Category: UFC

UFC adds Drakkar Klose vs. Mark Madsen to Oct. 29 lineup

Drakkar Klose will get his wish when he meets Mark Madsen later this month.

[autotag]Drakkar Klose[/autotag] will get his wish.

Klose (13-2-1 MMA, 7-2 UFC) is set to meet [autotag]Mark Madsen[/autotag] (12-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) on Oct. 29 at UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Both fighters confirmed the news on social media after an initial report by Vegas Insider.

“I can’t wait for this one. I’m gonna treat my hands as cocaine and @marktheolympianmadsen face as if it was his coaches nose” 👊🏽🎱❄️👃#cocaineisahelluvadrug #ufc #Oct29th.”

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Following his bonus-winning TKO over Brandon Jenkins at UFC on ESPN 34 in April, Klose called out Madsen. The 34-year-old didn’t immediately get the fight, eventually drawing Rafa Garcia at UFC 277 in July. Klose won that bout by unanimous decision.

Madsen, 38, improved to 4-0 in the octagon when he out-grappled Vinc Pichel for the decision win at UFC 273 in April. The Olympic wrestling silver medalist fired back at Klose, taking aim at him for withdrawing against Jeremy Stephens after he was aggressively shoved and injured during their weigh-ins face-off.

“I finally get a chance to fight the dude who pulled out after he got pushed by a featherweight. I ain’t a featherweight nor your girlfriend. Don’t pull out princess 👸🏻 @drakkarklose.”

With the addition, the Oct. 29 lineup includes:

  • Arnold Allen vs. Calvin Kattar
  • Ilia Topuria vs. TBA
  • Andrei Arlovski vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima
  • Dustin Jacoby vs. Khalil Rountree
  • Roman Dolidze vs. Phil Hawes
  • Max Griffin vs. Tim Means
  • Steve Garcia vs. Chase Hooper
  • Joseph Holmes vs. Jun Yong Park
  • Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Jared Vanderaa
  • Garrett Armfield vs. Christian Rodriguez
  • Josh Fremd vs. Tresean Gore
  • Cody Durden vs. Kleydson Rodrigues
  • Drakkar Klose vs. Mark Madsen

Brandon Gibson: Jon Jones could exploit a lot of areas at heavyweight, especially with wrestling ‘on another level’

Hear from Jon Jones’ coach as everyone continues to way for the former UFC champ’s heavyweight debut.

LOS ANGELES – Coach Brandon Gibson is confident [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] will bring a special type of skillset to heavyweight.

The former UFC 205-pound king is yet to make his heavyweight debut, but has put in some serious work in the gym to bulk up to a bigger frame.

Gibson, the longtime striking coach of Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC), thinks not only will his star student give the heavyweight division fits on the feet, but also on the ground.

“I think there’s a lot of areas that Jon could exploit at heavyweight,” Gibson told MMA Junkie. “He has such a wide arsenal of techniques. He’s so dangerous, but you’re right. There’s a lot of heavyweights that are great boxers, that are great in the clinch, but Jon’s wrestling is on another level.

“His ground-and-pound is on another level. His jiu-jitsu is on another level, and then just the full spectrum of his striking arsenal, I think is on another level. So Jon’s gonna bring a lot to the table at heavyweight that I don’t think we’ve ever seen another heavyweight bring.”

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Jones hasn’t competed since he retained the light heavyweight title against Dominick Reyes in February 2020. No date or opponent have been determined for his return, but Gibson says Jones hasn’t stopped working on his craft.

“We’re just staying ready,” Gibson said. “It’s been a long process and I feel very confident with the work he’s done to rebuild his body into heavyweight, and the work we’ve been doing almost the last, coming up on, three years I’m very proud of. Jon has put in the work. There are no shortcuts in this game and he’s really continuing to develop all elements of his game, and whether it’s December or whether it’s another date, whether it’s Stipe or Francis or another opponent, we’re just focused on Jon and his growth.”

Gubson continued, “I see Jon happy, I see Jon focused, and I see him very motivated on capturing this goal that he’s set for himself so I’m happy. I can’t wait to make that walk with him, it’s gonna be special.”

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MMA Junkie Radio #3299: Reaction to UFC Fight Night 211, Bellator 286, more

Check out the latest episode of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze.”

Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here.

On Episode 3,299, the guys recap a busy weekend of action with UFC Fight Night 211 Bellator 286 and Ben Rothwell’s debut in Bare Knuckle FC, as well as offer their thoughts on the UFC shutting out fans and media, Eddie Alvarez’s future, and more. Tune in!

Stream or download this and all episodes of MMA Junkie Radio over at OmnyStudio. You can also catch it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more. A new episode of the podcast is released every Monday and Thursday.

Randy Brown critical of decision win over Francisco Trinaldo: ‘I know I can do better’

Randy Brown reflects on his unanimous decision win over Francisco Trinaldo at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 211.

[autotag]Randy Brown[/autotag] is not happy with how things went down in his return to the octgaon.

The welterweight picked up a unanimous decision win over veteran Francisco Trinaldo in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 211 in Las Vegas. But despite getting his hand raised and improving his winning streak to four, Randy Brown (16-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) wasn’t content with his showing.

“I did what I had to do,” Brown said on the ESPN+ post-fight show. “I faced some adversity. I’m tired of facing adversity, but I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do. I’ve got to give him his props, man. Francisco Trinaldo, Uncle Trinaldo – the dude is tough. He’s tough, and he was a good test for me. Just his experience was crazy. His body was tough – just dense. Most guys, you hit them with certain stuff, and they react. They back up. He did not take a step backwards at all. Shout out to him.

“I’m not overly thrilled, because I know I can do better. But the performances will be there. You guys are happy, I noticed Dana (White) was happy. I’m my biggest critic, but that’s how it is.”

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With consecutive wins over Alex Oliveira, Jared Gooden, Khaos Williams and now Trinaldo, Brown currently is on the best run of his UFC career. The 32-year-old hopes to log a third fight in 2022 and return to the octagon close to the end of the year.

“I’m ready,” Brown said. “I just want to bounce back in, get one more (fight) for the year. I just want to keep moving forward and keep running it up. Let me get a check. I want to take care of me and my family. That’s what it’s about.

“I’m ready to bounce back and continue the journey and just keep laying down the legacy.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 211.

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Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Yan Xiaonan after UFC Fight Night 211 win?

See whom Yan Xiaonan should fight next after her main event victory over Mackenzie Dern at UFC Fight Night 211.

[autotag]Yan Xiaonan[/autotag] prevailed in her first main event opportunity against Mackenzie Dern at UFC Fight Night 211.

It came down to a razor-thin results, but Xiaonan (14-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) was awarded a majority decision victory over Dern (12-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) in Saturday’s strawweight headliner at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, snapping a two-fight losing skid.

The result puts Xiaonan back on the right track in the division, but what’s next for her? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on her future after UFC Fight Night 211.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 211.

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Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Mackenzie Dern after UFC Fight Night 211 loss?

See whom Mackenzie Dern should fight next after her loss to Yan Xiaonan in the UFC Fight Night 211 headliner.

[autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag] is 0-2 in UFC main events after falling short to Yan Xiaonan at UFC Fight Night 211.

Dern (12-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) suffered a majority decision defeat to Xiaonan (14-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) in Saturday’s strawweight headliner at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, and now she’s forced to go back to the drawing board and see what’s next.

Which opponent would be the most logical fit for Dern in the aftermath of her defeat? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on her future after UFC Fight Night 211.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 211.

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5 biggest takeaways from UFC Fight Night 211/Bellator 286: Which company won the night?

UFC and Bellator both ran shows on Saturday, but which organization had the better night?

What mattered most at UFC Fight Night 211 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and Bellator 286 at Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, Calif.? Here are a few post-fight musings …

Sodiq Yusuff calls for fight vs. ‘Korean Zombie’: ‘You know you want to see that’

Sodiq Yusuff wants the ‘Korean Zombie’ next.

[autotag]Sodiq Yusuff[/autotag] wants a step up in competition.

The featherweight is angling a fight against veteran and former title challenger Chan Sung Jung following a successful return to the octagon. Yusuff (13-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) dispatched newcomer Don Shainis in 30 seconds by submitting him with a guillotine choke on the main card of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 211 in Las Vegas.

Now, with two wins under his belt following his most recent defeat, Yusuff is looking to test himself with the “Korean Zombie.”

“(I mentioned January for Jung) just so he can have enough time,” Yusuff said at the ESPN+ post-fight show. “If he wants to do it in December, that’s fine. But me and ‘Zombie,’ I think we’re two very entertaining guys. Be honest: You know you want to see that fight. It’s a good fight. The way I fight and the way he fights, I feel like we’re going to put on a great show.

“It could be a great opportunity for me to finally get a main event spot. I’ll be happy to take that fight.”

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Yusuff was scheduled to face Giga Chikadze two weeks ago at UFC Fight Night 210 in Las Vegas. However, a week before the event, Chikadze withdrew from the bout.

It’s been a hectic last few weeks for Yusuff. He wasn’t sure when or whom he’d fight in his return. Yusuff admitted the chaos got to him.

“It’s been a heck of a camp,” Yusuff said. There’s been a lot of ups and downs. I’m expecting a fight, I’m expecting not to fight, I’m expecting to fight 150 (pounds), then up to ’55, then back to ’45. It’s been all over the place. People lie all the time and say how they want to come in here and have a war. If I could walk in that ring for two seconds, I’d be happy.

“I’m not going to pretend like (all the changes) didn’t get to me. I am human. When they initially kicked me off the card last week, I was like, ‘It’s the UFC. I know they’re going to find someone for me. We’re going to Vegas anyway.’ I got here and was very, very excited, and when they finally told me I was done, I almost shed a tear – I’m not going to lie – because I put in a lot of work for this, and I refuse to be set in the corner again, especially now that I’m healthy. I’m so appreciative for the opportunity to be a UFC fighter, and I’m not going to let it go to waste.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 211.

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Yan Xiaonan happy to snap losing skid at UFC Fight Night 211: ‘A year long I didn’t feel happy’

Yan Xiaonan relieved to be back in the win column.

[autotag]Yan Xiaonan[/autotag] is over the moon.

The UFC strawweight contender is overjoyed with her win over Mackenzie Dern in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 211 in Las Vegas. After 25 minutes of fighting, Yan (15-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) defeated Dern (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) in a majority decision.

The victory put Yan back in the win column. The Chinese fighter hadn’t tasted victory since November 2020 prior to Saturday night.

“I cannot be happier right now,” Yan said on the ESPN+ post-fight show. “I lost my last two fights, so a year long I didn’t feel happy. I was pretty low in the previous year. I worked so hard hoping this day would come back to me.”

“… I feel very happy that I made the right choice to stay in the U.S. and keep training at Team Alpha Male. The whole team helped me a lot. Mackenzie’s jiu-jitsu is definitely another level. I felt it during the fight. She’s very dangerous. There were a lot of times during the fight it was very dangerous. But I survived through that and I made it.”

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Prior to the pair of defeats, Yan was on a 13-fight unbeaten run, with six of those fights under the UFC banner. She was considered a top title contender, and she wants to return to that status.

“My ultimate goal in the UFC is the belt,” Yan said. “Now I have fought the best wrestler in this division, the best striker in this division, the best jiu-jitsu fighter in this division. So no matter who the UFC gives me, I don’t fear. Just, let’s fight.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 211.

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