🥊 The UFC Info and Prediction Thread

[Hanadawa]

Speaking about Islam, in his recent interview he said he really wants to fight in June and called out Dustin Poirier. After that, he would be happy to take on either a winner of Tsarukyan/Oliveira or Gaethje/Holloway.
I wonder if the UFC will give him what he wants. Personally, I'd prefer to see Islam fighting Gamrot, but I know the chances of that happening are slim.

After his spectacular win against Benoit at UFC 299, I think Porier deserves to still be among the top UFC Lightweight fighters. But honestly for the title I think Porier has to fight 1 more fight against another top 5. Of course Islam can call Porier because he is still very worthy, but I think Gaetjhe or Gamrot are more worthy at the moment. Gaetjhe is more deserving of the right to fight for the belt at this time. But Porier is also a good choice. I hope Islam really fulfills its promise to become the most active champion in 2024.

Honestly, I want to see the Islam vs Tsarukyan rematch. Currently, I think Arman is the only one who can give a tough fight for Islam. But if Oliveira can beat Tsarukyan then it means Oliveira has evolved into an even better fighter.

[1715536418]

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[TopTort777]

Since next event is kinda boring, I have directed my attention to UFC 300 and 301 UFC 301 will take part in Brazil, and the main event and card looks average for a numbered event. Pantoja vs Erceg. Champ vs top10. This is kinda strange. Erceg record is good, but only 3 fights in UFC. Rest of his fights were against no big names in Australian promotion. Frankly not very impressive. I have expected to see more big Brazilian names in UFC 301 card, but I see mostly average fighters. Event looks more like a FN. So question to you, which Brazilian fighter you would add?

[cabron]

Since next event is kinda boring, I have directed my attention to UFC 300 and 301 UFC 301 will take part in Brazil, and the main event and card looks average for a numbered event. Pantoja vs Erceg. Champ vs top10. This is kinda strange. Erceg record is good, but only 3 fights in UFC. Rest of his fights were against no big names in Australian promotion. Frankly not very impressive. I have expected to see more big Brazilian names in UFC 301 card, but I see mostly average fighters. Event looks more like a FN. So question to you, which Brazilian fighter you would add?

Their matchmaker sees something in Erceg especially when he set up the KO combo against Matt Schnell.
This one https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ieis1h7KnUE This is a perfect 2 hit combo, it doesn't even look like he exerted much power.

But then still the rest in the card are just for FN. Jose Aldo would have been worth it for their PPV headliner. Adding some of those tough old guys like Zaleski Santos but UFC is taking a break after 300. 298-299 is pack loaded though so this time it's hiatus. The 300 might still be talked about even after the 301, they put them all in this event.

[pawel7777]

After his spectacular win against Benoit at UFC 299, I think Porier deserves to still be among the top UFC Lightweight fighters. But honestly for the title I think Porier has to fight 1 more fight against another top 5. Of course Islam can call Porier because he is still very worthy, but I think Gaetjhe or Gamrot are more worthy at the moment. Gaetjhe is more deserving of the right to fight for the belt at this time. But Porier is also a good choice. I hope Islam really fulfills its promise to become the most active champion in 2024.

From what Islam said - he recognises that winners of Tsarukyan Vs Oliveira and/or Gaethje Vs Holloway deserve the title shot, and he wants to give them a chance, but he doesn't think any of them will be ready to fight in June, given the UFC 300 is on 14th April. So he just wants to fight someone in between.
He said he aims to have 3 fights a year, which is kind of understandable if he's goal is to build a solid legacy (and earn money in the process). The guy has been training all his life since he learn how to walk, so I don't expect him to be happy to sit idle for months during his prime years.

To be fair, Gaethje should be fighting him instead of doing that silly BMF belt thing.

[notblox1]

UFC antitrust lawsuits reached settlement with over 1200 former fighters going to receive $335 million dollars!
This proves again that UFC is not fair with most of their fighters and they know they would lose the case in the court.
UFC fighters are like modern day gladiators and only fe of them manages to escape from Dana claws.
https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/03/ufc-antitrust-lawsuits-reach-settlement-335-million

[Synchronice]

Speaking about Islam, in his recent interview he said he really wants to fight in June and called out Dustin Poirier. After that, he would be happy to take on either a winner of Tsarukyan/Oliveira or Gaethje/Holloway.
I wonder if the UFC will give him what he wants. Personally, I'd prefer to see Islam fighting Gamrot, but I know the chances of that happening are slim.

After his spectacular win against Benoit at UFC 299, I think Porier deserves to still be among the top UFC Lightweight fighters. But honestly for the title I think Porier has to fight 1 more fight against another top 5. Of course Islam can call Porier because he is still very worthy, but I think Gaetjhe or Gamrot are more worthy at the moment. Gaetjhe is more deserving of the right to fight for the belt at this time. But Porier is also a good choice. I hope Islam really fulfills its promise to become the most active champion in 2024.

Honestly, I want to see the Islam vs Tsarukyan rematch. Currently, I think Arman is the only one who can give a tough fight for Islam. But if Oliveira can beat Tsarukyan then it means Oliveira has evolved into an even better fighter.

Dustin Poirier is one of my favorite fighter and I would love to see him against Makhachev but I am afraid I'll see him lose. Makhachev's last fight against Volk was no joke. Like you, I think that Gaetjhe might be a more worthy opponent right now but I would love to watch Islam vs Poirier more than that match. As I remember, Dustin was the only guy who managed to almost choke Khabib, that's why I want to see him more against the same style figher, Islam Makhachev. Then let's make Makhachev and Olieveira and I'll fly myself in Dubai or wherever it will be

[jakelyson]

I'd still watch it out of routine and maybe one of the new guys fighting in the event could turn out to be good.  And maybe I shouldn't have taken the Contender Series for granted as most of the new fighters making their debut went through DWCS.  Some of them went on to be really good and holding the belt even.  O'Malley was from DWCS, the prospect Bo Nickal got his contract from DWCS and many more good fighters.

Anyway, more vids to watch.  Lol.

UFC Free Fight:  Ribas vs Pinheiro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oiv-h7Jr460

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

Well, out of curiosity maybe I will watch it aswell, but if the fight is boring I really don't know if I could stay awake while watching there are some fights that are so boring I end up sleeping on the couch instead that of watching the whole fight, worst the entire event will be skipped, even though I have drank a lot of coffee if the fight is not worth my time I will just make a getaway for the dream world, but if the Payton Talbott VS Cameron Saaiman outcome is surprising then that will be a different story or some new fighters become very awesome in their performance for this event and maybe we can see a rising star in the upcoming future of UFC going into UFC 300.

Of course, losing to Charles would put Arman's title-shot ambitions on hold and he'll have to win probably at least 2 fights to be considered for another match against Islam. But having 4 losses on his record is nothing bad really. It all depends on who the fighter lost to and whether he gave a good performance. Looking at the top 155 contenders:
Oliveira: 9 losses, Poirier: Gaethje: 4 Losses, Poirier: 8 losses.

Well, even with his 4 losses he can still have a chance that is for sure but Charles Oliveira would be his stepping stone, this is just for me Islam Makhachev is the indicator or pinnacle for that Division, and for me, Charles Oliveira is the gatekeeper I know this is MMA and anything is possible but I am saying this is just my indicator for the fighters.

MMA doesn't always work like this. It's more of a rock-paper-scissors thing. Oliveira's style could be effective against Tsarukyan, Islam's style could work against Oliveira, but Tsarykyan could still pull off a win against Islam (if ever given another chance).

Speaking about Islam, in his recent interview he said he really wants to fight in June and called out Dustin Poirier. After that, he would be happy to take on either a winner of Tsarukyan/Oliveira or Gaethje/Holloway.
I wonder if the UFC will give him what he wants. Personally, I'd prefer to see Islam fighting Gamrot, but I know the chances of that happening are slim.

Well, we can surely say that but that is just speculation Did Tsarukyan beat Islam Makhachev, or if his style effective for me, Islam Makhachev is the pinnacle for that division they need to prove themselves first if his performance against Charles Oliveira is not worthy do you think Dana White would let Tsarukyan go and fight Islam Makhacev.

[tokeweed]

^  I suggest taking a closer look at all the match ups and make small bets just to keep it interesting.    You could also make a full card parlay like what I usually do.

UFC antitrust lawsuits reached settlement with over 1200 former fighters going to receive $335 million dollars!
This proves again that UFC is not fair with most of their fighters and they know they would lose the case in the court.
UFC fighters are like modern day gladiators and only fe of them manages to escape from Dana claws.
https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/03/ufc-antitrust-lawsuits-reach-settlement-335-million

Oof...  The UFC got away cheap for just 335m USD.  They'll make more than that in a year.  What those guys should've done if they really wanted changes to be made is to go on trial.  Win or lose they get what needs to be done if they really think the company did them wrong, the publicity.

Anyway here's jeremypwr's Multi Master.

UFC on ESPN 53:  Multi Master Challenge
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5489391.0

Enjoy...

[pawel7777]

McGregor Vs Chandler is finally set according to many news sites, quoting Mcregor's announcement from yesterday's interview.
He confirmed that the fight will happen in the summer and confirmed Chandler as the opponent. He did not state the exact date or the weight class, saying he will leave the details to be officially announced by the UFC.

Link:
https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/3/20/24107171/conor-mcgregor-says-ufc-return-is-finally-set-this-summer-the-mac-is-back

[TopTort777]

Oof...  The UFC got away cheap for just 335m USD.

Somehow I am sure that those 335m were calculated as somehow a total for each and every fighter. So in the end from those 335m, such underpaid fighters like Bones, McGregor and other highly paid guys will take a part So the guys who earn 10+10, will get "take those 500 bucks extra and shut the f up" present from Santa Dana Clause.

Does anyone one knows what is the situation with doping testing right now in UFC? USADA is no more. So who test them now? Are they even getting tested? Last thing Ive heard that Dana promised to present new testing company in January, but since then there is silence.

[pawel7777]

Well, even with his 4 losses he can still have a chance that is for sure but Charles Oliveira would be his stepping stone, this is just for me Islam Makhachev is the indicator or pinnacle for that Division, and for me, Charles Oliveira is the gatekeeper I know this is MMA and anything is possible but I am saying this is just my indicator for the fighters.

To me, Chandler was a better example of a gatekeeper (before he went semi-retired waiting for Conor), you had to defeat him to be considered the top of 155 division.
Oliveira had a great run (in the later part of his career) losing only to Islam, but it's not like you had to go past him to fight for the title. Gaethje could have got that chance if the UFC didn't match him up against Holloway for the imaginary belt bout.

Anyhow, Tsarukyan is the bookies' favourite with odds x1.45 Vs. x2.65 for Charles. But we already know they overly favour younger fighters.

[TopTort777]

Is it honest to give Gaethje a chance to fight for a belt? He already failed his two attempts and his highest achievement is taking interim belt from Ferguson old. Shouldt UFC give chances for more young and hungry guys? That fight for BMF title imho, was a hint that it is about time to think about retirement; you have achieved a lot, here is a belt you could put on a shelve, and consider putting gloves there also. Gaethje is 35. I guess a year or two he could be in good form. But definitely not enough to get a champ belt. Found this recently in instagram: "it is better to retire as GSP, than continue career as Ferguson". Good words. GPS retired at 35.

[tokeweed]

^  I want to so Gaethje go for it one more time before he retires tbh.  Pretty sure winning against Makhachev is a long shot but it prolly won't be that much of a long shot...  Dunno, maybe.  Lol.

Oof...  The UFC got away cheap for just 335m USD.

Somehow I am sure that those 335m were calculated as somehow a total for each and every fighter. So in the end from those 335m, such underpaid fighters like Bones, McGregor and other highly paid guys will take a part So the guys who earn 10+10, will get "take those 500 bucks extra and shut the f up" present from Santa Dana Clause.

Does anyone one knows what is the situation with doping testing right now in UFC? USADA is no more. So who test them now? Are they even getting tested? Last thing Ive heard that Dana promised to present new testing company in January, but since then there is silence.

The UFC is working with another company as far as testing goes.  But I don't really care about all that.  If it were up to me, I think PED's should be regulated and fighters be allowed to use them to reach peak performance without abusing them.  I just wanna see these guys throw leather at their best form.

Weigh ins in a couple of hours or so...

UFC Fight Night:  Namajunas vs Ribas Weigh In
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWTzRN3P3DE

[Google+]

McGregor Vs Chandler is finally set according to many news sites, quoting Mcregor's announcement from yesterday's interview.
He confirmed that the fight will happen in the summer and confirmed Chandler as the opponent. He did not state the exact date or the weight class, saying he will leave the details to be officially announced by the UFC.

Link:
https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/3/20/24107171/conor-mcgregor-says-ufc-return-is-finally-set-this-summer-the-mac-is-back

I think so far there is no certainty who McGregor's opponent will be, and there are even  rumors that McGregor will face Dustin Poirier at UFC 306 in September, I think it seems that Dana White is no longer interested in seeing McGregor in the octagon even though it is rumored that McGregor currently still has 2 more fights with UFC,  but after recovering from injury, we have not yet seen McGregor enter the octagon and get an opponent to continue his contract.

Yes, maybe now he is busy filming his first film called Road House starring with Jake Gyllenhaal, but I think it should not interfere with McGregor's contract in the UFC at this time, I think although maybe McGregor today is no longer as good and great as before, but the controversy that he continues to do ahead of the match has actually been a special attraction for Ufc so far,  and let's be honest, between the two names that exist between Chandler and Poirier, it seems that still fighting Poirier will be an interesting and vengeful match in my opinion.

[tokeweed]

^  I think McGregor is done.  His last chance of redeeming himself was in the Ultimate Fighter.  I didn't really watch or care about it but somebody itt said McGregor's fighters were so bad that it ended with both of Chandler's fighters meeting in the finals or something...  Not really sure what exactly went on but yeah...  He made a mess out of it.

And McGregor to fight Poirier?  Nah man.  Did you see what Poirier did to Saint Denis a couple of events ago?  McGregor would get himself KO'd in there.

As for Chandler, I feel sorry for the guy.  He was promised to fight McGregor after the Ultimate Fighter but no.  I don't think McGregor is interested.

[Hirose UK]

McGregor Vs Chandler is finally set according to many news sites, quoting Mcregor's announcement from yesterday's interview.
He confirmed that the fight will happen in the summer and confirmed Chandler as the opponent. He did not state the exact date or the weight class, saying he will leave the details to be officially announced by the UFC.

Link:
https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/3/20/24107171/conor-mcgregor-says-ufc-return-is-finally-set-this-summer-the-mac-is-back

Yes, I also heard about the news about Conor McGregor who mentioned in an interview that he is really returning to fight with the UFC this year, to be precise in June, he is making Michael Chandler his opponent and this is an opponent that seems easy for him to beat.
Michael Chandler during his debut suffered 8 defeats in 31 fights in contrast to McGregor who had 6 defeats from total of 28 fights before he decided to take break, but McGregor in 22 wins had 19 of them by knockout.
If McGregor can fight well against Michael Chandler then it will be his knockout victory, but if not, it is possible that Michael Chandler will win by decision because he has much better endurance.
During the break from injury, I believe that McGregor has decreased his body resistance to the opponent punches, this is one of the weaknesses that could occur.
But we have to continue to wait to see what really happens, whether McGregor can still win according to his enormous confidence or not.

[pawel7777]

Is it honest to give Gaethje a chance to fight for a belt? He already failed his two attempts and his highest achievement is taking interim belt from Ferguson old.(...)

I say: Yes.
When he fought Ferguson, the old Tony was not yet considered old, and only from that loss his career started to take a nose dive.
It's true that Justin lost to Oliveira, so you could say that Oliveira is more deserving, but Charles has already had a go against Islam and lost. He also had a chance for rematch but dropped off due to the cut.
Aside from that loss to Oliveira, Gaethje defeated some high profile guys like Chandler, Fiziev and Poirier.
The UFC shouldn't be considering age and make speculations about abilities. You're as good as your recent performances. And 35 is not that old.

(...) GPS retired at 35.

He fought his last fight at 35, but he didn't announce his retirement straight after the fight, he did that in 2019, so at 37.

[notblox1]

I think McGregor is done.

He was done long time ago when Khabib finished him  
UFC and Dana kept him only as UFC mascot and I think they know the truth, new fight for him will be lost together with his reputation.
He can continue making movies now, or try fighting in lower quality competitions.

Guys make sure to place your predictions for upcoming UFC Multi Master Challenge and win FREE bets from Sportsbet: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5489391.0

[pawel7777]

(...) I think it seems that Dana White is no longer interested in seeing McGregor in the octagon (...)

I don't think that's true. From the UFC perspective, they gain nothing by having McGregor on the sidelines. He still has a big name and will attract tonnes of views and sell a lot of tickets, even if he ends up getting beaten badly and if it would be the last fight of his career.
But on a second thought, he became a poster boy for how successful and rich a UFC fighter can become, so maybe they don't want to kill his legend by letting him get humiliated in the octagon.

From McGregor's perspective, his best marketing move is to keep the hype alive for as long as possible, but by making a come-back and losing, he would probably lose lots of fans as people would start to perceive him as weak and washed-up and not as a triumphant go-getter he used to be. So I'm kind of surprised to hear the fight with Chandler will happen, unless McGregor truly believes he can beat Michael, which is not impossible, especially given Chandler is 2 years older than McGregor and also hasn't fought in a while.

[OgNasty]

(...) I think it seems that Dana White is no longer interested in seeing McGregor in the octagon (...)

I don't think that's true. From the UFC perspective, they gain nothing by having McGregor on the sidelines. He still has a big name and will attract tonnes of views and sell a lot of tickets, even if he ends up getting beaten badly and if it would be the last fight of his career.
But on a second thought, he became a poster boy for how successful and rich a UFC fighter can become, so maybe they don't want to kill his legend by letting him get humiliated in the octagon.

From McGregor's perspective, his best marketing move is to keep the hype alive for as long as possible, but by making a come-back and losing, he would probably lose lots of fans as people would start to perceive him as weak and washed-up and not as a triumphant go-getter he used to be. So I'm kind of surprised to hear the fight with Chandler will happen, unless McGregor truly believes he can beat Michael, which is not impossible, especially given Chandler is 2 years older than McGregor and also hasn't fought in a while.

They get to keep him under contract so they can claim he’s on the roster. Conor has even accused the UFC of not letting him out of his contract. I think Dana would rather have him fight though. The more I see of Conor the worse he looks. I don’t think he’ll fight again. He looks like he’s a total mess in his interviews.