Tag: UFC on ESPN 27

Adrian Yanez: Raphael Assuncao or Jimmie Rivera ‘would set me up even higher for my next fight’

After another thrilling finish, Adrian Yanez is ready to elevate his career to the next level.

After another thrilling finish, [autotag]Adrian Yanez[/autotag] is ready to elevate his career to the next level.

Yanez (14-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC) picked up his third straight “Performance of the Night” bonus when he rallied to score a second-round TKO of fellow prospect Randy Costa at UFC on ESPN 27 this past Saturday.

The 27-year-old’s stock continues to rise, and after winning his seventh straight bout, Yanez likes the suggested ideas of facing veterans [autotag]Raphael Assuncao[/autotag] or [autotag]Jimmie Rivera[/autotag] next.

“Both those guys are phenomenal names and guys who I respect,” Yanez told MMA Junkie Radio. “I was watching Raphael Assuncao fight when I was still an amateur, and that was back in 2012, so I have a big respect for the both of them. Both those names sound very, very nice. They’ve been in the game for a very long time, and I think that’s just great all around. I think that would be a great fight either way.

“That would set me up even higher for my next fight, so those are great set-up fights – tune-ups to get those guys who are in the top 15, easily.”

Although he was fairly critical of his performance, especially in the first round, Yanez wants to ramp up his activity by fighting another two times before the end of the year.

“I would want September,” Yanez said. “I definitely want September and then fight end of November and kind of chill out for December, January and February – and after that, be very, very active.”

[vertical-gallery id=649318]

[listicle id=597558]

UFC on ESPN 27 medical suspensions: T.J. Dillashaw faces 180-day term

Former two-time bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw will be forced back on the sidelines after UFC on ESPN 27.

Former two-time bantamweight champion [autotag]T.J. Dillashaw[/autotag] is looking at more time on the shelf after UFC on ESPN 27.

Dillashaw (17-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC), who returned from a two-year U.S. Anti-Doping Agency suspension that stemmed from a positive drug test for EPO, revealed he suffered a displaced bucket handle tear of his lateral meniscus and a lateral collateral ligament in his hard-fought split decision win over Cory Sandhagen on Saturday and is expected to undergo surgery.

Also facing a 180-day term is [autotag]Adrian Yanez[/autotag] (14-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who remained unbeaten in the UFC when he scored a come-from-behind TKO of fellow prospect Randy Costa to earn a “Performance of the Night” bonus. Yanez needs an X-ray on his nose or he could be forced on the sidelines until next year.

The full list of UFC on ESPN 27 medical suspensions includes:

Video: Has T.J. Dillashaw done enough to warrant a shot at title?

After a two-year suspension, T.J. Dillashaw successfully returned to the cage, but does he need another win before getting a title shot?

[autotag]T.J. Dillashaw[/autotag] returned from a two-year suspension this past weekend at UFC on ESPN 27 in a victorious outing against [autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag].

The former champ made it clear he’s not back to just take fights, he wants his belt back, and he wants it pretty quickly as he called for the winner of the [autotag]Aljamain Sterling[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Petr Yan[/autotag] rematch.

That title fight is a few months away, which leaves the opportunity open to take another fight in the meantime. Did Dillashaw do enough in his split-decision win over Sandhagen to warrant a title shot in his next fight or does he need at least one more statement performance before he skips the line?

Our “Spinning Back Clique” panel of Mike Bohn, Nolan King, and “Gorgeous” George Garica discuss this topic along with host John Morgan.

Check out the conversation in the video above and check out the full episode below.

https://youtu.be/ROil_04S684

[pickup_prop id=”7553″]

[vertical-gallery id=649318]

[vertical-gallery id=649290]

 

Spinning Back Clique: What’s next for Paige VanZant? T.J. Dillashaw? And what’s at stake with Patricio Freire vs. A.J. McKee?

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique” where the panel discusses the hottest topics in the world of MMA.

Check out the latest edition of “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a quick spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week, our panel discusses the futures of T.J. Dillashaw and Paige VanZant, while also looking back to an incredible UFC on ESPN 27 event, as well as previewing a busy weekend that includes UFC on ESPN 28 and Bellator 263.

Our “Spinning Back Clique” panel this week of Mike Bohn, Nolan King and “Gorgeous” George Garica discusses these topics and more, along with host John Morgan.

  • This past weekend, [autotag]T.J. Dillashaw[/autotag] returned from a two-year suspension and picked up a win over top contender Cory Sandhagen at UFC on ESPN 27. Dillashaw has made it clear he wants his belt back and wants the winner of the upcoming Aljamain Steling vs. Petr Yan rematch, but that’s not for another three months, so he may need to take another fight to stay busy. Is there a fight to make for Dillashaw in the meantime, or has he done enough to get a title shot?
  • UFC on ESPN 27 featured a number of other fantastic performances on that card, which was really exciting from start to finish. Who was the standout performer for you? Anyone make a statement that will stick with you?
  • Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship held an event this past weekend, as well, and Rachael Ostovich picked up a decision win over [autotag]Paige VanZant[/autotag], who is now 0-2 in the promotion. VanZant was still smiling as she gave Instagram the old Stockton salute, but where does she go from here? Does she stick with BKFC, or is a return to MMA in order? What’s the move?
  • In one of the biggest fights in Bellator history, [autotag]Patricio Freire[/autotag] and [autotag]A.J. McKee[/autotag] headline this weekend’s Bellator 263 event for both the promotion’s featherweight title and a grand prix belt. A lot is on the line here, but who’s facing the most pressure in this moment – and does either fighter have a clear edge in the matchup?
  • Looking ahead to this weekend, [autotag]Uriah Hall[/autotag] and [autotag]Sean Strickland[/autotag] headline UFC on ESPN 28. Both fighters bring four-fight win streaks into this matchup and are looking to prove they belong among the division’s elite. Who’s got more on the line in this contest – and are there any other fights on this card we should be watching for this weekend?

Hope you enjoy this week’s show. Watch the full episode of “Spinning Back Clique” above.

[vertical-gallery id=648785]

MMA Junkie Radio #3178: Adrian Yanez, Jon Anik

Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here, featuring guests Adrian Yanez and Jon Anik.

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

On Episode 3,178, the guys welcome UFC bantamweight [autotag]Adrian Yanez[/autotag] to discuss his big win at UFC on ESPN 27, as well as UFC commentator Jon Anik to talk about some of the big shows he’s called lately, as well as look ahead to UFC 265. Additionally, we’ll talk about the biggest headlines in the sport, including T.J. Dillashaw’s return, Rachael Ostovich’s BKFC win over Paige VanZant, and more. Tune in!

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.

Cody Garbrandt doesn’t think T.J. Dillashaw beat Cory Sandhagen: ‘Cory looked cleaner and did more damage’

Cody Garbrandt thinks the wrong man got his hand raised in the UFC on ESPN 27 main event.

[autotag]Cody Garbrandt[/autotag] thinks the wrong man got his hand raised in the UFC on ESPN 27 main event.

Former two-time UFC bantamweight champion [autotag]T.J. Dillashaw[/autotag] (16-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) returned from a two-year U.S. Anti-Doping Agency suspension to edge out rising star [autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag] at Saturday’s event, and Garbrandt thinks the judges got it wrong.

“Legit thought Cory did way more damage the take downs didn’t do sh-t with them and controlling him against the cage wasn’t a deciding factor, Cory looked cleaner and did more damage. Feel for Cory that was his fight.”

Though Sandhagen busted up the former champ with an array of diverse strikes, a compromised Dillashaw never stopped coming forward, using effective leg kicks and controlling the grappling exchanges. In a razor-close decision, two of the judges decided that Dillashaw, who had to battle through an injured knee and a nasty cut, had more control of the fight.

Garbrandt (12-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC), who has a long-standing history with his former Team Alpha Male stablemate, called for a trilogy bout with Dillashaw. Though Dillashaw knocked Garbrandt out in both of their championship fights, “No Love” is adamant that Dillashaw was using performance-enhancing drugs for a long portion of his career.

“Let’s run it !!”

Meanwhile, Dillashaw has eyes on the bantamweight title which he never lost in the first place. If Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan don’t settle their score as projected at UFC 267 in October, Dillashaw said he is content to take on a top-five opponent in the meantime, just to stay active.

[vertical-gallery id=649318]

[listicle id=647999]

Miranda Maverick on controversial Maycee Barber loss at UFC on ESPN 27: ‘I did not do enough’

Miranda Maverick was all class in the wake of a questionable loss to Maycee Barber at UFC on ESPN 27.

[autotag]Miranda Maverick[/autotag] was all class in the wake of a questionable loss to Maycee Barber at UFC on ESPN 27.

Maverick (9-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) came out on the wrong end of a controversial split decision against Barber (9-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) on Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. She’d seemingly won the first two rounds clearly, with her opponent producing a strong effort in the final frame.

A 29-28 scorecard for Maverick after 15 minutes of women’s flyweight action seemed appropriate, and was how all 22 media outlets tracked by MMADecisions.com had it. Unfortunately for Maverick, two of the three people who mattered most did not see it in her favor.

[lawrence-related id=649964]

Given the circumstances, it would be more than fair if Maverick exhibited outrage over the result. Instead, though, the 24-year-old displayed remarkable maturity, and took on the onus. Maverick posted two statements on social media in the aftermath of UFC on ESPN 27 where provided insight on her post-fight emotions (via Instagram):

Only those who have been here know how much this hurts to post. I lost… no if, ands, or buts.

I did not do enough and remained too inactive in the 3rd round, among other things. I’ll be back better every time working on various skills.

I do not know the will of God, but I accept it graciously. Congrats to @mayceebarber. Hold my spot. I have a feeling we’ll meet again soon.

P.S. I thought my eyes were bad.

Not fierce enough this time. But I can say over my years… I’m a quick learner and will be back scarier than ever before.

I’ll let the feeling of devastation set in for tonight and be back to working my a$$ off tomorrow as I do every day. The knowledge that almost an average year’s income for me in the past was just ripped out of my grasp. That much closer to paying off my dream property/home. Setbacks are not something I expect, but I am prepared to ensure they are corrected.

Thank you to all if my fans, my sponsors, my teammates and coaches, my family, my boyfriend, my Lord above, my opponent, & the @ufc for the opportunities I have now and the opportunities to come.

The loss to Barber snapped a five-fight winning streak for Maverick, who has never been finished in her MMA career. This decision loss is surely the most meaningful of her career, though. On top of the financial implications she explains, it slows her climb up the 125-pound rankings.

[vertical-gallery id=649290]

[vertical-gallery id=649318]

Maycee Barber defends split decision win over Miranda Maverick at UFC on ESPN 27

Maycee Barber is confident she beat Miranda Maverick at UFC on ESPN 27.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Maycee Barber[/autotag] thinks the result speaks for itself.

The women’s flyweight prospect is confident she was the rightful winner against Miranda Maverick on the main card of Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 27. Barber (9-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) beat Maverick (9-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) with a split decision. She took a pair of 29-28 scores from two of the three judges.

There was controversy online. Many thought Maverick had done enough to deserve the nod from the judges. But Barber discarded the online discord and is confident she won the fight.

“I won that fight and I got my hand raised,” Barber told reporters at the UFC on ESPN 27 post-fight news conference. “I don’t read Twitter. I don’t read comments. I don’t pay attention to any of that.

“I did what I needed to do, the judges did what they needed to do, and I got my hand raised. That’s pretty much all there is to it. I’m confident I won that fight and I feel like I won in the spots that matter – the little details. I’m ready to go back and train and get a finish next time.”

[lawrence-related id=649781,649784]

Barber entered UFC on ESPN 27 with back-to-back losses to Alexa Grasso and Roxanne Modafferi. They were the first two defeats of her professional career.

Barber didn’t think she was in desperation mode for the fight against Maverick. She said she enjoys the pressure and plans on keeping it moving forward.

“I didn’t feel like I had my back against the wall and I don’t feel like I had pressure lifted off my shoulders,” Barber said. “I want that pressure. The pressure, anticipation and nerves that I put on myself is not bad energy. It’s an expectation for myself, and I want to keep those expectations. So no – no pressure lifted off my shoulders. It’s on there because I want the belt. So let’s keep it on there until I get to the title.”

[vertical-gallery id=649318]

[vertical-gallery id=649290]

UFC on ESPN 27 post-event facts: T.J. Dillashaw makes history in octagon return

Check out all the facts and figures from UFC on ESPN 27, which saw T.J. Dillashaw return to the octagon in historic fashion.

The UFC’s busy July continued Saturday with UFC on ESPN 27, which took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.

The highly anticipated main event of the card saw former UFC bantamweight champion [autotag]T.J. Dillashaw[/autotag] (17-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) make his long-awaited return to the octagon with a split decision win over [autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag] (14-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC).

Dillashaw’s victory was one of several debatable decisions on the card that had multiple notable feats. For more on the numbers, check below for 45 post-event facts to come out of UFC on ESPN 27.

UFC on ESPN 27 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Darren Elkins gets biggest bag

UFC on ESPN 27 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 27 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $135,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC on ESPN 27 took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC on ESPN 27 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]T.J. Dillashaw[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Raulian Paiva[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Kyler Phillips[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Darren Elkins[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Darrick Minner[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Maycee Barber[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Miranda Maverick[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Adrian Yanez[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Randy Costa[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Brendan Allen[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Punahele Soriano[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Nassourdine Imavov[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Ian Heinisch[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Mickey Gall[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jordan Williams[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Julio Arce[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Andre Ewell[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Sijara Eubanks[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Elise Reed[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Diana Belbita[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Hannah Goldy[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2021 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $2,593,500
Program-to-date total: $2,593,500