UFC 254

Khabib Nurmagomedov dominates Justin Gaethje at UFC 254

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The main event of UFC 254 was arguably the most anticipated fight of 2020. The undisputed and undefeated lightweight king, Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0), was set to defend his title against the interim champion, Justin Gaethje (22-2).

Nobody has been able to solve the puzzle that is Khabib Nurmagomedov. His dominance in the UFC is something that’s virtually unheard of. However, Justin Gaethje was looked at as the most dangerous challenger given his style.

As the UFC 254 main event got underway, Gaethje opened up with a leg kick. Both men looked very tentative in the first minute of the fight. A leg kick got the action going in the second minute. Both fighters exchanged good right hands but neither did serious damage.

Khabib appeared to be trying to time the takedown early on. Khabib really started to pressure halfway through the first round. However, Gaethje was going a good job of landing good shots. A big knee from Khabib caught Gaethje’s attention.

Khabib’s pressure appeared to be tiring Gaethje a little in the first. However, Gaethje landed a couple of really clean shots. Khabib shoots in for his first big takedown attempt and lands it just before the first round ends. Good opening round for the UFC champion.

As the second round opened, Khabib went right back to the pressure. Gaethje landed a good left hook to start the striking. However, Khabib walked right through it. Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown and he’s able to land it.

Khabib immediately starts to look to set up a triangle choke on Gaethje. He locks it in and it’s tight. Gaethje taps, but the referee doesn’t see it. Khabib puts Gaethje to sleep and the UFC lightweight king remains unbeaten.

What’s next after UFC 254

The most dangerous challenger in the UFC for Khabib Nurmagomedov was supposed to be Justin Gaethje. However, Khabib completely walked through Gaethje just like he’s walked through all 28 of his previous opponents.

For Khabib, there’s not much left to prove in the lightweight division. I think that the UFC should really try to book the GSP fight because there’s not a ton left for Khabib to prove in the lightweight division.

However, Nurmagomedov announced in the post-fight interview that he was walking away from the sport. With nothing left to prove, he was ready to walk away from the sport at a perfect 29-0.

For Justin Gaethje, this is a pretty disappointing performance, but there’s no shame in him losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov. This will not be the last time that Justin Gaethje fights for the UFC lightweight championship.

Robert Whittaker defeats Jared Cannonier at UFC 254

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In the co-main event of UFC 254, there was a contest between the top two contenders in the middleweight division. Former world champion, Robert Whittaker (21-5), took on Jared Cannonier (13-4). Both were looking to establish themselves as the top contender.

Cannonier was a focus heading into this one after UFC champion, Israel Adesanya, called him out. If Cannonier was to defeat Whittaker, he would get the next shot. Bobby Knuckles was looking for his second straight victory after dropping the title to Adesanya at UFC 243.

Fight Recap

As the co-main event of UFC 254 got underway, Cannonier opened with a massive leg kick. Cannonier looked extremely composed and patient to start. Whittaker was light on his feet looking for his openings. Cannonier dropped Whittaker with a leg kick in the opening minute.

Whittaker kept looking for shots up top, but nothing was landing. Cannonier continued to smash leg kicks as the first continued. Whittaker stung Cannonier with a straight right and really started to find his rhythm as the first round continued.

Whittaker’s speed was really bothering Cannonier as the first round ended. The former UFC champion opened the second round with a couple of crisp counters. Cannonier seemed to be a step behind Whittaker in the second round.

Cannonier started throwing leg kicks again, however, Whittaker was still doing good work up top. Both men were doing damage, but they had very different strategies. Damage was being added to Cannonier’s head while Whittaker’s legs were getting beat up.

Whittaker shot in for a takedown and briefly landed in with a minute left. Cannonier got right back up and started picking up the pace in the final minute. However, Whittaker was able to land a clean 1-2 just before the round came to a close.

The former UFC champ was bouncing looking for the 1-2 to open the final round. A stiff jab from Whittaker opened the striking. Bobby Knuckles landed a massive kick that sent Cannonier spinning. Whittaker followed up looking for the finish.

Cannonier defended well, but Whittaker landed in half guard. Whittaker was able to work his way to the mount position halfway through the round. Cannonier was able to scramble, but Whittaker was able to get his back.

Cannonier was able to fight his way back up to his feet. He looked very hurt when the two men separated. Whittaker continued to hurt Cannonier with jabs, however, Cannonier hurt Whittaker bad in the final minute. Whittaker was able to fight off Cannonier as the fight ended.

Results and next steps after UFC 254

After an entertaining co-main event at UFC 254, the judges gave the fight unanimously to Robert Whittaker (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). Outside of getting hurt in the final minute of the fight, it was a brilliant performance from the former champion.

Darren Till and Cannonier were being built up as popular contenders in the UFC‘s middleweight division. Adesanya voiced interest in fighting both, however, Whittaker defeated both of them in 2020. I know Adesanya defeated him last year, but Whittaker deserves another shot.

For Cannonier, he’s not done in the middleweight division. However, tonight showed some areas that he still needs to improve. He was just a step behind most of the night and that allowed Whittaker to pull away and ultimately get the decision victory.

Alexander Volkov stops Walt Harris at UFC 254

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Alexander Volkov, UFC

One of the more anticipated matchups on the UFC 254 main card was the heavyweight contest between Alexander Volkov (31-8) and Walt Harris (13-8, 1 NC). Both men were looking to get back on track after losses in their last fight.

Both of these UFC heavyweight contenders were just on the cusp of title contention over the past couple of years. However, speedbumps have derailed both of them. A win for either man at UFC 254 would put them right back into the mix at heavyweight.

As the fight got underway, Volkov immediately came out looking to pressure Harris. Harris was trying to use his speed and quickness, however, he was a bit out of range early. Volkov landed a couple of really stiff combinations in the first couple of minutes.

The range was really bothering Walt Harris in the first round. A stinging left hand seemed to wobble Harris in the first. Another thing that was really bothering Harris early on was the pressure. Volkov nearly finished Harris in the first with a big flurry. Dominant first round for Volkov.

As the second round began, Harris seemed like he would be interested in taking the fight to the ground. However, Volkov was able to keep the fight standing. Volkov was landing over 50% of his significant strikes early on.

Out of no where, a big front body kick hurts Harris badly. Volkov follows up with a couple of big shots and the ref stops the action. A massive victory at UFC 254 for Alexander Volkov.

What’s next after UFC 254

A couple of years ago, Alexander Volkov was seconds away from that UFC title shot. Now, he appears to only be another win or two away from being back in that discussion. Volkov looked tremendous tonight on his way to the second round TKO.

After this victory, there are two logical opponents for Alexander Volkov. He could take on Alistair Overeem or Jairzinho Rozenstruik who are both ahead of him in the UFC rankings. Or another option would be the loser of the Curtis Blaydes – Derrick Lewis fight in November.

Those two men were the last to defeat Volkov in the UFC. For Harris, this is a tough loss. He was seconds away from stopping Overeem earlier this year which would have been his third straight knockout win. Now he’s lost three straight in the UFC.

UFC 254 Preview: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje

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The UFC 254 main even is arguably the most anticipated fight of 2020. Undefeated lightweight king, Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0), will defend his crown against the interim champion, Justin Gaethje (22-2).

This fight is trending to be one of the biggest UFC fights of all time. Khabib Nurmagomedov has become a global superstar since becoming champion. The dominant Russian is a rare fighter who’s level of domination is unheard of.

Nurmagomedov is so special because he tells his UFC opponents exactly what he’s going to do, however, they still can’t stop it. Khabib has ragdolled opponents like Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, Edson Barboza, Rafael Dos Anjos, and more on his run of dominance.

This year has been a tough year for Nurmagomedov. The UFC‘s lightweight champion lost his father who was also his lead trainer. This fight sees Nurmagomedov with a new motivation to finish the journey that he started with his father years ago.

2020 couldn’t have gone better for Justin Gaethje in terms of his fighting career. After the pandemic scrapped the Nurmagomedov – Tony Ferguson fight, the UFC called on Justin Gaethje. He went on to defeat Ferguson at UFC 249 to capture the interim title.

The Justin Gaethje that fought that night looked like the best lightweight in the world. His precision power striking along with his ability to stay composed was remarkable. Gaethje also has an All-American wrestling pedigree in his back pocket when he needs it.

UFC 254 Prediction

The classic saying is that styles make fights. Stylistically, Justin Gaethje is the toughest opponent for Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC. Gaethje has incredibly good and powerful leg kicks which can zap anyone’s base very quickly.

In addition to that, he hands are very fast and powerful. It only takes one clean shot to hurt you with Justin Gaethje. On top of that, he’s an All-American wrestler who might be able to hold his own against the dominant UFC lightweight champion.

If Justin Gaethje can keep the fight standing the majority of the time, he’s going to win tomorrow afternoon. However, that would mean Gaethje would pull off something that nobody has been able to do in 28 fights.

Gaethje absolutely has the skills to get it done tomorrow. However, I find it hard to bet against Nurmagomedov. I think Gaethje is going to find some success early, but eventually, Khabib will be able to do what he does best as well.

When all is said and done tomorrow, I think later in the fight, Nurmagomedov will get it done. I think it will end the same way the last two fights with Nurmagomedov have ended. A takedown against the fence leading to a rear naked choke finish.

Prediction: Khabib Nurmagomedov by Submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 4

UFC 254 Preview: Robert Whittaker vs Jared Cannonier

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The co-main event of UFC 254 features a fantastic matchup in the middleweight division. Former champion, Robert Whittaker (21-5), will be taking on the Killa Gorilla, Jared Cannonier (13-4), for the top contender spot in the UFC‘s middleweight division.

For Whittaker, it’s a pretty quick turn around from his last fight back at UFC Fight Island 3. That night saw Whittaker take on and defeat Darren Till by unanimous decision. It was Whittaker’s first fight since losing the UFC middleweight title.

Bobby Knuckles entered the UFC in the welterweight division, however, his career took off when he moved to middleweight. Whittaker started his middleweight run 9-0 with wins over guys like Yoel Romero, Jacare Souza, Derek Brunson, and Uriah Hall.

He became the first UFC champion from Australia. However, Whittaker felt himself getting burned out. Then last year at UFC 243, Israel Adesanya knocked Whittaker out. Since then, Whittaker has rededicated himself to the sport and he’s trying to get his belt back.

Jared Cannonier is competing in his third weight class inside the UFC. He entered the promotion as a heavyweight. Then he transitioned to light heavyweight before ultimately moving down to middleweight which is his best weight class.

Since moving to middleweight, Cannonier is 3-0 with three stoppages. He’s finished Jack Hermansson, Anderson Silva, and David Branch since dropping down. He’s a terrifying force for the middleweight division and carries a ton of power.

UFC 254 Prediction

Tomorrow’s co-main event is going to be so much fun to watch. It’s going to be extremely entertaining, and I’m very torn on who I see winning at UFC 254. I think if you look at their skillsets overall, I lean towards Bobby Knuckles.

Whittaker’s game overall is fantastic, but his striking is where he shines. However, his chin really does scare me in this contest. Whittaker has been dropped in all four of his last UFC contests. That is something that cannot be ignored especially in this fight.

Cannonier had knockout power at heavyweight. It’s safe to say that he’s brought that knockout power with him down to the UFC‘s middleweight division. I think Whittaker makes sense on paper, but I have a feeling Cannonier is going to land something big tomorrow afternoon.

Prediction: Jared Cannonier by TKO – Round 2

UFC 254 Preview: Alexander Volkov vs Walt Harris

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Alexander Volkov, UFC

There’s a solid heavyweight contest that takes place on the main card of tomorrow’s UFC 254 PPV. That contest is between Alexander Volkov (31-8) and Walt Harris (13-8, 1 NC). Both men are looking to bounce back after losses in their last contests.

Volkov was literally seconds away from a potential UFC heavyweight title shot back in 2018. However, a big right hand from Derrick Lewis changed everything. Back at UFC 229, Volkov was knocked out in the final fifteen seconds of that fight.

Had Volkov won that contest, he probably would have received a title shot. Volkov bounced back against Greg Hardy, but back in June, he was defeated by the heavy wrestling attack of Curtis Blaydes. However, this fight should play to Volkov’s strength which is his striking.

Back in May at UFC on ESPN 8, Walt Harris appeared to be seconds away from getting his third straight first round stoppage. Harris had dropped and badly hurt Alistair Overeem, however, Harris couldn’t quite close the show.

After he couldn’t finish the fight, a tired Harris would get stopped in the second round. Prior to that loss, Harris had knocked out Alexey Oleynik and Sergey Spivak in a combined 62 seconds to vault him into being a top contender.

UFC 254 Prediction

In analyzing this fight, it’s going to come down to the stand up. Harris came out this week and said that he believes he has the best striking in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Volkov laughed at this statement when he heard it.

I will say, Harris has some of the best power in the UFC‘s heavyweight division, however, I can’t say he has the best striking. He absolutely possesses the power to end the fight tomorrow afternoon and that has to count for something.

For Volkov, he’s got to keep this fight on the outside and he needs to get past the first round. If he can do those things, I think he could be well on his way to earning a decision victory at UFC 254. However, that first round is going to be tough.

As we’ve seen, Harris is going to come out very strong. I wouldn’t even be shocked if her hurt Volkov in the opening round. However, if it goes into the second round, Volkov has the advantage to me, and I think this one will ultimately go to the scorecards.

Prediction: Alexander Volkov by Unanimous Decision

Khabib Nurmagomedov leaves no secrets about his UFC 254 game plan

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One of the most special things about Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) is his honesty. The UFC lightweight champion never leaves it a secret as to what he’s going to do when he steps into the octagon. This Saturday night is no different.

Nurmagomedov will step into the cage at UFC 254 across from interim champion, Justin Gaethje (22-2). Stylistically, Gaethje might be the toughest test Khabib has ever faced inside of the octagon. Bringing incredible striking power with a wrestling background.

The Highlight was an All-American wrestler in college. However, his striking has become so lethal that he leans on that when he fights. Still, he has that wrestling pedigree in his back pocket whenever he needs it. That’s what makes this fight so intriguing.

However, Nurmagomedov is not changing things up when it comes to this fight. Khabib plans on doing the same thing that he’s done to all 28 of his opponents. He plans on dragging Gaethje to the ground and controlling him just like he’s controlled everyone else.

UFC’s most unstoppable force?

“I know he(Gaethje) knows how to wrestle. But what about wrestling for 25 minutes? If I try to take him down once and he defends, I’m going to go all night. This is a big difference in US wrestling and Dagestan wrestling,” Nurmagomedov told reporters yesterday at the pre-fight press conference.

The UFC lightweight champion is brutally honest. He tells his opponents he’s going to try to take them down all night, yet nobody has been able to stop it. Conor McGregor couldn’t stop it, Dustin Poirier couldn’t stop it, and I could keep going on.

The UFC‘s interim lightweight champion, Gaethje, is the one guy in the division who might be able to stop it. The early rounds are going to be crucial for Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. He needs to inflict as much damage as he can early on in the fight.

He’s going to defend some takedowns on Saturday. However, I would bet my life savings that at some point, Nurmagomedov is going to land a takedown. That is where the real battle begins. Will Gaethje be able to get up, or will he succumb like the 28 men who have tried before him.

Tony Ferguson is becoming fed up with the UFC

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Tony Ferguson, UFC

One of the best lightweights in the world is not very happy with the UFC. That lightweight would be former interim champion Tony Ferguson. El Cucuy hasn’t fought since May when he lost an interim title fight to Justin Gaethje.

Ferguson was originally supposed to face UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, that night, but due to travel restrictions, the fight was cancelled. Ferguson took the fight against Gaethje and was stopped in the fifth round.

Since then, we have not seen Ferguson in action. However, the UFC has tried to make fights for Ferguson. The promotion was trying to book Ferguson opposite Dustin Poirier as the co-main event for this weekend’s UFC 254 card.

However, due to financial negotiations, the fight never came to fruition. Following that, the UFC offered Ferguson a fight against Michael Chandler, however, Ferguson was not interested in fighting Chandler because he viewed it as a step back.

Now, Ferguson appears to be the odd man out at lightweight. The UFC seems to be closing in on booking the rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. Ferguson’s logical opponent is Michael Chandler, but again, Ferguson doesn’t want that fight. He’s becoming increasingly frustrated with the promotion.

El Cucuy vs the UFC

“Chandler? Think about this: How many times are you going to put another f–king person in the f–king shuffle of cards? Dana keeps shuffling me down the list. What? Because I’m f–king Mexican? What’d I do to you? Why do you treat me like s–t,” Ferguson told MMA Junkie.

Ferguson went onto talk about how he feels that the UFC should pay him more given his history with the promotion. Ferguson has been with the UFC since 2011 when he won the Ultimate Fighter. He’s been one of the best lightweights in the world since that time.

Despite losing in his last fight at UFC 249, Ferguson wants his money to be raised for his next fight. If he doesn’t see the numbers climb, it appears that he’s willing to sit out. We’ve seen this several times this year with Jon Jones and Jorge Masvidal. 

However, it’s very rare that these kind of situations ever favor the fighter. The UFC is booming right now and if Ferguson doesn’t want to fight, White and the UFC won’t cave. They could find another fight for Michael Chandler like Dan Hooker. 

At the end of the day, I think it’s best for all parties for this situation to be resolved. There has to be a middle ground somewhere that will make both sides happy. I think all fans would be happy to see Ferguson fighting again sooner rather than later.

Ahead of UFC 254, Walt Harris believes he’s the best striker in the heavyweight division

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There might not be a heavyweight in the UFC that you would want to root for more than the Big Ticket, Walt Harris (13-8, 1 NC). Harris has been through more over the last 12 months than anyone should ever have to go through.

Just about a year ago, Harris’ step-daughter, Aniah Blanchard, was murdered. This completely turned the world upside down for the top UFC heavyweight contender. Harris had two sensational knockouts in 2019 prior to the tragedy.

After the tragedy occurred, Harris had to step away for a few months understandably. Harris returned to the UFC back in May where he took on Alistair Overeem. However, you could tell that Harris was still carrying a lot of that emotional weight.

Harris stormed out of the gate dropping and nearly finishing Overeem in the first round. However, the veteran Overeem survived and went on to finish a tired Harris in the second round. However, it was a victory for Harris just getting back into the cage.

This Saturday night at UFC 254, Harris will make the walk for the second time since the tragedy. He has a lot of motivation and he seems to have his confidence back. Harris showed off that confidence this week.

UFC 254 heavyweight matchup

“My striking is way better than his (Alexander Volkov). I feel like I’m the best striker in the division in my personal opinion,” Harris told reporters this week at the UFC 254 media day. Harris takes on Alexander Volkov (31-8) this weekend on the main card of the PPV.

These comments were met with laugher from Volkov who has a prestigious striking pedigree. He firmly believes that he will be the best striker in the cage on Saturday night. The former Bellator heavyweight champion is looking to bounce back Saturday night.

Back in 2018, Volkov was perhaps only a victory away from a UFC title shot. However, Derrick Lewis knocked him out in the final fifteen seconds of their fight. Volkov was also defeated by Curtis Blaydes earlier this year at UFC on ESPN 11.

Both of these heavyweight contenders have something to prove on Saturday night. They will walk into UFC 254 trying to re-establish themselves as top contenders in the division. The winner will be right back into the conversation near the top of the division.

Justin Gaethje plans on causing massive damage at UFC 254

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This weekend, the UFC‘s undisputed lightweight championship is on the line. The champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0). will take on the interim champion, Justin Gaethje (22-2), to determine who is the best lightweight in the UFC.

All who have stepped into a UFC octagon across from Khabib Nurmagomedov has failed. The Russian superstar has ragdolled every opponent on his way to his perfect 28-0 record. Nobody has been able to solve the Nurmagomedov puzzle.

Justin Gaethje plans on being the man to solve that puzzle at UFC 254. Gaethje grew up in the sport of wrestling, but it’s been his exciting striking wars that have captivated fans. His brutal power and brawling style have played up to his nickname of the highlight.

Everything came together for Gaethje at UFC 249 when he fought Tony Ferguson. For the first time, Gaethje didn’t appear wild when he fought. He was composed and executed a game plan. In return, he picked apart Ferguson on his way to capturing the UFC‘s interim lightweight title.

He knows and understands that Khabib Nurmagomedov is a different animal. However, the one positive about fighting Nurmagomedov is that there is no secret to his game plan. Gaethje plans on keeping the fight standing and doing big damage on Saturday night.

UFC Fight for the Ages

“My athleticism is going to cause him serious issues. He’s not going to be able to do what he wants when he wants. He’s going to have to take chances. And when he’s on his feet I’m going to be causing massive damage to his legs, his body, and his face,” Gaethje told BT Sport.

I will say this, Gaethje is the biggest test in the UFC for Khabib. When it comes to the skillset that he brings, he does pose some problems for the UFC‘s lightweight champion. Gaethje does have the grappling and scrambling skills to keep the fight standing.

Leg kicks could be a massive factor in this fight. Gaethje possesses some of the most devastating leg kicks in the sport and he only needs to land a few to make an impact. Sure, leg kicks make him suceptible to the takedown, but again, if a few land they will cause damage.

The UFC‘s interim lightweight champion will definitely have the advantage on the feet. Gaethje’s striking has looked sensational in his last couple of outings. If Gaethje can keep the fight standing Saturday night, he very well could walk away the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.