Tag: UFC 250

UFC 250 ‘Fight Motion’: Amanda Nunes illustrates a beautiful destruction

Amanda Nunes became the first woman in promotional history to defend multiple titles when she defeated Felicia Spencer at UFC 250.

[autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] became the first woman in promotional history to defend multiple titles when she defeated [autotag]Felicia Spencer[/autotag] at UFC 250.

For five rounds, Nunes (20-4 MMA, 13-1 UFC) picked apart Canada’s Spencer (8-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) en route to a unanimous decision victory. Nunes earned $450,000 for the victory, with Spencer earning $125,000.

Regarded by many as the greatest female fighter of all time. Nunes has not lost since September 2014 when she was defeated by Cat Zingano. Eleven fights and almost six years later, Nunes holds both the UFC women’s bantamweight championship and the UFC women’s featherweight championship.

Also featured in UFC 250 “Fight Motion” is former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt’s buzz-beating knockout win over Raphael Assuncao, Aljamain Sterling’s speedy submission over Cory Sandhagen, Sean O’Malley’s first-round demolition of Eddie Wineland, as well as highlights from many other bouts on the card.

UFC 250 took place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main card aired on pay-per-view after prelims simulcasted on ESPN/ESPN+.

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USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, June 9: Take a look at bantamweight, sans Henry Cejudo

“Triple C” insists his fighting days are done, unless he gets a shot at the UFC featherweight title, and our new rankings reflect the move.

[autotag]Henry Cejudo[/autotag] insists his fighting days are done, and after giving him a little cooling off period, the newest edition of the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie MMA rankings reflect his removal from the bantamweight division.

“Triple C” may return at some point if he’s given an opportunity to compete for the UFC’s featherweight title, but for now, he’s elected to step aside, and with all the action happening at bantamweight, we figured it was time to honor his request. That allows former title challenger [autotag]Marlon Moraes[/autotag] to ascend to the No. 1 position, with [autotag]Aljamain Sterling[/autotag], who picked up a massive win at this past weekend’s UFC 250, to take the No. 2 slot.

Of course, we know that neither of those men will be fighting for Cejudo’s belt next. Instead, that honor falls to No. 3 [autotag]Petr Yan[/autotag], as well as [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag], who sits at No. 5 in the featherweight division, where he long served as a UFC champion.

So check out the new look of the bantamweight division, as well as all weight classes in this week’s latest rankings list.

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Spinning Back Clique live (noon ET): Conor McGregor’s retirement, fighter unrest, UFC 250, more

Join us for a live edition of Spinning Back Clique to discuss the latest and biggest storylines in MMA.

Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. And this, we’re LIVE today at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) with “Gorgeous” George, “Goze, Danny Segura, and host Simon Head to talk about the biggest headlines in the sport.

SHOW TOPICS

  • For the third time in four years, [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] again has announced his retirement. Buy or sell?
  • With Mcgregor and [autotag]Henry Cejudo[/autotag]’s retirements, combined with [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag]’ and [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag]’s public feuds with Dana White over money, what do we make of the general fighter unrest going on right now in the UFC.
  • [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] is clearly the GOAT of women’s MMA and one of the greatest fighters of all time – period. Now that she’s all but wiped out two divisions after her dominant UFC 250 performance against Felicia Spencer, where does she go from here?
  • UFC 250 was a pivotal event for the bantamweight division, with [autotag]Aljamain Sterling[/autotag], [autotag]Cody Garbrandt[/autotag] and [autotag]Sean O’Malley[/autotag] all scoring big wins, and doing so in impressive fashion. We sort out what should be next for each man.
  • Speaking of, both Garbrandt and O’Mally each had spectacular one-punch, walk-off knockouts over Raphael Assuncao and Eddie Wineland, respectively. Which one was more impressive?
  • We also take a look ahead at UFC on ESPN 10 this weekend, which features [autotag]Jessica Eye[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Cynthia Calvillo[/autotag] in the main event. The card overall has taken some heat from fans calling it lackluster, but we’ll let you know what to watch for.

For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 32 of “Spinning Back Clique” above.

UFC 250 reactions: Winning and losing fighters on social media

See how the UFC 250 winners and losers reacted on social media outlets such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Since the early days when the sport was anything but a mainstream endeavor, the MMA industry has thrived and survived through various websites, forums, and, perhaps most importantly, social-media platforms.
Fighters interact with fans, each other, and many more through the likes of Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, which helps outsiders get a deeper look into the minds of the athletes.

Following Saturday’s UFC 250 event in Las Vegas, several of the winning and losing fighters, along with their coaches, training partners, or family members, took to social media to react to the event or share a message with supporters.

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The defeated

https://www.facebook.com/charles.byrd.165/posts/10219593578883046

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Post #ufc250

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The victorious

 

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What a week it was whoa, still trying to digest it. I just want to give thanks to my savior Jesus christ and give him all the glory he has lead me and is why i am where i am today! I also want to give a big thanks to @mickmaynard2, Sean, @danawhite and the UFC crew for keeping the fighters and everyone involved healthy. They put on such a amazing show and having the balls to stand up against the controversy. Also @the_angry_dietitian and Alexa at @trifectasystem for making my weight cut stress free. @heatherlinden and billy at the @ufcpi for tuning my body up right before the fight! Second I want to thank my foundation gym factory x and all the coaches and teammates their families. Third I want to thank my current teams @tigermuaythai, @genesis_fight, @elevationfightteamco, @p4pfit also the coaches who cornered me @coachjaker, @peterstraubmma all my training partners @feets_solo, @grantneal34, @natemarquardt, @kapel_kickn_it, @bojanvelickovicmma, Dwight @sean.mf.choice and @deadshot.ronin thank you for connecting the dots! 🙏🏻 my mom @fitfuninsun, Dad @thegman1009 and my sister @kayla.wambach for always believing in me! thank you to all my sponsors and my recovery specialists @jamieatlasfitness and Joe mcmahon. My management @iridiumsportsagency, @jasonkhouse, @jacobparga and @lancespaude are seriously the best in the world. 🌎 My amazing, gorgeous wife @mrs___hurricane ❤️💯❤️ If I am missing anyone please dm me and I’ll get that corrected. Oh yeah did I mention fight news coming real soon! 👊🏻 . . . #godsplan #kingofcontenders #UFCmostwanted #mma #boxing #wrestling #tigermuaythai #restorehealthcenter #moringainfusions #LFAchamp #ufc #hurricane #illegalpetes #bodychek #elderauto #genesistrainingcenter #denversportsrecovery #radroller #JamieAtlaspersonaltrainingandrecovery #virus #kingapperal #leakfinderroofing #remaxmastersMillennium #captivation #nills #leakfinder #commentsfromthepeanutgallery #iridiumsportsmanagement

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Super ⭐️ 📸 @jx.soto

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🍑💦 😂 • #SpunkMaster

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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 250 medical suspensions: Amanda Nunes, Felicia Spencer, five others receive 180 days

UFC 250 headliners Amanda Nunes and Felicia Spencer are among seven fighters facing a lengthy suspensions for injuries sustained.

UFC women’s bantamweight champion [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] is among seven fighters facing lengthy medical suspensions for injuries sustained Saturday at UFC 250.

MMA Junkie obtained the full list from the Nevada Athletic Commission on Monday. Fighters can return sooner than the duration of their suspension if cleared by a doctor.

Headliners Nunes and [autotag]Felicia Spencer[/autotag] each were suspended 180 days – Nunes for an injured right tibia/fibula; Spencer for a non-displaced left orbital flor and nasal fracture.

Undercard fighters facing potential 180-day terms include Chase Hooper, Brian Kelleher, Charles Byrd, Alex Perez, and Devin Clark.

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UFC 250 took place Saturday at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main card streamed on pay-per-view after prelims simulcasted on ESPN and ESPN+.

The complete list of UFC 250 medical suspensions:

  • Amanda Nunes: Suspended 180 days or until x-ray of right tibia/fibula cleared by orthopedic physician; Also suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days
  • Felicia Spencer: Suspended 18- days or until left orbital floor and nasal fracture cleared by maxillofacial surgeon; Also suspended 60 days with no contact for 45 days
  • [autotag]Cody Garbrandt[/autotag]: No suspension
  • [autotag]Raphael Assuncao[/autotag]: Suspended 60 days
  • [autotag]Aljamain Sterling[/autotag]: No suspension
  • [autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag]: No suspension
  • [autotag]Neil Magny[/autotag]: No suspension
  • [autotag]Anthony Rocco Martin[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days
  • [autotag]Sean O’Malley[/autotag]: No suspension
  • [autotag]Eddie Wineland[/autotag]: Suspended 60 days with no contact for 45 days
  • [autotag]Chase Hooper[/autotag]: Suspended 180 days or until x-ray of right thumb is cleared by orthopedic physician; Also suspended for 30 days with no contact for 45 days
  • [autotag]Alex Caceres[/autotag]: No suspension
  • [autotag]Ian Heinisch[/autotag]: No suspension
  • [autotag]Gerald Meerschaert[/autotag]: Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days
  • [autotag]Cody Stamann[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days
  • [autotag]Brian Kelleher[/autotag]: Suspended 180 days or until x-ray of right foot is cleared by orthopedic physician; Also suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days
  • [autotag]Maki Pitolo[/autotag]: No suspension
  • [autotag]Charles Byrd[/autotag]: Suspended 180 days or until x-ray of left wrist is cleared by orthopedic physician; Also suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days
  • [autotag]Alex Perez[/autotag]: Suspended 180 days or until x-rays of right ankle, foot, and right ribs are cleared by orthopedic physician; Also suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days
  • [autotag]Jussier Formiga[/autotag]: Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days
  • [autotag]Devin Clark[/autotag]: Suspended 180 days or until left orbital floor is cleared by maxillofacial surgeon; Also suspended 60 days with no contact for 45 days
  • [autotag]Alonzo Menifield[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days
  • [autotag]Herbert Burns[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with no contact or until left foot sutures cleared by physician
  • [autotag]Evan Dunham[/autotag]: No suspension

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Alex Perez says UFC rankings don’t matter – and he’s ready to step in for a title shot

Take a look inside Alex Perez’s TKO win over Jussier Formiga at UFC 250 in Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Alex Perez[/autotag] beat Jussier Formiga with a first-round TKO Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 250 in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Perez, who won for the third straight time and second consecutive time by first-round finish.

Result: Alex Perez def. Jussier Formiga via TKO (leg kicks) – Round 1, 4:06
Updated records: Perez (24-5 MMA, 6-1 UFC), Formiga (23-8 MMA, 9-7 UFC)
Key stat: More than half of Perez’s total strikes were to Formiga’s legs, which led to the TKO.

Perez on the fight’s key moment

“(The leg kicks) were just something I saw. We started off exchanging with hands and he stepped forward again, so I just kept going back to it.”

Perez on fighting a veteran like Formiga

“It means a lot. I’ve fought a lot of guys. I feel like he’s been the toughest guy I’ve fought so far. It’s kind of a bittersweet feeling. I’ve known this guy for a long time. I met him about 2010, my second amateur fight, when he was the No. 1 guy in the world at the time. It’s kind of like full circle. I came back and I fought him. He’s one of the guys I didn’t want to fight just because we are friends, but business is business. I’ve got to make money, and it is what it is.”

Perez on what he wants next

“The (ranking) number next to my name doesn’t matter – I’ve got to fight everyone. The only number that matters is No. 1 – that’s the champion. Other than that I couldn’t care less about the number I’ve got. I’m ready to fight. I’ll be here for the next two weeks just in case someone gets hurt. ”

To hear more from Perez, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

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UFC 250: So about that Alex Caceres gatekeeper thing …

Take a look inside Alex Caceres’s win over Chase Hooper at UFC 250 in Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Alex Caceres[/autotag] beat Chase Hooper with a unanimous decision Saturday to close out the preliminary card at UFC 250 in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Caceres, who handed Hooper the first loss of his pro career.

Result: Alex Caceres def. Chase Hooper via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Caceres (16-12 MMA, 11-10 UFC), Hooper (9-1-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Key stat: Caceres won the striking battle 109-60 and landed 64 percent of his strikes.

Caceres on the fight’s key moment

“Every time I touched him to the body, he felt it. I dropped him in the first round, so I knew that he had to respect my power after that.”

Caceres on worrying about Hooper’s ground game

“This fight, I feel like we did put on a show – but I was a little bit more cautious with my kicks and all the flying techniques because I knew that’s what he wanted. He wanted to go to the ground and dominate there. He felt strong there and I knew he wasn’t getting tired there. But I knew every time he had to stand up and face me again with the hands, he was gassing out.”

Caceres on what he wants next

“I would like to have more exciting fights. I would like to have a striker next time because I like to put on a show for the fans and everything. … I just want to let everyone know that I’m here to stay. I’ve been here for a very long time and I’ve got a long ways to go.”

To hear more from Caceres, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

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MMA Junkie Radio #3059: UFC 250 recap, Conor McGregor retirement (again) reaction, more

Check out the latest episode of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” for their UFC 250 recap and much more.

Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here!

On Episode No. 3,059 of the podcast, the boys recap UFC 250, as well react to the latest MMA news and notes. Let’s get into it!

THE RUNDOWN

Stream or download this and all episodes of MMA Junkie Radio over at OmnyStudio, or check it out above. You can also catch it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more. A new episode of the podcast is released every Monday and Thursday.

Herbert Burns wants quick ‘Fight Island’ return against Ryan Hall or Bryce Mitchell

Take a look inside Herbert Burns’ submission of Evan Dunham at UFC 250 in Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Herbert Burns[/autotag] beat Evan Dunham with a first-round submission Saturday to open up the preliminary card at UFC 250 in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Burns, who won for the fifth straight time – including his fourth consecutive first-round finish.

Result: Herbert Burns def. Evan Dunham via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:20
Updated records: Burns (11-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Dunham (18-9-1 MMA, 11-9-1 UFC)
Key stat: Burns now has eight of his 11 career wins by submission.

Burns on the fight’s key moment

“I felt very good. It was a good fight against a tough veteran, a former top lightweight. I knew I had to go in there and put pressure. My style, I try to finish fights – that’s why I’m ‘Blaze.’ (It’s) got to be done in blazing style, so that’s what I did. Having that name on my resume is great because he is super tough, I saw him in a lot of wars, and to finish a guy like that in the first round is a statement win.”

Burns on winning the week after his brother

“The Burns brothers came to make a lot of noise in 2020 and we’ve come to make history. Gilbert proved that last week when he took out the No. 1 contender, Tyron Woodley, with a special performance and today I took out a seasoned veteran in Evan Dunham. So we came here to make history and we are on the way to do that.”

Burns on what he wants next

“A Burns likes to stay busy – I’m no different from that. So (I just want to) heal this cut and heal my foot, and I want to get back soon. I want to fight on the ‘FIght Island.’ We already know the location now in Abu Dhabi, so that’s the plan – fight against soon, and hopefully against a good guy: Bryce Mitchell or Ryan Hall. Those guys are on my radar – two grapplers.”

To hear more from Burns, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

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Maki Pitolo: ‘I feel like an animal’ at middleweight after UFC 250

Take a look inside Maki Pitolo’s TKO of Charles Byrd at UFC 250 in Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Maki Pitolo[/autotag] beat Charles Byrd with a second-round TKO Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 250 in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Pitolo, who picked up his first victory in the UFC.

Result: Maki Pitolo def. Charles Byrd via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:10
Updated records: Pitolo (13-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Byrd (10-7 MMA, 1-3 UFC)
Key stat: Pitolo outlanded Byrd 33-16 and also hit three takedowns.

Pitolo on the fight’s key moment

“I’m super happy. It was everything that we worked for.”

Pitolo on fighting at middleweight

“I feel really good. I feel like myself. Cutting to 170, even when I rehydrated back up and you get the 24-hour period to rehydrate and come back up, it still felt like something was missing. (At) 185, perfect cut – I feel like an animal at this weight. The cards played out correct and I feel phenomenal at 185. It was awesome to come back to the (UFC) Apex and do it here and get my first (UFC) win.”

Pitolo on what he wants next

“I have no name in mind. Anyone, anytime: Your boy is ready.”

To hear more from Pitolo, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

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