I'm not sure if that's deserved at this rate. He doesn't show too much technical ability on the floor, and its usually total dominance from his opponent.

[tokeweed]

~snip~
Marvin Vettori VS Kevin Holland

Marvin Vettori got a build like Yoel Romero very strong with his takedowns, and Kevin Holland two weeks ago has been defeated by Derek Brunson and right now he is facing a younger version of Brunson "note" just two weeks and he is fighting again, I really think that Vettori had a pretty big percentage in winning these.

Congratulations to Marvin Vettori on winning in this match. Marvin Vettori won and scored 50-44. Marvin Vettori's new record made him take 11 takedowns so he was declared the absolute win. Vettori was smart enough he didn't want to fight over, he always took Holland in bottom fighting and wrestling. For Holland I think he's a little tired after losing three weeks to Derek Brunson. The result of this match made Holland lose twice in a row.

Take note that it’s gonna skew Vettori’s TD average per 15 minutes a bit higher after that match and Holland’s TDD percentage lower.  That’s why using stats to cap fights in the UFC is a bit unreliable unlike most sports.

At first glance I like Meerschaert at 2.17, Romanov at 1.75 and Algeo at 1.88 for this weekend’s event.

[SaShiRaJaVu]

I'll admit I didn't think Conor deserved another shot at Poirier, and thought Poirier should have went for the title fight instead, and I wasn't all that excited for the trilogy, but this may have given me a bit more hype to it. I think it'll go ahead, Conor probably jumping the gun by saying he'll find someone else. I think Chandler chimed in suggesting he should replace Poirier.

Dustin Poirier took the trilogy thinking he could make much more money than fighting for the belt if he gets Conor McGregor once again and so is the reason he did not claim his position for the title shot and if Michael Chandler wanted to fight Conor McGregor then Dustin Poirier can switch his position and fight for the title.

Who knows we might get the hungry old Conor back.

There is no way we are going to see the old Conor back who was hungry to succeed, we will see a more cocky Conor.

[Welsh]

Its wishful thinking that we get the best Conor back, and by that I don't mean his antics, such as not paying the donation that he had promised, but the way he got into fighters heads before the fight, and the way he pursued each fight. He's been missing that fire, and I'm not quite sure if he will ever get it back, but it is better as a fan if we do.

Hopefully, Conor's team sorts out this issue with Poirier, but even if it does it would seem like limiting the damage done to his reputation, rather than honestly going through with the donation. If the threat that Conor has made, about cancelling the fight I really hope it back fires. He basically, cancels the fight, and then a title shot his handed to Chandler, and Poirer. I know it wont happen that way around, Conor is where the money is at, but I'd love to see it back fire on him just because of the stunt he's pulled, and the way he acts like hes the main man, and no one else matters, while at the same time being the reason why things broke down.

[TopTort777]

What do you think about the opportunity of the winner in fight Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum to have another chance to fight against Israel Adesanya? Adesanya has beaten both of them. It was rather easy fight against Whittaker, and a hard fight against Gastelum. Adesanya told that he does not want to fight against guy he had already beaten. But UFC is all about fighters fighting against each other 2-3 times. UFC gives everyone a second chance to try to beat the champ.

[YuginKadoya]

can't get over that i once again bet for Kevin  

Kevin just needs rest putting a good rest for a bit will surely help anyone physically and mentally but Holland just keeps doing what he loves and didn't consider the proper rest that he needs,

Congratulations to Marvin Vettori on winning in this match. Marvin Vettori won and scored 50-44. Marvin Vettori's new record made him take 11 takedowns so he was declared the absolute win. Vettori was smart enough he didn't want to fight over, he always took Holland in bottom fighting and wrestling. For Holland I think he's a little tired after losing three weeks to Derek Brunson. The result of this match made Holland lose twice in a row.

A smart move for Vettori and I think Vettori had outclassed Holland in this fight even though it is a decision win judges have seen who's really controlling the fight and keeping tabs in making Holland frustrated and don't really know what is going on, but still, Holland did a great job hanging on, that fight in just three weeks prior will surely take a toll on in his body, surely our body needs exercise but it sure needs a good rest in a while as well.

[tokeweed]

What do you think about the opportunity of the winner in fight Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum to have another chance to fight against Israel Adesanya? Adesanya has beaten both of them. It was rather easy fight against Whittaker, and a hard fight against Gastelum. Adesanya told that he does not want to fight against guy he had already beaten. But UFC is all about fighters fighting against each other 2-3 times. UFC gives everyone a second chance to try to beat the champ.

I def want to see Whitaker get another crack at it vs Adesanya.  Whitaker mentally wasn’t in a good spot when they last fought and couple that with all the post training and the media stuff he had to do since he was the champ.  It all prolly took a toll him.

Anyway, what do you guys think of the under 4.5 rounds at 2.11?  

Edit:  Typo.

Edit:  A couple of vids to watch.  Take note, Cannonier fractured his arm from Whitaker’s kick at the near start of the match.  It was prolly during the first round.  Have to watch this again.

UFC Free Fight:  Whitaker vs Cannonier
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW1oG4xqzYc

UFC Free Fight:  Gastelum vs Heinisch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pjEWc57anU

[TopTort777]

I def want to see Whitaker get another crack at it vs Adesanya.

But I'm more interested in Adesanya vs Gastelum fight. As I remember, it did not take much effort for Adesanya to beat Whittaker. The fight against Gastelum was hard, I might say one of the Adesanya hardest fights in UFC. Even though he won by unanimous decision, this fight was close. It was 46-48 on cards and according to them, Gastelum took first and forth rounds, and died due to lack of stamina in fifth round. Before the fifth round it was an even fight.

[Welsh]

What do you think about the opportunity of the winner in fight Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum to have another chance to fight against Israel Adesanya?

Its the only logical step to go in my opinion. I'm fully expecting Whittaker to come away with the win, and hes deserved another title shot for a while. I also think Whittaker, and Gastelum are probably the only men in the division capable of beating Adesanya on his day.

Although, it will be interesting to see if fighters look at improving their game to see if they can take Adesanya down, as he was pretty much man handled towards the end of the fight vs Mr Polish Power. Although, there is a considerable weight difference to factor in there.

[YuginKadoya]

I also think that Robert Whittaker can win this just by looking at their stats on the wiki I could say that Whittaker had so much win than Gastelum, and Gastelum just return by defeating Ian Heinisch that I think is not that big of a deal, I really think that Whittaker can bust open Gastelum no doubt about it, he can surely make it happen you can see Whittaker defeating Yoel Romero, Darren Till, and recent his recent win Jared Cannonier.

[7788bitcoin]

Its the only logical step to go in my opinion. I'm fully expecting Whittaker to come away with the win, and hes deserved another title shot for a while. I also think Whittaker, and Gastelum are probably the only men in the division capable of beating Adesanya on his day.

I do agree with the statement that Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum are probably the fighters who can defeat Israel Adesanya but do not forget about Marvin Vettori who impressed me with his recent fight and he does have good take downs and Marvin Vettori gave the toughest fight in the division along with Kelvin Gastelum.

Although, it will be interesting to see if fighters look at improving their game to see if they can take Adesanya down, as he was pretty much man handled towards the end of the fight vs Mr Polish Power. Although, there is a considerable weight difference to factor in there.

Israel Adesanya will be polishing his take down defense and unless he comes against fighters like Khamzat Chimaev who have a good ground game as well as striking game he will be fine.