“I was surprised he got the matchup,” Stots told Cageside Press recently. “But then when you look at it, you know, he’s trying to fight somebody who, he thinks [their] boxing isn’t the best.”

Stots (15-1) trained with Askren in the past when the pair were working together at Rofusport. While many in the combat sports community are counting out “Funky” the 32-year-old isn’t one of them.

“I think Ben is a much better tactician,” Stots explained. “I also think Ben knows how to win. No matter the sport he’s in, he’s been a top-level athlete of three sports, Ultimate Frisbee, wrestling, and MMA. I think Jake Paul is going to be surprised, stepping up in competition.”

Through 22-career fights, Askren has only had 6 wins by KO/TKO. But Stots is confident in his former teammate and believes the 36-year-old will secure a finish.

“I think Ben is gonna end up wearing them down and TKO’ing him like the seventh or eighth round.”

Meanwhile, Stots will return to action against Josh Hill on May 7 at Bellator 258. The #4 ranked bantamweight is riding a seven-fight win streak since losing to current UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili in 2017.

Hill (20-3) is coming off back-to-back wins in Bellator, including a decision victory over former UFC bantamweight Erik Perez at Bellator 244 last August. Though 23-career fights, the Canadian has only been stopped once in his career. Stots plans to be the second.

“I think I finish him in the second by head kick,” Stots explained. “I feel like he stays really stagnant and he throws one shot. And I’m gonna counter the right way and get him out of there.”

Bellator 258 takes place May 7 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Bantamweight champion Juan Archuleta defends his title against Sergio Pettis in the main event.

The post Bellator 258’s Raufeon Stots Predicts Ben Askren Will TKO Jake Paul appeared first on Cageside Press.

“It was a little bad news that we can’t fight because we have a window in fighting that [closes] as we’re getting older,” Hamlet told Cageside Press. “But during that year I improved everything. So all in all, it was ok. Everything happens for a reason.”

Hamlet (6-1) seemed on the fast track to a UFC contract in 2019 after amassing a 5-0 start to his career. That was until he fought future UFC 205-pound fighter Modestas Bukauskas, who knocked out Hamlet in the fourth round at Cage Warriors 106. Had he won that vacant light heavyweight title match-up, Hamlet says would have likely competed on the UFC Denmark card.

“I believe that we [were] very close, if I got to win the title, I will be competing in Denmark for UFC,” Hamlet explained. “I won the three first rounds [against Bukauskas] and then I ruin it in the round four and I got TKO’ed. But I believe that loss came at the right time and I needed that to see I’m not ready for that big promotion. And as I said before, we’re finally here and I’m ready to go.”

Hamlet rebounded from his loss to Bukauskas later that year picking up a decision victory over Prince Aounallah at Superior Challenge 20, before signing with the PFL last year.

Meanwhile, Spohn (18-7) heads into this contest off back-to-back losses and will be looking for his first victory since August 2018. Prior to the setbacks, the 37-year-old amassed a six-fight win streak, including a TKO win over former UFC heavyweight Jeff Hughes.

While Hamlet isn’t overlooking his opponent, the Frontline Academy product believes he’s catching Spohn at the right time and is expecting another finish.

“I believe it will be a great fight, but to be honest with you … he’s 37 he’s, he’s on the end of his career,” Hamlet said. “I’m on the rise now, so I feel like I will end him in the first or second round. It will be good to pick up the three points for the victory. And three or two bonus points you know, to secure the quarterfinals.”

PFL 2021 #2 takes place April 29th at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. Former Bellator champion Rory MacDonald faces David Michaud in the main event.

The post Marthin Hamlet Nearly Fought For UFC Before PFL Signing appeared first on Cageside Press.

For the Fortis MMA product, it was a much-needed victory after coming off his first career loss and a lengthy layoff.

“It is definitely one of the best feelings I’ve ever had,” Nguyen told Cageside Press. “You know, I was actually very relaxed. I know there was pressure on me. But I try not to pay too much attention in there. As I said, I lost my Contender Series fight and I was supposed to fight back in November. But I had a shoulder injury that kept me out. So a lot of things are happening and I feel like this is the perfect timing for me to come right back.”

Nguyen (7-1) suffered his first career loss on DWCS in July 2019 after he was knocked out by Aalon Cruz. The 27-year-old missed all of 2020 due to injuries and the pandemic hampering regional MMA.

“I just recently moved to Dallas last March,” Nguyen explained. “As soon as we moved here, the pandemic happened, COVID-19 hit everything shut down. We had to go back to my hometown, Kansas, and we had to stay there for a couple of months. And then we finally got back to Dallas, everything’s looking good. Getting ready for a big fight, then about three weeks out, I injured my shoulder. So then that’s another six to eight-week recovery, at least.

“So then right after that, we’re looking for another fight for LFA on February. 19. Not a lot of people know actually kind of took this fight on somewhat of short notice as well. I found out who’s gonna be my opponent, pretty much on the week of my fight. We just had to take it, and just embrace the challenge.”

With the victory, “The Ninja” knows he’s in a good spot and isn’t wasting any time on his next move. That’s why the featherweight standout is staying ready in case of a short-notice call-up from the UFC.

“I’m in talks right now with my manager and my coach about some things coming up. I can’t really say too many details. Let’s say this, I’m going to stay ready, man. I don’t have a scratch on me. I’m going to continue to train, it’s not like I’m injured. So I’m just gonna get right back into the gym and taking the rest of this week off. And then it’s right back to work.”

Watch our full interview with LFA 100’s Steven Nguyen above!

The post LFA 100 Winner Steven Nguyen Staying Ready for Short-Notice UFC Opportunity appeared first on Cageside Press.

The layoff wasn’t by design, but ultimately as the 29-year-old explains, it was the right choice to wait things out.

“I was definitely trying to get a fight in there sooner,” Castaneda told Cageside Press recently. “I actually had a couple of offers. I forget exactly who, but it just worked out. We’ve been putting in some serious work and now we get a full camp. You know that last fight, I got a short-notice fight against a top dude. Nathaniel Wood was a tough guy [and now] I get a tough guy in Eddie Wineland. But I get a full camp, so confidence comes from the preparation and I’m prepared for this one for sure.”

Castaneda (17-5) dropped his third fight in his last four outings with a unanimous decision setback to Wood at UFC Fight Island 3. Prior to the skid, Castaneda amassed an impressive 14-2 record.

One benefit for the Mankato Martial Arts product is that this fight will take place in Las Vegas, a place where “Sexy Mexi” has never lost.

“I like to joke about it, but I’m undefeated in Vegas,” Castaneda explained. “And I think I’m like 3-0 or 2-0 or something like that. But the time difference for sure [will make a difference]. The [Wood] fight in Abu Dhabi, was a lot to adjust to. I think I got like four hours of sleep like the last two nights leading up to my fight, which, you know, is no excuse by any means, but it definitely is a little bit different to get used to you know?”

Wineland (24-11-1) hasn’t fought since a first-round TKO loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 250 in June 2020. The 36-year-old has also dropped three of his last four fights and will be looking for just his second win since 2017.

Castaneda believes his speed and cardio will be the difference against the former UFC title challenger.

“I feel like it’s a great matchup,” Castaneda said. “I think that Eddie Wineland is just such a good boxer. I think that’s his style, you know? A hard nosed boxer. I don’t think he’s got much of a kickboxing or muay thai pedigree, but you know, that’s where I feel like I’m going to exploit him a little bit. I’m outhustling him. That’s the only prediction I got out-hustling him in all aspects.”

UFC Vegas 19 takes place on February 20 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes battles Derrick Lewis in the main event.

The post UFC Vegas 19’s John Castaneda Taking Patient Approach To UFC Career appeared first on Cageside Press.

Excellent performance last night! CLINICAL wrestling performance! .@mo_milla

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 5, 2020

“I didn’t think [the finish] would get that much of a response,” Miller told Cageside Press recently. “Because I did that before and it didn’t go viral or anything but I guess since this is a bigger platform, more people seen it. Aljo [Aljamain Sterling] shouted me out. I don’t really know him. So I think that’s cool.”

Miller (5-0) picked up his second-straight victory under the LFA banner with his TKO finish on December 4. In September, the 28-year-old submitted previously undefeated Mando Gutierrez at LFA 90.

The Strong Style Fight Team member, who trains with Stipe Miocic, got a nice message from the current heavyweight champion after the victory.

“[Miocic] texted me right after the fight,” Miller explained. “It’s validation, you know what I mean? Because I don’t get those texts every day.”

“Mo Show” understands the implications with a win like that and that’s why he’s staying ready during the holidays.

“I’d like to return February or after February, not too much longer if that’s LFA,” Miller said.”If it’s a bigger promotion, I’m ready when they call. No matter what I’m going to eat on Christmas and then I just lose the weight the next day. I’m definitely not going to get too much heavier. I’m gonna stay in decent striking range of my weight. And I’m just gonna enjoy myself and I’m gonna stay ready. It’s possible an opportunity could come. I don’t want to be out of shape.”

Watch our full interview with LFA 96 star Mo Miller above.

The post Viral LFA 96 Winner Mo Miller Staying Ready For Potential UFC Call appeared first on Cageside Press.

The American Top Team Atlanta product flirted with the idea of 125-pounds in the past but after speaking to specialists at the UFC Performance Institute, Durden knew that now was the right time.

“I went down to [the UFC PI], got tests done, and really found out more about the science behind my body,” Durden told Cageside Press. “I’ve been following Clint [Wattenberg’s]  advice, and they send me emails through Trifecta. I’ve just really been focusing on the weight and peaking at the right time. I’m ready.”

Durden (11-2-1) is coming off a draw against Chris Gutierrez in his promotional debut back in August at UFC Vegas 5. The Georgia native dominated the first round of that bout, however, he was not able to capitalize on a finish for the next two rounds. Along with a switch in weight class, Durden also spent some time at American Top Team in Florida.

“I just spent a few consecutive weeks down there,” Durden explained. “Really just focusing on fighting. Training two, three times a day. Working on the gameplan and just really getting better. And I just know Kyoji [Horiguchi] can’t tap me out, there’s no way this guy’s gonna be able to submit me for sure.”

Flick (15-5) submitted Nate Smith on DWCS in September to pick up a UFC contract. The 30-year-old will be making his UFC debut and has won five of his last six fights. Despite Flick having 13-career submission victories, Durden feels he can hold his own in the jiu-jitsu department.

“I think it’s going to be a tough, hard fight,” Durden said. “Jimmy Flick obviously he wants to get it to the ground. But I have no problem going to the ground. So I’m confident that if it goes to the ground, I’ll be comfortable there as well.”

UFC Vegas 16 takes place Saturday, December 5 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Middleweight contender Jack Hermansson faces Marvin Vettori in the main event.

The post Cody Durden ‘Peaking at the Right Time’ Ahead of Drop to Flyweight at UFC Vegas 16 appeared first on Cageside Press.

Unfortunately, longtime coach Dan Golkar won’t be making the trip to Connecticut due to COVID-19 related issues.

“So I was supposed to go actually, Jeremy bought me tickets and everything,” Golkar told Cageside Press. “And then this COVID thing is making a little bit more difficult than I thought. So this will be the second fight I’ve missed with Jeremy in damn near a decade.  So you know, it sucks, but Eric (Nicksick)’s there. Even if I’m not there, and Eric’s not there and Jeremy just goes in there. It’s a fistfight. He’s really good at fist-fighting people. So we’re good.”

Kennedy (15-2) hasn’t fought since his “No Contest” against Daniel Pineda at PFL 2019 #8 in October 2019. Originally a submission win for Pineda, the 35-year-old tested positive for banned substances which overturned the matchup.

Like Pineda, Kennedy will be fighting another experienced opponent in fellow UFC veteran Bessette. Golkar is well aware of Bessette’s durability but believes Kennedy hasn’t even shown his true potential yet in the cage.

“We’re excited man,” Golkar said. “Like he doesn’t have the best name, but you look at his record, and he’s only been finished twice in damn near 40-fights. So he’s a tough customer. And I’m excited for Jeremy to finally show how good he is in the cage. Because no one has seen it. Once Jeremy shows how good he is, like, the potential that he has, he’s reached 70% of it. When he just 100% man, people are in trouble.”

Along with Kennedy, Golkar has also been working with top Canadian women’s flyweight prospect Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels. The 30-year-old was slated to compete against Chelsea Hackett on November 17 at DWCS before visa issues forced her off the card.

“So what we heard was the fight was a go and the camp was amazing,” Golkar explained. “And then all of a sudden, we get the news that she’s recognizable enough. I don’t really know what that means for a visa purpose, not recognizable enough. I’m not quite sure how that works in the States, but everything happens for a reason.”

Golkar added, “(Her manager Jason House) obviously doing his best. But when the UFC or whoever’s denying the visas, it’s out of her hands. She’s ready to go, she’s excited and this is the best she’s looked since I started working with her.”

The post Coach Dan Golkar Won’t Be Cornering Jeremy Kennedy For Bellator 253 appeared first on Cageside Press.

“I was scared to death, to be honest,” Osborn told Cageside Press when discussing the COVID-19 pandemic. “Because my biggest, one of my biggest issues, being a regional fighter has been staying active. And for me, it’s not that I haven’t wanted to take fights. It’s that I just haven’t been able to get them. And then this happens. Last year, I had a broken collarbone. So I was out for a whole year. And then I fight in February and then I’m on the sidelines for who knows how long.”

Osborn (2-2) looks to get back on the winning track as he faces late replacement opponent Santiago Guzman (he was originally slated to fight Gary Spencer during this interview). The Las Vegas native has dropped back-to-back decision losses which has prompted a move up to welterweight.

“The plan for me is to stay (at welterweight),” Osborn explained. “Because especially right now, all the fights are going to be on short notice. I can’t cut 30 pounds on short notice. It’s been just killing my body to do it. And I’ve noticed I’m way more resilient. I don’t get as many bumps and bruises throughout the training. So it’s been great. I plan on staying here.”

Osborn has also enlisted the services of DWCS veteran Aaron Jeffery, who works as a nutritionist along with his fight career. The pair met when Jeffery spent some time training at Syndicate MMA last year.

“This was when my collarbone was broken, so I got to know him,” Osborn said. “He’s a really nice guy and I knew he did the nutrition business as well. I also know that he made the jump from welterweight to middleweight, which was another 15-pound jump. So I just started asking him questions and then we just started working together. It’s been fantastic.”

Osborne’s opponent Guzman (0-1) replaces Spencer who was forced out of the fight due to an eye injury. The 28-year-old hasn’t fought since his professional debut in December 2017 at Fury FC 21 where he lost to Nick Gay after landing an illegal knee to a downed opponent.

Atlas Fights 57 takes place on November 7 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Convention Center in Biloxi, MS.

The post Syndicate MMA Prospect Justin Osborn “Scared To Death” He Wouldn’t Get To Fight This Year appeared first on Cageside Press.

The Tristar MMA product credits Jeremy Rubin, a manager within the gym for helping him secure this opportunity.

“I was looking to get my own fight for a good little while,” Wilson told Cageside Press. “And then I was talking to Jeremy Rubin and he actually ended up being able to get it for me. It was like probably like three or four months maybe to try to do it on my own and then, Jeremy ended up hooking me up.”

Wilson (6-3) will be dropping down to his natural weight class of 135 pounds after suffering a decision loss at BTC 8 to Matthew DiMarcantonio at featherweight. The Kingston, Ontario native likes his chances against Johnson, especially if the fight hits the mat.

“So he has like a lot of tape, obviously he’s coming off the Contender Series in September,” Wilson explained. “If you watch that fight it’s pretty clear he’s got a hole in his grappling. So he’s a really good striker but when it comes to the ground and comes to takedown defense, stuff like that he’s not the best.”

Johnson (11-6) lost a decision to Ronnie Lawrence on DWCS: Week 5 which snapped his five-fight win streak. The 25-year-old has never lost back-to-back fights and boasts nine wins by stoppage.

Wilson thinks this bantamweight fight will be a feeling-out process in the early going, but believes it’s only a matter of time before he submits him.

“I mean, he’s good the first round. So I’ll probably gonna have to weather that for a couple of minutes in the first round. But then soon, by the second or third, I’m gonna get a sub.”

Picking up a victory over a DWCS veteran would be huge for the Canadian, and Wilson knows the implications that would follow should he emerge victorious on Saturday.

“‘I’m hoping that if I beat him and get out of it uninjured, I could (be a replacement) on Contender Series. Maybe if someone gets injured like a 35er and then I can get on something like that at the end of the Contender Series (season). If not, then next summer and I’ll take another fight. And hopefully, I can get on there.”

Strikehard Productions 57 tasks place Saturday at Faucett Brothers Activity Center in Northport, Alabama.

The post Tristar MMA’s Tyler Wilson Aiming For DWCS Shot With A Victory Saturday appeared first on Cageside Press.

“So around December … my manager messaged me that he was in talks about getting me on Contender Series,” Ksiazkiewicz told Cagesie Press. “They were planning on having it in the spring. We signed the contract way back in February, actually, for Contenders. And I guess in February, they changed it for the summer. So originally my fight was supposed to be July 14, I believe, and then got pushed back to September 29. And, you know, here we are training for November 10. So it’s been like a nine-month camp.”

Ksiazkiewicz (8-0) last fought in November 2019 when he submitted Guilherme Miranda in the first round at Teofista: Fight For The Troops. It was the seventh stoppage victory in eight career fights for the Canadian.

Sousa (11-1) is also coming off a first-round submission victory over Mauricio Queiroz at Metanoia FC 4 in Oct. 2019, which pushed the Brazilian’s winning streak to four straight. The 24-year-old’s lone career loss came in 2018 against DWCS vet Leonardo Silva at MMA Brazil Tour 1.

The Winnipeg Academy of Mixed Martial Arts product likes the style matchup, even though his opponent has a significant height advantage.

“I feel I match up really well,” Ksiazkiewicz explained. “I’ve probably been training twice as long as he has. I think the most awkward thing with Sousa is going to be his height. He’s like six foot six like that’s probably going to be the most awkward thing.”

Ksiazkiewicz looks to join TJ Laramie as just the second Canadian to win a UFC contract on DWCS. The 31-year-old expects to finish his opponent on November 10 and achieve that feat.

“Maybe there will be a little bit of a feel out process at first just to get used to his range,”  Ksiazkiewicz said. “But I feel that I’m going to figure it out really quick and you know, first, second-round finish is what I see right now.”

Dana White’s Contender 2020: Week 9 takes place November 10 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Currently, no main event has been officially announced.

The post DWCS: Mariusz Ksiazkiewicz Aims To Be Next Canadian To Win A UFC Contract appeared first on Cageside Press.