Tag: UFC 301

Video: Making sense of flyweight after Alexandre Pantoja’s UFC 301 title defense

How will the UFC flyweight division shaking out after Alexandre Pantoja’s latest title defense? We break it down on “Spinning Back Clique.”

On the latest episode of “Spinning Back Clique,” the panel reacts to [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag]’s latest title defense and what this result does to the flyweight division.

This past Saturday, Pantoja logged his second title defense, defeating [autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag] in the main event of UFC 301 in Brazil. It was a hard-fought victory from Pantoja, who – at least for the time being – seems to have run out of clear, top contenders.

What’s going on with the UFC’s 125-pound division? Who should be up next for the title shot?

MMA Junkie’s Brian “Goze” Garcia, Danny Segura, Mike Bohn, and host “Gorgeous” George Garcia discuss the state of UFC’s flyweight division.

Watch their discussion in the video above, and also don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube.

https://youtube.com/live/vARR1szSFH4

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Demetrious Johnson: Alexandre Pantoja didn’t look like a better fighter than Steve Erceg at UFC 301

Demetrious Johnson is not sold on UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.

[autotag]Demetrious Johnson[/autotag] is not sold on UFC flyweight champion [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag].

Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) retained his flyweight title by outlasting Steve Erceg in Saturday’s UFC 301 main event at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro.

Johnson thinks Erceg (12-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) leant too much into Pantoja’s game which cost him.

“He literally just gave the fight away by trying to wrestle a guy who can’t box,” Johnson said on his YouTube channel. “This is the biggest thing: I think it just comes from experience for Erceg, just not having experience of finishing someone when you know you’re beating the hell out of them.

“End of the fight, great fight. I think Erceg gave that fight to Pantoja. I think if Erceg would have stepped behind his jab, stop f*cking wrestling him, he would have been fine.”

Johnson thinks Erceg inflicted more damage than Pantoja, who was sliced open courtesy of an elbow by the Aussie. After watching the fight, former longtime UFC flyweight champion Johnson didn’t see Pantoja as a step above Erceg as a fighter.

“I was impressed by Steve Erceg,” Johnson said. “I honestly thought Alex Pantoja was going to get his back and finish him. Steve Erceg was the better striker. He did way more damage in that fight against Alex Pantoja. I think Steve Erceg just didn’t get going a lot sooner. I felt like he made some bad decisions in the fight. … Steve Erceg was destroying Alex Pantoja on the feet. Alex Pantoja was bloodied up.

“Yes, Steve was getting hit, but those shots weren’t significant enough to make Steve worry about his standup. Then Steve would shoot a double leg against the better grappler, the better scrambler. That’s what I felt allowed Alex Pantoja to stay in the fight and win the fight. When I was watching the fight, I didn’t feel like Alex Pantoja was a better fighter. He’s the champ. His grappling is his strongest suit. But if you keep him away from his grappling, you can take advantage of him.”

Johnson pointed to recent UFC flyweight champions Deiveson Figueiredo and Henry Cejudo as more impressive fighters than Pantoja during their run.

“When I look at the past champions, when I look at Figueiredo – absolute amazing champion,” Johnson said. “(He had) power, great athleticism. When I look at Henry Cejudo, he would move, and move so good, he’s finishing people.

“And when I look at myself, I was moving, finishing people. And then when I look at Pantoja, it’s almost like he’s getting through the fight. He’s not excelling through the fight. It’s not like he’s getting stronger as the fight goes on.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.

Daniel Cormier questions why Jose Aldo ever retired after UFC 301 performance: ‘His speed was still there’

Daniel Cormier says Jose Aldo still has it after UFC 301, and wants to see more from the UFC Hall of Famer.

[autotag]Daniel Cormier[/autotag] says [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] still has it after UFC 301.

After hanging up his gloves in fall of 2022, UFC Hall of Famer Aldo (32-8 MMA, 14-7 UFC) returned against Jonathan Martinez in Saturday’s co-main event in Rio de Janeiro. Aldo shut out the streaking bantamweight contender, winning a unanimous decision.

Cormier was impressed by “The King of Rio” and thinks he still has a lot left in the tank.

“I mean why does Jose Aldo retire when you possess that skill? He stopped at 35 years old, he comes back at 37 and he looks like the same guy that ran the division for many years,” Cormier told ESPN post-UFC 301. “His speed was still there. His commitment to his strikes, his dedication, his mind was still there.

“He just looked as good as we’ve ever seen him look, and he fought a guy in Jonathan Martinez that pushed him in the right spots, and made him fight and raise his level. So, it looks like there’s a lot left for Jose Aldo to do if he chooses to do it, and that is the best situation to be (in) as a former champion and a guy that still has desires of fighting.”

Aldo fought out the final fight on his UFC contract against Martinez. The former featherweight champion did not rule out an octagon return, and said he plans on sitting down with UFC CEO Dana White to discuss his future.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.

Video: Sean O’Malley shows clip of sparring footage with Alexandre Pantoja

Sean O’Malley posts a small bit of the infamous sparring session with fellow UFC champion Alexandre Pantoja.

[autotag]Sean O’Malley[/autotag] is keeping the beef alive with [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag].

O’Malley, UFC champion at 135 pounds, posted a short clip of the sparring session with Pantoja on Sunday, the day after Pantoja defended his UFC flyweight title against Steve Erceg in the main event of UFC 301.

“I don’t like releasing sparring footage, but Pantoja just can’t my name out of his mouth,” O’Malley said on the video post. “I didn’t bring it up initially. Pantoja brought it up. I don’t know why he brought it up, I literally finished him in the first round with a liver kick – (he) literally called it off in the first round. So for him to be talking about sparring, it’s wild. I’m not going to show the finish because that’s just mean, but I will show you guys this: A f*cking little 2 to the lips, and then took him down. It was easy.”

The beef between O’Malley and Pantoja started after Pantoja won the UFC flyweight title in July 2023. He posted a video on his social media accounts calling out O’Malley and saying he finished him years ago in a sparring session. O’Malley refuted that story and said that he was the one that stopped Pantoja. Pantoja urged O’Malley to post the full video, but O’Malley has yet to do so – just short bits.

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Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: Jose Aldo’s future, Jon Jones calls for Alex Pereira, latest in boxing, more

On “Spinning Back Clique,” our panel UFC 301 fallout for Jose Aldo, Jon Jones’ Alex Pereira callout, the latest boxing news and 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 Mike Bohn – along with guest Michael Rosenthal from Boxing Junkie – will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] has still got it. The former UFC and WEC champion was successful in his return from retirement, defeating top contender Jonathan Martinez in the co-main event of UFC 301. This was Aldo’s first MMA fight since 2022, but more importantly the last bout on his UFC contract. So what’s next for the Brazilian legend? Aldo kept his options open, expressing interest in both re-signing with the UFC or going back to boxing.
  • In the main event of UFC 301, [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] defended his flyweight title against [autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag]. It was a big win for Pantoja, who’s the only person to log in two title defense wins since Demetrious Johnson’s departure in 2018. We discuss Pantoja’s legacy, along with the state of the UFC’s 125-pound division.
  • It’s been a busy year for the world of boxing. Canelo Alvarez defended his title against Jaima Mungia in a massive event this past Saturday. Ryan Garcia’s bizarre career continues after he allegedly failed an anti-doping test stemming from his big win over Devin Haney. We catch up on those topics and more with Boxing Junkie’s Michael Rosenthal.
  • [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] is back in the news and this time with a out-of-left-field, but interesting suggestion. The UFC heavyweight champion made his interest known for a potential heavyweight fight against current light heavyweight champion [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] – if Jones beats Stipe Miocic in his return. How big could this fight be? Is it even a real possibility? How should [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] take these comments? We break it all down.

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MMA Junkie Radio #3460: UFC 301 recap, guest Beneil Dariush, Conor-Chandler, more

Check out the latest episode of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze.”

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

On Episode 3,460, the lads welcome in UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush. They also recapped UFC 301 and its biggest storylines, discussed the new Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler promo and much more. Tune in!

Jose Aldo discusses next career move after fighting out contract at UFC 301

What’s next for Jose Aldo after fighting out his UFC contract? The former champ weighs-in.

[autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag], one of the biggest names in MMA today, has completed his contract with the UFC and is on the verge of becoming one of the hottest free agents in the sport.

The former UFC and WEC champion made his highly anticipated return to the octagon this past Saturday, defeating bantamweight contender Jonathan Martinez in the co-main event of UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro. This was Aldo’s return fight since retiring from MMA in 2022 and also the last fight on his UFC contract.

Well, after proving he’s still a force at 37 years of age, many are wondering what could be next for Aldo.

“Right at the beginning when I asked for this fight, they talked about (fighting for the title), and I said, ‘No, calm down. Let’s fight first,” Aldo said to MMA Fighting and other reporters at the UFC 301 post-fight press conference. “‘Let me fight first. First you have to see. Let’s not rush things. So let’s go slowly, let’s get there, let’s fight, and let’s put on a performance, and then you know how I am.’

“So that’s what I tried to do. I wanted to fight here first, now yes, I can sit down with Dana (White) and see what is the best path we can take.”

Aldo (32-8 MMA, 14-7 UFC) plans to keep on fighting and is interested in fighting for the UFC title at 135 pounds once again. He also revealed that the UFC has a matching period to compete with any incoming offers before fully becoming a free agent.

Aldo is looking to sit down with UFC CEO Dana White and discuss what’s next. He’s not ruling out re-signing with the UFC, but also a return to boxing.

“Yeah, that can be,” Aldo said when asked about potential boxing fights against Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao. “I received offers. I was sent a contract, but I said no. I’m with the UFC (still), so I need to fight, so I can see how I am. That was a big window that opened up for me. … My life has always been here (in the UFC), so I have to come and sit with them and see what’s the best path I can take.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.

Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for free agent Jose Aldo after UFC 301 win?

Jose Aldo closed out his contract at UFC 301 with a win over Jonathan Martinez, and now the UFC Hall of Famer has options.

(Also see: Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Alexandre Pantoja after UFC 301 title defense?)

[autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] returned from an MMA retirement of nearly two years Saturday at UFC 301, and the result went his way.

Aldo (32-8 MMA, 14-7 UFC) proved that, despite 20 months away from competition, he still has plenty left in the tank when he snapped the winning streak of the surging Jonathan Martinez (19-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) by convincing unanimous decision.

With the win, Aldo completes his UFC contractual obligations and can move forward into free agency. What does that mean for him, though? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Aldo’s future after UFC 301.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.

UFC 301 winner Mauricio Ruffy warns Islam Makhachev ‘a new king is coming’ after debut

First Mauricio Ruffy sent a stern message with his performance in his UFC debut, then with his words after an impressive win.

First [autotag]Mauricio Ruffy[/autotag] sent a stern message with his performance in his UFC debut, then with his words after the win.

Ruffy (10-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) brought the violence at UFC 301 as he defeated Jamie Mullarkey by first-round TKO on Saturday at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro. Ruffy, making his promotional debut after earning a UFC contract last year on Dana White’s Contender Series, finished the fight with a flying knee and an arsenal of strikes at the 4:42 mark.

Even though it was just one fight in the UFC for the 30-year-old Brazilian, that didn’t stop Ruffy from putting lightweight champion Islam Makhachev on notice during his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier.

“I have a message for Islam Makhachev, a nice message: Hey, enjoy your days at the top,” Ruffy said. “I know you’re upset because I beat your friend, but enjoy your days because a new king is coming.”

Ruffy’s win on DWCS came against Makhachev training partner Raimond Magomedaliev by third-round TKO last October.

Including that fight and his UFC debut, Ruffy is on a five-fight winning streak. Ruffy no doubt is facing a long road before even being considered for a fight with Makhachev, but he’s at least on the right track.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.

Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Alexandre Pantoja after UFC 301 title defense?

Alexandre Pantoja maintained his rule over the flyweight division at UFC 301, and it’s slim pickings when it comes to what’s next.

(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Jose Aldo after UFC 301 win?)

[autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] maintained his rule over the flyweight division Saturday when he achieved a second title defense in the UFC 301 main event against Steve Erceg.

Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) added to his impressive resume on home soil with a competitive unanimous decision victory over Erceg (12-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) in the headlining act at Rio Arena in Rio de Janeiro, and now the questions again will come up about who could dethrone the Brazilian.

The promotion had to dig deep down the rankings to find Pantoja a fresh and worthy challenger in Erceg, but now that he’s dispatched of him, the same questions once again resurface.

Who should be next for Pantoja? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on his future after his UFC 301 title defense.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 301.