Revamped UFC 249 lineup features Andrade-Namajunas 2, Ngannou-Rozenstruik, more

Not quite the “baddest ever card in MMA history,” but the revamped UFC 249 lineup certainly has some fights of significance.

It might not fit Dana White’s description as the “baddest ever card in MMA history,” but the revamped UFC 249 lineup certainly has some fights of significance.

With the coronavirus pandemic impacting the sports world as a whole, the UFC was not immune. The promotion postponed three events but remained focused on hosting UFC 249 on April 18, even after travel restrictions were implemented around the globe and lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov – who was supposed to fight [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag] in the main event – fell off the card.

Ferguson (25-3 MMA, 15-1 UFC) now meets [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] (21-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) for the interim lightweight title in the headliner, but the UFC still has not announced an official location, although broadcast partner ESPN reported on Sunday that a venue on the West Coast is close to being finalized.

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The situation has caused UFC matchmakers to shuffle the deck from the original UFC 249 lineup meant for Brooklyn, N.Y. Some fights have fallen off, while others were added.

UFC officials announced on Monday that the strawweight rematch between former champions [autotag]Jessica Andrade[/autotag] (20-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC) and [autotag]Rose Namajunas[/autotag] (8-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) will remain as the co-main event, and a heavyweight fight between [autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag] (14-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) vs. [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag] (10-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) – who were originally booked for UFC on ESPN 8 on March 28 – have been added to the main card.

Other notable matchups include: [autotag]Calvin Kattar[/autotag] (20-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) vs. [autotag]Jeremy Stephens[/autotag] (28-17 MMA, 15-16 UFC) at featherweight; [autotag]Uriah Hall[/autotag] (15-9 MMA, 7-7 UFC) vs. [autotag]Ronaldo Souza[/autotag] (26-8 MMA, 9-5 UFC) at middleweight; and [autotag]Greg Hardy[/autotag] (5-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) vs. [autotag]Yorgan De Castro[/autotag] (6-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) at heavyweight.

The broadcast plans are unknown, but the latest UFC 249 lineup includes:

  • Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje – for interim lightweight title
  • Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas
  • Greg Hardy vs. Yorgan De Castro
  • [autotag]Vicente Luque[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Niko Price[/autotag]
  • Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens
  • Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
  • Uriah Hall vs. Ronaldo Souza
  • [autotag]Alexander Hernandez[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Omar Morales[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Ray Borg[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Marlon Vera[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Michael Johnson[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Khama Worthy[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Sijara Eubanks[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Sarah Moras[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Sam Alvey[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Ryan Spann[/autotag]

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Calvin Kattar: I’ll be looking to put Jeremy Stephens away every round at UFC 249

“I’m sure he’ll be coming out strong like a guy looking to keep his job, and I’ll be there looking to put him away every round.”

[autotag]Calvin Kattar[/autotag] thinks he’s in for an exciting contest with [autotag]Jeremy Stephens[/autotag].

Kattar (20-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) takes on Stephens at UFC 249 in Brooklyn, N.Y., in April in a matchup that pits two entertaining strikers who have fight-ending abilities.

Although he’s taking on an opponent who’s dropped three in a row, Kattar still sees Stephens as a worthy opponent. He thinks that Stephens will have a little added motivation with his back against the wall.

“Skids can happen when you’re fighting the best guys in the world,” Kattar told MMA Junkie. “I’m sure he’ll be coming out strong like a guy looking to keep his job, and I’ll be there looking to put him away every round. (It) should make for an exciting fight on an already stacked card.”

Originally scheduled to square off at UFC 248 in March, Stephens (28-17 MMA, 15-16 UFC) suffered an undisclosed injury that pushed the fight back a month. Both fighters may be in slightly different points in their careers, but Kattar is more focused on bouncing back from his most recent loss to Zabit Magomedsharipov with an impressive showing.

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“Jeremy asked for this fight,” Kattar said. “Currently, he’s the higher ranked fighter, so it makes sense for me. But it’s not really about who I’m fighting as much as it’s about going out and competing at the best of my abilities every time I step in there. If I’m able to do that, I’m capable of beating anyone in the division.”

In his most recent outing, Kattar flew halfway across the world to take on one of the division’s hottest prospects, Magomedsharipov, in hostile territory. Despite it being the main event, the fight was only three rounds. Kattar started to come on strong in Round 3, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.

Kattar was able to take several positives from the loss, though.

“I belong in more of those big moments against the best guys in the world,” Kattar said. “I want to earn more of those opportunities, and next time I will capitalize. Whether it’s in home or enemy territory, it doesn’t matter much to me – I feed off both.”

Kattar may be taking on someone who’s currently on a losing skid, but Stephens is ranked higher, which should push Kattar closer to the top five with a win.

“A win over Stephens puts me one step closer to the ultimate goal of becoming world champion,” Kattar said. “All 2020, I will be in pursuit of that goal.”

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Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens in the works for UFC 249

UFC 249 is on the verge of gaining another big matchup.

UFC 249 is on the verge of gaining another big matchup.

The promotion is targeting featherweights [autotag]Calvin Kattar[/autotag] and [autotag]Jeremy Stephens[/autotag] to face off in an April 18 bout in Brooklyn, N.Y.

MMA Junkie confirmed the news with multiple persons with knowledge of the situation after an initial report from MMA Fighting. The persons asked for anonymity since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.

Earlier this month, Kattar (20-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and Stephens (28-17 MMA, 15-16 UFC) verbally agreed to fight March 7 at UFC 248. However, Stephens suffered an undisclosed injury before the fight was finalized.

Kattar (20-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) is coming off a narrow loss in his first UFC headliner. He suffered a decision loss to Zabit Magomedsharipov at UFC on ESPN+ 21 in November. Prior to that fight Kattar, 31, had won 12 of 13.

Stephens (28-17 MMA, 15-16 UFC) is currently riding a four-fight winless skid. “Lil’ Heathen” hasn’t won since a knockout of Josh Emmett at UFC on FOX 28 in February 2018 and has droped fights to Yair Rodriguez, Magomedsharipov and Jose Aldo since then.

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UFC 249 takes place April 18 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims expected for ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.

With the addition, the UFC 249 lineup now includes:

  • Champ Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson – for lightweight title
  • Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas
  • Uriah Hall vs. Ronaldo Souza
  • Ben Rothwell vs. Gian Villante
  • Ottman Azaitar vs. Khama Worthy
  • Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens

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Jeremy Stephens injured, out of planned UFC 248 bout vs. Calvin Kattar; rescheduling expected

Jeremy Stephens vs. Calvin Kattar is being put on hold.

[autotag]Jeremy Stephens[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Calvin Kattar[/autotag] won’t be happening at UFC 248 after all.

Multiple people with knowledge of the situation have informed MMA Junkie of Stephens’ withdrawal from the targeted fight, which has been removed from the working UFC 248 lineup.

Kattar (20-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and Stephens (28-17 MMA, 15-16 UFC) verbally agreed to fight at the March 7 event earlier this month. However, Stephens suffered an undisclosed injury before the fight was finalized. Sources said Kattar and Stephens are expected to be re-booked for a later date, though a timetable was not given.

Kattar (20-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) is coming off a narrow loss in his first UFC headliner. He suffered a decision loss to Zabit Magomedsharipov at UFC on ESPN+ 21 in November. Prior to that fight Kattar, 31, had won 12 of 13.

Stephens (28-17 MMA, 15-16 UFC) is currently riding a four-fight winless skid. “Lil’ Heathen” hasn’t won since a knockout of Josh Emmett at UFC on FOX 28 in February 2018, dropping fights to Yair Rodriguez, Magomedsharipov, and Jose Aldo since.

UFC 248 takes place March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

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The current UFC 248 lineup includes:

  • Champ Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk – for women’s strawweight title
  • Jared Cannonier vs. TBA
  • Danaa Batgerel vs. Guido Cannetti
  • Polyana Viana vs. Emily Whitmire
  • Li Jingliang vs. Neil Magny
  • Beneil Dariush vs. Drakkar Klose
  • Sean O’Malley vs. Jose Quinonez
  • Max Griffin vs. Alex Oliveira
  • Saparbek Safarov vs. Rodolfo Vieira
  • Austin Hubbard vs. Mark Madsen

Surprise, surprise: Conor McGregor knew ‘who the fook’ Jeremy Stephens was, after all

Conor McGregor admitted one of his most famous lines came as a natural reaction, and wasn’t really true.

[autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] admitted one of his most famous lines came as a natural reaction.

At the UFC 205 news conference in 2016, [autotag]Jeremy Stephens[/autotag] interrupted McGregor, claiming that while McGregor TKOs people, he knocks them out stiff.

But he was quickly shut down by McGregor with one line: “Who the fook is that guy?”

It stuck and became arguably McGregor’s most popular lines.

More than three years later, McGregor was asked by UFC Europe if he really didn’t know who Stephens was. It turns out his response back then was just another vintage McGregor press conference moment.

“Of course I knew who Jeremy was,” McGregor said. “Jeremy is a good fighter. He’s a former lightweight, down to the featherweight division. (He has) good power in his hands. But that timing was just impeccable there, and that was it. You don’t really think about these things – you just go off the cusp and just have a bit of fun in there.

“I was in a great spot there. (I) just avenged my loss against Nate Diaz. A lot of hard work went into that. And then I was preparing for the second world title bout and was just in a great spot mentally, physically. I don’t know – (it) just rolled off the tongue and clattered ol’ Jeremy into the cheek.”

McGregor returns Saturday against Donald Cerrone in the UFC 246 main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

The Blue Corner is MMA Junkie’s blog space. We don’t take it overly serious, and neither should you. If you come complaining to us that something you read here is not hard-hitting news, expect to have the previous sentence repeated in ALL CAPS.

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UFC in 2019: A ridiculously robust look at the stats, streaks, skids and record-setters

A full recap of 2019’s most significant footnotes and milestones from the events, the fights and individual performances.

Now that the year has come to a close, and with a major assist from UFC research analyst and live statistics producers Michael Carroll, here are some of 2019’s most significant milestones from the events, the fights and individual performances.

* * * *

EVENTS

Octagon girls at UFC 238

The UFC held 42 events in 39 different cities across 15 countries and five continents.

Within those events, there were 516 fights across 13 different weight classes (including catchweight bouts).

Those 516 fights combined for a total cage time of 94:59:04.

The longest event of the year was “UFC on ESPN+ 19: Joanna vs. Waterson” in Tampa, Fla., at 2:57:27. It was the second longest in company history behind “UFC Fight Night 121: Werdum vs. Tybura” (3:04:18).

The shortest event of the year was “UFC on ESPN 3: Ngannou vs. Dos Santos” in Minneapolis at 1:38:12.

“UFC on ESPN+ 13: de Randamie vs. Ladd” featured 62 seconds of total fight time in the main and co-main event, the single-event record in company history.

At those events, the UFC drew an announced total attendance of 548,023 for a live gate total of $61,050,133.74 (Note: Live gate was not announced for 11 events; no attendance was revealed for one event).

The highest reported attended event of the year was “UFC 243: Whittaker vs. Adesanya” in Melbourne (57,127), which was the all-time company record, while the lowest attended event was “UFC on ESPN+ 20: Maia vs. Askren” in Singapore (7,155).

The highest reported income gate of the year was “UFC 244: Masvidal vs. Diaz” in New York ($6,575,996.19) while the lowest reported income gate of the year went to “UFC on ESPN+ 4: Lewis vs. Dos Santos” in Wichita, Kan. ($636,417.26).

In 2019, 168 fight-night bonuses were given out for a sum of $8.4 million.

In 2019, athletes were paid $7,370,500 in Promotional Guidelines Compliance money.

The most knockouts at a single event went to “UFC on ESPN 3: Ngannou vs. Dos Santos,” “UFC 244: Masvidal vs. Diaz” and “UFC 245: Usman vs. Covington” with seven each.

Henry Cejudo vs. Marlon Moraes

“UFC 238: Cejudo vs. Moraes” featured a total of 1,818 significant strikes landed, a new single-event record. UFC 231 held the previous high with 1,647.

The most submissions at a single event went to “UFC on ESPN 5: Covington vs. Lawler” with five.

The most fights to go to a decision at a single event went to “UFC on ESPN 4: Dos Anjos vs. Edwards” with 10.

“UFC on ESPN 4: Dos Anjos vs. Edwards” featured nine consecutive decision results, tied for the single-event UFC record.

“UFC on ESPN 4: Dos Anjos vs. Edwards” started with nine consecutive decision results, the single-event record.

“UFC on ESPN 7: Overeem vs. Rozenstruik” marked the third event in company history to feature two draws. UFC 22 and UFC 216 were the others.

Betting favorites went 319-182. Fifteen fights ended in a draw, no contest or had even odds.

Betting favorites went 22-18 in event headliners. Two fights ended in a no contest or had even odds.

“UFC on ESPN 3: Ngannou vs. Dos Santos” and “UFC on ESPN+ 22: Blachowicz vs. Jacare” had the most favorites come through victorious, with 10 each. On the flip side, seven underdogs won at three separate events.

Aspen Ladd

A total of 30 fighters officially missed weight for their respective contests. The 28 fighters in that group to compete went 10-17-1 in their respective bouts.

A total of 135 fighters made their UFC debut in 2019. Those fighters went 57-74-2 with two no contests. Debuting fighters who faced an opponent with at least one bout of UFC experience went 43-58-2 with two no contests.

A variety of circumstances caused a total of 19 UFC main event or co-main event fights to be adjusted, postponed or canceled entirely.

One entire event was canceled (UFC 233 in January in Anaheim, Calif.)

Calvin Kattar, Jeremy Stephens agree to UFC 248 clash in Las Vegas

Top featherweights Calvin Kattar and Jeremy Stephens will look to get back on track in March when they meet at UFC 248.

Top featherweights [autotag]Calvin Kattar[/autotag] and [autotag]Jeremy Stephens[/autotag] will look to get back on track in March when they meet at UFC 248.

MMA Junkie today confirmed with multiple people close to the situation that both Kattar (20-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and Stephens (28-17 MMA, 15-16 UFC) have verbally agreed to the matchup, but bout agreements have not been finalized. The people requested anonymity because the promotion has yet to officially announce the fight.

UFC 248 takes place March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims likely to air on ESPN and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.

Kattar, No. 11 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie MMA featherweight rankings, is coming off a narrow loss in his first UFC headliner. He suffered a decision defeat to Zabit Magomedsharipov at UFC on ESPN+ 21 November. Prior to that fight Kattar, 31, had won 12 of 13 contests.

Stephens, 33, will also be hungry for victory at UFC 248, because he will enter the event on a four-fight winless skid. “Lil’ Heathen” hasn’t won since a knockout of Josh Emmett at UFC on FOX 28 in February 2018, dropping fights to Yair Rodriguez, Magomedsharipov and Jose Aldo since.

The latest UFC 248 lineup now includes:

  • Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk – for strawweight title
  • Jared Cannonier vs. Robert Whittaker
  • Danaa Batgerel vs. Guido Cannetti
  • Polyana Viana vs. Emily Whitmire
  • Li Jingliang vs. Neil Magny
  • Beneil Dariush vs. Drakkar Klose
  • Sean O’Malley vs. Jose Quinonez
  • Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens

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100 of the most fascinating UFC facts from the past decade

Some of the most significant in-fight moments and records in UFC history have occurred and been etched in stone over the past decade.

The past decade of UFC action has seen a lot unfold, and it is arguably the most important in the organization’s history from in terms of evolution.

Only within this era have statistics truly come to the forefront. After so many years of fights, the groundwork for what’s viewed as meaningful and the history attached has finally been laid out. The athletes and techniques have evolved, too, meaning new methods of causing damage and finishing fights are attempted and pulled off with a higher rate of frequency.

That evolution is apparent in the history books, because some of the most significant moments and records in UFC history have occurred over this past decade.

Let’s dig into the archives.

****

EVENT FEATS

Sajik Arena in South Korea

The UFC held 363 events in 159 difference venues across 26 countries over the past decade.

“UFC 243: Whittaker vs. Adesanya” in October 2019 had the highest announced attendance in company history at 57,127.

“UFC 205: Alvarez vs. McGregor” in November 2016 sold a largest live gate in company history at $17.7 million.

“UFC Fight Night 121: Werdum vs. Tybura” in November 2017 had the most total fight time of any event in company history at 3 hours, 4 minutes and 18 seconds.

“UFC Fight Night 55:: Rockhold vs. Bisping” in November 2014 had the least total fight time of those events at 1 hour, 3 minutes and 51 seconds.

The UFC canceled four events over the decade: UFC 151 in September 2012; UFC 176 in August 2014; UFC Fight Night 97 in October 2016 and UFC 233 in January 2019.

Michael Bisping def. Luke Rockhold at UFC 199

“UFC Fight Night 55: Rockhold vs. Bisping” and “UFC 224: Nunes vs. Pennington” in May 2018 each featured 11 stoppage results, the most for any card in company history.

“UFC on FOX 7: Henderson vs. Melendez” in April 2013, “UFC Fight Night 45: Cerrone vs. Miller” in July 2014, “UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping 2,” in June 2016 and “UFC 218: Holloway vs. Aldo 2” in December 2017 each featured eight knockout results, the most of the decade.

“UFC on FUEL TV 10: Werdum vs. Nogueira” in June 2013 featured eight submission results, the most for any card in company history.

Seven events each featured 10 decision results, the most for any card in company history.

“UFC Fight Night 134: Shogun vs. Smith” in July 2018 and “UFC on ESPN 4: Dos Anjos vs. Edwards” each featured nine consecutive decision results, the longest streak on a card in company history.

“UFC Fight Night 79: Henderson vs. Masvidal” in November 2015 and “UFC 222: Cyborg vs. Kunitskaya” in March 2018 each featured five split-decision results, the most for any card in company history.

Henry Cejudo def. Marlon Moraes at UFC 238

“UFC 238: Cejudo vs. Moraes” in June 2019 featured a total of 1,818 significant strikes landed, a single-event record for the company.

“UFC 223: Khabib vs. Iaquinta” in April 2018 featured seven fighters who landed 100 or more significant strikes, a single-event record for the company.

“UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping 2” in June 2016 featured 15 knockdowns, a single-event record for the company.

“UFC 189: Mendes vs. McGregor” in July 2015 was the only event in company history to feature two knockouts stemming from flying knee strikes.

“UFC 228: Woodley vs. Till” in September 2018 was the only event in company history to feature two kneebar submission results.

“UFC 217: Bisping vs. St-Pierre” in November 2017 marked the only event in history to feature three title changes.

Next page: General feats

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