Guram Kutateladze motivated to rebound at UFC on ABC 7 after ‘tough pill to swallow’

Guram Kutateladze has shown off his skills in the octagon, but the results haven’t translated.

ABU DHABI – [autotag]Guram Kutateladze[/autotag] has shown off his skills in the octagon, but the results haven’t translated.

Kutateladze (12-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC) will look to snap a two-fight losing skid when he takes on debuting Jordan Vucenic (13-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC on ABC 7 (ABC, ESPN2, ESPN+) prelims at Etihad Arena.

After defeating current top lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot in his UFC debut, Kutateladze was edged out by Damir Ismagulov, then finished late in a come-from-behind win by Elves Brener.

“It was tough fights, but once again, it’s the fight game,” Kutateladze told MMA Junkie. “That’s how it works. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn, and that’s what we did. I talked with the team. I spoke with close and near friends of mine. I did my homework. I did work on mistakes.

“We did some adjustments and improved our game. Not only athletic, not only practical, but also mental and psychological, too. That’s a tough pill to swallow, but that’s what we do. That’s life, and I’ve been hit much harder from life than any cage fight.”

Kutateladze takes on former Cage Warriors champion Vucenic, who’s past five wins have come by submission. However, Kutateladze is confident he beats him everywhere.

“He’s quite an all-around fighter,” Kutateladze said. “He has good standup, good jiu-jitsu, but in my opinion, I have a higher level of striking, a higher level of jiu-jitsu and wrestling than my opponent. So, I believe in myself, and I believe in my skills that wherever the fight is going to be, I’m going to be ready for it.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.

Ex-Cage Warriors champ Jordan Vucenic replaces Al-Selwady vs. Kutateladze at UFC Abu Dhabi

The UFC has signed another former Cage Warriors champion, and his first assignment is right around the corner.

The UFC has signed another former Cage Warriors champion, and his first assignment is right around the corner.

[autotag]Jordan Vucenic[/autotag] (13-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has signed with the promotion, the UFC announced Friday, and will step in on short notice to take on [autotag]Guram Kutateladze[/autotag] (12-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC) in a lightweight bout at UFC on ABC 7 next week. Vucenic takes the spot of [autotag]Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady[/autotag] (15-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC), who had to pull out due to an injury.

Vucenic was Cage Warriors’ featherweight champion, but fought 10 pounds up in his most recent win just this past Saturday – a first-round submission of Adrian Kepa at Cage Warriors 174. It was his fourth straight win, all four of which have been by submission.

UFC on ABC 7 (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+) takes place Aug. 3 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

With the change, the UFC on ABC 7 lineup now includes:

MAIN CARD (ABC/ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET)

  • Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
  • Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
  • Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Marlon Vera
  • Michael Chiesa vs. Tony Ferguson
  • Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez
  • Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brener

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, noon ET)

  • Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Jordan Vucenic
  • Alonzo Menifield vs. Azamat Murzakanov
  • Viktoriia Dudakova vs. Sam Hughes
  • Rolando Bedoya vs. Jai Herbert
  • Sedriques Dumas vs. Denis Tiuliulin
  • Kaue Fernandes vs. Mohammad Yahya
  • Shamil Gaziev vs. Don’Tale Mayes

Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady out of UFC on ABC 7 fight vs. Guram Kutateladze

Guram Kutateladze will need a new opponent for UFC on ABC 7.

[autotag]Guram Kutateladze[/autotag] will need a new opponent for UFC on ABC 7.

Due to injury, [autotag]Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady[/autotag] (15-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) is out of his lightweight bout vs. Kutateladze (12-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC) on Aug. 3 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Two people with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie of the news but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Kutateladze was looking to snap a two-fight skid after setbacks to Damir Ismagulov and Elves Brenner. His UFC debut win came over current top contender Mateusz Gamrot.

Also seeking a rebound win, Al-Selwady suffered a TKO loss to Loik Razhabov in his promotional debut in March. The Fortis MMA fighter earned his UFC contract with a upset win over Cage Warriors champion George Hardwick in August 2023.

With the change, the current UFC on ABC 7 lineup includes:

  • Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Cory Sandhagen
  • Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
  • Michael Chiesa vs. Tony Ferguson
  • Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Marlon Vera
  • Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez
  • Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brener
  • Guram Kutateladze vs. TBA
  • Alonzo Menifield vs. Azamat Murzakanov
  • Victoria Dudakova vs. Sam Hughes
  • Azat Maksum vs. CJ Vergara
  • Rolando Bedoya vs. Jai Herbert
  • Sedriques Dumas vs. Denis Tiuliulin
  • Kaue Fernandes vs. Mohammad Yahya
  • Shamil Gaziev vs. Don’Tale Mayes
  • Thiago Moises vs. Myktybek Orolbai

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.

UFC books Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Guram Kutateladze for Abu Dhabi

The UFC Abu Dhabi event this summer is one fight deeper as Guram Kutateladze battles Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady.

A UFC lightweight matchup is the newest addition to its upcoming return to Abu Dhabi.

[autotag]Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady[/autotag] and [autotag]Guram Kutateladze[/autotag] will square off at the UFC Fight Night event on Aug. 3 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Two people with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie of the booking but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet o make an official announcement.

Fortis MMA’s Al-Selwady (15-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) seeks his first UFC win after a TKO loss to Loik Razhabov. Al-Selwady earned his UFC deal with a major upset victory over Cage Warriors champion George Hardwick in 2023.

Kutateladze (12-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC) has not competed for 11 months, though partook in a grappling match against former UFC and Bellator fighter Marcin Held in late 2023. Kutateladze looks to snap a two-fight skid that includes losses to Damir Ismagulov and Elves Brenner.

With the addition, the UFC Abu Dhabi lineup includes:

  • Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Cory Sandhagen
  • Nick Diaz vs. Vicente Luque
  • Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Marlon Vera
  • Michael Chiesa vs. Tony Ferguson
  • Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez
  • Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Guram Kutateladze
  • Alonzo Menifield vs. Azamat Murzakanov

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

UFC books Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Guram Kutateladze for Abu Dhabi

The UFC Abu Dhabi event this summer is one fight deeper as Guram Kutateladze battles Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady.

A UFC lightweight matchup is the newest addition to its upcoming return to Abu Dhabi.

[autotag]Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady[/autotag] and [autotag]Guram Kutateladze[/autotag] will square off at the UFC Fight Night event on Aug. 3 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Two people with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie of the booking but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet o make an official announcement.

Fortis MMA’s Al-Selwady (15-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) seeks his first UFC win after a TKO loss to Loik Razhabov. Al-Selwady earned his UFC deal with a major upset victory over Cage Warriors champion George Hardwick in 2023.

Kutateladze (12-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC) has not competed for 11 months, though partook in a grappling match against former UFC and Bellator fighter Marcin Held in late 2023. Kutateladze looks to snap a two-fight skid that includes losses to Damir Ismagulov and Elves Brenner.

With the addition, the UFC Abu Dhabi lineup includes:

  • Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Cory Sandhagen
  • Nick Diaz vs. Vicente Luque
  • Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Marlon Vera
  • Michael Chiesa vs. Tony Ferguson
  • Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez
  • Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Guram Kutateladze
  • Alonzo Menifield vs. Azamat Murzakanov

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

Defying the odds: The 10 biggest MMA betting upsets of 2023

Check out the top 10 MMA betting upsets of 2023, according to the oddsmakers, across Bellator, the UFC, PFL and more.

Who doesn’t love a good upset?

In 2023, MMA saw its fair share of underdogs who defied the odds in the UFC, Bellator, PFL, and beyond. While everyone has an opinion of who should win and who should lose, the oddsmakers (and how the betting public responds) largely get the final say on what history reflects.

This year, with the help of MMA database Tapology, MMA Junkie has compiled the top 10 betting upsets of 2023. Fights that were eligible were those that multiple major online sportsbooks recognized, and that Tapology recorded before the close of the betting line.

Promotions eligible include UFC, Bellator, PFL, KSW, DWCS, Road to UFC, and ONE Championship.

Check out the top 10 MMA betting upsets of 2023 below. Only major MMA promotions were included in the tally.

MMA Junkie’s Fight of the Month for July: New champion crowned in five-round thriller

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best fights from July 2023.

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best fights from July 2023: Here are the five nominees, listed in chronological order, and winner of MMA Junkie’s Fight of the Month award for July.

At the bottom of the post, let us know if we got it right by voting on your choice.

Nominees

UFC on ESPN 48 post-event facts: Grant Dawson’s numbers show title trajectory

Check out all the facts and figures from UFC on ESPN 48, where Grant Dawson joined an exclusive club by putting together a nine-fight unbeaten streak in the octagon.

The UFC’s loaded July schedule got off to a hot start on Saturday with UFC on ESPN 48, which took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and featured six stoppages out of 12 fights.

One of those finishes came in the main event, when [autotag]Sean Strickland[/autotag] (27-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) held serve as a top middleweight when he turned back [autotag]Abus Magomedov[/autotag] (25-5-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) with a second-round TKO before calling for a title shot.

For more on the numbers behind the headliner, as well as the rest of the card, check out MMA Junkie’s post-event facts from UFC on ESPN 48.

UFC on ESPN 47 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Sean Strickland, Kevin Lee get most money

UFC on ESPN 47 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 47 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $144,500.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC on ESPN 47 took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC on ESPN 47 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Sean Strickland[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Abus Magomedov[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Grant Dawson[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Damir Ismagulov[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Michael Morales[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Max Griffin[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Ariane Lipski[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Melissa Gatto[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Benoit Saint-Denis[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Ismael Bonfim[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Nursulton Ruziboev[/autotag]: $4,000
def.[autotag]Brunno Ferreira[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Rinat Fakhretdinov[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Kevin Lee[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Joanderson Brito[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Westin Wilson[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Karol Rosa[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Yana Santos[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Elves Brener[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Guram Kutateladze[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Luana Carolina[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Ivana Petrovic[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Alexandr Romanov[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Blagoy Ivanov[/autotag]: $6,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $47,000 while title challengers get $47,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-47 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2023 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $4,109,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $18,698,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 47.

UFC on ESPN 47 video: Elves Brener stuns Guram Kutateladze, oddsmakers with rally for upset TKO

At UFC on ESPN 47, Elves Brener was a five-to-one underdog against Guram Kutateladze but cashed underdog bets with a late TKO rally.

[autotag]Elves Brener[/autotag] wasn’t going to win, if you believed the sports books.

But betting odds and real life are two different things. At UFC on ESPN 47, Brener (15-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC) rallied to finish [autotag]Guram Kutateladze[/autotag] (12-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) at 3:17 of Round 3. The event took place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Ahead of the fight, Brener was listed as an average +491 underdog across major online sports books (per BestFightOdds). As the fight progressed, Kutateladze appeared a step ahead, though the bout was competitive.

Bloody but not beaten, Brener remained confident and focused as he landed a left hand directly to the right temple of Kutateladze. While the blow didn’t seem to connect square on the target, Kutateladze immediately retreated, crumpled, and stuck up his hand. Brener pounced with a few more punches before referee Chris Tognoni intervened.

The win is Brener’s second in as many UFC appearances. It succeeds a split decision victory for Brenner, who upset Zubaira Tukhugov with similar odds.

Kutateladze, who has struggled to have fight bookings follow through, falls to a two-fight winning skid after a UFC debut win over Mateusz Gamrot.

Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 47 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 47.