Tag: Mike Mathetha

Orion Cosce vs. Blood Diamond now set for UFC 277 in Dallas

UFC matchmakers have booked Orion Cosce vs. Blood Diamond for the third time, this time landing in Dallas.

A seemingly doomed UFC welterweight matchup is now set to take place at an upcoming pay-per-view event in Texas.

UFC 277, which takes place July 30 in Dallas, will now host the third attempt at getting [autotag]Orion Cosce[/autotag] and [autotag]Blood Diamond[/autotag] into the cage. The welterweights have previously been booked twice before, but both fell through. The new date was announced on social media by Iridium Sports Agency and sources with knowledge of the fight later confirmed the booking to MMA Junkie.

The first meeting was set for UFC 271, but Cosce (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) was unable to compete due to an injury. This led to Matheta (3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) making his UFC debut at the same event against Jeremiah Wells. The second booking was set for UFC 275 in June, however, Matheta withdrew from the fight.

“I hate pulling out, but for the 1st time I had to,” Diamond wrote on Instagram. “Focusing on rehab and being able to fight soon.”

Cosce and Diamond are now set to meet at American Airlines Arena at the end of July, as both fighters will look to overcome their debut setbacks.

Diamond was submitted in his debut against Wells in the first round. Cosce was stopped by Philip Rowe in the second round of his debut last July.

With the addition, the UFC 277 lineup includes:

  • Julianna Peña vs. Amanda Nunes
  • Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara-France
  • Derrick Lewis vs. Sergei Pavlovich
  • Magomed Ankalaev vs. Anthony Smith
  • Rafael Alves vs. Drew Dober
  • Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Michael Morales
  • Nicolae Negumereanu vs. Ihor Potieria
  • Don’Tale Mayes vs. Justin Tafa
  • Diego Ferreira vs. Drakkar Klose
  • Mariya Agapova vs. Ji Yeon Kim
  • Ignacio Bahamondes vs. Ludovit Klein
  • Orion Cosce vs. Blood Diamond

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VIDEO: City Kickboxing surprise Israel Adesanya teammate ‘Blood Diamond’ with news of UFC contract

The UFC has added yet another member of the renowned City Kickboxing team to their roster.

The UFC has added yet another member of the renowned City Kickboxing team to the promotion’s roster.

Joining UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski, as well as contenders Dan Hooker, Brad Riddell, Kai Kara-France, Shane Young and Carlos Ulberg, will be welterweight [autotag]Mike Mathetha[/autotag], who was signed to a four-fight deal.

Mathetha (3-0) was surprised with the news in the City Kickboxing gym, where head coach Eugene Bareman pretended to be honoring Adesanya, before revealing the exciting news to “Blood Diamond.”

“@blood_diam0nd joins the UFC. We surprised @blood_diam0nd by bringing up @stylebender and talking about bloods journey but in reference to Israel, as too not giveaway the surprise we had for Bloods, they both share very similar journeys of sacrifice dedication and commitment. A true gentlemen of the NZ combat sports scene, whos body of work includes over 100 fights all over the world against some of the best on the planet. Hes developed his own unique style and now its time to show the UFC welterweight division just exactly what he brings!”

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CRvVdWPAB4k/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Like Adesanya, Mathetha also has an extensive kickboxing background. A two-time King in the Ring kickboxing tournament winner, Zimbabwe-born Mathetha is unbeaten in his MMA career, with his three wins coming via knockout, submission ,and most recently a unanimous decision over Dimps Gillies in February 2020.

Kara-France shared a highlight-reel finish from Mathetha, expressing excitement towards his teammate’s signing.

“The latest CKB member signed to the @ufc Blood Diamond! Gem stoneFire“

UFC featherweight champ Volkanovski also chimed in.

“You all in for a treat!! Raising hands“

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