Tag: UFC on ESPN+ 22

After two Contender Series shots, Andre Muniz had to make it count at UFC on ESPN+ 22

Take a look inside Andre Muniz’s win over Antonio Arroyo at UFC on ESPN+ 22 in Sao Paulo.

[autotag]Andre Muniz[/autotag] beat Antonio Arroyo with a unanimous decision Saturday on the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 22 in Sao Paulo.

Take a look inside the fight with Muniz, who won for the fifth straight time.

Result: Andre Muniz def. Antonio Arroyo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Muniz (19-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Arroyo (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Key stat: Muniz won the striking battle 85-47 and landed three takedowns.

[lawrence-related id=463082,463127,463785]

Muniz on the fight’s key moment

“I came close to a submission or a knockout, but ended up spending a lot of energy. In the end, it was all heart.”

Muniz on getting his shot in the UFC

“I knew it would be a very difficult fight, but the UFC called me and I would never say no. I tried to do my best. It was enough to win, but I know it wasn’t my best.”

Muniz on what he wants next

“I participated in the Contender Series Brazil last year. I won my fight but did not get the contract. When this opportunity came up again, I didn’t think twice and tried to grab it as fast as possible.”

[vertical-gallery id=463541]

[vertical-gallery id=463472]

Randy Brown wants Michael Chiesa after submission win at UFC on ESPN+ 22

Take a look inside Randy Brown’s submission win over Warlley Alves at UFC on ESPN+ 22 in Sao Paulo.

[autotag]Randy Brown[/autotag] beat Warlley Alves with a second-round submission Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN+ 22 in Sao Paulo.

Take a look inside the fight with Brown, who won for the third time in four fights and got his first submission win in more than three years.

Result: Randy Brown def. Warlley Alves via submission (triangle choke) – Round 2, 1:22
Updated records: Brown (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC), Alves (13-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC)
Key stat: Alves landed three takedowns, but Brown made good on his second submission attempt to get the upset win.

[lawrence-related id=463761,463336,463127]

Brown on the fight’s key moment

“The first round, I got a little slow start. I slipped at the beginning and did not want to use too much energy trying to get up. Second round, I just went back to what I am good at and won the fight.”

Brown on making improvements

“I plan to get the finish every time I get out there and fight – that is my goal. It wasn’t exactly how I wanted to be, but we are still working. I am getting better.”

Brown on what he wants next

“I would like to fight Michael Chiesa next. He moved up to the welterweight division, and I would like to be his next opponent.”

[vertical-gallery id=463391]

[vertical-gallery id=463472]

Douglas Silva de Andrade honored to fight ex-champ Barao at UFC on ESPN+ 22

Take a look inside Douglas Silva de Andrade’s win over Renan Barao at UFC on ESPN+ 22 in Sao Paulo.

[autotag]Douglas Silva de Andrade[/autotag] beat Renan Barao with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN+ 22 in Sao Paulo.

Take a look inside the fight with Silva de Andrade, who handed former bantamweight champion Barao his fifth straight loss and seventh setback in his past eight fights.

Result: Douglas Silva de Andrade def. Renan Barao via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Updated records: De Andrade (26-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC), Barao (34-9 MMA, 9-8 UFC)
Key stat: Barao had nine takedown attempts, but Silva de Andrade stuffed seven of them.

[lawrence-related id=463761,463127,463785]

Silva de Andrade on the fight’s key moment

“I had promised it would be an action-packed fight, and I think I fulfilled that. I put on a show for the fans.”

Silva de Andrade on fighting an ex-champ

“I thank UFC for believing in my work, and it was a great honor to fight Renan Barao, an athlete that I always admired (and) always made sure to watch his fights. He is a former champion, has a legacy, and deserves all the credits.”

[vertical-gallery id=463372]

[vertical-gallery id=463472]

UFC on ESPN+ 22 medical suspensions: Jan Blachowicz, two others facing six-month suspensions

Jan Blachowicz and two others are looking at hefty medical suspensions after UFC Sao Paulo.

Three fighters, including headliner [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag], are looking at hefty medical suspensions after UFC on ESPN+ 22.

Blachowicz, who appeared to injure his left foot in his five-round victory over Ronaldo Souza, will need to get clearance on both feet in order to return to in-cage competition. Blachowicz is tentatively suspended 180 days, with a minimum of 30 days and no contact for 21 days.

[autotag]Sergio Moraes[/autotag] and [autotag]Jared Gordon[/autotag], the lone fighters to suffer knockout losses on the card, are facing similar suspensions. Moraes, who suffered a third-round knockout loss to James Krause, will be suspended 180 days or until he’s cleared by a neurologist.

Gordon, who was brutally finished early in the first round by Charles Oliveira, was suspended 180 days or until he’s cleared by a otolaryngologist (ENT).

[lawrence-related id=463774,463767]

Check out the full list of UFC on ESPN+ 22 medical suspensions, per a CABMMA record acquired by MMA Fighting.

  • Jan Blachowicz: Suspended 180 days or until x-rays of both feet are cleared by physician; also suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days.
  • [autotag]Ronaldo Souza[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Paul Craig[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Mauricio Rua[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days.
  • [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • Jared Gordon: Suspended 180 days or until cleared by otolaryngologist; also suspended 60 days with no contact for 45 days.
  • [autotag]Andre Muniz[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Antonio Arroyo[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Wellington Turman[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Markus Perez[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days.
  • [autotag]James Krause[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days.
  • Sergio Moraes: Suspended 180 days or until cleared by neurologist; also suspended 60 days with with no contact for 45 days.
  • [autotag]Ricardo Ramos[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Eduardo Garagorri[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Francisco Trinaldo[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Bobby Green[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Randy Brown[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Warlley Alves[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Douglas de Andrade[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Renan Barao[/autotag]: Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days.
  • [autotag]Ariane Lipski[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Isabella de Padua[/autotag]: Suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days.
  • [autotag]Tracy Cortez[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.
  • [autotag]Vanessa Melo[/autotag]: Suspended 14 days with no contact for seven days.

[vertical-gallery id=463676]

[vertical-gallery id=463597]:

MMA Junkie Radio #3002: UFC Sao Paulo, BKFC 9, Claressa Shields and more

Hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” break down the latest MMA news, including UFC Sao Paulo and BKFC 9 recaps, Claressa Shields and more.

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

On episode 3,002 of the podcast, the guys break down the latest MMA news and notes and look back at UFC on ESPN+ 22 in Sao Paulo and BKFC 9.

The rundown

Stream or download this and all episodes of MMA Junkie Radio over at AudioBoom, or check it out above. You can also catch it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more. A new episode of the podcast is released every Monday and Thursday.

Francisco Trinaldo calls out fellow Brazilian Edson Barboza after UFC on ESPN+ 22 win

Take a look inside Francisco Trinaldo’s win over Bobby Green at UFC on ESPN+ 22 in Sao Paulo.

[autotag]Francisco Trinaldo[/autotag] beat Bobby Green with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN+ 22 in Sao Paulo.

Take a look inside the fight with Trinaldo, who got back in the win column after a decision loss to Alexander Hernandez in July.

Result: Francisco Trinaldo def. Bobby Green via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: Trinaldo (24-7 MMA, 14-6 UFC), Green (24-10-1 MMA, 5-5-1 UFC)
Key stat: Green won the striking battle, 67-36, and had two takedowns – but Trinaldo got the decision.

[lawrence-related id=463336,463127,463785]

Trinaldo on the fight’s key moment

“It was a good fight, a tough one. I didn’t expect his ground game. I actually trained more striking during my camp. But I am happy that I can leave with a win and once again here in Sao Paulo.”

Trinaldo on what he wants next

“I would like to face Edson Barboza next. He is the best muay Thai athlete in Brazil. I think it would be a great match.”

[vertical-gallery id=463411]

[vertical-gallery id=463472]

Paul Craig wanted to send ‘Shogun’ Rua into retirement at UFC on ESPN+ 22 in Sao Paulo

Scottish light heavyweight Paul Craig said he had hoped to retire Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua at UFC Sao Paulo.

Following the split draw between the pair at UFC on ESPN+ 22 on Saturday night, [autotag]Paul Craig[/autotag] has made no secret of the fact that he wants to face [autotag]Mauricio Rua[/autotag] again.

But he also revealed another motivation for facing him a second time. He wants to retire the Brazilian legend.

Craig (12-4-1 MMA, 4-4-1 UFC) said he had hoped to draw a line under Rua’s illustrious career in Sao Paulo by being the last man to face him before he hangs up his gloves.

“I didn’t tell the media that, but I had told my coaches that (before the fight),” Craig said at the post-event news conference. “What I said was – and you need to have a bit of confidence in this sport – I said I would love to be ‘Shogun’ Rua’s last fight. I would love for ‘Shogun’ Rua to take the gloves off and leave them in the center of the octagon after I had, obviously, got the victory.”

[lawrence-related id=463669,463127,463785]

Those pre-fight hopes didn’t come to fruition on fight night in Brazil. Craig and Rua (26-11-1 MMA, 10-9-1 UFC) battled to a draw after three grueling rounds. And while the Scot had no issues with the scoring of the fight, he said he was taking the positives from his short-notice assignment.

“Straight after the fight, I was very disappointed,” he said. “But after I had time reflect on it, to come to Brazil and fight the legend that is Rua in his home country and get a draw is a good result for me.”

Craig spoke about a possible return to action at a rumored event in his home city of Glasgow next year, and said that he fancied another fight with a Brazilian, whether that turns out to be ‘Shogun’ or not.

“I did want him to retire, but I want that next fight,” he said. “I want that full fight camp. And if I don’t get ‘Shogun’ Rua, give me another Brazilian.”

[vertical-gallery id=463597]

How Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldinho inspired Ricardo Ramos to victory at UFC on ESPN+ 22

Brazilian featherweight Ricardo Ramos said he picked up a key technique from Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho to use at UFC Sao Paulo.

[autotag]Ricardo Ramos[/autotag] added another UFC finish to his growing collection at UFC on ESPN+ 22 in Sao Paolo, then revealed that a Brazilian soccer legend inspired one of the eye-catching techniques he landed during the bout.

Sao Paulo’s Ramos (14-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) finished Eduardo Garagorri with a rear-naked choke, but it was an unusual kick that he landed on the Uruguayan that was the topic of conversation when he chatted with ESPN backstage after his fight.

“I’m Brazilian. I’m a soccer player, you know? It’s a soccer kick,” he said name-dropping a 2002 World Cup hero as the inspiration behind the technique. “Ronaldinho ‘Gaucho’ used to use this kick in soccer, and Anderson Silva did that in one of his fights. I started trying that in my training and it really works, and it really hurts. It’s not only a trick. I like to use that to make my opponent confused and throw some different stuff.  So that’s a nice kick.”

[lawrence-related id=463127,463785,463271]

Ramos’ Ronaldinho-inspired kick may have caught the eye, but it was his Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills that secured the victory when he locked up the rear-naked choke for the win.

“I’m from jiu-jitsu, so every time I’m on the ground I know what to do,” he said. “I just saw it and attacked the neck.”

The event also marked the start of a new chapter for Ramos, who moved up from bantamweight to featherweight for the contest. And the 24-year-old said the move to 145 pounds has already been a gamechanger for his career.

“I did the best move of my life when I moved up to 145, and now I feel like I’m really at 100 percent of my performance – and that’s a good feeling,” he said. “Before, I had to not push too much because the weight cut was too hard for me, and that changed the performance of my fights.”

Comfortable at the higher weight and fighting in his home town, Saturday proved to be a memorable night for Ramos, who was cheered to victory by his family and friends.

“That’s awesome for me,” he said. “My father is in the crowd. My mother, my brother, all my friends are here. Fighting in front of all my friends, in my home town, that’s a feeling I’ve never tried. And today I did that, and I can’t explain with words – I just feel with my heart.”

[vertical-gallery id=463420]

Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Jan Blachowicz and UFC on ESPN+ 22’s other key winners?

See whom Jan Blachowicz should fight next after his victory over Ronaldo Souza at UFC on ESPN+ 22.

(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for ‘Jacare’ Souza after UFC on ESPN+ 22 loss?)

After every event, fans wonder whom the winners will be matched up with next.

And with another night of UFC action in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward, put on a pair of Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard’s shoes, and play UFC matchmaker for UFC on ESPN+ 22’s most noteworthy winning fighters.

Those winners include [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag] (25-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC), who defeated Ronaldo Souza (26-8 MMA, 9-5 UFC) by split decision in the light heavyweight headliner at Ginasio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, as well as [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag] (28-8 MMA, 16-8 UFC), [autotag]James Krause[/autotag] (27-7 MMA, 8-3 UFC) and [autotag]Francisco Trinaldo[/autotag] (24-7 MMA, 14-6 UFC),

* * * *

Francisco Trinaldo

[vertical-gallery id=439776]
Should fight: [autotag]Diego Ferreira[/autotag]
Why they should fight: He had to work hard for it, but Trinaldo earned his 14th octagon victory when he edged Bobby Green by unanimous decision in their lightweight bout.

At 41, Trinaldo proved he’s still a force to be reckoned with at 155. He clearly wants to prove as much judging by his post-fight callout, which was directed at perennial contender Edson Barboza. He may not get that fight next, but the Brazilian is certainly deserving of another noteworthy matchup at 155 pounds.

Ferreira (16-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) has been on a roll of late, winning his past five fights against some solid opponents. The Fortis MMA product is looking to prove he belongs in the upper echelon of the weight class, as well, and beating someone like Trinaldo to extend his winning streak would be a statement. And if Trinaldo were to win, he would take all Ferreira’s momentum for himself.

James Krause

[vertical-gallery id=370216]
Should fight: [autotag]Gunnar Nelson[/autotag]
Why they should fight: Krause continued to shine in the welterweight division when he put on a clinic against Sergio Moraes that ended with a knockout in the final minute of the third round.

Krause is now riding a six-fight winning streak (including 4-0 at welterweight) and appears to be clicking both mentally and physically. He needs a bigger challenge going forward to see where he really stands, and Nelson (17-5-1 MMA, 8-5 UFC) is an opponent who could test Krause’s value at 170 pounds.

Nelson may be on a two-fight skid and not in the best place in his career, but he’s been a constant in the top 20 of the division for several years. He needs to display that he still deserves that status, and halting Krause’s streak would help send that message.

Charles Oliveira

[vertical-gallery id=309432]
Should fight: [autotag]Al Iaquinta[/autotag]
Why they should fight: The best run of Oliveira’s UFC tenure continued with a brilliant first-round knockout of Jared Gordon that extended the Brazilian’s winning streak to six fights – all of which have come by stoppage.

Oliveira is firing on all cylinders at the moment and at 30, is in the sharpest form of his career. His stoppage of Gordon was his 15th in UFC competition, which trails the all-time record by just one. Oliveira said prior to being booked against Gordon that he wanted a steeper test, but it didn’t materialize this time around.

“Do Bronx” tried to take matters into his own hands by issuing a post-fight callout of Conor McGregor and Paul Felder (who handed him his last loss), but neither of those seemed to register as particularly realistic at the moment (especially McGregor).

What is realistic, though, is that Oliveira could and should get a top-10 opponent at 155 pounds. Iaquinta (14-6-1 MMA, 9-5 UFC) has been in one of those spots for much of the past severals years, and in terms of opponent, he should have everything Oliveira is looking for to take him one step closer to title contention.

Jan Blachowicz


Should fight: [autotag]Corey Anderson[/autotag]
Why they should fight: Watch the video above to see why Blachowicz should rematch Anderson (13-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) next after his main event win.

Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for ‘Jacare’ Souza after UFC on ESPN+ 22 loss?

See who Ronaldo Souza should fight next after his loss to Jan Blachowicz at UFC on ESPN+ 22.

(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Jan Blachowicz and UFC on ESPN+ 22’s other key winners?)

[autotag]Ronaldo Souza[/autotag]’s attempt to inject new life in his carer went awry on Saturday when he lost to Jan Blachowicz in the UFC on ESPN+ 22 headliner.

After stalling out as a middleweight contender, Souza (26-8 MMA, 9-5 UFC) moved up to light heavyweight and was immediately afforded a matchup with a top-ranked contender like Blachowicz (25-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC) in a main event spot at Ginasio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo. But it didn’t go his way, and “Jacare” lost a split decision.

[lawrence-related id=463240,463482]

The Brazilian is now on the first two-fight losing skid of his career, and at 39 may have some decisions to make about his career goals going forward and how the result against Blachowicz impacts him.

What does the loss mean for Blachowicz? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on his future.

[vertical-gallery id=463676]