23 MMA ideas, together with why a Shevchenko-Nunes trilogy can wait
It is Monday — time for one more version of Ariel Helwani’s MMA Present, which airs stay beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Twitter and YouTube. After it ends, you’ll be able to hearken to the present by way of the ESPN podcast heart.
If we’re being 100 % sincere with ourselves, this hasn’t been a banner yr for UFC pay-per-views. We have had some good fights right here and there however no actual blockbuster card simply but.
That is not fully the UFC’s fault, by the best way. Accidents and unhealthy luck have definitely performed a component, but it surely has been an unlucky theme in 2019.
Enter UFC 241.
UFC 241 is by far my favourite pay-per-view card of the yr, to this point. I really like the highest three fights: Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic 2, Anthony Pettis vs. Nate Diaz and Yoel Romero vs. Paulo Costa. What’s to not love? Throw in prospects Cory Sandhagen, Sodiq Yusuff, Devonte Smith and Ian Heinisch, amongst others, and we have got ourselves a fantastic Saturday night time.
We’re simply 5 days away, pals, however till then, listed below are some ideas on the week that was in MMA:
UFC 241 includes a heavyweight championship rematch and the return of one of the in style stars within the UFC. Daniel Cormier will defend his title towards Stipe Miocic, whereas Nate Diaz fights for the primary time in three years, taking up Anthony Pettis.
UFC 241: Cormier vs. Miocic 2
• Saturday, Anaheim, California
• Early prelims: ESPN+, 6:15 p.m. ET
• Prelims: ESPN, Eight p.m. ET
• Foremost card: ESPN+ PPV, 10 p.m. ET
Order UFC 241 now
1. I feel Valentina Shevchenko has a fantastic likelihood of breaking Demetrious Johnson’s report of 11 straight title defenses. The hole between her and the remainder of the division is kind of massive. You knew all this earlier than her win over Liz Carmouche, proper?
Now, is it honest to say that the principle occasion wasn’t entertaining? Positive. It wasn’t. However she did what she needed to do to stay champ. I’ve no points along with her efficiency in any respect. I hate when folks talk about scorecards in title fights and say it’s a must to decisively beat the champ if you wish to win the belt. Not true. You simply must win three of the 5 rounds, actually. Nevertheless it’s particularly not true when speaking concerning the precise champion’s efficiency. She is the queen. Shevchenko does not must exit of her consolation zone to beat the challenger. That is not on her. I do know that mindset does not promote tickets, and I do not suppose Shevchenko truly employs that mindset (keep in mind, she is coming off among the finest knockouts of the yr simply two months in the past, and her first three fights at 125 kilos going into this principal occasion have been all action-packed), so I feel the criticism she acquired after Saturday night time’s unanimous resolution win over Carmouche is unwarranted. Carmouche did not do sufficient. In any respect. Finish of story. On to the following.
2. So who’s subsequent for Shevchenko? There is not an apparent alternative. I am anxious that the UFC can be tempted to go along with Amanda Nunes vs. Shevchenko three now that Cris Cyborg is gone. In fact, I would like to see that battle, but when they wait a yr or two, will probably be a lot larger. Let Shevchenko defend her belt three to 5 extra instances earlier than actually considering it. Katlyn Chookagian appears to be an possibility, however I do not understand how keen the brass can be to present her that shot after how the Carmouche battle went. They really supplied her this battle first, you already know, however she is getting married in September, so the timing did not work out. Possibly Jennifer Maia? Andrea Lee? Possibly she waits a couple of months and lets Chookagian and Maia battle it out to see whether or not somebody can separate themselves from the pack?
three. Bellator girls’s flyweight champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane could be a enjoyable matchup for Shevchenko, however we all know that can by no means occur. No matter whom she fights subsequent, I would like to see Shevchenko battle in her residence nation of Kyrgyzstan — or on the very least close by — sooner fairly than later. I do know there was some speak of her combating in Kazakhstan. She’s a legit celebrity in that area, and it might be a very cool scene.
four. Please inform me you considered the late, nice Andy Kaufman when Henry Cejudo “challenged” Shevchenko on Twitter on Sunday night time. If Kaufman’s campaign to turn out to be the intergender champion of the world some 40 years in the past did not come to thoughts immediately, cease what you are doing and go discover the clips proper now. Gold. Good job, Henry.
The next is a public service announcement for the supposed flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko. Signed, Triple C and shortly to be The IGC. #bendtheknee @BulletValentina pic.twitter.com/kUQbCnmIWd
– Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) August 11, 2019
5. Earlier than we proceed our recap of Saturday’s motion, a reminder that for those who did not see our E:60 profile on Daniel Cormier, it reairs Thursday and Saturday night time on ESPNEWS. Because of everybody who despatched in suggestions on the piece. I am very glad so lots of you favored it and realized how particular Cormier is. He is likely one of the most accessible and down-to-earth athletes I’ve ever met. I’ll admit it was troublesome speaking to him about his daughter Kaedyn, who tragically died at simply three months outdated, however he truthfully couldn’t have been simpler to work with on this story. He’s amazingly open and forthright, even when discussing all of the trials and tribulations he has needed to overcome.
I did not suppose I may respect Cormier greater than I did going into this venture, however my respect for him positively grew after spending a couple of days with him in his adopted hometown of Gilroy, California. I knew he cared about his highschool wrestling staff very a lot, however I did not understand it was that a lot. It was fascinating seeing him work with the youngsters and spending time at his residence along with his household. These are sides of Cormier I had by no means seen earlier than, and I loved seeing him like that. Actually, it is unbelievable how a lot he cares about that wrestling staff — a staff he does not receives a commission to teach, thoughts you. Once we have been there in late January, they have been preparing for a giant event, and, for those who did not know any higher, you’ll suppose they have been preparing for a UFC heavyweight title battle. The period of time, effort and fervour he places into the Gilroy Excessive College Mustangs is outstanding and admirable. I hope these children understand how fortunate they’re.
three:06
UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier’s second job as a highschool coach retains him related to his old flame, wrestling.
6. I had excessive hopes for Vicente Luque vs. Mike Perry, and the battle exceeded my expectations. What an entertaining affair. Ultimately, I assumed Perry gained 29-28, but it surely was tremendous shut. No theft there. In fact, similar to the remainder of the world, my nostril harm seeing how Perry’s nostril regarded afterward. Did you discover proper earlier than they learn the judges’ scorecards that he smiled when he realized his nostril was mangled? One-of-a-kind. Additionally, I positively suppose all of the blood pouring out of his head helped him get out of that submission on the finish of the battle. What a sport.
7. In accordance with his supervisor Abraham Kawa, Perry, who had surgical procedure on his fractured nostril early Sunday morning in Uruguay, should keep away from contact to the face for no less than six months. That was a severe break. I would not be stunned if we do not see Perry again for near a yr. Kawa additionally advised me Perry was in nice spirits regardless of the surgical procedure and never with the ability to fly residence immediately. He must be. Perry has formally reached Donald Cerrone standing in that it does not actually have an effect on his inventory if he wins or loses anymore. Positive, it might be good to go on a successful streak, however he has delivered sufficient and is such a personality that the followers appear to like him regardless. That is a great place to be in.
Eight. I did not count on Luque, who has now gained six in a row and 10 of 11, to name out Stephen Thompson afterward, however I do not hate it. He can use a high-profile battle subsequent towards a marquee identify whereas the division types itself out. Santiago Ponzinibbio would do the trick, as properly.
9. Talking of welterweight, Jorge Masvidal was on fireplace all week doing media in Uruguay. I do know he says he is not budging on his stance of not combating earlier than he will get a title shot, however I really feel like for those who learn between the strains, he kinda is budging. Name me loopy. Kudos to his administration staff for getting the UFC to agree earlier than the Ben Askren battle that his subsequent battle after a win over Askren could be for the belt. So now he has a leg to face on when he say: Pay me like I am combating for the title or let me wait and battle the winner of Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington. These talks have not occurred but, by the best way. And in case you are questioning whether or not Masvidal would have any points combating his former roommate and longtime buddy and coaching associate Covington, they don’t seem to be as shut as folks make it appear lately. No hurdles there, I am advised.
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10. How about that Rodolfo Vieira? In case you’re unfamiliar with him, he is a five-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion and a former ADCC gold medalist. In different phrases, he is actually good on the bottom. In actual fact, one may argue he is one of the best BJJ practitioner competing in MMA right this moment. And would not ya comprehend it, he scored a candy arm-triangle choke in his debut Saturday night time. He appears to be like like a light-weight heavyweight combating at middleweight. See these muscle groups? Sheesh. Very intrigued to see him progress within the UFC. Additionally, his nickname, “The Black Belt Hunter,” is phenomenal.
11. And talking of spectacular debuts, Francis Ngannou protégé Ciryl Gané regarded stable in his first UFC foray, as properly. I positively did not count on an arm-triangle out of him. The previous TKO heavyweight champion is unquestionably a reputation to recollect, as properly.
12. Bruce Buffer will eternally be synonymous with the UFC and is a dwelling legend, however I very a lot get pleasure from when Joe Martinez works a UFC card. He is a professional with a fantastic supply. I particularly favored him on Saturday night time as a result of he combined within the Spanish very properly.
Volkan Oezdemir had his hand raised in victory for the primary time in two years this previous Saturday night time. Alexandre Schneider/Zuffa LLC
13. Good to see Volkan Oezdemir snap his three-fight shedding streak (sure, I do know the loss to Dominick Reyes was tremendous controversial, but it surely’s nonetheless an L within the report books) and decide up his first knockout (and win) in two years. I assumed it was fascinating when he mentioned — unprompted — within the postfight interview that he may need been a bit inexperienced when he received that title shot towards Daniel Cormier in simply his fourth UFC battle. I would not thoughts seeing him battle Jan Błachowicz, as he recommended, however Jon Jones is operating out of opponents for his desired return in December, and Błachowicz might be that man.
14. I have to say, it ruined my summer season buzz all week seeing folks all bundled up in Uruguay. I do know it is winter there, however nonetheless, I did not get pleasure from seeing the jackets and hats. Roll on, Anaheim.
15. I am glad Frankie Edgar has lastly come to the conclusion that shifting all the way down to bantamweight is not an indication of a weak point or something he must be ashamed of. I am curious to see how he does towards fighters his personal dimension, and I simply hope the transfer wasn’t accomplished too late in his profession.
16. Until a last-minute, massive deal is struck, Max Holloway vs. Alex Volkanovski occurring on Oct. 5 in Melbourne, Australia, is an extended shot, I am advised. Simply too quickly after UFC 240.
17. Whereas I used to be a little bit stunned she was booked so shortly after getting knocked out, it is a good contact seeing Holly Holm scheduled to battle Raquel Pennington on Oct. 5 in Melbourne. They’re sending her again to the scene (and stadium) of her best triumph towards Ronda Rousey in 2015.
The most effective insider within the sport, Ariel Helwani, and greatest persona within the sport, Chael Sonnen, break down the MMA weekend and sit up for the most important playing cards.
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18. I really like what the California State Athletic Fee is doing with Aspen Ladd. In case you missed it, after the UFC booked Ladd to battle Yana Kunitskaya in December, CSAC govt officer Andy Foster confirmed with ESPN that it suspended her license to compete at 135 pending additional documentation from physicians. I really like this. In case you recall, Ladd regarded very unwell when she weighed in final month as a bantamweight earlier than her loss to Germaine de Randamie. Her trembling on the dimensions was a scary sight. A month later, she’s booked once more on the identical weight? This does not appear proper. Credit score to CSAC for elevating the purple flag, particularly when the battle is not even scheduled to be in California (it is scheduled for Washington, D.C.). I am curious to see how this performs out.
19. Zabit Magomedsharipov vs. Massachusetts’ personal Calvin Kattar in Boston on Oct. 18 is one to circle on the calendar. Good take a look at for Magomedsharipov and the high-profile battle Kattar has been on the lookout for.
20. I do know followers within the Bay Space have been bummed once they discovered that the Oct. 12 card was moved from San Francisco to Tampa. San Francisco was positively penciled in, however then the promotion ran right into a hotel-availability concern. With the brand new Chase Middle opening quickly, I would be stunned if the UFC does not go there within the close to future.
21. Pam Sorenson is the brand new Invicta FC featherweight champion. She’d be a pleasant addition to the UFC’s 145-pound weight class.
22. I am excited to return to Anaheim this week. Orange County is likely one of the all-time nice markets for MMA. I’ve had the privilege of masking quite a lot of memorable playing cards there, however my favourite might be UFC 121: Lesnar vs. Velasquez (you already know, due to that notorious Brock Lesnar-Undertaker run-in that I simply occurred to seek out myself in the midst of). Humorous sufficient, it was at that occasion the place Daniel Cormier first met Jon Jones. Because the story goes, Cormier and Jones ran into one another backstage, and Jones, upon realizing he was speaking to a two-time Olympian, mentioned, “I guess that I may take you down.” And that is how the rivalry began. 9 years later, that area may host Cormier’s remaining battle.
23. Man, it feels good to go right into a Nate Diaz battle week, does not it? Been far too lengthy. Benefit from the trip, pals.
Monday’s Helwani Present lineup:
Maycee Barber, proper, will look to enhance to Eight-Zero when she faces Gillian Robertson in October. Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports activities
1 p.m. ET: Weekend recap.
1:05 p.m.: Maycee Barber
The rising flyweight star will preview her upcoming battle towards Gillian Robertson and talk about Valentina Shevchenko’s win.
1:25 p.m.: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane
The Bellator girls’s flyweight champion, who was in Liz Carmouche’s nook Saturday night time, will discuss that battle and what’s subsequent for her.
1:45 p.m.: Eric Albarracin
Paulo Costa’s head coach will preview Costa’s battle towards Yoel Romero at UFC 241 and talk about what’s subsequent for Henry Cejudo.
2:05 p.m.: Duke Roufus
Anthony Pettis’ head coach will sit up for Pettis vs. Diaz this weekend.
Daniel Cormier, proper, will try to defeat Stipe Miocic for a second time and defend his heavyweight crown within the UFC 241 principal occasion on Saturday. Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Getty Photos
2:25 p.m.: Daniel Cormier
The UFC heavyweight champion will preview his title protection towards Stipe Miocic on Saturday night time.
2:45 p.m. Michelle Waterson
“The Karate Hottie” will sit up for her Oct. 12 battle towards Joanna Jędrzejczyk.
three:05 p.m.: Demetrious Johnson
The previous UFC flyweight champion will talk about his current win in ONE and the way his profession goes combating for a brand new group.
three:25 p.m.: Darren Until
Until will replace us on what’s subsequent for him.
three:45 p.m.: Nicolas Dalby
He’ll discuss his lengthy street again to the UFC after just lately re-signing with the promotion to battle at UFC Copenhagen.
four:05 p.m.: Valentina Shevchenko
Shevchenko will talk about her win over Carmouche and what’s subsequent for her.