Tag: UFC on ESPN 24

Dana White: Donald Cerrone to get another UFC fight, but it’s must-win

It’ll be do-or-die for Donald Cerrone’s UFC career the next time he steps in the octagon.

It’ll be do-or-die for [autotag]Donald Cerrone[/autotag]’s UFC career the next time he steps in the octagon.

Cerrone (36-16 MMA, 23-13 UFC), the all-time UFC record-holder for wins, is coming off an ugly stretch of results at 0-5 with one no contest in his past six. It’s led to many to question whether “Cowboy” still has a future with the promotion, but it appears he will for at least one more fight.

After losing to short-notice replacement Alex Morono by first-round TKO at UFC on ESPN 24 this past Saturday, Cerrone said he had no desire to hang up his gloves, and how he “couldn’t let my legacy end like this.”

UFC president Dana White told TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter on Monday that he’s willing to give him another opportunity to turn things around.

“‘Cowboy’ again steps up, Diego (Sanchez) falls out of the fight, he steps up and takes a last-minute replacement, co-main event. What he wants to do – he accepted the Diego fight because they both said they would fight at 170,” White said. “He wants to move down to ’55 and get another fight, and I’m going to let him do that.”

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White did not reveal a timeline when Cerrone could be booked for his next fight. The 38-year-old must first recover and receive medical clearance after getting stopped with strikes by Morono, but he’ll eventually make his way back for a 38th octagon walk.

It’ll be one with lots of pressure on Cerrone. Another loss does not appear to be an option, and White said his career in the UFC will be on the line in a must-win scenario.

“Yes (it will be the last one if he doesn’t win),” White said. “Yes.”

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MMA Junkie Radio #3156: Guests Lorenz Larkin and Neil Magny, plus UFC, Bellator, PFL recaps (noon ET)

Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here and will be live on SportsCastr at noon ET.

Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here and will be live on SportsCastr at noon ET.

On Episode 3,156, the fellas will bring on guests Lorenz Larkin and Neil Magny. Larkin beat former champ Rafael Carvalho this past Friday at Bellator 258. Magny upset Geoff Neal at UFC on ESPN 24 on Saturday. Plus, they’ll look back at those events and the PFL’s third card of the season.

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

Phil Hawes meets Deron Winn at UFC Fight Night on July 17

Phil Hawes already had a fight booked against Deron Winn on July 17 before making the walk at UFC on ESPN 24.

[autotag]Phil Hawes[/autotag] already knew what was next before making the walk against Kyle Daukaus at UFC on ESPN 24.

Prior to defeating Daukaus by unanimous decision Saturday, Hawes (11-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) was double booked to face [autotag]Deron Winn[/autotag] (7-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) at UFC Fight Night on July 17. Pending the results of his medical suspension, it will be right back to work for Hawes, who will take on standout wrestler Winn in two months.

A person with knowledge of the matchup informed MMA Junkie of the booking Sunday but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an announcement. Hawes first mentioned the matchup in an interview with Pub Sports Radio.

“I’ve got Deron on the schedule – I think I’ve got him in July, booked or whatever,” Hawes told Pub Sports Radio prior to fighting Daukaus. “But the opportunity came, the UFC hit me up and they came and asked me do I want to fight Kyle Daukaus, and I said yeah. I always want a chance to prove that I’m the best in the world and showcase my skills, but it’s a testament to show that the UFC believes in me because they double booked me. A lot of people aren’t doing that. I can’t name anyone really in the UFC roster that’s got two fights scheduled, contracted.”

Winn was quick to comment on his next fight after Hawes picked up a win over Daukaus”

“Disrespectfully double booked is what I’ll call it. I hope this dude is medically cleared and back in the gym on Monday! He’s not gonna be able to rely off his wrestling to win this fight. I’ll be more prepared and sound than I’ve ever been! July 17th is about to be a certified banger!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/COolTqnM6yC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In his most recent outing in December, Winn snapped a two-fight skid with a unanimous decision win over Antonio Arroyo. Dana White’s Contender Series graduate Hawes will look to remain unbeaten in the octagon when he competes for the third time this year.

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Neil Magny open to Khamzat Chimaev, but won’t wait: ‘The guy has pulled out of three fights’

Neil Magny says he’s interested in fighting Khamzat Chimaev, but won’t sit out and wait for the matchup.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Neil Magny[/autotag] won’t hold his breath for a booking with Khamzat Chimaev.

The welterweight is looking for big opportunities following his most recent win at UFC on ESPN 24, but the timing has to make sense. Magny (25-8 MMA, 18-7 UFC) defeated Geoff Neal (13-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC) on the main card with a unanimous decision.

Magny, who’s had a history of trash talk with Chimaev, likes the bout with the Chechen fighter. But he said waiting for the fight is not an option.

“I’m at this point where Khamzat is this great competitor. I can definitely fight him and propel my career forward. But at the same time, I can’t put my career and life on hold to hope that he’s better,” Magny said at the UFC on ESPN 24 post-fight news conference. “The guy has pulled out of three fights over the last few months. So for me to kind of put all my eggs in one basket and wait for him and hope that he’s ready this summer, it’s just foolish on my end.

“I think if he prioritizes getting healthy and can actually complete a camp and show up to a fight, then sure, that’s a fight that I’m definitely interested in. But as far as putting my life on hold for him, I have things that I want to accomplish and time is not my best friend at this point, so I can’t wait around for him.”

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Chimaev has withdrawn from his past two bouts due to complications from COVID-19. The 27-year-old has experienced lung issues that have kept him out of training. Chimaev recently said he’s recovering well and expects to return later this year.

Magny is now 4-1 in his past five fights. The 33-year-old wants to make a run at the welterweight title, but knows he doesn’t have too much time left in the sport and also has a family to feed.

“At the end of the day, the title shot and becoming a UFC champion is the end goal. But I have to be realistic about the path I take to get there,” Magny said. “I’m one injury away from never fighting again. I’m one opportunity away from never fighting again. So I have to be cautious of that and be aware of that. I do have a son to provide for, so thoughts do cross my mind when it comes to how long I’m sitting around and waiting for my next fight. At the end of the day, the gold belt would be great. But providing for my family is my No. 1 goal at this point.”

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Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Marina Rodriguez after UFC on ESPN 24 win?

See whom Marina Rodriguez should fight next after her victory over Michelle Waterson in the UFC on ESPN 24 headliner.

[autotag]Marina Rodriguez[/autotag] took advantage of her first octagon main event Saturday when she largely had her way with Michelle Waterson at UFC on ESPN 24.

Both fighters stepped up on short notice to headline the card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas after the original top bout between T.J. Dillashaw and Cory Sandhagen fell off. There wasn’t as much anticipation around the replacement, but Rodriguez (15-1-2 MMA, 4-1-2 UFC) attempted to maximize her platform against Waterson (18-9 MMA, 6-5 UFC).

After a treacherous travel journey from Brazil, Rodriguez showed up and outworked Waterson over the course of five rounds to win a clear-cut unanimous decision. She’s lost just once in 18 career fights at this point, and is looking more and more like a real contender in the strawweight division.

Rodriguez called for a clash with former champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk next after her big win, and while that’s a compelling matchup from a style perspective, is it the right fight to make for the sake of the division?

For the answer, watch the video above as we assume UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard’s role and debate what’s the best next move for Rodriguez after her UFC on ESPN 24 main event win.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny1dYq92kWU

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Michelle Waterson issues statement on UFC on ESPN 24 loss: ‘I’ll be back’

Michelle Waterson is in positive spirits following her loss to Marina Rodriguez in the UFC on ESPN 24 main event.

[autotag]Michelle Waterson[/autotag] is in positive spirits following her loss to Marina Rodriguez in the UFC on ESPN 24 main event.

Waterson (18-9 MMA, 6-5 UFC) dropped a unanimous decision against Rodriguez (15-1-2 MMA, 4-1-2 UFC) in Saturday’s women’s flyweight headliner at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

With the defeat, “The Karate Hottie” fell to 1-3 in her past four fights. Her previous losses came to former champions Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Carla Esparza, but Rodriguez has yet to achieve that level of career success.

What does that say about Waterson’s future? It remains to be seen. However, it’s clear she’s not giving up on herself. In her first post-fight statement, Waterson made it clear she valued the experience of her loss and is keen to come back stronger (via Instagram):

https://www.instagram.com/p/COqWJXnDdYr

Thank you for the dance @marinarodriguezmma one hell of a fight. Thank you @ufc for giving me the opportunity to perform under the lights! Thank you to all my friends, family, and fans for always having my back!! Every time I step into the octagon, I step out a better person. I’ll be back! Love you all

At 35, Waterson’s mission to become UFC champ continues to get more roadblocks added. The fight with Rodriguez was a big task, especially coming on roughly one week’s notice and fighting up a weight class from strawweight, where she’s already undersized.

Waterson gave it her all against Rodriguez, though. After getting outstruck on the feet for three rounds, she got a big takedown in the forth that led to some solid offense. She ultimately couldn’t capitalize, though, and when the five rounds expired was on the losing end.

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Phil Hawes taking ‘baby steps’ toward UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya

Take a look inside Phil Hawes’ win over Kyle Daukaus at UFC on ESPN 24 in Las Vegas.

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LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Phil Hawes[/autotag] beat Kyle Daukaus with a unanimous decision Saturday to open up the main card at UFC on ESPN 24 in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Hawes, who won for the seventh straight time – and already is booked again in July.

5 biggest takeaways from UFC, Bellator, PFL: ‘Rumble’ return, Cerrone’s skid, ‘MVP’ hate

Thoughts and analysis of the biggest storylines coming out of UFC on ESPN 24, Bellator 258 and 2021 PFL 3.

What mattered most in a loaded MMA weekend that included UFC on ESPN 24 in Las Vegas; Bellator 258 in Uncasville, Conn.; and 2021 PFL 3 in Atlantic City, N.J.? Here are a few post-fight musings …

Gregor Gillespie knew Diego Ferreira couldn’t keep up exhausting pace: ‘That’s how I do it’

Gregor Gillespie discusses the exhausting pace of his bout against Diego Ferreira at UFC on ESPN 24.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Gregor Gillespie[/autotag] said he knew his opponent, [autotag]Diego Ferreira[/autotag], wasn’t going to keep up with him.

The lightweight picked up a big win Saturday when he stopped Ferreira (17-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) in the second round of their main card bout at UFC on ESPN 24 in Las Vegas. Gillespie (14-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) put away the Brazilian with ground-and-pound after a wild series of non-stop action that earned “Fight of the Night.” (Gillespie got to take Ferreira’s $50,000 share, as well, since Ferreira missed weight.)

It was one of the most high-paced fights in recent memory, as both fighters frantically battled for dominant positions on the ground.

“I was exhausted,” Gillespie said at the UFC on ESPN 24 post-fight news conference. “People are going to watch that and say, ‘Gillespie is out of shape.’ There is a huge difference between being tired and being out of shape. I was tired, not out of shape.

“That guy stuck with that pace and added to that pace in the first round. I don’t know if you want to call it – I baited him into that, or I forced him into that pace, but that’s how I do it. I go that hard. Sometimes I don’t have to keep going that hard. Sometimes the guy is not as good on the bottom. He can’t escape, he can’t force me off of him or reverse me, so that’s less tiring.

“Diego was able to do that a few times and he put me in danger at the end of the first round. It was exhausting and I was tired. But the difference is, I will still operate when I’m that tired and I’m OK being that tired. It was really unconformable, and I said to my coaches, but I had conceded to the fact that if it was going to have to be three rounds of that, then that’s cool. I accepted that going into the second round. If that’s what we’re going to do, that’s what we’re going to do. But he quit before we got there.”

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It was an important win for Gillespie, who bounced back from his first professional loss. It was also in some way a comeback fight because Gillespie had been out of competition for more than a year. Gillespie was coming off a knockout loss to Kevin Lee in November 2019 at UFC 244.

Gillespie thinks he’s among the best fighters at 155 pounds, but admitted doubt did creep in given the conditions under which he entered UFC on ESPN 24.

“For lack of a better term, it is self doubt. And it’s not that I don’t believe in myself – those are two separate entities,” Gillespie said. “I always believe in myself. I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think I could be the best, if I couldn’t win that fight with Diego. Why would I have taken it if I didn’t believe that I could? I took it because I think I could win it.

“But until you beat someone like that, or you beat a guy like that – I had that six-fight win streak, and then I lost to Kevin Lee and it’s been a year and a half. Until you beat another guy, the only thing that you really remember is that last fight. I got knocked out and I haven’t fought since, and you’re like, ‘Where am I now? Where do I stand? Can I beat the top 15?’ You think you can, but you have doubt. That’s not the only reason why I got emotional.

“It’s been a long road since that Kevin Lee fight. I broke my jaw, COVID happened, I’ve been tortured by trolls online telling me I’m retired. I’ve got thick skin, but I’m just so sick of hearing it. Then the whole thing with the (Brad) Riddell fight getting canceled because of COVID, that was totally out of my control. Then add another six weeks onto a fight camp that was already 10-12 weeks.”

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Alex Morono says TKO over Donald Cerrone validates status at welterweight

Alex Morono proved a lot to himself in win over Donald Cerrone at UFC on ESPN 24.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Alex Morono[/autotag] proved a lot to himself Saturday night.

The welterweight picked up the biggest win of his career when he stopped former title challenger Donald Cerrone in their co-main event showdown at UFC on ESPN 24 in Las Vegas. Morono (19-7 MMA, 8-4 UFC) put away Cerrone (36-16 MMA, 24-13 UFC) on the feet at the 4:40 mark of the first round.

It was a big stage and big name for Morono, who took the fight on short notice, replacing Diego Sanchez. He made the most of it. The 30-year-old thinks the win over “Cowboy” reaffirms his status at 170 pounds.

“Not that I put these veterans on the pedestal, but are they that good compared to everyone else?” Morono told reporters at the UFC on ESPN 24 post-fight news conference. “And the answer is not no, is that I’m there, as well.

“I didn’t have any confidence and didn’t believe it. I was just a fight fan that trained a bunch and knows the fight game well. Going into this fight, after watching the fights before (on the card), I was like, ‘I’m going to stand and trade until somebody goes down. I’m going to get into a gun fight.’ And not for anyone else, but for myself. I’m down to fire-fight safely and defensively. I wasn’t afraid to get clipped to achieve my goal of landing these big punches.”

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Morono admitted he’s a fan of Cerrone and fighting him was a rewarding experience. He knows the 38-year-old veteran is toward the end of his career and hopes he gets a proper send off.

“After the fight, after I got the finish, after kill more was turned off, seeing ‘Cowboy’ there was cool – and sad is not the right word,” Morono said. ‘It’s not. There’s a lot of respect that goes into it. I do hope that he goes to 155 like he wanted to and they give him a good fight. Give him (Joe) Lauzon or (Jim) Miller – still game dudes, but like a fun veteran fight. If anyone deserves to call any shots in the UFC, it’s ‘Cowboy.’ He made me such a fan forever.”

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