Tag: Uriah Hall

Dana White: UFC to return May 9; Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje, other title fights on tap

The UFC is eying a May 9 return, with an event at a location to be determined, but a blockbuster lineup in mind.

The UFC may be back sooner than anticipated.

When UFC president Dana White canceled UFC 249, he also postponed all subsequent events indefinitely due to restrictions caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as well as a request to stand down by the UFC’s broadcast partners at ESPN and Disney. However, the promotion is now eying a May 9 return, with an event at a location to be determined.

Tuesday, MMA Junkie confirmed the UFC’s considered plans with a person with knowledge of the situation. The person asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. MMA Fighting was the first to report the plans.

Dana White later informed ESPN the promotion is looking to rebook various big fights that were delayed by the schedule change, including [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] (originally set to headline UFC 249), [autotag]Henry Cejudo[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Dominick Cruz[/autotag] (originally in the works to headline UFC 250), [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Felicia Spencer[/autotag] (originally set to co-headline UFC 250), and [autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag] (originally set to headline UFC on ESPN 8).

Upon announcing the cancellation and postponements, White promised the UFC would be the first sporting organization to return to normalcy – whether it be on a mysterious “Fight Island” he said the company is currently constructing, or elsewhere.

“We will be the first sport back,” White said. “‘Fight Island’ is real. It’s a real thing. The infrastructure is being built right now, and that’s really going to happen. It will be on ESPN.”

If the event isn’t scheduled for “Fight Island,” the state of Florida could be another potential location for the UFC to hold the May 9 card. In a press release issued Monday, Florida governor Ron DeSantis revealed some sporting events, including WWE, will be deemed essential businesses.

It’s unknown if Tachi Palace Casino in Lemore, Calif. could be in the cards, as well. The Indian reservation casino was targeted to be the new home of UFC 249 on April 18, prior to ESPN and Disney executives asking the UFC to cancel the event entirely.

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Prior to the announcement of postponements, the UFC had 11 events publicly on tap: UFC 249 (April 18 in Lemore, Calif.), UFC on ESPN+ 31 (April 25 in Lemore, Calif.), UFC on ESPN+ 32 (May 2 in Lemore, Calif.), UFC 250 (May 9 at Location TBD), UFC on ESPN+ 33 (May 16 in San Diego), UFC 251 (June 6 in Perth, Australia), UFC Kazakhstan (June 13 in Nur-Sultan, Kazakstan), UFC Saskatoon (June 20 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada), UFC Austin (June 27 in Austin, Texas), UFC 252 (July 11 in Las Vegas), and UFC Dublin (Aug. 15 in Dublin, Ireland).

The status of all above events are currently unknown.

According to ESPN, the proposed May 9 event includes the following lineup:

  • Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje – for interim lightweight title
  • Champ Henry Cejudo vs. Dominick Cruz – for bantamweight title
  • Champ Amanda Nunes vs. Felicia Spencer – for women’s featherweight title
  • Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
  • [autotag]Calvin Kattar[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Jeremy Stephens[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Donald Cerrone[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Anthony Pettis[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Yorgan De Castro[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Greg Hardy[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Aleksei Oleinik[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Fabricio Werdum[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Carla Esparza[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Michelle Waterson[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Uriah Hall[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Ronaldo Souza[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Vicente Luque[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Niko Price[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Bryce Mitchell[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Charles Rosa[/autotag]

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Prime finishes from ‘Prime Time’: Check out Uriah Hall’s spectacular UFC highlight reel

Recap some prime finishes from “Prime Time” as the UFC shares Uriah Hall’s spectacular highlight reel.

[autotag]Uriah Hall[/autotag] arrived in the UFC with the nickname of “Prime Time,” and the middleweight finisher has dazzled us with a string of eye-catching knockouts during his octagon career to date.

Hall (15-9 MMA, 7-7 UFC) was a finalist on Season 17 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” where he delivered some of the scariest knockouts in the show’s history.

None were more brutal than his spinning back-kick finish of Adam Cella in the opening round as Hall offered a glimpse of what he’s capable of when on his A-game.

Though he’s had mixed results in the octagon, when Hall is on, he’s one of the most deadly strikers in the UFC. After dropping to three straight defeats, Hall has since won three of his last four to set himself up for a fight with Jacare Souza at UFC 249.

Check out Hall’s top finishes in the video above (via UFC). Fights include:

  • UFC Fight Night 116 vs. Krzysztof Jotko (TKO via punches, Round 2)
  • UFC 232 vs. Bevon Lewis (knockout via punch, Round 3)
  • The Ultimate Fighter 17 vs. Adam Cella (knockout via spinning back kick, Round 1)
  • UFC Fight Night 73 vs. Oluwale Bamgbose (TKO via punches, Round 1)
  • UFC Fight Night 75 vs. Gegard Mousasi (TKO via flying knee and punches, Round 2)

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Revamped UFC 249 lineup features Andrade-Namajunas 2, Ngannou-Rozenstruik, more

Not quite the “baddest ever card in MMA history,” but the revamped UFC 249 lineup certainly has some fights of significance.

It might not fit Dana White’s description as the “baddest ever card in MMA history,” but the revamped UFC 249 lineup certainly has some fights of significance.

With the coronavirus pandemic impacting the sports world as a whole, the UFC was not immune. The promotion postponed three events but remained focused on hosting UFC 249 on April 18, even after travel restrictions were implemented around the globe and lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov – who was supposed to fight [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag] in the main event – fell off the card.

Ferguson (25-3 MMA, 15-1 UFC) now meets [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] (21-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) for the interim lightweight title in the headliner, but the UFC still has not announced an official location, although broadcast partner ESPN reported on Sunday that a venue on the West Coast is close to being finalized.

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The situation has caused UFC matchmakers to shuffle the deck from the original UFC 249 lineup meant for Brooklyn, N.Y. Some fights have fallen off, while others were added.

UFC officials announced on Monday that the strawweight rematch between former champions [autotag]Jessica Andrade[/autotag] (20-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC) and [autotag]Rose Namajunas[/autotag] (8-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) will remain as the co-main event, and a heavyweight fight between [autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag] (14-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) vs. [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag] (10-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) – who were originally booked for UFC on ESPN 8 on March 28 – have been added to the main card.

Other notable matchups include: [autotag]Calvin Kattar[/autotag] (20-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) vs. [autotag]Jeremy Stephens[/autotag] (28-17 MMA, 15-16 UFC) at featherweight; [autotag]Uriah Hall[/autotag] (15-9 MMA, 7-7 UFC) vs. [autotag]Ronaldo Souza[/autotag] (26-8 MMA, 9-5 UFC) at middleweight; and [autotag]Greg Hardy[/autotag] (5-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) vs. [autotag]Yorgan De Castro[/autotag] (6-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) at heavyweight.

The broadcast plans are unknown, but the latest UFC 249 lineup includes:

  • Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje – for interim lightweight title
  • Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas
  • Greg Hardy vs. Yorgan De Castro
  • [autotag]Vicente Luque[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Niko Price[/autotag]
  • Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens
  • Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
  • Uriah Hall vs. Ronaldo Souza
  • [autotag]Alexander Hernandez[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Omar Morales[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Ray Borg[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Marlon Vera[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Michael Johnson[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Khama Worthy[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Sijara Eubanks[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Sarah Moras[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Sam Alvey[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Ryan Spann[/autotag]

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Video: Check out the best spinning finishes in UFC history

Except for maybe Nick Diaz, everyone loves to see spinning (expletive). So check out the UFC’s highlight reel of memorable spinning KOs.

To mangle a legendary Nick Diaz saying, you want spinning (expletive), you got spinning (expletive).

A spinning knockout is the best of all worlds in mixed martial arts. Not only does it have “wow factor” necessary for a memorable moment – have you ever seen a boring spinning finish? – but it also highlights the sport at its technical finest.

With that in mind, the UFC has put together a highlight reel of some of the flashiest spinning back fists, elbows and kicks ever seen in the octagon.

From [autotag]Uriah Hall[/autotag] to [autotag]John Makdessi[/autotag] to [autotag]Paul Felder[/autotag] to [autotag]Dennis Siver[/autotag] and so many more, there’s a little something in here for everyone.

So take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most memorable spinning stoppages in UFC history in the video above.

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Uriah Hall excited about ‘Jacare’ Souza fight at UFC 249, even though not what he had in mind

Uriah Hall would have preferred Yoel Romero or Darren Till, but “Jacare” will do just fine.

HOUSTON — [autotag]Uriah Hall[/autotag] drew a high-profile opponent for his next fight but admits he had other names in mind.

Hall (15-9 MMA, 7-7 UFC) will welcome Ronaldo Souza back to middleweight at UFC 249, but he would have preferred some of the bigger names in the division.

“I was surprised to fight ‘Jacare,’ but it’s a great fight,” Hall told reporters, including MMA Junkie, on Thursday. “Again, it’s your classic striker vs. grappler. Apparently the UFC wants me to take out the grapplers. I got no problems with it, but we wanted some other people.

“I wanted Yoel (Romero), I wanted Darren Till, I wanted some big heads, but they were like, ‘Ah, let’s earn your way first.’ And I’m like, let’s play the card and they throw me ‘Jacare,’ and I got nothing bad to say about him. He’s a stud. He’s a great guy.”

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Recently making the move to Fortis MMA, Hall has won his last two in a row, including a win over accomplished grappler Antonio Carlos Junior in September.

That was a good test in preparation for Souza’s style.

“If he gets a hold of me, it might be tough. Who knows? But he’s got to get past my arsenal, and my arsenal’s been training,” Hall said. “Like I said, I’m in the best place, I’m in the best gym, working with some high-level athletes, so it’s going to be a rough night for him, but I’m just looking to get past that and move forward.”

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Uriah Hall, Bea Malecki drill unorthodox diet technique ahead of upcoming UFC fights

When it comes to dieting, Uriah Hall and Bea Malecki aren’t messing around – or are they?

When it comes to dieting, [autotag]Uriah Hall[/autotag] and [autotag]Bea Malecki[/autotag] aren’t messing around.

Or are they? It’s really hard to tell.

Training partners at Fortis MMA in Dallas, UFC middleweight Hall (15-9 MMA, 8-7 UFC) and bantamweight Malecki (2-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) showed off their unorthodox dieting techniques in a video posted to each of their respective Instagram accounts on Monday.

Pizza is involved in this unique diet, but it is not consumed. The video shows the two fighters shoving pizza in their own faces, as well as each others’ face. After each respective long sniff of the cheesy goodness, Hall and Malecki chomp down on a large head of lettuce.

“The new way of eating healthy,” Hall’s post was captioned.

It’ll be interesting to see if this intense, strategic, and unusual technique pays off. Both fighters are scheduled for upcoming bouts: Malecki battles Veronica Macedo at UFC on ESPN+ 28 on March 14 before Hall takes on Ronaldo Souza at UFC 249 on April 18.

Check out the strange technique from Hall and Malecki in the Instagram clips below:

View this post on Instagram

The new way of eating healthy @beamalecki

A post shared by Uriah Hall (@uriahhall) on

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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UFC 247: Fans invited to athlete panel, gym day, press conference, weigh-ins in Houston

If you’re heading to Houston for a pair of title fights this week, or are from the area, there are several events you can attend for free.

If you’re heading to Houston to catch a pair of title fights this week, or are from the area, there are several events you can attend for free.

UFC 247 takes place Saturday at Toyota Center in Houston. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

In the main event, light heavyweight champion [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] (25-1 MMA, 19-1 UFC) returns after seven months off for his latest title defense. He meets the unbeaten [autotag]Dominick Reyes[/autotag] (12-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) in the headliner.

In the co-feature, women’s flyweight champ [autotag]Valentina Shevchenko[/autotag] (18-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) is a massive favorite of as much as 14-1 against challenger [autotag]Katlyn Chookagian[/autotag] (13-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) in their title fight.

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Prior to the event, fans can attend a pre-fight athlete panel featuring the title fighters, plus Houston’s own [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag] (22-7 MMA, 13-5 UFC) and his heavyweight opponent, [autotag]Ilir Latifi[/autotag] (14-7 MMA, 7-5 UFC).

The athlete panel, hosted by UFC play-by-play voice Jon Anik, takes place at The Ballroom at Bayou Place at 500 Texas Ave. in Houston. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open to the public at 5 p.m. CT local time, and the panel is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Anik will talk to Reyes, Chookagian and Latifi first, then Jones, Shevchenko and Lewis in the second session.

Thursday, fans can attend a gym day at Renzo Gracie’s facility at 14555 West Lake Houston in Houston. Doors open to the public at 5:30 p.m. CT and will feature [autotag]Alex Hernandez[/autotag], [autotag]Uriah Hall[/autotag], [autotag]Geoff Neal[/autotag] and “BMF” titleholder [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag].

Friday, ceremonial weigh-ins for the fans take place at Toyota Center with a news conference for UFC 248 beforehand. Doors open for the public at 3:30 p.m. CT. The UFC 248 press conference starts at 4 p.m. The ceremonial weigh-ins and faceoffs between the fighters go down at 5 p.m.

The UFC 247 lineup includes:

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

  • Champ Jon Jones vs. Dominick Reyes – for light heavyweight title
  • Champ Valentina Shevchenko vs. Katlyn Chookagian – for women’s flyweight title
  • Juan Adams vs. Justin Tafa
  • Mirsad Bektic vs. Dan Ige
  • Ilir Latifi vs. Derrick Lewis

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET)

  • Antonio Arroyo vs. Trevin Giles
  • Andrea Lee vs. Lauren Murphy
  • Alex Morono vs. Kalinn Williams
  • Mario Bautista vs. Miles Johns

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6:15 p.m. ET)

  • Journey Newson vs. Domingo Pilarte
  • Andre Ewell vs. Jonathan Martinez
  • Austin Lingo vs. Youssef Zalal

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‘Jacare’ Souza returns to middleweight, meets Uriah Hall at UFC 249

Ronaldo Souza’s light heavyweight experiment lasted just one fight.

[autotag]Ronaldo Souza[/autotag]’s light heavyweight experiment lasted just one fight.

“Jacare” is set to return to the middleweight division for his next fight, which is expected to come against [autotag]Uriah Hall[/autotag] at UFC 249 in April.

MMA Junkie verified with multiple persons close to the situation that verbal agreements are in place for the matchup between Souza (26-8 MMA, 9-5 UFC) and Hall (15-9 MMA, 7-7 UFC) following an initial report from ESPN.com. The persons requested anonymity because the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.

UFC 249 takes place April 18 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.

After seemingly hitting his ceiling as a middleweight contender, Souza moved up a weight class this past month. He met one of the 205-pound division’s top contenders in Jan Blachowicz in the UFC on ESPN+ 22 main event, dropping a split decision in a fight the Brazilian thought he won.

Nevertheless, the result apparently didn’t convince Souza to stick around, because he returns to the division where he’s 3-3 in his past six.

Hall will try to tack another loss on that record as he attempts to continue his own run up the 185-pound pecking order. “Primetime” is coming off a solid decision win over Antonio Carlos Junior at UFC on ESPN+ 16 in September in what was his first fight since joining the Dallas-based Fortis MMA squad.

The latest UFC 249 card now includes:

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson – for lightweight title
  • Uriah Hall vs. Ronaldo Souza

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