Ariel Helwani’s MMA ideas: Fame hasn’t price Khabib Nurmagomedov his hearth
The UFC is again in lovely Vancouver, British Columbia, this weekend.
When the UFC visits Canada, the cardboard is normally stuffed up with a bunch of Canadians. Nonetheless, this one options solely three Canucks, which is tied for the least quantity of Canadians on a UFC card within the historical past of the promotion’s 30 journeys to the Nice White North. Often this may make me, a proud Canadian, a bit unhappy, however when you think about UFC 240 was in Edmonton lower than two months in the past and that card featured seven Canadians, I get it, and I settle for it.
Saturday’s UFC Struggle Evening predominant occasion should not be brief on motion. Justin Gaethje will tackle Donald Cerrone in Vancouver, with a stoppage very seemingly. Gaethje hasn’t had a battle determined by the judges in 5 years, whereas 12 of Cerrone’s final 15 fights did not go the space.
UFC Struggle Evening: Cowboy vs. Gaethje
• Saturday, Vancouver, British Columbia
• Prelims: ESPN+, 5 p.m. ET
• Essential card: ESPN+, eight p.m. ET
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Nonetheless, there’s quite a bit to love on this card: In fact, the Donald Cerrone vs. Justin Gaethje battle is phenomenal, however I am additionally intrigued by Michel Pererira’s potential second UFC look (I notice potential as a result of he’s at present with out an opponent after his unique foe, Sergey Khandozhko, was pressured to withdraw attributable to visa points), Todd Duffee’s first battle in additional than 4 years and the return of up-and-comer Brad Katona.
Along with that card, we have additionally obtained KSW 50 this weekend, which, understanding how the Polish-based promotion loves the pomp and circumstance of a giant occasion, must be a fantastic scene.
However earlier than we get to all that, listed below are some ideas on a memorable week in combined martial arts:
The Lede
Khabib Nurmagomedov used his devastating floor sport to regulate his battle with Dustin Poirier at UFC 242. Per Haljestam/USA TODAY Sports activities
Khabib Nurmagomedov is probably the most dominant fighter within the historical past of MMA.
Sure, I do know we within the media tend to overhype issues instantly after a battle. I do know we regularly get caught up within the second. I’ve been responsible of that.
In my protection, I’ve been saying this for nearly two years. And when you think about Nurmagomedov’s excellent 28-Zero professional document (12-Zero within the UFC) and that he has misplaced just one spherical in these 12 UFC fights (Spherical three versus Conor McGregor), I really feel assured making this daring assertion. And it isn’t simply in regards to the document, in fact. It is about the truth that he completely mauls his opponents. He suffocates them. He stifles them. And that dominance was on show Saturday afternoon towards Dustin Poirier.
Positive, Poirier had his moments — the start of the second spherical and that guillotine within the third — however you by no means actually obtained the sense Nurmagomedov was ever in bother.
Reality be instructed, I had some doubts about Nurmagomedov heading into this battle. The stress of combating in entrance of the partisan Abu Dhabi crowd was immense. The newfound fame after the McGregor win was profound. Loads had modified since his earlier battle 11 months in the past, and I used to be questioning if it could have an effect on him negatively. I questioned if he had misplaced his killer intuition.
I used to be reminded of that well-known Marvin Hagler quote going into this battle: “It is robust to get off the bed to do roadwork at 5 a.m. if you’ve been sleeping in silk pajamas.”
You get the purpose, proper? Life has perpetually modified for Nurmagomedov and we have seen numerous fighters lose that fireside as soon as they grow to be multimillionaires. Look no additional than McGregor himself for a current instance.
Ultimately, Nurmagomedov was simply as spectacular as ever. Simply as dominant as ever. Probably the most dominant ever, in reality.
And sure, I’ve heard of Jon Jones. He is actually good, too. However, lest we neglect, Jones has had some moments of vulnerability. He has misplaced loads of rounds. He has gotten beat up. That has by no means occurred to Nurmagomedov.
Is the Dagestani the best ever? Too quickly. Present pound-for-pound king? Very attainable. Most dominant ever? Little doubt.
Fifth time’s a attraction
2 Associated
Typically when a champ wins, there is a debate about who must be subsequent for her or him.
This isn’t a type of instances.
Subsequent for Nurmagomedov needs to be Tony Ferguson. It simply needs to be. Ferguson has gained 12 in a row and Nurmagomedov has gained 12 straight within the UFC. They have been booked to battle one another 4 occasions, however a fifth try should be made.
That is the battle. Little doubt about it. Finish of story.
What about Conor?
I recognize the truth that McGregor known as for the rematch in Moscow on social media following UFC 242. I’ve little doubt he is being critical, too.
Ebook my rematch for Moscow.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 7, 2019
However if you happen to ask me, he ought to get the winner of this weekend’s Gaethje vs. Cerrone battle. I do not suppose it could be sensible to leap again in versus Nurmagomedov. Get a win, get your mojo again after which battle for the belt. A battle towards both Gaethje or Cerrone can be favorable for McGregor. That must be the sport plan.
Greater than W’s and L’s
Dustin Poirier did not disguise his feelings following his loss to UFC light-weight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov on Saturday. Per Haljestam/USA TODAY Sports activities
It was onerous to look at a heartbroken Poirier speak in regards to the loss within the cage. I hope he would not actually imagine he let anybody down. Poirier has by no means taken or requested for a shortcut. He took the lengthy highway to get to that battle and he merely fell brief towards the most effective ever.
I keep in mind interviewing him backstage after his loss to Chan Sung Jung in 2012. The final consensus was a win would get him a title shot versus then-featherweight champion Jose Aldo. Sadly for Poirier, he misplaced that battle, and when he got here to speak to us he could not cease crying. He was devastated. Similar to he was Saturday evening. I really feel like a variety of us have a stronger emotional connection to his journey as a result of we have been aware of his humble beginnings because of the documentary “Fightville” I wrote about final week. I feel that is why these moments hit a few of us somewhat tougher. Or perhaps it is as a result of we all know Poirier represents the perfect MMA has to supply out and in of the cage and it stings to see him hurting like that.
You have certainly heard in regards to the Poirier household’s Good Struggle Basis. It is a outstanding labor of affection that continues to assist the much less lucky. So it was very nice to see Nurmagomedov swap shirts with him and say he would promote the one he was carrying and donate all of the proceeds to Poirier’s charity. Contemplating how ugly the conclusion of Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor was, this was a wonderful solution to finish UFC 242.
Reminiscences
After UFC 242 was over, I used to be reminded of an interview I did with Nurmagomedov instantly after UFC 181 in December 2014. This was proper after then-lightweight champion Anthony Pettis beat Gilbert Melendez. I keep in mind seeing Nurmagomedov backstage on the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas with one different member of his staff. There was no huge entourage round, no media following him.
On the time, Nurmagomedov, who was 6-Zero within the UFC, was nursing a torn ACL he suffered months prior. The harm scrapped a giant battle towards Cerrone and left his future considerably doubtful. In reality, that harm led to a two-year layoff for Nurmagomedov and three canceled fights attributable to a string of unhealthy luck and accidents. It is simple to neglect about these days now as we see him evolve into one of many largest megastars this sport has ever seen. However not that way back, Nurmagomedov was labeled as injury-prone and unreliable. The followers had begun to activate him because of the fixed accidents. It felt like he was headed down the “by no means was” path relatively than realizing his true potential.
Throughout that interview, Nurmagomedov known as for a title battle towards Anthony Pettis. He stated Pettis was afraid of him. I felt unhealthy for Nurmagomedov that evening. He was making an attempt onerous to select a battle with a man who has by no means been labeled as scared. He appeared determined. 5 years later, these days really feel like an afterthought. I am glad the accidents are behind him and we have been in a position to be taught simply how good he actually is.
Different 242 ideas
I assumed Paul Felder beat Edson Barboza 29-28, however I positively do not agree with these two 30-27 scorecards. Past wacky. … Curtis Blaydes’ floor and pound is basically scary. Like, actually, actually scary. … How did Joanne Calderwood comply with up a disappointing efficiency towards Katlyn Chookagian again in June? With what I assumed was a stable victory over Andrea Lee, who had gained seven fights in a row. I assumed Calderwood appeared superb in that battle and reasserted herself as a participant at 125 kilos. She might very effectively be subsequent for champion Valentina Shevchenko. … Belal Muhammad, Muslim Salikhov and newcomer Ottman Azaitar additionally impressed.
Yet another ‘sizzling’ take
I wasn’t in attendance, however from speaking to individuals all week and those that lined the occasion, it is not possible to disclaim that the intense warmth performed an element. A number of fighters famous how a lot it affected them, and I additionally observed many have been huffing and puffing of their postfight interviews. The larger query now could be how does the UFC keep away from this for his or her future occasions in Abu Dhabi? They’re scheduled to return no less than 4 extra occasions within the subsequent 4 years, so how do they be taught from this? As you’ll have heard, they constructed this makeshift “area” in two months and have been working across the clock to complete it within the hours earlier than the occasion. In line with a number of sources, the air flow and cooling wasn’t on level within the days main as much as the occasion. So, both they construct the stadium effectively upfront subsequent time and ensure that is all buttoned up or they discover a higher answer? I do not know. These are points which can be effectively above my pay grade, but when this challenge is not addressed I believe the UFC could have a tough time convincing fighters to battle on these playing cards sooner or later.
The making of a superfight
The highway to creating Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal was a wild one. It has been some time since there’s been a match-making story like this, so enable me to elucidate:
Days after Diaz’s win over Pettis final month, the UFC reached out to his staff to make the Masvidal battle for Madison Sq. Backyard on Nov. 2. As chances are you’ll recall, Diaz known as out Masvidal after his win, so there was a want to get it performed as quickly as attainable.
Nonetheless, it appeared early on that it could be onerous to come back to phrases with Diaz on a deal for this battle, so the UFC determined to show its consideration to UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington because the UFC 244 predominant occasion. UFC mild heavyweight champion Jon Jones vs. Jan Blachowicz was additionally on the desk, however Jones did not need to battle so quickly, sources say.
Drawback is, it turned obvious round 9 or so days in the past that it was going to be onerous to make a cope with Covington for this battle. So, the UFC turned its consideration to Masvidal for Usman. Considerably surprisingly, Masvidal jumped on that chance comparatively shortly. Nonetheless, the subsequent downside was Usman and the UFC out of the blue have been far aside on a deal, too. This angered the UFC brass to the purpose that they even threatened to strip Usman and pulled him from all of his visitor fighter duties in Abu Dhabi, in keeping with a number of sources. So, the UFC then turned its consideration to reserving Masvidal vs. Leon Edwards for the vacant title, nevertheless, within the midst of all Hail Mary was thrown Diaz’s solution to salvage all of this. Guess what? It labored.
Come Thursday, talks have been going effectively with Diaz and Masvidal, and abruptly Usman, Covington and Edwards have been within the rearview mirror. The UFC was decided to get this battle performed. It was the battle the individuals needed, in any case. By Thursday evening, they have been in a great spot.
That is why come Friday morning Usman began tweeting about combating at MSG, as did Covington. They have been seeing their huge battle, on the largest stage, slip away. Sadly for them, it was too late.
UFC got here to phrases with Diaz and Masvidal on Friday evening and each fighters signed their bout agreements shortly thereafter. Diaz traditionally delays signing his bout settlement as a result of he views that as the start of his battle camp, however would not ya realize it, I am instructed he is so targeted on this battle that he truly began his camp on Thursday. A day earlier than the battle was even finalized.
So it is on. Diaz vs. Masvidal. Nov. 2. Madison Sq. Backyard. Essential occasion. 5 rounds. Arguably the largest battle of the yr is definitely taking place.
The UFC has at all times made some extent to headline playing cards with a title battle, so kudos to them for recognizing some fights and fighters are greater than a belt. This one is unquestionably greater than any title. That is the fitting name.
In reality, it is the primary non-title PPV predominant occasion since Diaz vs. McGregor 2 in August 2016. It proves that Diaz is usually a huge draw with out McGregor, as soon as and for all.
Which brings me to the Baddest (expletive) title everybody retains speaking about.
I am all for both Diaz or Masvidal making a title. That makes it cool and enjoyable. However I actually hope the UFC would not truly make a BMF title. I feel that may devalue their present belts. What’s subsequent? The Daddest Man on the Planet belt? Or how about The Finest Hair within the Division belt? You get the purpose. As soon as the promotion makes it, it isn’t as cool. It jogs my memory of when Bellator determined to market the heck out of the Fedor Sweater. Keep in mind that? That immediately turned a cool web joke right into a lame dad joke. Do not do it, UFC. Let the fighters deal with that one. Thank me later.
And I do know what you are pondering: loosen up, Helwani. It is simply cage combating. You are proper. I recognize professional wrestling (as a result of make no mistake about it, that is as professional wrasslin’ because it will get) as a lot as the subsequent man. I really like the truth that the UFC is loosening up its collar a bit right here. I really like that they even used the time period on the promo to announce the battle. That is all good. I am only a stickler for nuance and subtlety, I assume. I am old-school. The belts ought to imply one thing. And keep in mind, the nWo belt was cool as a result of Hulk Hogan spray painted it. Not as a result of WCW handed it over (I do know that could be going over a few of your heads, however simply belief me on this one, please.)
What in regards to the precise title battle?
The most effective insider within the sport, Ariel Helwani, and finest character, Chael Sonnen, break down the MMA weekend and stay up for the largest playing cards. Watch on ESPN+
Imagine it or not, that is all a blessing in disguise for Usman and Covington. The UFC did not need to negotiate with them for MSG anymore, they usually have been about to kill two fights the followers needed to see to show some extent. They have been additionally about to kill two fights to make one which had no warmth behind it.
You see, nobody was clamoring for Masvidal vs. Usman. Everybody needed Usman vs. Covington and Diaz vs. Masvidal. That was very clear. So, now that the latter is a performed deal, it provides everybody an opportunity to reset and catch their breath. Talks ought to restart with the Usman and Covington groups and the UFC ought to attempt to make that battle for December.
However if you happen to ask me, do not put it on the final pay-per-view of the yr on Dec. 14. That one has sufficient title fights on it. Proper now, it might have no less than three (Amanda Nunes vs. Germaine de Randamie, Max Holloway vs. Alexander Volkanovski and Jones vs. Blachowicz). Make Usman vs. Covington in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7. What a spot for that battle, proper? Sure, I do know that card already has a predominant occasion — Alistair Overeem vs. Walt Harris — however it is a method greater battle, and I doubt the massive boys will thoughts going from 5 rounds to 3. This might arrange a large finish of the yr for the corporate.
I see a variety of followers criticizing Usman and Covington for overplaying their arms final week. I’ve no points with how they dealt with their enterprise. They did not take to the media to make calls for (they solely popped up on social media as soon as it was too late) they usually shot their shot. Ultimately, the UFC did not suppose they have been price what they have been asking. Hopefully they will determine it out quickly as a result of I feel it could be a disgrace if that battle would not get performed subsequent.
And whereas we’re determining the complete high of the welterweight division, I’d go forward and ebook Tyron Woodley vs. Leon Edwards on the Dec. 14 card. Winner will get the title shot subsequent. Good.
Oh, one last item on the welterweights: There is a false impression on the market that Covington and Masvidal are shut mates. As I discussed on this house weeks in the past, that isn’t true. They was mates however had a falling out not too long ago. So when Covington attacked Masvidal on Twitter late final week, I noticed a bunch of individuals — journalists, too — on-line claiming their beef was faux. It’s not. I believe extra will come out on this story within the coming weeks, however belief me, the meat is actual. I do know it is onerous to make sense of what’s actual and what’s not with Covington nowadays, however this one is legit.
What’s subsequent for a legend?
Dana White instructed ESPN’s Brett Okamoto final week that BJ Penn will not battle for the promotion once more. Whereas late, that’s the proper name. The query is: Will the UFC launch him? Will they assist him get assist? I’m genuinely involved about Penn’s well-being and afraid if he is left unemployed he’ll proceed to get in bother. Hopefully he has the fitting individuals round him who’re serving to him transition, and hopefully there is not a promoter on the market who’s going to attempt to capitalize on his title. Drawback is, I imagine there are a lot of on the market who will select to take action. That is when issues can get actually unhealthy.
Penn’s demise jogs my memory a variety of what occurred to Jason “Mayhem” Miller. For the longest time, Miller was one of the crucial charismatic and entertaining fighters within the sport. Sadly, his life spiraled uncontrolled as of late and he has repeatedly discovered himself in bother with the regulation.
In a considerably unusual coincidence, Miller ended his two-year social media silence final week. I used to be happy to see that he acknowledges he misplaced management and hope he is in a position to determine issues out earlier than it is too late.
Cyborg strikes on
No shock Cris Cyborg signed with Bellator. Given her relationship with Scott Coker from the Strikeforce days, I’d have been shocked if she signed with anybody aside from Bellator. I like that she signed with the promotion that’s residence to probably the most aggressive featherweight division within the sport. Potential fights with champion Julia Budd and prospect Janay Harding are fascinating. And if Bellator can signal Cat Zingano, too, (they’re speaking) that may positively be one other fascinating battle for her. I do have questions surrounding Bellator’s declare that her deal is now probably the most profitable in girls’s MMA historical past, what with Ronda Rousey combating for seven figures not that way back. However hey, promoters gonna promote, proper? Hopefully Cyborg is blissful now and may put the ugly conclusion to her UFC run behind her.
Traditional Kongo
The ending of the Ryan Bader vs. Cheick Kongo Bellator heavyweight title battle was bizarre. Kongo claimed he could not see out of his left eye as a result of he was poked. Nonetheless, all of the replays appeared to recommend there wasn’t a poke. So, the battle resulted in a no contest. Bader was effectively on his solution to successful, so I do not see a must run it again. The battle summed up Kongo’s profession, which has been crammed with unusual moments. The ending obtained even weirder when Bader and Kongo’s buddy Quinton Jackson obtained into an altercation within the cage. Jackson has by no means appreciated Bader since he misplaced to him at UFC 144 in 2012. Fortunately, it did not get ugly in there. And no, I do not suppose Bellator will now contemplate reserving Bader vs. Jackson 2. Final I heard, the plan was Jackson vs. Fedor Emelianenko in Japan on the finish of the yr.
On my thoughts
Anybody else discover Bellator’s Emmanuel Sanchez paying homage to the previous JacksonWink fighters, then doing the Wanderlei Silva hand roll earlier than his featherweight event battle on Saturday? I liked that. … Talking of the event, I assumed it obtained off to a stable begin Saturday, although I really feel just like the MMA neighborhood was burnt out after UFC 242 and hardly paid consideration to that card. … Irish prospect Ian Garry improved to 2-Zero with a wonderful knockout at Cage Warriors on Friday. Bear in mind his title. … Boy, it did not take lengthy for Alexander Gustafsson to rethink his retirement, eh? … Congrats to Eddie Alvarez on receiving his black belt from Ricardo Almeida final week. … UFC introduced that Junior dos Santos vs. Alexander Volkov will headline the Moscow occasion on Nov. 9. Strong heavyweight battle, however I am shocked they did not ebook it for the next week’s present in São Paulo contemplating JDS has by no means had a UFC battle in Brazil, imagine it or not, and is at present on the Brazilian model of Dancing With the Stars. …
Yet another factor
I requested Georges St-Pierre on Saturday evening if he watched the Nurmagomedov vs. Poirier battle. He did. “Nice efficiency,” he stated. “He’s a really, superb fighter and nobody has been capable of finding his weak point. Nice champion, too.” I additionally requested if he heard UFC president Dana White’s coy “certain” response when requested a few potential Nurmagomedov vs. St-Pierre battle. He examine it, however he isn’t holding his breath. Neither am I. For now.
Monday’s Helwani Present lineup:
Will Colby Covington, proper, get a UFC welterweight title battle with Kamaru Usman within the coming months? Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC by way of Getty Pictures
1:00 p.m. ET: Weekend recap
1:10 p.m.: Joanne Calderwood will recap her win over Andrea Lee.
1:25 p.m.: Javier Mendez, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach, will talk about the win over Dustin Poirier.
1:40 p.m.: Colby Covington will clarify why the Kamaru Usman negotiations broke down and the place he goes from right here.
2:00 p.m.: Cris Cyborg will speak about why she signed with Bellator.
2:25 p.m.: Cain Velasquez will be part of us in studio to speak about his budding lucha libre profession and his MMA future.
three:10 p.m.: Todd Duffee will speak about his return after a four-year layoff this weekend in Vancouver.
three:30 p.m.: Tony Ferguson will react to Nurmagomedov’s win and talk about what’s subsequent for him.
three:45 p.m.: Ryan Bader, the two-division Bellator champion, will talk about the controversial ending to his heavyweight title protection this previous weekend.
four:05 p.m.: Jorge Masvidal will preview his Nov. 2 battle towards Nate Diaz.