19 MMA ideas, together with how Miocic’s persistence paid off in gold
It is Monday — time for one more version of Ariel Helwani’s MMA Present, which airs reside beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Twitter and YouTube. After it ends, you possibly can hearken to the present as a podcast.
After 9 consecutive weeks of occasions, the UFC is having a uncommon bye week.
However don’t have any concern, MMA fans, as a result of there’s nonetheless loads of motion on faucet. Of notice, there’s Contender Sequence on Tuesday and Bellator 225 on Saturday night time. The latter options the promotional debut of Nick Newell, who’s lastly getting one other crack on the large present.
However earlier than we get to that, listed below are some ideas on the week that was in MMA:
The UFC’s return to China contains a strawweight division championship combat, one which followers in Shenzhen have been anticipating for a number of months.
Zhang Weili, who’s 19-1 and fights out of Beijing, will look to take the title from Jessica Andrade in the primary occasion subsequent Saturday night time.
UFC Combat Night time: Andrade vs. Zhang
• Saturday, Aug. 31, Shenzhen, China
• Prelims: ESPN, three a.m. ET
• Predominant card: ESPN+, 6 a.m. ET
Subscribe to ESPN+ to get unique reside UFC occasions, weigh-ins and extra; Ariel and the Dangerous Man; Dana White’s Contender Sequence; and extra unique MMA content material.
1. Saturday’s principal occasion, in some ways, felt like a microcosm of the previous 13 months within the lifetime of Stipe Miocic. Keep in mind final summer time? Actually seconds after he misplaced his title to Daniel Cormier, there was Brock Lesnar within the cage, disrespecting him. He could not have been forgotten about quick sufficient. It wasn’t proper. In consequence, within the following weeks, the normally quiet Miocic was out doing the media rounds demanding a rematch. He had a robust case, too. In any case, he was probably the most adorned champion in UFC heavyweight historical past. But when we had been being trustworthy, a rematch felt like a protracted shot. A really lengthy shot.
Not solely was the attract of a Cormier-Lesnar combat very interesting to the UFC and Cormier, Miocic’s relationship with the UFC had deteriorated. There was loads of friction between him and the brass, and when there’s friction, nicely, it is exhausting to get title fights. Easy as that.
However Miocic and his supervisor Jim Walter remained affected person and caught to their weapons. Even whereas the UFC repeatedly provided large fights and fast pay days, it was title shot or bust for Workforce Miocic. And when the Lesnar flirtation lastly ended and he determined to return to wrasslin’, there was Workforce Miocic able to pounce. Nobody else made sense to combat Cormier subsequent, and its endurance was rewarded.
On Saturday night time, an analogous state of affairs performed out. The primary spherical could not have gone worse for Miocic. Cormier dominated him together with his wrestling and boxing. In truth, I scored the primary three rounds in favor of Cormier. Early on, it felt like Miocic could not have been any additional away from changing into champion once more. It was like July 2018 yet again. However then Miocic, with the assistance of his longtime coach Marcus Marinelli, turned the tide in a really large approach. What an enormous adjustment they made. Early within the fourth, Miocic began to assault the precise aspect of Cormier’s physique. Repeatedly. He landed 14 physique photographs in that spherical and that modified your complete combat.
And now Miocic is the heavyweight champion of the world once more, dancing all the way in which again dwelling to Ohio. An unimaginable method to cap off a roller-coaster 12 months.
2. Talking of Ohio, Miocic’s first title protection needs to be in Cleveland. Must be. That scene at UFC 203 was the most effective I’ve ever seen.
three. It will be attention-grabbing to see who Miocic’s first title protection is in opposition to. Francis Ngannou has definitely earned that shot, nevertheless, lots of people did not like their first combat (I did) and Ngannou’s relationship with the brass is not nice, both. Jon Jones is on the market, too. He would not have an apparent subsequent opponent, however I do not suppose Jones is taken with shifting up proper now. There’s additionally a Cormier trilogy on the market. These appear to be the highest three decisions in the meanwhile.
1:08
Stipe Miocic says “it is cool” to be thought-about the best heavyweight of all time by Jon Jones, however in the end desires his daughter to be happy with him. For extra UFC, join right here for ESPN+ http://plus.espn.com/ufc.
four. I first met Cormier in particular person in November 2009. I used to be in Chicago overlaying a Strikeforce occasion and he was there together with his good pal Muhammed Lawal. Cormier was two months faraway from a profitable MMA debut. Wrestling followers knew him because the two-time Olympian, however to MMA followers, he was merely simply one other prospect. I’ve watched his profession flourish and Cormier and I’ve since spoken too many instances for me to depend.
Whereas I used to be genuinely glad for Miocic and his staff Saturday night time, I used to be equally unhappy for Cormier. For the longest time, Cormier’s story was full of heartbreak. He all the time fell wanting the large one. And now, abruptly, at 40 years outdated, he was on high of the world and so near going out on high. Nobody noticed this fairy story coming, together with Cormier. After which he loses like that. After he seemed so good early. He strayed from the sport plan — from his bread-and-butter wrestling — and succumbed to an exquisite adjustment by Miocic. It was exhausting to see him exit like that.
After I was briefly banned by the UFC in June 2016 and tweeted about what occurred, Cormier was one of many very first folks to name me that night time. This after his good pal Luke Rockhold simply misplaced his title.
“The whole lot goes to be alright, my man,” he advised me as I used to be getting emotional on the cellphone concerning the state of my profession. “Belief me.” Cormier even later tweeted one thing about me in help, which may have gotten him in scorching water.
I simply discovered this out. It is very unhappy. He is been the usual bearer in mma for a very long time. I hope one thing modifications https://t.co/PYwLq9Gtv4
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) June 5, 2016
That was a tricky second for me, and this time round, I will be the one to say Daniel, every part goes to be alright. I do know Cormier is heartbroken proper now. Everyone knows he would not deal with defeat very nicely. However I hope when the mud settles just a little bit, he’ll have the ability to take a step again and be happy with what he has achieved in his MMA profession. Saturday night time’s consequence would not change the truth that he is likely one of the all-time greats.
5. In case you missed it, Cormier did not retire final night time. I personally suppose he has nothing left to show. Plus, his physique has been breaking down lately and he has a ton of nice non-fighting alternatives ready for him. I do know the overwhelming majority of his staff desires him to retire, too. However I’m wondering if the competitor in him will not let him exit like that. Keep in mind, this is identical man who mentioned he’d solely take into account combating Jones once more if he may combat him at mild heavyweight. I additionally marvel if shedding the title truly will increase the probabilities of the Jones trilogy combat taking place as a result of he is no longer tied to the heavyweight division anymore. Regardless of the loss, I nonetheless consider that combat could be very profitable, and I believe the UFC will attempt to make it occur subsequent 12 months. For now, I’m glad Cormier did not decide come what may final night time. No want for that.
1:05
Daniel Cormier says he’s dissatisfied that he did not combat the way in which he educated vs. Stipe Miocic. For extra UFC, join right here for ESPN+ http://plus.espn.com/ufc.
6. The MMA world is a a lot better place when the Diaz brothers are combating and thriving, is not it? What a much-needed jolt of super-stardom Nate Diaz was final week. From exhibiting as much as open exercises smoking a joint, to his efficiency in opposition to Anthony Pettis to calling out Jorge Masvidal afterwards, Diaz got here throughout as one of many greatest stars within the sport once more. Nate and his older brother Nick are two of the neatest self-promoters on the market. They know precisely what they’re doing, although at instances that won’t appear to be the case. That was on full show, and Diaz’s return couldn’t come at a greater time for the UFC. They’re in determined want of — ahem — needle movers and Diaz stays one of many greatest on the market.
7. And guess what? Diaz is aware of this. And he is aware of a combat in opposition to Masvidal would do large enterprise. Masvidal is aware of this, too. I do know the UFC likes to have title fights headline pay-per-views, however I actually suppose you possibly can headline a PPV with that combat and it might do large enterprise. Some fights are greater than the belt, and that is certainly one of them. This is hoping they get it executed whereas each males have all this momentum. Dec. 14 in Las Vegas, anybody?
eight. Nick wasn’t in his brother’s nook Saturday night time, however he did not must be. Simply seeing the 2 pose for a photograph posted earlier than the combat was all longtime followers of the Diaz brothers wanted to see. There had been rumblings lately that the brothers aren’t as shut as they as soon as had been. I do not know if that’s true or not. I do comprehend it was nice to see them collectively earlier than the combat. I additionally seen that Nate talked about his brother and his academy each likelihood he may all week lengthy. Nick wasn’t within the constructing when the Pettis combat was taking place, however I do know he was watching someplace. I do know he has all the time had blended emotions concerning the combat sport and his brother being part of it, however I hope wherever he was that he was happy with how his brother fought and what he is develop into.
The immense recognition of Nate Diaz, left, was obvious at UFC 241, with chants of “Diaz! Diaz!” ringing within the Honda Middle all through his combat with Anthony Pettis. Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC through Getty Photos
9. By the way in which, credit score to Dana White for lastly admitting Nate Diaz was a needle-mover. Positive, it solely took 5 years, however higher late than by no means, proper?
10. Final week wasn’t a terrific one for Conor McGregor. First, video emerges of him allegedly punching an older man in an Irish bar from April, after which he watches Diaz and Masvidal, two potential future opponents, basically say they had been extra taken with combating one another than him. McGregor remains to be, by far, the most important draw within the sport, however his return cannot come quickly sufficient for his model and profession. He must get again on monitor out of the gymnasium, return, get a win and remind everybody who he’s. Till then, it appears like the remainder of the fighters — and loads of the followers — are content material with shifting on with out him.
11. “The combat sport. The very best of highs and lowest of lows.” That is what coach Duke Roufus advised me after I requested how Pettis was feeling after the loss to Diaz. There actually is not any higher approach of placing it. There’s an immense quantity of strain and a focus placed on these fighters’ shoulders going into these fights, and so they solely have 15 to 25 minutes to make all of it proper. Both they depart the world feeling on high of the world or it is all for naught. I can not think about going via that stress each few months. And it is exactly why I’ve the utmost respect for these women and men. Pettis broke his proper foot within the first spherical, per Roufus. It is unclear at the moment if he’ll require surgical procedure.
Anthony Pettis broke his proper foot within the first spherical of his loss to Nate Diaz final night time, in accordance his coach Duke Roufus. It’d require surgical procedure. They’re going to know for positive when he goes again dwelling to MKE. Pettis posted this picture of his foot afterwards. https://t.co/nAcQT7BRUT pic.twitter.com/IVsJgbP8Xy
– Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 18, 2019
12. Paulo Costa vs. Yoel Romero was every part we hoped it might be. Two behemoths throwing sledgehammers at one another and strolling ahead. Simply an unimaginable show of athleticism, will and energy. I believed it was a really exhausting combat to attain and initially had it for Romero, however I wish to watch it once more sooner or later. In the long run, although, that was the consequence the UFC wished. Little question. Costa vs. the winner of Robert Whittaker vs. Israel Adesanya is a contemporary title combat. Think about the trash speak if it is Adesanya vs. Costa? My goodness. As for Romero, I hope his subsequent combat is at mild heavyweight.
13. Look, hindsight is 20-20, however I believed the UFC made a mistake reserving Devonte Smith vs. Khama Worthy. Smith is somebody they’re very excessive on and desperately wished to maintain on this card after his unique opponent, John Makdessi, pulled out. So why e-book him in opposition to a man he is educated with for years and is buddies with, too? That gave Worthy a leg up and also you noticed what occurred.
2 Associated
14. Cory Sandhagen, who defeated veteran Raphael Assuncao convincingly at UFC 241, needs to be thought-about a high contender at 135 kilos, nevertheless, with champion Henry Cejudo rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder, a legend like Urijah Faber returning, a former champion in Dominick Cruz returning, Frankie Edgar shifting down, to not point out Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan within the combine, it appears like he’s unfairly distant from a title shot. I’m supremely impressed together with his abilities and really curious what they’ll do with him subsequent. How does Marlon Moraes sound?
15. Different performances of notice Saturday night time: Sodiq Yusuff, who continues to impress, Sabina Mazo, Casey Kenney and Drakkar Klose.
16. The UFC has booked Amanda Nunes vs. Germaine de Randamie 2 for the ladies’s bantamweight title on Dec. 14. With Cris Cyborg out of the image, this was the one combat to make. Good name. I am glad GDR is getting one other crack at being champion after she vacated the title in 2017 in what was one of many more odd tales in UFC historical past. Hopefully this offers her an opportunity to maneuver on, although it should drive her to reply many questions on that state of affairs for the subsequent 4 months.
One of the best insider within the sport, Ariel Helwani, and greatest persona within the sport, Chael Sonnen, break down the MMA weekend and stay up for the most important playing cards.
Watch on ESPN+
17. Probably the most surprising results of the weekend did not occur in Anaheim, however quite at Rizin 18 in Nagoya, Japan. That is the place comparatively unknown Kai Asakura knocked out Bellator and Rizin champion Kyoji Horiguchi in simply 68 seconds. The combat was a non-title combat, however nonetheless the harm has been executed. Horiguchi’s 13-fight successful streak is over.
18. What a shocking finish to Cat Zingano’s UFC run final week. Hopefully we are able to quickly get extra readability as to why she was abruptly launched. Whomever indicators Cyborg ought to wish to signal her, too.
19. By the way in which, how lengthy earlier than somebody produces a “baddest m—–f—– on the planet” belt, per Diaz’s request? If he would not have that in his palms by Friday on the newest, I might be very dissatisfied.
Monday’s Helwani Present lineup:
Cory Sandhagen proved that he is a legit contender at bantamweight together with his win over Raphael Assuncao this previous Saturday night time. Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports activities
1:00 p.m. ET: Weekend recap
1:05 p.m.: Cory Sandhagen
Sandhagen will talk about shifting to 5-Zero within the UFC after his win this previous Saturday and what is perhaps subsequent for him in a talent-filled bantamweight division.
1:20 p.m.: Stipe Miocic
Miocic will speak about regaining the UFC heavyweight crown and who his first title protection could come in opposition to.
1:35 p.m.: Nick Newell
Newell might be in studio discussing his Bellator debut this weekend.
2:05 p.m.: Eddie Alvarez
Alvarez will speak about his first ONE Championship win after defeating Eduard Folayang on Aug. 2.
Does the close to future for Francis Ngannou embody a UFC heavyweight title rematch with Stipe Miocic? Tim Gruber for ESPN
2:20 p.m.: Francis Ngannou
Ngannou will talk about his future, together with a possible rematch with Miocic, and being added to the forged of “Quick & Livid 9.”
2:35 p.m.: Holly Holm
“The Preacher’s Daughter” will speak about what’s subsequent for her in MMA.
2:50 p.m.: Mike Perry
Perry will give an replace on the damaged nostril he suffered at UFC Uruguay.
three:10 p.m.: Kurt Angle
The WWE Corridor of Famer and MMA fan will share his ideas on the game in addition to his present function with the professional wrestling firm.
three:30 p.m.: Jorge Masvidal
“Gamebred” will talk about his ideas on a possible combat with Nate Diaz, who referred to as him out at UFC 241.
three:50 p.m.: Stefan Struve
Struve will talk about his combat in December versus Ben Rothwell and considering retirement earlier within the 12 months.
four:05 p.m.: Paulo Costa
Costa will talk about his victory over Yoel Romero and ideas on doubtlessly being in line for a UFC middleweight title combat.