Tag: Bellator 291

Video: Is Bellator champ Yaroslav Amosov the best welterweight in the world?

Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov made a triumphant return to MMA last Saturday then made a bold declaration afterward.

[autotag]Yaroslav Amosov[/autotag] made a triumphant return to MMA last Saturday at Bellator 291.

Amosov, who spent nearly 10 months at home fighting in Ukraine’s war against Russia, showed no signs of ring rust and put on a masterclass as he defended his welterweight championship with a unanimous decision against Logan Storley in Dublin.

Afterward, the undefeated Amosov (27-0 MMA, 8-0 BMMA) declared himself to be the best 170-pound fighter in the world.

“Of course (I’m the best in the world),” Amosov said. “I am here. If a UFC champion wants to fight, come to Bellator. Scott Coker will give the contract, and we’ll make the fight.”

Unfortunately, we know that’s not going to happen, so all we’re left to do is debate: Is Amosov the best welterweight in the world?

That’s what we asked this week’s “Spinning Back Clique” panel of Danny Segura, Matthew Wells and Brian “Goze” Garcia, who weighed in on the topic with host “Gorgeous” George Garcia.

Check out their discussion in the video above and don’t miss this week’s full episode below.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 291.

 

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Feb. 28: Tatiana Suarez returns

UFC contender Tatiana Suarez has returned to action and to the women’s rankings after her victory over Montana De La Rosa at UFC Fight Night 220.

After a lengthy layoff due to multiple injuries, [autotag]Tatiana Suarez[/autotag] has successfully returned to MMA.

At UFC Fight Night 220, Suarez (9-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) made her long-awaited return to action, defeating Montana De La Rosa by submission in the second round. It was her first fight since June 2019, where she left as a top 5 competitor in the strawweight division. Since her return bout was at flyweight, and she anticipates a return to the lighter weight class where she made her name, it’s too early to tell which division she will earn her ranking.

Her talent and resume cannot be completely ignored, therefore her triumphant return lands her on the women’s pound-for-pound rankings.

At Bellator 291, [autotag]Yaroslav Amosov[/autotag] also returned to action to defend his welterweight title after being away since June 2021 due to fighting for his home country of Ukraine in the war against Russia. Amosov (27-0 MMA, 8-0 BMMA) unified the titles and his undefeated record by picking up a unanimous decision win over now-former interim champ Logan Storley, maintaining his No. 5 ranking.

Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings above.

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Bellator champ Johnny Eblen ‘would really enjoy’ a middleweight grand prix

Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen thinks a grand prix in his division would help ramp up his activity.

DUBLIN – Bellator middleweight champion [autotag]Johnny Eblen[/autotag] thinks a grand prix in his division would help ramp up his activity.

Eblen (13-0 MMA, 9-0 BMMA) notched his first title defense earlier this month when he defeated Anatoly Tokov by unanimous decision in the Bellator 290 co-main event. The undefeated American Top Team fighter sees a grand prix as an easy way to map out his future fights.

“That would be awesome. I would like that,” Eblen told reporters, including MMA Junkie, backstage at Bellator 291. “I would love a tournament, keeps me really active. I’m near my peak. I want to be as active as possible – being champion is hard to set up fights. But if you’re in a tournament-type of style, they’re forcing you to fight a lot. So I would really enjoy that.”

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Eblen has his eye on the upcoming fight between former opponent Gegard Mousasi (49-8-2 MMA, 8-2 BMMA) and Fabian Edwards (11-2 MMA, 6-2 BMMA) on May 12 at Accor Arena in Paris, and he believes his next challenger likely comes out of that fight.

“Let’s see who wins, because the winner of that fight is probably gonna face me,” Eblen said. “I really don’t care (who wins). They’re fighting for my attention right now. So all I’m doing is focusing on myself and becoming a better fighter, and whoever wins that fight gets to challenge me.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 291.

Michael Page enjoyed BKFC experience, says he’s ‘100 percent’ open to another fight

Despite falling short against Mike Perry, Michael Page would definitely take another bare-knuckle boxing fight.

DUBLIN – Despite falling short against Mike Perry, [autotag]Michael Page[/autotag] would definitely take another bare-knuckle boxing fight.

Page (20-2 MMA, 16-2 BMMA) lost a hard-fought majority decision to Perry at BKFC 27 last August at OVO Arena Wembley in London. After five rounds of back-and-forth action, the judges scored the fight a split draw, resulting in a final round where Perry outlasted MVP for the win.

It was a much different experience for the talented kickboxer, but one he would certainly repeat.

“One hundred percent yes,” Page told reporters, including MMA Junkie, backstage at Bellator 291. “Bellator’s cool, I’m staying here for now. But 100 percent yes, I would.”

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He continued, “Fun fight, fun night. Everyone’s controversial about the decision. I don’t really care. For me, I’ll go and do it. I’m a combat artist, you know. Give me a challenge, (and) I’m going to figure it out. It’s very different, very, very different. Every graze causes an effect whereas here (in MMA) you kind of have to hit clean. It’s almost like you have elbows for hands. Everything you put out there is damaging, and I had to really tough it out that night, and I enjoyed it.”

For now, though, Page’s focus is on MMA as he returns to action March 10 against Goiti Yamauchi (28-5 MMA, 14-4 BMMA) at Bellator 292 in San Jose, Calif., with the main card on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 291.

Bellator 291 winner Norbert Novenyi Jr. impressed with champ Johnny Eblen, ‘but I’m coming’

Watch out, Johnny Eblen, because 23-year-old Norbert Novenyi Jr. says he’s on his way for the Bellator middleweight title.

DUBLIN – [autotag]Norbert Novenyi Jr.[/autotag] knows he still has work to do but warns Johnny Eblen that he’s coming for him.

Novenyi (6-0 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) made quick work of Andy Manzolo this past Saturday at Bellator 291 in Dublin by knocking him out in the first round. Despite still being young in his career, the 23-year-old unbeaten prospect is confident that he’ll rise to the challenge of someday competing against Eblen (13-0 MMA, 9-0 BMMA).

“I can’t rush it. I know I’ve got so much to work on, and the division is full of killers,” Novenyi told MMA Junkie and other reporters following Bellator 291. “I mean, what Johnny Eblen did last fight was amazing. … I still feel like I have to get a couple of fights out of the way. I’m still 6-0 now, I’m still 23. I had a long time out. I want to get a couple of fights in, but I’m coming. I want all these middleweights to know while they’re doing their weights and pad sessions, I’m putting in work.”

He continued, “For me to outwork these guys, it’s easy. But my skills have to be better, my experience inside the cage has to be more, and I know that. I’m still young. I need to get stronger, blah, blah, blah. But I’m coming, and I want all these guys to know – and Johnny Eblen was here tonight. Hopefully he liked my performance. Again, he’s a couple of fights ahead of me still, but I’m coming.”

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Eblen’s decorated wrestling background has given all his opposition problems, including his most recent title defense against Anatoly Tokov at Bellator 290. But Novenyi Jr. vows that his wrestling game is ever improving, and being the son of an Olympic gold medalist wrestler, he has the guidance to back it up too.

“I’ve been wrestling since I was 3, t-and-a-half,” Novenyi Jr. said. “I’ve got videos of me as a kid wrestling. I can wrestle. Since I was 14 I haven’t been wrestling as much, so maybe on that level, Johnny Eblen’s got that little ahead of me, but I know I can keep up with these wrestlers. I really rate him. He’s good everywhere, but the best skill he’s got is his work ethic and his cardio.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 291.

Jeremy Kennedy says title shot vs. Patricio Freire ‘fight to make’ after Bellator 291

Jeremy Kennedy doesn’t see what else he has to do to challenge Patricio Freire after three wins in a row, all against top-five fighters.

DUBLIN – [autotag]Jeremy Kennedy[/autotag] thinks he’s done more than enough to earn a title shot after Bellator 291.

Kennedy (19-3 MMA, 4-1 BMMA) swept the judges’ scorecards in a unanimous decision win over Pedro Carvalho this past Saturday at 3Arena in Dublin.

Entering the fight, Kennedy viewed Carvalho as a No. 1 contender bout and now eyes featherweight champion [autotag]Patricio Freire[/autotag].

“I believe so,” Kennedy told MMA Junkie and other reporters following Bellator 291. “I don’t know who else there is for me to fight. That’s three wins in a row, and I’m starting 2023 with wins over Sanchez, Pico, and Carvalho, all ranked in the top five when I beat them, and so I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do. They’re all dominant victories. I think that’s the fight to make now.”

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Kennedy thinks he’s been overlooked by Freire, which has rubbed him the wrong way. He even sees “Pitbull” dropping down to bantamweight to avoid fighting him.

“I’m coming. I’ve been on his heels the whole time,” Kennedy said. “When he was fighting Borics and I was fighting Pico, he was already talking about fighting Pico. That left a sour taste in my mouth and since that fight, I was like, ‘I can’t wait to earn my shot to fight him, to prove because he was overlooking me back then.'”

He continued, “Now there’s talks of him going down to ’35, and he’s probably calling his nutritionist right now trying to be like, ‘Yo, get me down to ’35 because I don’t want any of this.’ And I’m ready for that fight. That’s the fight to make, that’s the only fight that’s left. Nobody else in the top five – like I said, three wins in a row against all top-five guys, and there’s no one else for him.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 291.

Bellator’s Sinead Kavanagh eyes Cris Cyborg rematch in Dublin after ‘two great f*cking wins’

Sinead Kavanagh is ready and eager to run things back with Bellator champ Cris Cyborg.

DUBLIN – [autotag]Sinead Kavanagh[/autotag] is ready to rematch Bellator women’s featherweight champion [autotag]Cris Cyborg[/autotag].

Kavanagh (9-5 MMA, 6-5 BMMA) fell short in her title pursuit when she was knocked out by Cyborg in the first round at Bellator 271 in November 2021. Since then, the Dublin native has rebounded with back-to-back wins over Leah McCourt, followed up by Janay Harding this past Saturday at Bellator 291 at 3Arena.

“That’s two great f*cking wins,” Kavanagh told MMA Junkie and other reporters following Bellator 291. “I put on a show both times, fought on one leg. … I’m ready. I want Cyborg in Dublin. That’s what I want. That’s what I want for the fans, as well.”

She continued, “Fight the best in Ireland, Sinead Kavanagh.”

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McCourt’s Bellator 293 showdown with Cat Zingano on March 31 is being viewed as a potential No. 1 contender bout, but Kavanagh thinks she’s earned the right for the next shot.

However, with Kavanagh wanting to run things back with Cyborg in Dublin, it could be a long wait, and she’s willing to fight one more time before that.

“I done a good 15 minutes there, good strikes, my power was there,” Kavanagh said. “I do want Cyborg, I do want her in Dublin, but that’s in September. That’s too long of a wait. I want to fight, then her in September.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 291.

Khasan Magomedsharipov doesn’t see many upcoming threats in Bellator’s featherweight division

Khasan Magomedsharipov doesn’t see too many threats in Bellator’s featherweight division.

DUBLIN – [autotag]Khasan Magomedsharipov[/autotag] doesn’t see too many threats in the featherweight division.

Magomedsharipov (8-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) remained unbeaten when he stopped Rafael Hudson by TKO at Bellator 291 this past Saturday at 3Arena in Dublin.

One of the brightest prospects on the roster, Magomedsharipov is confident that with time, he can take out the division’s elite.

“I don’t see strong guys in featherweight,” Magomedsharipov said post-fight. “Yes, (A.J.) McKee, (Patricio) ‘Pitbull’ (Freire) and a couple of guys (are) very strong. The others guys are strong, but not fantastic. I feel I can beat everybody no problem – A.J. McKee, ‘Pitbull’ – but I need a little bit of time. A couple of years I’ll stay in Bellator. I’ll get this belt.

“(Opponent) doesn’t matter – wrestler, striker, grappler, it doesn’t matter. Just give me a fight brother, and (I’ll get a) finish.”

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Magomedsharipov said his older brother Zabit, a former UFC featherweight contender, wanted him to log in more minutes for experience. However, the 22-year-old notched his fifth career first-round stoppage win against Hudson.

“My game plan this fight (was) three rounds,” Magomedsharipov said. “My brother told me, ‘You need three rounds. You need three rounds.’ But I’m very hungry. I see my chance, and I finished this guy.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 291.

MMA Junkie Radio #3339: Fallout from Paul-Fury, Bellator 291, UFC Fight Night 220

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 3,339, the fellas react to what transpired during a packed weekend of combat sports action, including Tommy Fury’s win over Jake Paul, Bellator 291, UFC Fight Night 220, Phil De Fries’ win over Todd Duffee at KSW 79, 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.

Spinning Back Clique: Tommy Fury-Jake Paul reaction, Amosov’s rise, Jon Jones week, more

This week’s “Spinning Back Clique” live stream reacts Jake Paul’s loss to Tommy Fury, Yaroslav Amosov’s dominance, UFC 285 and more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Nolan King and Dan Tom will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate:

  • At long last, after more than three years, Jon Jones will return this week – and at heavyweight. Jones meets Ciryl Gane in the UFC 285 main event for the vacant heavyweight title. If he wins, he’ll become a two-division UFC champion. Will that cement him as the GOAT?
  • Jake Paul lost his heavily hyped boxing match against Tommy Fury on Sunday in Saudi Arabia. Did his bubble burst because of it? We react to the biggest event of the weekend.
  • In Dublin, Yaroslav Amosov returned from fighting in a war with Russia for his home country of Ukraine and dominated Logan Storley to unify Bellator’s welterweight title. In the process, he may have a solid claim to be the best 170-pounder in the world. Is he?
  • Tatiana Suarez returned this past Saturday after nearly four years away due to injuries. She submitted Montana De La Rosa with a second-round submission at flyweigh. What’s her path to a title now?
  • UFC president Dana White wants lightweight champ Islam Makhachev and featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski to defend titles before they rematch for the 155-pound belt. Volkanovski will have to fight interim champ Yair Rodriguez. But who should Makhachev defend against to make this timeline add up?

“Spinning Back Clique” is released each Monday LIVE on MMA Junkie’s YouTube channel. You can watch this week’s episode in the video above.