Tag: Pedro Munhoz

22 fights on our MMA wishlist for 2022: Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz 3, Jon Jones, Jorge Masvidal

What are some of your dream matchups for 2022? Here are 22 fights MMA Junkie hopes to see happen in 2022.

Amidst a tumultuous global pandemic there were many grim realities humans had to endure in 2021. One thing was consistently good, however, and that’s combat sports.

Although just five fights of 21 fights from the 2021 MMA wishlist came to fruition, the sport was extremely hot and gave fans many memorable moments. The world leader of MMA – the UFC – had a particularly great year, and that momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing heading into 2022.

It’s not just UFC fights that are taking attention, either. There’s also plenty happening in Bellator, PFL, Eagle FC and many other promotions.

MMA is in a great spot, and with much excitement we present MMA Junkie’s wishlist of 22 fights we’d like to see in 2022.

UFC 269 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Second highest payout in program history

Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 269 took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $323,500.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 269 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $323,500.

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 269 took place at T-Mobile Arena. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

The full UFC 269 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag]: $42,000
def. [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Julianna Pena[/autotag]: $32,000
def. [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag]: $42,000

[autotag]Geoff Neal[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Santiago Ponzinibbio[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Kai Kara-France[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Cody Garbrandt[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Sean O’Malley[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Raulian Paiva[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Josh Emmett[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Dan Ige[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Dominick Cruz[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Pedro Munhoz[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Tai Tuivasa[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Augusto Sakai[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Bruno Silva[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Jordan Wright[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Andre Muniz[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Eryk Anders[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Erin Blanchfield[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Miranda Maverick[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Ryan Hall[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Darrick Minner[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Tony Kelley[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Randy Costa[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Gillian Robertson[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Priscila Cachoeira[/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 $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2021 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $5,929,000
Program-to-date total: $5,929,000

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UFC 269 results: Dominick Cruz survives early adversity, puts on clinic in win vs. Pedro Munhoz

Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz was nearly finished in the opening minutes, but somehow survived and rallied to victory.

LAS VEGAS – In the early moments of his UFC 269 bout, things looked grim for former bantamweight champion [autotag]Dominick Cruz[/autotag].

But somehow someway, Cruz (24-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) overcame great adversity in the opening minutes to rally and dominate fellow contender [autotag]Pedro Munhoz[/autotag] (19-7 MMA, 9-7 UFC) en route to a unanimous decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) victory.

UFC 269 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.

The first round was action-packed, with the most significant damage being unleashed by the hands of Munhoz, who stunned and dropped Cruz on multiple occasions. Cruz someone survived in a grappling scramble and the momentum shifted slightly thereafter. Most of the exchanges that followed were either 50-50 or slightly in Cruz’s favor. While he may not have won the round, he showed heart and rebounded nicely.

In Round 2, Cruz continued to find his range and pick apart Munhoz on the feet. As the round progressed, so did Cruz’s offense. Big shots connected for the former champion, but Munhoz stayed on his feet and absorbed them. Late in the frame, Cruz landed a series of approximately 10 straight punches to the head of Munhoz, which got a pop out of the crowd.

Likely tied at one round apiece, it was anyone’s fight entering the final round. Cruz was aggressive like in Round 2, as he rocked Munhoz on a few occasions. As he sported a cut under his left eye, Cruz dipped in and out as he avoided danger in vintage fashion. Munhoz hung tough, but it wasn’t enough to sway the judges.

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With the win, Cruz extends his winning streak to two, which also includes a split decision victory over Casey Kenney. A former UFC bantamweight champion, Cruz went winless from December 2016 to March 2020. During that stretch he only competed twice. Both were title fights losses, one against Henry Cejudo and one against Cody Garbrandt.

As for Munhoz, the defeat marks his fourth loss in five appearances. Other losses in the stretch include Aljamain Sterling, Frankie Edgar, and Jose Aldo. Munhoz has now lost back-to-back fights.

Up-to-the-minute results of UFC 269 include:

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Twitter reacts to Dominick Cruz’s comeback win over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 269

See the top Twitter reactions to Dominick Cruz’s victory against Pedro Munhoz at UFC 269.

[autotag]Dominick Cruz[/autotag] showed he belongs in the conversation at bantamweight Saturday when he beat [autotag]Pedro Munhoz[/autotag] at UFC 269.

Cruz (24-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC), a former two-time UFC champ, has put together back-to-back victories after he defeated Munhoz (19-7 MMA, 9-7 UFC) by unanimous decision in their crucial divisional matchup, which took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Check below for the top Twitter reactions to Cruz’s victory over Munhoz at UFC 269.

UFC 269 play-by-play and live results (6 p.m. ET)

Check out live play-by-play and official results from UFC 269 in Las Vegas.

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LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie is on the scene for Saturday’s UFC 269 event.

UFC 269 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ and early prelims on ESPN+.

In the main event, Charles Oliveira will look to record his first lightweight title defense against former interim champion Dustin Poirier. In the co-feature, two-division champion Amanda Nunes will put her women’s bantamweight title on the line against Julianna Pena. Also, former bantamweight champion Cody Garbradnt drops down to flyweight for the first time where he will meet Kai Kara-France. The eccentric Sean O’Malley takes on Raulian Paiva to kick things off the pay-per-view main card.

To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC 269 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporters John Morgan (@MMAjunkieJohn) and Mike Bohn (@MikeBohnMMA) on Twitter.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

Pedro Munhoz doesn’t see a decline in Dominick Cruz ahead of UFC 269

Top contender Pedro Munhoz isn’t taking former UFC champ Dominick Cruz lightly ahead of Saturday’s fight.

LAS VEGAS – Dominick Cruz’s days as UFC champion might be long gone, but [autotag]Pedro Munhoz[/autotag] is preparing as if Cruz still holds UFC gold.

The long-time UFC bantamweight contender takes on Cruz this Saturday on the preliminary card of UFC 269. Munhoz (19-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC), who looks to bounce back from a decision loss to Jose Aldo in August, is in no way taking Cruz lightly.

The Brazilian was quick to shut down any criticism on Cruz and his skills Wednesday. Cruz lost the UFC bantamweight title in 2016 and since then has competed just twice, going 1-1 inside the octagon.

“I don’t think (he’s taken a step back).” Munhoz told MMA Junkie at UFC 269 media day. “A lot of people said that when he had the knee surgery and then he came back to fight T.J. Dillashaw five rounds, I actually watched that fight live in Boston, and he’s no joke.

“The guy is always training and always getting better. We’re kind of the same age, so I don’t underestimate him. I never underestimate any of my opponents. That’s the mind set that I come in every fight. I know he’s going to be the best version of himself and so will I.”

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Cruz is often regarded as the greatest bantamwieght in the history of the sport, and Munhoz is no stranger to fighting opponents with prestigious backgrounds. The Brazilian has competed against three former UFC champions and the current 135-pound title holder in his past five trips to the octagon.

Munhoz is more than happy the UFC is booking him against notable names.

“That’s something that I always envisioned, to be competing with the best fighters out there,” Munhoz explained. “I’m very glad to be able to do what I like to do most, and that’s fighting at the top 10 for the last five years. Just that in itself shows the kind of competitive, high-level skills fighters we have at the bantamweight division.

“For me, it’s such a big honor to be part of these fighters. Now I’m fighting No. 5 former champion in my last six fights, so it’s definitely something that makes me very excited. I want to keep working as hard as I can and as smart as I can, to keep climbing the ladder and be able to capitalize and learn new skills and still be competing in the biggest organization in the world.”

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Dominick Cruz returns at UFC 269 to face Pedro Munhoz in final pay-per-view of 2021

A key bantamweight matchup is in the works for the UFC’s December pay-per-view event.

A key bantamweight matchup is in the works for the UFC’s December pay-per-view event.

Former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz is expected to fight Pedro Munhoz on Dec. 11 at UFC 269 after the two sides verbally agreed. The event does not yet have a confirmed location or venue, although it is expected to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Multiple people with knowledge of the matchup confirmed the news to MMA Junkie following an initial report from MMA Fighting.

Cruz (23-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) will look to make it two wins a row after picking up his first since 2016 earlier this year. At UFC 259 in March, Cruz defeated Casey Kenney by split decision in an intense battle, snapping a two-fight skid.

On the other side, Munhoz (19-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC) is coming off a unanimous decision loss to former featherweight champion Jose Aldo at UFC 265. Munhoz has fought top names in the division with mixed results since 2019, having faced Cody Garbrandt, Aljamain Sterling, Frankie Edgar, and Jimmie Rivera.

UFC 269 features a trio of title fights as the promotion looks to close out the calendar year strong. The main event will see Charles Oliveira attempt to defend his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier. The co-main pits champ-champ Amanda Nunes against Julianna Pena for the women’s bantamweight title. The third title fight is a trilogy between recently crowned flyweight champion Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo.

The current UFC 269 lineup includes:

  • Champ Charles Oliveira vs. Dustin Poirier– for lightweight title
  • Champ Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Pena – for women’s bantamweight title
  • Champ Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo – for flyweight title
  • Randy Costa vs. Tony Kelley
  • Cody Garbrandt vs. Kai Kara-France
  • Priscila Cachoeira vs. Gillian Robertson
  • Maycee Barber vs. Montana De La Rosa
  • Dricus Du Plessis vs. Andre Muniz
  • Alex Perez vs. Matt Schnell
  • Ryan Hall vs. Darrick Minner
  • Dominick Cruz vs. Pedro Munhoz

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UFC 265 ‘Fight Motion’: Watch Ciryl Gane’s title-winning finish of Derrick Lewis in super slo-mo

Check out the super slow-motion highlights from UFC 265, including clips of Ciryl Gane’s dominant finish of Derrick Lewis.

[autotag]Ciryl Gane[/autotag] silenced any and all naysayers doubting his finishing instincts when he broke down [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag] in the main event of UFC 265 last Saturday.

Gane (10-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) captured the interim heavyweight title with a third-round TKO finish of Lewis (25-8 MMA, 16-6 UFC) in what was another masterful performance by the undefeated rising star.

In the co-main event, [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] (30-7 MMA, 12-6 UFC) proved that he’s not slowing down any time soon when he put on a striking clinic against a tough [autotag]Pedro Munhoz[/autotag] (19-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC).

You can watch it all unfold in super slow-motion in the UFC 265 “Fight Motion” video highlights above.

Also featured are highlights of [autotag]Vicente Luque[/autotag]’s “Performance of the Night” submission of Michael Chiesa, [autotag]Rafael Fiziev[/autotag] and [autotag]Bobby Green[/autotag]’s “Fight of the Night” battle, [autotag]Jessica Penne[/autotag]’s slick submission of Karolina Kowalkiewicz, [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag]’s flying knee knockout of Ode Osbourne, and much more.

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UFC 265 post-event facts: Ciryl Gane’s beatdown of Derrick Lewis sets record numbers

The best facts and figures to come out of UFC 265, which saw Ciryl Gane make history with his interim title win over Derrick Lewis.

[autotag]Ciryl Gane[/autotag] produced the most statistically lopsided heavyweight title fight win in octagon history on Saturday in the UFC 265 main event.

Gane (10-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) punished [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag] (25-8 MMA, 16-6 UFC) for nearly three full rounds en route to a third-round TKO that gave him interim belt and set up a title unification clash with Francis Ngannou.

For more on the numbers behind Gane’s win, as well as the rest of the card, check below for 50 post-event facts to come out of UFC 265.

UFC 265 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Five fighters get at least $21,000

Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 265 took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $278,000.

HOUSTON – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 265 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $278,000.

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 265 took place at the Toyota Center. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

The full UFC 265 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Ciryl Gane[/autotag]: $32,000
def. [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Pedro Munhoz[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Vicente Luque[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Michael Chiesa[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Tecia Torres[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Angela Hill[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Song Yadong[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Casey Kenney[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Rafael Fiziev[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Bobby Green[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Vince Morales[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Drako Rodriguez[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Alonzo Menifield[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Ed Herman[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Jessica Penne[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Karolina Kowalkiewicz[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Ode Osbourne[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Miles Johns[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Anderson dos Santos[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Melissa Gatto[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Victoria Leonardo[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Johnny Munhoz[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Jamey Simmons[/autotag]: $4,000

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 $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2021 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $2,985,000
Program-to-date total: $2,985,000