Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
All the UFC and Bellator fight announcements that were broken or confirmed by MMA Junkie in the past week.
MMA fight announcements are hard to follow. With so many outlets and channels available, it’s nearly impossible to organize.
But here at MMA Junkie, we’ve got your back.
Each week, we’ll compile all the newly surfaced fights in one spot. Every Monday, expect a feature listing everything you might have missed from the UFC or Bellator.
Here are the fight announcements that were broken or confirmed by MMA Junkie from Nov. 1-7.
Four fights have been added to Bellator 272.
[autotag]Jay Jay Wilson[/autotag] has his next test scheduled and it’s at a new weight class.
Recent struggles on the scales have forced Wilson (8-0 MMA, 7-0 BMMA), a top featherweight contender, up a division to lightweight where he’ll face [autotag]Alfie Davis[/autotag] (14-4 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) at Bellator 272. The event takes place Friday, Dec. 3 at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.
In addition, a welterweight battle between former Oklahoma State University wrestling standout [autotag]Kyle Crutchmer[/autotag] (7-1 MMA, 3-1 BMMA) and former UFC fighter [autotag]Oliver Enkamp[/autotag] (10-2 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) has been added to the card.
A promotion official informed MMA Junkie of the two bookings Monday and confirmed two previously-announced bouts: [autotag]Johnny Eblen[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) vs. [autotag]Collin Huckbody[/autotag] (10-3 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), and [autotag]Dan Moret[/autotag] (15-6 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) vs. [autotag]Ricardo Seixas[/autotag] (9-3 MMA, 1-1 BMMA), the latter of which was first reported by TSN.
Wilson, 24, missed weight for the third time in four fights when he came in 4.4 pounds heavy for his scheduled Bellator 265 bout vs. Adam Borics in August. As a result, the fight was canceled and Wilson announced shortly thereafter his move to 155 pounds.
Despite his struggles on the scales, Wilson hasn’t struggled to succeed inside the cage. Undefeated as a professional, Wilson has wins over Pedro Carvalho and Tywan Claxton among others.
As for Davis, the United Kingdom-based fighter is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Alexander Shabliy at Bellator 259 in May. The defeat snapped a four-fight winning streak.
With the additions, the Bellator 272 lineup includes:
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CFFC is set to host the promotion’s first events of 2021 when the organization returns to Philadelphia on March 11-12 for a pair of shows.
CFFC is set to host the promotion’s first two events of 2021 when the organization returns to Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena on March 11-12 for a pair of shows to stream on UFC Fight Pass.
The promotion today announced the two cards, which will serve as CFFC 92 and CFFC 93 and will take place with limited fans in attendance.
“Despite all the challenges that 2020 presented to us, it remained one of the best years in Cage Fury Fighting Championships history, and we’re committed to reaching even new heights in 2021,” CFFC President Rob Haydak stated. “We’re starting it out with two of our newest champions looking to defend their belts and continue their rise to the sport’s biggest promotions, while a pair of vacant belts will also be on the line as we look to find the best up-and-coming talent in MMA. With strong lineups already being planned for events in April and May, as well, fans can expect CFFC to continue providing action-packed events every time out.”
Four championship fights were announced for the two-night lineup.
At CFFC 92, flyweight champion [autotag]Alberto Trujillo[/autotag] (5-1) seeks the first defense of his belt when he takes on fast-rising Ray Longo product [autotag]Phumi Nkuta[/autotag] (2-0), while the co-main event sees Uzbekistan’s [autotag]Saidyokub Kakharamonov[/autotag] (7-2) face Charlie’s Combat Club’s [autotag]Tycen Lynn[/autotag] (8-4) for the bantamweight title recently vacated by Jared Scoggins.
Meanwhile, CFFC 93 sees middleweight champion and Dana White’s Contender Series winner [autotag]Collin Huckbody[/autotag] (9-2) put his title on the line for the first time when he faces top Canadian contender and fellow DWCS veteran [autotag]Aaron Jeffery[/autotag] (9-2). Additionally, the vacant CFFC heavyweight title is up for grabs in the co-feature, when [autotag]Jamelle Jones[/autotag] (10-6) takes on [autotag]Cody Goodale[/autotag] (7-4).
Additional bouts are expected to be announced shortly.
Collin Huckbody certainly isn’t following a typical career path when it comes to competing in the UFC, but he believes it’s the right one for him to take.
[autotag]Collin Huckbody[/autotag] certainly isn’t following a typical career path when it comes to competing in the UFC, but he believes it’s the right one for him to take.
“Young Huck” was awarded a UFC deal in August after picking up a first-round submission win over Kyron Bowen at Dana White’s Contender Series, but when it came time to schedule his octagon debut, Huckbody admitted something just didn’t feel right.
Ultimately, he and the promotion elected to part ways for the time being, and the 26-year-old middleweight was again a free agent.
“It was most definitely a difficult decision, but there’s a silver lining in it, and I think it will be the best decision for me at the end of the day when I look back and see supposed downfalls,” Huckbody said. “I think this will be one that I’ll understand.”
Huckbody’s reasoning was simple, even if not one you normally hear: Despite riding a five-fight winning streak that includes three consecutive submission wins, he just didn’t feel certain he was truly ready for the deep waters of the UFC.
“When I get to the UFC spot, I want to be ready for every single person they put in front of me, and I just need a little more time to develop my skills,” Huckbody admitted.
As Huckbody continues on his journey, he’s made wholesale changes around him. He said he parted ways with his former manager “because we had different visions of our future.” He also uprooted from a small team in Minnesota and relocated to The MMA Lab in Arizona.
“They’ve really been working with me, helping me believe in myself – in my standup, as well as my ground,” Huckbody said. “Now that I have a team around me that believes in me and puts a lot of effort into my progression as a martial artist, I feel like I’m training how a UFC fighter should train.
“I love my gym back at home. They showed me a lot of stuff on the ground, but in Minnesota, we need more striking work, so I’m happy to be out here in Arizona expanding my skills.”
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Huckbody (8-2) gets a chance to show his progression on Thursday, when he headlines CFFC 90, which streams live on UFC Fight Pass from Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster, Penn. He’ll challenge for the vacant CFFC middleweight title when he takes on Alaska’s Aaron Phillips (5-1).
It’s a change in opponent from the man Huckbody was first supposed to face for the belt, fellow DWCS alum Anthony Adams. However, Huckbody said he isn’t concerned with the assignment.
“At the end of the day, every fight ahead of me is my most important fight,” Huckbody said. “I’m treating this very seriously, just as seriously as I’d treat a UFC fight. Every fight is crucial at this level, so I need to bring my game every single time.
“I’m just going to show up and do what I do. That’s kind of how I approach things. Maybe watch a little film on him. But for the most part, I’m just going to execute and show up on fight night.”
Where, exactly, a win puts him remains to be seen. After all, he just had a UFC contract in hand and admitted he wanted just a little more seasoning ahead of that octagon debut. But Huckbody says he has no expectations and is willing to go back on DWCS if that’s what the promotion wants.
“I’ve seen a lot of other successful UFC fighters have two runs at the Contender Series, too,” Huckbody said. “I wasn’t the only one that fought once, and unfortunately I did get the contract but didn’t get to fight, but it does give me confidence seeing how the UFC runs everything, and now, for me, it’s just about showing up and taking care of business and not really worrying about the bright lights.”
A CFFC title would certainly go a long way toward keeping his name top of mind with UFC matchmakers. He could certainly catch the eye of other top shows, as well. But Huckbody said that’s not really his concern right now. Instead, improving during this reset period is what matters most, and he’s convinced that it will be the right move for him long-term.
“I think this is the perfect opportunity to show my skills,” Huckbody said. “I think you’ll just see a lot smoother Collin Huckbody, a lot faster and more sure of himself, and obviously in great shape and ready to go.”
This story was first published at CFFC.tv.
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Three of the athletes have fought for the UFC, while the other had yet to debut after earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series.
The UFC has parted ways with four fighters.
Multiple people with knowledge of the situation confirmed to MMA Junkie that [autotag]Collin Huckbody[/autotag], [autotag]Justin Ledet[/autotag], [autotag]Bevon Lewis[/autotag], and [autotag]Cole Smith[/autotag] are no longer on the UFC roster. Three of those athletes have competed for the UFC, while the other had yet to debut after earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series.
For Ledet, Lewis and Smith, it’s unclear if they fought out their contracts and weren’t re-signed – or if they were released by the promotion. Huckbody never got to compete in the UFC after being awarded a contract on DWCS.
Check out the results from Dana White’s Contender Series 30 from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
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LAS VEGAS – Dana White’s Contender Series returns Tuesday with five fights on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex, and MMA Junkie is on the scene for full coverage.
In the featured bout, middleweight Jhonoven Pati (6-3), a two-time LFA veteran whose six career victories have all come by way of stoppage, faces Jamie Pickett (10-4), who has appeared twice before on Dana White’s Contenders Series but lost each time to UFC contract winners Charles Byrd and Puna Soriano.
* * * *
In a featherweight clash, [autotag]Rafael Alves[/autotag] (19-9) looked incredibly dangerous on the feet, but it was ultimately his grappling game that scored him a win over [autotag]Alejandro Flores[/autotag] (17-3).
Alves established the center to start the fight, and he clearly looked to load up on everything with full power. Meanwhile, Flores looked to shift laterally on the outside and attack the legs while waiting to counter.Alves threatened with powerful hooks in tight and flashed out a spinning high kick, as well. He also showboated a bit, briefly putting his hands behind his back. It was clear early he was the more powerful fighter, but the question remained if he could sustain the energy as long as Flores could avoid getting caught flush.
Flores was busier to start the second, clearly not wanting to get backed against the cage again. Alves did again walk forward and look to tee up on something big, but Flores switched stances and moves side to side, keeping himself anything but a stationary target. Alves was perhaps too patient, but he did dazzle with a switch kick – it was just too infrequent. Fortunately for him, it wouldn’t matter.
Flores shot in for a takedown, bringing the action to the floor, but Alves fell into a guillotine and squeezed, working to guard and getting the tap at the 2:55 mark of the round.
"Make that SEVEN!"@Rafael_TheTurn grabs another submission win over Flores 🇧🇷
Live now on #ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/S4z7mi2emw
— UFC (@ufc) August 26, 2020
In a flyweight contest [autotag]Jeffrey Molina[/autotag] (8-2) proved to be too much for a dangerous [autotag]Jacob Silva[/autotag] (6-3), battling his way to a decision win over the course of three action-packed rounds.
Molina was busy with low kicks early, but Silva was able to catch a few of them and trip him to the floor. Molina was able to scramble to his feet each time, but it put him in a few scary positions early. On the feet, both men threw rapid-fire strikes, with Silva seemingly getting the best of the punching exchanges until the bell, when Molina scored a flash knockdown right at the final tick.
Silva was aggressive in the second, while the longer Molina did his best to stay away and work from range. The exchanges were spirited and frequent. Silva was the one talking forward, but Molina was plenty capable in his attacks, using more kicks than his opponent but probably not landing with quite as much power. Molina landed his best shot in the final minute with a clean high kick, then moved into the clinch and tried to score with knees inside to end the round.
Silva remained the one pushing forward at the start of the third, but Molina was efficient in his striking off the back foot. Silva suffered a cut on his right cheek but continued to push forward. Referee Mark Smith had the doctor take a look at him following a clash of heads, but Silva was fine to continue, and the two pressed on with their relentless exchanges. Molina certainly absorbed his share of stiff strikes along the way, but he didn’t show much of the damage. Silva wasn’t quite as lucky, but he also pushed until the very end, flurrying until the final bell, but it wasn’t enough, and Molina walked away with a decision win, 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.
WHAT. A. FIGHT.
These guys have the Boss standing up on his feet. Who will take the win? #DWCS pic.twitter.com/A3UkUrdGcr
— UFC (@ufc) August 26, 2020
In a lightweight matchup, [autotag]Anthony Romero[/autotag] (8-0) kept his undefeated record intact with a convincing decision win over [autotag]Mike Breeden[/autotag] (8-3).
Romero took the center to start, flashing out low kicks and quick hands. But Breeden countered with stiff punches down the middle, clearly earning his opponent’s respect. Both men were content to strike in the early going, with Romero favoring kicks in his combinations but Breeden answering back with powerful straight shots. Romero was the aggressor in most of the exchanges, but he was constantly aware of Breeden’s firepower, as well.
Breeden looked to change levels early in the second but couldn’t get inside. Romero popped him with an uppercut shortly after, but Breeden appeared relatively unaffected. The two continued to trade on the feet, with Breeden having success when he was the busier fighter but often finding himself content to counter, instead. Romero’s low kicks continued to find the mark, and his uppercut landed clean again, as well. Romero constantly sought new angles and mixed in a spinning backfist, as well, before scoring a takedown with a little more than a minute remaining. Breeden worked his way up shortly after, and the two finished the round on the feet. Breeden landed his best shot of the frame in the waning seconds but didn’t stay active enough afterward.
Breeden tried to press in the third, but Romero moved well to escape. It was clear Breeden wanted to brawl, but Romero’s speed and footwork made that difficult. As Romero continued attacking the left leg, Breeden struggled to stay upright. Still, even as he limped around the cage, Breeden did his best to engage. However, Romero settled back into a rhythm, sticking and moving and making it tough to track him down. Breeden deserved credit for his heart, but Romero cruised on the cards, 30-26, 30-27 and 29-28.
CHOPPING AT THE LEGS!
These @Genius_MMA leg kicks were BRUTAL 😳 #DWCS pic.twitter.com/ekB9UkK8tp
— UFC (@ufc) August 26, 2020
In the night’s first contest, middleweight [autotag]Collin Huckbody[/autotag] (8-2) wasted little time in picking up a quick stoppage win over [autotag]Kyron Bowen[/autotag] (9-5).
At the start of the fight, it was Bowen who was sharp on the feet, landing a few solid low kicks before Huckbody elected to shoot from range, scrambling his way to top position. Bowen then looked to escaped to his feet, but Huckbody rolled with him and was able to advance to mount. From there, he chased after the arm-triangle, missing it on the first few attempts but locking it in on a subsequent effort and getting a quick tap for an impressive submission win at the 1:28 mark of the opening round.
Less than 90 seconds in! ⏱
🇺🇸 @Collin37659590 secures the win via arm triangle.
Watch live on #ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/fyCbON7paH
— UFC (@ufc) August 26, 2020
Up-to-the minute Dana White’s Contender Series 30 results include:
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MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Monday’s official Dana White’s Contender Series 30 fighter weigh-ins.
MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Monday’s official Dana White’s Contender Series 30 fighter weigh-ins.
Dana White’s Contender Series cards see prospects fighting for the opportunity to sign a UFC deal, with UFC president Dana White on hand to make the decisions.
In the featured bout, middleweight [autotag]Jhonoven Pati[/autotag] (6-3), a two-time LFA veteran whose six career victories have all come by way of stoppage, faces [autotag]Jamie Pickett[/autotag] (10-4), who has appeared twice before on Dana White’s Contenders Series but lost each time to UFC contract winners Charles Byrd and Puna Soriano.
The weigh-ins take place at the UFC host hotel in Las Vegas. The UFC Apex hosts Tuesday’s card, which streams on ESPN+.
The full Dana White’s Contender Series 30 weigh-in results include:
MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
