Tag: Kyle Bochniak

2022 PFL salaries from Atlanta: Anthony Pettis tops disclosed payouts despite loss; Kayla Harrison second

This marks the first time that PFL salaries have been revealed in 2022.

The back half of the 2022 PFL regular season recently took place in Atlanta with three cards in three weeks at Overtime Elite Arena.

Each card spotlighted two specific divisions. PFL 4 took place June 17 and featured men’s lightweights and light heavyweights. One week later, PFL 5 featured featherweights and heavyweights. Last Friday, PFL 6 consisted of welterweights and women’s lightweights.

On Wednesday, MMA Junkie acquired a list of disclosed show and win purses from the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission, the regulatory body that oversaw the events.

Former UFC lightweight champion [autotag]Anthony Pettis[/autotag] ($750,000) led all paydays despite a submission loss to [autotag]Stevie Ray[/autotag]. Two-time PFL season winner [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] ($500,00) was second on the list, followed by former UFC title challenger and Bellator welterweight champion [autotag]Rory MacDonald[/autotag] ($250,000).

[autotag]Jeremy Stephens[/autotag], [autotag]Lance Palmer[/autotag], [autotag]Brendan Loughnane[/autotag], [autotag]Omari Akhmedov[/autotag], and [autotag]Magomed Magomedkerimov[/autotag] also received six-figure disclosed payouts.

It’s important to note that the figures given do not reflect potential “locker room” bonuses, streaming points, or promotional sponsorship payments.

Scroll below to see the complete payouts for the most recent three PFL events.

2022 PFL 5 results: Chris Wade crushes Kyle Bochniak, secures top playoff seed

Chris Wade delivered a statement performance at 2022 PFL 5 to land the top seed in the featherweight standings going into the playoffs.

[autotag]Chris Wade[/autotag] delivered a statement performance at 2022 PFL 5 to land the top seed in the featherweight standings going into the playoffs.

Wade (22-7) faced fellow UFC veteran [autotag]Kyle Bochniak[/autotag] (11-7) on Friday’s card at Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, and he needed less than one round to land a grazing head kick and ground-and-pound that netted him six points and the No. 1 seed at 155 pounds.

Check out the replay of Wade’s handiwork in the highlight below (via Twitter):

With the win, Wade is set to fight No. 4 seed Brendan Loughnane in the first round of the playoffs later this year.

Check out the full bracket below.

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Kyle Bochniak looking to make his mark at 2022 PFL 2: ‘I’m coming here to shake up the division’

“After this fight the underdog is gonna be on top and everybody’s gonna hope they’re not gonna get matched up against me.”

[autotag]Kyle Bochniak[/autotag] will look to knock off one of the tournament’s frontrunners immediately upon entry into the PFL season.

A short-notice replacement, Bochniak (11-5) steps in to face Bubba Jenkins (16-5) Thursday at 2022 PFL 2, which takes place at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The main card streams on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET. after prelims begin on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET.

Bochniak, 35, was a fan favorite during his UFC tenure, but never quite got over the hump. Currently riding a three-fight winning streak in his post-octagon run, including a win over Carlton Minus earlier this month, Bochniak thinks he’s primed to beat the odds.

“I’m gonna make my mark known,” Bochniak told MMA Junkie at the 2022 PFL 2 media day. “I’m coming here to shake up the division. After this fight, the underdog is gonna be on top and everybody’s gonna hope they’re not gonna get matched up against me.”

He continued, “I fought three weeks ago. I’m already in the mindset. I don’t care who’s in front of me. Bubba’s the name, it doesn’t really matter. Any one of these guys in this division can get it, and I’m a terrible matchup for anyone.”

Jenkins (16-5) picked up wins over two-time PFL featherweight champion Lance Palmer and ex-UFC fighter Bobby Moffett, before he was eliminated by Chris Wade in the semifinals last season. Although Bochniak is competing against a Division I wrestler in Jenkins, he’s confident his opponent won’t be able to impose his will.

“I think I’m one of the mentally strongest guys in this world,” Bochniak said. “I can bring the fight to anyone. I’m a brawler. I can strike technically. On the ground I can use my jiu-jitsu. I’m extremely difficult to hold on the mat. I got cardio for days, and I think Bubba is gonna come out and try to strike with me and once he feels my power and how comfortable on the feet I am, he’s gonna panic wrestle and he’s gonna do desperate shots and I’m gonna see him gas out, I’m gonna see him look at the clock, I’m gonna take his soul and finish the fight.”

Check out the full media day interview with Bochniak in the video above.

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XMMA 4 free live stream video: John Dodson vs. Francisco Rivera, more UFC alums (6:30 p.m. ET)

XMMA 4 is loaded with former UFC fighters – and you can watch a free live stream on MMA Junkie starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.

There is no UFC, Bellator, PFL, ONE Championship or Eagle FC this weekend. There’s not even a BKFC.

So how are fight fans supposed to get their weekly helping of violence? That’s where XMMA comes in handy

XMMA 4 takes place Saturday at The Fillmore in New Orleans, and you can watch the entire card live and free on MMA Junkie in the video player above beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET.

A dozen UFC alumni are on the card, including main event participants [autotag]John Dodson[/autotag] and [autotag]Francisco Rivera[/autotag]. Other fighters with UFC experience include [autotag]Kyle Bochniak[/autotag], [autotag]Zak Ottow[/autotag], [autotag]Curtis Millender[/autotag] and [autotag]John Howard[/autotag].

The entire XMMA 4 fight card includes:

  • John Dodson vs. Francisco Rivera
  • [autotag]Jared Gooden[/autotag] vs. Curtis Millender
  • Zak Ottow vs. [autotag]Kyle Stewart[/autotag]
  • John Howard vs. [autotag]Ange Loosa[/autotag]
  • Kyle Bochniak vs. [autotag]Carlton Minus[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Kyron Bowen[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Sasha Palatnikov[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Tateki Matsuda[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Louie Sanoudakis[/autotag]
  • Cole Smith vs. [autotag]John Sweeney[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Adli Edwards[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Josh Harvey[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Tyrek Malveaux[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Westin Wilson[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Andrew Garrette[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Justin Mead[/autotag]

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14 former UFC fighters booked for XMMA 4 card in New Orleans

Over a dozen former UFC fighters including a former title challenger have been added to XMMA’s first event of 2022.

Over a dozen former UFC fighters have been added to XMMA’s first event of 2022.

XMMA 4 is set to take place Saturday, April 2 at The Fillmore in New Orleans. Viewing info has not yet been announced.

The promotion launched in January 2021 with XMMA 1 in West Palm Beach, Fla., and was headlined by Andre Fialho vs. James Vick. XMMA 2 took place in July 2021 with a Ben Saunders vs. Ramsey Nijem main event. XMMA 3 followed shortly thereafter in October, headlined by Cody Gibson vs. John Dodson.

Keep with the notable names as top-billing, XMMA features 14 fighters who made at least one appearance in the UFC. Scroll below to see which UFC alums are currently scheduled to compete.

12 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2022

It’s hard to make it to the UFC. It’s even more difficult to make it a second time.

It’s hard to make it to the UFC.

Thousands of professional fighters try every year – and most fail. For a small percentage, however, they sign their names on the dotted line to fight for the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

Sometimes the opportunity comes a bit too soon. Other times, they’re faced with difficult matchups that time proves were bigger challenges than originally anticipated.

When the pink slip comes and a fighter departs the promotion, there is often a phrase they hear on the way out: “Go get a few more wins, and the UFC will consider bringing you back.”

Easier said than done.

For the vast majority of those departing the UFC, they won’t be back. However, it’s not impossible. A number of fighters have done it over the years. Just look at UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. He was released from the promotion, built his way back, became a contender, and then won a UFC title. Others like Brandon Davis, Jesse Ronson, Nicolas Dalby, Chase Sherman, Sean Soriano, and Dustin Jacoby have reinforced it being possible.

With the new year upon us, here are 12 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2022.

Note: Fighters considered for this list had to have competed in at least one UFC bout.

UFC free fight: Zabit Magomedsharipov and Kyle Bochniak earn ‘Fight of the Night’ honors in slugfest

Relive the action from Zabit Magomedsharipov’s second UFC appearance as he engaged in a three-round war with Kyle Bochniak at UFC 223.

In [autotag]Kyle Bochniak[/autotag], [autotag]Zabit Magomedsharipov[/autotag] faced a man that had no issue bringing the fight straight to him.

Magomedsharipov (18-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) faced Bochniak (8-5 MMA, 2-5 UFC) at UFC 223 in 2018, where the Russian was a sizable betting favorite.

Despite the pre-fight odds, Bochniak wasn’t the least bit intimidated by Magomedsharipov’s size, technique, and skill as he bit down on his mouthpiece and swung for the fences.

Magomedsharipov was happy to engage, and clipped Bochniak on numerous occasions as he made him pay for his wild entries. He worked the body early, using an array of wild spinning techniques, and showed off his grappling, as he landed multiple takedowns during the fight.

In Round 3, Bochniak continued to show his heart by pressing forward, but Magomedsharipov remained calm. With about a minute to go, Magomedsharipov showed signs of fatigue and Bochniak tried to capitalize with a late flurry, but it was too little, too late. After 15 minutes, Magomedsharipov was awarded the unanimous decision on all three judges’ scorecards.

Magomedsharipov remains unbeaten inside the octagon, and has since picked up impressive victories over fellow featherweight contenders Jeremy Stephens, and Calvin Kattar.

Check out Magomedsharipov’s classic battle with Bochniak in the video above.

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CES MMA 61 postponed due to coronavirus outbreak concerns

CES MMA 61 follows dozens of recent cancellations and postponements from notable promotions due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

CES MMA 61 has been postponed.

The event follows dozens of recent cancelations and postponements from notable promotions due to the international coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The promotion did not state when or where the card would be rebooked – or if those logistics had even been figured out yet.

CES MMA 61 was supposed to take place April 24 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. The event was expected to stream on UFC Fight Pass. The promotion announced the news Thursday.

“Asking our fighters to prepare to compete knowing there is a great chance the event will not take place would be unfair and, most importantly, unhealthy,” CES promoter Jimmy Burchfield Jr. stated. “This adversity will pass, and CES MMA will return in 2020 greater than ever. Until then, we ask all of our fighters and fans to take caution, exercise common sense and stay safe.”

The event was not completely booked at the time of the postponement, however a handful of fights were announced. The main event was supposed to feature a flyweight title fight between champion [autotag]Blaine Shutt[/autotag] (8-4 MMA) and DWCS alumnus [autotag]Richie Santiago[/autotag] (8-2 MMA). UFC veterans [autotag]Andre Soukhamthath[/autotag] (13-8 MMA), [autotag]Kyle Bochniak[/autotag] (8-5 MMA), and [autotag]Austin Arnett[/autotag] (16-7 MMA) were also booked to fight on the card.

After seven-fight UFC run, Kyle Bochniak meets Bellator vet Jonathan Gary at CES MMA 61

After seven fights in the UFC, Kyle Bochniak is on his way back to the promotion in which he started his MMA career.

[autotag]Kyle Bochniak[/autotag] is on his way back to the promotion in which he started his MMA career.

Bochniak (8-5) is set to take on [autotag]Jonathan Gary[/autotag] (13-11-2) in a featherweight fight at CES MMA 61, the promotion announced Friday.

CES MMA 61 takes place April 24 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. The card streams on UFC Fight Pass. Flyweight champion Blaine Shutt puts his belt on the line against challenger Richie Santiago in the main event.

Bochniak fought his first six pro fights for CES MMA and won them all, including four by stoppage. That got him a call from the UFC for a fight he took on a nine-day turnaround against Charles Rosa at UFC Fight Night 81. He came out on the wrong end of a unanimous decision for his first loss.

Bochniak bounced back later in 2016 and took a split decision from Enrique Barzola. After an 11-month layoff, he dropped a decision to Jeremy Kennedy at UFC on FOX 25. He rebounded with a decision over Brandon Davis, but then went on a three-fight slide with decision losses to Zabit Magomedsharipov, Hakeem Dawodu and Sean Woodson. The latter came this past October after a 10-month layoff, and Bochniak found himself looking for fights outside the UFC.

Gary will be looking to snap his own three-fight skid. The Oklahoma-based fighter, who has four Bellator fights on his resume, will return to the promotion after a little more than two years. At CES MMA 49 in April 2018, he was submitted by UFC veteran Sean Soriano with a rear-naked choke in just 81 seconds. About a year later, he was stopped with a second-round TKO at EFC 11 for his third straight setback.

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Kyle Bochniak released by UFC, looks for new promotional home

Kyle Bochniak is no longer a member of the UFC roster.

[autotag]Kyle Bochniak[/autotag] is no longer a member of the UFC roster.

The 32-year-old featherweight was recently released by the company and is now looking for a new promotional home. Bochniak (8-5 MMA, 2-5 UFC) announced the news in a Wednesday tweet.

Bochniak, 32, most recently competed at UFC on ESPN 6 in October. Fighting in his backyard of Boston, the Massachusetts native dropped a unanimous decision to UFC newcomer Sean Woodson. The Missourian proved to be too much for Bochniak, who gave up seven inches in height and nine in reach.

From his debut in January 2016 until his release, Bochniak fought seven times in the UFC. He won twice, against Brandon Davis and Enrique Barzola.

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What will likely stand as Bochniak’s signature UFC moment didn’t come in a win. It’s likely he’ll be most remembered for his three-round war with Zabit Magomedsharipov at UFC 223 in the New York City borough of Brooklyn.

A major underdog entering the bout, Bochniak held his own against the rising Russian star. In the final round, Bochniak went all out by engaging Magomedsharipov in a zero-defense slugfest in the pocket.

Upon the completion of the bout, Bochniak and Magomedsharipov received a standing ovation. The fight earned “Fight of the Night” honors and expanded Bochniak’s social media presence significantly.

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