MMAmania.com - All PostsBest UFC website for news, UFC results, fight highlights and UFC schedule, including live streaming updates, breaking MMA news and much more!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49461/mania-f.png2024-03-29T00:00:00-04:00http://www.mmamania.com/rss/current/2024-03-29T00:00:00-04:002024-03-29T00:00:00-04:00Midnight Mania! ‘Regretful’ Biter Breaks Silence
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<img alt="UFC Fight Night: Severino v Lima" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8qgfLS8YLfzKHUmCjfSodqs3EWA=/0x0:5118x3412/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73240583/2107879693.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight! </p> <p id="iswYFU">Welcome to Midnight Mania!</p>
<p id="LhflWp">UFC Vegas 89 went down last weekend (Sat. March 23, 2024) from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it was mostly a pretty <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/24/24109909/ufc-vegas-89-results-sooo-about-last-night-ribas-vs-namajunas-espn-mma-apex">standard night of action</a>. The main and co-main event were a bit dull, but the rest of the card featured <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/23/24110147/highlights-payton-talbott-brutalizes-cameron-saaiman-statement-making-performance-ufc-vegas-89-espn">some great finishes</a>, as well as a pair of <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/24/24110288/youssef-zalal-trashes-mma-fans-who-turned-on-him-after-he-was-cut-go-fuck-yourself">really standout performances by Payton Talbott and Youssef Zalal</a>.</p>
<p id="N2PaBa">Undoubtedly, the biggest story of the evening came from the “Prelims.” In unexpected fashion, an early Flyweight bout between Igor Severino and Andre Lima started really well with back-and-forth kickboxing action. Lima pulled off to an early lead, but Severino was very much in the fight when <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/23/24109898/highlights-igor-severino-disqualified-biting-andre-lima-back-forth-war-ufc-vegas-89-espn-mma-apex">he suddenly decided to bite his opponent</a>.</p>
<p id="oy204w">In an instant, the fight was over. Severino was unceremoniously disqualified and later that evening <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/23/24110062/unprecedented-dana-white-cuts-fighter-mid-event-nasty-biting-foul-ufc-vegas-89-igor-severino">cut from the promotion</a>. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) is <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/25/24111753/commission-takes-bite-igor-severinos-fight-purse-chomping-andre-lima-ufc-vegas-89">withholding his purse</a>, and he’ll likely face a suspension in addition to his UFC release. For a genuine prospect of just 20 years of age, it’s a devastating turn of events that all stemmed from one awful decision. </p>
<p id="7F2UbD">The better part of a week later, Severino has broken his silence in an interview with <a href="https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/03/ufc-fighter-igor-severino-bite-reaction-vs-andre-lima-interview">MMA Junkie</a>. In his first interview since the incident, Severino talks about quite a few topics, but his primary message is one of regret and apology.</p>
<p id="HdB4eN">“I come from humble beginnings,” Severino said. “I’ve been working since a very young age. I left my home as a teenager to come over to train and to get here. Then, to see all of this go away and in the way it did, it’s something that is not part of me. It’s not who I am as a person. That’s not who I am as a fighter. I just feel very regretful. It makes me very emotional and sad about it.</p>
<p id="A0f7SQ">“My dream became a nightmare overnight. I’m very regretful to my opponent. I apologize to (Lima), to Dana (White), to the Nevada Athletic Commission, to Sean Shelby, who spoke to me after the fight, to Mick (Maynard) – everyone in the organization – and the fans. Sorry to everyone who was watching that on TV. They didn’t deserve to see that.”</p>
<p id="8bGWwF">A big part of Severino’s regret stems from the fact that he doesn’t remember making the decision to bite Lima. According to the Brazilian, an elbow from Lima midway through the first hurt him badly, and he doesn’t remember much afterward. Since then, he’s faced a lot of online hate and threats towards him and his family.</p>
<p id="jyv9uF">One unexpected source of kindness in the whole situation has been Lima. <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/24/24110672/andre-lima-mercy-fighter-igor-severino-bit-him-ufc-fight-i-dont-think-he-should-be-fired">His countryman has urged mercy</a>, asking that UFC give Severino a second chance.</p>
<p id="SaqMgS">“He had every right to condemn me and to surf the wave of this moment, he’s extending his hand to me,” Severino said in response to Lima’s support. “He’s saying he doesn’t want me to be cut. He’s saying he would even offer me a rematch, and that things shouldn’t go like this. I can’t express how much admiration I’ve gained from him, how much respect I’ve gained from him. Someone who was so honorable and so graceful toward me, I just wish him the best things in the world. I don’t wish to rematch him, actually. If he ever needs a sparring partner for one of his fights, he can call me any time and I’ll be available.”</p>
<p id="NaEYqP">There is still some hope for Severino. This is a business of short memories and second chances. UFC CEO Dana White will hate a fighter then eventually <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/19/24077690/wanderlei-silva-inducted-into-ufc-hall-of-fame-dana-white-didnt-remember-ban-good-thing-forgot-pride">induct him into the Hall of Fame</a>. Heavyweight pioneer Gilbert Yvel bit people, attacked referees, and has three losses via disqualification, but <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2009/12/31/1228613/ufc-quick-quote-gilbert-yvel-makes">he still made a UFC debut in 2010!</a></p>
<p id="7nk2yU">Severino is hoping for such a chance himself.</p>
<p id="iUbJB9">He concluded, “I know things look pretty bad for me right now, and I just want people to see the person that I am, to see that’s not who I am as a fighter or as a person. Please just let me have a career again. … Please give me a chance to come back and redeem myself. Please let me show you all who I really am.”</p>
<aside id="TKiDLe"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"White Vows Wife Slap ‘Will Never Happen Again’","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24114618/dana-white-vows-wife-slap-will-never-happen-again-after-his-watched-parents-slapping-each-other-tmz"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="QkuWs5"><strong>Insomnia</strong></h2>
<p id="kJRawW">Sean Strickland reacts to the <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24114846/israel-adesanya-ready-to-go-dricus-du-plessis-title-fight-ufc-305-perth-mma">Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya at UFC 305</a> rumors:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The UFC fans want me and Dricus to settle it. Dricus wants to settle it. We all know I fought in a dirty liberal country who fucked me. Dana knows it. The UFC knows it.<br><br>IF IT WAS ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROSTER THE REMATCH WOULD HAPPEN! Do the right thing UFC.</p>— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SStricklandMMA/status/1773485294274416773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a>
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<p id="GdlwpP">Tai Tuivasa is getting into the marijuana business!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> NEW: Tai Tuivasa announces the launch of his new marijuana company ‘Bam Bam Budz USA,’ which will soon be distributed throughout the U.S. in states where it’s legal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MMA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MMA</a> <a href="https://t.co/PJkHnMyGEq">pic.twitter.com/PJkHnMyGEq</a></p>— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParryPunchNews/status/1773391046870958475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a>
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<p id="VUPutk">When Georges St. Pierre talks, a wise man listens. “Rush” knows a thing or two about fighting!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MMA fighter explains overloading opponent <a href="https://t.co/F1ITtVbLBV">pic.twitter.com/F1ITtVbLBV</a></p>— Interesting Things (@interesting_aIl) <a href="https://twitter.com/interesting_aIl/status/1773384338928759282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a>
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<aside id="IY7VkU"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"GSP ‘Would Have Put Khabib Down’","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24114961/i-would-have-put-him-down-georges-st-pierre-reflects-on-fantasy-matchup-with-khabib-nurmagomedov-ufc"}]}'></div></aside><p id="pSTTus">With the Flyweight title fight booked, Muhammad Mokaev wants Kai Kara-France next.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Royval went silent <br>But I have another tough challenger it’s Kair Kara France <br><br>When I came to the UFC Kai Kara said when this kid will reach top 10 I will fight him, let’s do it bro , I’m here without the opponent</p>— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) <a href="https://twitter.com/muhammadmokaev/status/1773439589920731189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a>
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<p id="JkLlj7">Featherweight action added to the Apex in June:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brad Katona will fight Jesse Butler at UFC event on June 8th. (first rep. <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamIridiumISA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamIridiumISA</a>) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MMA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MMA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFCESPN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFCESPN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/w7ZVw7Qnqh">pic.twitter.com/w7ZVw7Qnqh</a></p>— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigMarcel24/status/1773486179037417533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a>
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<p id="O5nZwM">MMA Twitter is convinced that — based on current Heavyweight match ups — Ciryl Gane vs. Marcin Tybura is heading to France.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This shit has me dying <a href="https://t.co/a7UQwydLh1">pic.twitter.com/a7UQwydLh1</a></p>— (@Petr_is_Art) <a href="https://twitter.com/Petr_is_Art/status/1773350551142465617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a>
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<aside id="wkedI6"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Khamzat Vs Whittaker Headlines UFC Saudi Arabia","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24114289/khamzat-chimaev-returns-finally-fights-robert-whittaker-ufc-saudi-arabia-main-event-june-22-mma"}]}'></div></aside><p id="mcOnG7">I feel like this is staged, but I’m choosing to believe otherwise.</p>
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<h2 id="EUprkH"><strong>Slips, rips, and KO clips</strong></h2>
<p id="FolbLH">I have to agree with the Twitter caption: this is very clean work! Great hip pivot.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just an absolutely textbook armbar finish from Drake Lopez <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FuryFC88?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FuryFC88</a> <a href="https://t.co/wcuPqfGoIm">pic.twitter.com/wcuPqfGoIm</a></p>— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) <a href="https://twitter.com/UFCFightPass/status/1772020116655378800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a>
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<p id="FhWzMA">It turns out shuffling strangely towards your opponent without throwing punches is not the ideal way to start a fight.</p>
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<p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Brutal KO en segundos de Pedro Molinari en Dominium Fighter Championship 23 <a href="https://t.co/w6wPUzu33m">pic.twitter.com/w6wPUzu33m</a></p>— Barrele la pierna (@Barrelelapierna) <a href="https://twitter.com/Barrelelapierna/status/1771743079893991817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a>
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<p id="apeGg6">Shooting deeper into an already tight guillotine probably isn’t the best decision either, but at least Park has the excuse of getting rocked first.</p>
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<p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Seika Izawa submits Si Yoon Park (Ninja Choke) - DEEP JEWELS 44 <a href="https://t.co/Y8yl8Zu8O9">pic.twitter.com/Y8yl8Zu8O9</a></p>— Neo Vale Tudo (@NeoValeTudo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeoValeTudo/status/1772069970781880407?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a>
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<h2 id="5FOCOH"><strong>Random Land</strong></h2>
<p id="cQdggv">This game doesn’t have fall damage.</p>
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<p id="kWguUT">Midnight Music: Grunge, 1994</p>
<div id="vDR13Z"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oFD88EyZ80E?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Hhxdr5">Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.</p>
<p id="8UHMp8"></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/29/24115146/midnight-mania-ex-ufc-fighter-igor-severino-breaks-silence-infamous-bite-regretful-espnAndrew Richardson2024-03-28T23:00:00-04:002024-03-28T23:00:00-04:00An Elite Contender With Only One Combo
<figure>
<img alt="FRA-UFC-MMA-WOMEN-FLYWEIGHT-FIOROT-NAMAJUNAS" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xDQcxm-Xl3ZgDpUSAQRJ_9tnGLA=/0x0:4394x2929/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73240520/1641138686.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="LdRSw5">Karate specialist, Manon Fiorot, will take on jiu-jitsu black belt, Erin Blanchfield, this Saturday (March 30, 2024) at UFC Atlantic City in Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.</p>
<p id="cpyU1a">Bruce Lee once said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” Manon Fiorot must have heard that famous quote and taken it to heart, because she loves the 1-2-3 combination more than any fighter I’ve ever seen. Don’t believe me? Watch her beat up Bantamweight title contender Mayra Bueno Silva with the same combo for the full 15 minutes.</p>
<p id="S4fCAw">There are, of course, some other elements to her game. Only one combination is an exaggeration, but it’s really not much of one. The fun part is that despite the relatively limited nature of her game, Fiorot has a real chance at becoming champion.</p>
<p id="Tsj06Y">Let’s take a closer look at her skill set:</p>
<p id="uJOL3A"><strong>Striking</strong></p>
<p id="0VxUsu">Fiorot has a long background in striking. She began in Karate as a child and joined the French national team before later turning to Muay Thai and kickboxing. All of those influences are at least a bit visible in the cage, where she operates as a Southpaw with an imposing edge in physicality.</p>
<p id="1p3nhe">Athleticism trumps most everything else in MMA, and Fiorot has it in spades. She can throw fast, hard strikes at a higher rate than pretty much any of her opponents. That’s a huge advantage before we get into the actual technique or strategy behind her shot selection.</p>
<p id="9v2QDO">Boxing form is an issue for the French striker, however. She tends to step heavily into all her punches rather than really snap them like a boxer. All the same, she has a fairly effective jab for a Southpaw, and she’s able to continue throwing it with good power and speed. Fiorot will hook off the jab as well, but again, she tends to throw that hook as a bit of an arm punch. She falls into her hook, rather than pulling her weight to her back leg to generate force.</p>
<p id="kuZFh8">It still works though. Fiorot clipped Rose Namajunas — a much better boxer in terms of fluidity and mechanics — several times with the check hook, and her jab stung “Thug Rose” repeatedly as well.</p>
<p id="iTnFxe">As mentioned, Fiorot’s favorite combo is the 1-2-3. She seriously beat Silva throwing almost nothing but the 1-2-3. It’s a classic for a reason of course, but being predictable is rarely a good thing. That said, Fiorot can mix up where those shots go. On occasion, she’s take the cross to the body then gone back upstairs with the hook, and she’s also thrown the first two punches upstairs before digging the right hook to the body.</p>
<p id="fm3iJh">When Fiorot throws the hook, she often turns into the punch. This is suboptimal from a boxing perspective, but it allows Fiorot to get really side-on with her opponent, loading up her side kick. The side kick is a great weapon for Fiorot, one that allows her to stab at an opponent backing away from the combo or repulse their counter attempts with a stiff push.</p>
<p id="vKPDCr">Fiorot’s kicking game is a big part of her success. The side kick is her most common weapon, most usually used to prevent her opponent from advancing. However, she’ll also use the kick as a counter to low kicks, which can floor her opponent if timed properly.</p>
<p id="GgYBaN">She’s a powerful round kicker as well, and she throws those kicks with good snap. Fiorot does good attritional damage by chopping at the legs and occasionally blasting kicks into the open side. Occasionally, she’ll take a kick upstairs <a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/5a072defe8ab94a73d179c29cb612b6a/99ea847f690f9be7-64/s640x960/2fab72680363b5a06e217783f495e9037ca3ec92.gif">(GIF)</a>, and she tends to throw it at sneaky times like on the break of clinches.</p>
<p id="MWlSYA"><strong>Wrestling</strong></p>
<p id="suz1S5">Remember what I said about athleticism trumping all else? That’s especially true in wrestling exchanges.</p>
<p id="5pP6ne">Fiorot is an effective offensive wrestler because of her strength and size. When she’s taken down her opposition, it’s because she’s powered them over in the clinch or simply caught a kick and converted that into top position. She’s not one to shoot really, preferring to work from the upper body position. Sadly, she will try the headlock throw that plagues women’s MMA, but she’s usually savvy enough not to give up her back in the process.</p>
<p id="JCB1NB">Fiorot’s defensive wrestling has been tested on a few occasions, and it’s everything one would expect of a good athlete. Her sprawl is powerful, and she does a good job focusing on jamming her opponent’s face towards the mat. Several times, she’s forced her opponent onto a single leg, stiff armed her foe’s face, and then limp-legged away to distance.</p>
<p id="jG8cIK">At 91% takedown defense overall, Fiorot’s wrestling has held up very well thus far.</p>
<p id="FvBFIN"><strong>Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu</strong></p>
<p id="IgfkOH">Fiorot has yet to attempt or defend a submission inside the Octagon. She also has yet to win or lose a fight via tapout. </p>
<p id="CumPoc"><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>
<p id="vzBbjX">At 34 years of age and quite reliant on her athletic gifts, Fiorot likely doesn’t have a huge period of time as a top Flyweight contender. She’s on a great streak currently and can lock down a title shot with a win, so it really feels like now is the time for the French athlete to stake her claim at UFC gold.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="9g1ex8">
<p id="80MAaL"><em>Andrew Richardson, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt, is a professional fighter who trains at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, California. In addition to learning alongside world-class talent, Andrew has scouted opponents and developed winning strategies for several of the sport’s most elite fighters.</em></p>
<p id="QIVp4q"></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24113596/manon-fiorot-an-elite-contender-who-only-throws-one-combination-ufc-atlantic-cityAndrew Richardson2024-03-28T21:30:00-04:002024-03-28T21:30:00-04:00‘Come Over Here Real Quick, Win A Belt, Maybe Win Another Belt’
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<img alt="UFC 299 Ceremonial Weigh-in" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LNjlvdLn-UbfRxWD9mZ6aZl2qPc=/0x0:4788x3192/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73240433/2069169418.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Vgym0s"><strong>Kayla Harrison</strong> is in pursuit of (more) greatness.</p>
<p id="1um5IV">UFC 300 is littered with some of the best mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters on Earth from top to bottom. Amongst the line up will be the surprise newcomer, Harrison, who jumps ship from a near-full 17-fight career (16-1) in Professional Fighters League (PFL).</p>
<p id="tERPj2">Harrison, 33, became an immediate hot prospect to watch upon her debut in June 2018. The two-time Olympic gold medalist in Judo went on to win two Lightweight seasons in PFL, which made her a two-time champion and winner of $2 million in prize money. She’ll debut in the 135-pound Bantamweight division with her UFC arrival when she takes on <strong>Holly Holm</strong>. After an expected successful outcome, Harrison plans to add even more gold to her collection.</p>
<aside id="87Bwox"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"‘Big Name’ Harrison Shouldn’t Get To ‘Skip The Line’ For Title Shot With A UFC 300 Win","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/19/24106275/big-name-kayla-harrison-shouldnt-get-to-skip-the-line-for-title-shot-with-a-ufc-300-win"}]}'></div></aside><p id="eBTAyw">“This is an argument I’ve had with <strong>Henry [Cejudo]</strong> like a bazillion times about how he’s the greatest combat athlete all-time,” Harrison told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcbYoBMEaak">UFC</a>. “I said, ‘Henry, honey, I’m coming for you. You have one Olympic [medal]. Just one. What’re you gonna do with one?’</p>
<p id="UvWkjV">“[I’m gonna] come over here real quick to the UFC, win a belt, maybe win another belt real quick,” she continued. “Defend it, and be two-time UFC champion, and then I am — and a world champion, and a Pan Am (American) champion, and a Pan Am Games champion, anyways ... I will be undisputed, the greatest combat athlete of all time.”</p>
<p id="hs5vY8">Harrison’s road to a UFC title theoretically would be pretty short, considering the current landscape of the division. If she were to get past the perennial contender and former champion, Holm, it would make her only the third to do so in a non-title fight.</p>
<aside id="NSgtoz"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Harrison ‘Super Embarrassed’ By Sexualized Question During Awful UFC 300 Fan Q&amp;A","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/14/24100649/kayla-harrison-super-embarrassed-sexualized-question-during-awful-ufc-300-fan-q-a-looked-like-idiot"}]}'></div></aside><hr class="p-entry-hr" id="f07XJ6">
<p id="jk0kHF"><strong>To checkout the latest and greatest </strong><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/12/19/24007981/ufc-300-date-location-start-time-announced-conor-mcgregor-las-vegas-mma"><strong>UFC 300</strong></a><strong> fight card and rumors click </strong><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/1/11/24034550/latest-ufc-300-fight-card-current-ppv-lineup-rumors-april-13-mega-event-las-vegas-mma"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24115127/ufc-300s-kayla-harrison-predicts-ufc-future-will-be-undisputed-the-greatest-combat-athlete-all-timeDrake Riggs2024-03-28T20:30:00-04:002024-03-28T20:30:00-04:00‘A Big Spit In The Face Of All The Champions’
<figure>
<img alt="UFC 203 Press Conference" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J1G9pF2Tdc-AXt8HT7W-2rw0FBE=/0x0:2168x1445/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73240368/600636654.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="wJUtqm"><strong>Phil “</strong><strong>CM Punk</strong><strong>” Brooks</strong>’ Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) run aged poorly as it was happening.</p>
<p id="Znejz0">2016 was a crazy year for mixed martial arts (MMA) and UFC. The promotion had its big UFC 200 event, <strong>Ronda Rousey</strong> fought for the final time, <strong>Conor McGregor</strong> and <strong>Nate Diaz</strong> battled twice, and professional wrestler, Brooks, attempted to become the new <strong>Brock Lesnar</strong>.</p>
<p id="01Lkwp">Unfortunately for Brooks, he’d lost embarrassingly via a first round rear-naked choke against Mickey Gall at UFC 203 in September 2016. The Chicago, Ill., native eventually returned for his second and final fight against <strong>Mike Jackson</strong> in 2018. He lost that bout as well (initially). Although the unanimous decision result was overturned because of Jackson's failed drug test for marijuana, Brooks still made out with at least $1 million from his UFC stint. </p>
<aside id="TPjdY3"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"UFC Told Johnson: ‘We Do Not Give PPV Points To Flyweight Guys’","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/22/24108575/ufc-told-demetrious-johnson-we-do-not-give-pay-per-view-points-to-flyweight-guys"}]}'></div></aside><p id="CAjpkQ">One of the most dominant champions of all time, <strong>Demetrious Johnson</strong>, was in the middle of his historic reign when Punk fought and remembers the motivation it brought him.</p>
<p id="m3bCX2">“A big spit in the face of all the champions,” Johnson said of Brook’s UFC payouts on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EJBaL5r0BM">his YouTube channel</a>. “At the end of the day, it’s more of a popularity contest that gets you the money in mixed martial arts than actual skill.</p>
<p id="s1fRtC">“A gentleman who is 0-1 in mixed martial arts, making $500,000 [per fight],” he continued. “Obviously, he made that money because of his wrestling history. I’m not gonna lie to you guys, this put a chip on my shoulder, and a bad taste in my mouth because I was doing mixed martial arts my whole entire life and the most I ever made in the UFC was like $380,000 plus $40,000. It’s all public record.”</p>
<aside id="lOdIRj"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Watch Johnson Submit 250-Pound Monster, Double Medal At 2024 IBJJF Pan Championship","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/25/24111339/watch-demetrious-johnson-submit-250-pound-monster-double-medal-2024-ibjjf-pan-championship-ufc"}]}'></div></aside><p id="TUDGox">Johnson, 37, is still one of the best fighters on the planet despite being in the twilight of his career as the 135-pound ONE Championship Flyweight titleholder. Like Brooks, Johnson’s last UFC fight was also in 2018 when he lost a split decision in his rematch with Henry Cejudo at UFC 227 in April. Johnson is 5-1 in pure MMA bouts (25-4-1 overall) since his UFC departure while the 45-year-old Punk has returned to the professional wrestling world and rejoined WWE in 2023.</p>
<p id="FvU8AR">“These guys belong in the amateur league,” Johnson said while rewatching Brooks vs. <strong>Mike Jackson</strong>. “They haven’t honed their skills enough yet in mixed martial arts to be on a platform like this. Every once in a while, you have these fights where you give people an opportunity to do something, and this is what you get. This belongs in an amateur-level fight [league].</p>
<p id="qIldYb">“But I bet CM Punk beats him in WWE wrestling,” he concluded.</p>
<aside id="W21WS7"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Dana White Challenges Narrative That CM Punk Is Difficult To Work With","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/12/3/23987135/dana-white-cm-punk-is-one-of-the-easiest-people-ive-ever-dealt-with"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24115073/demetrious-johnson-reflects-on-cm-punks-ufc-run-a-big-spit-in-the-face-of-all-the-championsDrake Riggs2024-03-28T19:00:00-04:002024-03-28T19:00:00-04:00Whittaker: Chimaev Fight ‘Came Out Of Nowhere’
<figure>
<img alt="UFC 298: Volkanovski v Topuria" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H_GB2XQkjEjLyRx_bos7Nv0c6fM=/0x0:3722x2481/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73240262/2019347505.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="siq4hB"><strong>Robert Whittaker</strong> didn’t expect his upcoming match up.</p>
<p id="wqZgZs">Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO, <strong>Dana White</strong>, <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24114289/khamzat-chimaev-returns-finally-fights-robert-whittaker-ufc-saudi-arabia-main-event-june-22-mma">announced UFC Saudi Arabia’s main card</a> late last night (Weds., March 27, 2024). The Middleweights take center stage in the country’s debut event for the promotion, as the No. 3-ranked Whittaker battles the undefeated 13-0 superstar, No. 11-ranked <strong>Khamzat Chimaev</strong>, in the main event on June 22, 2024.</p>
<p id="0d8hQe">The former champion, Whittaker, thought he’d go in a different direction — <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/1/22/24047394/khamzat-chimaev-it-will-be-bulls-t-if-i-dont-get-title-shot-they-promised-me-ufc">as did Chimaev</a> — after UFC recently announced it would <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24114411/ufc-305-headed-down-under-to-perth-as-part-of-new-site-fee-deal-with-tourism-western-australia">return to Australia</a> two months after UFC Saudi Arabia. Regardless, the opportunity is still a thrilling one for “The Reaper.”</p>
<aside id="IdxsFS"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Chimaev Opens As Betting Favorite Over Whittaker","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24114530/khamzat-chimaev-vs-robert-whittaker-odds-bookies-bet-borz-will-beat-reaper-ufc-saudi-arabia-mma"}]}'></div></aside><p id="xUVOER">“Obviously it’s a bit of a shock because it comes out of nowhere,” Whittaker said on his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJtJtU3wCVg"><em>MMArcade</em></a><em> </em>podcast (h/t <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/3/28/24114818/robert-whittaker-reacts-khamzat-chimaev-ufc-saudi-arabia-this-gets-me-in-line-to-get-the-belt-back">MMA Fighting</a>). “I would have assumed UFC was going to hold me in the ranks for the Australia card in August, which is kind of what I was preparing for. But I’m happy UFC have given me this boon. This is my path to the title. This is the way I earn money for my kids. To be able to do that so close — like I’ve said in other episodes, I want to increase my activity. God willing and my body’s healthy, there’s no reason I shouldn’t take this fight. What else am I going to be doing?</p>
<p id="hLKXqU">“Also, the fact that the fight is in Saudi Arabia, that’s the first time the UFC has been there,” he continued. “So I am pumped to be part of that history. I’ve done that a few times now, and it all gets notched into my legacy. So I have direction now. I have energy, momentum.”</p>
<p id="PuHPds">The stakes will be high for each fighter with title aspirations on the line. Whittaker, 33, rebounded with a unanimous decision victory over <strong>Paulo Costa</strong> at UFC 298 last month (Feb. 17, 2024). Meanwhile, Chimaev earned a hard-fought majority decision over the former Welterweight champion, <strong>Kamaru Usman</strong>, at UFC 294 in October 2024. Chimaev’s bout was billed as a No. 1 contender fight, but plans changed as <strong>Dricus Du Plessis</strong> ultimately fought the then-champion, <strong>Sean Strickland</strong>, at UFC 297 in January 2024.</p>
<aside id="XXKChz"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Israel Adesanya ‘Ready To Go’ For Du Plessis Title Fight At UFC 305 In Perth","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24114846/israel-adesanya-ready-to-go-dricus-du-plessis-title-fight-ufc-305-perth-mma"}]}'></div></aside><p id="GeRfww">“It’s going to be a contender fight, five-round main event,” Whittaker said. “I do understand the task at hand. It’s going to be hard. I’m going to be grinding my ass off this camp. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a good thing, after last fight, I didn’t have any injuries. The body is good. They offered me the fight. I fought four or five weeks ago at this point, I’m ready. Just give me another one.</p>
<p id="NVKkPE">“I’m in a great headspace to take another hard fight,” he concluded. “I’m looking forward to it. Every hard fight pushes my skills to the next level, and this gets me in line to get the belt back. That’s the goal, isn’t it?”</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24115024/robert-whittaker-khamzat-chimaev-fight-came-out-of-nowhere-ufcDrake Riggs2024-03-28T18:00:00-04:002024-03-28T18:00:00-04:00GSP ‘Would Have Put Khabib Down’
<figure>
<img alt="Brooklyn Nets v Toronto Raptors" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wlXps2AA1namqOoOuPopanTYdoA=/0x322:4214x3131/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73240152/2051003574.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="mztRQ1"><strong>Georges St-Pierre</strong> vs. <strong>Khabib Nurmagomedov</strong> is one of the many fantasy fights that was never meant to be.</p>
<p id="I9lCvn">Towards the end of each fighter’s runs in mixed martial arts (MMA), they had made it clear how intrigued they were by the potential super fight. The iconic former Welterweight and Middleweight champion, St-Pierre, retired after he captured the latter title via a third round rear-naked choke of <strong>Michael Bisping</strong> at UFC 217 in November 2017. Nurmagomedov followed suit three years later at the height of his game with Lightweight gold in his possession.</p>
<p id="2kfb1z">Ideally, the bout could have happened somewhere between 2017 and 2020, presumably in a Lightweight bout, as was always speculated. That still seems wild, considering St-Pierre’s size. However, “Rush” had confidence he’d get the nod over “The Eagle” if they came to blows, even if it was in 2021 for Nurmagomedov’s attempt at going 30-0.</p>
<aside id="WcxmCl"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Khabib ‘Priced Himself Out’ Of St-Pierre Super Match In Grappling","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/8/23/23843591/hard-bargain-khabib-priced-himself-out-of-georges-st-pierre-super-match-in-grappling-ufc"}]}'></div></aside><p id="RNp8rd">“I think Khabib could have beat me, I’m not saying I could have beat Khabib all the time,” St-Pierre said on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5Q2ceO7D5c"><em>Pound 4 Pound</em></a> (h/t <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/3/28/24114545/georges-st-pierre-explains-advantages-hed-have-in-khabib-nurmagomedov-matchup-i-would-have-beat-him">MMA Fighting</a>). “I was confident enough to take that fight that I was thinking that if I take that fight I’m going to beat him that day at that particular place, that doesn’t mean I will beat him all the time. But I was confident, maybe I’m wrong.</p>
<p id="iUgzPT">“I think I would have beat him because if he would have come to put pressure on me, I would have put him down,” he concluded. “I would have had the confidence to try to go for it.”</p>
<p id="yVF9OB">St-Pierre’s legendary 28-fight career (26-2) concluded on a 13-fight winning streak that included redemptive efforts against his lone successors, Matt Serra and Matt Hughes. Lightweight’s Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, never lost in his 29 professional fights.</p>
<aside id="eALyNB"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Khabib Reveals Ungodly Declined Offers From UFC To Return","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/11/9/23954848/how-much-khabib-reveals-ungodly-declined-offers-from-ufc-to-return-it-was-not-easy-mma"}]}'></div></aside><p id="pgSocF">In the hypothetical match up, St-Pierre noted how well Nurmagomedov was at setting up his right-hand punches with the opponent’s fear of takedowns. Ultimately, GSP assesses himself and Nurmagomedov as proactive and reactive wrestlers, for the most part, and would have tried to wrestle Nurmagomedov in the middle of the Octagon. Throughout his whole career, GSP outwrestled his opponents collectively 102 takedowns to 10, per <a href="http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/6506c1d34da9c013">UFC Stats</a>. Nurmagomedov outwrestled his 13 UFC opponents 61 to two, 21 of those came against <strong>Abel Trujillo</strong>, the record for takedowns landed in a single fight.</p>
<p id="P8vNQW">“I think most guys that fought Khabib were afraid of Khabib’s takedowns, so they were fighting on their heels and they were getting backed up to the wall,” St-Pierre said. “Three guys that fought Khabib did very well: <strong>Gleison Tibau</strong>, very, very close fight, if you watch that fight it’s very, very close; <strong>Michael Johnson</strong> was my training partner… If you watch the early minute of the fight, he’s doing a fantastic job until he lost his confidence because Michael Johnson is incredibly gifted, very, very talented, but when things start not going his way, the floodgate opens. I think that’s one of the mistakes he did and if he would have started the second round as good as he did in the first he would have had a better performance.</p>
<p id="EIweBS">“Another guy who did well is <strong>[Justin] Gaethje</strong>, Gaethje in the beginning did very well,” he concluded. “Kick, punch, he did very well until similar story, things start to not go well and then everything falls apart.”</p>
<aside id="0XX3h8"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"St-Pierre Reveals Shocking Truth Behind UFC Retirement","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24114718/georges-st-pierre-reveals-shocking-truth-behind-ufc-retirement-thought-had-cancer-mma"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24114961/i-would-have-put-him-down-georges-st-pierre-reflects-on-fantasy-matchup-with-khabib-nurmagomedov-ufcDrake Riggs2024-03-28T16:45:00-04:002024-03-28T16:45:00-04:00Prospect Watch! Say Hello To Ernesto ‘Starboy’ Rodriguez
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OAiDqf7PzEY7ibbdpZEsq2tJDNY=/1x0:811x540/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73239951/725852F3_020D_470C_8DFB_3B0166161FCC.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Courtesy of Tuff-N-Uff/Chris Trim</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Mks4IC"><em>The </em><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/4/25/23698226/paddy-pimblett-downplays-bellator-and-pfl-as-legitimate-promotions-mma"><em>common goal</em></a><em> among most up-and-coming regional (or international) mixed martial arts (MMA) prospects is to one day compete for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Other major promotions such as Bellator MMA, Professional Fighters League, and ONE Championship are not far behind. Literally, countless prospects across the globe are all working toward the same career goal, making it difficult to stand out in the sea of competition. As often as possible, </em><a href="http://MMAmania.com"><em>MMAmania.com</em></a><em> will highlight a different combat sports prospect to keep your eyes on.</em></p>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyh7RMhr22-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ERNESTO “STARBOY” RODRIGUEZ (@estarboy_mma)</a></p>
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<aside id="Det1TG"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"MMA Mania Prospect Of The Month: Reese Watkins","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/9/14/23869466/reese-watkins-mma-prospect-of-the-month-ufc"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="xq8AZ8"><strong>Ernesto Rodriguez</strong></h3>
<p id="QVv17U"><strong>Age</strong>: 26<br><strong>Height</strong>: 5’9”<br><strong>Weight class</strong>: Welterweight<br><strong>Record</strong>: 8-1<br><strong>Gym</strong>: Xtreme Couture/One Kick Boxing</p>
<p id="VnwR9O">There is no denying that wrestling is one of the most dominant bases in MMA. However, when a fighter has been wrestling since they could walk and competed on the Cuban national team ... it’s a different type of wrestling, which is what Ernesto “Starboy” Rodriguez brings to the table.</p>
<p id="Ew1Eoq">Here are some of his accomplishments as a wrestler:</p>
<ul>
<li id="6c0Ihd">Cuba National Team Member. </li>
<li id="43lL0T">Place second place in an international competition called Ismaelillo.</li>
<li id="pqV4Yt">Placed third place in the Junior Nationals.</li>
</ul>
<p id="HmrXAy">Rodriguez is one of the best young prospects fighting on the regional scene right now and he keeps improving. One of the biggest criticisms about him was that he was only a wrestler and that he was dominating his opponents by grinding them to a decision.</p>
<p id="W9OUES">Well, in his most recent fight at Tuff-N-Uff 135 in Feb. 2024, Rodriguez knocked out his opponent, Edson Marques, in the main event with a big right hand followed by ground and pound — which was just what he needed.</p>
<p id="rEBdJT">“It was super important because it showed that I’m not just a wrestler,” Rodriguez told <a href="http://MMAMania.com">MMAMania.com</a>. “I’m a fighter that has all the skills to be at the highest level.”</p>
<p id="3q7XQy">Watch the knockout below:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">IT'S OVER!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNU135?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNU135</a> <a href="https://t.co/UJUYxBuyic">pic.twitter.com/UJUYxBuyic</a></p>— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) <a href="https://twitter.com/UFCFightPass/status/1753640459258257587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a>
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<aside id="Jiskwa"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"MMA Prospect Watch: Meet Matheus Camilo","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/5/9/23708419/mma-prospect-watch-matheus-camilo-scouting-report-videos-highlights-contender-series-ufc"}]}'></div></aside><p id="dYjEgQ">Here is another finish from 2023 at Tuff-N-Uff 131.</p>
<div id="vlFDDU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ernesto Rodriguez arm-triangles James Cannon at Tuff-N-Uff 131. The 25 year old Cuban welterweight is now 6-1, Don Frye says he’s UFC ready! <a href="https://t.co/xntIWsDj0f">pic.twitter.com/xntIWsDj0f</a></p>— Will (@ChillemDafoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChillemDafoe/status/1631882585239429120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2023</a>
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<aside id="XHY6d9"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"MMA Prospect Watch: Luis Gurule","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/5/17/23723643/luis-gurule-flyweight-mma-prospect-watch-factory-x-knockout-artist-ufc"}]}'></div></aside><p id="zOP6Wl">“Starboy” is riding a six-fight win streak since losing his only professional loss to undefeated prospect Richie Lewis. He also has never fought someone with a losing record in his nine-fight professional career, which is ultra rare on the regional MMA scene.</p>
<p id="YHPMic">It is only a matter of time before a major organization signs him and lets the 26 year-old wreak havoc on their promotion. Also, he should be a shoo-in for season eight of <em>Contender Series</em> later this year.</p>
<p id="UtvMNS">Whatever happens, Rodiguez believes 2024 is his year.</p>
<p id="579PUg">“My plan for 2024 is to get a contract in the biggest MMA organization, the UFC,” Rodiguez said.</p>
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<p id="rBzT3q"><strong>For more regional MMA news and notes click </strong><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/regional-mma-news-results"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
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https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24113770/mmamania-prospect-of-month-ernesto-starboy-rodriguezAlexander Behunin2024-03-28T16:13:49-04:002024-03-28T16:13:49-04:00Aging Mac Will Fight Until He’s ‘Laid Out Flat’
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<img alt="UFC 257 Poirier v McGregor: Weigh-Ins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Jj-NJ7I-UPaNgPw6KJzb5gpJ6Fg=/0x0:4253x2835/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73239858/1230728043.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="inqJvD">Conor McGregor is taking his career “to the grave.”</p>
<p id="kpun66">But don’t expect cautious Connie to be mixing it up with <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2020/12/4/22152777/jake-paul-says-hes-dedicating-my-life-to-beating-final-boss-conor-mcgregor-boxing-ufc-mma-youtube">fresh-faced bruisers</a> who have something to prove. Not when there are enough existing rivalries featuring opponents in his age range, like <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/17/24103936/nate-diaz-sends-plea-to-ufc-its-st-patricks-day-free-conor-mcgregor-this-was-me-for-years-mma">Nate Diaz</a> and <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/11/19/23967903/dustin-poirier-hopeful-a-fourth-fight-with-conor-mcgregor-would-shut-him-up-once-and-for-all">Dustin Poirier</a>, just to name a few.</p>
<p id="0WZYyB">Unless “Notorious,” who turns 36 in July, is smelling salts in his <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/15/24101666/conor-mcgregor-frustrated-with-ufc-return-delays-it-keeps-getting-pushed-back-then-i-lose-interest">oft-delayed</a> UFC comeback.</p>
<aside id="kIHF0O"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Mac Claims Summer Return Still On The Table","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/12/24070544/conor-mcgregor-refutes-dana-whites-timeline-ufc-return-claims-las-vegas-comeback-outshine-super-bowl"}]}'></div></aside><p id="cqZpXs">“Mike Tyson now is fighting Jake Paul. He fought Roy Jones, also,” McGregor told <a href="https://youtu.be/4VntH5u6F1o?si=1Zwy8AwhPDHuucAr">TNT Sports</a> (transcribed by <a href="https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/03/ufc-news-conor-mcgregor-opinion-fighting-future-to-grave-mma">Farah Hannoun</a>). “There you go: That’s an older guy. When he was fighting Roy Jones Jr., something that really stuck out to me was he was asked – Roy Jones Jr., also an aged guy, retired for so long. Why? Recalibrate your competition. There’s a reason that in jiu-jitsu tournaments there’s like the veteran division and all this. So I don’t really feel like I could ever call it a day to it until I’m laid out flat, and that’s it.”</p>
<p id="iaruOQ">I guess he <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/22/24108830/old-conor-mcgregor-jealous-jake-paul-vs-mike-tyson-more-viewed-than-notorious-mayweather-fight-ufc">does understand it</a> after all.</p>
<p id="7SeymV">“In a box and going down into the ground, that’s when I’ll call it a day,” McGregor continued. “Something that really struck me with Mike Tyson was he was asked in an interview around the Roy Jones Jr. fight, what do you think Cus D’Amato – who was his mentor and coach – what do you think Cus D’Amato would say to you after all these years. Why come back now? And what Tyson said was, what Cus would say to me is, ‘What took you so long?’ That really hit me.”</p>
<aside id="1RsrE6"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Mac Coach Speaks On ‘Weird’ UFC Delays","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/19/24105895/mcgregor-coach-on-ufc-politics-its-weird-that-conor-isnt-getting-more-opportunities"}]}'></div></aside><p id="YzsiNH">“I’m aware that is present, that feeling and that thing whatever it is, but I’m also aware that rest, recuperation, recalibration – I’m not going to be 40-odd and looking at the 19-year-old wonder kid from wherever he’s from,” McGregor said. “Even though they might be calling me out. Look at all my potential opponents I have. I have gangs of opponents that I have history with – trilogies, secondary fights, fresh fights even. These are all similar age to me. So if these people are similar age to me and I have the audience’s interest – which I do, who’s to say these fights won’t take place whenever they’ll take place. It’s to the grave. It’s to the motherf*cking grave.”</p>
<p id="tGOFbC">No word yet on when McGregor will make his return to the Octagon. “Notorious” is <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/22/24080463/michael-chandler-promises-conor-mcgregor-fight-happening-but-a-lot-of-complicated-stuff-happening">loosely attached to a Michael Chandler fight</a> but UFC CEO Dana White has been <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/1/21/24045907/dana-white-says-no-to-conor-mcgregor-fighting-in-june">noncommittal</a> on the showdown, which is already <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/2/4/23585678/dana-white-conor-mcgregor-michael-chandler-confirmed-as-next-tuf-coaches-will-fight-end-season-ufc">a year past its expiration date</a>.</p>
<p id="RSRveY"><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/18/24076411/after-ufc-300-fiasco-dana-white-reveals-conor-mcgregor-never-fight-again-money-complicates-things">It’s complicated</a>.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/28/24114923/aging-conor-mcgregor-rather-fight-old-people-than-retire-unless-hes-laid-out-flat-ufc-return-mmaJesse Holland