Tag: UFC on ESPN+ 7

Thiago Alves ‘a little excited’ to explore free agency for first time, following UFC DC

“I’m actually a little excited to see what’s out there. It’s new to me.”

WASHINGTON – [autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag] has been a member of the UFC roster for 14 years.

When he steps into the cage Saturday at UFC on ESPN 7 against Tim Means (28-11-1 MMA, 10-8 UFC), Brazilian welterweight Alves (23-14 MMA, 15-11 UFC) will partake in his his 26th UFC fight.

The appearance will mark the most of any fighter in the history of the promotion’s 170-pound division. But to Alves, the milestone doesn’t make the fight feel any different.

“I look at it like I’ve got to win,” Alves told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “I’ve got to win like any other fight. It doesn’t really change anything. Then after this fight, we’ll see what we’re going to do next.”

Indifferent when it comes to breaking records, Alves said Saturday’s fight does feel different – for another reason. The American Top Team product is fighting the last fight on his current contract. He has yet to renew his deal and plans on exploring free agency for the first time in nearly a decade-and-a-half.

“I want to see what the free market says,” Alves said. “I want to see what the UFC offers me. I want to see what other organizations offer me and then see what’s the best option.”

While being without a deal might scare some, Alves insists the prospect of becoming a free agent actually excites him. He said he looks forward to putting his feelers out and seeing what he’s worth in the eyes of other promotions.

“I’ve always just re-signed with the UFC,” Alves said. “I’ve been with the company for over 14 years. This has been home forever. Let’s see how it goes after this.

“I’m actually a little excited to see what’s out there. It’s new to me. Anything new at this point in my career and my life is very exciting.”

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Despite having lost three out of his four most recent fights, Alves, 36, isn’t considering retirement quite yet. However, he is keeping his all options on the table and planning for the future.

“I’m leaving it open,” Alves said. “I think it’s important for an athlete to know you can’t do this forever. You’ve got to start planning ahead – I think a year or two years before you see the end of the road – so you don’t finish and don’t know what to do.

“It’s silly to think that you’re going to be able to do this forever. But I’m still here. I’m still focused on Tim Means on Saturday night. But the plan is, I’m one of the coaches at American Top Team. I’m opening my gym in a few months in 2020. And definitely (I’ll pursue) law enforcement. That excites me.”

UFC on ESPN 7 takes place Saturday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

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UFC on ESPN 7 pre-event facts: Alistair Overeem is the most accurate striker in UFC history

The best facts and figures about UFC on ESPN 7, which features a Alistair Overeem vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik heavyweight main event.

The UFC returns to Washington D.C. for the first time in more than eight years on Saturday with UFC on ESPN 7. The card is set to air on ESPN following early prelims on ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.

In the headliner, two heavyweights on winning streaks will attempt to take another step up the divisional pecking order when perennial contender [autotag]Alistair Overeem[/autotag] (45-17 MMA, 10-6 UFC) takes on [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who stepped in on short notice as a replacement for Walt Harris.

For more on the numbers behind the main event, as well as the rest of the 12-fight card, check below for 50 pre-event facts about UFC on ESPN 7.

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Main event

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Overeem, 39, is the oldest of the 24 fighters scheduled to compete at the event.

Overeem’s two-fight UFC winning streak at heavyweight is tied for the fourth longest active streak in the division behind Rozenstruik (three), Francis Ngannou (three) and Augusto Sakai (three).

Overeem is one of 11 fighters in UFC history to earn 10 or more heavyweight wins.

Overeem has earned 40 of his 45 career victories by stoppage. That includes seven of his 10 UFC wins.

Overeem lands 73.8 percent of his significant strike attempts in UFC competition, the highest rate in company history.

Overeem has been on the losing end of the fifth and sixth largest statistical comeback finishes in UFC heavyweight history. He out-landed Antonio Silva by 30 significant strikes before being knocked out at UFC 156, and he out-landed Travis Browne by 27 significant strikes before his demise at UFC Fight Night 26

Overeem’s 13 knockout losses in MMA competition are the most of any active member on the UFC roster.

Overeem’s 11 knockout losses in UFC/WEC/PRIDE/Strikeforce competition are the most in combined organizational history.

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Rozenstruik makes his second UFC appearance in a 35-day stretch. He defeated Andrei Arlovski at UFC 244 on Nov. 2.

Rozenstruik’s three-fight UFC winning streak at heavyweight is tied with Ngannou and Sakai for the longest active streak in the division.

Rozenstruik has earned eight of his nine career victories by stoppage. That includes all three of his UFC wins.

Rozenstruik’s three-fight knockout streak in UFC competition is tied with Ngannou, Amanda Nunes, Maycee Barber, Jared Cannonier and Justin Gaethje for the longest active streak in the company.

Rozenstruik’s nine-second knockout at UFC on ESPN+ 12 is the second fastest in UFC heavyweight history behind Todd Duffee’s seven-second finish at UFC 102.

Co-main event

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[autotag]Marina Rodriguez[/autotag]’s (13-0-1 MMA, 2-0-1 UFC) three-fight UFC unbeaten streak at strawweight is tied for the fourth longest active streak in the division behind Tatiana Suarez (five), Yan Xiaonan (four) and Zhang Weili (four).

Rodriguez fought to the first draw in UFC strawweight history against Randa Markos at UFC Fight Night 137 in September 2018.

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[autotag]Cynthia Calvillo[/autotag]’s (8-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) five wins since 2017 in strawweight competition are tied for most in the division.

Calvillo’s three submission victories in UFC strawweight competition are tied with Rose Namajunas for most in divisional history.

Calvillo has completed at least one takedown in five of her six UFC appearances.

Calvillo’s nine submission attempts in UFC strawweight competition are most in divisional history.

Calvillo attempts 2.02 submission attempts per 15 minutes in UFC strawweight competition, the most in divisional history.

Remaining main card

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[autotag]Stefan Struve[/autotag] (29-11 MMA, 13-9 UFC) returns to competition after announcing his retirement from MMA following a victory at UFC on ESPN+ 3 in February.

Struve competes in his 23rd UFC heavyweight bout, the third most appearances in divisional history behind Andrei Arlovski (31) and Frank Mir (27).

Struve’s 13 victories in UFC heavyweight competition are tied for fourth most in divisional history behind Arlovski (17), Mir (16) and Junior Dos Santos (15).

Struve’s 11 stoppage victories in UFC heavyweight competition are tied with Arlovski and Gabriel Gonzaga for second most in divisional history behind Mir (13).

Struve’s six submission victories in UFC heavyweight competition are second most in divisional history behind Mir (eight).

Struve’s 21 submission attempts in UFC heavyweight competition are tied with Mir for most in divisional history.

Struve’s eight fight-night bonuses for UFC heavyweight fights are second most in divisional history behind Stipe Miocic (nine).

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[autotag]Ben Rothwell[/autotag]’s (36-12 MMA, 6-6 UFC) three-fight losing skid is the longest of his career. He hasn’t earned a victory since January 2016.

Rothwell is 0-2 since he returned from a nearly three-year layoff in March.

[autotag]Aspen Ladd[/autotag]’s (8-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) two knockout victories in UFC women’s bantamweight competition are tied for fourth most in divisional history behind Nunes (six), Ronda Rousey (three) and Germaine de Randamie (three).

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[autotag]Yana Kunitskaya[/autotag] (12-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC) is 2-0 since she returned to the UFC women’s bantamweight division in October 2018.

Kunitskaya’s two-fight UFC winning streak at women’s bantamweight is tied for the fourth longest active streak in the division behind Nunes (eight), de Randamie (four) and Ketlen Vieira (four).

[autotag]Cody Stamann[/autotag] (18-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) has earned all four of his UFC victories by decision.

[autotag]Song Yadong[/autotag] (14-3 MMA, 4-0 UFC), 22, is the youngest of the 24 fighters scheduled to compete at the event.

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[autotag]Rob Font[/autotag] (16-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) returns to competition for the first time since Dec. 15, 2018. The 357-day layoff is the longest of his more than eight-year career.

Font has alternated wins and losses in his past five fights. He won his most recent bout at UFC on FOX 31 in December 2018.

Font’s five stoppages victories in UFC bantamweight competition are tied for fifth most in divisional history behind T.J. Dillashaw (eight), Urijah Faber (seven), Marlon Vera (seven) and Pedro Munhoz (six).

Font’s four knockout victories in UFC bantamweight competition are tied for third most in divisional history behind Dillashaw (seven) and Eddie Wineland (five).

[autotag]Ricky Simon[/autotag]’s (15-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) victory at the 5:00 mark of Round 3 at UFC Fight Night 128 is the latest stoppage in a three-round UFC fight.

Preliminary card

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[autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag] (23-14 MMA, 15-11 UFC) competes in his 26th UFC welterweight bout, the most appearances in divisional history.

Alves’ 15 victories in UFC welterweight competition are the third most in divisional history behind Georges St-Pierre (19) and Matt Hughes (16).

Alves’ nine stoppage victories in UFC welterweight competition are tied for third most in divisional history behind Hughes (12) and Matt Brown (12).

Alves’ eight knockout victories in UFC welterweight competition are second most in divisional history behind Brown (10).

Alves’ 13 knockdowns landed in UFC welterweight competition are the most in divisional history.

Alves’ four knockout victories stemming from knee strikes in UFC competition are most in company history.

Alves has landed 380 leg kicks in UFC competition, the second most in company history behind Joanna Jedrzejczyk (430).

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[autotag]Tim Means[/autotag] (28-11-1 MMA, 10-8 UFC) is 8-6 (with one no contest) since he returned to the UFC for a second stint in May 2014.

[autotag]Makhmud Muradov[/autotag] (23-6 MMA, 1-0 UFC) is 17-1 in his past 18 fights dating back to March 2015.

Muradov enters the event on a 12-fight winning streak. He hasn’t suffered a defeat since December 2016.

[autotag]Trevor Smith[/autotag] (15-9 MMA, 5-6 UFC) has earned all five of his UFC victories by decision. He hasn’t earned a stoppage victory since June 2012.

UFC research analyst and live statistics producer Michael Carroll contributed to this story. Follow him on Twitter @MJCflipdascript.

Marina Rodriguez: If Cynthia Calvillo is willing to scrap at UFC on ESPN 7, it will be a war

Marina Rodriguez is expecting a war with Cynthia Calvillo at UFC on ESPN 7 while she continues her pursuit of strawweight title contention.

[autotag]Marina Rodriguez[/autotag] is ready to go to war on Saturday night.

Rodriguez (12-0-1 MMA, 2-0-1 UFC) takes on [autotag]Cynthia Calvillo[/autotag] (8-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 7, and despite only having three UFC fights, finds herself in a good position to break into the top of the strawweight rankings.

“She has more UFC experience than I do,” Rodriguez told MMA Junkie in her native Portuguese. “I also had several amateur bouts early on, but it was mostly muay Thai. She has wins by decision, submission, and knockout, and so do I. I think it’s going to be a balanced fight, in regards to stats. She only has one loss, which was a bit controversial. I have no losses. I think it’s going to be very interesting.

“If she shows up eager to scrap, the true winners will be the fans. It will be a war. We’re going to see who can stand the pressure. For me, every bout is a war, and I’m willing to fight to the very end.”

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A “Dana White’s Contender Series Brazil” alum who trains out of the Thai Brasil academy, Rodriguez picked up the biggest win of her career in her last outing, defeating Tecia Torres via unanimous decision in August. Rodriguez believes the win over Torres proved that she’s ready for the division’s elite.

“Regarding the future, I remain centered and only focused on my next bout,” Rodriguez said. “Of course, with another win, especially in an impressive way, we’ll have a lot of eyes on us going into 2020. With a great win, the next opponent will be even tougher and even better-ranked. That’s what we want. We want to keep getting better so these opportunities will present themselves. That’s how we plan to get to a title bout one day. It doesn’t seem too far.”

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Cynthia Calvillo says Joanna Jedrzejczyk a dream fight: ‘She’s always been the most dominant’

Cynthia Calvillo says a matchup with former UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk is one of her dream fights.

[autotag]Cynthia Calvillo[/autotag] is aiming right at the top of the division.

With only one career blemish, top-ranked strawweight Calvillo (8-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) currently is riding a two-fight winning streak as she heads into her Saturday fight against Marina Rodriguez at UFC on ESPN 7.

With a win, she hopes to one day face a former UFC strawweight queen, [autotag]Joanna Jedrzejczyk[/autotag] (16-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC), who she said is a “dream fight.”

“One of my dream fights, and what I hope to get one day, is to be able to fight Joanna Jedrzejczyk,” Calvillo told MMA Junkie. “She’s always been the most dominant strawweight fighter ever, and so I would love to fight her some day. If not, (Zhang) Weili, whenever – next year, I’ll be ready for sure. Weili was No. 6 when she got her title shot, so you never know what could happen.”

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Calvillo was initially slated to take on former UFC strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha, but the fight fell through. She now takes on an undefeated rising prospect in Rodriguez. Calvillo said she is happy with the direction the division is heading and all the new talent that has emerged.

“The strawweight division right now is the hottest female weight division, hands down,” Calvillo said. “I mean, you don’t see fights like that. You do see Amanda Nunes – she is pound-for-pound the best female fighter right now. But as far as which one is the most stacked women’s division, that will be the strawweight division, and I’m excited. There’s so many great fighters. For a long time, for the first couple of years, it was always the same top 10 fighters on the top, and I think all those ladies are making their way out and all the new blood is coming up. I’m stoked. I’m really excited and I’m happy that some of the women that I still want to fight are still sitting up there at the top.”

With current UFC 115-pound champ Weili expected to face Jedrzejczyk next, Calvillo gave her take, and said she doesn’t foresee the title changing hands.

“I think it’s going to be a dope striking fight,” Calvillo said. “Honestly, I don’t know how that fight would go. Weili does hit pretty darn hard. She is really, really explosive. Obviously, I don’t think it’s going to be a grappling match from either of them. I think it’s just going to be a striker’s delight – awesome standup fight, and someone is going to get knocked out. But I’m not sure if Joanna will get the job done. I’m almost leaning toward Weili right now.”

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UFC on ESPN 7: Make your predictions for Alistair Overeem vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik

We want your predictions for Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 7 event in Washington, D.C.

We want your predictions for Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 7 event in Washington, D.C.

Our staff picks feature includes the consensus picks from MMA Junkie readers. Simply cast your vote for each bout below, and we’ll use the official tallies that are registered by Thursday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).

Those MMA Junkie reader consensus picks will be part of the UFC on ESPN 7 event staff predictions we release Friday ahead of the event. UFC on ESPN 7 takes place Saturday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

Make your picks for all six main card fights inside:

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8

MMA Junkie Radio #3006: McGregor vs. Cerrone, Khabib vs. Ferguson and more

Hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” break down the latest news, including the McGregor vs. Cerrone and Khabib vs. Ferguson matchups and more.

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

On episode 3,006 of the podcast, the guys break down the latest MMA news and notes, including Conor McGregor vs. Donald Cerrone and Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson, and a lot more.

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.

UFC on ESPN 7: Fans invited to open workouts in Washington, D.C.

If you’re in the nation’s capital for this week’s UFC on ESPN 7 card, you can get up close and personal with some of the event’s standouts.

If you’re in the nation’s capital for this week’s UFC on ESPN 7 card, you can get up close and personal with some of the event’s standouts.

UFC on ESPN 7 takes place Saturday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

In the main event, [autotag]Alistair Overeem[/autotag] (45-17 MMA, 10-6 UFC) takes on the undefeated [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) in a heavyweight clash. In the co-feature, [autotag]Cynthia Calvillo[/autotag] (8-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) meets [autotag]Marina Rodriguez[/autotag] (12-0-1 MMA, 2-0-1 UFC) in a women’s strawweight bout.

Prior to the event, fans can attend open workouts with the fighters Wednesday night. Doors open for the public at 5 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena. The main and co-main event fighters then will workout for fans and the media in 20-minute increments starting at 5:30.

Calvillo will go through her workout first, followed by Rozenstruik, Rodriguez and Overeem.

Unlike many UFC shows, there are no ceremonial weigh-ins for the fans Friday ahead of the event. So Wednesday’s open workout sessions are the only official opportunity for fans to see the event’s headliners before Saturday’s card.

The UFC on ESPN 7 lineup includes:

MAIN CARD (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET)

  • Alistair Overeem vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
  • Cynthia Calvillo vs. Marina Rodriguez
  • Ben Rothwell vs. Stefan Struve
  • Yana Kunitskaya vs. Aspen Ladd
  • Cody Stamann vs. Song Yadong
  • Rob Font vs. Ricky Simon

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET)

  • Thiago Alves vs. Tim Means
  • Jacob Kilburn vs. Billy Quarantillo
  • Bryce Mitchell vs. Matt Sayles
  • Joe Solecki vs. Matt Wiman

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

  • Virna Jandiroba vs. Mallory Martin
  • Makhmud Muradov vs. Trevor Smith

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UFC on ESPN 7 free fight: Alistair Overeem offers up his best Daniel LaRusso

It’s no secret that Alistair Overeem is dangerous on the feet, and as he proved in 2016, he’s dangerous with his feet, as well.

It’s no secret that [autotag]Alistair Overeem[/autotag] is dangerous on the feet, and as he proved in 2016, he’s dangerous with his feet, as well.

The decorated striker has faced a who’s who list of MMA for nearly 20 years, and in May 2016, it was former UFC champ Andrei Arlovski’s chance to stand across the cage from “The Reem.” Fighting in the Netherland in the main event of UFC Fight Night 87, Overeem capped off a banner night for Dutch athletes, with Stefan Struve and Germaine de Randamie also picking up victories on the night’s main card.

All three of those fighters picked up “Performance of the Night” awards, as well, and the fans left the Rotterdam Ahoy buzzing after Overeem’s leaping front kick landed clean, sending Arlovski to the canvas in the second round. Overeem then followed with punches to earn the TKO win.

Overeem (45-17 MMA, 10-6 UFC) returns to action at next week’s UFC on ESPN 7 event, when he takes on undefeated slugger Jairzinho Rozenstruik (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC). In the meantime, check out Overeem’s handiwork against Arlovski.

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Alistair Overeem on how he’s withstood tests of time during two-decade career

For two decades, Alistair Overeem has been competing against the best fighters in the world at the highest level. But how?

For two decades, [autotag]Alistair Overeem[/autotag] has competed at the highest level against the best fighters in the world.

Champions and challengers have come and gone. Yet Overeem (45-17 MMA, 10-6 UFC) is still here, hovering at the top of the division, headlining shows as he tries to earn his second UFC title shot.

So what makes him different? What makes him stand out above the pack and withstand the tests of time?

In a recent interview posted on UFC.com, Overeem gave insight on his mentality as a fighter. From a young age, Overeem said the fighter’s mentality has mirrored his own.

“I think I’ve always been a fighter,” Overeem said. “I’ve always kicked ass – even before I was professionally a fighter. I’d have fights in the street and it even got me in trouble a couple of times.

“Some people will never be fighters, and then some people are born fighters.”

For all he’s accomplished, there is one feat he still hasn’t tackled – winning the UFC heavyweight championship. After all these years, Overeem is still motivated by the elusive nature of the belt.

“I have my own goals – of course: UFC gold,” Overeem said. “To win the title would be a great close on my career.”

One of his keys to success, Overeem has used MMA as an outlet for his physicality. The former Strikeforce champion has been able to harness his aggression and translate it into a successful career.

“I think us fighters go for amazing stories,” Overeem said. “My career in particular has been a long adventure. I think I was built for it. I’ve been all over the world. I’ve fought in 89 fights, kickboxing and MMA. I’m just doing my thing. I’m following my passion. It’s been a great adventure and I’m still going strong.”

In the video above, hear more about Overeem’s mentality from the man himself.

The Blue Corner is MMA Junkie’s blog space. We don’t take it overly serious, and neither should you. If you come complaining to us that something you read here is not hard-hitting news, expect to have the previous sentence repeated in ALL CAPS.

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Cynthia Calvillo wants Trump at UFC D.C. so she can ask why Master Thong’s visa was denied

Cynthia Calvillo hopes President Donald Trump attends UFC on ESPN 7 so she can ask him why her coach, Master Thong, was denied a U.S. visa.

[autotag]Cynthia Calvillo[/autotag] will be one cornerman short on Dec. 7.

That’s because one of her longtime trainers, Thonglor Armetsena – better known in the MMA community as “Master Thong” – had his U.S. visa application rejected, denying him entry to the country. Calvillo takes on Marina Rodriguez in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 7 in the nation’s capital of Washington D.C. and hopes that President Donald Trump will be in attendance, so she could ask him why Thong wasn’t allowed in the country.

“Yeah, I got to talk to him,” Calvillo laughed. “I want him to go because Master Thong – so I was training with my muay Thai coach, Master Thong, out there in Thailand, and I really wanted to get him to come corner me. So I went to go get his paperwork, tried to get it fixed, get his visa, and they denied him, so I got to have a talk with Donald Trump if he shows up, and tell him why he didn’t let Master Thong come in and corner me.”

Calvillo reunited with her coach Thong in Thailand, after spending just over two months training there, primarily at Tiger Muay Thai. Thong used to be one of the main coaches at California’s Team Alpha Male, where Calvillo used to train, but recently moved back to his home country of Thailand.

President Trump was in attendance at UFC 244 in New York on Nov. 2, the first time he’s attended a bout since becoming President, and with Calvillo fighting in the nation’s capital, who knows if Trump will decide to make an appearance?

Oh, and while he’s at it, hopefully Trump can hand Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father a visa, too, so he can corner his son for his upcoming title defense.

The Blue Corner is MMA Junkie’s blog space. We don’t take it overly serious, and neither should you. If you come complaining to us that something you read here is not hard-hitting news, expect to have the previous sentence repeated in ALL CAPS.

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