Khamzat Chimaev

State of the UFC’s welterweight division entering 2021

by

Overall, 2020 turned out to be a relatively slow year in the UFC‘s welterweight division. After Kamaru Usman (17-1) and Colby Covington (16-2) had a war to end 2019 for the title, we only saw one title fight in the division during 2020.

That title fight took place at UFC 251. Kamaru Usman defended his title against the BMF himself, Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (35-14). Masvidal had a massive 2019 that made him the top contender in the welterweight division.

However, putting the fight with Usman together proved to be difficult. The fight actually fell apart before it came back together. Negotiations broke down between the UFC and Masvidal when the two sides were trying to make the fight.

As a result, the promotion shifted gears to Gilbert Burns (19-3). Burns became a top contender after he smashed former champion Tyron Woodley (19-6-1) and knocked out Demian Maia (28-10).

Burns was all set to take the fight against Usman at UFC 251. However, Burns tested positive for COVID and the fight was scrapped. That’s how we ultimately got back to the fight between Usman and Masvidal.

UFC’s Welterweight Division in 2021

Usman would go on to use his steady wrestling attack to secure a decision win over Masvidal at UFC 251. However, Usman would be out the remainder of 2020 after getting banged up in the fight.

Tentatively, the UFC is planning on Usman and Burns facing off on February 13th for the welterweight title. The promotion also has their eyes on a grudge match in the division that promises to be big business.

The UFC is trying to book Masvidal against Covington. The two former best friends are now sworn enemies and can’t stand each other. The promotion has been trying to put the fight together, but it’s developed extremely slow.

That fight is one of the more anticipated matchups of 2021. Another fighter to watch this upcoming year is Leon Edwards (18-3). Edwards has won eight fights in a row and he was supposed to take on the star prospect, Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) on January 20th.

However, we learned yesterday that Chimaev had to pull out of the fight. The plan is still for Edwards to fight on January 20th. In addition to all of these contenders, you still have Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (16-4-1) in the mix.

Wonderboy just picked up a shutout victory over Geoff Neal at UFC Vegas 17. Thompson has turned away two straight top contenders to show everyone he’s still a factor at 170 pounds.

Kamaru Usman’s toughest stylistic matchup is his first fight of the year. After Burns, the division is filled with killers waiting for their chance. Usman is going to have his hands full trying to hold on to his UFC gold in 2021.

BREAKING: UFC headliner between Khamzat Chimaev and Leon Edwards is off (Report)

by

Well, this is not the UFC news that anyone wanted to hear this morning. Currently being reported by RT Sport, a Russian media outlet, the much anticipated Fight Island headliner between Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) and Leon Edwards (18-3) is off again.

UFC officials have not yet confirmed this news. However, RT Sport says that they have confirmed with a source close to the situation after initial reports out of Sweden. This is the second time that this welterweight fight has fallen through.

Originally, UFC Vegas 17 was supposed to be headlined by Chimaev and Edwards. However, Edwards came down with COVID-19 and the fight had to be pushed back. The UFC officially announced the fight last week.

However, it now appears that the promotion will have to switch gears. We should all pause until the news is confirmed by UFC officials, but this is a massive blow to Dana White’s proposed International Fight Week.

Last week the UFC finalized a fight between Michael Chiesa and Neil Magny for the same card. The idea was that if the main event fell through, one of those guys could potentially step in. However, there’s no word yet as to why the fight is off.

What will the UFC do?

MMA Fighting has confirmed that Khamzat Chimaev had to pull out of the UFC Fight Island 8 main event. At this time there is no word on why Chimaev pulled out, but he is the one this time who has had to pull out.

If Leon Edwards is still ready to fight, I think the UFC should see if he’d be willing to fight Chiesa or Magny. Edwards desperately needs to get back into the cage and fight after missing all of 2020.

At this time, there is no word on why Chimaev has had to pull out of the main event. That being said, we don’t know how long Chimaev will be on the shelf. If it’s a short-term thing, the UFC could try to book the Chimaev – Edwards fight for the third time.

This situation is still developing and we will continue to monitor and update throughout the day.

2020 UFC Breakout Fighter of the Year

by
Kevin Holland

It’s been a great year despite the pandemic for the UFC. In a year that has seen many businesses struggle to keep their doors open, the promotion has thrived putting on tremendous fights since they returned in May after a brief hiatus.

In addition to putting on some great fight cards this year, the UFC has seen a number of fighters seemingly come out of no where. One of those fighters that came out of no where for the promotion was Khamzat Chimaev (9-0).

Chimaev made his UFC debut during the promotion’s first trip to Fight Island. He ended up fighting three times since July and he finished all three of his opponents inside the octagon.

However, it was the manner in which Chimaev finished his UFC fights that stood out. The guy took no damage whatsoever and did whatever he wanted to his opponents. In his last win over Gerald Meerschaert, he showed that he can knock opponents out on the feet.

Despite the rise to stardom for Chimaev, I can’t make him my Breakout Fighter of the Year. To me, the UFC had one fighter who was already on the roster entering 2020, but this year he came into his own and took his game to another level.

UFC’s Breakout Fighter of the Year

To me, the UFC‘s 2020 Breakout Fighter of the Year is Kevin Holland (21-5). Holland was also on my shortlist for Fighter of the Year after the year that he had in the UFC during 2020.

Kevin Holland was submitted in his final UFC fight of 2019. The fighter who was labeled as “Big Mouth” by Dana White was entertaining, but you wondered what his ceiling truly was. We got a glimpse of that in 2020.

Holland fought an astonishing five times since May and he went a perfect 5-0. What’s also impressive is the fact that Holland finished four of his five fights. The most impressive finish coming at UFC 256.

Holland took on legend, Jacare Souza, on the PPV main card. After getting taken down early, Holland was able to knock Jacare out from the bottom to cap off his perfect 2020 inside the octagon.

Holland has gone from an entertaining mid-card level fighter to a serious contender in 2020. Considering where he was to where he is now, Kevin Holland is the clear choice for the UFC‘s Breakout Fighter of the Year in 2020.

2020 UFC Fighter of the Year

by

The UFC has officially completed all of their business in this crazy 2020. Despite a global pandemic, the promotion had an incredible year that saw tremendous growth and new fans coming to the sport of MMA.

The UFC hosted many successful events and saw a number of fighters burst onto the scene in 2020. One of those fighters being the rising superstar, Khamzat Chimaev (9-0). Chimaev made his debut with the UFC back in July.

He rose to fame with his incredible dominance through his first three fights. In his first three fights with the UFC, Chimaev has scored finishes in all three while absorbing just a few strikes total.

He’s been catapulted into a main event on January 20th in a fight that could be a title eliminator. While Chimaev’s UFC rise has been remarkable, he’s not quite the fighter of the year in my opinion.

Another fighter who broke through this year was Kevin Holland (21-5). After losing his last fight in 2019, Holland completely transformed himself in 2020. Holland had arguably the best year out of anybody with the promotion.

He went an astonishing 5-0 with four finishes in 2020. Even more remarkable was the fact that he didn’t fight for the first time until May. However, despite his incredible year, Holland was not ESM’s UFC Fighter of the Year.

2020 UFC Fighter of the Year

Looking at everything for 2020, the UFC‘s Fighter of the Year was a clear choice for me. That clear choice is the flyweight champion of the world, Deiveson Figueiredo (20-1-1). Figueiredo started out 2020 as the top contender at flyweight.

Back in February, he took on Joseph Benavidez for the vacant UFC flyweight title. However, Figueiredo missed weight for the fight which caused him to lose his opportunity to capture the belt. Yet, the fight still went on.

Figueiredo was completely dominant and he won the fight by second round knockout. In July, Figueiredo had a rematch for Benavidez for the UFC title. This time Figueiredo made weight and he stopped Benavidez in the first round to capture the title.

Looking to close out the year strong, Figueiredo was booked to defend his title against Alex Perez at UFC 255. Figueiredo submitted Perez in less than two minutes to successfully defend his title.

Because of his quick work, the UFC turned him around quickly to headline UFC 256 against Brandon Moreno. The two had an absolute war that was a fight of the year candidate. In the end, the two men fought to a draw.

Granted, Figueiredo would have won had he not been docked a point at UFC 256. It was later revealed that Figueiredo had spent time in the hospital the night before his title fight against Moreno.

Yes, his record was not technically perfect, but Deiveson Figueiredo is the clear Fighter of the Year. Four sensational performances in essentially four title fights. Figueiredo emerged as the superstar flyweight needed in 2020 for the UFC.

UFC books Michael Chiesa – Neil Magny

by

The UFC has been putting in the work on this holiday week. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto is reporting that the promotion is close to finalizing a really good matchup at welterweight that will take place on Fight Island.

Per Okamoto, Michael Chiesa (17-4) and Neil Magny (24-7) will go head-to-head on the UFC‘s January 20th Fight Night. That card is being headlined by the welterweight matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Leon Edwards.

January 20th will mark the UFC return for Michael Chiesa after spending the majority of 2020 on the sidelines. Chiesa last fought in January, but he’s been on the sidelines with leg injuries this year.

He’s seen a career resurgence since moving from lightweight up to the UFC‘s welterweight division. He’s won three straight at 170 which has placed him eighth in the rankings. Just one spot ahead of his opponent on January 20th.

UFC Welterweight Matchup

Standing across from Chiesa will be Neil Magny. Like Chiesa. The Haitian Sensation has won three straight in the UFC‘s welterweight division. Magny made his return this year after serving a suspension that kept him out for a year and a half.

Magny has looked sensational this year. His return started in March when he defeated Li Jingliang. Then he took on Anthony Rocco Martin at UFC 250. Both of those decision victories led him to a fight with former UFC champion, Robbie Lawler.

Magny completely outworked and dominated the former champion over the course of fifteen minutes. The victory was the biggest win of his career. Both of these contenders are in a prime spot to make that next leap in the welterweight division.

Whoever wins this matchup will likely get someone in the UFC‘s top five the next time out. Okamoto did note that should the main event have a fighter fall out, either Magny or Chiesa could serve as the backup for the main event.

What’s next for Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson after UFC Vegas 17 win?

by

This past Saturday at UFC Vegas 17, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (16-4-1) took on Geoff Neal (13-3). It was the first fight of 2020 for both of these top welterweight contenders.

For the second straight fight, Wonderboy was tasked with taking on a rising UFC welterweight contender. At UFC 244, Thompson took on Vicente Luque (19-7-1). Entering that fight, Luque was riding a six-fight winning streak.

However, Wonderboy stopped all of that momentum last November. With clean counters and advanced speed, Wonderboy was able to turn away Luque. Geoff Neal entered UFC Vegas 17 on a seven-fight winning streak.

Neal had looked like a destroyer and nobody in the UFC‘s welterweight division wanted to fight him. However, Wonderboy Thompson was down for the challenge. The two men fought for 25 minutes on Saturday night.

In the end, Wonderboy completely outclassed the dangerous Geoff Neal. Wonderboy put on a clinic from start to finish. He was able to keep the fight at range the entire time and he picked apart Neal from the outside.

Every time that Neal would try to dart in, Wonderboy wasn’t there. Whenever Wonderboy did stay put, he sat down on his combinations and touched Neal up. An incredible performance from the former title challenger at UFC Vegas 17.

What’s next after UFC Vegas 17?

First and foremost, we need to find out the health status of Stephen Thompson. In his post-fight press conference, Wonderboy said that he might have torn something in his knee at UFC Vegas 17.

Thompson did struggle with his knee in the final round of the fight. However, if that knee checks out and he’s ready to rock, what should be next? Wonderboy made his callout after the fight asking for the rematch with Jorge Masvidal. 

The UFC’s BMF and Wonderboy fought back in 2017 with Thompson picking up the win. Currently, the UFC is targeting a matchup between Masvidal and Colby Covington. However, if that fight doesn’t come together, a Wonderboy fight makes a lot of sense.

Outside of that, another fight that could make sense is the winner of the Leon Edwards – Khamzat Chimaev fight. Although, the winner of that fight will likely get a UFC title shot if Covington – Masvidal hasn’t happened anytime soon.

Unfortunately for Wonderboy, all five of the fighters ahead of him in the division are tentatively booked. I would expect Wonderboy to wait for one of those winners. With a win, he could be in line for another shot at the UFC welterweight strap.

UFC has a new target date for Chimaev – Edwards per Dana White

by

The UFC currently has a new date targeted for the highly anticipated matchup between Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) and Leon Edwards (18-3). Dana White told TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter that the promotion is targeting Wednesday, January 20th on Fight Island.

This is absolutely huge for UFC fans. Dana White has been saying that he was hoping for an international fight week on Fight Island. If this fight comes together, the UFC is in for one helluva stretch to kickoff the new year.

The first card of 2021 is headlined by Max Holloway – Calvin Kattar on January 16th. The UFC‘s plan is to have Chimaev – Edwards be the mid-week fight that transitions to UFC 257. Of course, that card is headlined by Conor McGregor – Dustin Poirier.

If this comes together, that might be the best seven day fight period in the history of the UFC. They had a week like this back in July, but I don’t know if it would beat this one considering the star power on these cards.

Originally, Edwards and Chimaev were set to headline UFC Vegas 17 next Saturday night. However, Edwards came down with COVID-19 and was forced to pull out of the fight. The promotion has stayed with keeping this fight together as opposed to rebooking Chimaev.

UFC’s 2021 Start

As mentioned, if this fight gets finalized, the UFC couldn’t start out better in 2021. They are currently targeting to have fans be able to attend these events, however, nothing is finalized at the moment.

Edwards and Chimaev is a massive fight for the UFC‘s welterweight division. If Edwards wins, he would have won nine fights in a row and would clearly be the top contender in the welterweight division.

However, if Chimaev wins, he will solidify himself as the UFC‘s next star. Chimaev came out of no where in 2020 and he currently has more hype behind him than we’ve seen in a very long time.

This fight is not finalized and a lot will come down to the condition of Leon Edwards. However, if all goes as planned, it should be a very fun start to 2021 for fight fans.

UFC: Recapping Leon Edwards rough 2020

by
Leon Edwards

Going into 2020, it seemed like the sky was the limit for top UFC welterweight, Leon Edwards (18-3). Edwards entered the year on an eight fight winning streak poised to be a threat to the welterweight title in 2020.

Rocky was booked against former UFC welterweight champion to start things off in March. It was going to be a big step up in competition for Edwards, but a victory would put him as one of the next in line for a title shot.

According to Edwards, he had a fantastic camp leading up to the fight. In all honesty, I figured he was in a really good position to beat the former UFC champion. Especially considering what we’ve now seen from Woodley in 2020.

However, just a week before the fight was scheduled to happen, the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown the UFC‘s production. The promotion scrapped the event and told Edwards that the fight would be getting pushed back.

However, with the shutdowns, Edwards was not able to travel to the US to take the fight when the UFC wanted to make it. Instead, Gilbert Burns got the shot and he dominated Woodley.

UFC’s unlucky welterweight

Edwards caught a break when the UFC was heading to Fight Island. Negotiations between Jorge Masvidal and the UFC fell apart. Masvidal was scheduled to take on welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman.

However, after talks fell apart, the UFC went to Leon Edwards first to see if he could take the fight. But, with everything still locked down, Edwards was not able to accept the title fight since he couldn’t train. The promotion then gave the fight to Gilbert Burns.

The rest of 2020 saw Leon Edwards searching for a fight with a top contender. However, the UFC booked all top contenders in other matchups while offering Edwards guys in the lower half of the rankings.

Since the UFC couldn’t get Edwards to accept a fight, he was dropped from the welterweight rankings. Edwards quickly changed his tune and called for a fight with the hottest prospect in the division, Khamzat Chimaev.

The UFC quickly booked that contest as the main event of the December 19th card. However, COVID-19 struck down Leon Edwards and he had to pull out of the fight. Another opportunity that Edwards wasn’t able to accept.

No matter what you think of the guy, you have to feel bad at this point. The pandemic has impacted his UFC career perhaps more than anyone else’s. Multiple opportunities have vanished. One can only hope for Rocky is that 2021 sees him back in the cage consistently.

Stephen Thompson – Geoff Neal promoted to UFC Vegas 17 Main Event

by

Today we heard some pretty terrible news regarding the highly anticipated UFC Vegas 17 card. The original headliner between Leon Edwards (18-3) and Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) was called off. Edwards tested positive for COVID-19.

Despite the fight still being a few weeks away, Edwards would not be able to compete. Sources told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that Edwards was so sick that he lost 12 pounds and had to stop training for the UFC Vegas 17 main event.

Just a crushing blow for a fighter who’s already been through a lot in 2020. The current plan for the UFC is to move the fight back to some point in early 2021. A landing spot could be UFC 257 on Fight Island although nothing is close in terms of rescheduling.

With that in mind, the current plan is for the UFC to promote Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (15-4-1) and Geoff Neal (13-2) to the main event slot. The highly anticipated welterweight matchup will still be a very high quality main event.

UFC Vegas 17’s New Headliner

Despite the depressing news about the Edwards – Chimaev fight falling through, there is still plenty of reason to be excited about UFC Vegas 17. The main thing is that the card is absolutely stacked and the new main event is a good one.

Wonderboy will be making the walk for the first time since he dominated Vicente Luque last November. Thompson is looking to get back to another UFC title shot and if he’s able to win on December 19th he will be one step closer.

Wonderboy will enter the cage currently ranked fifth in the welterweight division. Standing across from him is one of the brightest prospects in the entire UFC. Geoff Neal is a nightmare who lives up to his nickname, “Handz of Steel.”

Neal first came onto the scene on Dana White’s Contender Series back in 2017. Since then he’s fought five times in the UFC and he’s unbeaten. He’s finished four of those fights including wins over Mike Perry, Niko Price, and Belal Muhammad.

This is a big step up in competition for Neal, but if he’s able to win, he’s not far from a UFC title shot. I’ve been excited to see Neal get back into the cage and this is the perfect opponent. December 19th should still be an insane night for fight fans.

BREAKING: UFC headliner between Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev is off

by
Leon Edwards

Right now, COVID-19 is having it’s way with the UFC and now it’s struck down one of the more anticipated matchups of the winter. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani is reporting that Leon Edwards has tested positive for COVID-19 and the December 19th fight is off.

Edwards was scheduled to face rising star, Khamzat Chimaev. The fight was supposed to be a real test for Chimaev to see where he’s at in his development. The fight was also the first UFC action of 2020 for Leon Edwards.

According to Helwani, the UFC is looking to rebook the matchup for early next year. However, this is now the third UFC main event that’s been altered by COVID-19 just in the last week.

Last weekend’s main event was supposed to be Curtis Blaydes – Derrick Lewis. However, Blaydes tested positive and the fight was called off. This weekend’s main event was supposed to be Jack Hermansson – Kevin Holland.

However, Holland tested positive and Marvin Vettori stepped in for the main event. Now, the most anticipated matchup of all has been cancelled with the Chimaev – Edwards matchup being called off.

UFC’s December 19th Card

Fortunately for the UFC, the card on December 19th is absolutely stacked. Fighters on the card include: Stephen Thompson, Geoff Neal, Jose Aldo, Chito Vera, Marlon Moraes, and Rob Font.

The card is still good enough to go on as is, but this is still a big blow to fight fans. You have to feel bad for Leon Edwards. Edwards has been impacted more by COVID in terms of his UFC career than perhaps anyone else.

His fight with Tyron Woodley back in March was cancelled due to COVID. Then he wasn’t able to accept a title shot at UFC 251 because England was closed down and now he tested positive for COVID which will cancel his UFC main event.

As mentioned above, the promotion will look to keep this fight together. However, there’s no telling on when the fight will be booked as of now.