Tag: UFC 287

Video: Israel Adesanya opens as favorite to beat Alex Pereira at UFC 287. Right call?

The oddsmakers favor Israel Adesanya over UFC champ Alex Pereira despite their history fighting each other.

It’s official: Middleweight champion [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] and [autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag] will fight each other for a fourth time April 8 at UFC 287.

Two times in kickboxing, Pereira has gotten the best Adesanya, including one knockout. And this past November at UFC 281, Pereira asserted his supremacy in MMA, too, by rallying for a fifth-round TKO win over Adesanya to claim the 185-pound title from his rival.

Despite a 3-0 record against him, Pereira has opened up as a +135 betting underdog, with Adesanya coming back as a -155 favorite. What’s our early lean on the fight? Our “Spinning Back Clique” panel of Danny Segura, Farah Hannoun and Brian “Goze” Garcia answer that question with host “Gorgeous” George Garcia.

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You can watch their discussion in the video above. And don’t miss this week’s full episode below.

Ben Askren: Jorge Masvidal kept turning down Gilbert Burns because ‘he doesn’t think he’s gonna win’

Ben Askren believes the UFC forced Jorge Masvidal’s hand when matching him up with Gilbert Burns at UFC 287.

[autotag]Ben Askren[/autotag] thinks the UFC forced [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag]’s hand when matching him up with [autotag]Gilbert Burns[/autotag].

Burns (20-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) claims Masvidal (35-16 MMA, 12-9 UFC) turned him down on numerous occasions before the pair was finally booked for the UFC 287 co-main event on April 8.

Askren, who suffered a record-setting knockout loss to Masvidal in 2019, doesn’t see “Gamebred” beating Burns and thinks he was trying to avoid him before getting pressured into accepting the fight.

“No,” Askren answered Daniel Cormier on Masvidal beating Burns. “That’s why he’s been saying no to Burns, because he doesn’t think he’s gonna win either. DC, you know how most of these dudes work. If they think, ‘I can beat that dude up,’ they say yes easy. If they think they can’t then they say no. That’s how they work.”

He continued, “Burns is what Jorge wants to be. Burns is like, ‘I’ll fight anyone,’ and he actually will. … Burns has kind of fought everyone. He seems like the guy that’ll say yes no matter what. He wants to fight Colby (Covington), he fought (Khamzat) Chimaev, he’s fought (Kamaru) Usman. He’s kind of fought all the best guys in the division.”

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Although Masvidal is currently on a three-fight losing skid, Askren thinks he can leapfrog the other contenders with a win over Burns.

“Oh yeah. Over Gilbert Burns? That’s for sure,” Askren said of Masvidal getting a title shot with a win. “I mean, Chimaev, (Belal) Muhammad and Colby are kind of wild cards, because we don’t know what’s gonna happen next with them, but Gilbert Burns is top of this division for sure, and if Masvidal can beat him, then yeah, I think he would be fighting for the title next.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 287.

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Daniel Cormier questions timing around Israel Adesanya’s decision to rematch Alex Pereira

“Maybe he’s worried that if Pereira fights someone else, he loses.”

[autotag]Daniel Cormier[/autotag] thinks several factors led to the announcement of [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag]’s rematch with [autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag].

Pereira dethroned Adesanya to become middleweight champion this past November at UFC 281. Considering Adesanya’s dominant title reign at 185 pounds, running things back with Pereira seemed imminent. But Cormier thinks the announcement timing for the title-fight rematch was surprising.

Last week, the promotion announced Pereira (7-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) and Adesanya (23-2 MMA, 12-2 UFC) would run things back in the UFC 287 headliner on April 8.

“Two factors: Why is it happening now? And for what reason is it happening?” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “One: Obviously we all knew that it would be at Israel Adesanya’s decision or discretion whether or not he would get a championship fight. From the moment he lost, I was saying and screaming from the rooftops, ‘If anyone deserves an immediate rematch, it’s Israel Adesanya.’

“Because of what he had done in the middleweight division, and honestly what he had done to start his UFC and mixed martial arts career. He deserves a rematch and honestly, for Alex Pereira, it would seem to be the best matchup for him in terms of a first title defense.”

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The story between Pereira and Adesanya sells itself. Pereira now holds three wins over “The Stylebender” – with two in kickboxing. But Adesanya was en route to winning their past two outings before getting finished.

Cormier, a former two-division UFC champion turned commentator and analyst, wonders if Pereira talking about the prospect of avenging his teammate Glover Teixeira’s loss to Jamahal Hill, and the possibility of facing Robert Whittaker had Adesanya worried that he could lose out on the immediate rematch.

“Maybe he’s worried that if Pereira fights someone else, he loses,” Cormier added. “Izzy still holds a ton of cards but I just questioned whether or not the decisions being made are based – or the timing of the decision is based on this newfound push that Alex has been experiencing because of Jamahal being the champion and beating his mentor and training partner in Glover Teixeira. It just didn’t feel like this was in the works before.”

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UFC star Jorge Masvidal reveals split from First Round Management, now managing himself

UFC star Jorge Masvidal confirms split from First Round Management.

[autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] is no longer represented by First Round Management.

The UFC star has confirmed that he’s split from his long-time management company and is now a free agent in the managing world. Masvidal (35-16 MMA, 12-9 UFC) revealed the news to Ariel Helwani on Monday following an initial report by MMA Mania.

Masvidal said there was some sort of falling out, but didn’t want to get into the exact details, as there may be a legal aspect to the separation.

“100 percent split with them,” Masvidal said. “You know, my momma always said, ‘Babe, if you have nothing good to say, don’t say nothing at all.’ So right now we’re going through some turmoil, litigation, that it’s not fair. I’m not going to talk about this or that right now, just we’re still going through it. At the end of this chapter, when all these things get done, I’ll have an exact report on that. We’re going through court and I don’t want to talk about anything right now, anything more than what I just said.

“We’re not in the greatest of terms, I’ll tell you that. I have no ill will towards them. I don’t owe them any money. They don’t owe me any money, but there’s other things that have affected the relationship severely. That they could fix, that they could’ve fixed by now, but they haven’t, so I’m just waiting for these things to get resolved.”

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Masvidal, who’s scheduled to return to action on April 8 at UFC 287 against Gilbert Burns, said he’s currently representing himself. He’s not closed to working with future management companies, but as of now, he’ll remain solo.

“It’s basically me,” Masvidal said. “I’m working with a lot of managers, a lot of companies. There’s a lot of great managers out there. And that’s another thing, this is no secret. I’ll say this because everybody knows that FRM doesn’t have the best relations or any relations with any other managers, a lot of sponsors, and things like that.

“They have their own way of doing stuff and it doesn’t appeal to a lot of people. There was a lot of people that I wasn’t talking because they have beef with them. I’m talking to everybody right now. Every week someone is trying to pitch me to go to lunch or some f*cking movie script this, sponsorship there. Ok, one day closed, but 2,000 windows opened. I’m managing myself.

Mavidal later added,

“I really don’t feel that I need (help) in that direct aspect of talking to the UFC, I can do all of that now. I just have to put somebody in place to do this or that. And I’m talking to some great agencies for that. Something can come off of it. I just became a free agent months ago.”

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UFC 287 odds: Israel Adesanya the betting favorite over Alex Pereira in title rematch

Israel Adesanya has the advantage over Alex Pereira heading into their UFC 287 middleweight title rematch, according to oddsmakers.

[autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag] has the advantage over [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] heading into their UFC 287 middleweight title rematch, according to oddsmakers.

Adesanya (23-2 MMA, 12-2 UFC), the former longtime UFC middleweight champion, will attempt to regain the title in the April 8 pay-per-view headliner when he challenges a familiar foe in Pereira (7-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC), who took the belt with a come-from-behind fifth-round TKO at UFC 281 in November.

It was the third time the pair had met in combat sports competition, and Pereira is up 3-0 with two knockouts. Despite that, Adesanya has won the majority of the rounds overall inside the ring or cage, but has allowed his Brazilian rival to stage multiple comebacks.

With the MMA rematch now official, Adesanya is the -155 betting favorite (bet $155 to win $100), while Pereira is listed as the +135 underdog (bet $100 to win $135), according to Draft Kings Sportsbook.

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Adesanya’s defeat at UFC 281 was the first in his career at middleweight. Pereira, meanwhile, claimed gold in just his fourth octagon appearance.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 287.

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Gilbert Burns calls for Jorge Masvidal to put ‘BMF’ title on line at UFC 287; gets response

In addition to a win over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287, Gilbert Burns wants to go home with the “BMF” title.

In addition to a win over [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] at UFC 287, Gilbert Burns wants to go home with the “BMF” title.

Burns (21-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) and Masvidal (35-16 MMA, 12-9 UFC) are set to clash in a key welterweight co-main event on April 8. It will be Burns’ second fight of the year after defeating Neil Magny at UFC 283 this month, while Masvidal will return from a 13-month layoff in hopes of snapping a three-fight losing skid.

The matchup has been brewing for months, with both men trading shots over social media and in interviews. They finally have a date, but Burns isn’t content with an ordinary three-round bout. He wants 25 minutes and five rounds to work, and thinks Masvidal should have to put the “BMF” title he won against Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in November 2019 on the line.

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Burns made his plea to UFC president Dana White over social media on Monday (via Twitter):

Come on @danawhite April 8 has to be 5 rounds! Put that belt on the line! Everybody knows It’s only one guy in the @ufc that fights ANYONE! #ufc287

Masvidal responsed to Burns on “The MMA Hour” with Ariel Helwani, and shut down the request for the belt and round change.

“If they pay me ‘BMF’ money, which UFC isn’t going to up it up for more money,” Masvidal said. “So, sorry Gilbert. I already got my contract, man. I already signed my sh*t. I could give a f*ck less.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 287.

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Spinning Back Clique: Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 official, Conor McGregor makes multiple headlines, more

This week’s live stream of “Spinning Back Clique” reacts to Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 and Burns vs. Masvidal at UFC 287, Conor McGregor potentially coaching “TUF” again and much more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Danny Segura and Farah Hannoun will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate:

  • UFC 287: Gilbert Burns vs. [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag]: With the matchup of former welterweight title challengers booked for the co-main event on April 8, what does this fight means and what are the stakes? Is it a “must-win situation” for Masvidal, as UFC analyst Daniel Cormier stated?
  • UFC 287: [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag] 2: The middleweight title rematch is set for the headliner on April 8, and it’s a big one. With Pereira holding a 3-0 record between kickboxing and MMA, how much pressure is Adesanya facing in the next bout, and what would a loss mean for his career?
  • [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] makes headlines for multiple reasons: The former two-division UFC champ was caught up in another controversy with a woman accusing him of an alleged attack in Ibiza this past summer; McGregor was also hit from behind by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in Ireland; and finally, McGregor revealed he’s been offered a coaching spot on “The Ultimate Fighter 31.”
  • [autotag]Fedor Emelianenko[/autotag] says farewell at Bellator 290: The main event of the first Bellator card this year will see former PRIDE champ Emelianenko challenge Ryan Bader for the heavyweight title in his retirement bout. Can he make a fairytale end to his career come true?
  • [autotag]Luke Rockhold[/autotag] ends retirement and is released by UFC: The former UFC and Strikeforce middleweight champion was granted his release from the company and is surveying a number of options from PFL to Bellator to ONE Championship, and perhaps even a boxing match.

“Spinning Back Clique” is released each Monday LIVE on MMA Junkie’s YouTube channel. You can watch this week’s episode in the video above.

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Raul Rosas Jr. ‘ain’t celebrating’ until he wins UFC titles at 135, 145 and 155 pounds

Raul Rosas Jr. not only plans to be the youngest champion in UFC history – he intends to win belts in three divisions.

[autotag]Raul Rosas Jr.[/autotag]’s goals are a lot bigger than just becoming the youngest UFC champion.

Rosas Jr. (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), at just 18, became the youngest fighter in UFC history when he dusted Jay Perrin by first-round submission in his octagon debut this past December.

Rosas Jr., who was cornering his brother Kevin Rosas at Fury FC 73 this past Sunday at Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio, took the microphone during the event to declare his intent of becoming a three-division UFC champion.

“I’m just getting started – like this is nothing to me,” Rosas Jr. said. “I ain’t celebrating nothing yet until I have them three belts around my waist: 135, 145, 155 (pounds). Let’s go. Woo!”

Rosas Jr., who was named MMA Junkie’s 2022 Newcomer of the Year is already booked for his sophomore assignment at UFC 287 on April 8 when he takes on Christian Rodriguez.

“I’m ready to go out there and show my skillset like I’ve always done,” Rosas Jr. said. “I don’t care who I face, I’m ready to show that there’s levels. Tune in April 8, I’m going to show my skillset and show that I deserve to fight for a title.

“Just believe in yourself, no matter who doubts you. Right now, me saying that I’m going to be champion, a lot of people think I’m crazy that I’m going to become the youngest UFC champion, but I believe in myself and mark my words, I will be champion in one year or less.”

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Daniel Cormier: Jorge Masvidal facing ‘must-win situation’ vs. Gilbert Burns at UFC 287

It’s do-or-die for the stability of Jorge Masvidal’s career at UFC 287, says analyst Daniel Cormier.

[autotag]Daniel Cormier[/autotag] thinks the trajectory for the final chapter of [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag]’s career will be determined at UFC 287.

Masvidal (35-16 MMA, 12-9 UFC) will return from a 13-month hiatus on April 8 when he meets Gilbert Burns (21-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) in the co-main event. It’s a massive fight for the welterweight division, but in particular for “Gamebred,” who is on a three-fight losing skid in and in desparate need of a victory.

The last time Masvidal had his hand raised in the octagon was when he beat Nate Diaz for the “BMF” title at UFC 244 in November 2019, but since then he’s suffered back-to-back title-fight losses to Kamaru Usman, then was outworked to a decision in his grudge match with Colby Covington.

Additionally, Masvidal’s recent time off from competition has seen him embroiled in a legal situation. He allegedly pulled a blindside attack on former teammate-turned-rival Covington days after their bout, and the case is still ongoing.

Nevertheless, Masvidal is gearing up for a comeback, and at 38, UFC Hall of Famer and UFC analyst Cormier sees the showdown with Burns as absolutely pivotal.

“It was hard for Masvidal to take this fight when in reality, I’ve long said it’s the best fight for him to get back to where he’s trying to go in the short-term,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “Because if you beat Gilbert and you’re Jorge Masvidal with his star power, you’re right back in the mix. But you can’t lose if you’re Jorge. You’ve got to win. You’ve got to get this one. For as bad as the decision loss to Kamaru Usman in the first one, the knockout in the second one, then the decision loss to Colby Covington, you lose to Gilbert Burns and now you’ve lost to three of the top four of five fighters in the world.

“I don’t know if you come back from that at an advanced age in fighting. Will his star power be hurt? I don’t think so. People love Jorge Masvidal. But this is a must-win situation for ‘Gamebred.’ He’s got to get it done.”

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For Masvidal, the difference between winning and losing in this particular situation is significant. A four-fight losing skid for any MMA fighter is detrimental to their career stability, even if the competition is as high-level as it gets.

If Masvidal can find a way to emerge victorious, though, then Cormier thinks he could vault all the way into a championship opportunity.

The 170-pound title is on the line just weeks prior to UFC 287, when Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman have their trilogy bout in the main event of UFC 286 on March 18 in London.

There is a well-documented history and beef between Masvidal and Edwards stemming back to March 2019 when Masvidal attacked Edwards backstage at an event in London. If both men win their respective bouts it would be a layup to pit them against one another.

“If he does (win), he goes on the short list, especially with the timing of that fight being a month after Usman and Leon Edwards in the rematch,” Cormier said. “Leon Edwards wins and then ‘Gamebred’ wins, they will fight for the championship. Belal Muhammad may hate this, but if Leon wins and Masvidal wins that’s going to be the championship fight because there’s so much history between the two that you cannot help but fall victim to that desire to see it pay off, like in wrestling. It’s the story, it’s the build, it’s the payoff. We never got the payoff between Masvidal and Leon Edwards.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 287.

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Video: Israel Adesanya releases ‘Saw’ promo for UFC 287 rematch vs. Alex Pereira

Israel Adesanya is already hyping up what will surely be one of the biggest UFC fights of 2023.

[autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag] is already hyping up what will surely be one of the biggest UFC fights of 2023.

Adesanya (23-2 MMA, 12-2 UFC) will challenge rival Alex Pereira (7-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) for the middleweight title in the main event of UFC 287, which takes place April 8 in a yet-to-be-announced location.

After Pereira handed Adesanya his first loss at 185 pounds with a fifth-round TKO at UFC 281 in November, some question if “The Last Stylebender” can beat his rival, because he’s lost twice to Pereira in kickboxing, too.

The rematch will have a significant impact on the trajectory of Adesanya’s career going forward, and he appears to know as much.

Adesanya released a self-made promo for UFC 287, which is centered around the “Saw” movies and is in line with the theme of his walkout from the previous fight with Pereira.

Check it out below (via Twitter):

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 287.

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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