- Written by: Connor Malone
- Hits: 77
Rising Middleweight finisher Brendan Allen is set to face grappling expert Paul Craig this Saturday (Nov. 18, 2023) at UFC Vegas 82 inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Allen, at 27, holds an impressive 10-2 record in the Octagon, securing victories over notable fighters like Kevin Holland and Andre Muniz. Despite finishing 80% of his opponents via strikes or submissions, Allen doesn't always receive the recognition he deserves.
Trained under Henri Hooft at Sanford MMA, Allen showcases improved kickboxing skills. He effectively targets the legs, body, and head in his striking combinations, demonstrating a diverse range of attacks. His strong kicking game, particularly the chopping calf kick, has proven effective in past fights.
In the clinch, Allen's size advantage allows him to land powerful knees to the chin, showcasing his well-rounded skills. Notably, he excels against Southpaws, utilizing his lead right hand and versatile kicking to control the pace.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 48
In the lead-up to UFC Vegas 82, the official weigh-ins unfolded, setting the stage for the much-anticipated middleweight clash between Brendan Allen and Paul Craig. Both fighters successfully made weight, ensuring their headline status for the event held at UFC APEX in Las Vegas.
Craig, stepping on the scale first, hit the non-title mark at 186 pounds, showcasing his commitment to meeting the weight requirements. Shortly after, Allen followed suit, also registering at 186 pounds, cementing the official nature of their main event showdown.
The co-main event featured welterweights Michael Morales (171) and Jake Matthews (170.5), along with lightweights Chase Hooper (155.5) and Jordan Leavitt (155.5), who all successfully met their respective weight limits.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 75
Jamahal Hill, the confident and resolute light heavyweight contender, has his eyes firmly set on a showdown with the newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira. The stage was set at UFC 295, where Pereira claimed the vacant 205-pound belt by knocking out Jiri Prochazka. However, it was a title that Hill had to relinquish due to an unfortunate Achilles tendon rupture.
In the aftermath of UFC 295, Hill, known for his striking prowess and undeniable charisma, didn't shy away from expressing his ambitions. While acknowledging the buzz surrounding Pereira's power, Hill made it clear that he doesn't plan to resort to grappling to secure victory. Instead, he boldly declared his intention to stand and trade blows with Pereira, emphasizing the distinct differences between kickboxing and MMA.
Addressing the skeptics who might underestimate his abilities in comparison to Pereira's kickboxing background, Hill confidently asserted, “Mark my words when I say this: I do not plan on taking him down, I do not plan on wrestling him. I plan on going in there and where y’all think, he’s just this otherworldly guy because he did kickboxing and I didn’t do kickboxing? This is a completely different sport."
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 57
Elizeu Zaleski recently concluded his UFC contract with a thrilling majority draw against Rinat Fakhretdinov at UFC Sao Paulo. Despite feeling that he should have secured a victory in the Nov. 4 bout, Zaleski views the draw as "unfair" but remains optimistic about his future negotiations with the promotion.
Expressing confidence in the UFC's plans for him, Zaleski stated, “I believe the UFC has great plans for me. I’m always open to negotiations. I feel great in the organization, I’m always giving my best in every fight. But everything is negotiable. I need to be valued not only as an athlete but also financially, and I’m fighting for this.”
With a notable UFC record of 10-3-1, including a knockout victory over middleweight champion Sean Strickland, Zaleski has proven himself against tough competition, securing decisions over fighters like Max Griffin and Abubakar Nurmagomedov. His recent unbeaten streak features a dominant performance against welterweight contender Benoit Saint-Denis.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 105
Conor McGregor's return to the UFC, eagerly awaited by fans and pundits alike, is now facing an unexpected delay, with initial hopes for an April comeback giving way to a potential summertime return, as disclosed by his longtime coach, John Kavanagh of SBG Ireland.
In a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Kavanagh expressed the team's disappointment, stating, "We were hoping for April. That was the hope. That was what we were told. And now it seems to be the summertime." The coach shed light on the uncertainty surrounding the shift in timeline, admitting they were engaged in discussions about it.
McGregor had previously hinted at an April return during an interview in late October, where he voiced frustration over his prolonged absence since July 2021. The former two-division UFC champion officially re-entered the UFC's drug-testing pool on October 8, making him eligible to compete again on April 8, 2024, per USADA rules.
Despite submitting his first drug tests since rejoining the program, McGregor and his team received unexpected news about the delay, leaving them "very frustrated," according to Kavanagh. The coach questioned whether the UFC might be considering holding McGregor back for International Fight Week in July, a customary blockbuster event for the organization.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 118
In a groundbreaking announcement during the post-fight press conference for UFC 295, Dana White, the visionary CEO of the UFC, revealed ambitious plans for Noche UFC 2, scheduled for 2024. The chosen venue, The Sphere in Las Vegas, is set to host an event of unprecedented magnitude in celebration of Mexican Independence Day.
The Sphere, a monumental circular building boasting a staggering cost of $2.3 billion, has quickly become a symbol of architectural innovation and technological prowess. Notably, the venue has already witnessed remarkable events, from U2 concerts to exclusive film screenings directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Darren Aronofsky.
With its massive LED screens enveloping both the interior and exterior of the structure, coupled with a state-of-the-art sound system, The Sphere has generated considerable buzz regarding its potential to host live sporting events. Dana White, never one to shy away from a challenge, promptly seized the opportunity and confirmed that the UFC is set to stage an unforgettable card in September 2024.
"Mexican Independence Day, we are booked for The Sphere," declared White with palpable enthusiasm. "We are already working on the creative for the show. It's a massive challenge, and I love every minute of it. I can't wait to dive into this thing. As I get more of the pieces of the puzzle put together, I'll let you guys know as it comes along. I'm super excited about this. I love challenges."
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 78
In a surprising turn of events at UFC 295, the crowd at Madison Square Garden experienced an unexpected thrill as former President Donald Trump, accompanied by Kid Rock and Tucker Carlson, made a notable ringside appearance. Despite currently facing a politically motivated trial for fraud, Trump decided to enjoy a night out at one of the most anticipated UFC events.
The trio made a striking entrance, flanked by UFC President Dana White, creating an electric atmosphere in the arena. Videos circulating on social media captured the crowd's enthusiastic response as Trump, Kid Rock, and Carlson took their seats for the highly anticipated main event. The celebrity presence added a unique flair to the already high-energy atmosphere, creating a buzz among fans and attendees.