UFC Fight Night: Gane vs Tuivasa Preview

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It’s the UFC’s maiden trip to Paris, and who better than to headline the card than France’s own Ciryl Gane. Looking for another title shot, the former interim champion will first have to get past Aussie knockout artist Tai Tuivasa.

Marvin Vettori is angling for another shot at the Middleweight king, Isreal Adesanya. One man that can halt that is a former champion, Robert Whittaker.

The card also features several top European fighters looking to make their mark in the world’s premier MMA promotion.

UFC Fight Night: Gane vs Tuivasa

Ciryl ‘Bon Gamin’ Gane vs Tai ‘Bam Bam’ Tuivasa 

One man has tasted gold; the other would love to have Dana White wrap the title around his waste. The winner of this will be one step closer to that dream, and the other will have to claw their way back once again.

Both men are stand-up fighters. Gane is the more technical striker, coming from a Muay Thai background. But he is no slouch on the ground either; he has a few submission wins; in his first MMA fight, he won by guillotine choke.

Tuivasa is a brawler from Western Sydney; he loves to stand and bang. Getting down and dirty in the Octagon. ‘Bam Bam’ had a great start to his UFC career, winning his first three fights. He then went on a three-fight skid, losing to some tough competition. Being the warrior that he is, Tuivasa pressed on and won his last five fights.

Both fighters should bring the fireworks to Paris. Neither one takes a backwards step so that the crowd will be entertained.

Betting Odds on Neds: Cyryl Gane $1.18 Tai Tuivasa $5.00

Robert ‘The Reaper’ Whittaker vs Marvin ‘The Italian Dream’ Vettori

Even though Whittaker is considering a move to Light Heavyweight, a win here is still important. It will solidify his place amongst the greats of the Middleweight division, but there is only so long you can wait for the champion to lose so you can go for the title again.

There is no doubt that Vettori wants another shot at the title. ‘The Italian Dream’ was sure that he beat Adesanya in the title fight. Unfortunately for Vettori, he will have to wait for ‘The Last Stylebender’ to lose; he won’t get a third fight already, having failed to beat the champion twice.

This should be a cracking fight. However, it is hard to see it as anything other than a victory for Whittaker.

Betting Odds on Neds: Robert Whittaker $1.45 Marvin Vettori $2.80

Alessio ‘Manzo’ Di Chirico vs Roman Koplov

The best thing about these European cards is seeing the continent’s best talent. UFC fans will be no strangers to the man known as ‘Manzo,’ he has had 10 fights for the promotion, with mixed results.

His opponent, Kopylov, was an undefeated prospect coming into the UFC. Sadly, the Russian lost both fights in the Octagon. Could this be his night? It will have to be if he is to keep his job.

Betting Odds on Neds: Alessio Di Chirico $1.94 Roman Kopylov $1.87

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John ‘The Bull’ Makdessi vs Nasrat Haqparast 

It has been over a year since Makdessi set foot inside the Octagon. Will ‘The Bull’ Show signs of ring rust? If you look at his record, he has only been fighting once a year, so probably not, considering he won four out of five fights.

Haqparast has not been fighting in the UFC as long as his opponent, but he is no newcomer to the Octagon. The Morrocan has lost his last two; losing one more will put him into ‘getting cut’ territory.

Betting Odds on Neds: John Makdessi $2.90 Nasrat Haqparast $1.42

William ‘Jaguar’ Gomis vs Jarno Errans

These two Featherweight fighters are making their UFC debuts. Gomis is the lucky fighter that will have the home ground advantage. The Frenchman has won eight fights in a row, and winning the ninth in the biggest promotion in the world would be pretty awesome.

Jarno Errens is no slouch, though. He has 13 wins in a 17-fight career, and he has a good mix of wins by decision (5), KO/TKO’s (3) and submissions (5). To make his mark, a win by KO/TKO or submission may be an excellent way to impress Dana White.

Betting Odds on Neds: William Gomis $1.44 Jarno Errens $2.85

Charles ‘Air’ Jourdain vs Nathaniel ‘The Prospect’ Wood

The man known as ‘Air’ Jourdain is ready to take flight and get the win in France. It won’t be easy; he is taking on on a tough fighter in Nathaniel Wood. Jourdain is coming off a split decision loss to Shane Burgos; even though it was an exciting fight, a win here will help get him back on track.

After a tough loss, Wood was able to pick up a win at the last UFC London card. Wood has only lost two fights in the UFC; winning this fight will help him climb the Featherweight ladder.

Betting Odds on Neds: Charles Jourdain $1.67 Nathaniel Wood $2.20

Enjoy the fights!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UFC Fight Night: Gane vs Tuivasa

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After having a week off, the UFC returns this Sunday, holding its first event in Paris. The main event features two heavy hitters in the Heavyweight division, Ciryl Gane and Tai Tuivasa.

The co-main event features another Aussie fighter, former Middleweight champion Robert ‘The Reaper’ (or Bobby Knuckles, whichever you prefer) Whittaker takes on the Italian Stallion (not real nickname) Marvin Vettori.

UFC Fight Night: Gane vs Tuivasa

Main Card

Ciryl ‘Bon Gamin’ Gane vs Tai ‘Bam Bam’ Tuivasa

Robert ‘The Reaper’ Whittaker vs Marvin ‘The Italian Dream’ Vettori

Alessio ‘Manzo’ Di Chirico vs Roman Koplov

John ‘The Bull’ Makdessi vs Nasrat Haqparast

William Gomis vs Jarno Errens

Charles ‘Air’ Jourdain vs Nathaniel ‘The Prospect’ Wood

Abusupiyan ‘Abus’ Magomedov vs Dustin Stoltzfus

Fares ‘Smile Killer’ Ziam vs Michal ‘Mad Dog’ Figlak

Nassourdine Imavov vs Joaquin ‘New Mansa’ Buckley

Benoit ‘God of War’ St. Denis vs Gabriel ‘Fly’ Miranda

Khalid ‘The Warrior’ Taha vs Christian ‘El Nino Problema’ Quinonez

Stephanie Egger vs Ailan ‘Fiona’ Perez

The card starts at 2 am AEST. Fans can watch it on UFC Fight Pass or ESPN 1, which is available on Foxtel or Kayo.

 

UFC 278 Fight Card

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The UFC makes its way to Salt Lake City, home of the Utah Jazz, for UFC 278. Two men who know each other well, Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards, meet for the Welterweight title.

In the co-main event, former Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold faces off against Paulo Costa. Australian Light Heavyweight Tyson Pedro returns to the Octagon as well.

UFC 278

Main Card

Kamaru ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ Usman vs Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards

Paulo ‘Borrachinha’ Costa vs Luke Rockhold

Jose Aldo vs Merab ‘The Machine’ Dvalishvili

Wu ‘Mulan’ Yanan vs Lucie Pudilová

Tyson Pedro vs Harry ‘The Hurricane’ Hunsucker

Preliminary Card

Marchin ‘Tybur’ Tybura vs Alexander ‘King Kong’ Romanov

Leonardo Santos vs Jared ‘Flash’ Gordon

Sean ‘The Sniper’ Woodson vs Luis Saldana

Miranda ‘Fear The’ Maverick vs Shanna ‘The Shanimal’ Young

A.J. ‘The Ghost’ Fletcher vs Ange ‘The Last Ninja’ Loosa

Amir ‘The Prince’ Albazi vs Francisco ‘Sniper’ Figueiredo

Qileng ‘Mongolian Murderer’ Aori vs Jay ‘The Joker’ Perrin

Daniel ‘Miojo’ Lacerda vs Victor ‘El Magnifico’ Altamirano

 

 

 

UFC Fight Night: Vera vs Cruz Preview

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A former champion looks to move up the ladder and reclaim his throne, and his opponent is also looking at a title shot. There will undoubtedly be fireworks when the UFC makes its way to San Diego for UFC Fight Night: Vera vs Cruz.

Two featherweights are looking for their time in the spotlight as Nate Landwehr takes on David Onama in the co-main event.

UFC Fight Night: Vera vs Cruz

Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera vs Dominick ‘The Dominator’ Cruz

When a fighter gets to the later stages of their career, they aren’t as formidable as they once were. For Dominick Cruz, that doesn’t seem to be the case. After a two-fight skid, Cruz has won back-to-back fights and has his sights on the Bantamweight championship.

The man known as ‘Chito’ is looking at spoiling Cruz’s run at the title. Vera would like a shot at the title himself. Ranked fifth in the division, he has beaten fighters such as Edgar and O’Malley. While a win won’t get him an immediate title shot, it will get him a step closer.

Cruz will have to do what he does best, stick and move, and he has excellent movement that baffles any fighter. Vera has knock-out power but can go the distance if needed. If he puts one on Cruz’s chin, it might just be ‘Goodnight Irene!’

Betting Odds on Neds:  Marlon Vera $1.40 Dominick Cruz $2.95

Nate ‘The Train’ Landwehr vs David Onama

David Onama is a 10-1 fighter with back-t0-back wins in the UFC. However,  the poor guy doesn’t have a Wikipedia page! All jokes aside, Onama looks like he has a big future in UFC, and a win over a tough fighter like Landwehr should get people to take notice of him.

Landwehr is a tough, durable fighter who loves nothing more than to throw down. And he will get his wish against Onama. After losing Julian Erosa, Landwehr won his last fight against Slovakian L’udovit Klein.

Onama will need to use his jab to keep the distance and mix up his striking with some level changes and takedowns. For Landwehr, he has to make this a low-down dirty (but not too dirty) brawl.

Hopefully, if Onama wins the fight, someone will make a Wikipedia page for him.

Betting Odds on Neds: Nate Landwehr $3.75 David Onama $1.28

Yazmin Jauregui vs Iasmin Lucindo

Both women are making their UFC debut. These ladies are two young, hungry fighters looking to impress those in charge.

Jauregui is undefeated and has made her way to the UFC via promotions such as Combate Americas and Combate Global: Last Latina Standing, a one-night tournament.

Lucindo is a 13-4 fighter with a seven-fight win streak. She is the more experienced (just) fighter of the two; However, everything changes when you’re under the bright lights and beamed into millions of homes worldwide.

Betting Odds on Neds: Yazmin Jauregui $1.46 Iasmin Lucindo $2.70

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Devin ‘Brown Bear’ Clark vs Azamat ‘The Professional’ Murzakanov 

A mainstay of the Light Heavyweight division, Devin Clark is looking at winning two in a row by defeating Murzakanov. Clark has faced stiff competition in the UFC, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

With a nickname like ‘The Professional’, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Russian was once a hitman, especially with his icy demeanour. Coming up through the Contender Series, Murzakanov is 11-0 in his fight career.

This should be a cracking fight and one that will have significant implications for both men.

Betting Odds on Neds: Devin Clark $2.25 Azamat Murzakanov $1.64

Priscilia ‘Zombie Girl’ Cachoeira vs Ariane Lipski

Finally, these two women (with the best nicknames in all MMA) will meet in the middle of the Octagon after two false starts. Originally meant to face off in 2019, but Cachoeira tested positive for a diuretic and was suspended. They were then supposed to fight last week on the Santos vs Hill card, but Lipski missed weight and wasn’t medically cleared to fight. Lucky these two aren’t cursed like Furguson and Khabib!

Both women are coming off a win; they want to keep their momentum going to make it two in a row. Lipski likes to come forward and is known as a striker, but she does have a few submissions on her record. Could this be the way to victory for the Brazilian?

Cachoeira, like Lipski is a striker. If there is one area where she is uncomfortable, it’s off her back. Cachoeira will want to keep the standing; Lipski has the better ground game.

Betting Odds on Neds: Priscilia Cachoeira $2.60 Ariane Lipski $1.50

Bruno ‘Blindado’ Silva vs Gerald ‘GM3’ Meerschaert

Kicking off the main card is a Middleweight showdown between two very experienced fighters.

After a three-fight win streak, Meerschaet was brought back down to earth with a loss to Krzystof Jotko. Before that loss, he was riding a three-fight win streak, all three wins coming via submission.

Silva is coming off a loss to top Middleweight prospect, Alex Pereira. Silva looked very sharp against the former Glory Kickboxing champion, showing his toughness. He stood with Pereira and went the distance.

Both men are black belts in BJJ, but Meerschaet has eight wins via submission, whereas Silva has none. That might be the key for Meerschaert, but it may also be his downfall.

Betting Odds on Neds: Bruno Silva $1.33 Gerald Meerschaet $3.40

The fights will start at 6:00 am AEST on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN 1, available on Foxtel or Kayo.

UFC Fight Night: Vera vs Cruz

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The UFC invades San Diego this weekend as a former Bantamweight champion looks to get back to the top of the mountain. Standing in his way is a hungry fighter looking for his title shot.

The co-main event is a match-up in the Featherweight division, with Nate Landwehr taking on David Onama. Originally, Landwehr was meant to fight Zubaira Tukhugov, but Tukhugov had to be replaced due to visa issues.

And the fight between two women with the best nicknames, Ariane Lipski and Priscila Cachoeira, finally takes place after it was taken off last week’s card.

UFC Fight Night: Vera vs Cruz

Main Card

Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera vs Dominick ‘The Dominator’ Cruz

Nate ‘The Train’ Landwehr vs David Onama

Yazmin Jauregui vs Iasmin Lucindo

Devin ‘Brown Bear’ Clark vs Azamat ‘The Professional’ Murzakanov

Priscilia ‘Zombie Girl’ Cachoeira vs Ariane ‘Queen of Violence’ Lipski

Bruno ‘Blindado’ Silva vs Gerald ‘GM3’ Meerschaert

Preliminary Card

Angela ‘Overkill’ Hill vs Loopy Godinez

Martin  ‘Badys’ Buday vs Lukasz ‘The Bull’ Brzeski

Cynthia Calvillo vs Nina Nunes

Gabriel ‘Moggly’ Benitez vs Charlie ‘The American Bad Boy’ Ontiveros

Ode’ ‘The Jamaican Sensation’ Osbourne vs Tyson Nam

Jason ‘The Vanilla Gorilla’ Watt vs Josh ‘Bushido’ Quinlan

Youssef ‘The Morrocan Devil’ Zalal vs Da’mon Blackshear

Unhealthy Habits

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I’ve recently read two Substack Newsletters by two men I respect greatly. Both of them, like me, have struggled with food, and it’s funny how it can become an addiction.

Let’s start at the beginning. When I was young, I loved food, and nothing much has changed, except for me not eating correctly; amongst other things, I have Diverticula Disease.

Anyway, I took any chance that I could to eat. I always wanted takeaway food, like McDonald’s, KFC or the good old fish and chips. And any pocket money I got went, I was straight to the shops to buy any lollies or chocolate. I also drank so many soft drinks.

I was a very chubby kid for most of primary school and was made fun of due to my weight. In year six (1996), I went away with mum on a trip to Perth. I just happened to get my growth spurt while I was away. When this happened, I couldn’t believe it. I was no longer the chubby kid. I could eat what I wanted and get away with it.

After spending my teenage years eating junk and playing footy (rugby league), I thought I would always stay in shape as long as I exercised. It wasn’t until I left school that things went downhill.

My first job out of high school was as an apprentice butcher. Butchery isn’t a bad job; where I worked was a different story. It was a very toxic place, where I got bullied a lot. And the only way I could make myself feel better was with food. Most days, I would go through Maccas drive-thru if I didn’t have football training. Or I would buy packets of Doritos and chocolate and locked myself in my room. I also gave myself a nickname, Fatty McMercer.

One day, I decided to tell one of my colleagues, who at the time had become a friend, that I would eat my feelings after a rough day. I was hoping that someone would understand what I was doing. Instead, he told me that was a ‘bitch’ thing to do. After that response, I would only tell people who I trusted anything personal.

Fast forward to today, and I still have my battles with food. Thanks to Brent and Ben, I know I’m not the only one struggling with food. And that it also gets better when you work on your passions.

 

After The Fights: UFC Santos vs Hill

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What a night of fights! Out of all the fights, main card and prelims, not one went to the judges.

A new contender emerged in the Heavyweight division, and the winners of season 30 of The Ultimate Fighter were crowned.

Two fights did not go ahead. Jason Witt vs Josh Quinlan was cancelled; there has been no word if that fight will happen at a later date. Ariane Lipski vs Priscila Cachoeira was moved to next weekend’s San Deigo card.

Jamahal Hill def Thiago Santos

A new challenger in the heavyweight division has arrived, and his name is Jamahal Hill. ‘Sweet Dreams Stadium’ (better known as the Apex) is a happy hunting ground for the Chicago native. Hill was taken into the championship rounds for the first time in his career and handled it well.

Santos proved that he still has some fight left in him. He did fight smart, mixing his stand-up with some good takedowns. It’s hard to know what Santos should do. He has only won one fight out of his last seven, so maybe taking time to see where he is at will be a good thing.

Fantasy Matchmaker: It’s a no-brainer; Hill needs to fight someone in the top 10. Even though he already has a fight, Volkan Oezdemir would be a good fight for Hill. Like Santos, Oezdemir is a former title challenger and made a triumphant return against Paul Craig. It will most likely depend on if he beats Nikita Krylov.

As for Santos, a match-up against Scotsman Craig mentioned would be a good fight.

Geoff Neal def Vicente Luque

Neal put forward an impressive performance to Beat Luque. ‘Handz of Steal’ not only won, but he stopped the durable Brazilian.

After a one-sided first round, Luque was able to make a comeback and make it a fascinating final round. However, Neal came out as he did in round 1, making sure it didn’t go to the judge’s scorecards.

Luque is now on a two-fight skid and will need to return to the gym and assess a few things.

Fantasy Matchmaker:  Neal called out Gilbert Burns after the win. It’s quite the step up in competition, but it’s a good call out. Burns seems to be a little preoccupied with Jorge Masvidal. Anyone in the top 10 would be suitable for Neal; maybe avenging his loss to ‘Wonderboy’ is on the cards.

As for Luque, he could have a trilogy fight with Belal Muhammed, but that may not be something the fans would like to see just yet. Sean Brady would be a good fight for him.

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Mohammed Usman def Zac Pauga 

Mohammed Usman is the Heavyweight winner of TUF season 30. The brother of Kamaru Usman pulled off an impressive knock-out over Zac Pauga.

Pauga won the first round, landed the crisper strikes, and controlled the Octagon. The second round was different, as Usman put Pauga to sleep with a nice left.

Fantasy Matchmaker: It will be exciting to see how the younger Usman goes in the promotion. He has heavy hands and good wrestling, maybe taking on UFC newcomer Hammy Abdelwahab.

Usually, those that make the finale get signed to the UFC, so Pauga may get a contract even with a loss. Maybe William Knight can welcome Pauga to the promotion.

Julianna Miller def Brogan Walker

There was a lot of bad blood in this fight. ‘Killer’ Miller was far too strong, imposing her will on Walker. If someone new were watching the fights, they wouldn’t have thought that Miller had the least experienced of the two.

Walker tried hard, but it just wasn’t her night. She may still get a UFC contract. As for Miller, she has a very bright future ahead of her.

Fantasy Matchmaker: The matchmakers will not want to throw Miller in the deep end. Mandy Boehm or Hannah Goldy will be the best ones to welcome her. As for Walker, Victoria Leonardo would be good as her first opponent.

Serghei Spivac def Augusto Sakai

It was a must-win fight for Sakai; he had lost three fights in a row. Unfortunately, Spivac made it four.

He survived into the second round, but the Brazilian was thoroughly out-classed by the Sambo practitioner. Spivac tool Sakai down at will, landing the cleaner strikes on the feet and ending the fight with a TKO.

Fantasy Matchmaker: The ‘Polar Bear’ will surely be a ranked fighter now, and his next fight should be against Blagoy Ivanov. As for Sakai, he should still get a fight but will need to win to keep his job. He should take on Jared Vanderaa.

Terrance McKinney def Erick Gonzalez

This fight was promoted to the main card due to the Lipski/Cachoeira postponement.

‘T-Wrecks’  made short work of his opponent again. McKinney got the first-round submission via rear-naked choke. He looked good doing it as well.

Fans have to tip their hat off to Erick Gonzalez; in his UFC debut, he took on veteran Jim Miller on short notice. He put a couple of good shots on McKinney but came up against a fighter on the rise.

Fantasy Matchmaker: McKinney called out Paddy Pimblett after his win, which is 100% the fight to make next for both Lightweights. As for Gonzalez, going up against a veteran like Clay Guida would be an exciting battle.

 

UFC Fight Night: Santos vs Hill Preview

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It’s fight night at the Apex again (or, as it’s sometimes known, ‘Sweet Dreams Stadium) as two Light Heavyweights look to move up the rankings. Ultimate Fighter Alum Thiago Santos takes on a man who came up through the Contender Series, Jamahal Hill.

Champions of season 30 of The Ultimate Fighter will be crowned. In the Heavyweight division, Kamaru Usman’s brother Mohammed will take centre stage, taking on Zac Pauga. In the Bantamweight division. Brogan Walker takes on Julianna Miller.

UFC Fight Night: Santos vs Hill

Thiago ‘Murreta’ Santos vs Jamahal ‘Sweet Dreams’ Hill

This should be a cracking fight. A victory here for Jamahal Hill will get him one step closer to a title shot in a crowded division. Hill is ranked fifth, and a win over a former title challenger will help that cause.

Santos has been there before; he’s challenged for the title. The Brazilian will do anything to get back there, and Hill is standing in his way. Santos also sorely needs a win here; he has won only one fight in his last five. If ‘ Murreta’ is to make a charge for the title, a win is a must.

Both men have knock-out power, and the winner may come down to who strikes first.

Betting Odds on Neds: Thiago Santos $3.60 Jamahal Hill $1.30

Vicente ‘The Silent Assasin’  Luque vs Geoff ‘Handz of Steel’ Neale

Luque will be looking to get back in the title hunt after coming off a loss to Belal Muhammed. ‘The Silent Assasin’ is a quality fighter who can put on a show on his day. He is very experienced and has been in the Octagon with the division’s best.

Neale will want to crack the top 10 at Welterweight, and both fighters share a couple of opponents. Beating Luque convincingly is what Neale should aim for; anything less is a disappointment.

Like the main event, this is also an ‘Ultimate Fighter’ vs ‘Contender Series’ fight; maybe we will see which is the better reality show at the end.

Betting Odds on Neds: Vicente Luque $1.52 Geoff Neale $2.55

Augusto Sakai vs Serghei ‘The Polar Bear’ Spivac

Like it has been said in this blog before, there is nothing like a Heavyweight fight.

Sakai’s back is against the wall; he must win this fight. Losing his last three fights, even if they were against top-tier competition, won’t help him. A veteran of MMA, before making it to the UFC via the Contender Series, Sakai fought in Bellator. His only loss came to former UFC fighter Cheick Kongo (he also had a draw).

Like his opponent, Spivac has also fought some of the best of the division and has even beaten them. It’s unusual to see someone with his fight experience not be ranked; maybe it’s because of a couple of losses to key opponents. Beating Sakai here should get him ranked.

Betting Odds on Neds: Augusto Sakai $3.45 Serghei Spivac $1.32

Ariane ‘Queen of Violence’ Lipski vs Priscila ‘Zombie Girl’ Cachoeira

The main card starts with a fight between two women who probably have the best nicknames in all of MMA. Fans should be treated to a knock-down drag-out fight.

The fight will be at a catch-weight; Lipski failed to make the Flyweight limit and has been fined 20% of her purse.

Both women are coming off a win; they want to keep their momentum going to make it two in a row. Lipski likes to come forward and is known as a striker, but she does have a few submissions on her record. Could this be the way to victory for the Brazilian?

Cachoeira, like Lipski is a striker. If there is one area where she is uncomfortable, it’s off her back. Cachoeira will want to keep the standing; Lipski has the better ground game.

Betting Odds on Neds: Ariane Lipski $1.53 Priscila Cachoeira $2.55

Note: The author hasn’t watched enough of the Ultimate Fighter to comment on the finalist’s journey.

 

 

 

UFC Fight Night: Santos vs Hill

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Photo Credit: Sherdog.com

It’s fight night at the Apex again, as the UFC returns to Las Vegas for UFC Fight Night: Santos vs Hill.

This fight night also acts as The Ultimate Fighter Season 30 Finale. The main event sees Jamahal Hill take on former Title challenger Thiago Santos.

In the co-main event it’s a showdown in the Welterweight division. New Jersey’s own Vicente Luque will face Geoff Neal.

In the TUF finale fight, Mohammed Usman meets Zac Pauga and Brogan Walker squares off against Julianna Miller.

UFC Fight Night: Santos vs Hill

Main Card

Thiago ‘Marreta’ Santos vs Jamahal ‘Sweet Dreams’ Hill

Vicente ‘The Silent Assasin’ Luuque vs Geoff ‘Handz of Steel’ Neale

Mohammed ‘The Motor’ Usman vs Zac ‘The Ripper’ Pauga

Brogan ‘Brogie The Bear’ Walker vs Julianna ‘Killer’ Miller

Augusto Sakai vs Serghei ‘Polar Bear’ Spivac

Ariane ‘Queen of Violence’ Lipski vs Priscila ‘Zombie Girl’ Cachoeira

Preliminary Card

‘Smile’n’ Sam Alvey vs Michal ‘Hussar’ Oleksiejczuk

Terrance ‘T-Wrecks’ McKinney vs Erick ‘The Ghost Pepper’ Gonzalez

Bryan ‘Pooh Bear’ Battle vs Takashi ‘Ten’ Sato

Jason ‘The Vanilla Gorilla’ Witt vs Josh ‘Bushido’ Quinlan

Cory ‘Poppins’ McKenna vs Miranda ‘Danger’ Granger

Mayra ‘Sheeta’Bueno Silva vs Stephanie Egger

After The Fights: UFC 277

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It was a great day (or night, depending on what part of the world you’re in) of fights. Two new Champions have been crowned, a premature stoppage, and just some excellent fights.

Here is what happened:

Amanda Nunes def Julianna Peña

Amanda Nunes regained the Bantamweight title, battering Peña for five rounds. It was a case of Peña being too tough for her own good, as she was knocked down, cut open, and outclassed.

Nunes made the proper adjustments; she was sharp in the stand-up and controlled things on the ground. There was one moment when it looked like Peña had an armbar, but Nunes could escape the submission.

What will be next for both of these fighters? For Nunes, it’s hard to say where she goes next. There isn’t a Featherweight division, so to speak. Maybe another Fight with Shevchenko (even if that’s pushing it) is on the cards. As for Peña, besides recovering and recouping, perhaps a fight between Holly Holm or Ketlan Vieira.

Brendon Moreno def Kai Kara-France

‘The Assasin Baby’ can once again call himself a champion. It was a beautiful liver kick and followed barrage that sealed the win.

It was a close fight early, and it seemed that Kara-France had done just enough to edge ahead in the third round, but as people say, anything can happen in MMA. People love these two fighters, so seeing one of them lose sucked.

Moreno now has a date with Deiveson Figueiredo for the undisputed Flyweight championship. For Kara-France, he will be hoping that Figueiredo will be able to unseat Moreno so he can get a shot at the title. In the meantime, avenging his loss to Brendon Royval should be next.

Sergi Pavlovich def Derrick Lewis

Pavlovich scored a big win; however, many in the MMA community believe that the stoppage was premature.

Lewis is getting to a stage of his fight career where he can’t just stand and trade anymore. His chin is starting to go, but he still has power.

Pavlovich looks like a good prospect, and he took the booing crowd well. What’s next? Honestly, these two must run it back due to that ordinary stoppage.

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Alexandre Pantoja def Alex Perez

Pantoja said he wanted to make a statement, which is what he did. He picked up the win and looked to have secured another title shot.

Like only the Flyweights can do, the fight started at a breakneck pace. Pantoja stung Perez early, with Perez going for a takedown. The Brazilian took his opponent’s back and sank in the fight-ending rear-naked choke (it was more of a neck crank).

Pantoja will no doubt get the winner of Figueiredo/Moreno. A fighter doesn’t follow a loss by fighting a higher-ranked opponent, but a fight between Perez and Kara-France could be fun.

Magomed Ankalaev def Anthony Smith

Ankalaev won his ninth fight in a row, but an injury to Anthony Smith saw an unusual ending to the battle.

After a close first round, when Smith returned to his corner, he was limping. It obviously hampered him, as it wasn’t done at pace when he shot for a takedown. Smith tried to pull guard, and that’s where ‘Lionheart’ found trouble. Ankalaev is a good wrestler, so he could stay out of Smith’s guard and not get swept by him. Ankalaev finished him off with some heavy punches for the win.

Unlike the other injuries that happened over the last couple of weeks, there is no need for a rematch here. Ankalaev looked very good, and should Aleksander Raakić. For Smith, besides recovering, a fight with Scotsmen Paul Craig would be suitable for his return.

Hopefully, everyone enjoyed the fights.