Tag: UFC 277

Video: Amanda Nunes breezes back to bantamweight belt at UFC 277

Watch UFC 289 headliner Amanda Nunes recapture the women’s bantamweight title with a dominant showing against Julianna Peña at UFC 277.

[autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] thought she had a trilogy on her hands until a few weeks ago.

Nunes was set to defend her women’s bantamweight title in a rematch with Julianna Peña at UFC 289 next month until Peña pulled out with an injury. Instead, Irene Aldana (14-6 MMA, 7-4 UFC) will step in to challenge Nunes (22-5 MMA, 15-2 UFC) for the 135-pound belt in the June 10 main event at Rogers Center in Vancouver.

Nunes was stunned by Peña with a second-round submission in their first fight at UFC 269 in December 2021. It is regarded as one of the biggest upsets in MMA history. But Nunes, also the UFC’s women’s featherweight champion, avenged that loss in a big way when she dominated Peña to recapture the title at UFC 277.

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In Dallas in July 2022, Nunes delivered a shutout on the scorecards to take the bantamweight title back from Peña with scores of 50-43, 50-44 and 50-45.

Ahead of Nunes’ first title defense in her second bantamweight reign, check out how she beat Peña in their second meeting in the video above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 289.

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Amanda Nunes def. Julianna Peña at UFC 277: Best photos

Check out the best photos from Amanda Nunes’ unanimous decision win over Julianna Peña at UFC 277 in Dallas.

Check out the best photos from [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag]’ unanimous decision win over [autotag]Julianna Peña[/autotag] at UFC 277 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Photos by Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports and Getty Images)

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Hamdy Abdelwahab suspended, has UFC debut win overturned after positive drug test and ‘tampering’

The first Egypt-born fighter in UFC history no longer has a promotional win on his record.

UFC heavyweight prospect [autotag]Hamdy Abdelwahab[/autotag] no longer has a promotional win on his resume.

Friday, UFC anti-doping partner USADA announced Abdelwahab (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) recently was suspended for two years after he tested positive twice for anabolic agent methenolone and its metabolites. He also was flagged for a tampering violation.

“Abdelwahab did not declare the use of methenolone on his onboarding declaration forms and did not establish a compelling justification for his failure to do so,” a USADA announcement said. “Based on USADA’s investigation, it was determined that Abdelwahab used the prohibited substance and knew of his obligation to declare it.”

The positive tests stemmed from a split decision win over [autotag]Don’Tale Mayes[/autotag] (9-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) at UFC 277 in July. The event took place in Dallas. A Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) representative confirmed to MMA Junkie the win has been overturned to a “no decision” (no contest).

“When a combative sports contestant in Texas tests positive for a banned substance, we place them on a 90-day suspension,” TDLR public information officer Tela Mange said in a written statement to MMA Junkie. “If the contestant won the bout, we list the bout as ‘No Decision.’ We can also pursue an administrative penalty and a monetary penalty could also be issued against the contestant. This case has been referred to our Enforcement Division for further investigation.”

Abdelwahab, 30, will be eligible to return to competition July 30, 2024, two years from the first positive test.

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UFC in 2022: A ridiculously robust look at the stats, streaks, skids and record-setters

Check out a full recap of 2022’s most significant footnotes and milestones from the events, the fights and individual performances.

Now that the year has come to a close, and with a major assist from UFC research analyst and live statistics producer Michael Carroll, here are some of 2022’s most significant milestones from the events, the fights and individual performances in the octagon.

UFC free fight: Sergei Pavlovich steamrolls Derrick Lewis in 55 seconds

Ahead of his pivotal clash with Tai Tuivasa, relive Sergei Pavlovich’s finish of Derrick Lewis at UFC 277.

It took [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag] less than a minute to make his mark in the UFC heavyweight division.

Looking to make it four straight, Pavlovich faced former title challenger Derrick Lewis this past July at UFC 277.

Pavlovich cracked Lewis with a few big rights, which had “The Black Beast” on shaky legs. Pavlovich unleashed a flurry of punches until Lewis hit the mat face down. Referee Dan Miragliotta jumped in, but as soon as the fight was waived off, Lewis made his way back up and protested the stoppage.

Pavlovich (16-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) returns to action Saturday when he takes on [autotag]Tai Tuivasa[/autotag] (15-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) on the main card of UFC on ESPN 42, which takes place at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla. The card airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

Before he faces Tuivasa, relive Pavlovich’s finish of Lewis in the video above.

Julianna Peña fires back at Daniel Cormier: ‘Why are you hating on me’ for trying to get Amanda Nunes trilogy?

Julianna Peña claps back at Daniel Cormier for saying she doesn’t deserve a trilogy with UFC champ Amanda Nunes.

[autotag]Julianna Peña[/autotag] has clapped back at [autotag]Daniel Cormier[/autotag] for saying she doesn’t deserve a trilogy with Amanda Nunes.

Peña (11-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC), who dethroned bantamweight champion Nunes with a stunning upset submission at UFC 269, lost their rematch at UFC 277 by decision. Although a bloodied-up Peña showed a lot of heart, she was battered for 25 minutes.

On his “DC & RC” ESPN show, Cormier said Peña’s lopsided loss to Nunes (22-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) didn’t warrant an immediate rematch. But Peña begs to differ, taking a shot at the former UFC dual champion.

“You’re saying that my work doesn’t warrant it? I’m the first ever woman to win ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ I’ve torn four out of five ligaments in my knee and came back from that, actually both knees, I gave birth and had a baby and came back from that,” Peña said while working the desk as an analyst for ESPN.

“I have been clawing and scratching my way to the top and been in this division since 2013 when they first allowed women to join the UFC, and I did everything that I said I was going to do leading up to that fight. DC, you’ve had 10 title fights, bro. Like, why are you hating on me for wanting to get a trilogy fight? Ten! I think that’s the most title fights in UFC history. I mean, come on, dude. Like, don’t block me out, dude.”

When Peña immediately rematched Nunes, she hoped to show that she wasn’t lucky in their first fight. But with the series now tied at one-a-piece, Peña thinks a trilogy should be next.

“Your pinnacle of getting to the top is winning the belt and fighting and clawing your way to get there,” Peña said. “So I did that. I got to check that off, but it wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to give this immediate rematch to prove it wasn’t a fluke, and I ran out of time. I don’t have a fight scheduled, I know Amanda doesn’t have a fight scheduled, and I think a trilogy fight is what the fans want to see.”

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Daniel Cormier: Julianna Peña’s work ‘hasn’t warranted an immediate rematch’ vs. Amanda Nunes

Julianna Peña apparently hasn’t done enough to make Daniel Cormier think she deserves another immediate shot at Amanda Nunes.

[autotag]Daniel Cormier[/autotag] doesn’t think [autotag]Julianna Peña[/autotag] deserves a trilogy bout with [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] right away.

Peña (11-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) scored a shocking upset win to dethrone then-bantamweight champion Nunes last December at UFC 269. In that fight, Peña was able to weather Nunes’ early storm and then broke her by submitting her in Round 2.

Nunes (22-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) was awarded an immediate rematch earlier this year at UFC 277 and avenged her loss in emphatic fashion to regain the title. Although a bloodied-up Peña showed incredible heart by surviving multiple knockdowns, Cormier doesn’t think her overall accolades should result in an immediate rubber match with Nunes like she’s been calling for.

“The work hasn’t warranted an immediate rematch,” Cormier said on his “DC & RC” ESPN show. “Because if not, then every champion that loses gets an immediate rematch. It’s not like that. It just doesn’t work that way. Amanda got an immediate rematch, because she’s Amanda Nunes. Jose Aldo didn’t get an immediate rematch (against Conor McGregor), and he was the longest-reigning featherweight champion of all time.

“Sometimes you’ve got to move on to get back. I think Julianna’s in that position. I don’t know if the work that she’s put on paper warrants (it). Just because she survived in the last match, I think she might have lost every single round of that fight.”

Cormier thinks there are a few fresh matchups out there like Ketlen Vieira, who could surprise everyone just like Peña did in her first fight with Nunes.

“Who’s to say that if she (Nunes) fights Ketlen Vieira, who has put together a nice win streak, has beaten two former champions, how do we know that that doesn’t play out in that way?” Cormier said. “We had no idea that the gal (Talia Santos) was gonna fight Valentina Shevchenko in the way that she did. We didn’t. So it’s like, you’ve got to give it to the next (person). I just don’t think the work that she’s put on paper warrants an immediate rematch.”

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Brandon Moreno reacts to praise from Conor McGregor, Dana White: ‘It’s well appreciated and special’

Brandon Moreno appreciates the kind words from Conor McGregor and Dana White but says “I try not to let them get to my head.”

The two most influential people in MMA recently heaped praise on UFC interim flyweight champion [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag].

Moreno (20-6-2 MMA, 8-3-2 UFC)  received some kind words from many people following his most recent win last month at UFC 277 where he won the interim title by putting away Kai Kara-France in brutal fashion.

Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor reacted to Moreno’s win the following day and even had him speaking Spanish. Moreno heard McGregor’s words and appreciates that the Irishman recognized his work.

“I saw the comments, and what can I say?,” Moreno told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “Conor is super famous and super important in the space, and I appreciate his kind words, regardless of whether I agree or not with the way he’s having his lifestyle in recent years.

“It’s undeniable everything that he has done in the sport and for the sport. So for someone to say that about you, it’s well appreciated and special for me. So yeah, we’ve been working hard, and things have been working out for us, despite the path not being straight to the top. We’ve had our bumps in the road, but little by little we’ve achieved the goals we’ve set out to get, and that’s very nice.”

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McGregor wasn’t the only one with good things to say about Moreno. The week after his win, UFC president Dana White applauded Moreno’s feat and labeled him one of the biggest stars in the company.

Moreno is once again thankful that his work is being recognized, but he’s also trying to downplay people’s praise so he can stay grounded and with a good head on his shoulders.

“Yeah, my manager Jason (House) tagged me and wow, that was really cool, and that’s really nice,” Moreno said. “I try my hardest to not pay too much attention to that or put much stock into it.

“I truly want to stay where I’m at. I want to stay grounded with my thoughts, and I want to be as humble as possible. Obviously, if you do things well, fame will come and all that. And don’t get me wrong, I’m so happy that the public didn’t force me to have to use a persona or that any of my interviews or posts have to be trash talk or whatever because I don’t like that. I just don’t like that. It’s not me, and that’s not how I want to sell myself. Thank God people like me for who I am. It’s taken weight off my shoulders. …

“So I appreciate Dana’s words. They’re really nice, but I try to not let them get to my head.”

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Brandon Moreno fears UFC champ Deiveson Figueiredo done with flyweight: ‘He probably weighs 170 pounds’

Part of Brandon Moreno doubts that UFC champion Deiveson Figueiredo can make 125 pounds again after seeing him in July.

[autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] has his sights set on UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo – but with some hesitation.

Moreno, the UFC interim flyweight champ, is adamant about unifying the belts to finally put an end to their heated rivalry that’s spanned almost two years now. However, Moreno (20-6-2 MMA, 8-3-2 UFC) admits there’s some fear that their fourth fight could no longer be a possibility.

The Mexican standout thinks there’s a chance Figueiredo might’ve gotten too big to not be able to make the 125-pound limit required for championship bouts. Moreno thought Figueiredo looked very big when he saw him at UFC 277 last month after he defeated Kai Kara-France to win the UFC interim belt. That’s also something contender Alexandre Pantoja pointed out, saying Figueiredo looked “so fat” that night in Dallas.

“I’m not trying to make more drama than there already is, but I’m just telling you what I saw, and what I saw was a guy that – and I don’t know this for a fact – but he probably weighs 170 pounds,” Moreno told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “Yes, 170 pounds for a flyweight. I mean, my partners Marcelo Rojo and Masio Fullen, that’s what they walk around at, and they fight 145 pounds. Marcelo is going up to featherweight.

“Bro, that’s a lot of weight, and I don’t see how it’s professional to be that fat. And don’t get it mixed up. Now I’m eating everything that I didn’t eat in the last two months. I ate very good the other day. I finished my therapy, and I stopped by In-and-Out with no guilt or pain at all. But I know after this I’m going to take care of myself and up the exercise, and I’m doing to maintain a weight.

“But what’s happening? I don’t understand what’s going on with Deiveson. I know that naturally he’s big, but I don’t know.”

Figueiredo has missed weight only once in his 10-year professional career. That came in early 2020 when he was supposed to fight Joseph Benavidez for the vacant flyweight title. He defeated Benavidez by TKO but was ineligible to win the title due to the mishap on the scale.

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Moreno is eager to fight Figueiredo a fourth time. The two are tied in their championship rivalry at 1-1-1, and they’ve swapped the undisputed title at 125 pounds since late 2020.

“The Assassin Baby” has already had the scenario of never seeing Figueiredo again at flyweight cross his mind. He hopes that’s not the case since there’s unfinished business. But if that is, in fact, a reality, he just hopes Figueiredo is upfront about his weight and doesn’t put the division on hold.

“Yeah, of course, I’ve thought about that,” Moreno explained. “I’ve thought about it. I think the part of me that wants to keep making history and building legacy, that’s what hurts me most, because I want that fourth fight against Deiveson.

“We’d be the first to have it in the company, and I think in MMA overall. That’s part of history. It’s like, ‘Hey, I’m still making history. I’m still adding records to my list.’ That’s the part that would hurt.

“But on the other hand, if he can’t make the weight, all I ask is that he’s sincere and just lets everyone know he can’t make the weight, and he’s going up. That way, the fight with Pantoja would be the most logical, and we’d definitely be ready for December, and we can get this sorted out before the year’s end.”

Moreno hopes to get the fourth fight against Figueiredo in 2022. However, the champion has expressed interest in fighting in Brazil. The UFC’s return to Brazil was recently announced for Jan. 21.

“I said December (unification bout) because he said December,” Moreno said. “I saw it on one of his interviews , nd I thought, ‘Hey, December sounds excellent for me so long as I had left my fight with no injuries. I’m good.’ I came out good, and I can easily be ready for December.

“The problem is, one, his weight looks impossible for December. And two, he wants to fight in Brazil. OK, I don’t care. That’s fine, wherever he wants to fight. The problem is that I don’t want to stop again. I don’t want to be another six months waiting for him. I don’t want that. December already seems like a long time, but it’s good. I get to clear my mind a bit and maybe go on vacation. But December seems good. I don’t want to wait longer.”

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UFC 277 ‘Thrill and Agony’: ‘No bad blood at all’: Amanda Nunes, Julianna Peña bury the hatchet

Watch a preview of the latest edition of “The Thrill and the Agony,” which goes behind the scenes in the aftermath of UFC 277.

Watch a preview for the latest edition of “The Thrill and the Agony,” which goes behind the scenes of UFC 277.

At the event, which took place July 30 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] (22-5 MMA, 15-2 UFC) exacted her revenge with a dominant performance against Julianna Peña (11-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) to reclaim the bantamweight title.

In the co-headliner, [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] (20-6-2 MMA, 8-3-2 UFC) took out Kai Kara-France (24-10 MMA, 7-3 UFC) with a brutal body to shot to capture the interim flyweight title.

In a preview of “The Thrill and the Agony” special from UFC 277, which is available for UFC Fight Pass subscribers, we get an all-access look at the immediate aftermath of Nunes and Moreno’s wins.

You can watch the preview in the video above.

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