dana white

UFC’s Gaethje to Chandler: ‘There’s something about your face that just makes me want to punch you’

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One of the most highly anticipated fights of the year is scheduled to go down at UFC 268. Two of the best lightweights in the world will battle it out as Michael Chandler (22-6) takes on Justin Gaethje (22-3).

Both men have incredibly similar styles and both love to stand and trade. In addition to having a similar fan-friendly fighting style, both men are also in a very similar spot in their career.

Chandler just lost a UFC lightweight title fight back in May to Charles Oliveira. The last time we saw Justin Gaethje fight was at UFC 254 when he lost a lightweight title fight to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Both men are coming off title losses, but they still rank at the very top of the division. While they have paid some compliments to each other in the past, there is some underlying beef between the two UFC lightweights.

It all started with Chandler stating on an Instagram Live that Gaethje turned down a fight with him several times. Gaethje fired back at Chandler and said that he was slandering his name. This was all prior to the UFC finalizing the fight between the two.

UFC 268 In Flux

Today at the UFC weight in show, Justin Gaethje appeared as a guest. Michael Chandler was one of the hosts along with Daniel Cormier and several other personalities from the promotion.

Gaethje stated in the interview that he doesn’t have much of a reason to dislike Chandler, but he just does. The former interim UFC champion said to Chandler, “It’s been a while since I fought someone I didn’t like… There’s something about your face that just makes me want to punch you… It’s the smirk.”

This got a big smile out of Chandler. Chandler has seemed incredibly excited since this fight got announced. Chandler has stated that the one guy that he wants to fight more than anyone is Justin Gaethje.

Now, there was an interesting statement from Gaethje in today’s interview. Gaethje openly said that he didn’t think his fight with Chandler will take place in New York City and he was hoping that it doesn’t.

Couple this with Michael Chandler saying he’s not going to get vaccinated and it’s starting to look like UFC 268 is going to change. New York City issued a vaccine mandate and that could jeopardize the event.

Dana White has said this week that he has spoken to Madison Square Garden and there’s no issue. However, my guess is that the UFC is already planning on either moving this fight or moving their PPV to a new location. I would imagine that the promotion would like to keep Gaethje – Chandler on PPV so it will be interesting to find out where it takes place.

Vaccine mandates in NYC could alter the plans for UFC 268

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UFC, Dana White

UFC 268 is supposed to be a massive event for the promotion. The promotion is targeting a return to Madison Square Garden for the event and they are bringing incredible fights to New York for that event.

Headlining UFC 268 is the rematch between Kamaru Usman (19-1) and Colby Covington (16-2). In addition, UFC 268 will play host to the return of Luke Rockhold as he takes on Sean Strickland. 

However, arguably the most anticipated matchup that’s been announced is the co-main event. The UFC has booked Michael Chandler (22-6) against Justin Gaethje (22-3). This is a dream fight for most fans and were supposed to see it in November.

However, a new mandate in New York City might jeopardize that fight. Michael Chandler had an Instagram Live session yesterday (from MMA Junkie) where he was very open and honest about the fact that he will not be vaccinated come the November.

Chandler said that he was not anti-vax and that he would consider taking the vaccine once it’s FDA approved. I can assure you that Chandler is not the only fighter in the UFC who is not vaccinated and I guarantee he’s not the only one on the card that won’t be.

New York City announced new mandates that requires vaccination proof to do just about anything indoors. With this new mandate coming down, the UFC 268 location might be in jeopardy.

UFC 268 Backup Plans

Dana White has always said that the UFC will never force their athletes to do anything. In regards to forcing vaccinations, White said to TSN, “I would never tell another human being what to do with their body. If you want to get vaccinated, that’s up to you. That’s your choice. You’re never going to hear me say I’m going to force people to get vaccinated. Never gonna happen.”

I can guarantee White isn’t going to change his position and I guarantee the UFC fighters who don’t want the vaccine will not get it. That said, this card is in a lot of trouble in terms of the location.

It’s worth noting that the location has not been announced for UFC 268. While it’s widely known that it’s supposed to take place at MSG, the promotion hasn’t officially announced anything yet.

Dana White has been operating through the fluid waters of this pandemic for well over a year. The UFC knows how to deal with situations like this and I can assure you that they’re already working on a new location. This will definitely be something to watch over the coming weeks.

Is AJ McKee the best featherweight in the world after Bellator 263?

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AJ McKee

This past Saturday at Bellator 263, we saw the conclusion of the Featherweight Grand Prix in the main event. The champion Patricio Pitbull (32-5) was looking to defend his title against the undefeated challenger AJ McKee (18-0).

McKee has a superstar quality about him, but many were still picking the Bellator champion heading into Saturday. Patricio Pitbull is the greatest fighter in the promotion’s history and he owns virtually every Bellator record there is to own.

Saturday night was going to tell us just how good AJ McKee is. Well, AJ McKee is not just good, he’s something truly special. McKee dropped Pitbull in the first round at Bellator 263 with a beautiful combination and he finished him with a standing guillotine.

In a fight that was built to be the best versus the best, McKee made it look incredibly easy. It reminded me of when Conor McGregor knocked out Jose Aldo in 13 seconds to become UFC featherweight champion. Just like McGregor, McKee left no doubts at Bellator 263.

Bellator 263 Proved McKee’s Greatness

After his dominant win at Bellator 263 many are wondering if he’s the best in the world regardless of promotion. Over the course of recent history, the UFC champion has been considered to be the best of the best.

However, Bellator has a legit argument with their new featherweight champion. While Patricio Pitbull was a dominant champion, nobody ever considered him to be better than Max Holloway or Alexander Volkanovski.

He was always seen as a step below them, however, McKee is not. I truly believe that McKee is on that elite level with the best that the UFC has to offer. The 26 year old has it all. He has incredible ground skills and he’s developed dangerous striking to go along with it.

Who is the best in the world?

At Bellator 263, he showed off the full package. Now, when everyone is at their absolute best, I still believe in my heart that Max Holloway is the best featherweight on the planet. Yes, he’s lost to Volkanovski twice. However, I do not believe he lost that second fight last year.

The Max Holloway that we saw in January is the best featherweight in the world. While I don’t think McKee is the best in the world, I think he’s right there with those guys. It’s truly a shame that he fights for Bellator in that we won’t be able to see him fight the best of the best.

That said, McKee’s contract is coming up soon. McKee told MMA Junkie that he would like to resign with Bellator if they show him the money. McKee has fought all 18 of his professional fights under the Bellator banner.

However, the UFC is interested. Dana White did come out and say that he would take McKee to lunch making good on a bet McKee made with him when he was a child. McKee told the UFC president that he would become world champion and when that happens, White had to take him to lunch.

White told TSN that he would make good on that bet and also said that when his contract is up, they’d be interested in talking. Time will tell what McKee ends up doing, but make no mistake about it, the new Bellator champion is a star.

Stipe Miocic annoyed by the UFC

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MMA, Stipe Miocic

The greatest heavyweight in UFC history is not happy with the promotion. It would appear that Stipe Miocic (20-4) is once again at odds with the promotion and he expressed his frustrations yesterday on Instagram. MMA Fighting caught Miocic’s comments about the UFC title picture.

Miocic is being asked to wait for the heavyweight title picture to iron itself out. In a few weeks, Derrick Lewis and Ciryl Gane will be fighting for the interim UFC heavyweight title. The winner of that fight will be next in line to take on the undisputed champion Francis Ngannou (16-3).

Miocic last the heavyweight title to Ngannou back at UFC 260 when he was knocked out by Ngannou in the second round. That fight was a rematch from their first fight a few years ago where Miocic completely dominated a very green Francis Ngannou.

The second fight was completely dominated by Ngannou. However, with the series being 1-1, Miocic is wanting to run it back to get his title back. He’s talked about bulking up and he even talked about returning to fight for the UFC title by the end of the year. However, he’s express frustrations with the way things look.

Not wanting to wait on the UFC

In a response to an Instagram comment, the former UFC champion said, “I shouldn’t have to wait for a winner. I have the most heavyweight title defenses of all time. We’re 1-1 but DC (Daniel Cormier) got instant rematches and trilogies against me?”

Miocic has a legit argument against the UFC. He holds the most title defenses in the history of the division and even Dana White would tell you that Miocic is the greatest heavyweight champion in the history of the promotion. However, things have not always been smooth between Miocic and the UFC.

After Miocic lost to Daniel Cormier in their first fight, it took over a year for him to get the rematch. That was because the UFC was trying to book a heavyweight title fight between Cormier and Brock Lesnar. After that fight fell through, Miocic got his rematch.

Now, Miocic has lost his title for the second time and instead of getting an immediate rematch, he’s being asked to wait again. Miocic even contemplated a move to ONE with everything that’s going on. I’m sure this situation between Miocic and the UFC will right itself, but you have to feel for the former champion.

UFC: Conor McGregor released from the hospital and expected to make his return next year

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Conor McGregor, UFC

The main event at UFC 264 didn’t end the way that anyone thought it would. In the headliner, Conor McGregor (22-6) and Dustin Poirier (28-6, 1 NC) were looking to settle the score and conclude their trilogy with each man having won one fight.

McGregor started out quick on Saturday working his kicks and was very aggressive. However, Poirier also found success on the feet at UFC 264 and it was one of his blitzes that forced McGregor to clinch in the first round to try and get space.

Poirier went for a takedown and McGregor tried to lock in a guillotine. Poirier spent the second half of the round raining down shots from the guard. Late in the round, the fight went back to the feet with just seconds left. McGregor went right back to trying to work his kicks.

Both men missed with big left straight hands and when McGregor stepped back, his leg snapped. The fight ended in between rounds and Poirier was awarded the win at UFC 264 although there still feels like some cloudiness with this rivalry considering the way this fight ended.

McGregor’s UFC Return

After UFC 264, McGregor was immediately taken to the hospital and the following day, he had surgery to repair his broken leg. McGregor posted an update on his Twitter where he talked about the fact that he will rebuild better than ever.

Dana White spoke with TMZ yesterday and talked about McGregor’s timeline. White said that McGregor was released from the hospital yesterday. He’s actually planning on staying in Los Angeles for a while before flying home.

On his timeline for his UFC return, White said that McGregor would return in about a year. I think that’s a pretty fair assessment given the injury although I wouldn’t rule out him potentially returning sooner.

We will not see McGregor in the UFC for the rest of 2021, however, I wouldn’t rule out a spring return. A lot will come down to how rehab goes and McGregor’s desire to get back in the cage. Whenever ‘The Mac’ does return, the world will be watching.

What’s next for Conor McGregor after UFC 264?

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Conor McGregor, UFC

This past Saturday at UFC 264 we saw the third fight between Conor McGregor (22-6) and Dustin Poirier (28-6, 1 NC). The first round was a back-and-forth round that took place on the mat and on the feet.

The first half of the UFC 264 main event took place on the feet. In the standup, McGregor was getting the better of Dustin Poirier. However, after McGregor went for a guillotine choke, Poirier ended up on top of him in the first.

From there, Poirier did a fantastic job of landing big shots from the top position. At the end of the first, both men got back to their feet and went back to striking. Both swung big shots and missed. When McGregor stepped back, the lower half of his tibia snapped.

McGregor crumbled to the floor and defended as Poirier rained down more shots. Fortunately for McGregor, Herb Dean let the fight go. In between rounds, the fight was stopped due to the injury and UFC 264 leaves us with no clarity in the trilogy.

Some in the MMA Media or the talking heads have painted this narrative that Poirier and McGregor aren’t close to being on the same level. I couldn’t disagree more and after watching the UFC 264 main event back several times, I don’t believe there’s a big gap between the two men at all.

What’s next after UFC 264?

Dana White said that he would be open to the fourth fight between Poirier and McGregor after UFC 264’s result. I think that might be what’s next for McGregor and even Poirier said that they will have to fight again. 

That said, we don’t have a great idea on how long it will be before McGregor’s ready. The Irishman posted on Twitter last night that he would be on crutches for six weeks before starting the process of building himself back up.

My guess is that we won’t see McGregor booked for his next UFC matchup until the late spring or early next Summer. With that timeline, it could line up perfectly with Poirier should Poirier defeat Charles Oliveira near the end of the year.

I could also see the UFC giving McGregor a fight with Nate Diaz (20-13) upon his return. McGregor and Diaz have their own trilogy to complete and it would be a great fight to get McGregor back in the swing of things.

That would also allow the promotion to book Justin Gaethje – Michael Chandler as a title eliminator. If McGregor fought Diaz and won in mid-2022, perhaps he could get a shot at the UFC lightweight title and that fourth fight with Poirier late in the year.

After UFC 264, Dustin Poirier confirms he will fight Conor McGregor again in the future

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dusin porier, conor mcgregor

What a night it was last night. In the headliner of UFC 264, we saw the third installment of the rivalry between Dustin Poirier (28-6, 1 NC) and Conor McGregor (22-6). While the fight was meant to provide closure, the result gave us anything but.

The fight started out with a fast pace and McGregor was throwing a ton of kicks. Much like the second fight, McGregor controlled the striking early on at UFC 264. In the middle of the round, Poirier blitzed and the two men came together in a clinch.

Poirier went for a takedown and McGregor tried to lock in a guillotine. However, Poirier was able to defend and get top position. Once on top, Poirier rained down bombs on McGregor. McGregor landed some good shots here and there from the bottom, but overall, it was all Poirier.

Late in the round, Poirier let McGregor up. The two men missed with big shots and as McGregor stepped back, his ankle gave out. McGregor suffered a break to his lower tibia and the main event of UFC 264 ended with a doctor stoppage.

Poirier confident him and McGregor fight again after UFC 264

It was clear that the two men still had bad blood after UFC 264. Dana White said in the post-fight press conference that the two men will fight again whenever McGregor heals. However, Poirier will be fighting for the UFC title next.

When it was Poirier’s turn to talk at the press conference, he echoed Dana White. Poirier said, “We are going to fight again whether it’s in the octagon or on the sidewalk.” McGregor also said in the cage that he would fight Poirier in the octagon or on the street after UFC 264.

Between all the words and the lack of a true finish, it does appear that we are destined to see the fourth fight. That said, we won’t be seeing it anytime soon. McGregor is going to have surgery tomorrow and will be out for a considerable amount of time.

Dustin Poirier will now turn his attention towards Charles Oliveira and the UFC lightweight title. If Poirier wins the title and McGregor recovers quickly, don’t be shocked if next summer’s big UFC PPV is headlined by the fourth fight between McGregor and Poirier.

Dana White says Poirier – McGregor 4 will happen after UFC 264 result

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UFC 264 didn’t end the way that anyone thought it would. The main event was headlined by the third installment of Dustin Poirier (28-6, 1 NC) and Conor McGregor (22-6). Unlike the second fight which saw both men respect the other, the third fight was personal.

McGregor got off to a hot start again at UFC 264. Utilizing a steady diet of leg kicks, McGregor was controlling the striking early on in the fight. Poirier started slow again, but started to get comfortable after McGregor’s hot start.

Both men traded big shots before they clinched. McGregor synched in a guillotine choke that appeared tight for a moment, but Poirier fought through it. The Diamond then got the top position and spent most of the second half of the round reigning down shots on McGregor.

Near the end of the first, McGregor got back to his feet. Both threw big shots that missed and when McGregor stepped back, his ankle snapped. The round ended and UFC 264‘s main event ended with a doctor stoppage due to McGregor’s ankle injury.

The UFC’s Plans

It was clear that there was still no love lost between Poirier and McGregor after UFC 264. Poirier was mocking McGregor while McGregor used his post-fight interview to callout Poirier’s wife Jolie.

Dana White took the podium at the post-fight press conference and made it clear that these two will fight again. White said, “Dustin Poirier will fight for the title and when Conor is healed and ready to go, you do the rematch.”

White continued, “The fight didn’t get finished. You can’t have a fight finished that way so we will see how this whole thing plays out. Who knows how long Conor will be out. Poirier will do his thing until Conor is ready.”

Obviously, Poirier will be fighting UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (31-8, 1 NC) next. Given how this fight ended, I would guess that the UFC aims to make that fight happen at the end of the year.

If Poirier wins that fight, the UFC will then move towards the fourth McGregor fight which would be massive especially if the lightweight title is on the line. Time will tell and a lot will depend on how McGregor heals.

Will the UFC book Leon Edwards – Jorge Masvidal?

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Leon Edwards

Last week the UFC‘s BMF teased fight fans when he tweeted out that he would be returning soon. Jorge Masvidal (35-15) has been spotted in Las Vegas this week ahead of his teammate’s trilogy with Conor McGregor.

Masvidal has said that he’s ready to return and this week his agent said that they were targeting October or November. Originally, the Masvidal camp was pushing for a matchup with either Nick Diaz or Colby Covington.

However, neither one of those fights look like they’re available. Nick Diaz is going to be facing Robbie Lawler in September while Dana White reiterated to MMA Junkie that Colby Covington would be fighting for the UFC welterweight title next.

Covington’s title shot also means that Leon Edwards (19-3, 1 NC) is not getting the title shot. Edwards has won a staggering nine fights in a row with a no contest thrown in there. He just fought at UFC 263 where he defeated Nate Diaz by decision.

Masvidal and Edwards have some history after they had an altercation backstage in 2019. Perhaps it’s finally time for the UFC to book the grudge match that’s a couple of years in the making. Dana White said that he likes the idea.

Will the UFC book it?

Leon Edwards is in a really tough spot. He does deserve to fight for the UFC welterweight title, however, if he wants to do that next, he’s going to be waiting a while. White told MMA Junkie that the rematch between Usman and Covington would take place later this year.

If Edwards wanted to hold out, he wouldn’t fight again until the spring. After missing so much time over the past couple of years, I would advise Edwards to stay active. So if he stays active, who in the UFC’s welterweight division makes sense.

Well, it comes down to what Leon Edwards wants. If he wants a fight that will help build his brand before a title shot, he should take the Masvidal fight. If he wants a top contender coming off a win, maybe look to the UFC 264 co-main event’s winner.

There are several options, but I think the best option for both men is to fight each other. For Masvidal, it would get him right back into the title picture. For Edwards, it would give him another win over a star which would cement his case to fight for the title in 2022.

Winner of UFC 264 main event next for the lightweight title

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dusin porier, conor mcgregor

This weekend we will see one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the year in the main event of UFC 264. The trilogy between Conor McGregor (22-5) and Dustin Poirier (27-6, 1 NC) will come to a close.

The rivalry that started seven years ago will come to a close and there’s a lot on the line. Dana White confirmed yesterday with MMA Junkie that the winner of Saturday night’s main event will fight for the lightweight title next.

The new UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (30-8, 1 NC) will actually be cageside for the main event. With this new wrinkle added in, arguably the biggest fight of 2021 has just become even bigger.

McGregor and Poirier met for the first time back in 2014 with McGregor getting the first round finish. The two men met again back at UFC 257 for the second time. After a hot start for McGregor, Poirier settled in and earn himself a TKO victory in the second round.

UFC Title Eliminator

The series is even with both men having earned a finish leading into UFC 264. It’s going to be very interesting to see the approaches of both men on Saturday night. For McGregor, his mistake was very clear in the second fight.

I believe that the former two-division UFC champion was extremely confident that he would be able to finish Poirier with his boxing in the first round. However, Poirier was able to absorb the shots and attack McGregor’s lead leg with calf kicks.

With McGregor taking a boxing-heavy style in the second fight, he left his leg there to be compromised. In this third matchup, he’s going to need to return to the old style that he utilized when he was on the rise.

For Poirier, I think it’ll be important just to whether the early storm. Poirier is at his best when the fight gets long and tough. He said last week that he wins a war ten out of ten times against Conor McGregor. It’s going to be an incredible matchup with a ton on the line Saturday night.