Tag: Germaine de Randamie

UFC 245 media day faceoffs: Colby Covington tells Kamaru Usman there’s still time to pull out

The athletes from Saturday’s stacked UFC 245 lineup came face-to-face at media day.

LAS VEGAS – All six title-fight participants took part in today’s UFC 245 media day, and MMA Junkie was on the scene.

The media event took place at Red Rock Casino & Resort in Las Vegas. T-Mobile Arena hosts Saturday’s event, which airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.

All 26 competitors from the 13-fight card were in attendance, but of course the main focus was on the athletes from the three scheduled championship bouts, who came face-to-face for the first time during fight week.

In the main event, UFC welterweight champion [autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag] (15-1 MMA, 10-0 UFC) attempts to defend his belt against [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag] (15-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) in a long-awaited grudge match. And in the co-main event, UFC featherweight champion [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] (21-4 MMA, 17-4 UFC) puts his belt on the line against [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag] (20-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC). Also on the card, [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] (18-4 MMA, 11-1 UFC) faces [autotag]Germaine de Randamie[/autotag] (9-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC) for the UFC women’s bantamweight title.

The faceoffs were largely cordial, but Covington did have some words for Usman, which UFC president Dana White revealed moments later on Instagram Live.

Check out the video above for UFC 245 media day faceoff highlights.

‘UFC 245 Embedded,’ No. 4: Colby Covington boasts about increased KO power

Follow the stars of UFC 245 during fight week in the latest episode of “UFC Embedded.”

The UFC’s 12th and final pay-per-view of the year takes place Saturday with UFC 245, and the promotion’s popular “Embedded” series returns to get you ready.

UFC 245 takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

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In the main event, UFC welterweight champion [autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag] attempts to defend his belt against [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag] in a long-awaited grudge match. And in the co-main event, UFC featherweight champion [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] puts his belt on the line against [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag]. Also on the card, UFC women’s bantamweight champ [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] meets challenger [autotag]Germaine de Randamie[/autotag].

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The fourth episode of “Embedded” follows the big-name stars at the top of the card. Here’s the UFC’s description:

On Episode 4 of UFC 245 Embedded, UFC Performance Institute hosts a series of athletes getting ready for Saturday: featherweight title challenger Alexander Volkanovski, bantamweight Marlon Moraes and welterweight title challenger Colby Covington. “The Great,” “Chaos” and bantamweight Germaine de Randamie answer fan questions at a UFC 245 athlete panel, followed by the event’s three beltholders: welterweight Kamaru Usman, featherweight Max Holloway and double champ Amanda Nunes. UFC 245 Embedded is an all-access, behind-the-scenes video blog leading up to the three title fights taking place Saturday December 14. Order the Pay-Per-View at ESPNPlus.com/PPV

Also see:

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Amanda Nunes: Giving up title took away Germaine de Randamie’s legitimacy as a UFC champ

Amanda Nunes doesn’t think Germaine de Randamie did enough to deserve label of being a former UFC champion.

[autotag]Germaine de Randamie[/autotag] was never a champion in [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag]’ eyes.

Despite winning the inaugural UFC women’s featherweight belt in a decision victory against Holly Holm back in February 2017, Nunes (18-4 MMA, 11-1 UFC)  doesn’t think de Randamie (9-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC) did enough to deserve the champion label. That would’ve been different for Nunes if de Randamie had gone on to defend her title, which she didn’t. Instead, she was stripped of her belt by the promotion for refusing to take on the then No. 1 contender Cris Cyborg.

“You only prove you’re a champion if you defend your belt,” Nunes said at the UFC 245 athlete panel on Wednesday. “She proved she give up her belt, she’s not supposed to be in this spot that I am right now. I feel like she’s evolved a lot, but I have all the answers for Saturday night. I will walk away with my belt without a doubt in my mind.”

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Nunes, a double UFC champion, is scheduled to defend her bantamweight title on Saturday night at UFC 245 against de Randamie. It’s a rematch that stems from 2013, when Nunes finished de Randamie via first-round TKO.

Both fighters have gone on to achieve great things since. And although Nunes doesn’t recognize de Randamie to be a former champion, she does acknowledge her evolution (and devolution) in her MMA game.

“I do I see she’s evolved a lot, of course, specially in her wrestling defense,” Nunes said. It’s improved a lot, but her striking has changed a lot. She use to move a lot, now she’s kind of more stiff and that’s going to help me a lot put in my game plan. And yeah, I look at my first fight with her and if she makes the same mistakes, I will capitalize and finish the fight.”

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Does Germaine de Randamie belong in GOAT discussion if she beats Amanda Nunes? ‘Hell no’

Former UFC champion Germaine de Randamie would halt GOAT discussions even if victorious over Amanda Nunes at UFC 245.

Most would agree defeating a UFC champ-champ would elevate a fighter’s status in the fight game, but[autotag] Germaine de Randamie[/autotag] sees things differently.

The Dutch fighter, who’s set to challenge UFC women’s featherweight and bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes for her 135-pound belt at UFC 245, wouldn’t put herself in the greatest of all-time discussion if victorious against Nunes (18-4 MMA, 11-1 UFC) this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.

If she manages to avenge her previously loss to Nunes and take down one of the hottest fighter in the game, de Randamie (9-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC) insists she would see herself the same way she does now.

“Oh, hell no,” de Randamie said at the UFC 245 athlete panel on Wednesday at MGM Grand Resort & Casino. “No, no, no. I’m just Germaine and I’m nothing more than Germaine, that’s it. I have the outmost respect for Amanda, and without any doubt, I would be the last person to say so. She is the very best female fighter on the planet at this moment. And if I beat her I’d still be Germaine.”

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Although de Randamie is a former UFC champion herself at 145 pounds, and has several notable victories in her career, the decorated kickboxer wouldn’t dare to call herself the GOAT if she were to dethrone the champ.

The 35-year-old competitor defeated Holly Holm to win the inaugural UFC women’s featherweight title back in February 2017 just to get stripped from the belt by the promotion a couple of months later. If victorious against Nunes, de Randamie would have no interest going back to the weight class where she first won UFC gold, at least not immediately.

“I’m a very light 145,” de Randamie said. “When I fought Holly, I stepped on the scale at 143 and I walk around maybe 148, 150. I believe there is so many challenges at 135 and at 145 there’s just no challenge. I think there are two girls, so I’ll just focus on 135. Let me defend that belt and be successful at that. And if I win (at 135 pounds), we’ll see after that.”

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‘UFC 245 Embedded,’ No. 3: Kamaru Usman gets a kick out of Colby Covington’s shtick

“It’s like the virgin at school that’s frontin’ for his friends like, ‘Yeah, I get chicks, bro.'”

The UFC’s 12th and final pay-per-view of the year takes place Saturday with UFC 245, and the promotion’s popular “Embedded” series returns to get you ready.

UFC 245 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

In the main event, UFC welterweight champion[autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag] attempts to defend his belt against [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag] in a long-awaited grudge match. And in the co-main event, UFC featherweight title challenger [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] puts his belt on the line against [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag]. Also on the card, [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] faces [autotag]Germaine de Randamie[/autotag] for the UFC women’s bantamweight title.

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The third episode of “Embedded” follows the big-name stars at the top of the card. Here’s the UFC’s description:

On Episode 3 of UFC 245 Embedded, welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has harsh words for both modern art and his opponent, Colby Covington, who experiences Vegas with a mall massage. Featherweight title challenger Alexander Volkanovski and champion Max Holloway cross paths at fight week checkin. Double champ Amanda Nunes and fiancé Nina Ansaroff get festive for a holiday photo. UFC 245 Embedded is an all-access, behind-the-scenes video blog leading up to the three title fights taking place Saturday December 14. Order the Pay-Per-View at ESPNPlus.com/PPV

Also see:

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‘UFC 245 Embedded,’ No. 2: A trip through nature with ‘Hiker Holloway’

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the big stars of UFC 245, which features Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington in the main event.

The UFC’s 12th and final pay-per-view of the year takes place Saturday with UFC 245, and the promotion’s popular “Embedded” series returns to get you ready.

UFC 245 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

In the main event, UFC welterweight champion[autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag] attempts to defend his belt against [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag] in a long-awaited grudge match. And in the co-main event, UFC featherweight title challenger [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] puts his belt on the line against [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag]. Also on the card, [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] faces [autotag]Germaine de Randamie[/autotag] for the UFC women’s bantamweight title.

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The second episode of “Embedded” follows the big-name stars at the top of the card. Here’s the UFC’s description:

On Episode 2 of UFC 245 Embedded, welterweight title challenger Colby Covington enjoys the familiar faces and fond memories at a Las Vegas wrestling tournament. Featherweight title challenger Alexander Volkanovski cruises through his workout but struggles with a hotel mini-fridge. Featherweight king Max Holloway leads his team on a hike at Red Rock Canyon and demonstrates his questionable tracking skills. Double champ Amanda Nunes does media hits and sightsees in LA. UFC 245 Embedded is an all-access, behind-the-scenes video blog leading up to the three title fights taking place Saturday December 14. Order the Pay-Per-View at ESPNPlus.com/PPV

Also see:

Spinning Back Clique: UFC 245 preview, UFC DC reaction

MMA Junkie’s John Morgan, “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” unpack the latest MMA news and notes in Episode 6 of “Spinning Back Clique.”

Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. In this week’s episode, John Morgan, “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” react to what transpired at UFC on ESPN 7 and preview what’s to come this Saturday at UFC 245.

Show rundown:

  • [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag] snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against [autotag]Alistair Overeem[/autotag] at UFC DC. He was getting mostly dominated and on his way to a guaranteed decision loss before a huge right hand knocked out Overeem (and shattered his lip) with four seconds remaining in the fifth round. Rozenstruik remains undefeated at 10-0 overall and 4-0 in the UFC. But after that performance, are we buying or selling him as a legit contender at heavyweight?
  • [autotag]Ben Rothwell[/autotag] delivered a pair of painful groin’ kicks to [autotag]Stefan Struve[/autotag] at UFC DC, then went on to score a TKO victory – but not before referee Dan Miragliotta advised Struve to continue fighting. Since when should a referee be offering fighters advice during a fight?
  • [autotag]Liz Carmouche[/autotag] made history as the first woman to step inside the octagon back in 2013. More recently, she competed for a UFC title again earlier this year but lost to flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. Carmouche, 4-2 in her last six fights, was released last Friday by the UFC – get this – while she was in Washington D.C. doing a promotional tour with troops for the promotion. What do we make of her unceremonious exit, and what’s next for her?
  • It’s UFC 245 fight week, which means we’re on the verge of finally seeing [autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag] clash with [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag], who’s been promoting the heck out of this showdown, but has he gone too far?
  • Speaking of UFC 245, there are two other big title fights on the card: [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag] and [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Germaine de Randamie[/autotag] 2. Which challenger is more likely to win? And which “old dog” on the main card is more likely to turn back the clock: [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] or [autotag]Urijah Faber[/autotag]?

For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 6 of “Spinning Back Clique.”

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Video: ‘UFC 245 Countdown’ for Amanda Nunes vs. Germaine de Randamie

Did you miss the debut of “UFC 245 Countdown,” or just want to watch it again? Check out the women’s title fight preview now.

Did you miss the debut of “UFC 245 Countdown,” or just want to watch it again? Check out the main event preview now.

The segment takes a special look at the women’s bantamweight title fight between [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] (18-4 MMA, 11-1 UFC) and [autotag]Germaine de Randamie[/autotag] (9-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC), which will let the winner claim she’s the best 145-pounder in the UFC.

UFC 245 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

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“Countdown” goes behind the scenes with the two fighters, and you can watch the full segment above. And don’t miss the entire episode in the video below.

Check out the entire UFC 245 fight card below:

  • Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington – for welterweight title
  • Max Holloway vs. Alexander Volkanovski – for featherweight title
  • Amanda Nunes vs. Germaine de Randamie – for women’s bantamweight title
  • Jose Aldo vs. Marlon Moraes
  • Urijah Faber vs. Petr Yan
  • Geoff Neal vs. Mike Perry
  • Irene Aldana vs. Ketlen Vieira
  • Omari Akhmedov vs. Ian Heinisch
  • Matt Brown vs. Ben Saunders
  • Kai Kara-France vs. Brandon Moreno
  • Chase Hooper vs. Daniel Teymur
  • Jessica Eye vs. Viviane Araujo
  • Oskar Piechota vs. Punahele Soriano

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‘UFC 245 Embedded,’ No. 1: ‘Trump, I’ve got a new belt for you’

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the big stars of UFC 245, which features Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington in the main event.

The UFC’s 12th and final pay-per-view of the year takes place Saturday with UFC 245, and the promotion’s popular “Embedded” series returns to get you ready.

UFC 245 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

In the main event, UFC welterweight champion[autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag] attempts to defend his belt against [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag] in a long-awaited grudge match. And in the co-main event, UFC featherweight title challenger [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] puts his belt on the line against [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag]. Also on the card, [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] faces [autotag]Germaine de Randamie[/autotag] for the UFC women’s bantamweight title.

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The first episode of “Embedded” follows the big-name stars at the top of the card as they arrive in Las Vegas. Here’s the UFC’s description:

On Episode 1 of UFC 244 Embedded, welterweight champion Kamaru Usman goes from “scruffy” to polished at home and then hits the gym for more finishing touches. Rival Colby Covington arrives in Las Vegas and dedicates his upcoming success to a famous family. Featherweight title challenger Alexander Volkanovski makes the long trip from New Zealand with teammate and UFC 245 flyweight Kai Kara France. Featherweight champion Max Holloway works out and horses around with his team at UFC Performance Institute. UFC 245 Embedded is an all-access, behind-the-scenes video blog leading up to the three title fights taking place Saturday December 14. Order the Pay-Per-View at ESPNPlus.com/PPV

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