Check out the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings following UFC Fight Night 246 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
UFC Fight Night 246 took place last weekend in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and it produced a key update in the men’s flyweight rankings.
Former UFC flyweight champion [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] turned in a dominant performance against Amir Albazi in the main event. Moreno controlled the fight from beginning to end, only losing one round on one judge’s scorecard.
Entering the week at No. 5, Moreno replaces Albazi at No. 3, who falls down one spot in this week’s rankings update.
The co-main event featured a top 10 women’s flyweight bout between No. 4 Erin Blanchfield and No. 9 Rose Namajunas. Blanchfield had to dig deep to overcome the early advantage of the former strawweight champion, but she pulled out a big win to keep her name in title contention.
Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings.
Brandon Moreno and Erin Blanchfield both came through with big wins at UFC Edmonton. We discuss on “Spinning Back Clique.”
Big things are happening in both the UFC men’s and women’s flyweight divisions.
This past Saturday at UFC Fight Night 246, former UFC champion [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] returned after taking a break from MMA competition to defeat streaking contender [autotag]Amir Albazi[/autotag] in the main event. In the co-main, [autotag]Erin Blanchfield[/autotag] got her hand raised after going toe to toe in a hard-fought decision with former champion [autotag]Rose Namajunas[/autotag].
What’s next for Moreno and, more importantly, is he still a threat to the title? Did Blanchfield show evolution, and should UFC grant her wish to fight Alexa Grasso?
MMA Junkie’s Brian “Goze” Garcia, Nolan King, Danny Segura and host Gorgeous “George” discuss the performances and what should come next for the fighters involved.
Watch their discussion in the video above, and don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube.
Brendson Ribeiro snapped a two-fight skid and won by decision for the first time in his career.
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – [autotag]Brendson Ribeiro[/autotag] beat Caio Machado with a split decision Saturday on the main card at UFC Fight Night 246 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Take a look inside the fight with Ribeiro, who snapped a two-fight skid and won by decision for the first time in his career.
Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Brendson Ribeiro (blue gloves) fights Caio Machado (red gloves) in a light heavyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
“I knew it was going to be a tough fight and it was going to be a war. We knew it was going to happen. We talked about this – there’s going to be a tough fight, but it doesn’t matter. We’re frustrated sometimes because we don’t get the knockout, but it doesn’t matter how we get the win. I knew that my arm was the one to be raised.”
Ribeiro on his 0-2 UFC start
Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Brendson Ribeiro (blue gloves) fights Caio Machado (red gloves) in a light heavyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
“(I had) no terror whatsoever. I didn’t feel any (pressure). I knew we were going to make it happen. I work so hard, but in my other fights in the UFC, they were just minor adjustments that prevented me from a win. I just needed to make these adjustments. We put a lot of work, even on on the on the mental side. There’s no pressure. I knew that all those adjustments, all we needed to do is just make those minor adjustments to come out with the win.”
Ribeiro on what he wants next
“I’m a fighter. I want to fight as soon as possible. I have another challenge coming – no, no, not a challenge. I’m getting married on the 4th of January to my future wife. Love you – I love you. So it is a beautiful moment in my life, very important step in my life.”
To hear more from Ribeiro, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
UFC contender Erin Blanchfield thinks she’s one step away from a title shot, which she hopes can be earned vs. Alexa Grasso.
Two days later, [autotag]Erin Blanchfield[/autotag] is wearing the biggest fight of her career.
Despite the bumps and bruises and ballooning foot, Blanchfield (13-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) is overall content with her UFC Fight Night 246 unanimous decision victory over Rose Namajunas (13-7 MMA, 11-6 UFC) that she thinks moved her one step away from a title shot.
“I was happy I stuck to the game plan me and my coaches had,” Blanchfield told MMA Junkie on Monday. “I was trying to be more patient and find my strikes and find my takedowns. The last round, we just tried to come out harder and really push the pace on her. She was maybe used to that little slower rhythm that I was showing that I haven’t really done before. I was really happy with how I executed that.”
Blanchfield admittedly got off to a slow start, but she’s proud of how she successfully adjusted to win the final three rounds and ultimately the fight.
“I think she was super sharp the first two rounds,” Blanchfield said. “I really needed to find my rhythm. I guess I was struggling to find my rhythm a little bit. I was trying to play a little bit of a different game than maybe what I’m used to. But I didn’t want to run into anything. Like, with my previous fight, I feel like I ran into a lot of strikes, and my takedowns were pretty obvious. I really wanted to change that. I think I was finding my rhythm better in the third round and then was able to get that takedown. It’s kind of a balance of being patient but then knowing when to go. I think I kind of found that in the third round.”
[lawrence-related id=2784057,2784059]
After the fight, Blanchfield had a name ready to call out for her next UFC appearance. She respectfully proposed a fight vs. former champion Alexa Grasso (16-4-1 MMA, 8-4-1 UFC), who is not currently booked.
Grasso held gold for a significant portion of Blanchfield’s rise up the divisional ladder. Because of that, Blanchfield has kept a close eye on the Mexican fighter. From a stylistic standpoint, Blanchfield selfishly likes what she sees.
“I really like that matchup because she’s another former champ,” Blanchfield said. “I just have two former champs on my record now that I’ve won (against). She doesn’t have a fight lined up right now. I just won my fight. I know beating her puts me right in line for a title shot next. I think there would be no argument that, after whoever the winner of Manon and Valentina is, I should get the next shot at after beating someone like Alexa. That’s ultimately why I called her out.”
“… With Alexa, I obviously feel like my ground game is significantly better, and I feel like I can really find a finish there. It’s another opportunity to test my striking, as well. She’s a great boxer, too, just like Rose is. I feel like it’d be a good challenge everywhere. I feel like I can find my finish.”
While champion Valentina Shevchenko’s next move is not known (though top contender Manon Fiorot is waiting in the wings), Blanchfield firmly hypothesized the Grasso fight will be for a title shot should it take place.
“One thousand percent,” Blanchfield said. “I think the winner of me and Alexa gets the next title shot.”
Alexandr Romanov got back in the win column after a June submission loss to Jailton Almeida.
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – [autotag]Alexandr Romanov[/autotag] beat Rodrigo Nascimento with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 246 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Take a look inside the fight with Romanov, who got back in the win column after a June submission loss to Jailton Almeida.
Alexandr Romanov def. Rodrigo Nascimento
Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Alexandr Romanov (red gloves) fights Rodrigo Nascimento (blue gloves) in a heavyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
“(My submission) was very close, but was very slippery. I lost my grip, but it doesn’t matter. I have shown today that for me, it doesn’t matter: I can (win standing up), too.”
Romanov on his cardio questions
Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Alexandr Romanov (red gloves) fights Rodrigo Nascimento (blue gloves) in a heavyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
“The biggest question every time for my side from all the people is that I have a big problem with my cardio. You’re wrong, guys. Now I’m in great shape because I work with a super crazy professional team. I have crazy support in my house – my kids, my family, my wife, my parents, and if a man gives all his life in the hands of God, nothing can stop him.”
Romanov on what he wants next
Derrick Lewis
“I hope (I get a new contract), because I feel that I am just in the beginning of my biggest jump to the top 10. For me, it doesn’t matter who will be my next opponent. (I still want to fight Derrick Lewis after we were rebooked) because for me, it’s a very interesting match because he’s this a name. He’s a massive, strong guy and for me, that’s going to be a very good test.”
To hear more from Romanov, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
Jamey-Lyn Horth followed up a split decision loss to Veronica Hardy 11 months ago with a split call ‘W’ of her own.
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – [autotag]Jamey-Lyn Horth[/autotag] beat Ivana Petrovic with a split decision Saturday to open the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 246 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Take a look inside the fight with Horth, who followed up a split decision loss to Veronica Hardy 11 months ago with a split call ‘W’ of her own.
Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Ivana Petrovic (blue gloves) and Jamey-Lyn Horth (red gloves) fight in a flyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
“The game plan was to stand and strike with her – get up against the cage and play that game with her. We knew that she was going to probably shoot and try to just take me down, and I feel like that game plan was pretty accurate tonight. We were prepared for that dogfight and willing to do whatever you need to be doing to win that fight.
“Obviously put it into the judges’ hands, you just don’t know. I’ve experienced that my other two fights at super close fights. You just don’t know what they’re looking for that night. But I felt confident that I did the right things they were going to be looking for tonight.”
Horth on support from her hometown of Squamish, British Columbia
Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Jamey-Lyn Horth (red gloves) celebrates after defeating Ivana Petrovic (blue gloves) in a flyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
“I come from a large family and I come from a small town, which has been my driving force behind my career. Everything I’ve done growing up as a child in that town is through sport, so I think if I’m not incorrect, probably around 60-75 people from Squamish were here tonight.”
Horth on what she wants next
“I’m here for a long time and a good time, so let’s get the ball rolling. Let’s get back home, couple weeks (off), get some Christmas holidays done, and let’s get back in the ring. … I’d like to fight early next year – and let’s try to get in at least three fights next year, more if they’ve got some short-notice and they want me to jump in and step in. I’ve fought at (1)35 and I fight at (1)25, so I’m mobile.”
To hear more from Horth, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
Serhiy Sidey got back in the win column after a close loss in his UFC debut – but thought it was going to be another split call setback.
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – [autotag]Serhiy Sidey[/autotag] beat Garrett Armfield with a split decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 246 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Take a look inside the fight with Sidey, who got back in the win column after a split call loss in his UFC debut in January.
Serhiy Sidey def. Garrett Armfield
Serhiy Sidey
Result:Serhiy Sidey def. Garrett Armfield via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Updated records: Sidey (11-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Armfield (10-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC) Key stats: Armfield landed four of his five takedown attempts and had nearly 5 minutes of control time. He stuffed all four of Sidey’s takedown attempts.
Sidey on the fight’s key moment
Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Serhiy Sidey (red gloves) fights Garrett Armfield (blue gloves) in a bantamweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
“The first two rounds, very close. I might have lost that third round when the judges were scoring the scorecard. Personally, I thought I lost. I’ll be honest. But I’ve got to watch (it back). I know I hurt him real bad in the first two rounds. Garrett came out like – that guy was the hardest I’ve ever had. He mixed up his wrestling really well. He has great boxing and is the strongest 135er I’ve ever fought, for sure.”
Sidey on back-to-back Ramon Tavares fights
“I was game planning for Ramon for like a year, man. It was exciting to have a new matchup, have a new different camp and fight a tough guy like Armfield. … I was very excited when I had a different name, different opponent and a different game plan – it was way more fun of a camp.”
Sidey on what he wants next
Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Serhiy Sidey (red gloves) fights Garrett Armfield (blue gloves) in a bantamweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
“(I don’t have) a name. A time frame – in a few months, for sure. (There are) a lot of holes I need to fix and address in this fight. I’ve got to look back, make those adjustments with my coach, but be back in a few months. I feel good – still healthy.”
To hear more from Sidey, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
Mike Malott explains the reason behind his less aggressive than usual win at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 246.
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – [autotag]Mike Malott[/autotag] had to go against his nature in his return to the octagon.
The UFC welterweight entered Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 246 with an 100 percent finishing rate, but had to spoil that personal statistic for his bout against Trevin Giles (16-7 MMA, 7-7 UFC). Malott (11-2-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) wanted to get his first ever victory by decision, and also wanted to avoid losing a second straight fight, as he was coming off a TKO defeat to veteran Neil Magny.
“I felt like I had to check the ego a little bit in this one,” Malott told reporters at the UFC Fight Night 246 post-fight press conference. “I pride myself on putting guys away, and I’m like, ‘Look, if you get the stoppage, that’s amazing. If you get 15 minutes of cage time and win a 15-minute decision, that’s amazing. Just get back on the winning track and we can focus on the rest later.’ I was genuinely happy to get those 15 minutes of experience and feel that cage time.”
The Malott vs. Giles fight wasn’t the most exciting bout on the card, but Malott is OK with that. The Canadian was mainly focused on getting back in the win column, and also felt comfortable going to the decision.
Malott thinks it was up to Giles to look for the finish, not him.
“I had a few moments in there where I was like, ‘All right, let’s beat this dude’s ass – put it on him.’ But look, man, I felt I was winning pretty much the whole fight, and it felt like I was in control of the fight for the most part,” Malott said. “I felt it was 30-27. I know he had some moments, especially at the beginning of the second, but nothing that really hurt or anything, just optics that didn’t look good. I felt I was picking him apart. I felt like I was getting the better shots. … I felt I was en route to win a decision. If anything, the responsibility lies on him to take risk. I’m winning right now – I don’t need to take those massive risks.”
Cody Gibson, a “TUF 31” finalist who now has back-to-back wins, swept the scorecards against Chad Anheliger.
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – [autotag]Cody Gibson[/autotag] beat Chad Anheliger with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 246 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Take a look inside the fight with Gibson, a “TUF 31” finalist who now has back-to-back wins.
Cody Gibson def. Chad Anheliger
Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Cody Gibson (blue gloves) defeats Chad Anheliger (red gloves) in a bantamweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Chad Anheliger (red gloves) and Cody Gibson (blue gloves) fight in a bantamweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
“I’m a little disappointed in my performance, so I’ll have to go back and watch it. You’re always calculating submission over position, risk versus reward. I feel like I played a little safer than I needed to tonight. I knew I was going to dominate on the ground and have the ability to keep him there and I was shooting for submissions. He did a really good job defending the arm triangle, defending a couple front choke attempts. I’m trying to hurt somebody. I’m not making $1 million a fight, so my silver lining is the bonus. Obviously, you want to win fights – that’s important to stay here, winning. But I’m here to put on exciting fights for fans. I know Chad was looking for it. Somewhat disappointing in myself, that’s all.”
Gibson on his confidence
“I’m 37 years old, but when I was in the UFC 10 years ago, the guy today would beat the hell out of that guy. I know the internet loves to call me an old man all day, and I’ve got to stop listening to that stuff. I still feel good and the guy you saw tonight is the best version that there is. Now this is about leveling up every single time and just being confident. Confidence has always been the thing I struggle with, so two in a row, build on that momentum and hopefully some authentic confidence comes along with it. ”
Gibson on what he wants next
Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Chad Anheliger (red gloves) and Cody Gibson (blue gloves) embrace after a fight in a bantamweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
“My wife’s getting mad at me because I heard that pay-per-view in January might be heading (to Southern California). That’s a little quicker than my wife probably would like – might be even a little quicker than I’d like, but because we have just been going back-to-back-to-back. But if they’re coming to L.A. on a big pay-per-view card? It’s not something I could say no to, so we’ll see what happens. I like fun fights. They gave me Chad. They gave me (Brian) Kelleher before that. Those are guys that like to come out and entertain. I promise you the next time out, it’ll be a lot of entertainment. That’s what I’m shooting for.”
To hear more from Gibson, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
On “Spinning Back Clique,” the panel discusses Brandon Moreno’s return, Belal Muhammad’s UFC 310 withdrawal 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, Nolan King and Danny Segura will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:
UFC Fight Night 246 went down Saturday in Canada and left us with two key results at men’s and women’s flyweight. In the main event, former champion [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] successfully returned to action after taking a break from the sport by dominating [autotag]Amir Albazi[/autotag] in a unanimous decision win. Also, [autotag]Erin Blanchfield[/autotag] outpointed [autotag]Rose Namajunas[/autotag] in a hard-fought decision to cement herself as a top title contender. What happens next? We discuss.
Bad news. UFC welterweight champion [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag] suffered a foot injury and was forced out of his title bout against [autotag]Shavkat Rakhmonov[/autotag] in the main event of UFC 310. This leaves a big hole to fill since the bout was scheduled to headline the final pay-per-view of the year. Should the UFC implement an interim title? If so, who should fight for it? We react to Muhammad’s injury and how it impacts both UFC 310 and the welterweight division.
A lot of news went down this past week, including fight bookings and retirements. Former UFC champion [autotag]Germaine de Randamie[/autotag] announced her retirement from the sport; the UFC booked a key welterweight bout between [autotag]Ian Machado Garry[/autotag] and [autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag] for December; and featherweight all-time great [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] revealed he is moving back up to lightweight. We analyze those headlines and more.
We close out the show by previewing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 247 event in Las Vegas. We break down the welterweight bout between [autotag]Neil Magny[/autotag] and rising contender [autotag]Carlos Prates[/autotag] headlining the card, along with other standout bouts.
