UFC Welterweight

UFC working on two fights for Khamzat Chimaev including Demian Maia

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The biggest breakout star from the UFC‘s first run on Fight Island was Khamzat Chimaev (8-0). Chimaev fought twice in ten days and completely dominated both opponents. Chimaev scored finishes in both of those fights.

Once the UFC returned to the US, Chimaev let it be known that he wanted to fight again as quickly possible. However, visa issues have caused Chimaev to sit on the sidelines. Those issues have been resolved, and according to Dana White, the UFC has two fights in the works for Chimaev.

“I think he (Chimaev) gets here Sunday or Monday. He’ll fight here and he’ll fight on Fight Island,” White said during a media scrum. When asked about potential opponents, White said, “We’re still working on a fight for him here, but we’re talking about him and Demian Maia on Fight Island.”

Building the UFC’s Next Star

This is probably the first time I’ve ever heard the UFC and Dana White planning out a contender’s future opponent without announcing his next opponent. Chimaev has become a sensation since his fights in July. Still, I’m a little shocked that White discussed the Maia fight on Fight Island. Especially considering he didn’t say who Chimaev is going to fight on September 19th.

Based on the UFC‘s assumption that he will get through the September 19th fight, I wouldn’t expect someone of significance in that matchup. It’s clear that the UFC is booking Chimaev’s next fight as a showcase fight to setup the Maia fight.

Demian Maia (28-10) would be a big step up for Chimaev. Maia is arguably the best jiu jitsu practitioner in the UFC. He’s challenged for the title a couple of times and he’s currently ranked seventh in the welterweight division.

If Chimaev smashes his next opponent then smashes Maia on Fight Island, he realistically is only going to be one or two wins away from a UFC title shot. It looks like the promotion is putting Chimaev on the fast track.

UFC: Kamaru Usman – Gilbert Burns title fight set (Report)

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The UFC is close to finalizing the main event for their December PPV. Per TMZ Sports, the welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman (17-1), will be defending his title against Gilbert Burns (19-3) on December 12th.

These two men were originally supposed to square off back at UFC 251. However, Burns was diagnosed with COVID-19 and had to pull out of the fight a week out. Jorge Masvidal stepped in on short notice to fight Usman.

Welterweight title on the line at UFC 256

This is the matchup that fight fans really want to see. I think most people would agree that Usman and Burns are the two best welterweights in the UFC right now. Burns has had an incredible 2020 that has catapulted him to the top UFC contender spot.

First, Burns starched Demian Maia, then he completely dominated former champion Tyron Woodley over five rounds. Burns has shown great striking with speed and power, and we know he’s world class on the ground.

Outside of Colby Covington and the first round against Jorge Masvidal, Kamaru Usman has really had no troubles in the UFC. The welterweight champion has walked through pretty much everyone on his way to the title. His smother style and pace is extremely difficult to deal with.

This matchup at UFC 256 is intriguing on a number of levels. Burns has the striking advantage while Usman will clearly have the wrestling advantage. However, Burns’ elite jiu jitsu skills might make Usman think twice about taking him down. This will be a fantastic title fight to cap off a unique 2020.

UFC: Colby Covington – Tyron Woodley to headline Fight Night in September

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UFC, Colby Covington

One of the biggest grudge matches the UFC could have put on is finally becoming a reality. According the ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington (15-2), will be taking on former welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley (19-5-1).

The fight is expected to headline a fight night in September. The date is not finalized yet, but the fight has been agreed to. The fight’s date is pending based on where the UFC decides to host UFC 253.

The UFC was trying to book this fight for August, but Woodley was not ready to take the fight. He wanted the fight, but he wanted it to be in September or October. Covington took to Instagram to voice his frustrations.

Former UFC’s champions clash

This is a fight that has been years in the making. Covington was originally supposed to get the title shot that Kamaru Usman got back at UFC 235. Covington was supposed to fight Woodley before then, but a nose surgery forced him to wait.

After Usman dominated Rafael Dos Anjos, the UFC moved forward giving Usman the title shot. Of course, Usman went on to defeat Woodley to become champion. Usman also went on to defeat Covington last year.

We haven’t seen Covington since his loss to Usman in December. The fight was an instant classic that was very close. I personally had the fight 2-2 going into the fifth round. Usman of course went on to finish Covington in that final round.

The fight proved that Usman was the best in the world, but it also proved that Covington was 1B to his 1A. Covington’s stock really didn’t take a hit even in the loss. A guy who’s stock has taken a massive hit is the former champion, Woodley.

Woodley has not only lost two fights in a row, but he’s been shut out in both fights. Both fights going to the scorecards and not one judge gave one round to Woodley. Woodley has looked completely lost in his last couple of UFC fights.

This fight is big for both men as they try to get back to the UFC title. If Covington wins, he might be next in line, and Woodley might permanently hang up his gloves. If Woodley wins, he might be looking at renewed confidence which can help him get back to title contention.

This is going to be a fun fight, and the build up is going to be something else. Who do you have taking it when Covington and Woodley finally fight?

 

UFC struggling to book Covington – Woodley

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UFC, Colby Covington

One of the bigger potential grudge matches in the UFC would be Colby Covington (15-2) and Tyron Woodley (19-5-1). Per ESPN‘s Ariel Hewlani, the UFC was trying to book the fight for August which was confirmed by a Covington Instagram post.

Will the UFC make it happen?

As you can see from the post above, Covington and Woodley were offered to headline a UFC fight night on August 22nd.

Covington stated that Woodley was the one who would not agree to that date which was later confirmed by Woodley himself. T-Wood clarified his stance with Ariel Helwani.

“”My answer to whether I would fight Colby is eternally yes. . . At 96 years old in a nursing home it’s yes! He said no six times and now creates a date that works for him? F— out of here,” Woodley said in a text to Helwani.

Both men have a lot of heat between the two of them and both men are former UFC champions. Woodley is coming off back to back losses while Covington is coming off of the loss to Kamaru Usman.

I’m a little surprised that the UFC is going with Covington/Woodley as opposed to having Jorge Masvidal fight Covington. That fight to me makes more sense than this one.

Woodley has looked like a shell of himself in his last two fights, and I don’t see him fairing well against Covington. I think Covington’s pace and pressure would be way too much for Woodley to handle at this stage.

Looks like the UFC will try again to book this fight in September or October. It will definitely be a main event whenever it does/if it does get booked.

UFC: Dana White on Conor McGregor: “He’s got a few fights left”

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Conor McGregor, UFC

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have heard that the UFC‘s biggest star, Conor McGregor (22-4), retired just over a month ago. Most, if not all, people believe that this will be another short-term retirement for the former two division champion. UFC President Dana White appeared on The Herd with Colin Cowherd where he was simply asked if McGregor will fight again.

“What’s going on with Conor McGregor is what goes on with all professional fighters when they become extremely wealthy…he gets to pick and choose what he wants to do. He’s got a few fights left, I wouldn’t be surprised if he came out and wanted to fight somebody next year after all these fights play out,” White told Cowherd.

Does the UFC need Conor McGregor?

Let’s be clear about something, the UFC has never needed Conor McGregor. Yes, McGregor is the biggest star the sports history by a long shot. However, the UFC was successful before McGregor, and they will be successful after McGregor is officially retired.

On the other hand, the UFC really wants McGregor to fight a few more times. He generates more money than the next two biggest draws combined. He transcends the standard MMA fan and his reach stretches around the globe. That’s how big of a star the Irishman is in the UFC.

Conor McGregor hasn’t stopped training since he announced that he was retired. He’s constantly staying sharp in the gym. If you see Jorge Masvidal win this weekend at UFC 251, I wouldn’t be shocked if you see McGregor make a play to fight Masvidal for the welterweight title. Imagine McGregor coming back to become the first fighter in UFC history to hold a belt in three weight classes.

I think in the next couple of months you’re going to see momentum towards another Conor McGregor fight. There is no way that he’s done fighting. I think there are a couple of more things he wants to accomplish before he hangs it up for good.

UFC: Colby Covington tells Dana White he’ll “Take care of Street Judas Masvidal”

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UFC, Colby Covington

Former UFC interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington (15-2), isn’t shy about calling out anyone in the UFC. Covington has made a name for himself over the last few years as someone who talks a lot of trash, but he goes in and backs it up. Covington was recently interviewed by BJPenn.com and he was very open about calling out another top welterweight.

“I know Dana’s having a dispute with ‘Street Judas’ Masvidal right now… Hey Dana, you know who to call. Call me, bro. I’ll finish ‘Street Judas’ off. I’ll send that dude to the morgue, he won’t ever fight again. He’s got the BMF title but that’s not even a real title, it’s a participation trophy. He’s really got the SMF title right now. The saddest motherfcker, or the scaredest motherfcker. It wasn’t a money issue, it was a scared issue.”

The trouble between Masvidal and the UFC

It’s been no secret that the UFC has been having trouble with the BMF, Jorge Masvidal (35-13). Masvidal was originally slated to fight Kamaru Usman for the UFC welterweight title next week, but he’s been in a public dispute with the company regarding revenue sharing. Gilbert Burns was able to get the title shot due to the failed negotiations.

Now, Masvidal is sitting on the sidelines with no opponent. Recently, I wrote about a few possible fights for Masvidal as he sits on the sidelines. The fight that makes the most sense for the division is Covington. The two men were once as close as brothers, but they have turned bitter rivals. Both taking every chance they get to throw shade at the other.

The Perfect Matchup

After Covington lost his title fight to Usman in December, he has yet to find an opponent. Masvidal is looking to fight someone who will generate a nice payday for him. This sets up perfectly for the two of them. Masvidal/Covington would be a big fight that the UFC could make for later in the summer. If the fight were to take place, it would setup the winner to fight the winner of the July title fight between Usman and Burns.

The more personal a fight is, the more it sells. Masvidal has developed into a star over the last year, and you know that Covington knows how to sell a fight. Not sure if the fight will actually come together, but it would solve a lot of problems that are currently going on in that division. I believe the UFC is going to figure everything out, but this would be a great place to start.

UFC: Gilbert Burns looking to cement his fighter of the year status on July 11th

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Entering 2020, not a lot of people were thinking about Gilbert Burns (19-3) as a top contender in the UFC‘s welterweight division. Sure, Burns had won four fights in a row, but his best win came against Gunnar Nelson at UFC Fight Night 160. While that’s a quality win, nobody was putting him on that elite level. Burns got his first shot to prove his eliteness back in March against Demian Maia (28-10).

Gilbert Burns UFC Ascension

Burns responded by knocking out Maia in the first round. It was clear that Burns was ready for the next step. Burns was calling out top competition after his win, and the UFC gave him what he asked for. Burns was slated to fight former champion, Tyron Woodley (19-5-1), in May. Many people (including myself) thought a motivated Woodley would win the fight. However, from the opening minute, it became very evident that those pundits were wrong.

Burns ran through Woodley as if the former UFC champion didn’t even belong in the cage with Burns. “Durinho” has completely taken off in 2020. Burns is elite on the ground, and he’s become incredibly dangerous on his feet with a fantastic combination of speed and power. Following the win, Burns called out his now former teammate and current UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman (16-1). Usman was initially scheduled to fight Jorge Masvidal, but contract disputes nixed that fight. Burns got the shot at UFC 251 instead.

2020 Male Fighter of the Year (So Far)

In the span of four months, Burns has the opportunity to go from being a top ten welterweight to being the best in the world. The run that Burns is on is truly remarkable. Now, winning the UFC title is not going to be easy. Usman is extremely well-rounded himself with a very strong wrestling game. It’ll be interesting to see the grappling exchanges with a top level wrestler and a top level jiu jitsu practitioner.

ESPN released their mid-year awards and named Burns the Co-Fighter of the Year along with lightweight Justin Gaethje. No disrespect to Gaethje, but this award belongs to Burns. Two incredibly dominant wins, and now he has the chance to win the title in July. If Burns can beat Kamaru Usman next week, he could step away until January and still win 2020 male fighter of the year in the UFC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WITvWTmUYxc

UFC: Former welterweight champ, Tyron Woodley, hungry to fight two more times in 2020

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UFC, Tyrone Woodley

Just two years ago, Tyron Woodley (19-5-1) was looked as one of the best fighters in the UFC. Woodley had knocked out Robbie Lawler to win the welterweight title, then he successfully defended the title three times. With his skillset, it was hard to imagine him losing the welterweight title. Fast-forward and Woodley finds himself on a two-fight losing streak. At 38-years-old, Woodley still remains hungry and took to Instagram Live to say as much recently.

“I want to fight two more times this year,” (via MMA Junkie). “So we are right now in June. I feel like if I can get one on the books sometime in the near future then it still leaves me with November or December to fight again.”

What does the UFC do?

Woodley would also go on to say that he’s not in a position to call anyone out. Woodley is coming off back-to-back shutout losses. Kamaru Usman dominated him for five rounds taking away his UFC welterweight title, then Gilbert Burns dismantled him back in May. In both fights, Woodley just looked very hesitant to pull the trigger. He did not look like the same Tyron Woodley that we have seen in the past.

Robbie Lawler

So the question becomes, what does the UFC do with Woodley? To me, I think there’s a few matchups that would make sense for Woodley at this stage of his career. I think if you paired Woodley up with Robbie Lawler (28-14, 1 NC) it would make sense. Both men are on multiple fight losing streaks. They were already supposed to rematch a year ago, but injuries forced Woodley out of the fight.

Stephen Thompson

Another fight that could make sense is a third fight with Stephen Thompson (15-4-1). Both of their first two UFC title fights were razor close. They are right next to each other in the rankings so it would make perfect sense from that standpoint. Probably not the sexiest matchup considering the way the first two fights went, but it’s definitely a possibility.

Colby Covington

Then of course you have the potential matchup with Colby Covington (15-2). While there is a lot of heat behind this matchup, I’m not sure the UFC would give Woodley this fight after back-to-back losses, but it’s the biggest potential fight there is. There is a ton of heat between the two men, and both are looking to get back to the UFC welterweight title. This has to be the fight that Woodley wants.

Time will tell what Dana White and the UFC decide to do with Tyron Woodley. He’s still considered to be one of the better welterweights in the world, but many are doubting his eliteness at this stage of his career. I would guess that we will probably see him back in August, perhaps on the card headlined by Cormier/Miocic 3.

UFC Welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, changes camps ahead of UFC 251

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One of the more interesting storylines going into UFC 251 was the fact that champion, Kamaru Usman (16-1), and challenger, Gilbert Burns (19-3), both were training partners. The two men have trained together for a while under Henri Hooft at Hard Knocks 365. Well, just weeks before the two teammates square off, Usman has decided to leave the camp, and the state of Florida.

Per ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, the UFC welterweight champion will be moving his camp to Denver. He’s going to be training under Trevor Wittman who is the lead trainer for Justin Gaethje and Rose Namajunas. Namajunas is also fighting on the July 11th card. Wittman is notorious for only working with a few fighters. He likes to give all of his attention to his select fighters. Justin Gaethje might be in the corner for Usman’s title defense against Burns.

The UFC welterweight champ could get even better

“But I wanted a little more specific attention at this point in my career — someone to be able to say, ‘You’re going to come in at this time and work on this particular skill.’ It’s very tough to do that when there are 40 to 50 guys in the room with you who also need to get attention,” Usman said to Okamoto. Again, Wittman is very focused on his particular fighters, and this move will likely benefit the champion. Plus, it doesn’t hurt having a training partner like the great Justin Gaethje.

I cannot wait for the UFC welterweight title fight on July 11th. I’m very curious to see how Usman looks in his first camp outside of Florida. We know that Usman is already elite, but working with a coach like Trevor Wittman could take him to the next level. It’s going to be a fun month culminating in a big-time fight at UFC 251.