Tag: UFC 244

UFC 251 free fight: Jorge Masvidal bloodies Nate Diaz to become the ‘BMF’ champion

Jorge Masvidal’s UFC 251 title shot was set up with a win over Nate Diaz on one of the most unique nights in MMA history at UFC 244.

[autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag]’s memorable 2019 run that made him a top candidate for “Fighter of the Year” was closed out by a main event victory on one of the more unique nights in MMA history.

With President Donald Trump seated cageside and The Rock on hand to glorify the winner with the “BMF” title, Masvidal (35-13 MMA, 12-6 UFC) beat Nate Diaz to claim the specially created belt in the UFC 244 headliner at Madison Square Garden in New York.

After scoring thrilling knockouts of Ben Askren and Darren Till earlier in 2019, Masvidal closed out the most notable year of his career by busting up Diaz’s face en route to a third-round TKO due to a doctor stoppage. It didn’t come without controversy, though, as many, including Diaz, felt he could have continued to compete.

[lawrence-related id=532686,532517]

The fight largely lived up to expectations prior to being cut short, and the win elevated Masvidal into a position to challenge for the UFC welterweight title, which he’ll do Saturday when he faces Kamaru Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) in the UFC 251 main event at Flash Forum in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Watch the video above to watch Masvidal’s encounter with Diaz in full ahead of UFC 251.

[vertical-gallery id=459392]

UFC middleweight Kelvin Gastelum accepts 9-month USADA sanction for second violation

Recent UFC interim title challenger Kelvin Gastelum has accepted a suspension for his second positive test for marijuana.

Recent UFC interim title challenger [autotag]Kelvin Gastelum[/autotag] has accepted a suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for his second positive test for marijuana.

USADA on Monday announced Gastelum has accepted a nine-month sanction after testing positive for THC metabolites over the maximum limit. THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

Gastelum received a five-month reduction to his sanction after the completion of a drug treatment program, USADA said in a statement.

His positive test comes from an in-competition sample collected Nov. 3, 2019, at UFC 244 in New York. At that event, which took place Nov. 2, Gastelum lost a split decision to Darren Till. About seven months prior, he lost a unanimous decision to Israel Adesanya at UFC 236 for the interim middleweight title.

[lawrence-related id=246899,241065]

USADA’s press release reads:

USADA announced today that Kelvin Gastelum, of Huntington Beach, Calif., has accepted a nine-month sanction for his second violation of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy (UFC APD) and received a five-month reduction to his sanction following the successful completion of a drug treatment program.
Gastelum, 28, tested positive for 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (Carboxy-THC) over the Decision Limit of 180 ng/mL, a urinary metabolite of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, marijuana, and/or hashish as the result of a sample collected in-competition at UFC 244 New York, New York on November 3, 2019. Cannabis, marijuana, and hashish are Specified Substances in the class of Cannabinoids and prohibited in-competition under the UFC Prohibited List.
Under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, Cannabinoids are considered Substances of Abuse. If an athlete can establish that the Substance of Abuse was not used to enhance his or her performance in a bout, the athlete is eligible for a reduction to his or her period of ineligibility upon the full and satisfactory completion of an approved rehabilitation program. Gastelum also tested positive for Carboxy-THC in 2017 and accepted the resulting sanction.

Gastelum beat Vitor Belfort with a first-round TKO in March 2017 in the UFC Fight Night 106 main event in Brazil, but that victory was flipped to a no contest after his first positive test. He received a 90-day suspension for that violation and it took him out of a planned fight against former champion Anderson Silva.

[vertical-gallery id=459340]

UFC Fight Pass therapy: 10 classic events to keep you entertained during the coronavirus shutdown

MMA Junkie’s Simon Head picks out a 10-event UFC Fight Pass watch list to ease your lockdown blues.

With the sporting world at a standstill, resources like UFC Fight Pass are proving essential for MMA fans looking to get their fix during the coronavirus lockdown.

The UFC’s streaming platform’s colossal archive offers a huge range of events to sit back and enjoy. Love the old-school PRIDE shows? They’ve got those. Hankering for the days of the WEC? They’ve got the full archive. And, of course, there’s the entire UFC event archive.

It means you can build a watchlist packed with some of the best MMA you could ever wish to see, and more than enough to last you through the entire coronavirus lockdown.

But if you’re going to dive in, why not dive in with some of the most significant events in UFC history, with maybe a couple of hidden gems thrown in for good measure? Here’s a watchlist to get you started.

****

1. UFC 1

You can’t really start a journey like this anywhere other than at the very beginning.

Put simply, the event is iconic. The school sports hall-like surrounds of the McNichols Sports Arena, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace calling the event the “Ultimate Fighting Challenge,” Teila Tuli’s flying tooth and Art Jimmerson’s one boxing glove will all live long in the memory.

But, of course, UFC 1 was all about one man and one discipline, as a scrawny young sibling of the famed Gracie family stepped into the octagon, beat three men in one night and opened the world’s eyes to the wizardry of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Sure, it was crude – the rules were virtually non-existent back then – but it was the start of what the UFC has grown into today. Such has been the evolution of the sport since then, watching the fuzzy UFC 1 footage now is the MMA equivalent of viewing cave drawings of how man first started using tools. But, crucially, it was both eye-catching and entertaining, and it serves as a handy reminder of just how far the sport has evolved since that day.

If you watch UFC 1, you’ll probably want to watch UFC 2, then 3. But we’ll leave that to your own UFC Fight Pass rabbit hole. Instead, we’re jumping forward.

Next up: The first BIG rivalry in UFC history.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10

UFC on ESPN+ 28 free fight: Kevin Lee bounces back with emphatic knockout over Gregor Gillespie

Ahead of his return at UFC on ESPN+ 28, relive Kevin Lee’s knockout over Gregor Gillespie at UFC 244.

[autotag]Kevin Lee[/autotag] made a statement in his return to the win column.

With his back against the wall after suffering consecutive losses to Rafael dos Anjos and Al Iaquinta, Lee (18-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) moved back down to lightweight to take on then-undefeated prospect Gregor Gillespie at this past November’s UFC 244.

Never one to back down from a challenge, former UFC interim lightweight title challenger Lee was an underdog, and he cashed in big.

It was his first fight since making the move to Montreal’s famed Tristar Gym, as he came out with a low stance, ready to defend Gillespie’s takedowns. However, the fight would never go there, as the two started out throwing heat early.

[lawrence-related id=498287,483264]

Lee stuck out his jab, throwing counters every time Gillespie stepped in. After a few exchanges, Lee backed Gillespie up, throwing an overhand right, followed by a beautifully timed head kick, which sent Gillespie flying across the octagon. It was an incredible first-round knockout for Lee, who bounced Gillespie out of the ranks of the unbeaten,

Lee returns to action Saturday when he heads to enemy territory to take on the Charles Oliveira in the UFC on ESPN+ 28 main event at Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia.

Check out Lee’s knockout over Gillespie in the video above.

[vertical-gallery id=459200]

UFC on ESPN+ 25 free fight: Corey Anderson upsets Johnny Walker in the first round

Ahead of his return at UFC on ESPN+ 25, relive Corey Anderson’s first round finish over Johnny Walker at UFC 244.

[autotag]Corey Anderson[/autotag] was eager to let people know that there are levels to this game.

Disrespected going into the fight, Anderson (13-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) had a point to prove when he was matched up with highly-touted rising star Johnny Walker at this past November’s UFC 244. Anderson, who had been continuously campaigning for a title shot, was the betting underdog going into the fight, but it wouldn’t take long for him to prove his point.

Round 1 started with Walker delivering his patented fakes and awkward movements, switching stances back and forth. Anderson would eventually charge forward, grabbing Walker’s leg and stacking him against the cage to work for a takedown.

[lawrence-related id=488723]

Walker stuffed the first takedown attempt, a good early sign, but just seconds later, Anderson cracked Walker with a big overhand right, followed by a few shots that didn’t fully connect, but ended the combination with a left hook that dropped Walker to the floor.

Anderson made sure not to let Walker off the hook, pouring it on, even as Walker made his way back to his feet. He would take him right back down, dropping some more ground and pound. Walker was in survival mode, stumbling all over the place, until he was met with another big right hand, and the referee stopped the fight with Walker almost out on his feet.

An infuriated Anderson taunted his way across the cage, screaming in Walker’s face, and even mocking his celebratory dance. Big city, bright lights, and Anderson was not going to be denied.

Anderson returns to action this Saturday in the UFC on ESPN+ 25 headliner in Rio Rancho, N.M., when he rematches Jan Blachowicz in what could very well be a No. 1 contender fight.

Anderson won their first meeting in 2015 at UFC 191 via unanimous decision, and he looks to replicate his performance on Feb. 15. Before then, check out the video above to watch Anderson’s big finish over Walker.

[vertical-gallery id=459186]

UFC Fight Night 166: Curtis Blaydes vs. Junior dos Santos, Preview, Fight Card, Live Stream, How to Watch

It’s a bunch of familiar faces at UFC Fight Night 166 with Junior dos Santos and Rafael dos Anjos among the fighters. Here’s how to watch

Fight Night 166 features a few big names old-school fans will have fond memories of, but they’ll be tested against some newer faces. You’ll only be able to watch the UFC stream on ESPN+.

At the top of the fight card is Junior dos Santos who will take on Curtis Blaydes for what will effectively be the No. 3 spot in the Heavyweight division. Both dos Santos and Blaydes have recently lost to the second-ranked Francis Ngannou, with a win potentially pushing them back into a rematch with the Cameroonian fighter

But before that, Rafael dos Anjos will fight Michael Chiesa. It has been a long fall for dos Anjos, losing two of his three fights since losing to Colby Covington at UFC 225 for the interim Welterweight Championship. Another loss here could spark the end to his contender role while potentially pushing Chiesa into the top-5.

For more of the UFC schedule, make sure you’re subscribed to ESPN+. With tons of fights already lined up for 2020 that you’ll only be able to catch on the ESPN+, it’s worth the price for true UFC fans.

How to watch UFC Fight Night 166:

Who: Curtis Blaydes (11-2) vs. Junior dos Santos (21-5)

When: Saturday, Jan. 25, 8:00 p.m. ET

Where: PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC

UFC stream:

UFC live stream: Watch the UFC fight tonight on ESPN+.

Main Card (8 p.m. ET)

  • Curtis Blaydes vs. Junior dos Santos – Heavyweight
  • Rafael dos Anjos vs. Michael Chiesa – Welterweight
  • Jordan Espinosa vs. Alex Perez – Flyweight
  • Hannah Cifers vs. Angela Hill – Women’s Strawweight
  • Jamahal Hill vs. Darko Stosic – Light Heavyweight

Prelims (5 p.m. ET)

  • Bevon Lewis vs. Dequan Townsend – Middleweight
  • Arnold Allen vs. Nik Lentz – Featherweight
  • Justice Kish vs. Lucie Pudilova – Women’s Flyweight
  • Montel Jackson vs. Felipe Colares – Bantamweight
  • Ara McMann vs. Lina Lansberg – Women’s Bantamweight
  • Brett Johns vs. Tony Gravely – Bantamweight
  • Herbert Burns vs. Nate Landwehr – Featherweight

We recommend interesting sports viewing and streaming opportunities. If you sign up to a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.

[vertical-gallery id=865249]

MMA Junkie’s 2019 ‘Event of the Year’: UFC 244: Masvidal vs. Diaz

With a “BMF” title on the line, a string of spectacular finishes and the president in the building, UFC 244 is our 2019 “Event of the Year.”

With Donald Trump, “The Rock,” the “BMF” title and a fight card packed with highlight-reel finishes and edge-of-the-seat decisions, UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden just about had it all.

The Nov. 2 event in New York broke from the regular tradition of having a UFC title fight at the top of the pay-per-view card, but in place of the shiny gold belt we had something slightly different: a black and gunmetal-grey replacement belt that looked harder, edgier and altogether more appropriate for the two men set to throw down in the event headliner.

[autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] enjoyed a banner year heading into fight night. After 16 years as a pro, “Gamebred” found another gear in 2019. He stunned Darren Till in London, delivered the now-infamous “three-piece and a soda” to Leon Edwards backstage, then moved on to demolish Ben Askren with a record-breaking five-second flying knee at UFC 239.

[lawrence-related id=460049,460002,460461]

In New York, he took on [autotag]Nate Diaz[/autotag], the man who handed Conor McGregor the first loss of his UFC career and in the process became a bona fide superstar in his own right. The fight between Masvidal and Diaz might not have been a fight for a UFC title, but it felt bigger than a regular non-title main event, and Diaz’s suggestion that he fights for the “Baddest Mother(expletive) in the game belt” eventually transformed from a cool sound byte to MMA reality when a $50,000 one-off “BMF” belt was commissioned especially for the occasion.

The fight itself lived up to all expectations when the two met in the center of the octagon and threw down. Masvidal was on top, but Diaz, thanks to his bulletproof cardio, often comes on strong in the later rounds and the anticipation and excitement levels were through the roof as the bout prepared to go into the championship rounds. Then a cageside physician intervened and ruled that a deep cut above Diaz’s eye was too serious to allow him to continue. The fight was waved off and Masvidal claimed the TKO victory – and the “BMF” title as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrapped the belt around the Miami man’s waist.

[vertical-gallery id=459392]

But UFC 244 was about so much more than just that crazy main event. The co-main event saw the return of former welterweight title challenger Till, who executed a smart, mature game plan to outpoint Kelvin Gastelum by split decision. There was another decision when Stephen Thompson and Vicente Luque engaged in a hugely entertaining welterweight battle that ended with “Wonderboy” taking the spoils. And “The Black Beast,” Derrick Lewis, picked up a big win when he outbattled seemingly unbreakable Bulgarian Blagoy Ivanov over three rounds.

But before that trio of decisions, the New York crowd was royally treated by five back-to-back knockouts. Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Edmen Shahbazyan, Shane Burgos, Corey Anderson and Kevin Lee all produced impressive stoppage victories. None were more eye-catching than Lee’s stunning head-kick finish of the previously-undefeated Gregor Gillespie. “The Motown Phenom” kicked off the pay-per-view portion of the card in the most spectacular way possible.

[vertical-gallery id=459200]

The action was overseen by none other than president Trump, whose affiliation with mixed martial arts, and UFC president Dana White, stretches back to the early Zuffa-era of the organization. And while the commander-in-chief received a reception best described as mixed from the New York crowd, the significance of his presence certainly added to the big-event feel at “The Garden” on Nov. 2.

Other events ran it close for our “Event of the Year” award. UFC 239 gave us a memorable night during “International Fight Week” when Masvidal produced that incredible finish of Askren, while UFC 241 delivered a spectacular main card when Stipe Miocic stopped Daniel Cormier to reclaim the heavyweight title and Nate Diaz defeated Anthony Pettis in the co-main event. Plus, Paulo Costa edged out Yoel Romero on the scorecards after a fight of the year candidate and there were also a standout stoppage wins for Sodiq Yusuff and Khama Worthy.

But while those events delivered the goods on fight night, none had quite that sense of scale and anticipation that we experienced with UFC 244, and that’s why the UFC’s New York card in November gets our nod as MMA Junkie’s 2019 “Event of the Year.”

Full UFC 244 results:

[vertical-gallery id=459173]

Also see:

MMA Junkie’s 2019 in pictures: Jorge Masvidal’s ‘super necessary’ road to the BMF title

Jorge Masvidal had a year to remember in 2019 as he became one of the biggest stars in the UFC. Recap his remarkable year in our end-of-year gallery special.

In his 17th year as a professional MMA fighter, Miami-based welterweight [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] enjoyed the biggest and best 12-month stint of his career, as he elevated himself from a respected, dangerous veteran to one of the UFC’s biggest stars.

On March 16, Masvidal knocked out Darren Till at UFC on ESPN+ 5 in London, then hit another British welterweight contender, Leon Edwards, with his now-infamous “three-piece and a soda” after prematurely halting his backstage interview with UFC broadcaster Laura Sanko.

[lawrence-related id=458922,419970,391074]

Masvidal then went on to starch previously-undefeated former ONE and Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren with a flying knee at UFC 239, as he lit up International Fight Week with the fastest knockout in UFC history, officially timed at just five seconds.

And Masvidal’s stellar year closed out with championship glory, as he defeated Nate Diaz via doctor stoppage at UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden, where he was presented with the one-off “BMF” title by global superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Check out the story of Masvidal’s incredible year in 2019 via the gallery below.

[vertical-gallery id=466336]

Colby Covington: Donald Trump’s absence from UFC 245 fight is Kamaru Usman’s fault

Why didn’t president Donald Trump attend Colby Covington’s fight? Covington points to UFC 245 foe Kamaru Usman.

LAS VEGAS – Despite the fighter who’s one of his biggest supporters being absent from the card, President Donald Trump chose to attend November’s UFC 244 over this week’s UFC 245.

But that wasn’t on purpose, at least not according to [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag]. Trump’s intention was to attend Covington’s next fight, the welterweight title challenger revealed during Wednesday’s UFC 245 athlete panel at MGM Grand Casino & Resort.

So why won’t Trump be at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday? Covington blames champion Kamaru Usman. According to Covington, Usman deferred his first title defense to a later date.

“You know the only reason (Trump) went out to Madison Square Garden was because me and ‘Marty Fakenewsman’ were supposed to be headlining that,” Covington said. “But ‘Marty Fakenewsman’ had to let the EPO get out of his system, and that’s why we couldn’t do it.

“(President Trump) put it in his schedule, and he’s too busy right now with that impeachment (expletive). It’s too bad. But I know they’ll be watching at home. I’ll get to go back to the White House and bring them a new shiny belt.”

[lawrence-related id=469415,469432]

While he said he hasn’t spoken to Trump in the lead-up to his first undisputed title challenge, Covington expects a phone call from the president should he win. For this fight week, Covington has been staying at the Trump Hotel, where he’s received “first-class treatment.”

“He didn’t call me in the lead-up to this fight, but I’m sure I’ll be getting a call after I beat up ‘Marty Fakenewsman’ on Saturday night,” Covington said. “Just like when I beat up Robbie Lawler last fight. He called me. The Trumps got me staying at their hotel. First class treatment, just like they treat America.”

Everyone should be grateful for Trump’s efforts, Covington told fans and media during the panel discussion, even as he faces possible impeachment. According to Covington, the president is working hard to save the country.

[lawrence-related id=470088,469519]

“I’m not a mark, but I do love the greatest president of all time, Donald Trump,” Covington said. “What he’s doing for America. He puts America first. I can’t thank the first family enough for what they do for America.

“They don’t have to put themselves in the spotlight and do what they do for America. They’re saving America, and everybody here should be thankful.”

UFC 245 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

[jwplayer 5iLFOjNF-RbnemIYZ]

Nate Diaz releases behind-the-scenes video of lead-up to UFC 244

Nate Diaz offers up a behind-the-scenes look at UFC 244 fight week leading up to his “BMF” title fight with Jorge Masvidal.

[autotag]Nate Diaz[/autotag] and Jorge Masvidal squared off Nov. 2 for the “BMF” title in the UFC 244 headliner.

While he did not walk away victorious, Diaz still partook in a truly special event of high magnitude. And in the weeks leading up to UFC 244, the anticipation built every day as two of MMA’s OGs prepared for their showdown in New York.

In a video blog released Tuesday, Diaz offered up a behind-the-scenes look at UFC 244 fight week. Follow Nate and Nick Diaz, Kron Gracie, AJ Agazarm, and the rest of “The Nick Diaz Army” as they go through fight week.

In this episode, Diaz arrives in New York, speaks to the media, meets with fans, watches tape on his opponent, and weighs in on one of the biggest fights of his life.

[lawrence-related id=460461,461732]

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.

[jwplayer Kx2rNy9q-RbnemIYZ]