- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 65
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to captivate fight fans once again as it returns to ESPN+ for the highly anticipated UFC Austin, taking place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Scheduled for tonight (Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023), the event promises a night of thrilling action and compelling matchups that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Headlining the event is a pivotal Lightweight bout between two top contenders, Beneil Dariush and Arman Tsarukyan. The co-main event features a clash between experienced fighters Bobby Green and Jalin Turner. This main card is brimming with potential Fight of the Night contenders and exciting narratives that will undoubtedly capture the attention of MMA enthusiasts worldwide.
Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked No. 8, is no stranger to high-stakes matchups. In his first foray into the Octagon, Tsarukyan faced none other than the current Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, in 2019. Although he fell short on the judges' scorecards, Tsarukyan showcased his resilience and determination against a future pound-for-pound talent. Since then, he has compiled an impressive 7-1 record, earning him the chance to headline his second UFC event. With aspirations to break into the Top 5, Tsarukyan faces a formidable opponent in Beneil Dariush.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 82
In a recent installment of the "This Past Weekend" podcast hosted by comedian Theo Von, a noteworthy exchange unfolded with UFC CEO Dana White. Von recounted a peculiar incident where sponsors, including Peloton, demanded the removal of an episode featuring an interview with Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. White, visibly surprised by the sponsors' objection, questioned the rationale behind it, considering Kennedy to be a "smart guy" with "common sense" despite never having met him in person.
Expressing his disdain for Peloton's decision, White vehemently exclaimed, "F— you, Peloton." To underscore his stance, White took action and shared an Instagram story from a UFC gym, showcasing the replacement of Peloton machines with Echelon bikes. The move was a testament to White's commitment to stand against perceived corporate interference.
Von, unwavering in the face of Peloton's pressure, kept the controversial interview with Kennedy on YouTube, where it garnered over 920,000 views. This defiance highlighted the clash between artistic freedom and corporate influence in the realm of podcasting.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 72
Colby Covington is setting the stage for UFC 296 with a deliberate absence of emotional flair. Despite the controversies surrounding the decision to grant him a third opportunity at the undisputed welterweight title, Covington remains stoic. After two previous setbacks against Kamaru Usman, he now finds himself tasked with the challenge of dethroning Leon Edwards, the man who brought an end to Usman's reign with a last-gasp head kick at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City last August.
While Edwards celebrated his victory with a heartwarming and emotional post-fight display, Covington suggests that such reactions indicate a level of surprise at the moment. In a recent interview with UFC.com's Gavin Porter, Covington looked ahead to his clash with Edwards at the December 16 pay-per-view, expressing his belief in the inevitability of his rise to the welterweight throne.
Anticipating the gold around his waist, Covington assures fans that they won't witness tears or a freak-out, emphasizing that he fully expects the triumph. "I’m prepared and I know that I am the best fighter on planet Earth at welterweight in the UFC right now," Covington said. "It’s going to be like I expected it. This is not about the destination; it’s about the journey to me. I’ve had a great journey and I’ve developed a lot."
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 51
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is cautioning Brendan Allen to take a more measured approach before seeking matchups with top contenders. Allen, who secured a submission victory over Paul Craig in UFC Fight Night 232's headliner last Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, expressed his desire for a No. 1 contender fight. Mentioning Jared Cannonier, Khamzat Chimaev, and Whittaker himself as potential opponents, Allen's ambitions face skepticism from Whittaker.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 91
Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway remains open to the possibility of a rematch with Conor McGregor. The two fighters clashed in a featherweight bout at UFC Fight Night 26 in August 2013, where McGregor secured a unanimous decision victory.
Since then, their paths haven't crossed again. McGregor, recovering from an injury sidelining him since July 2021, is nearing his return. Holloway believes that a rematch is inevitable, considering he is always on McGregor's shortlist.
Holloway shared his thoughts with ESPN, acknowledging that McGregor might be irked by the fact that he couldn't finish him in their initial encounter. Despite their past bout, Holloway holds respect for McGregor and is glad to see his return to the sport.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 90
In a groundbreaking move that sent shockwaves through the world of combat sports, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) finalized its acquisition of Bellator MMA. While the specific terms of the deal remain undisclosed, PFL Chairman Donn Davis announced the historic agreement on Monday.
Under the agreement, Paramount, Bellator's former parent company, will retain a minority ownership stake. Despite the ownership change, the Bellator brand is set to continue as a distinct entity, undergoing a "reimagined" transformation slated for 2024.
One of the most significant immediate changes is that all athletes currently signed with Bellator will be eligible to compete on PFL platforms. This move opens the door for cross-promotional matchups and an infusion of top-tier talent into PFL's already robust roster.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 58
Emerging middleweights Brendan Allen and Paul Craig are set to clash in the main event at the UFC Apex Facility in Las Vegas. Allen, riding a five-fight winning streak, steps into his first headlining appearance after an impressive debut on Dana White's Contender Series in 2019. However, facing Paul Craig, known for being a tricky opponent with notable wins at light heavyweight, won't be an easy task. Despite Craig not currently being on a winning streak, his victories over fighters like Jamahal Hill and Nikita Krylov showcase his skill set. With Craig now competing in the middleweight division, this promises to be an exciting matchup at 185, potentially leading to significant opportunities for the winner. Check out the full card and odds for the featured bouts.