Tag: Jared Vanderaa

UFC 271 medical suspensions: Derrick Lewis gets two months; two fighters out indefinitely

As a result of their UFC 271 bouts, all 28 fighters were handed medical suspensions of varying durations by the Texas commission.

Two fighters are facing indefinite suspensions as a result of their UFC 271 bouts.

UFC 271 took place Saturday at Toyota Center and featured 14 bouts, including a middleweight title rematch between champion [autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag] and challenger [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag].

Of the 10 main card competitors, hometown favorite Derrick Lewis received the longest suspension from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for his upset knockout loss to Tai Tuivasa. He now faces two months on the shelf.

Two preliminary card fighters, Marcelo Rojo and Maxim Grishin, were suspended indefinitely. Unlike many other commissions, TDLR does not release injury details, so specific causes for their suspensions are not known.

On Tuesday, MMA Junkie acquired a full list of medical suspensions from MixedMartialArts.com, the official record keeper of the Association of Boxing Commissions. All fighters’ suspensions can terminate sooner should they be cleared by a doctor.

Check out the full UFC 271 medical suspensions below.

7 reasons to watch UFC 271

MMA Junkie’s John Morgan walks you through the key storylines heading into UFC 271 in Houston.

The UFC returns to Houston for the third time in nine months, and a potentially epic middleweight title fight sits atop the bill.

While the championship matchup between reigning titleholder Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker is deservedly getting the lion’s share of attention for Saturday’s UFC 271, it’s hardly the only intriguing storyline that will unfold at Toyota Center.

Ahead of this weekend’s pay-per-view event, here are seven reasons to watch.

Jared Vanderaa vs. Azamat Murzakanov scrapped from UFC on ESPN 31

The heavyweight fight between Azamat Murzakanov and Jared Vanderaa was going to be interesting Saturday night. Now it’s not happening.

The heavyweight fight between [autotag]Azamat Murzakanov[/autotag] and [autotag]Jared Vanderaa[/autotag] was going to be interesting Saturday night.

Now it’s not happening.

Promotion officials announced just after the end of Friday’s official weigh-ins for UFC on ESPNS 31 that the preliminary card bout had been scrapped after Vanderaa was not medically cleared for the bout, despite weighing in.

Murzakanov (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) and Vanderaa (12-6 MMA, 1-2 UFC) both weighed in during the proceedings, and what was going to make their tilt, which was slated for the second fight on the card, particularly noteworthy was their big weight discrepancy.

Vanderaa was right at the top of the heavyweight limit at 265 pounds. But Murzakanov was nearly 50 pounds less than that at 216.5.

Murzakanov is a career light heavyweight who got into the UFC in that division through Dana White’s Contenders Series. After a 205-pound fight with Marcin Prachnio was scrapped in November, Murzakanov took the fight with Vanderaa at heavyweight, meaning he didn’t have to worry about a weight cut.

But now his official UFC debut is on hold. It’s not yet known if the fight will remain intact and move to a later event, or if both fighters will get new opponents down the road.

The updated UFC on ESPN 31 lineup now includes:

MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)

  • Rob Font vs. Jose Aldo
  • Rafael Fiziev vs. Brad Riddell
  • Jimmy Crute vs. Jamahal Hill
  • Clay Guida vs. Leonardo Santos
  • Brendan Allen vs. Chris Curtis
  • Mickey Gall vs. Alex Morono

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)

  • Maki Pitolo vs. Dusko Todorovic
  • Manel Kape vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov
  • Bryan Barberena vs. Darian Weeks
  • Jake Matthews vs. Jeremiah Wells
  • Mallory Martin vs. Cheyanne Vlismas
  • William Knight vs. Alonzo Menifield
  • Chris Gruetzemacher vs. Claudio Puelles
  • Vince Morales vs. Louis Smolka

Ben Rothwell down to fight Jared Vanderaa – but says he got told ‘LOL’

More than 50 fights into his MMA career, one might think Ben Rothwell would be running out of interesting fight options.

More than 50 fights into his MMA career, one might think [autotag]Ben Rothwell[/autotag] would be running out of interesting fight options.

But the Wisconsin-based heavyweight, who will turn 40 this fall, thinks he’s got a lot of potential bookings as possibilities. But there’s one in particular he’d gladly sign on for – if only the UFC’s matchmakers would get behind it.

Rothwell (39-13 MMA, 9-7 UFC) submitted Chris Barnett (21-7 MMA, 0-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 188. And later on the same card, [autotag]Jared Vanderaa[/autotag] (12-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC) took a unanimous decision against Justin Tafa (4-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC).

Afterward, Vanderaa said he’d like to fight Rothwell – which is music to Rothwell’s ears.

“Vanderaa did the press conference and had my name come out of his mouth and said he wants to fight me,” Rothwell recently told MMA Junkie Radio. “He said he’d fight me or (Andrei) Arlovski, but he especially would want to fight me. Well all right – I’m especially going to try to make that fight. I don’t think it’s going to happen because I got told ‘LOL.’ But I’m down.”

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The implication from Rothwell is that UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard, if an “LOL” was offered, might not find a Rothwell-Vanderaa fight competitive, given Rothwell has three times the experience.

But Rothwell said Vanderaa, and anyone else who wants a piece of his action, should stay vocal.

“If you’re going to say my name, good,” Rothwell said. “Come try to make your name off me. I don’t give a sh*t about rankings and politics. That sh*t, I can’t control it. What I can control is wrapping my hands around you and rectifying your false sense of reality. That’s what’s going to happen.

“I’m going to push to try to get the fight to happen. I don’t know what’s going to happen though, really. You know how the UFC is. They do what they want. They’ve got a master plan. But if we could get this guy to run his mouth some more and we get the fans (interested) about it and the fans start putting the pressure on the UFC, then that fight could get made. I think that’s what we need to do.”

Beyond the possibility of a Vanderaa fight, Rothwell said the fighters in the UFC’s top 10 are new matchups for him. And though he’s 3-3 in his past six fights, he’s also won three of his past four after a three-fight skid.

Rothwell isn’t in the UFC’s top 15, but there’s no one in the top 10 he’s crossed paths with yet.

“Moving forward, I think I have a whole bunch of fresh matchups that are very exciting,” he said. “Most of the top 10 is all a fresh matchup. A lot of guys that I’ve fought have moved on or retired or (been) cut, so it’s all exciting matchups here on out. And then, as more and more of these newer guys see me as an easy fight, calling me out: awesome.

“Let’s get a little more vocal, because when I ask for you, when I talk to the UFC and ask for you, they f**king laugh at me. That’s what they think of you. … I want these guys to start speaking up now, now that I’ve got this going. Keep speaking up. There are a few of them.”

https://youtu.be/yYeR8ELEEfw

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The MMA Road Show with John Morgan, No. 321: Cody Garbrandt, Jared Vanderaa, Justin Tafa

Episode No. 321 of “The MMA Road Show with John Morgan” podcast is now available for streaming and download.

Episode No. 321 of “The MMA Road Show with John Morgan” podcast is now available for streaming and download.

MMA Junkie lead staff reporter John Morgan hosts the show while traveling the world to cover the sport.

John Morgan and Cold Coffee discuss the continued fallout from this past weekend’s UFC 262, while also looking ahead to this weekend’s UFC Fight Night 188. Along the way, hear Morgan’s conversations with [autotag]Cody Garbrandt[/autotag], [autotag]Jared Vanderaa[/autotag] and [autotag]Justin Tafa[/autotag].

Check it out on iTunes or at themmaroadshow.com. You can also subscribe via RSS.

UFC Fight Night 185 medical suspensions: Derrick Lewis among 10 facing lengthy layoffs

Headliner Derrick Lewis is among 10 fighters who could be facing lengthy time off after UFC Fight Night 185.

Despite notching a huge victory at UFC Fight Night 185, [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag] may be forced to sit out for a long period of time.

Lewis (25-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC), who scored a big knockout win of [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] (14-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) in the second round of their main event clash in Las Vegas, will need doctor clearance for his right hand and wrist or he could face up to six months on the sidelines.

Also facing potential 180-day terms is [autotag]Charles Rosa[/autotag], who suffered a unanimous decision loss to [autotag]Darrick Minner[/autotag]. Rosa (13-5 MMA, 4-5 UFC) must have an X-ray on his right hand.

Surging heavyweight [autotag]Chris Daukaus[/autotag] (11-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC) also needs an X-ray on his right hand after stopping [autotag]Aleksei Oleinik[/autotag] in the first round.

MMA Junkie obtained the full list of suspensions from MixedMartialArts.com, the Association of Boxing Commissions’ official record keeper.

The full list of UFC Fight Night 185 medical suspensions includes:

  • Derrick Lewis: Needs X-ray of right hand and wrist, and clearance by doctor, otherwise suspended 180 days; minimum suspension is 21 days with 14 days no contact.
  • Curtis Blaydes: Suspended 60 days with 45 days no contact.
  • [autotag]Yana Kunitskaya[/autotag]: No suspension.
  • [autotag]Ketlen Vieira[/autotag]: Suspended 45 days with 30 days no contact due to right forehead laceration.
  • Darrick Minner: Suspended 21 days with 14 days no contact.
  • Charles Rosa: Needs X-ray of right hand, and clearance by doctor, otherwise suspended 180 days; minimum suspension is 45 days with 30 days no contact due to forehead laceration.
  • Chris Daukaus: Needs X-ray of right hand, and clearance by doctor, otherwise suspended 180 days
  • Aleksei Oleinik: Suspended 45 days with 30 days no contact.
  • [autotag]Phil Hawes[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with 21 days no contact due to left eyebrow and right cheek lacerations.
  • [autotag]Nassourdine Imamov[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with 21 days no contact.
  • [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with 21 days no contact.
  • [autotag]Andrei Arlovski[/autotag]: Needs X-ray of right foot, and clearance by doctor, otherwise suspended 180 days; minimum suspension is 45 days with 30 days no contact.
  • [autotag]Jared Gordon[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with 21 days no contact.
  • [autotag]Danny Chavez[/autotag]: Needs X-ray of right foot, and clearance by doctor, otherwise suspended 180 days; minimum suspension is 45 days with 30 days no contact
  • [autotag]John Castaneda[/autotag]: Needs X-ray of right hand, and clearance by doctor, otherwise suspended 180 days; minimum suspension is 21 days with 14 days no contact.
  • [autotag]Eddie Wineland[/autotag]: Suspended 45 days with 30 days no contact due to left eyebrow and nose lacerations.
  • [autotag]Julian Erosa[/autotag]: No suspension.
  • [autotag]Nate Landwehr[/autotag]: Needs X-ray of nose, and clearance by doctor, otherwise suspended 180 days; minimum suspension is 45 days with 30 days no contact.
  • [autotag]Casey O’Neill[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with 21 days no contact.
  • [autotag]Shana Dobson[/autotag]: Needs left eye cleared by doctor, otherwise suspended 180 days; minimum suspension is 45 days with 30 days no contact due to blurry vision.
  • [autotag]Jamall Emmers[/autotag]: Needs MRI of lumbar, and clearance by doctor, otherwise suspended 180 days; minimum suspension is 21 days with 14 days no contact due to back spasms.
  • [autotag]Aiemann Zahabi[/autotag]: No suspension.
  • [autotag]Drako Rodriguez[/autotag]: Suspended 60 days with 45 days no contact.
  • [autotag]Serghei Spivac[/autotag]: Suspended 21 days with 14 days no contact.
  • [autotag]Jared Vanderaa[/autotag]: Needs doctor clearance for nasal bone fracture, otherwise suspended 180 days; minimum suspension is 45 days with 30 days no contact due to eyebrow laceration.

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UFC Fight Night 185 post-event facts: Derrick Lewis’ stats hits legendary status

Derrick Lewis now has the second most wins of any heavyweight in UFC history after his knockout at UFC Fight Night 185.

UFC Fight Night 185 went down Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, and the event, which streamed on ESPN+, produced a candidate for “Knockout of the Year.”

[autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag] (25-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC) added another incredible highlight to an already remarkable reel when he flattened Curtis Blaydes (14-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) with a picture-perfect uppercut in the second round of the heavyweight headliner, tying the record for most knockouts in UFC history.

“The Black Beast” already had a solid resume coming in, but it’s even greater now. For more, check below for 40 post-event facts to come out of UFC Fight Night 185.

Jared Vanderaa tests positive for COVID-19, out of UFC 256 fight vs. Serghei Spivac

Another fight is off UFC 256 due to a positive COVID-19 test.

UFC 256 has lost another fight due to COVID-19.

This time it’s the heavyweights. The preliminary card fight between [autotag]Jared Vanderaa[/autotag] and [autotag]Serghei Spivac[/autotag] has been canceled. Vanderaa (11-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) tested positive for COVID-19 and was subsequently removed from Saturday’s card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed the cancellation to MMA Junkie on Thursday.

It is unclear at this time whether or not Spivac (11-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) will remain on the card. With weigh-ins less than 24 hours away, the UFC is certainly pressed for time in finding a replacement.

The cancellation marks the 11th publicly-known fight UFC 256 has lost.

Earlier this week the card lost three fights due to positive COVID-19 tests: Tecia Torres vs. Angela Hill (Hill was later replaced by Sam Hughes), Karl Roberson vs. Dalcha Lungiambula, and Dwight Grant vs. Li Jingliang.

With the addition, here’s the updated lineup for UFC 256:

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

  • Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno
  • Tony Ferguson vs. Charles Oliveira
  • Rafael Fiziev vs. Renato Moicano
  • Kevin Holland vs. Ronaldo Souza
  • Junior Dos Santos vs. Ciryl Gane

PRELIMS (ESPN2, ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)

  • Daniel Pineda vs. Cub Swanson
  • Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba
  • Billy Quarantillo vs. Gavin Tucker
  • Tecia Torres vs. Sam Hughes

EARLY PRELIMS (ESPN2, ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)

  • Serghei Spivac vs. TBA
  • Peter Barrett vs. Chase Hooper

Sergey Spivak vs. Jared Vanderaa in the works for UFC 256

A recent DWCS winner will get his wish in his UFC debut.

It seems [autotag]Jared Vanderaa[/autotag] got what he wanted.

The Contender Series alumni is targeted to fight [autotag]Sergey Spivak[/autotag] for his UFC debut on Dec. 12 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. MMA Junkie confirmed the news with sources after an initial report from MMA Fighting.

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Vanderaa (11-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) called for a bout with Spivak following his Contender Series victory over Harry Hunsucker on Wednesday, claiming Spivak dodged him in the regional circuit.

Vanderaa stopped Hunsucker in the first round to win a UFC contract. Vanderaa is 5-1 in his past six outings. The 28-year-old trains out of Team Quest.

Meanwhile, Spivak (11-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) last fought in August at UFC on ESPN+ 30, defeating Carlos Felipe via majority decision. With the victory, Spivak bounced back from a decision loss to Marcin Tybura in February.

Below is the updated lineup for UFC 256:

  • Amanda Nunes vs. Megan Anderson – for women’s featherweight title
  • Petr Yan vs. Aljamain Sterling – for bantamweight title
  • Dwight Grant vs. Li Jingliang
  • Ronaldo Souza vs. Marvin Vettori
  • Angela Hill vs. Tecia Torres
  • Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba
  • Omari Akhmedov vs. TBA
  • Dalcha Lungiambula vs. Karl Roberson
  • Peter Barrett vs. Chase Hooper
  • Billy Quarantillo vs. Gavin Tucker

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Dana White’s Contender Series 34 live results (8 p.m. ET)

Follow along with another night of Dana White’s Contender Series action from Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Dana White’s Contender Series 34, as the show returns to action following a seven-week hiatus.

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.

The card is headlined by a light heavyweight clash between Brazilian [autotag]Bruno Oliveira[/autotag] (8-1) and City Kickboxing prospect [autotag]Carlos Ulberg[/autotag] (2-0), while the co-headliner features a clash of welterweight prospects as [autotag]Ignacio Bahamondes[/autotag] (10-3) takes on [autotag]Edson Gomez[/autotag] (6-1), who missed weight for their matchup by three pounds at Tuesday’s weigh-ins.

Featherweights will collide in the second bout of the night, as [autotag]Vince Murdock[/autotag] (12-3) faces off against [autotag]Luis Saldana[/autotag] (13-6), while heavyweights kick off the action, with [autotag]Harry Hunsucker[/autotag] (6-2) taking on [autotag]Jared Vanderaa[/autotag] (10-4)

Up-to-the-minute Dana White’s Contender Series 34 results include:

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)

  • Bruno Oliveira vs. Carlos Ulberg
  • Ignacio Bahamondes vs. Edson Gomez
  • Vince Murdock vs. Luis Saldana
  • Harry Hunsucker vs. Jared Vanderaa