Tag: UFC on ESPN 9

Billy Quarantillo explains why he approved Spike Carlyle’s UFC on ESPN 9 catchweight request

Billy Quarantillo didn’t ask for a catchweight fight, but was willing to honor Spike Carlyle’s request.

[autotag]Billy Quarantillo[/autotag] wasn’t looking for a catchweight fight, but he’ll take it.

At UFC on ESPN 9 on Saturday, Quarantillo (13-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) takes on [autotag]Spike Carlyle[/autotag]. According to Quarantillo, the fight is taking place at 150 pounds at the request of Carlyle (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC).

With UFC president Dana White telling fighters he wasn’t interested in catchweight fights during the COVID-19 pandemic, Quarantillo was a bit surprised when the offer crossed his plate.

“After hearing Dana White saying they weren’t doing any catchweights, I made sure to keep my weight down,” Quarantillo told MMA Junkie on Monday. “They came back and said Spike was worried about making weight. They said, ‘You can either fight Spike at 155 or 150,’ or they’d look for someone else – but it’s slim pickings right now because of this whole pandemic. There’s not a lot of options. I said, ‘That’s fine.’

“I don’t want to give him too much of an advantage because it would have been a pretty normal cut for me to 145 because I stayed in really good shape. I said, ‘I’ll do it at 150. That’s fine. Make sure he’s comfortable. I want to take this fight.’ I don’t want him to be stressing over the weight cut too much, but I also don’t want him to have too much of a size advantage. I expect him to be a little bit bigger than me. That could be an advantage or a disadvantage. It was his idea to bump it up a little bit. I would’ve been fine with 145, but it is what it is. I didn’t want to miss out on fighting.”

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Both Quarantillo and Carlyle are coming off of dominant UFC debuts. In December, Quarantillo manhandled fellow UFC debutant Jacob Kilburn en route to a second-round submission. Two months later, Carlyle upset Aalon Cruz (a teammate of Quarantillo’s) with a first-round TKO.

“I did watch his first fight,” Quarantillo said. “He fought one of my teammates, Aalon Cruz. He’s a good fighter. At this level, everyone is really good. I think I’ve got what it takes to beat him. When he fought Aalon, I thought it’d be someone I’d be matched up with eventually.”

Fans can expect an exciting scrap on Saturday, predicted Quarantillo. Considering the stylistic matchup, Quarantillo envisions bonus money in his near future and is gunning for the finish.

“I know it’s going to be an exciting fight; I can tell,” Quarantillo said. “It’s going to be up there with ‘Fight of the Night.’ I know we can get that or ‘Performance of the Night.’ … We’ll see if taking this fight on shorter notice effects him or me more. I just know it’s going to be non-stop action. I’m looking for the kill every second of that fight. I don’t want to stay in there too long, so I’m looking for the finish. I’m looking to make a statement.”

UFC on ESPN 9 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

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USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, May 26: UFC’s welterweight picture to become clear?

The UFC is all set to host the promotion’s first event at the UFC Apex, and a few top welterweights hope the company’s title picture clears.

The UFC is all set to host the promotion’s first event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas this weekend, and a few top welterweights hope the company’s title picture becomes a bit more clear.

Former UFC champion [autotag]Tyron Woodley[/autotag] (19-4-1 MMA, 9-3-1 UFC) and [autotag]Gilbert Burns[/autotag] (18-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) meet in Saturday’s main event, which airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+. Woodley checks in at No. 2 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie welterweight rankings, while Burns has already claimed the No. 12 spot with wins over Demian Maia, Gunnar Nelson and Aleksei Kunchenko.

Of course, the welterweight division is filled with contenders hoping to unseat current champion Kamaru Usman. “BMF” titleholder Jorge Masvidal and British challenger Leon Edwards would certainly seem to have the inside track. But Colby Covington is still hoping for a rematch of their December clash, and Conor McGregor is a game-changing wild card that can pop up at any point.

Can Woodley or Burns do enough to separate themselves from the pack. We’ll find out Saturday night. In the meantime, take a look at the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings across all divisions.

UFC on ESPN 9 free fight: Relive Gilbert Burns’ first-round finish of Demian Maia in Brasilia

Gilbert Burns showed he’s not just a ground specialist when he dropped Demian Maia with a thunderous left hook.

[autotag]Gilbert Burns[/autotag] has proved he’s not just a ground specialist.

Burns (18-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) is one of the most accomplished grapplers in the UFC, but the noted submission artist has proven that he’s equally adept at knocking out his opponents, too.

That was especially evident when he was matched up with fellow jiu-jitsu ace and former two-time UFC title challenger [autotag]Demian Maia[/autotag] at UFC on ESPN+ 28 in March.

Confident he had the advantage on the feet, Burns started with a couple of strong leg kicks, followed by a snapping body kick. Maia pressured early, trying to close the gap, eventually working his way into a single leg takedown.

Burns immediately latched onto a leg lock, using the submission attempt to work his way back up, but Maia was able to grab a hold of his back and drag him back down to the mat.

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Maia briefly transitioned to mount, but Burns slid out and, just seconds later, Burns countered a Maia jab with a beautifully-timed left hook that sent Maia crashing to the canvas. Burns then followed up with an array of ground strikes until the referee stepped in and stopped the fight.

He will return to action this Saturday, when he faces former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in the UFC on ESPN 9 headliner. The event takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

Before he faces Woodley, relive Burn’s finish over Maia in the video above.

Gabriel Green expected to replace Kevin Holland at UFC on ESPN 9, meet Daniel Rodriguez

The UFC has zoned in on a new opponent for Daniel Rodriguez for Saturday’s card. Enter Gabriel Green.

The UFC has zoned in on a new opponent for [autotag]Daniel Rodriguez[/autotag]. Enter [autotag]Gabriel Green[/autotag].

Tuesday, MMA Junkie reported Rodriguez’s original opponent Kevin Holland was removed from UFC on ESPN 9 after suffering an injury.

The promotion is currently finalizing a bout between Green (9-2 MMA, 0-0) and Rodriguez (11-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) for the event, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to MMA Junkie on Tuesday.

UFC on ESPN 9 is expected to take place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, pending approval from the Nevada Athletic Commission. The event airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

A former Bellator competitor, Green has turned heads on the regional scene for his current six-fight finishing streak. In nine professional victories, Green has never gone the distance – with five submissions and four TKOs.

As for Rodriguez, the Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus is riding high off a submission victory over Tim Means in February. The Donald Cerrone protege has won eight straight fights.

With the change, the UFC on ESPN 9 lineup includes:

  • Gilbert Burns vs. Tyron Woodley
  • Blagoy Ivanov vs. Augusto Sakai
  • Gabriel Green vs. Daniel Rodriguez
  • Roosevelt Roberts vs. Brok Weaver
  • Hannah Cifers vs. Mackenzie Dern
  • Katlyn Chookagian vs. Antonina Shevchenko
  • Spike Carlyle vs. Billy Quarantillo
  • Klidson Abreu vs. Jamahal Hill
  • Tim Elliott vs. Brandon Royval
  • Casey Kenney vs. Louis Smolka
  • Chris Gutierrez vs. Vince Morales

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Roosevelt Roberts’ UFC on ESPN 9 plan: Finish Brok Weaver, call out Matt Frevola

Roosevelt Roberts envisions himself finishing Brok Weaver at UFC on ESPN 9 and calling out Matt Frevola afterward.

Entering UFC on ESPN 9 fight week, [autotag]Roosevelt Roberts[/autotag] has it all mapped out.

His focus is to defeat Brok Weaver on Saturday – that’s first and foremost. However, there’s another name that’s (still) in the back of Roberts’ mind: [autotag]Matt Frevola[/autotag].

The two lightweight fighters were scheduled to meet April 25 in Lincoln, Neb., but the event was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike many of the other canceled fights, the matchup was not preserved. Roberts (9-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) was instead booked against Weaver (15-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC) and Frevola was paired up with Frank Camacho for a fight on June 20.

“It could have (happened), but (Frevola) wanted a little more time, like three or four more weeks,” Roberts told MMA Junkie on Monday. “We’ve already been training for this fight since February. We were supposed to fight in April, but it got pushed back. In my head, I’m like, ‘I don’t want to keep going, keep waiting for you to be ready. I’m ready now. We could have fought this week.'”

With a win, Roberts indicated he’ll name-drop Frevola in the post-fight interview. He’s not mad at Frevola for passing on a short-notice rebooking but is still eager for the matchup to come to fruition.

“We could have fought next week,” Roberts said. “We could’ve fought on the undercard. We didn’t have to push it back three or four more weeks, but I don’t blame him. Whatever it is with the whole COVID-19 thing, I know he’s over there in New York and it’s probably crazy. I don’t blame him, but after this fight, I’m definitely going to call him out again. I’m looking forward to that fight.”

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Before Frevola however, Roberts will have to get through Weaver, a signee from Dana White’s Contender Series, Season 3 in 2019. Weaver made his promotional debut at UFC on ESPN+ 25 in February. He won when his opponent, Kazula Vargas, was disqualified for a fight-ending illegal knee.

“(Weaver) is tough,” Roberts said. “He’s a tough dude who likes to brawl. I’m not worried. I’m going to go in there and do my thing, no matter who they put me in there with. No matter who they put on the contract, we’re going to go in there and handle business. I think it’s going to be a great fight.

“He’s definitely got the gift of gab, that’s for sure. When we get in there, they’re ain’t going to be no more talking. There’s going to be these fists thrown. … I’m going to go in there and get the knockout or definitely a submission.”

UFC on ESPN 9 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

Check out MMA Junkie’s full UFC on ESPN 9 pre-fight interview with Roosevelt Roberts in the video above.

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Kevin Holland injured, out of UFC on ESPN 9 bout vs. Daniel Rodriguez

Kevin Holland won’t be making a 14-day turnaround after all, since he’s been removed from his UFC on ESPN 9 bout due to injury.

[autotag]Kevin Holland[/autotag] won’t be making a quick turnaround, after all.

Holland (17-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) was scheduled to fight [autotag]Daniel Rodriguez[/autotag] at UFC on ESPN 9 on Saturday. However, he was not given medical clearance to compete after sustaining an injury in training.

Two people with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie of Holland’s removal but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. It is believed the promotion is currently seeking a replacement to take on Rodriguez (11-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC).

UFC on ESPN 9 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

Holland, 27, was scheduled to make a 14-day turnaround. On May 16, Holland defeated Anthony Hernandez by TKO in 39 seconds. The fight against Rodriguez was expected to be his welterweight debut in the UFC.

As for Rodriguez, the Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus is riding high off a submission victory over Tim Means in February. The Donald Cerrone protege has won eight straight fights.

With Holland’s removal the UFC on ESPN 9 lineup includes:

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

  • Gilbert Burns vs. Tyron Woodley
  • Blagoy Ivanov vs. Augusto Sakai
  • Daniel Rodriguez vs. TBA
  • Roosevelt Roberts vs. Brok Weaver
  • Hannah Cifers vs. Mackenzie Dern

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

  • Katlyn Chookagian vs. Antonina Shevchenko
  • Spike Carlyle vs. Billy Quarantillo
  • Klidson Abreu vs. Jamahal Hill
  • Tim Elliott vs. Brandon Royval
  • Casey Kenney vs. Louis Smolka
  • Chris Gutierrez vs. Vince Morales

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Spinning Back Clique: Is Conor McGregor MMA’s GOAT?

Conor McGregor stirred the pot in regards to picking MMA’s Greatest of All-Time; was he right?

Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. In this week’s episode, Simon Head fills handles hosting duties while John Morgan joins MMA Junkie Radio’s “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” to break down the latest headlines. Let’s go!

  • [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] has sparked plenty of discussion with his take on MMA’s GOAT debate, putting himself at No. 2, if not No. 1. So what is it that truly gives a fighter a reason to be called the Greatest of All-Time? And with that criteria in mind, who deserves the label?
  • Speaking of McGregor, it appears he’s looking to fight, and he’s always got options on the table. Who would you most like to see him face next?
  • The UFC’s lightweight division has plenty of big fights lined up over the next few months. So where does [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag] fit into those plans? With “El Cucuy” looking to rebound from his interim-title loss to Justin Gaethje, what is Ferguson’s next move?
  • The UFC sets up shop in Las Vegas this week, assuming all goes well with the Nevada Athletic Commission. [autotag]Tyron Woodley[/autotag] and [autotag]Gilbert Burns[/autotag] headline, but what’s at stake? Could the winner fight for a title next?
  • Speaking of that UFC on ESPN 9 lineup, outside of the main event, what’s the one fight you’re focusing on in the card filled with prospects?

For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 28 of “Spinning Back Clique” above.

UFC on ESPN 9 free fight: Tyron Woodley knocks out Robbie Lawler to win welterweight title

It didn’t take long for Tyron Woodley to capture the UFC welterweight title, when he faced champion Robbie Lawler in 2016.

It didn’t take long for [autotag]Tyron Woodley[/autotag] to capture the UFC welterweight title.

Woodley (19-4-1 MMA, 11-4-1 UFC) faced the division’s boogeyman, then-champion [autotag]Robbie Lawler[/autotag], at UFC 201 in 2016 for his first shot at gold since joining the roster.

Lawler had been involved in some of the greatest wars in UFC history, outlasting the likes of Johny Hendricks, Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit.

But Woodley got him out of there quick.

After an almost minute-long feeling out process, Woodley lunged in with a combination, backing Lawler to the fence and engaging in the clinch. With Woodley not working enough, referee Dan Miragliotta separated the fighters.

Lawler continued to circle around with a more patient approach but just over two minutes into the fight, Woodley exploded with an overhand right, knocking Lawler out.

Woodley would go on to retain his title four times, before losing out to current champion Kamaru Usman last March.

He will return to action for the first time since losing his belt, when he faces Gilbert Burns this Saturday in the UFC on ESPN 9 headliner. The event takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

Before he faces Burns, relive Woodley’s championship winning performance over Lawler in the video above.

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