Category: Hablemos MMA

Jorge Masvidal: Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA up to par in quality with PFL, Bellator

Jorge Masvidal feels Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA is now among the big dog promotions in MMA.

Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA has been putting on some of the biggest bouts outside the UFC in recent years, and its owner and creator [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] thinks the promotion is now up to par with the likes of PFL and Bellator.

Masvidal, the original BMF champion and UFC star, has been slowly transitioning into a promoter role as he winds down his fighting career. Through Gamebred Promotions, Masvidal has been putting on boxing, bareknuckle boxing, and primarily bareknuckle MMA with big names in the sport. Notable fighters such as Junior Dos Santos, Fabricio Werdum, Anthony Pettis, Alan Belcher, Roy Nelson, and others are just some of the names that have fought under his banner.

With several events and fights crossing the million views threshold on YouTube – where the fights stream – and having recognized names, Masvidal feels comfortable saying his promotion is now formidable competition in the MMA space.

“We get more numbers than Bellator and PFL on YouTube,” Masvidal told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “We get more views than them compared to their big show. I’m not trying to insult them or anything. I’m the only one that has this product, and I’m doing it at the highest level possible. There are other promotions that do bareknuckle, but their fighters records are not that impressive. They are novices. I’m getting a lot of fighters who are known and fought for the UFC, and other big promotions around the world. I get those people or fighters who are doing well and are on the come up with 5-0, 6-0 records. We get a lot of promising talent.

“So I think with our matchmaking, we’re up to par with all the other big shows. I don’t see a big difference between them and us. Now, the UFC is something else – everyone wants to fight for them. But after the UFC, as far as talent, I’m there with all the other organizations.”

Although the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA events are free on YouTube and feature recognized names in the MMA space, Masvidal says feels the appeal of the promotion goes beyond that. Unlike the rest of the major MMA promotions, he strongly believes the bareknuckle aspect has made his product must-watch TV.

“Brother, I’d say that bareknuckle MMA, if you just watch it one time, I don’t have to do nothing else,” Masvidal said. “That’s it. I just need to get people to watch an entire event one time, and you’re a client for life. You’re not missing a single show. When the fight hits the ground, the action continues because you can go for submissions much quicker, so there’s more action. There’s no time to be on your phone or anything, it keeps people hooked the entire time. Also, on the feet, without any gloves, you can land a shot that ends the fight at any time. There’s just more chances to finish the fight at any moment. I think anyone that watches becomes a fan for life.

“I see it from the first show we had, getting 100,00 views, then 200,000, and now we’re getting 3 or 4 million views a show. And it’s not like we’re having a former UFC fighter once and that’s it, we’re constantly getting UFC names on the card and getting good numbers.”

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Jorge Masvidal aims for Conor McGregor or Leon Edwards in UFC return fight

With a UFC comeback seemingly imminent, Jorge Masvidal shares his plans for 2025.

[autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] wants to make a big splash for his return to the UFC.

The original BMF champion, Masvidal plans to return next April at the UFC’s expected pay-per-view event in Miami, and he’s specifically targeting a couple of big names in star [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and former welterweight champion [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag].

Masvidal (35-17 MMA, 12-10 UFC) has history with both fighters, but ideally he’d like to face McGregor.

“I’d like for it to be Conor (McGregor) because I heard he also wants to fight on that same date,” Masvidal told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “He’s never mentioned my name because he knows I’ll rip his head off. However, if him and the UFC make that mistake, I’ll take his head off in Miami in April. But I don’t know if he wants it. He knows I’ll break him and make him look bad. I won’t take him down. I’ll strike with him and take him out of this orbit. He’s never mentioned my name, and it’s for a reason. …

“They’re saying he might want to do it, but I’m chilling. If he wants to do it, great, I’ll kill him. If not, Leon Edwards. He and I have history, and it’s time to settle it. He’s not booked, and neither am I. Let’s go, sign the contract, and I’ll break your face.”

McGregor vs. Masvidal: Big UFC business?

Masvidal promises a UFC return in the first half of 2025. It would be his first MMA fight after announcing his retirement from the sport in 2023. Masvidal did compete once in 2024 but in a boxing match against Nate Diaz – a fight he lost by majority decision.

“Gamebred” has been one of the biggest stars in MMA in recent years. Although interested in the fight against Edwards, he ideally would like to fight McGregor, as the two could put on a blockbuster event for the promotion.

“He knows I’m the best pay-per-view draw right behind him,” Masvidal said. “He’s No. 1, and then it’s me in terms of who’s sold the most pay-per-views in recent years. What would a fight between me and him do? That would break all records.

“He’s a b*tch. He’s a b*tch. Plus, he likes to snort cocaine all day. Let’s see if he wants to throw down with a true dog. Training is what I do. I’ll bust my ass to be in the best shape possible. That guy is a clown.”

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Roberto Romero reflects on gutsy UFC 309 debut loss vs. David Onama

Mexico’s Roberto Romero has been asking himself “what if” since losing his UFC debut against David Onama.

[autotag]Roberto Romero[/autotag] might’ve taken a loss Saturday at UFC 309, but many were still impressed with what they saw from the newcomer.

Romero debuted for the UFC against veteran [autotag]David Onama[/autotag] on the preliminary card of UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden. It was a fight he took the Tuesday before the event with basically no preparation, as he replaced Lucas Almeida.

Little chance was given to Romero (8-4-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) as Onama entered as a -1000 betting favorite. Yet, despite the odds, the Mexican fighter put it on Onama and nearly finished him in the first round.

“Believe me, that’s something I’ve analyzed a lot,” Romero told MMA Junkie in Spanish when asked about his decision take the back rather than finish a rocked Onama. “In fact, yesterday was the first day I was able to sleep since the fight because it ended on Saturday and all the adrenaline and mix of emotions just kept me thinking and going over things in my head. I gave it a lot of thought, and yeah, f*ck, if I would’ve kept hitting him, just taken a step back and kept hitting him. But the ‘what if’ doesn’t exist. …

“At the end of the day this is a learning experience, and yeah, analyzing it, maybe if I would’ve kept hitting him, maybe I would’ve picked up the finish. But yeah, you learn and keep moving forward.”

After a hot first start where he almost finished Onama, the veteran survived and went on to win the rest of the fight, but with stiff resistance from Romero.

Romero admits the defeat stung, and he was disappointed he couldn’t get his hand raised in the octagon. But after getting embraced by the fan base and his family, Romero can say he’s proud of what he was able to display that night in New York City.

“Honestly, I’m very happy,” Romero said. “I did go in there to win. I didn’t go in there with a mediocre mentality like, ‘Oh, let’s just see what happens.’ No, I went to win. I studied him as much as I could in the few days I had, and I tried to make the most of this opportunity. I was 100 percent focused, and I gave it my all in that cage. I went there to win, but unfortunately it didn’t happen. There’s just so much you can control and is not like Onama is a walk in the park. He’s a lion, who was coming in there to win as well. We both left it all in there.

“I admit I was a little sad and disappointed din myself because I’m a bit of a perfectionist, but after hearing mu coaches and seeing people’s messages, and from my family and wife, they all lifted me and I feel very thankful. It’s not the result I wanted, but I don’t think my performance was too bad.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 309.

UFC 309’s Veronica Hardy won’t stress over rankings or title contention, focused on improving

Despite being on a three-fight wining streak, Veronica Hardy doesn’t want to focus too much on UFC title contention.

Step by step, or in her case, fight by fight. That’s how [autotag]Veronica Hardy [/autotag] is approaching things now that she’s in the best moment of her  career.

Hardy rides a three-fight winning streak heading into her return to the octagon Saturday at UFC 309 from Madison Square Garden in New York. The Venezuelan women’s flyweight takes on Eduarda Moura in the opening bout of the card.

A potential four-fight winning streak is no joke in the women’s 125-pound division. Yet, Hardy (9-4-1 MMA, 4-4 UFC) doesn’t want to get too far ahead and start projecting herself into the rankings or the UFC title picture.

“I think if you look too ahead, the road just seems so long like, ‘Wow, I’m not even ranked,'” Hardy told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “So for me, I’m just taking it fight by fight and focused on improving.

“It’d be a waste to get to the title and not be ready because I needed something in my game. Imagine getting so far just to come up short. So for me, if I’m ready, then yes. Right now I just want to get tough fights, keep climbing up the rankings and keep improving as a martial artist.”

Hardy doesn’t think a win alone on Saturday will get her a spot in the official UFC rankings for her division. She thinks it can get her a future fight to compete for a spot, but given the right performance, maybe she can squeeze in the world’s best.

“I don’t think I will enter the rankings, but maybe I’ll get a fight to enter the rankings,” Hardy said. “I think the fighters in the rankings are all very skilled and have picked up big wins, so I don’t think me winning will get someone out. I also think it comes down to whether or not they like your fights because you might just need more to enter the rankings. So I think the performance itself is very important.”

Taking things back to her fight-by-fight approach, Hardy can’t wait to compete Saturday. She likes the matchup with Moura (10-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), but more importantly she’s fighting in a legendary arena.

“I’m so excited, so excited, especially because I asked for this fight so much,” Hardy said. “I asked for it last year to fight at this (MSG) event, and they said no. I was more persistent in asking for this one.

“I train here in New York, so it makes it more special. Going to training every day and seeing the arena right there, because it’s a giant monster, it’s something that’s helped me because it’s such an impactful city, and I feel right at home. I think it will help me a ton.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 309.

Brandon Moreno determined to reclaim UFC title, breaks down what could come next

Back in the win column after taking a break, Brandon Moreno is confident he has another UFC flyweight title reign in him.

There’s no denying how tough it is to win a UFC championship, but historically it might be even tougher to reclaim a UFC title after losing it.

[autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag], who held the UFC flyweight title just a year ago, is on a mission to regain what was once his after making his return earlier this month and dominating top contender Amir Albazi in the main event of UFC Fight Night 246. It was an impressive showing from Moreno (22-8-2 MMA, 10-5-2 UFC) that got his fans hopeful in his ability to compete at the championship level.

“The Assassin Baby” has set his sights again on UFC gold, and he’s confident he can once again rule the division.

“Right now I’m very focused on the title,” Moreno told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I seriously think that I can become champion again, especially after the showing that I had (against Albazi), so I’m going to stay on that path.”

Moreno lost the UFC flyweight title in July 2023, coming up short in a split decision against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290. He then dropped another split decision to Brandon Royval in February before announcing a break from MMA competition that lasted eight months.

The 30-year-old is happy to be back in the win column, but he knows there’s work to be done before he can realistically get a crack at the title.

“Being very honest with myself, I think that sporting wise, Royval is likely the one who most deserves the opportunity,” Moreno said of the title picture at flyweight. “I have no problem saying that at all. He’s done a very good job, and in his last fight against Tatsura (Taira), he looked very good. It was a great fight. There’s also Kai (Kara France), but he’s in a very weird position because I do think he can deserve it, he did have an incredible knockout against (Steve) Erceg, but I think my performance was very good, and Royval is right there, too. I think Kai has the most awkward position.

“So for me, I think I need to do one more fight. And as far as names, there’s Tatsuro Taira, Manel Kape is there, as well. I don’t know what’s going to happen with Kai Asakura – if he loses (to Pantoja at UFC 310), that can be an option. So I’m just going to be ready for whatever comes next. I’m just going to keep healthy and stay ready.”

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Diego Lopes down for a point-and-brawl invitation from Ilia Topuria: ‘I’m not afraid of anyone’

Diego Lopes has no problem accepting a point-and-brawl invitation from UFC champ Ilia Topuria.

Fans missed out on a middle-of-the-cage shootout between [autotag]Ilia Topuria[/autotag] and Max Holloway. However, [autotag]Diego Lopes[/autotag] promises that wouldn’t be the case if he were to get a crack at the champion.

Last month at UFC 308, Topuria pointed to the middle of the cage, inviting Holloway to brawl during their UFC featherweight championship fight in Abu Dhabi. Holloway, who’s made the point-and-brawl move notorious in the UFC, opted out from the exchange with the heavy-handed Topuria.

Unlike Holloway, Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) says that’s an invitation he’d welcome with mo problem.

“Definitely, definitely, definitely,” Lopes told MMA Junkie in Spanish when asked if he’d throw down with Topuria. “I’m telling you, I respect everyone, but I’m not afraid of anyone. If there’s anything I don’t have, it’s fear. I think I’ve shown that in all my fights. I’ve shown that I’m not afraid of anyone.

“As many times as he wants to point to the ground, I will plant my feet in the middle of the cage and throw down. It’s that easy.”

Unfortunately for Holloway, although he opted out from the brawl with Topuria, after a couple of close rounds, he was eventually was knocked out. It was Holloway’s first knockout loss in his lengthy and tested MMA career.

Although hungry to get a shot at the belt, Lopes admits it was hard to see Holloway’s legendary chin get cracked for the first time.

“I think everyone felt it,” Lopes said. “As a fan, removing myself the fighter, like a fan, I think it hurt all of us to see Max Holloway in that situation. Imagine, I think all MMA fans have been now watching Holloway for years and we’ve never seen him in a situation like this. We never imagined this would happen, and when it did, it was a big surprise.  But credit to Topuria, he did a great job. He did what he said he was going to do. He kept his promise.”

Lopes, who’s ranked No. 3 in the UFC official featherweight rankings, is riding a five-fight winning streak with his most recent victory coming by way of decision over former UFC title challenger Brian Ortega. Lopes has expressed interest speaking with MMA Junkie in being the next challenger for Topuria or a title eliminator bout against Alexander Volkanovski.

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Ilia Topuria’s coach Jorge Climent: Potential Paddy Pimblett fight would be ‘abuse’

Ilia Topuria’s coach Jorge Climent doesn’t think Paddy Pimblett has the quality to compete against the UFC featherweight champion.

What at one point seemed like a possibility, now seems like a mismatch, at least according to [autotag]Ilia Topuria[/autotag]’s coach [autotag]Jorge Climent[/autotag].

Just two years ago, there was plenty of talk of a potential fight between Topuria, who now holds the UFC featherweight title, and lightweight star [autotag]Paddy Pimblett[/autotag].

The two fighters got into a short skirmish at the host hotel for UFC Fight Night 204 in London back in March 2022, and they had a long history of social media exchanges, which were sparked by Pimblett’s comments poking fun at Russo-Georgian War.

“The truth is that at that moment there was anger because of all the history of Ilia’s family members fighting in the war, so he truly wanted to f*ck him up, but Paddy didn’t want to fight,” Climent told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I don’t know if it’s because they wanted to take care of him or the UFC wanted to protect him, but (Ilia) tried to get the fight.”

Pimblett eventually issued a public apology for making fun of the Georgia’s losing efforts in the Russo-Georgian War, and the two continued with their careers in their respective divisions.

Things between Pimblett and Topuria resurfaced a bit after Pimblett reacted to Topuria’s KO win over Max Holloway last month at UFC 308, saying he thinks he’d still beat him if the two were to fight.

“I don’t know if that kid is in condition to fight someone with a title right now,” Climent said. “Who has he beat? All his fights, they put someone alright in front of him, just so he can exist and stay relevant. He’s very mediatic because of how he talks and all that, but I don’t see him having the quality to fight Ilia, and I don’t think he deserves it.”

When asked about a potential matchup between Topuria and Pimblett, and how it could potentially go, Climent’s answer was a simple one:

“What would that be, abuse?”

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Diego Lopes wants UFC title shot vs. Ilia Topuria, promises car crash fight: ‘I won’t be backing up’

Diego Lopes makes his case to be the next challenger for UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.

[autotag]Diego Lopes[/autotag] has his sights set on [autotag]Ilia Topuria[/autotag]’s UFC featherweight title, and he’s not afraid to go and take it from him.

Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC), a streaking title contender at 145 pounds, wants to be the next person to challenge Ilia Topuria, and he believes he’s more than deserving to call for a title shot, given the body of work he’s put together in 2024.

“If they asked me what arguments there are for me to be the next one, I say: I’m on a good streak; I’ve beaten three people in the rankings this year; I’m at No. 3, and Topuria has beaten the two fighters that are above me in the rankings,” Lopes told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “We’re the new blood of the division, and this is a renewal bout for the division.

“I think for a long time, all the championship fights have either involved Volkanovski or Holloway. This fight will be a renewal. Also, this fight can be done in Spain or anywhere in Latin America and be promoted 100 percent in Spanish for all the Hispanic people. Those are the arguments that I bring to the table.”

Topuria is coming off a historic win at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. Not only did he complete his first title defense, but he also became the first man to knock out Max Holloway.

Topuria has put away six of the eight opponents he’s faced in the UFC and has proven he’s one of the most dangerous fighters in the game. Although Lopes respects his craft, the Lobo Gym and Brazilian Warriors product is in no way afraid of his power, and sees Topuria as a good matchup.

“What I bring to the table, simply put, is the power in my hands, definitely, the explosivity in my striking, my volume, and I’d say the main thing is that I don’t fear anyone,” Lopes said. “I don’t fear anyone. Just like he goes to punish, so do I.

“If the fight does go down, it will be a clash, a clash. If he moves forward, he’s going to run into a wall. That’s what I bring. I won’t be backing up, moving side to side, looking to maintain the fight at a distance. I like the clash. I like coming in and clashing. That’s where I feel comfortable, and that’s also his game, so I think the style favors me.”

Lopes told MMA Junkie that he’s open to face Alexander Volkanovski for an interim title in early 2025 if Topuria were to take a break from the sport. However, his ideal scenario is a title shot, which he feels confident can happen next.

“If we’re talking about numbers and results, not to brag, but I think I’m in a good position to ask for the title,” Lopes said. “Before April 10, before UFC 300, I wasn’t in the UFC rankings. However, since, I’ve beaten three ranked fighters, and I’ve positioned myself at No. 3. I think based on merit, I’ve earned the position that I’m in. Topuria just knocked out No. 1 and 2, and I’m No. 3. I think I have arguments to call for this title fight.”

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Coach Jorge Climent wants Ilia Topuria to challenge Islam Makhachev for UFC lightweight title

After UFC 308, Ilia Topuria’s coach Jorge Climent wants Islam Makhachev next for his pupil

[autotag]Ilia Topuria[/autotag] and his team have had one of the greatest years in MMA history. That doesn’t mean they’re done chasing glory.

Following an impressive title defense at Saturday’s UFC 308 where Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) became the first person to knockout Max Holloway, his head coach [autotag]Jorge Climent[/autotag] wants him to take another leap in his fighting career.

For Climent, this means going up a weight class and challenging UFC lightweight champion [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag], who’s considered by many as the pound-for-pound best.

“The fight that I think would put Ilia at the very top without any discussion that he’s the best fighter in the world would be against Islam Makhachev,” Climent told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “The fight is against Islam because at this moment he’s a defending champion. I know Ilia has only defended his belt once and that can make it difficult to get the opportunity, unless you’re a Conor (McGregor). So I do think they’re going to give it to (Alexander) Volkanovski (next).”

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Climent sees Volkanovski as the next likely option for his pupil. But given the result of their first meeting back in February, he doesn’t see the former champ as the biggest challenge for Topuria.

Climent undoubtedly sees Makhachev as thee toughest test, but still with a clear path to victory.

“It’s our toughest fight,” Climent said. “However, after seeing how much success Volkanovski had against him the first fight, of course (we) see an opportunity. This is the toughest fight, without a doubt, but I like it.”

Many notable fighters called out Topuria following his historic title defense against Holloway, an indication to Climent that Topuria is quickly becoming one of the most important names in the sport.

“Paddy ‘The P*ssy’ made some comments. Dustin Poirier called him out. That means Ilia is doing big things because that only happens when you’re truly doing big things,” Climent said. “Everyone that wants a spotlight is calling him out, Conor and others. I still think the best fight is against (Makhachev) and the biggest money fight is against Conor, which I see a bit unlikely.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.

Franco Tenaglia reflects on insane war in BKFC lightweight title win: ‘This was better than ‘Rocky”

Argentina’s Franco Tenaglia recounts his insane war to claim the BKFC lightweight title, Conor McGregor doubling his pay, and more.

It’s tough to stand out in combat sports for the right reasons. Yet, with so much going on, [autotag]Franco Tenaglia[/autotag] left his mark on 2024.

Tenaglia, along with [autotag]Tony Soto[/autotag], put on one of the wildest fights of the year as they went toe to toe for the vacant lightweight title in the BKFC Marbella main event in Spain. After a thrilling and destructive affair, Tenaglia got his hand raised to be crowned champion.

“It’s almost like a religious experience,” Tenaglia told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “It’s something extremely energetic. Every fighter has their own life. Every fighter has their own thing they fight for. I respect all fighters. I respect everyone in general; I’m a very respectful person and very humble, but I obviously have a maximum respect for him.

“Obviously, after what we shared, he’s going to be part of my life forever. For me, it was an incredible experience and people saw the battle of who wants it more, which made it insane. This was better than ‘Rocky’ because this was without gloves, real, and even more punches.”

Tenaglia impressed many, including BKFC co-owner and UFC star [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] who was in attendance. After the fight, McGregor jumped in and grabbed the microphone, not only to announce that Tenaglia and Soto were getting bonuses, but also double their base pay.

“That, to me, meant more. I don’t care about the money,” Tenaglis said. “That Conor McGregor, your idol, tells you that you’re incredible and congratulates you on the fight and tells you that the world is yours, someone that’s an icon in MMA telling you something like that, it’s priceless. It’s worth more than the double pay, but obviously I’m happy about it because, as you know, us fighters don’t make as much compared to other athletes.”

As far as what’s next, the Argentine fighter, who trains out of Climent Club with UFC champion Ilia Topuria, wants to remain as active as possible.

“I”ve done it my whole career. I usually fight six or seven times a year because I combine it with MMA, bareknuckle MMA, and bareknuckle boxing,” Tenaglia explained. “So I fight at least seven times a year, and I want to keep it that way, This is therapy for me. If I don’t have a fight, I sometimes feel like I’m training for nothing. I want to defend the belt many times and make it clear that I’m the best bareknuckle boxer in the world.”

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