September 27, 2024

    PFL Europe Glasgow weigh-in results

    Aaron East 27/09/2024

    Results from the weigh-ins for PFL Europe Glasgow this Saturday, 28 September at OVO Hydro, Glasgow, are now official.   The first major MMA show in Scotland since 2017 is going down this weekend and will be headlined by Scottish MMA pioneer Stevie “Braveheart” Ray (25-13), who will be joined in the SmartCage by Wales’ Lewis Long (19-7) in a battle of the British veterans at Welterweight.    The co-main event will see Rob “The Hammer” Whiteford (16-5, 1 NC), the first ever Scottish MMA athlete to fight on the global stage, against MMA legend Roger “El Matador” Huerta (24-13-1) in a 150lb Catchweight fight that will be sure to entertain the fans in attendance.    The main card will also feature the future of mixed martial arts in Scotland, as Mark Ewen (5-1) at just 25-years-old will achieve his dreams of fighting at the OVO Hydro in a Lightweight match-up against France’s Yassin “La Bagarre” Chtatou (2-3-1).    The card will also feature a host of PFL Europe Playoff bouts, with winners due to advance to the PFL Europe Championships in Lyon on 14 December. One such fight is the PFL Europe Bantamweight Playoff clash between Liverpool’s Dean Garnett (12-2-1) and Manchester’s Lewis “The McGrizzla” McGrillen (9-1) in a bout that has set the MMA community ablaze with excitement, and has been touted as one of the biggest domestic clashes of the year.   Another PFL Europe Bantamweight Playoff on the main card will feature France’s Julien “Boyka” Lopez (7-3-1) following his incredible victory at PFL Europe Newcastle on three days’ notice, against the biggest prospect coming out of Germany, Alexander “Schlingel” Luster (8-1), in a fight destined for fireworks.   The main card opens with two PFL Europe Welterweight Playoffs as Jack Grant (20-8) takes on Florim Zendeli (8-1-1), and Ibrahima “Freezer” Mané (14-4) fights Daniele “The Cyborg” Miceli (12-5), in a bid to advance to the PFL Europe Championships in Lyon on 14 December.     PFL Europe Glasgow Main Card: Saturday, September 28 – Live on DAZN OVO Hydro, Glasgow 5 pm BST   Main Event Welterweight Bout: Stevie Ray (170.4 lbs) vs Lewis Long (170.6 lbs)   Catchweight (150 lbs) Main Card Bout: Rob Whiteford (150.0 lbs) vs Roger Huerta (149.4 lbs)   Lightweight Main Card Bout: Mark Ewen (156.0 lbs) vs Yassin Chtatou (154.6 lbs)   Bantamweight Playoff Bout: Lewis McGrillen (135.6 lbs) vs Dean Garnett (136.0 lbs)   Bantamweight Playoff Bout: Julien Lopez (135.4 lbs) vs Alexander Luster (135.8 lbs)   Welterweight Playoff Bout: Jack Grant (170.8 lbs) vs Florim Zendeli (170.6 lbs)   Welterweight Playoff Bout: Ibrahima Mané (170.8 lbs) vs Daniele Miceli (170.4 lbs)        Preliminary Card:   Lightweight Playoff Bout: Jakub Kaszuba (154.8 lbs) vs Daniele Scatizzi (154.2 lbs)   Lightweight Playoff Bout: Connor Hughes (155.6 lbs) vs Ignacio Capella (155.8 lbs)   Women’s Flyweight Playoff Bout: Shanelle Dyer (126.0 lbs) vs Valentina Scatizzi (125.6 lbs)   Women’s Flyweight Playoff Bout: Karolina Wójcik (126.0 lbs) vs Paulina Wiśniewska (125.6 lbs)   Lightweight Showcase Bout: Lorenzo Parente (155.8 lbs) vs Stefano Catacoli (155.8 lbs)   Bantamweight Showcase Bout: Matiss Zaharovs (135.8 lbs) vs Brian Hyslop (136.0 lbs)   Women’s Flyweight Showcase Bout: Gemma Auld (124.6 lbs) vs Weronika Pietruszka (124.6 lbs)

    Read More »

    Across The Pond profile Hunter Starner of Renegade Combat Sports Club

    Myles Painter 27/09/2024

    Southern sporting hospitality is no longer just centered around a single entity at a certain time of the year and has welcomed MMA into the family fold where the pride of the South comes full circle in the cage. In today’s episode of Across The Pond, you will meet a cavalier of the calming tides causing a surge of mayhem at Featherweight for Cage Fury Fighting Championships. A professional mixed martial artist since October 2022 and representing Renegade Combat Sports Club under head coach Kelly McCann, Hunter Starner owns a 3-2 record in five outings comprised of two decisions and one knockout. He has spent the majority of his career as a professional MMA fighter with Cage Fury Fighting Championships. Starner has spent his entire professional career in the United States. He has a single first-round finish under his belt through his first three victories in the professional ranks. Both of Starner’s decision wins over the course of his journey as a professional mixed martial artist have resulted in unanimous verdicts. Starner is 2-2 under the Cage Fury Fighting Championships banner with one finish in four appearances with the promotion to show for it. In his professional MMA debut at Cagezilla MMA 69, he faced Bimysola Attobra and defeated him via unanimous decision. Starner defeated Naoki Hirata via unanimous decision in his promotional debut under the Cage Fury Fighting Championships banner at CFFC 114 to secure his second decision win as a professional. Then at CFFC 130, he defeated Matthew Allison via technical knockout in the first round. The win earned Starner the first knockout victory of his professional career along with his second win under the Cage Fury Fighting Championships banner. He also locked up his third victory inside the professional ranks in the process. This Southern Poseidon can cause catastrophic wrath, leaving opponents high and dry on the sea of stunned silence!

    Read More »

    Pavel Dailidko: Tom Aspinall’s teammate is ready for his coronation party at BRAVE CF 88

    Aaron East 27/09/2024

    Many heavyweights have made their case to become the inaugural BRAVE CF Heavyweight champion, but none has a stronger claim than Lithuanian powerhouse Pavel Dailidko. And this Saturday, September 28, he will have the opportunity to do just that as he co-headlines BRAVE CF 88 for the 265 lbs world title.   Pavel made his BRAVE Combat Federation debut in 2022 at BRAVE CF 65, where he faced Shamil Gaziev. It was a tough start, as Pavel was knocked out in the second round. While this setback could have derailed many fighters, Pavel had different plans.   A few months later, he returned to BRAVE CF and knocked out Slovenian star Luka Podkrajsek in the first round at BRAVE CF 70, silencing the crowd in Slovenia. This marked the beginning of his rise. Pavel continued his momentum by securing two more first-round knockouts that year, stopping Salim El Ouassaidi at BRAVE CF 74 and Janos Csukas at BRAVE CF 79, making him the first BRAVE CF fighter to achieve three consecutive first-round finishes in a single year.   While these victories alone could have earned him a title shot, Pavel solidified his position at BRAVE CF 81 in Slovenia earlier this year by defeating the experienced Valdrin Istrefi, winning over the Slovenian crowd that once booed him.   Now, Pavel has the opportunity to complete his remarkable journey by becoming the first-ever BRAVE CF Heavyweight champion, facing Patryk Dubiela in the co-main event of BRAVE CF 88, once again in Slovenia, the country where his rise began. While he was initially scheduled to fight Azamat Nuftillaev, the last minute opponent change is bound to make the fight tougher for Pavel considering the difference in style that Dubiela brings to the table.   BRAVE CF’s Pavel Dailidko (left) with Tom Aspinall (center) and Ante Delja (right)   Pavel, as always since joining BRAVE CF, has enlisted the help of Tom Aspinall as the duo are part of the ‘’heaviest training camp in the world’’ featuring top Heavyweights from across the globe.   To complete his fairytale run, Pavel must overcome Dubiela, who comes into the fight on the back of an impressive first round finish at BRAVE CF 81. Whether BRAVE CF 88 will see the crowning of Pavel as the Heavyweight king or see Dubiela take the spotlight remains to be seen, making this a highly anticipated bout.   BRAVE CF 88 will take place on September 28 in association with WFC, featuring a Light Heavyweight title fight between Erko Jun and Alexander Wesner in the main event.

    Read More »

    Final main card bout for “Battle of the Giants” announced

    Aaron East 27/09/2024

    9Full card revealed, including a Bantamweight clash at the top of the bill between Raufeon “Supa” Stots and Marcos Breno, with further fights featuring MMA stars from across the Americas, Europe, and Asia   PFL “Battle of the Giants” takes place Saturday, October 19 – Live on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S. and DAZN worldwide   New York (September 26, 2024) – The main card of “Battle of the Giants” is now official, as a fiercely competitive Featherweight contest between Switzerland’s Husein Kadimagomaev (11-1-0, 1 NC), a training partner of feared fighter Khamzat Chimaev, and Germany’s Zafar Mohsen (13-4) has been announced.    Alongside the confirmed main card, the full early card has been released with an exciting Bantamweight match-up between Raufeon “Supa” Stots (20-2) and Marcos Breno (15-3) topping the bill. The early card is also joined by prospects and veterans from across the Americas, Europe and Asia, all determined to make a name for themselves on PFL’s biggest stage ever.   The latest additions join the card headlined by MMA superstar and undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world, Francis Ngannou (17-3) making his highly anticipated return to the sport of MMA, as “The Predator” faces the most-feared PFL heavyweight,the 6-foot-8 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan “Problema” Ferreira (13-3, 3 NC) for the newly minted PFL Super Fights Championship Belt.    The co-main event will feature another major world title fight – the Women’s Featherweight PFL Super Fight Championship. The greatest women’s MMA fighter of all-time, Cris “Cyborg” (27-2, 1 NC), whose legacy will be on the line when she squares off against PFL two-division Champion Larissa Pacheco (23-4), who looks to prove she is the greatest women’s MMA fighter on the planet.   A third title fight of the night, the Bellator Middleweight World Championship, will take place between undefeated Bellator Middleweight World Champion Johnny Eblen (15-0) and Fabian Edwards (13-3). The pair previously met in 2023 at Bellator 299 where Edwards took the fight to the champion and landed a savage elbow opening up his opponent’s forehead, only for the champion to respond with a TKO finish in the third round. The rematch will see two of the world’s best 185 lbs competitors meet in the SmartCage to see who is the best fighter in the division.    At Lightweight, former Bellator Featherweight World Champion AJ McKee (22-1) will serve as the toughest test of Paul Hughes (12-1) young career, when the man with the longest winning streak in Bellator history (18) faces an Irishman who many consider to be the top Lightweight prospect on the planet.   The event will emanate from the state-of-the-art Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A monumental cultural venue that hosts significant national and international events in the heart of Riyadh, it’s the perfect backdrop for “Battle of the Giants” to take place.   In addition to the location, tickets for the second-ever PFL PPV Super Fight are on sale and can be purchased on the WeBook app via this link.    PFL’s “Battle of the Giants” pay-per-view event takes place Saturday, October 19 and can be seen live on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S and DAZN worldwide.   Husein Kadimagomaev vs. Zafar Mohsen – Featherweight Main Card Bout Switzerland’s Husein Kadimagomaev boasts an 11-1 record with an amateur pedigree of 12-0, which has put him on the radar as one of the hottest prospects at Featherweight. With his professional career having six wins by way of knockout, and four by submission, Kadimagomaev is a dangerous competitor no matter whether the fight is standing or on the ground. He has shared time with another famously feared fighter, Khamzat Chimaev, through his time at Allstars Training Center in Stockholm. Afghanistan-born, German-based knockout artist Zafar Mohsen has had a storied career across Europe – his last three wins are by guillotine, doctor’s stoppage, and a TKO, showing his versatility once he steps onto the canvas, meaning that the crowd in attendance on October 19 are due an electric main card.     “Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” Main Card:   ESPN+ PPV (U.S.) | DAZN (Worldwide)   Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saturday, October 19   Early Card: 1:30 pm ET / 8:30 pm AST   Main Card: 4:00pm ET / 11:00 pm AST    Heavyweight Main Event: Francis Ngannou (17-3) vs. Renan Ferreira (13-3, 3 NC)    Women’s Featherweight Co-Main Event: Cris “Cyborg” (27-2, 1 NC) vs. Larissa Pacheco (23-4)   Bellator Middleweight World Title Bout: Johnny Eblen (15-0) vs. Fabian Edwards (13-3)   Featherweight Main Card Bout: Husein Kadimagomaev (11-1, 1 NC) vs Zafar Mohsen (13-4)   Lightweight Main Card Bout: AJ McKee (22-1) vs. Paul Hughes (12-1)   “Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” Early Card:   Bantamweight Early Card Bout: Raufeon Stots (20-2) vs Marcos Breno (15-3)   Lightweight Early Card Bout: Makkasharip Zaynukov (15-4) vs Dedrek Sanders (9-4)   Featherweight Early Card Bout: Ibragim Ibragimov (7-0) vs Nacho Campos (5-0)   Middleweight Early Card Bout: Mostafa Nada (9-3) vs Ahmed Sami (11-4-0, 1 NC)    Featherweight Early Card Bout: Youssef Al Housani (4-1) vs Taha Bendaoud (3-0)

    Read More »

    Stevie Ray vs. Lewis Long: PFL Glasgow date, start time TV channel and live stream

    Frankie 27/09/2024

    Just ahead of the highly anticipated bout between Scottish MMA star Stevie Ray and Welsh fighter Lewis Long, you’ll want to stay informed about all the crucial details. The fight is set to take place in Glasgow on September 28, 2023, with the main card starting at 5 p.m. UK time. You can catch the event live on DAZN, so make sure to prepare for an exciting night of MMA action with a stacked fight card that includes thrilling playoff matchups. Event Details The PFL Europe event featuring Stevie Ray vs. Lewis Long will take place in Glasgow, showcasing an exciting lineup of fights. Date and Time Any fan looking to catch the action should note that the event kicks off on Saturday, September 28, at 5 p.m. UK time, with the main event cagewalks scheduled for approximately 11 p.m. UK time. Venue Information Date and location are vital for planning your attendance. The event will unfold at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, a vibrant venue known for hosting sporting events and concerts, providing a fantastic atmosphere for MMA fans. For instance, you will enjoy modern amenities and excellent sightlines within this renowned arena, ensuring that you have a memorable experience watching the fights live. With a seating capacity of over 14,000, the OVO Hydro is perfect for hosting electrifying events like this one. Broadcast Information It is crucial for you to know that the Stevie Ray vs. Lewis Long fight will be available for viewing on DAZN, ensuring that you won’t miss this exciting event. The event is set to start at 5 p.m. UK time, culminating in the main event around 11 p.m. UK time. Check DAZN for the exact timing in your region. DAZN Streaming Details Information regarding the streaming options for this matchup indicates that you can catch it live across several countries in Europe, APAC, and the Caribbean on DAZN. Make sure you have a subscription to enjoy the fights seamlessly. Supported Devices DAZN provides you with ample options to watch the event on various devices. This includes popular streaming devices like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and smart TVs from major brands, as well as game consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox. You can also stream directly on your mobile devices for convenience. Whether at home or on the go, you can enjoy the thrilling matchup broadcast live. Make sure your device is compatible to enhance your viewing experience. Fighter Profiles Assuming you’re keen to understand the backgrounds of the fighters, here’s a closer look at both Stevie Ray and Lewis Long. Their records and fighting styles showcase the high-stakes excitement that awaits you at the PFL Europe playoffs in Glasgow. Stevie Ray With an impressive professional record of 25 wins and 13 losses, Scottish fighter Stevie Ray has made a name for himself in the MMA world. Born on March 25, 1990, Ray is 5’10” tall with a reach of 70 inches, and he returns to the cage after his second retirement, ready to showcase his skills against Lewis Long. Lewis Long With a solid record of 19 wins and 7 losses, Welsh fighter Lewis Long stands at 5’10” with a reach of 70 inches. Born on April 10, 1989, Long has previously fought in Bellator and is eager to bounce back from his last outing, where he lost to Max Bickerton by submission. At this event, Long aims to demonstrate his resilience and combat prowess, looking to overcome the setback from his last fight. His experience and adaptability make him a formidable opponent as he steps into the octagon against Ray, igniting interest and excitement for the matchup among fans and analysts alike. Fight Card The PFL Glasgow card features an exciting lineup of bouts that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The main event showcases Scottish MMA star Stevie Ray taking on Welsh fighter Lewis Long in a welterweight clash. The card also includes notable fights such as Rob Whiteford vs. Roger Huerta and several semi-final matchups across various weight classes, promising a night filled with competitive action. Main Event and Key Bouts The main event features Stevie Ray vs. Lewis Long, a highly anticipated welterweight matchup that is set to attract MMA fans. Alongside this, the card includes a catchweight fight between Rob Whiteford and Roger Huerta, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere as these seasoned fighters showcase their skills. You won’t want to miss these compelling matchups that could define the careers of the athletes involved. Playoff Fights At the PFL Glasgow event, the stakes are particularly high as multiple playoff fights will take place, determining who advances in the championship race. The evening will feature semi-final bouts across various divisions, including bantamweight, welterweight, and women’s flyweight. This makes the event not only significant for the main fight but also pivotal for the competitors eager to make their mark in the playoffs. Event highlights include 2024 PFL Europe bantamweight semi-finals featuring Dean Garnett against Lewis McGrillen-Evans and Julien Pierre Lopez vs. Alexander Luster. Additionally, you can witness lightweight semi-final showdowns such as Daniele Scatizzi vs. Jakub Kaszuba and Connor Hughes vs. Ignacio Capella. These playoff fights are set to elevate the excitement of your viewing experience, with contenders vying for a chance to secure a place in the championships later this year. Historical Context All eyes are on Glasgow as Scottish MMA fighter Stevie Ray returns from his second retirement to face Welsh competitor Lewis Long. This match is more than just a fight; it represents a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers, as they aim to make a mark in the competitive landscape of PFL Europe. Previous Fights Among the notable recent performances, Lewis Long faced a setback in his last fight against Max Bickerton, losing by submission. Meanwhile, Stevie Ray’s extensive fighting experience, with a record of 25 wins and 13 losses, highlights his resilience and determination as he takes on Long in this high-stakes matchup. Significance of the Matchup Context makes this fight

    Read More »

    PFL Glasgow Preview – Stevie Ray vs. Lewis Long

    Frankie 27/09/2024

    Most fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown between UFC and PFL veteran Stevie Ray and Bellator standout Lewis Long at PFL Europe 3 in Glasgow. With Ray seeking to end a challenging three-fight losing streak in front of his home crowd, this bout promises to be an electrifying encounter. Long, looking to solidify his reputation, poses a significant threat as both fighters aim to secure their place in the welterweight division. Join us as we research into the main event and explore the exciting fight card ahead! The Main Event A thrilling clash awaits in the main event of PFL Europe 3, where local hero Stevie Ray takes on Bellator standout Lewis Long at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow. This matchup not only promises to be an exciting bout but also holds significant weight in the welterweight division as both fighters seek redemption and a return to winning form. Stevie Ray vs. Lewis Long Above all, this fight marks a pivotal moment for Stevie Ray, who will look to shake off a three-fight skid while performing in front of his home crowd. Lewis Long, with his Bellator pedigree, presents a formidable challenge, making this one of the most anticipated matchups of the night. Background and Analysis Long has the advantage of recent success after competing against top-tier opponents, which could play a key role in this bout. The powerful striking and grappling prowess that Long brings to the cage could prove to be dangerous if he manages to implement his game plan effectively. On the flip side, Ray’s past victories over notable names such as Anthony Pettis and his tenacity will be vital as he seeks to regain momentum. The atmosphere in Glasgow will undoubtedly ignite the spirits of both fighters, making for a Super Fight that you won’t want to miss! The Co-Main Event Some exciting action awaits in the co-main event, where two seasoned competitors face off. It’s an alluring matchup as Robert Whiteford takes on MMA legend Roger Huerta, promising fireworks in the OVO Hydro this Saturday. Both fighters are looking to resurrect their careers and secure a pivotal victory on this grand stage. Robert Whiteford vs. Roger Huerta Whiteford is returning to the cage after a lengthy absence, eager to showcase his skills against the veteran Huerta. Both fighters have experienced setbacks in their careers, which adds an intriguing element to this contest. Background and Analysis One aspect that makes this fight particularly compelling is the contrasting career trajectories of both fighters. While Whiteford aims to bounce back from a loss to Daniel Weichel in 2022, Huerta seeks to end a disheartening four-fight losing streak. Each of these fighters brings a wealth of experience and determination, with Huerta possessing exceptional striking skills and a fierce competitive spirit, while Whiteford relies on his explosive grappling and striking to gain an edge. The clash of these distinct styles sets the stage for what could be a thrilling bout. Analysis of this matchup highlights the key challenges ahead for both competitors. For Huerta, breaking his losing streak is imperative, and he will need to avoid getting caught in Whiteford’s stride. Conversely, Whiteford must harness his grappling skills to neutralise Huerta’s striking prowess. Given the high stakes, expect a tactical battle that could go either way. Welterweight Semifinals It’s an exhilarating night ahead as the welterweight semifinals promise thrilling matchups that could dictate the contenders for the PFL Europe Championship. With remarkable fighters battling for supremacy, the stakes are higher than ever at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow. Ibrahima Mané vs. Daniele Miceli About two fierce competitors, Ibrahima Mané and Daniele Miceli, who are set to clash in the welterweight semifinals. Miceli boasts an impressive first-round stoppage victory in the regular season, while Mané aims to extend his six-fight winning streak. The anticipation is palpable as both fighters look to secure their spot in the finals. Jack Grant vs. Florim Zendeli For those eager to witness a battle of seasoned warriors, the matchup between Jack Grant and Florim Zendeli is not to be missed. Grant, a veteran of Cage Warriors, aims to make a strong statement after his impressive stoppage victory in just 41 seconds, while Zendeli looks to maintain his unbeaten record and finish rate. A particularly thrilling aspect is Grant’s recent form, where he showcased his explosive striking and superior grappling skills. He almost took down a seasoned opponent in Abdoul Abdouraguimov during his debut and decisively dispatched Charlie Leary in his latest fight. Meanwhile, Zendeli has an impressive tally of finishes in all his victories, making this clash one that could easily end in a spectacular finish. You should expect a breathtaking contest where both fighters will be key players in this highly competitive welterweight landscape. Lightweight Semifinals Now, the Lightweight Semifinals promise to deliver thrilling action as fighters battle for a coveted spot in the finals. With mixed martial arts skills on display, fans can expect an intense showcase of technique and strategy, as each participant aims to secure their place in PFL history. Jakub Kaszuba vs. Daniele Scatizzi Above all, Jakub Kaszuba, the unbeaten PFL Europe Lightweight Champion, faces a determined Daniele Scatizzi, who seeks to ruin his title defence aspirations. After excelling in his PFL debut, Scatizzi will aim to spring a surprise on the reigning champion. Conor Hughes vs. Ignacio Capella After an exciting matchup, Conor Hughes is set to take on Ignacio Capella, who is riding high after back-to-back stoppage victories. Hughes, keen to turn the tide following his previous setback, will bring his striking prowess to the forefront as he aims to outclass Capella. Daniele Scatizzi’s impressive performance in his PFL debut, where he secured a quick heel hook submission, showcases his submission skills. On the other hand, Hughes will rely on his striking ability to overcome Capella, targeting a decisive victory to elevate his standing in the lightweight division. You can expect a clash of styles, with both fighters determined to find an edge and earn a spot in

    Read More »

    Charles Oliveira Doesn’t Want “Chandler’s Place” in Case of a Win at UFC 309: “McGregor Is Not Our Goal”

    Alan Oliveira 27/09/2024

    Charles Oliveira will face Michael Chandler at UFC 309 on 16th November. The American was expected to be Conor McGregor’s next opponent but decided to stop waiting for the Irishman and move on with his career in the division. Does a win for the Brazilian mean “taking Chandler’s place” in a possible money fight against Conor? Not according to Oliveira’s coach, Diego Lima. “McGregor is not our focus right now; we always aim for the belt. We wouldn’t turn down the fight, of course, but we plan to fight for the belt in the summer of 2025, against Makhachev or Tsarukyan,” he revealed to the Brazilian website PVT. Although they are making plans for 2025, Charles and his team know they cannot overlook Chandler. The American is ranked 4th in the lightweight division, while Charles is ranked 2nd. In 2021, they faced each other, and for two judges, Chandler scored a 10-8 in the first round but ended up losing by TKO 19 seconds into the second round. “We knew Chandler starts the fight at a fast pace and that we would have to withstand the initial pressure. Charles held on; Chandler had given everything to win the fight in the first round and couldn’t handle Charles in the second. We’ll aim not to have the same scare in the next fight, win, and wait for the title shot,” said Lima, who pointed out the favourite for the likely fight between champion Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. “I have a lot of respect for Arman; he deserves to be the next contender, even though Charles came closer to finishing the fight against him in three rounds. But there’s no way not to see Makhachev as the favourite.” Charles Oliveira vs Michael Chandler is the co-main event of UFC 309, which will have Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic as the main fight. The event will take place at Madison Square Garden, in New York.

    Read More »