Strickland Calls Out BKFC, Promotion Claps Back

Sean Strickland had a point when he called out BKFC for signing over the hill UFC fighters. Really, that has kind of been their business model. But being honest, he took an L on this one.

I mean…….damn. #UFC #MMA #BKFC pic.twitter.com/rOuA2GDXvv

— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) February 20, 2023

Marquardt Takes Heat for Homophobic Tweets

Nate Marquardt took offense to an advertisement during UFC Vegas 69 that showed two men kissing. Conveniently forgetting that every remote control has an off button and option to change channel (or, if you’re streaming, you know, hit that little X to let your voice be heard), he opted to voice his disgust on Twitter.

The end result… did not go well for Marquardt, especially when the former Strikeforce champ and UFC title challenger doubled down, suggesting that those guilty of homosexuality and fornication deserved death.

Wow disgusting commercial watching @ESPNPlus with my kids and have to tell them to look away so they don’t see two men kissing! 🤮@ufc @espn #barf #disgusting

— Nate Marquardt (@NathanMarquardt) February 19, 2023

It is not hateful to say that homosexuality, pedophilia, or fornication is disgusting. It’s not loving to be silent when the culture praises things that lead people to Hell (1Cor 6:9-11). It’s not hateful, but loving to protect children from this world’s evil demented propaganda

— Nate Marquardt (@NathanMarquardt) February 19, 2023

Seriously. Death. We’re dubious that Nate Marquardt is living the life of a celibate priest, but even if he is — tone it down a bit there, Nate.

https://twitter.com/NathanMarquardt/status/1627352202166648835

Since Marquardt is no longer an active fighter, he doesn’t need to worry about being cancelled. That said, Nate should probably remember that in the real world, you’re going to come across things you don’t like and people different than you. It’s not all that hard to avoid them if you really need to (again, just turn it off), instead of saying they’re “worthy of death.” For someone saying people need Jesus, he sure forgot the whole “do unto others” thing.

William Knight Gets Death Threats from “Fans” After UFC Vegas 69

It cannot be said enough: if you are the type of dirtbag who sends death threats to athletes because they “let you down,” or cost you money betting, or because your life is just that empty — kindly leave the sport. Leave all sports.

After a downright puzzling lack of action in his fight with Marcin Pracnio at UFC Vegas 69, William Knight says he’s received threats on his life.

“In life, human beings aren’t perfect, but I’m taking ownership of my actions, because I didn’t do sh*t. Exactly what happened. I stood there, I froze, and I take full responsibility. I know what I must do for my next fight,” Knight said in a video to fans.

William Knight says he has received death threats following his loss to Marcin Prachnio pic.twitter.com/zQEh3XdZJe

— MMA Mania (@mmamania) February 19, 2023

“All these crazy inboxes of threats, all these inboxes of disrespect, I get it. Y’all have a right to be angry. I read messages, y’all threatening my life, y’all talking crazy saying I don’t belong in the UFC, all this other stuff,” he added. “But when I was undefeated for three years, y’all were riding the wave, when I entered the UFC undefeated, y’all were riding the wave, when I made my debut the same [month] I won my second Contender Series [appearance], two fights in one month, y’all were riding the wave. I get it. I understand. At the end of the day, I have my legit followers, my legit fans, my legit people. I have you guys. For the rest of you that were just here for the ride to watch me fall, you got what you wanted it. I get it. I’m good. I’m not bothered by it.”

Knight was cut by the UFC this past week.

Bellator MMA Extends Broadcast Deal with BBC

Bellator will remain on the BBC for the foreseeable future. Promotion officials announced the extension of their broadcast deal this week, a multi-year agreement that will see all Bellator events available on the BBC iPlayer in 2023 and beyond.

The deal arrives just as the promotion returned to Europe for Bellator 291 in Dublin, Ireland this weekend.

PRIDE Vibes

This is absolutely the type of freakshow fight you would have seen back in PRIDE. Spain’s Dogfight Wild Tournament pitted a bantamweight against a heavyweight in Raymison “Formiga” Bruno vs. Roger Dalet, with the latter playing the role of Goliath next to Bruno’s diminutive David.

The coolest part of this match-up? David wins via submission after getting the giant down (h/t MMA Fighting and Grabaka Hitman).

DAVID SUBS GOLIATH

Raymison Formiga (5'4, 130lb) defeats Roger Dalet (6'6, 265lb) in R1 pic.twitter.com/5SiyDBTpnn

— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) February 17, 2023

Miranda Maverick calls out Jasmine Jasudavicius, Gets Positive Response

Lost in the chaos that was Saturday’s UFC Vegas 70 card, which had multiple fights cancelled during fight week and its main event cancelled while the card was already underway, were some very strong showings from the Canadian contingent.

Team Canada went 2-1 on the night, and considering that Ontario’s Mike Malott fought (and submitted) Quebec’s Yohan Lainesse, that’s the best they could have done.

The other big Canadian winner at UFC Vegas 70 was Jasmine Jasudavicius, Malott’s Niagara Top Team teammate. She looked dominant against Gabriella Fernandes, a former LFA champ making her promotional debut.

Now 2-1 in the UFC, Jasudavicius is starting to get some attention — and Miranda Maverick called her out following the bout. Seems like Jasudavicius is game, and if their timetable lines up, this is an easy fight to book.

Thank you! Let’s do it. I’ll lead, you follow 🕺 https://t.co/TXGHFWlf5V

— Jasmine Jasudavicius (@JasJasudavicius) February 26, 2023

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On Tuesday, XMMA released the entire XMMA 3: Vice City fight card via press release. Among the familiar names on the card are former UFC flyweight title challenger John Dodson, former Bellator MMA featherweight champ Daniel Straus, and well-known UFC alum Nate Marquardt.

• John Dodson vs. Cody Gibson (Main Event)
• Daniel Straus vs. Keith Richardson (Co-Main Event)
• Nate Marquardt vs. Valdir Araujo (Main Card)
• Tyler Ray vs. John Howard (Main Card)
• Angelo Trevino vs. Jose Caceres (Main Card)
• Caio Uruguai vs. Cauatã Samuel (Main Card)
• Edir Terry vs. Tyler Wilson (Prelim)
• Jonathan Calderon vs. Kevin Fernandez (Prelim)
• Gabriel Checco vs. Simon Marini (Prelim)
• Cole Jordan vs. Mansur Abdul-Malik (Prelim)
• Josh Smith vs. Kyle Estrada (Prelim)

UFC veteran Dodson (21-12) returns to action for the first time since his release. He was supposed to return in July but was involved in a near-fatal car accident during a family trip. “The Magician” faces his original opponent Gibson (17-7), who is also a former UFC fighter.

In the co-main event of the evening, two-time Bellator featherweight champion Straus (26-9) takes on Richardson (19-11).

Marquart (36-19-2) fights for the second time since coming out of retirement and takes on Araujo (18-9).

“XMMA – one of the fastest-rising martial arts promotions in all of North America – returns to Florida for the second time this year with XMMA 3: VICE CITY – Dodson vs. Gibson, taking place at the Watsco Center in Miami on October 23. Featuring guest commentary by stand-up comedian, actor, and combat sports enthusiast Russell Peters, the event will deliver a night of action-packed mixed martial arts bouts, showcasing twenty-two fighters from a local and national level, including several UFC, Bellator, and PFL veterans.”

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Marquardt was a fighter who had struggled in recent years, and was looking to get back on track at UFC Fight Night 120 in Norfolk, VA. Ferreira, meanwhile, winner of the original Ultimate Fighter Brazil, entered the night off a loss to Canada’s Elias Theodoreau.

Early in round one of this middleweight bout, Marquardt pressed the action, walking down the Brazilian. There was a lot of feeling out early in this one, until the pair traded blows around the midway mark. Marquardt ate a left hand, and later a couple of low kicks; he’d answer back with an overhand, and continued to walk down Ferreira. Ferreira was changing levels on his kicks, going from leg kicks all the way upstairs and back again. Marquardt would land a right late in the first, and the action would go to a second.

A perceived lack of action had the crowd restless as round two got underway. Both Marquardt and Ferreira were picking their spots and looking to counter, leading to a bit of a standoff. They’d clinch against the fence about ninety seconds in, but Nate Marquardt was unable to secure a takedown. Instead, roughly a minute later it was Ferreira taking the fight to the ground, but Marquardt was able to escape a guillotine and get right back up. Ferreira would land a kick to the arm of his opponent. That was followed later by a spinning back fist attempt, and a leg kick by the Brazilian. Marquardt, meanwhile, was unable to get much offense going, but just prior to the end of the round, he’d clip Ferreira, knocking him down. The bell would cut the action off early, but a strong third round from either fighter could easily steal victory.

Ferreira opened the third round with a takedown, shifting the tone of the fight in an instant. Marquardt employed a closed guard, and was able to escape; Ferreira worked to ground him again, but Marquardt escaped in a scramble. A slam would put Marquardt on his back once again, and Ferreira began controlling the action, working from side control, then north-south. Marquardt would manage to open up a nasty cut on Ferreira before the fight came to an end, but it was the Brazilian getting the nod in the end.

Cezar Ferreira def. Nate Marquardt by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

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It is no easy task following the electric UFC 217, but several fan favorites will be competing in Norfolk, Virginia for the first UFC fight night of November.  Former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis meets Dustin Poirier in the main event and the undercard will feature veterans Matt Brown, Diego Sanchez, Andrei Arlovski and more in exciting bouts.

Not for lack of trying, but Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier is still looking to re-inject momentum into his career.  In 2016, he had a four fight win-streak snapped by Michael Johnson in a bout where many felt Poirier would be looking at a top four opponent had he won.  Disappointingly, Johnson would go on to book a fight with top-ranked Khabib Nurmagomedov in Madison Square Garden in a fight that would have figured to go to “The Diamond” had he been successful.

Instead, Poirier took the re-building route.  He faced a tenacious Jim Miller in February and sustained a leg injury during the course of the bout.  The usually destructive Poirier was hampered and had to settle for a decision against the veteran.  It was nothing to scoff at, but not a performance the commanded the attention of the division either.

He would get a huge opportunity several months later, facing former champion Eddie Alvarez in his first bout since losing the title.  Stylistically, the bout was guaranteed to bring fireworks.  Poirier did well against Alvarez, but in the second round he encountered controversy when the former champion hit Poirier with illegal knees and the fight was declared a No-Contest.  While a rematch was speculated, it was announced over the summer that Poirier would instead face Anthony Pettis.

“Showtime” recently returned to the winner’s circle with a big win of his own over Jim Miller this past July.  The victory came after an unsuccessful experiment at featherweight where he was clearly drawn out and depleted in fights due to the cut.  The drop down was a desperation move after having gone 0-3 at lightweight.

The stretch has led to a lot of questions from the public.  After having gone through long stretches of inactivity due to injury, were the 30 year old Pettis’ skills already diminishing from the wear and tear?  For a fighter who was once a gem of the promotion, the abrupt halt to his success was stunning.  At a time when the lightweight division awaits Conor McGregor’s return, the fight is critical toward the pecking order as other key lightweight bouts are set to take place in the next months.

In the co-main event, a clash between Matt Brown and Diego Sanchez carries plenty of nostalgia.  “The Immortal” has already announced that the fight will be the last of his career.  His arc has been a fascinating one to say the least.  He was a participant on The Ultimate Fighter Season 7 but didn’t make waves during his run.  When he dropped three straight fights, people were shocked that Brown was given another fight as they had believed that “The Immortal” was due to receive his walking papers from the promotion.

What came next was among the most successful stories of the past decade.  Brown would go 8-1 over the next three years, including a seven fight win-streak.  In the process, he grew his reputation as one of the most destructive forces in the welterweight division.  He was a terror to the division, losing only to the elite and putting on classic performances against the likes of Robbie Lawler and Donald Cerrone.

Diego Sanchez has had his place in history set since he won the inaugural Ultimate Fighter over a decade ago, and has engaged in some of the most memorable battles inside the Octagon since then.  That said, Sanchez is currently 3-5 and it is apparent that his own finale is quickly approaching after multiple first round losses.  Against Brown, he has an ever-willing dance partner with which to put on another classic slugfest.

Rounding out the action, Joe Lauzon encounters Clay Guida in a battle of UFC veterans.  Both men have seen the UFC grow from cult phenomenon to industrial machine.  Along the way, they’ve cemented reputations as two of the most exciting fighters in the promotion.  Lauzon has among the most performance bonuses ever by a single fighter in UFC history and Guida’s battles with Roger Huerta and Diego Sanchez live on in the memories of die-hard fans.  They are a fitting opener for a night full of throwback stars.

That’s only a few of the bouts on Saturday.  Longtime UFC veterans like former champion Andrei Arlovski and Nate Marquardt will also see action on the main card.  Uniquely, UFC Norfolk feels like an event carried more by a theme than the storylines of a few fights.  The card is chalk full of throwback names and stars that will give the most loyal members of the fan base plenty to reminisce about.  And hopefully, some more memories to add to the collection.

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In his storied UFC career, Vitor Belfort had never won a contest via the judges’ scorecards. That ended at UFC 212.

Nate Marquardt pushed forward with a straight punch combination and landed a trip under a minute in. Belfort locked Marquardt up in guard and held him there until the referee stood them up rather quickly. Belfort pushed back on the feet with a high kick that forced Marquardt to reset.

Marquardt was caught with a right, then landed one of his own. A leg kick landed for Marquardt but it was Belfort pushing forward. The round ended after a deflected Belfort head kick.

The second round opened with several feints from each fighter, with neither combatant committing to anything for a minute. Marquardt landed a punch combination then a head kick shortly afterward. Belfort came back with a punch of his own that rocked Marquardt. Belfort pursued and pushed Marquardt along the fence with punches and knees from the Thai clinch. Marquardt was able to get his wits together and reset at the center of the Octagon.

Marquardt changed his strategy at this point and began developing a long range with front kicks. Marquardt pushed forward with high kicks that landed, then Belfort landed one of his own. After another punching exchange, the second round concluded.

Leg kicks from Marquardt started round three, as he was not very aggressive to start the final five minutes. Jabs and straights kept Belfort at bay, as well as leg kicks. Belfort momentarily established a clinch and landed punches. Past the halfway point, the fighters exchanged shots, then Belfort opened up with a combination.

A head kick landed for Belfort, and Marquardt answered to the body. Another combination and head kick landed for Belfort, who was opening up in the final minute. Marquardt attempted a flying knee and combination in the waning moments, but nothing came of it.

A suprisingly unanimous decision saw Belfort win two of three rounds, giving Vitor the first decision victory in his storied UFC career. That UFC career came to an end tonight, but Belfort’s fighting career has not seen its final chapter, revealed Vitor in his post-fight interview.

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“Nate Marquardt has failed several steroid tests over the years. He was abusing testosterone replacement therapy, and he was flat out busted for steroids” a fired up Bisping said. “The guy’s a cheat, he’s an absolute cheat, and now he performs like one.”

Ouch. Marquardt (35–17–2) is 3-6 since returning to the UFC in 2013.

The subject came up due to Bisping’s long history with Belfort, who announced recently that his appearance at UFC 212 against Marquardt will be his last. Belfort, during his controversial testosterone replacement therapy days, finished Bisping in spectacular fashion. The climax of their 2013 UFC on FX 7 main event was set up by a head kick, with the Brazilian finishing off the brash Brit with strikes.

How times have changed. Bisping (30–7) defeated Anderson Silva last year to earn a title shot against then champ Luke Rockhold, then stunned the MMA world by knocking Rockhold out at UFC 199. He went on to defend the belt against Dan Henderson at UFC 204, and is now awaiting a superfight with the returning Georges St. Pierre.

Belfort (25–14), however, has been in free-fall, having lost three straight to Jacare Souza, Gegard Mousasi, and most recently, Kelvin Gastelum.

Bisping admitted on the podcast Monday that his disdain for Marquardt didn’t run as deep as that for Belfort — but that he’d had issues with the American for some time. That stems, it seems, from Marquardt speaking out about Bisping’s infamous confrontation with Jorge Rivera back in 2011. Bisping spit towards Rivera’s corner after their UFC 127 fight, which Bisping won via TKO.

“That guy [Nate Marquardt] had the audacity to say that I bring the sport into disrepute” Bisping said regarding Marquardt’s response to the Rivera incident. “I bring the sport into disrepute. Here’s a guy routinely failing steroid tests, yet I’m the guy that brings the sport into disrepute.”

Vitor Belfort faces Nate Marquardt at UFC 212, June 3 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There’s no word yet on when Michael Bisping will return to action.

The post Michael Bisping on Nate Marquardt: “He’s an Absolute Cheat, and Now He Performs Like One” appeared first on Cageside Press.