🥊 The UFC Info and Prediction Thread

[cabron]

^  Wtf?  Not saying Rountree deserves the title shot.  Just saying I'm intruiged as the dude can fight and prolly could break one of Pereira's legs.  Watch Rountree vs Modestas Bukauskas. 

And all the rumors about Pereira vs Jones or Pereria vs DDP are just journos trying to make stuff up for people to read.  It's what they do for a living.  Journos need to eat to you know...  Lol.

When Pereira inserted himself in the news by saying he wanted to go down to 185 again just to fight DDP, it was published on major MMA sites. He is a big star.

UFC probably just doesn't want Pereira to fight someone with a wrestling background yet that's why picking Rountree is the option. Maybe they only want Pereira to fight a striker. I think because Pereira can fill the Apex with whoever he fights, it's a money-wise decision.

Anka should make sense, he already fought for a title against Jan but it was a draw. He should get another but because the possibility that Pereira may lose against him is much higher, I guess Rountree. Itd be funny if Pereira loses.

[TopTort777]

To bad Ankalaev is not much of a top class wrestler, like many think. Only 31% of his takedowns are successful. And btw Pereira already got a black belt in bjj Wasnt Pereira a little bit old already? Just wonder how many more fights he will have. Anyway, I am waiting for a real test with elite grappler for Pereira.

[tokeweed]

^  But then again, if you look at his record he's been knocking guys out left and right.    So I doubt he needs to wrestle that much.  And when he does, he usually goes for the body lock to grind his opponents against the cage...  Not the usual single leg or double leg to actually get a TD. I think Pereira will be in all kinds of problems vs Ankalaev.  

The UFC is prolly trying to get both Pereira and Ankalaev a photo finish vs their respective opponents before matching them up for a big main event or even a co main event of Jones vs Miocic on December..?

Here's a couple of replays to watch.

UFC Free Fight:  Cannonier vs Vettori
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6g9S8Lt1dA

UFC Free Fight:  Borralho vs Craig
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KVngX0m6Y8

[Hanadawa]

-snip-To me, it seems like he lost a lot of motivation.

I saw the UFC 305 press conference clip. And at that time I immediately saw that Israel had lost his fighting spirit after his last fight. Adesanya had been inactive for a long time. At the press conference he seemed to want to try to revive his fighting spirit. One of them was by trying to discuss DDP who he said had said racist things. Israel used revenge as his motivation. This is different from DDP and I remember his iconic words "He (Adesanya) fights for me but I fight for glory". Damn that's a really cool word. DDP still has a high fighting spirit.

Honestly, Israel has got everything in the UFC. He has been the undefeated king in the middleweight class for a long time. He has defeated many elite fighters in his era. And he has managed to defeat his old shadow Pereira in his last fight. Even if Adesanya had chosen to retire at that time, his career would have been perfect.

[TopTort777]

^  But then again, if you look at his record he's been knocking guys out left and right.    So I doubt he needs to wrestle that much.  And when he does, he usually goes for the body lock to grind his opponents against the cage...  Not the usual single leg or double leg to actually get a TD. I think Pereira will be in all kinds of problems vs Ankalaev.  

The UFC is prolly trying to get both Pereira and Ankalaev a photo finish vs their respective opponents before matching them up for a big main event or even a co main event of Jones vs Miocic on December..?

Honestly, I dont even think that Pereira and Ankalaev would meet A possibility how things might turn - Pereira goes to middleweight to face DDP and Ankalaev fights for an interim belt. Then Pereira returns, but while he is returning, Ankalaev would lose that belt Then one or two fights and Pereira retires. I expect same stupidity like it is in heavyweight division. A champion is on a pause and we have an interim champ, who real champ avoids like fire.

[tokeweed]

^  Oof...  Pereira will get himself starched if he moves down to 185.  Weight cuts takes a toll on some guys and pretty sure it does on Pereira as he's a big guy...  And in case you forgot, Adesanya knocked him out when they last met.  Lol.  It shows that he gets too much water out of his body to make weight.

But yeah, I really think they'll def fight in the cage on December as the co main event of Jones vs Miocic.  Book it. 

Anyway, what are your leans and picks for the event this weekend?

[LogitechMouse]

^  Oof...  Pereira will get himself starched if he moves down to 185.  Weight cuts takes a toll on some guys and pretty sure it does on Pereira as he's a big guy...  And in case you forgot, Adesanya knocked him out when they last met.  Lol.  It shows that he gets too much water out of his body to make weight.
---

Going from 205 to 185 is really hard, but maybe the momentum that Pereira got in his last 4 fights (5 after his fight against Rountree Jr.) pushed him to do the unthinkable and that's to go back to middleweight division. He believes that he can jump from 185 to 205 so he can go down as well. Pereira loves challenges and he sees this as one of his challenges hence, he wants it.

It's just a bit disappointing that many expected him to fight the likes of Jones, and Ankalaev but he chooses to go back to 185 and fight DDP. I also don't know if he's comfortable with that division because like what you said, he got knocked out against Adesanya when they fought for the 2nd time. It surely takes some toll on the fighter, but let's see how this will play. Pereira looks comfortable at 205, so why going back to 185 to reclaim the title again. Hmmm.

[cabron]

^  Oof...  Pereira will get himself starched if he moves down to 185.  Weight cuts takes a toll on some guys and pretty sure it does on Pereira as he's a big guy...  And in case you forgot, Adesanya knocked him out when they last met.  Lol.  It shows that he gets too much water out of his body to make weight.
---

Going from 205 to 185 is really hard, but maybe the momentum that Pereira got in his last 4 fights (5 after his fight against Rountree Jr.) pushed him to do the unthinkable and that's to go back to middleweight division. He believes that he can jump from 185 to 205 so he can go down as well. Pereira loves challenges and he sees this as one of his challenges hence, he wants it.

It's just a bit disappointing that many expected him to fight the likes of Jones, and Ankalaev but he chooses to go back to 185 and fight DDP. I also don't know if he's comfortable with that division because like what you said, he got knocked out against Adesanya when they fought for the 2nd time. It surely takes some toll on the fighter, but let's see how this will play. Pereira looks comfortable at 205, so why going back to 185 to reclaim the title again. Hmmm.

He has been moving back and forth from HW to MW in his kickboxing career, so he must have been used to it. Pereira is just attempting to just keep his name on the media being talked about, sort of an attention grabber this time. He knows Dana will not grant this fight impromptu. It's beyond his decision but he will gladly do it after all he doesn't care about losing as long as he is entertained and gets paid, he lost several times already.

Maybe there is a satisfaction in beating the guy who defeated his rival in the MW division.

[pawel7777]

So, apparently, Khalil Rountree confirmed in a recent interview that he isn't planning to shoot for a take down when fighting Pereira in October:
https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/khalil-rountree/khalil-rountree-reveals-he-isnt-planning-on-shooting-takedowns-against-alex-pereira/
Quick glance at Rountree's record and Wikipedia page: he has a background in Muay Thai and zero submission wins in his career. So at least we know why the UFC was so keen on matching him up against Alex.

[TopTort777]

Since its Friday, as usually, I have prepared something extraordinary.

Hey DDP fans, Ive got something for your. Not only your guys is good at fighting, but he is also good at: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9Aig0st8L5/?igsh=MWpiZ3p1ZmdtYjBkOA

Even if he did not win, nobody would mind giving him a first prize. If all UFC fighters are tied strictly by contracts, do you think UFC support their fighters to participate in other shows or not? If he wasnt a champ, will they still let him to sing?

[pawel7777]

(...) Not only your guys is good at fighting, but he is also good at: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9Aig0st8L5/?igsh=MWpiZ3p1ZmdtYjBkOA

Sounds like pre-recorded playback, but that's probably true for most modern "artists" during the live events, so not bad


Betting odds for tomorrow's UFC fight night:

Jared Cannonier x2.95 vs. Caio Borralho x1.40   
Angela Hill x2.04 vs. Tabatha Ricci x1.78         
Ryan Loder x2.28 vs. Robert Valentin Frey x1.63
Kaan Ofli x2.80 vs. Mairon Santos x1.44
Neil Magny x6.75 vs. Michael Morales x1.11
Edmen Shahbazyan x1.33 vs. Gerald Meerschaert x3.35

Decent odds for Jared. He's an underdog due to his age and the fact the Borralho is on the rise, but I wouldn't be surprised if he wins this one.

[tokeweed]

^  Oof...  Pereira will get himself starched if he moves down to 185.  Weight cuts takes a toll on some guys and pretty sure it does on Pereira as he's a big guy...  And in case you forgot, Adesanya knocked him out when they last met.  Lol.  It shows that he gets too much water out of his body to make weight.
---

Going from 205 to 185 is really hard, but maybe the momentum that Pereira got in his last 4 fights (5 after his fight against Rountree Jr.) pushed him to do the unthinkable and that's to go back to middleweight division. He believes that he can jump from 185 to 205 so he can go down as well. Pereira loves challenges and he sees this as one of his challenges hence, he wants it.

It's just a bit disappointing that many expected him to fight the likes of Jones, and Ankalaev but he chooses to go back to 185 and fight DDP. I also don't know if he's comfortable with that division because like what you said, he got knocked out against Adesanya when they fought for the 2nd time. It surely takes some toll on the fighter, but let's see how this will play. Pereira looks comfortable at 205, so why going back to 185 to reclaim the title again. Hmmm.

He has been moving back and forth from HW to MW in his kickboxing career, so he must have been used to it. Pereira is just attempting to just keep his name on the media being talked about, sort of an attention grabber this time. He knows Dana will not grant this fight impromptu. It's beyond his decision but he will gladly do it after all he doesn't care about losing as long as he is entertained and gets paid, he lost several times already.

Maybe there is a satisfaction in beating the guy who defeated his rival in the MW division.

He was younger back then...  How old is he now?  He's 37 years old, that just three years going to 40.  As a 205'er, the heavier weight class could make him get away with being a fighter in the UFC.  At 185, that's gonna take a toll on his body.  I'd rather see DDP move up.  

Here are the weigh in results...  Surprised that Cannonier went in at 184.

Jared Cannonier (184) vs Caio Borralho (186)
Angela Hill (115.5) vs Tabatha Ricci (115)
Ryan Loder (186) vs Rob Valentin (185)
Kaan Ofli (145) vs Mairon Santos (146)
Neil Magny (170) vs Michael Morales (171)
Gerald Meerschaert (185) vs Edmen Shahbazyan (184.5)
Dennis Buzukja (155.5) vs Francis Marshall (156)
Jose Medina (186) vs Zach Reese (184.5)
Viacheslav Borshchev (155.5) vs James Llontop (144.5)
Jacqueline Cavalcanti (135) vs Josiane Nunes (136)
Zygimantas Ramaska (146) vs Nathan Fletcher (145.5)
Wang Cong (125) vs Victoria Leonardo (125)

Weigh Ins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsWH7XAaJzk

Face Offs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX5c5imd5UA

[pawel7777]

Just posting the results of the last night's main card:



I haven't watched any of those fights yet, but judging by the damage on the faces of both fighters in the post-fight interview, the main event could've been an interesting fight. I can't find any highlights videos (or a full fight) of it atm though.

[tokeweed]

^  Cannonier was doing alright until he didn't...  Not that I'm taking away anything from Borralho.  He passed the test and did pretty well after facing adversity for 4 rounds.  Other fighters would've given up and would be looking for the exit.

Here's the post fight press conference.

UFC Vegas 96: Post-Fight Press Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76Mu85kIEgM

And here's the complete results.

Caio Borralho def Jared Cannonier  UD
Tabatha Ricci def Angela Hill  UD
Ryan Loder def Robert Valentin  TKO R2
Mairon Santos def Kaan Ofli  KO R2
Michael Morales def Neil Magny  TKO R1
Gerald Meerschaert def Edmen Shahbazyan  SUB R2
Francis Marshall def Dennis Buzukja  SD
Zachary Reese def José Daniel Medina  UD
Viacheslav Borshchev def James Llontop  SD
Jacqueline Cavalcanti def Josiane Nunes  SD
Cong Wang def Victoria Leonardo  KO R1

[pawel7777]

^  Cannonier was doing alright until he didn't...  Not that I'm taking away anything from Borralho.  He passed the test and did pretty well after facing adversity for 4 rounds.  Other fighters would've given up and would be looking for the exit.
(...)

Thanks
TNT has just posted highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJR1Hey8GB0
Pretty even fight until the very last round. I thought, given his age, Cannonier would gas out in the later rounds but he remained dangerous and explosive up till the end. I feel sorry for him as he had his moments and it looked like he might KO Borralho with those nice counterpunches, but Borralho was just a bit too good.
It's a small miracle Cannonier survived that knockdown in rd 5, so losing by UD is not so bad from that perspective.

[cabron]

^  Cannonier was doing alright until he didn't...  Not that I'm taking away anything from Borralho.  He passed the test and did pretty well after facing adversity for 4 rounds.  Other fighters would've given up and would be looking for the exit.
(...)

Thanks
TNT has just posted highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJR1Hey8GB0
Pretty even fight until the very last round. I thought, given his age, Cannonier would gas out in the later rounds but he remained dangerous and explosive up till the end. I feel sorry for him as he had his moments and it looked like he might KO Borralho with those nice counterpunches, but Borralho was just a bit too good.
It's a small miracle Cannonier survived that knockdown in rd 5, so losing by UD is not so bad from that perspective.

The lights went out for a few seconds, I thought the referee would already step in when Jared fell. He survived the elbows after. I think It would have been a KO if Barralho followed up another straight before Jared fell. Impressive win still for Barralho. Though it is UD, he would consider it a KO end. But if Jared made that cut to Barralho's eye in the first or 2nd round, the fight could end up differently also.

Among the fights, I think its Mairon Santos who shows the most impressive end. Can't find an upload that has the real video but this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmFKszKz7es

[TopTort777]

UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Brady



Date: September 8, 2024

Preliminary Card: Sat, Sep 7 / 11:00 PM GMT+3
Main Card: Sun, Sep 8 / 2:00 AM GMT+3

Venue: UFC Apex

Main card (ESPN)
Welterweight: Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady            
Women's Flyweight: Jéssica Andrade vs. Natália Silva            
Featherweight: Steve Garcia vs. Kyle Nelson            
Flyweight: Matt Schnell vs. Alessandro Costa            
Lightweight: Trevor Peek vs. Yanal Ashmouz

Preliminary card (ESPN)
Lightweight: Rong Zhu vs. Chris Padilla            
Light Heavyweight: Ryan Spann vs. Ovince Saint Preux            
Women's Strawweight: Jaqueline Amorim vs. Vanessa Demopoulos            
Lightweight: Isaac Dulgarian vs. Brendon Marotte            
Flyweight: Felipe dos Santos vs. André Lima            
Featherweight: Yi Zha vs. Gabriel Santos            
Middleweight: Andre Petroski vs. Dylan Budka   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFC_Fight_Night:_Burns_vs._Brady

[Hirose UK]

~snip~

Among the fights, I think its Mairon Santos who shows the most impressive end. Can't find an upload that has the real video but this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmFKszKz7es

Yes it was pretty amazing fight and I would say Mairon Santos win was one of the best on the show, he really did great job and with one big left hook to get the KO win.
Mairon Santos really put lot of effort into losing weight for this fight and it all paid off with win.
I see lot of belief for Mairon Santos to finish in the second round because Kaan Ofli looked pretty weak and it showed in the second round that Mairon Santos was much more aggressive with more strikes coming in.

[tokeweed]

UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Brady



Date: September 8, 2024

Preliminary Card: Sat, Sep 7 / 11:00 PM GMT+3
Main Card: Sun, Sep 8 / 2:00 AM GMT+3

Venue: UFC Apex

Main card (ESPN)
Welterweight: Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady            
Women's Flyweight: Jéssica Andrade vs. Natália Silva            
Featherweight: Steve Garcia vs. Kyle Nelson            
Flyweight: Matt Schnell vs. Alessandro Costa            
Lightweight: Trevor Peek vs. Yanal Ashmouz

Preliminary card (ESPN)
Lightweight: Rong Zhu vs. Chris Padilla            
Light Heavyweight: Ryan Spann vs. Ovince Saint Preux            
Women's Strawweight: Jaqueline Amorim vs. Vanessa Demopoulos            
Lightweight: Isaac Dulgarian vs. Brendon Marotte            
Flyweight: Felipe dos Santos vs. André Lima            
Featherweight: Yi Zha vs. Gabriel Santos            
Middleweight: Andre Petroski vs. Dylan Budka   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFC_Fight_Night:_Burns_vs._Brady

Decent match ups in there...  Main event is good, the co main, can't wait to see Steve Garcia again, I like Matt Schnell but will prolly lose,  OSP should be live vs Spann, Dulgarian had a tough match vs Christian Rodriguez but will coast this next one and Felipe Dos Santos had a decent debut on short notice vs Kape cant wait to see him back after his first win in the UFC.

Can't wait for this one in preparation for 306...

My leans at first glance.

Burns
Silva
Garcia
Costa
Peek
Zhu
OSP
Amorim
Dulgarian
Dos Santos
Santos
Petroski

Edit:  Just saw this event will still be in a couple of weeks...  Meh.

[bbc.reporter]

News update on Francis Ngannou.

It appears the truth on the Predator's mind has begun to become known. However, who is telling the truth on this, is it uncle Dana or Ngannou? I reckon for this, the 2 might be telling a lie. On Jon Jones, I am quite certain that this is a similar problem hehehehe, the contract! He cannot Ngannou under his present contract because this is a big risk on his legacy. If uncle Dana gave Jones and Ngannou their demands, we might have witnessed them fight in the UFC aleady.



While talking to journalists at the PFL press conference, Ngannou flipped the script and claimed that Jones didn’t want to fight him in the UFC. He allegedly requested the fight multiple times but was told that “Bones” wasn’t willing to fight as he was enjoying life in Albuquerque.

“As far as I’m concerned, it was Jon Jones didn’t want to fight for me, according to them. And so many time that we sit down on the meeting, I’m like, oh it can’t happen Jon Jones doesn’t want to fight anymore. You know, like he live in Albuquerque. He live his small life. He has a lot of money in his bank account, you know. So, I think, the guy who control the narrative can say whatever he wants but that’s just the narrative. I never, I was the one requesting the Jon Jones fight but I didn’t want that like a trap, to get into some deal and get to something I didn’t want.”

As per “The Predator”, another reason why the Jones fight couldn’t happen was his contract. He was down to fight the UFC light heavyweight GOAT but wanted a contract that benefited him in ways other than just money. This included the freedom to box, in-cage sponsorships, and health insurance, among other things.

Read in full https://www.mmanews.com/news/pfl/francis-ngannou-on-dana-white-claiming-he-ducked-jon-jones/