Tag: UFC on ESPN 9

7 burning questions ahead of UFC on ESPN 9: Can Tyron Woodley rebound?

MMA Junkie’s Simon Head takes a look at the fight card’s seven biggest storylines ahead of the UFC’s Las Vegas return.

The bouts are signed and the commission paperwork has been rubber-stamped. The UFC is officially back in business in Las Vegas with Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 9 marking the promotion’s return to its home city.

With the sporting world tentatively looking to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, the UFC Apex will form the home of the UFC’s upcoming hometown events for the foreseeable future, with the purpose-built fight facility taking center stage with its maiden UFC-branded fight card.

UFC on ESPN 9 features a pivotal bout for the promotion’s welterweight division, with former undisputed champion [autotag]Tyron Woodley[/autotag] making his return after his title loss to Kamaru Usman. “The Chosen One” will look to reassert hit championship credentials against surging Brazilian contender [autotag]Gilbert Burns[/autotag] in the night’s main event.

Also set to feature on the card is a heavyweight battle, as rising prospect [autotag]Augusto Sakai[/autotag] takes on the teak-tough Bulgarian veteran [autotag]Blagoy Ivanov[/autotag]. There’s also a fascinating clash in the women’s flyweight division, as former title challenger [autotag]Katlyn Chookagian[/autotag] looks to bounce back with victory over [autotag]Antonina Shevchenko[/autotag] after falling short in her title shot against Shevchenko’s flyweight champion sister, Valentina.

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

So, without further ado, here are seven burning questions heading into fight night.

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How will Tyron Woodley look after his long layoff?

After almost 15 months away from the cage, Tyron Woodley is stepping back into the octagon, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how he performs. “The Chosen One” was on his way to being considered as one of the best welterweight champions in UFC history, but that title reign was abruptly halted by Kamaru Usman at UFC 235 in March 2019.

Woodley (19-4-1 MMA, 9-3-1 UFC) didn’t look his usual self during his one-sided decision loss to Usman and he’s been away from the cage ever since. We know he’ll be super-motivated to get back to winning ways and position himself for another shot at gold, but there are many questions to be answered in his display this weekend.

How will the long layoff affect his performance, particularly early, in his fight with the dangerous Gilbert Burns on Saturday night? What tweaks and changes has he made to his game? And can he step straight back in and halt an in-form, surging contender like Burns, who possesses fight-ending knockout power to go along with his world-class grappling credentials?

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On top form and fighting aggressively, Woodley is a serious problem for everyone else at 170, but during his title reign we saw him fall into a very defensive approach at times, and he eventually lost his belt. Will we see Woodley go on the offensive again to deliver a statement?

He’ll be in shape – he always is – but his sharpness, and his fighting mentality, will be fascinating to watch on fight night.

Next up: Brazilian contender gets his shot at big-name opposition

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Think you know how UFC on ESPN 9 fights will play out? Play a new free trivia game

USA TODAY has released a new trivia game around UFC on ESPN 9, and you can play for free and add some extra excitement to Saturday’s fights.

The UFC’s return to its home stomping grounds in Las Vegas has arrived with UFC on ESPN 9, which goes down Saturday at the UFC Apex.

USA TODAY has released a new trivia game around UFC on ESPN 9, and you can play for free. It’s easy to participate and adds some extra excitement to Saturday’s fights.

UFC Trivia: How to play

  • Sign up for free at USA TODAY Trivia
  • Pick how you think each fight will play out
  • Sit back and watch your “My Stats” results to see how you’re doing
  • Play additional in-event trivia games, too

Sign up now and elevate your fight night experience!

Looking to place legal sports bets on the fights in New Jersey, Indiana, Colorado or West Virginia? Get some action on them at BetMGM. Bet Now!

Augusto Sakai: Win over Blagoy Ivanov at UFC on ESPN 9 should put me in the top 10

Augusto Sakai is off to a great start to his UFC tenure and hopes to keep the momentum going Saturday.

[autotag]Augusto Sakai[/autotag] is off to a great start to his UFC tenure and hopes to keep the momentum going Saturday.

Sakai (14-1-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) takes on Blagoy Ivanov in the UFC on ESPN 9 co-main event and expects a win to propel him to the top 10 of the heavyweight rankings.

“He has a great name. He’s a great opponent, so I think a win over him puts me in the top 10,” Sakai told MMA Junkie during a virtual media day Thursday.

Not only will this be the first time Sakai competes on the main card in the UFC, he will be the co-headliner, which should bring a lot more eyes to his fight.

“It’s definitely more motivation,” Sakai said. “There’s always pressure when you’re fighting in the UFC, so being able to fight in a co-main event is just a lot more motivation.”

Sakai was initially scheduled to face Ivanov on the May 9 card which was initially set to take place in Sao Paulo before COVID-19 hit, but the Dana White’s Contender Series graduate will still get to compete in familiar territory at the UFC Apex.

“I think maybe I’m going to miss having the crowd, especially the crowd in Sao Paulo, where I was supposed to fight,” Sakai said. “They were all going to be probably rooting for me. But I came up on the Contender Series, so I’m used to this. It’s not something foreign to me.”

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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Spike Carlyle explains viral fight intro ritual, UFC debut giggle from deep inside ‘ginger soul’

Ahead of UFC on ESPN 9, Spike Carlyle explained his unusual pre-fight ritual, which went viral after his promotional debut.

Simply put, [autotag]Spike Carlyle[/autotag]’s debut stuck out.

In 85 seconds, Carlyle (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) derailed Aalon Cruz, winning by TKO in his UFC debut. At UFC on ESPN 9, Carlyle will look to make it two-for-two.

“I’m actually ecstatic,” Carlyle said during a virtual media day Thursday. “I’m happy to be at this moment. Everything is a unique experience right now, so I’m taking it all in.”

While Carlyle’s destructive performance turned heads, his persona and antics magnified his impression. UFC announcer Bruce Buffer introduced Carlyle for the first time. Meanwhile, Carlyle grimaced and made faces at the camera. As the last syllable left Buffer’s mouth, Carlyle let out a deep giggle. Almost instantly, the clip went viral on “MMA Twitter.”

“I always have somewhat of a ‘ritual,’ you could call it – a way when the announcers are bringing my name out,” Carlyle said. “The laugh was 110 percent genuine from someplace deep inside my ginger soul. Gingers have souls.”

While fans can expect the same level of bizarre upon his introduction Saturday, should they expect to hear another giggle? Maybe – but probably not, Carlyle indicated.

“I don’t think you can replicate that,” Carlyle said. “We’ll see what happens, man.”

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A man of few words, Carlyle chose not to dive too deep into a pre-fight analysis of his matchup against Billy Quarantillo. Instead, he repeated the same word in a handful of answers.

“The one word I’ll give you guys for this fight is the ‘massacre.'”

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 Spike Carlyle’s full UFC on ESPN 9 pre-fight interview in the video above.

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The MMA Road Show with John Morgan, No. 270 – Las Vegas – UFC on ESPN 9 preview

Episode No. 270 of “The MMA Road Show with John Morgan” podcast is now available for streaming and download.

Episode No. 270 of “The MMA Road Show with John Morgan” podcast is now available for streaming and download.

MMA Junkie lead staff reporter John Morgan hosts the show while traveling the world to cover the sport.

Ahead of the first UFC Apex event in Las Vegas, John Morgan sits down with Cold Coffee and The Mac Life’s Oscar Willis to preview Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 9.

Check it out on iTunes or at themmaroadshow.com. You can also subscribe via RSS.

UFC on ESPN 9 weigh-in results (noon ET)

Check out the results from the official UFC on ESPN 9 fighter weigh-ins in Las Vegas, featuring Tyron Woodley vs. Gilbert Burns.

LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Friday’s early and official UFC on ESPN 9 fighter weigh-ins, which kick off at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).

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

Among those weighing in are former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (19-4-1 MMA, 9-3-1 UFC) and Gilbert Burns (18-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC), who meet in the main event.

The full UFC on ESPN 9 weigh-in results include:

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

  • Tyron Woodley () vs. Gilbert Burns ()
  • Blagoy Ivanov () vs. Augusto Sakai ()
  • Spike Carlyle () vs. Billy Quarantillo ()
  • Roosevelt Roberts () vs. Brok Weaver ()
  • Hannah Cifers () vs. Mackenzie Dern ()

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

  • Katlyn Chookagian () vs. Antonina Shevchenko ()
  • Gabriel Green () vs. Daniel Rodriguez ()
  • Klidson Abreu () vs. Jamahal Hill ()
  • Tim Elliott () vs. Brandon Royval ()
  • Casey Kenney () vs. Louis Smolka ()
  • Chris Gutierrez () vs. Vince Morales ()

Antonina Shevchenko: There’s no value in comparing my fight vs. Katlyn Chookagian to Valentina’s

Valentina Shevchenko beat Kaitlyn Chookagian, but Antonina Shevchenko isn’t reading into that ahead of Saturday’s matchup.

[autotag]Antonina Shevchenko[/autotag] doesn’t find value in comparing herself to her sister.

UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko defeated Katlyn Chookagian by third-round TKO at UFC 247 in February. Saturday, Antonina will face Chookagian (13-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) three months after her sister’s victory.

Despite helping her title-bearing sister throughout her preparation for that bout, Shevchenko (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) doesn’t think there were many takeaways for her own personal use. They’re different individuals and different fighters, after all. Not to mention, Shevchenko added, Chookagian could present a totally different gameplan and attack.

“Not really,” Shevchenko told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “Yes, I know her from the time that Valentina was preparing for her. Valentina is Valentina. Me is me. I’m a different opponent and she’s a different opponent. She had a different opponent in front of her. I have a different opponent in front of me. There’s no connection. … You never know what your opponents will bring you, for you (especially).”

Chookagian is the second former UFC title challenger Shevchenko faced in her short UFC career. Analyzing the matchup, Shevchenko spoke highly of Chookagian’s abilities and envisioned a technical standup battle. However, Shevchenko pointed to her muay Thai accolades as the likely X-factor.

“What I’m expecting is what she brings in every fight, (which is) very, very good standup techniques (and) striking techniques,” Shevchenko said. “She’s really good in this and doing spins, different techniques, high kicks and power-punches and moving and (point-fighting). She’s good in that. That’s what I’m expecting from her, but I’m a world muay Thai champion.

“I know how to fight standup. It’s just a really important fight for me. Of course, I’ll do my best to win it and show the best of me in this fight.”

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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Brok Weaver looking for redemption at UFC on ESPN 9 after DQ ending in UFC debut

Brok Weaver out to get redemption.

[autotag]Brok Weaver[/autotag] feels he still has something to prove to UFC fans.

The lightweight fighter made his UFC debut back in February at UFC on ESPN+ 25 but unfortunately took an illegal knee and was knocked out by Rodrigo Vargas while still a downed opponent. Weaver (15-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC) won the bout via disqualification, an ending he wasn’t expecting for his first fight in the UFC.

Now, just days away from his second promotional bout at UFC on ESPN 9 this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Weaver feels he has an opportunity at redemption against Roosevelt Roberts.

“In a way, this is my redemption fight,” Weaver told reporters during a virtual media day promoting the event. “You can’t help to read comments and stuff, but like you said, I didn’t get to show much, so this fight I’m coming with anger. I have to bring the dog this fight and show the world what I’m made of. Everybody might think I’m a fluke – have to show them I’m not.”

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Wining via disqualification in a UFC debut is an uncommon sight, but the 28-year-old Weaver had a feeling something strange was coming sooner or later.

“Even though how good I felt, I felt something was going to happen eventually,” Weaver said. “It’s either going to be my first or later in my career; either way some crazy stuff was going to happen. I look at this way: Get the crazy stuff out of the way early.”

UFC on ESPN 9 is the first event the UFC has held at their UFC Apex facility. Although it might be a new venue for many UFC fighters, for Weaver is where he earned his UFC contract fighting in Dana White’s Contender Series.

“When I heard it was going to be at the Apex, I was happy,” Weaver said. “I got to watch the fight week one at the Apex because my opponent didn’t make the weight. And then I came back on week eight and fought and won and all that. It’s a very good venue, it’s home to me. I’m 1-0 there and trying to make it 2-0 Saturday. I already have a good feeling, man. Everything is working out to be perfect.”

To hear more from Weaver, check out the video above.

UFC on ESPN 9 airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

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Katlyn Chookagian admits title loss ‘definitely sucks,’ but allowed herself to realize life moves on

A little more than three months ago, Katlyn Chookagian had a chance to fulfill a dream, but Valentina Shevchenko stood firmly in her path.

A little more than three months ago, [autotag]Katlyn Chookagian[/autotag] had a chance to fulfill a dream. Unfortunately, Valentina Shevchenko stood firmly in her path.

“It was definitely disappointing,” Chookagian told MMA Junkie. “You work your whole life for that moment, and it doesn’t go your way. It definitely sucks.”

Chookagian faced the reigning UFC women’s flyweight champion at February’s UFC 247. Shevchenko was in peak form, and she notched a third-round TKO for the third consecutive defense of her title.

For Chookagian, the result was incredibly disappointing.

“That’s all I wanted for my whole life, was to win that fight, and it didn’t go my way,” Chookagian said.

Immediately after the result, she was surrounded by friends and family who helped ease her pain in the moment. That temporary assistance lasted only so long.

“Everyone was there for me, and they were all happy,” Chookagian said. “When everyone left and it was just me and my husband, I let out the tears and stuff.”

But as the sun rose the following morning, Chookagian realized her world was still intact. Sure, she didn’t have the belt wrapped around her waist, but that didn’t mean anything else in her life had changed.

“The next day, I was like, ‘Well, life goes on. What are you going to do?'” Chookagian remembered. “I like to think that I’m a pretty positive person. I can sit around and cry about it, but that’s not going to change the fact that the fight is what it is, and you’ve got to move on – even though martial arts has been my entire life and everything that I’ve obsessed over every second of every day.

“At the end of the day, fighting is only one part of me, and I’m really happy in my life, and there’s more to life than just fighting. I can confidently say that and know that doesn’t take away from how I feel about training and fighting and how much it means to me. It can mean the world to you, but there also is more to life.”

Chookagian, 31, says that philosophy isn’t one she might have embraced earlier in her career, but through time in the sport and an ongoing maturation, she’s realized that focusing on negatives simply won’t help her in any aspect of her life – inside the cage or out.

But she also wants to make it perfectly clear that the acceptance of a setback doesn’t mean she’s embracing her current position as her ceiling. To that end, Chookagian said it didn’t take her long to start pushing UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard to get her back in the octagon.

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“I waited like a week, and then I was texting Mick: ‘I want to fight. Even if you need a last-minute replacement for 135, I’ll take the fight,'” Chookagian said. “I just wanted to get back in there. I’ve got a lot of good momentum in my training that I didn’t necessarily get to show in my last fight, but that doesn’t take away all the new stuff that I’ve been working on the past six months to a year.

“I was like, ‘All right, the best way to get over a loss is to get a win,’ so I just wanted to get back in there.”

Chookagian (13-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) gets her chance Saturday when she takes on Antonina Shevchenko (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at UFC on ESPN. The event airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

It’s a bit of an odd choice of opponent for Chookagian, booked against the sister of the woman who beat her last time out. However, Chookagian said she didn’t take as much notice of the connection as it seems has been the case with the rest of the MMA world.

“To me, it’s just another fighter,” Chookagian said. “She’s in the division, and everyone in the division is on my radar because they’re a potential opponent. I was just kind of lucky that I was able to get a fight in this situation.”

“This situation,” of course, is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a considerable impact on all aspects of global life. Chookagian said she accepted the fight before she really figured out how she was going to train for it, but never once hesitated.

“I was just kind of like, ‘It will all work out,'” Chookagian said. “Worst-case scenario, I have a heavy bag and an Airdyne bike in my garage. Worse comes to worst, I’ll just get my cardio up and do a lot of shadowboxing, and we’ll figure it out as we go.”

In the end, Chookagian was able to put together a bit of a training camp with teammates Claudia Gadelha and Sijara Eubanks, who each picked up victories during the UFC’s recent three-event stretch in Florida.

Now it’s Chookagian’s turn, and she’s excited to step back into the cage with a brand new mentality – one that came at the expense of her unfulfilled dream, but one she believes will still allow her to succeed.

“For me, I’m really excited about this fight because for the first time in a while, there’s no pressure,” Chookagian said. “My last couple fights before my title fight, everyone was like, ‘If you win, are you going to fight for the title?’ As much as you say you’re just focusing on that fight, looking back on it now, I feel like I kind of had the attitude in my last couple fights where I wasn’t necessarily fighting to win, but just fighting not to lose. I was like, ‘Well if I lose, I’ve got to do two or three more fights before I get a title shot.’ Every day is just based on fighting for the title. Now, who knows what will happen?

“I’m honestly just focused on this fight, and not holding back. I feel like in all my fights, I have so many abilities that I haven’t gotten to show yet because I’ve been a little more reserved and played it a little too safe. There’s just less pressure, and I feel like I can go in there and have fun and work on what I’ve been working on for the last few camps.”

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