UFC 280 Preview

The UFC 280 card is absolutely stacked but we’ve picked some key fights for you to tune into and maybe put some wagers on. The first fight we’re really excited for is a matchup between a wrestler in Belal Muhammad and Undefeated Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Contender Sean Brady. The Next fight we’re really excited for is a matchup between Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan. This is an odd matchup with many fans and trolls alike wondering what the outcome will be when the American faces off the Russian Striking sensation. The final matchup we are super excited for is a the Main event where Charles Oliveira will face off against Khabib’s pupil Islam Makhachev.

Sean Brady has been undefeated in his MMA career so far. Although some call his game one dimensional we find his fighting style to be very fun to watch and unique. Brady who is a Black Belt under Professor Daniel Gracie has submission skills that could neutralize Huhamads wrestling. In his last three fights he’s had two submission victories and in his last performance he went to a decision against Michael Chiesa . I have to say Belal Muhammad wins a lot of his fights but they way he does it is quite boring how he just smothers people and waits for each round to pass and he controls his opponent to get a decision. Effective, but boring.

The Next matchup we’re really excited for is matchup between Sean O’Malley and striking wizard Petr Yan. It appears that Dana White is done giving the Suga show easy fights to grow his and is throwing the young American to the wolves when he matches up with Petr Yan. The former champ is scary good and opened as a heavy favorite on the sportsbook. Yan should make quick work of O’Malley. We don’t see this one going the distance in any way, but we are looking forward to seeing how it goes down.

The champion has a name and it’s Charles Oliveira. Oliveira put on a great performance recently when he faced off against Former interim Champion Justin Gaethje with a quick round one submission victory where he outclassed his opponent and every way. What should of been a title defense for Oliveira was not so this will be interesting to see If Oliveira regains his belt. Across the cage from him will be islam Makhachev who is the best combat Sambo fighter out of Dagestan not named Khabib. Makhachev has vicious sambo skills which would scare even the most talented Grapplers as he can control you and pummel you with strikes and eventually get the submission.

The UFC 280 card is a banger Dana White shows why he is the best promoter in combat sports history with fights like these. What an amazing lineup You can catch this card on ESPN+ PPV.

Fighter Profile: Beneil Dariush

Beneil Dariush was suppose to take on UFC Lightweight standout Islam Makachev in a high level grappling Matchup. With Dariush’s BJJ and Makachev’s Sambo and wrestling on full display. Unfortunately for MMA fans across the world Dariush got injured. Hopefully for UFC fans this matchup will be made up at some point in the future, maybe for the belt. Dariush is an amazing fighter with both ground and striking game.

Dariush was born May 6, 1989 in Urmia, Iran where he was raised on his family’s farm. Eventually his family would move to America where they had family, but things were tough for Dariush who didn’t speak English. He’d start training in Martial Arts first in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which he earned his Black Belt in an astounding five years after training considering with most people it usually takes them about ten to 15 years with no interruptions. Some of Dariush’s accomplishments in the grappling world where being a no gi world champion as a blue, purple, and brown belt and many other silver and bronze medals. Dariush would also train in Muay Thai under Rafael Cordeiro where he’d earn his Black Belt.

Dariush made his MMA debut in November of 2009 when he faced off against Jordan Betts winning by Split Decision. Dariush would then face off against Vance Bejarano winning by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke.) Dominic Gutierrez would be next for Dariush in October 2011 he’d get the win via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke.) He’d then face Gilberto dos Santos in the High Fight Rock promotion winning by TKO(Doctor Stoppage.) He’d then face Trace Gray earning a quick victory with an Armbar. He’d then KO Jason Meaders in his last fight not in the UFC.

Dariush would enter the UFC with a perfect 6-0 record. In his first outing with the promotion he’d face Charlie Brenneman winning by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke.) He’d then face Ramsey Nijem in April of 2014, he’d lose by TKO(Punches.) He’d then win five fights in a row including victories over Daron Cruickshank, Jim Miller, and Michael Johnson. His streak was snapped when he faced Michael Chiesa. He’d win two in a row next with victories over James Vick and Rashid Magomedov. The Next patch of Dariush’s career was very rough with two losses to Edson Barboz and Alexander Hernandez and a draw to Evan Dunham. He’d then go on a seven fight win Streak which he is still riding.

We hope to see Dariush fight again soon. It’s already been ten months since we saw him in the UFC Octagon and hopefully we’ll see him continue this win streak in a division full of killers.

3 Great Fights Coming Up In February

‘Blonde Brunson’ after his victory over Darren Till. Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

The UFC took a small break over the holidays and we’re now back into the swing of things and the UFC has some awesome fights coming up in February. Including a PPV card for UFC 271 and some other great fights that are on Fight Night cards.

Derek Brunson Vs Jared Cannonier

Derek Brunson will be making his return to the UFC Octagon in February at UFC 271 when he faces Jared Cannonier. Brunson is coming off a win against Darren Till in September of 2021. Brunson is riding a five fight win streak and is currently ranked fourth in the UFC Middleweight division. He will face number three ranked Jared Cannonier. Cannonier is coming off a win against Kelvin Gastelum who he beat via Unanimous Decision. Cannonier beat Gastelum after being out of the Octagon since October of 2020 after healing from an injury sustained in his loss to Robert Whittaker. He hopes to put an end to Blonde Brunson’s streak. It is expected that the winner might face the winner of Adesanya vs. Whittaker.

Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker 2

Israel Adesanya will return to the UFC Octagon at UFC 271 to make his fourth title defense against Robert Whittaker who he won the Middleweight title against at UFC 243 in October of 2019 by KO. Adesanya has been absolutely unstoppable at Middleweight winning every contest he has ever fought at 185. His only loss in MMA came as a result of a move up to attempt to become a double champion by taking then Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Błachowicz’s title. Robert Whittaker has been on a three fight win streak since losing his title to Adesanya including victories over Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, and Kelvin Gastelum. Before losing to Adesanya, Whittaker was on an impressive nine fight win streak including wins over Derek Brunson, Ronaldo Souza, and Yoel Romero.

Islam Makachev vs. Beneil Dariush

Dariush Is also riding a win streak of his own winning his last seven fights including victories over prominent Lightweights like Tony Ferguson. Dariush is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is also a Black Belt in Muay Thai so it’ll be interesting which weapons in his arsenal he will pull out when he faces Makhachev.Dariush had a rough patch in his early fight career, but has proved over and over again that he should be in title contention.

Great Fights Coming Your Way In 2022!

What's ahead for Francis Ngannou, Israel Adesanya and every other UFC champion — UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya. Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC

Gegard Mousasi vs. Austin Vanderford

Bellator Middleweight World Champion Gegard Mousasi faces undefeated, number one contender Austin Vanderford in the main event of Bellator Dublin on February 25th live from the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. Mousasi is making his second title defense of his second reign as Bellator Middleweight Champion. He’s riding a three fight win streak including victories over Lyoto Machida, Douglas Lima, and John Salter. The Middleweight champ has a lengthy fight record in the sport’s two biggest promotions. He will be facing Austin Vanderford who last fought Fabian Edwards at Bellator 259 Cyborg vs. Smith 2. Vanderford is originally from Alaska and is currently fighting out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek FL.

Islam Makhachev vs. Beneil Dariush

Islam Makhachev is hailed by some as the second coming of former Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Some even say that even though Makhachev is not undefeated like his mentor Nurmagomedov, he is a better fighter. Mackachev is riding a nine fight win streak and before his loss to Adriano Martins at UFC 192 he was riding an impressive twelve fight win streak. Makhachev hopes that with a win over Beneil Dariush he will get closer to a title fight than ever before. Dariush Is also riding a win streak of his own winning his last seven fights including victories over prominent Lightweights like Tony Ferguson. Dariush is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is also a Black Belt in Muay Thai so it’ll be interesting which weapons in his arsenal he will pull out when he faces Makhachev.

Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker 2

Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane

UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou will face off against Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane in January at UFC 270 in a five round championship unifying fight. Nagannou is coming off his title win at UFC 260 when he beat Heavyweight GOAT Stipe Miocic. Ngannou is on a five fight win streak and he hopes to make it six when he faces the undefeated interim champ Gane. Gane was Ngannou’s former training partner, and whatever Ngannou’s former coach is doing for his athletes is working incredibly well as Gane has climbed to the top of the division rather quickly with victories over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alexander Volkov, and Derrick Lewis with the last fight against Lewis earning him the UFC interim Heavyweight title. It’ll be interesting to see how these two do when they step into the UFC Octagon.

What’s Next For ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler

Michael Chandler throws a shot at Justin Gaethje at UFC 268 courtesy of Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

After Making a promising debut in the UFC against Dan Hooker at UFC 257, Michael Chandler has lost back to back fights. The first to Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 in May and on Saturday at UFC 268 against Justin Gaethje. The Former Bellator MMA champ is top of the heap when it comes to contenders in the Lightweight division so it will be interesting to see who the UFC taps to face Chandler next.

Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier will face each other on December 11th at UFC 269. It is presumed that the winner will face Justin Gaethje. The loser however will not face Gaethje one would think if Poirier loses to Oliveira He may face Michael Chandler. Poirier is the number one ranked UFC Lightweight and if in the unlikely event he loses to Oliveira an interesting matchup would be against Chandler. Although it would probably be more likely that Poirier faces Beneil Dariush.

Another interesting option would be a fight with Islam Makhachev. Makhachev is currently ranked fourth in the Lightweight division and is coming off an amazingly quick victory against Dan Hooker at UFC 267. Makhachev has climbed to the top of the Lightweight division and is likely to be a champion in the Division in the next few years. It’d be interesting to see Makhachev’s Sambo skill go up against Chandler’s wrestling.

Tony Ferguson would also be an interesting matchup for Chandler. They’re both on skids as of late Ferguson is coming off losses to Dariush, Oliveira, and Gaethje. It’d be great for either of these Lightweights to make a statement that they’re still contenders in the division and are still in it to eventually win or reclaim a title.

One odd note is that Conor McGregor has been linked to a fight with Chandler. The two shared an interesting exchange on Twitter where McGregor showed respect to Chandler for his performance at UFC 268. It’d definitely be a great fight and would raise Chandler’s bank account and status as a fighter. It’d be interesting to see Chandler’s wrestling against McGregor’s striking.

Chandler has made a splash in the UFC, and though he is down, he definitely isn’t out. He has a plethora of fights that he could choose from. We will see what the UFC has in store for Chandler.

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What’s Next For Islam Makhachev?

UFC 267 results, highlights: Islam Makhachev inches closer to title shot with dominant win vs. Dan Hooker - CBSSports.com — Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

One of the UFC’s new rising stars is Islam Makhachev. Makhachev has an impressive ground game that was on full display at UFC 267 against Dan Hooker. Makhachev who is rightfully compared to the UFC’s greatest Lightweight of all time Khabib Nurmagomedov put on a clinic with a first round Kimura finish at UFC 267 to earn his ninth consecutive win, a streak he’s been on since 2016. With his win against Hooker it made one think what’s next for Islam Makhachev? Is a title shot in the cards for the Dagestani International Master of Sport in Combat Sambo?

Islam Makhachev got his start in the UFC in 2015 when he faced Leo Kuntz and won by Submission (rear-naked choke.) Since then Makhachev has only had one loss, the only career loss he had was his next fight against Adriano Martins. Since then has been on a war path to the top of the Lightweight Division.

When Makhachev beat Dan Hooker he was asked by Daniel Cormier if he thought he was next in line for the title. He responded “Now it’s time, before, it was like top 11 or top 15 but this guy is No. 6. Now I have to talk. Nine-fight win streak, I am ready for title fight. Please, anyone, it doesn’t matter because this division now is a little bit sleep. I am working hard and have worked this division.” But who knows what the matchmakers will do? I think Makhachev will have a few options.

The first option would be be a fight with the loser of Gaethje vs. Chandler at UFC 268. Chandler would be an interesting matchup as it would be interesting to see Chandler’s wrestling work against Makhachev’s skills both on the ground and striking. Gaethje would also be an interesting matchup as Gaethje is also a wrestler.

The other option would be the loser of Dustin Poirier vs Charles Oliveira. We’ve seen a similar fight between Poirier and Nurmagomedov, but Nurmagomedov and Makhachev are completely different fighters and it would be a matchup that fight fans would love to see. Olivera would be an interesting fight for Makhachev as Oliveira is a submission specialist. It’d be interesting to see Makhachev’s Sambo skill versus Olivera’s Jiu Jitsu.

No matter what the UFC matchmakers decide to do, UFC fans have a plethora of different fights that Makhachev could fight next. Hell, who knows? He might even get a title shot although that seems unlikely.

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Should The UFC Do More Free Numbered Cards Like UFC 267?

Latest UFC rankings update: Glover Teixeira takes over No. 1 spot, Yan Xiaonan climbs to No. 3 - MMAmania.com — New Light Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira. Photo courtesy of Zuffa llc.

UFC 267 was truly special! Two title fights, a stacked card, and it was free to US ESPN+ subscribers. The UFC outdid itself with these fights. Absolutely amazing we got this reward for being fans of this sport. They definitely didn’t need to do it, but they did and it was great. This was the first free numbered event the UFC had put on since UFC 138: Leben vs. Muñoz all the way back in November of 2011. This makes one think about if the UFC should put on more free cards especially cards with title fights with the hopes of exposing more top level fighters to the masses?

One argument for more free cards is Exposure. The UFC has a major deal with ESPN and broadcasting a free numbered card once a year would be awesome especially with the idea of title fights being on the card. One Card I definitely thought could have been free was August’s UFC 265: Lewis vs. Gane. This would have been an awesome card to give to subscribers for free. As it was an interim title fight it would’ve peaked interest in the Unification bout with current Champion Francis Ngannou with ultimately an opportunity to sell more PPV’s as Ciryl Gane is a relatively unknown fighter who’s only been fighting MMA for three years.

MMA is a new sport most baby boomers don’t even know exists. There’s no Mickey Mantle or Carl Yazstremski for them in MMA that they grew up with. They may know some Martial arts practitioners like Bruce Lee are and they may know who Conor McGregor is because his face was everywhere after his boxing debut against Floyd Maywether. It’d be great to get that older generation into the sport by showing more amazing title fights for free, because live MMA is something else it hits differently.

The answer is truly complicated as the fight game is not a game. It’s a business, and fighters need to get paid and The UFC and Zuffa need to take their cut. One of the hot button issues with MMA is fighter pay. The fighters who stay active make a lot of money, and the UFC knows this and they need to take its cut. This is why they started off on the PPV model, and how they have stayed relevant with these amazing cards that they have put on with some of the best fighters in the world. It is important to make money but a nice treat for fans to get exposure to some of these higher profile fights.

UFC 267 was a gift from the fight gods, we got to see some amazing performances from these fighters. Hopefully it won’t be another 10 years before the UFC offers another free numbered event as it would definitely bring more exposure to these amazing fighters that we all know and love.

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5 Fights Conor McGregor Should Consider Before Retirement

BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 17: (R-L) Conor McGregor kicks Max Holloway in their UFC featherweight bout at TD Garden on August 17, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) — Photo via Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

Conor McGregor is the biggest star in MMA and is subsequently one of the most polarizing stars in the sport. The former two division champ has fought a who’s who in both the Featherweight division and in the Lightweight division. Although it seems like his better days are behind him there are some great fights that could be made for the former Champ-Champ.

Conor McGregor Vs Islam Makhachev

It’s no mystery to anyone that when Khabib Nurmagomedov said he was retiring that he definitely meant it. Nurmagomedov has taken up coaching to fill his time in retirement. One of his best fighters that he is coaching is Islam Makhachev. Makhachev has a dominant ground game, reminiscent of Nurmagomedov. It would be an interesting match up with Makhachev trying to take McGregor down and McGregor trying to keep the fight standing where he can use his fists to try to secure a knockout. This seems like a great fight and the UFC would find masterful ways to sell this fight because Makhachev’s camp and McGregor’s camp definitely don’t like each other.

Conor McGregor vs Tony Ferguson

One of the biggest stars in the promotion who’s also been on a losing skid as of late is Tony Ferguson. Furgeson has been calling out the Irish fighter since McGregor was down at 145 pounds. Since then McGregor has moved up to 155 pounds and has won the belt in the 155 pound division, boxed Floyd Maywether, and fought Khabib to try to win the belt again and lost. Conor. Ferguson has also had the belt in the lightweight division but it was only an Interim belt. It’d be great to see these two fan favorites go at it, and Tony Ferguson getting his very own ‘red panty night.’

Conor McGregor Vs. Max Holloway II

In 2013 these two fighters met in the UFC Octagon and Conor put on an impressive performance against Holloway to get the win via decision. Since then Holloway and McGregor have both become UFC Champions with Holloway defending the Featherweight belt on multiple occasions only losing the belt to current champion Alexander Volkanovski in 2019. This would be a great rematch that I think people would love to see.

Conor McGregor vs Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal has an interesting resume with fights he’s definitely had some amazing bouts including two title fights against current Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and a semi championship fight for the BMF belt with Nate Diaz. Masvidal hasn’t really had a big money fight like the Paydays associated with a fight like the one he’d make against McGregor. Masvidal has an amazing rags to riches story from fighting in the streets of Miami and sleeping in his car to being one of the biggest stars in the biggest MMA promotion. It’d be great to see this fight take place especially if the BMF title was back up for grabs.

Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz III

McGregor just finished his trilogy with Dustin Poirier with two losses to Poirier the last being in July at UFC 264, but the UFC star also has another Trilogy that hasn’t seen it’s final act and that is with Nate DIaz. These two fighters have met twice already and are even with a win apiece. They are both coming off consecutive losses with Diaz losing to Leon Edwards at UFC 263 in June and before that a loss to Jorge Masvidal in November of 2019. This would be an amazing match up for the fans and would make the UFC oodles of money with PPV buys and ticket sales.

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UFC 267 Preview

UFC 259: Blachowicz v Adesanya — Reigning Light Heavyweight Champion Polish powerhouse house Jan Blachowicz Photo Courtesy of Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

UFC 267 is fast approaching, the UFC numbered event will be the first free card offered to United States based ESPN+ subscribers. UFC 267 will also be the first card to be not on Pay Per View since UFC 139 in 2011. And this card is stacked and the price is right with two title fights and three, three round bouts.

The first bout of note will be between Lightweight’s Islam Makachev and Dan Hooker. Number five ranked UFC Lightweight Makachev was set to face Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 26, but former Lightweight Champion Dos Anjos has been forced to pull out of the fight due to injury. On Thursday September 30th Dana White announced that number six ranked UFC Lightweight Dan Hooker would be stepping into fight Makachev. Both Makachev and Hooker are coming off victories in their last fights, with Makachev securing a victory against Thiago Moises by Submission (rear-naked choke.) Hooker pulled off an impressive victory at UFC 266 against Nasrat Haqparast. The win by decision was even more spectacular considering that Hooker had arrived in the country less than 48 hours before the fight

The first title fight that will take place at UFC 267 will be an interim title fight between number one ranked Bantamweight Petr Yan and number three ranked Bantamweight Corey Sandhagen. Yan is coming off a loss at UFC 259 in march where he lost his belt to Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling due to an Disqualification (illegal knee.) Yan who has only lost once before UFC 259 looks to win the interim title and hopefully win a unification bout against Aljamain Sterling to become the new UFC Bantamweight champion. Corey Sandhagen who took this fight short notice is coming off a loss to number 2 ranked Bantamweight, TJ Dillishaw.

The second title fight of the night will be between Light Heavyweight king Jan Błachowicz and number one ranked Light Heavyweight Glover Teixeira. Błachowicz is coming off his first successful title defense with a win over Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 259. Błachowicz is of Polish descent and only the second Polish champion in the promotion’s history. Błachowicz will be facing a tough Teixeira who has won his last five fights. This will be Teixeira’s second title shot. Tiexiera’s first title shot was against Jon Jones who won via unanimous Decision at UFC 172 in April of 2014. It’s sure to be a great fight between these two MMA veterans.

This UFC card is absolutely stacked and the price is right with two title fights and three, three round bouts how could you go wrong. Tune in live on ESPN+ on October 30th at 2pm.

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DAN HOOKER NAMED AS STAND IN TO FIGHT ISLAM MAKHACHEV AT UFC 267

Islam Makhachev works for a submission against Drew Dober in their lightweight fight during UFC 259. Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC — *Islam Makhachev trys to win via submission against Drew Dober at UFC 259. Photo courtesy of: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC*

Number five ranked UFC Lightweight Islam Makachev was set to face Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 267 on October 30th. But former Lightweight Champion Dos Anjos has been forced to pull out of the fight due to injury. On Thursday September 30th Dana White announced that number six ranked UFC Lightweight Dan Hooker would be stepping into fight Makachev.

Hooker pulled off an impressive victory Saturday night against Nasrat Haqparast. The win by decision was even more spectacular considering that hooker had arrived in the country less than 48 hours from his native New Zealand due to issues with his work Visa. Hooker will train for the fight that was offered to him the same day it was announced in Las Vegas, and then will travel to Abu Dhabi on Yas Island.

Often hailed as the second coming of the greatest lightweight of all time, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Islam Makhachev is making his own name in the UFC, and is quickly becoming one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC Lightweight division. A division packed with amazing fighters and big names. Makachev has been on an eight fight win streak. With wins over big names, Thiago Moises and Drew Dober. He hopes to add Hooker to the list of names in his win column on October 30th.

It is rumored that UFC 267 will be a free event the first numbered UFC not to be a PPV since UFC 138 in November of 2011. The card will feature two title fights. The First being an interim title bout between number 1 Ranked Bantamweight Petr Yan and number three ranked Bantamweight Corey Sandhagen. The card will be headlined by Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Blachowicz and number one ranked Light Heavyweight Glover Teixiera.

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