August 24, 2021

    Demian Maia, Jimmie Rivera released from UFC

    Nicolas Suarez 24/08/2021

    The end of an era comes as two longtime UFC fighters are no longer under contract by the promotion. Former title challenger and BJJ legend, Demian Maia and Featherweight Jimmie Rivera have not had their contracts renewed. Demian began his career in the UFC in 2007 where he compiled a record of 22-11 with the UFC and saw him face off against some of the fiercest names in both the middleweight and welterweight division. He has scored wins over the likes of Jon Fitch, Jorge Masvidal, Ben Askern, Carlos Condit to name a few. The Brazilian fighter is, unfortunately, coming off a 2 fight losing skid, but those come at the hands of Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhamad. While no word from Maia has been made whether he would retire completely from fighting or perhaps transition to grappling, he has made it clear he would love one more fight with the UFC as his farewell. As for Rivera, his current record stands at 23-5 (7-4), he began his UFC tenure looking like a sure title contender scoring 5 wins in a row beating names like Uriah Faber, Pedro Munoz, Iuri Alcantara. He lost a decision in a rematch against Pedro Munoz in February. Jimmie has faced some struggles since suffering his first loss with the UFC going 2-4. All losses however did come at the hands of Marlon Moraes, Petr Yan, and Aljamain Sterling. Both fighters have been removed from the companies roster and are yet to be signed by any other promotion.

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    Interview with UFC heavyweight Chris Barnett

    Aaron East 24/08/2021

    Chris “BeastBoy” Barnett 21-7-0 is an American professional Mixed Martial Artist, currently competing in the heavyweight division of the UFC. A professional competitor since 2009, he has competed for Xtream Fighting Championship, World Cagefighting Championship, Island Fights, Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye, RIZIN FF, RJJ, Road FC, XFN and UAE Warriors.   I would like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to talk to me today.   In the many organisations, you’ve gone to war in, what organisation or bout sticks in your mind the most? For me it was back in 2019 when you took on Emil Zahariev 22-6-1, making him verbally submit on April 11 at Inoki Genome Fight 3. Your ability as a heavyweight has shocked the division everywhere you’ve gone.   “Mine is probably the Road FC 55 fight, against Gun Oh Shim 5-4-0. I’m working on getting my mindset back to what it was back then because I had no cares or worries, I just wanted to have fun. It felt right. I was just training and being happy out there. When I’m having fun out there I’m damn near unbeatable. At some point, I lost that, I’ve been grinding and doing mental drills to get the full package. I really feel MMA is 80% mental, 10% physical and 10% cardio.”   No matter who you ask, anybody who’s anybody in the industry has heard of you. Your ability and the amazing finishing of your opponents. All this has led to you being brought in by the UFC. It surprised me that they didn’t pick you up sooner. How does it feel to be part of the biggest franchise in your profession?   “Man, it’s about time right lol, but no I love it. I’ve worked all those years and UFC was right not to sign me then, I was walking around at 340lb, that is what was killing me getting there, that and a couple of promoters I want to put on blast, that said I would never make it and tried to make sure.”   Your 1st appearance with the franchise did not go your way, have you had time to reflect on your bout with Ben Rothwell 39-13-0 at UFC Fight Night back in May?   “The first fight was with 8 days notice, not to make excuses (I accepted, so I should have been ready,) but fighting a legend like that in 8 days, stuff at home was going crazy, it was a lot to deal with lol, I’m not happy with the outcome, but it did out that battery in my back and I can’t wait till my next one. Honestly, I’d love to run it back, but I need to work my way back.”   The heavyweight division has got to be the toughest, if not the biggest in the industry. Everyone wants to see it. Your audition to the roster is a great sight to see. I always hoped I’d get to see more of you in the cage, who would your ideal opponent be next in the octagon?   “I will literally fight whoever the UFC offers me.”   Last but not so least, is there anyone you’d like to give a shout out to?   “I’d like to thank Keystone Focus, Chill Caw-Fee Thicc boy fight club, Bitch Slap FAT BOY Fight clothing and Fat ninja. A lot of fat and big lol.”

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    Across The Pond Profile: Bellator MMA fighter Jornel Lugo

    Myles Painter 24/08/2021

    Striving to be the best that you possibly be is a trait that all athletes possess regardless of the sport. In today’s episode of Across The Pond, you will be introduced to a bull shark of the sunny keys ripping through the opposition with the fierceness of a great white in Bellator MMA. A professional mixed martial artist since May 2019 and representing American Top Team Palm Beach Gardens, Jornel Lugo owns an undefeated 7-0 professional record comprised of four decisions, two submissions, and one knockout. Lugo fought for CES MMA prior to making his promotional debut with Bellator MMA at Bellator 232 in October 2019. He is currently 4-0 under the banner of Bellator MMA, with one finish under in four appearances with the promotion. Lugo has gone to the scorecards four times over the course of his career as a pro-MMA fighter thus far. He has earned a finish in three out of his seven wins with three first-round finishes under his belt. In his MMA debut at CES MMA 56, he submitted Josh Oxendine in the first round. Lugo also defeated Harris Bonfiglo via TKO in round one at CES MMA 58. Then in his promotional debut with Bellator MMA at Bellator 232, he defeated John Douma via unanimous decision. Lugo defeated Cortavious Romious via a split decision. At Bellator 252, he defeated Schyler Sootho via unanimous decision. Lugo defeated Cass Bell via unanimous decision at Bellator 256. At Bellator 265. he tapped out Keith Lee in the first round via a rear-naked choke. The win earned Lugo the second submission victory of his professional career. He also picked up victory number four under the banner of Bellator MMA in the process, At just 25 years of age and having yet to taste the bitter sting of defeat in the professional ranks, Lugo is one tidal wave that stikes with the force of a category five hurricane!

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