Tag: UFC 289

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, June 13: Amanda Nunes’ retirement resets women’s standings

Amanda Nunes defended her bantamweight title at UFC 289 and then retired, causing a reset in multiple women’s divisions.

[autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] successfully defended her UFC women’s bantamweight title at UFC 289.

However, immediately after her dominant unanimous decision victory over Irene Aldana, Nunes announced her retirement from MMA. Already having a firm grasp as the No. 1 bantamweight, featherweight, and pound-for-pound, her exit causes a massive shuffle.

Aldana entered the event at No. 7 in the women’s bantamweight division, but despite the loss, Nunes’ exit, and the removal of Germaine de Randamie, settles in at the No .5 spot in this week’s update.

The co-main event of the pay-per-view in Vancouver, British Columbia, saw No. 2 Charles Oliveira defeat No. 5 Beneil Dariush. There’s nowhere for Oliveira to move in the lightweight rankings given that Islam Makhachev is sitting at No. 1 with the UFC title. Considering Dariush’s long winning streak, and the names behind him, keeps his position.

Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings above.

[pickup_prop id=”33900″]

Video: Who’s next for Islam Makhachev after Charles Oliveira’s big win at UFC 289?

Our “Spinning Back Clique” discusses which opponent makes the most sense for Islam Makhachev after Charles Oliveira’s victory at UFC 289.

The UFC’s lightweight title picture became a little clearer after UFC 289 – or did it?

In the co-main event, former 155-pound champion [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag] made a statement in his first-round stoppage of Beneil Dariush. Not only did the result extend Oliveira’s UFC finishing record (20), but he ended an eight-fight winning streak of Dariush, who was promised a title shot if he were to win. Because of that, it would seem that Oliveira is the next in line for a shot at [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag]’s title.

But is the title picture that clear?

Before Oliveira returned to the win column Saturday at Rogers Center in Canada, he lost his previous outing to Makhachev at UFC 280 last October. Since that time, Makhachev has fought once; a successful title defense at UFC 284 vs. featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski.

[lawrence-related id=2649434,2649352,2649268]

Will the promotion look to run it back between Oliveira and Makhachev? Or will the winner of the upcoming BMF title fight between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje get the call for the next shot?

Our “Spinning Back Clique” panel of Mike Bohn, Dan Tom, and Brian “Goze” Garcia discusses the lightweight title picture with host “Gorgeous” George Garcia. You can watch their discussion in the video above and check out this week’s full episode below.

Max Holloway heaps praise on Charles Oliveira, says he did ‘more than enough’ to earn Islam Makhachev rematch

Max Holloway was happy to see Charles Oliveira bounce back in emphatic fashion at UFC 289.

[autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] is happy to see former UFC lightweight champion [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag] bounce back in emphatic fashion.

Oliveira (34-9 MMA, 22-9 UFC) scored a first-round TKO of Beneil Dariush in this past Saturday’s UFC 289 co-main event. Oliveira was able to rebound from a lopsided submission loss to [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) last October, and Holloway thinks his big finish over Dariush was enough to earn him another shot at the 155-pound title.

“I think Charles is amazing, man,” Holloway told The Mac Life. “You know all the naysayers and everybody saying he’s done and blah, blah, blah? He’s getting his rightful spot in October to get that rematch, And I’m excited to watch it happen.”

Another fighter angling to run things back with Makhachev is featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (25-2 MMA, 12-1 UFC), who took Makhachev to the brink in their superfight at UFC 284 in February.

Volkanovski’s next assignment is a title-unification bout with interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez in the UFC 290 headliner on July 8 in Las Vegas. If he gets past Rodriguez in impressive fashion, Holloway wouldn’t be surprised if his former foe got the title opportunity instead of Oliveira.

“Oh, brother, I think he (Oliveira) did more than enough,” Holloway added. “But we’ll see. Alex is still coming up on July 8. If Alex goes out there and does something amazing, I think UFC picks him too. So, we’ll see what happens. I guess it’s a gamble right now.”

[lawrence-related id=2649385,2649352,2649345,2649246]

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

Jasmine Jasudavicius ‘on top of the world’ after representing Canada at UFC 289

Jasmine Jasudavicus helped complete the Canadian sweep at UFC 289, and couldn’t be happier about the opportunity.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – [autotag]Jasmine Jasudavicius[/autotag] is living a dream scenario.

The UFC women’s flyweight contender won her UFC 289 preliminary card bout against Miranda Maverick, which was a part of the Canadian sweep Saturday evening, as all of the country’s fighters won their bouts at Rogers Arena.

The second straight unanimous decision nod for Jasudavicius (9-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) was her third UFC victory and perhaps her sweetest yet due to the electric atmosphere that the promotion’s first return to Canada since 2019 created.

“I felt the whole country on my back going into that fight, and I felt I had to represent the country,” Jasudavicius said during the post-fight news conference. “This was for us, and I know all of the other Canadians on the card are feeling the same thing. There’s a different vibe in the air.”

[lawrence-related id=2649312,2649246,2649260]

Jasudavicius was one of five Canadian fighters competing at the event. She was third to make the walk, but by the end of the card, Canada went undefeated. Her victory capped off a week of realization and appreciation for her position as a fighter that had the opportunity to compete in her home country.

“The stars are aligning this week for me,” Jasudavicius said. “I walk into my hotel room, I have the most gorgeous view in the world. … This is my job, to travel – and this is the scenery I have. Then in the evening, I get to scrap some broad in the cage. Like, how much of an amazing life do I get to live? I’m just on top of the world. I’m so blessed, I’m so fortunate – and you know, follow your dreams and you could be doing the same sh*t.”

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

Aiemann Zahabi hopes UFC 289 knockout helps him step out of brother Firas’ shadow

Aiemann Zahabi wants to solidify his own name as a UFC standout.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – [autotag]Aiemann Zahabi[/autotag] wants to solidify his own name.

Zahabi (10-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) won his third consecutive fight when he knocked out Aori Qileng this past Saturday at UFC 289 in front of his home country.

Zahabi is the younger brother of renowned trainer Firas Zahabi, who has coached the likes of UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre and former Bellator champion Rory MacDonald at Tristar Gym. Zahabi is looking to build his name and hopes his current winning streak helps that.

“Really trying to get my name out there,” Zahabi told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “Really trying to represent Canada and increase my fanbase here. Everybody knows my brother Firas as one of the best coaches in the world, and I’m just trying to step out from under the shadow and be my own person. Have my own name out there.”

Zahabi has struggled to net fights, which hasn’t allowed him to build the momentum he wants. Although calling someone out can help facilitate that, Zahabi said he’s not that guy.

“I’m not really like that type of guy,” Zahabi said. “I’m not going to pretend to be Conor McGregor or anything, but I’m going to do what I have to do in the gym, prepare, and the fights will come. I’m not worried about any of that.”

Canadian fighters went 6-0 at UFC 289, and Zahabi is honored to play a role in helping MMA grow in his country.

“I think we’re going to be on a hot streak, man. That’s great,” Zahabi said. “I’m so happy for Canada especially. The sport needs to grow even more here. … When Canadians do good on UFC cards like this in our country, it’s amazing. Hopefully it pushes people to do more shows and get more into the sport.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=420030788]

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

Steve Erceg wants ‘highly touted’ opponent on UFC 293 card in Sydney

Steve Erceg hopes to be in the spotlight on home soil when the UFC returns to Australia this summer.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – [autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag] hopes to land on the UFC 293 card in Sydney.

Erceg (10-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) picked up a big win over David Dvorak on short notice this past Saturday at UFC 289. Despite not getting the finish, the win earned the Australian flyweight a Performance of the Night bonus and a spot in the UFC’s flyweight rankings.

“Astroboy” wants to continue riding his momentum and wants it on home soil when the UFC returns to Australia on Sept. 9.

“Yeah, for sure,” Erceg told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “I think it’s like 10, 12 weeks away or something like that. It’s a perfect turnaround. So, fight in front of my home country and get all the people from my gym and all the people I know that I’m friends with, family with, come over and support me. It’s gonna be great.”

Currently on a nine-fight winning streak, Erceg wants a top-ranked opponent but isn’t sure if the UFC will oblige.

“I want somebody that’s highly touted,” Erceg said. “So, anybody inside the top 15. I don’t necessarily think they will give me a top-10 guy again, but if they do, I’m gonna take it. I’m gonna beat somebody else up. So, whatever they want to give me, but Sydney.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=420030788]

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

Video: Was this the right time for Amanda Nunes to retire?

Our “Spinning Back Clique” reacts to Amanda Nunes’ decision to retire while UFC champion in two divisions.

It’s not often a fighter walks away on top, but that’s exactly what [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] has done.

Entering UFC 289‘s main event against Irene Aldana, Nunes held both the UFC women’s bantamweight and featherweight titles. After successfully defending her 135-pound title for the sixth time in a dominant unanimous decision at Rogers Center, “The Lioness” decided it was time to call it a career.

While it’s time to celebrate the the woman who is widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in history, her exit leaves many questions to be answered.

Is it the right time for the 35-year-old Brazilian to walk away, and what will the fallout be for the women’s 135- and 145-pound divisions?

Unlike many MMA retirements, will Nunes’ stick? Are we OK with not getting a third fight against Julianna Pena?

Our “Spinning Back Clique” panel of Mike Bohn, Dan Tom, and Brian “Goze” Garcia discuss Nunes’ retirement with host “Gorgeous” George Garcia. You can watch their discussion in the video above and check out this week’s full episode below.

Kyle Nelson: UFC 289 victory was ‘the highlight of my career so far’

Seven fights into his UFC career, Kyle Nelson got to experience what it feels like to win on the biggest stage at home.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – [autotag]Kyle Nelson[/autotag] has experienced ups and downs in his MMA career, but right now he says he’s the highest he’s ever been.

At UFC 289 on Saturday, Nelson (14-5-1 MMA, 2-4-1 UFC) defeated Blake Bilder (8-1-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) on home soil. The post-fight feelings had never felt so good.

“I believe that’s the highlight of my career so far,” Nelson told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “To be able to perform like that in front of Canadian fans and with my fiancee in my corner, I can’t think of anything better until I get that championship belt.”

Consistency is key and Nelson has realized that. He’s found a method that works for him and integrated his fiancee, Claudia, as a nutritionist. She cornered him during Saturday night’s fight.

“Staying at 145 is not a problem,” Nelson said. “It’s just if I take a year off and I’m not able to get a fight, then it’s hard for me to get back down to 145. When I stay active like this, especially  my fiancee has been in my corner now and she takes care of my food for me. So before, maybe I’d go on little binges here and there. But with her in my corner, 145 is not a problem at all.”

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

Julianna Peña ‘wanted to storm the cage’ as Amanda Nunes announced retirement at UFC 289

A frustrated Julianna Peña had to restrain herself while watching Amanda Nunes retire at UFC 289.

[autotag]Julianna Peña[/autotag] had to restrain herself while watching [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] retire at UFC 289.

Nunes (23-5 MMA, 16-2 UFC) called it a career after retaining her bantamweight title against Irene Aldana in this past Saturday’s headliner at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Peña (11-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC), who was Nunes’ original opponent before withdrawing due to a rib injury, was in attendance for the fight. But instead of facing off with Nunes to set up their trilogy bout, she watched Nunes announce her retirement.

Peña was disappointed but not too surprised with how things unfolded.

“First off, you need to call me ‘Mystic Peña,’ because I have special powers,” Peña said on “The MMA Hour.” “I told you back then in April that she was one foot out the door, and she was going to retire. Low and behold, ‘Mystic Peña’ strikes again.”

Peña admits she had to fight off the urge to spoil Nunes’ retirement announcement. With the bantamweight title now vacant, Peña is ready to reclaim her title – even if it won’t be against Nunes.

“There was a part of me that really wanted to storm the cage,” Peña said. “I had so many people that were like, ‘Yes, we’ll do it,. We’ll throw you over the gate.’ But then my coach Wayne was like, ‘Don’t do it. Be classy and don’t do it.’ And so I let her have my moment. But it was really difficult for me, because there were so many times where my urge was to go. Like, ‘Now’s the time, go, go, go. Now’s the time.’

“But, you know, at the end of the day, she’s retired, she’s off into the sunset. She’s dead to me at this point. We’ve just got to keep the division moving. Now we’re stepping into Day 1 of the ‘Peña Power’ era. I’m the synthetic champ. I’ve always been champ in my heart and in my head all the time. I wake up every day being like, ‘Good morning, champ. You look good.’ So it’s just a matter of time before the belt’s around my waist again.”

Peña dethroned Nunes with a shocking submission upset at UFC 269. She lost her title by lopsided decision when the pair rematched at UFC 277.

Even thought their series is tied 1-1 and now will always remain that way, the score is already settled for Peña.

“As far as I’m concerned, I still have a one-up on her,” Peña said. “She didn’t finish me. I was literally coming at her the entire time. I ran out of time. Brass tacks, when it all comes down to things when she was supposed to be the greatest of all time, she tapped.

“She was asking for help to get out of there. A finish is better than a scorecard. She couldn’t finish me. I’m not gonna have a thorn on my side because as far as I’m concerned, I still have a win over her. If we’re in the streets, she’s dead. She already died.”

[lawrence-related id=2649368,2649349,2649158,2649052]

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

Daniel Cormier: Charles Oliveira proved he’s slightly below Islam Makhachev ‘as the second level’

Daniel Cormier was impressed by Charles Oliveira at UFC 289 but still puts him a level below Islam Makhachev.

[autotag]Daniel Cormier[/autotag] was impressed by [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag] at UFC 289, but still puts him a level below [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag].

Oliveira (34-9 MMA, 22-9 UFC) scored a Round 1 TKO of Beneil Dariush (22-5-1 MMA, 16-5-1 UFC) in this past Saturday’s co-main event at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Although Oliveira was recently submitted by lightweight champion Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) in dominant fashion at UFC 280 in October, Cormier thinks we’ll see a rematch – and he expects a better performance from Oliveira this time around.

“He needed something big tonight in order to merit or earn another shot at Islam Makhachev’s championship,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “Tonight he got out clean, he’s not hurt, he’s not banged up, he’s not bruised.

“So, I envision we’re gonna see Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2 in Abu Dhabi. I anticipate this will be a better fight than we saw the first time because now Charles Oliveira has been in there with Islam. But, this kid’s a star, this kid is one of the best fighters in the world.”

Makhachev reacted to Oliveira’s win by taking a jab at him, and Cormier agrees with his teammate’s statement. Oliveira has now finished top five lightweights Dariush, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler.

“Congrats Charles. But still there’s levels in this game 😎.”

As Makhachev tweeted, there are levels to this game,” Cormier continued. “Charles Oliveira proved tonight that if he is not the champion, he is just slightly below Islam as the second level. He’s 1A to Islam Makhachev’s champion.”

[lawrence-related id=2649268,2649246,2648288,2649217]

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