Pat Sabatini Archives - Cageside Press Cageside Press - Everything MMA! Sun, 10 May 2026 03:16:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 https://cagesidepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cropped-cagesidepress512-3-32x32.png Pat Sabatini Archives - Cageside Press 32 32 Pat Sabatini Feels He Can “Do Better” Than He Showed at UFC 328 https://cagesidepress.com/2026/05/09/pat-sabatini-feels-he-can-do-better-than-he-showed-at-ufc-328/ Sun, 10 May 2026 03:16:19 +0000 https://cagesidepress.com/?p=224320 Newark — Featherweight Pat Sabatini picked up a decision victory at UFC 328 in Newark, NJ on Saturday, though it wasn’t a performance that went over well with fans. A bit of a slog of a decision, fans voiced their displeasure inside the Prudential Center and online both during and following the bout. While Sabatini […]

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]]> Newark — Featherweight Pat Sabatini picked up a decision victory at UFC 328 in Newark, NJ on Saturday, though it wasn’t a performance that went over well with fans.

A bit of a slog of a decision, fans voiced their displeasure inside the Prudential Center and online both during and following the bout. While Sabatini isn’t one to listen to the bellyaching online, he did react to the crowd having their say.

“You take it in, but you don’t let it get to you, you don’t let it deter you from your game plan,” Sabatini (22-5) told media outlets including Cageside Press following the fight. “Aware of it, but not effecting me.”

Sabatini referred to Gomis as a “very game, touch opponent” following the bout, and didn’t seem to be in love with his own performance. Instead, he’d call it “motivation to come back better next time.”

“I came in, obviously I want to go for those finishes as much as I can. It’s unrealistic to expect to finish every time, I just feel like I could do better,” Sabatini added. “I could be better in the striking department, better in the grappling department. So you know, I can’t wait for the next one.”

That will hopefully come at a rumored Philadelphia card in August, Sabatini added. His performance of Saturday, meanwhile, came down to a “combination of things,” Pat Sabaini suggested. “He [Gomis] made very good adjustments, and I wasn’t able to make the adjustments I wanted to. That’s what it boils down to, that’s how I’d word it.”

Regardless of what it looked like, the win over Gomis was the fourth straight for Sabatini, putting him in a good spot moving forward. His goal now is the top 15. “I want a ranking, I want a number next to my name. Any time, I’m ready.”

Watch the full UFC 328 post-fight press conference with Pat Sabatini above.

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]]> UFC 328: Pat Sabatini Extends Win Streak to Four, Beats William Gomis https://cagesidepress.com/2026/05/09/ufc-328-pat-sabatini-extends-win-streak-to-four-beats-william-gomis/ Sat, 09 May 2026 22:39:41 +0000 https://cagesidepress.com/?p=224253 Former CFFC champ Pat Sabatini faced off against William Gomis of France in featherweight action at UFC 328 in Newark, NJ on Saturday. Sabatini was riding high on a three-fight win streak, while Gomis was coming off a victory over Robert Ruchala, a former KSW champ. The first round started off well for Sabatini who […]

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]]> Former CFFC champ Pat Sabatini faced off against William Gomis of France in featherweight action at UFC 328 in Newark, NJ on Saturday.

Sabatini was riding high on a three-fight win streak, while Gomis was coming off a victory over Robert Ruchala, a former KSW champ.

The first round started off well for Sabatini who forced the fight to the fence with a takedown attempt. For a large portion of the round Sabatini would hold Gomis against the fence while working for a takedown. With ten seconds left in the round Sabatini would drag Gomis to the floor and grind out an early lead in the fight.

Gomis pressured to start the second round seeming restless to land something significant. Sabatini was able to duck under a straight left hand from Gomis, again pushing him up to the fence. A big slam takedown near the four minute mark, saw Sabatini toss Gomis on his head. Quickly working back to his feet, Gomis needed to find separation and eventually worked his way away from the cage. Gomis circled away while throwing crisp straight punches that were his best moments of the fight so far. Getting inside, Sabatini worked the fight into the clinch again pushing Gomis to the cage. After ten minutes Sabatini was likely up two rounds.

The final frame saw Gomis pressure Sabatini while defending a takedown early. Gomis would do some good work on the feet for the next minute, but gave up position in the clinch and the fight again was pressed to the fence. A very uneventful fight ended with Sabatini racking up control time. The judges would score the fight for Sabatini unanimously. The fourth win in a row for Sabatini should earn him ranked competition in his next contest.

Official Result: Pat Sabatini def. William Gomis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

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]]> Pat Sabatini Reacts to Criticism of Ref at UFC 322 https://cagesidepress.com/2025/11/17/ufc-322-pat-sabatini-ref/ Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:08:07 +0000 https://cagesidepress.com/?p=217823 New York, NY — Featherweight Pat Sabatini was looking a little worse for the wear following his fight with Chepe Mariscal at UFC 322 on Saturday. Okay, a lot worse for the wear. Sporting a black eye and keeping his hoodie up, Sabatini (21-5) admitted while speaking with media outlets including Cageside Press that he’d […]

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]]> New York, NY — Featherweight Pat Sabatini was looking a little worse for the wear following his fight with Chepe Mariscal at UFC 322 on Saturday.

Okay, a lot worse for the wear.

Sporting a black eye and keeping his hoodie up, Sabatini (21-5) admitted while speaking with media outlets including Cageside Press that he’d known coming into the bout that he was in for a dogfight. After all, he was no stranger to Mariscal.

Of course, a victory helps take the edge off.

“Feeling a lot better right now, feeling good after the W. I knew it was going to be a dogfight with that guy, I shared the ring with him for six rounds,” stated Sabatini. “We fought in the past. Kind of just knew it was going to be a dogfight.”

Sabatini admitted that he had vision issues, with blood draining into his right eye. “Just tried to remain calm and get the win any way possible.”

While UFC 322 was a better night for officiating than recent weeks, pundits were quick to point out the lack of attention to fence grabs on the part of Mariscal by ref “Big” Dan Miragliotta. Sabatini, however, came to the official’s defense.

“Big Dan’s the man. I don’t think he did a bad job, I think he did a great job. I did get thumbed in the eye a couple times, but it was probably accidental. I don’t think it was Chepe’s fault, just happens in there.”

After the second round wrapped, both Pat Sabatini and Chepe were seen speaking to the ref, though cameras didn’t pick up what was being said. “I think it was something about the fence grab, or the eye poke. It was one of those two,” explained Sabatini. “There was definitely a lot of dialog in this fight for sure.”

With three straight wins under his belt, Sabatini is now focused on landing in the 145lb division’s top 15. “I want a number next to my name, I want to just keep climbing this mountain.”

Watch the full UFC 322 post-fight press conference with Pat Sabatini above.

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]]> Pat Sabatini Bloody but Unshaken, Hands Mariscal First UFC Loss https://cagesidepress.com/2025/11/15/pat-sabatini-bloody-but-unshaken-hands-mariscal-first-ufc-loss/ Sun, 16 Nov 2025 00:50:03 +0000 https://cagesidepress.com/?p=217679 Featherweight grinders Pat Sabatini and Chepe Mariscal are set for a high-pressure collision at UFC 322 on Saturday night, as two of the division’s toughest, most relentless competitors battle to claw their way up a crowded rankings ladder. Mariscal (18-6) remained unbeaten in the UFC, riding a five-fight promotional streak and eight straight wins overall […]

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]]>

Featherweight grinders Pat Sabatini and Chepe Mariscal are set for a high-pressure collision at UFC 322 on Saturday night, as two of the division’s toughest, most relentless competitors battle to claw their way up a crowded rankings ladder.

Mariscal (18-6) remained unbeaten in the UFC, riding a five-fight promotional streak and eight straight wins overall coming into UFC 322. A strong showing against Sabatini on Saturday could finally push him into the featherweight rankings conversation.

Sabatini (20-5) entered the matchup on a two-fight winning streak, earning victories over Jonathan Pearce and Joanderson Brito.

Round 1 – Mariscal took the center of the cage while Sabatini circled on the outside. Sabatini landed a clean 1–2, then immediately dropped levels for a takedown and secured it. Mariscal threatened a heel hook on the way down, forcing Sabatini to defend, but eventually returned to his feet, only for Sabatini to drag him back down and quickly take the back.

Mariscal tried to scramble free, but Sabatini’s grappling experience showed as he maintained control and locked in a tight body triangle, forcing Mariscal to defend from a compromised position.

Mariscal eventually managed to reverse and land on top, but Sabatini wasted no time attacking submissions off his back. Mariscal disengaged, got back to his feet, and poured on pressure with punches as Sabatini retreated.

The round closed with Mariscal landing a clean head kick against the fence to punctuate the frame.

Round 2 – Mariscal’s confidence was sky-high after surviving what may have been Sabatini’s best sequence in the opening round. Sabatini shot for another takedown, and while Mariscal defended well initially, Sabatini refused to abandon the attempt and stayed glued to him.

Blood was pouring from Sabatini’s head, a cut opened by Mariscal’s last-second head kick to close Round 1. Mariscal scrambled repeatedly, but Sabatini maintained top control and worked from the back.

Mariscal exploded to his feet, only for Sabatini to drag him down again. This time Mariscal greeted him with sharp elbows from the bottom, targeting the cut. Sabatini regained top position and returned fire with elbows of his own, but none had the same impact.

Mariscal scrambled once more, Sabatini tried to secure the back, but Mariscal popped to his feet again, leaving Sabatini’s face smeared in blood. Sabatini shot for another takedown, ate a punch, got stuffed, and took a knee as he backed out.

The round closed with Sabatini finishing on top after securing a late takedown.

Round 3 – Sabatini flew in for a takedown, but got stuffed. Mariscal went after him, but Sabatini expertly waited for the right moment and easily took him back down. Sabatini took the back with just under 4 minutes left in the fight.

Mariscal began working back to his feet, but Sabatini dragged him back down. Mariscal got back to his feet, but wasn’t able to do much with the little bit of time he had left.

Official Result: Pat Sabatini def. Chepe Mariscal via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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]]> What’s Next: UFC Vegas 105 Winners https://cagesidepress.com/2025/04/07/whats-next-ufc-vegas-105-winners/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:21:04 +0000 https://cagesidepress.com/?p=205887 UFC Vegas 105 saw some undefeated fighters stay perfect, had a couple upsets, and some controversial scorecards. In other words, it was exactly what we have come to expect from every Apex show. Torrez Finney opened the main card with a ho-hum performance while Lerone Murphy ended it with the best win of his career. […]

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]]> UFC Vegas 105 saw some undefeated fighters stay perfect, had a couple upsets, and some controversial scorecards. In other words, it was exactly what we have come to expect from every Apex show. Torrez Finney opened the main card with a ho-hum performance while Lerone Murphy ended it with the best win of his career. Let’s dive into what’s next for Finney, Murphy and everyone who fought in between.

Lerone Murphy

While “The Miracle” kept his win streak going with this unanimous decision win over Josh Emmett, it wasn’t a performance that will have people raving about it for weeks. Despite being undefeated and on an eight-fight heater, Murphy still doesn’t have what you would call a signature win. His last finish came in October of 2021… He’s on a Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards type of run where if he keeps winning, he will eventually become undeniable, but the UFC is in no hurry to push him to the front of that line. Beneil Dariush had also won 8 fights in a row when the promotion had him fight Charles Oliveira. I feel like Murphy is in a very similar position.

He called out Brian Ortega, but it’s still unclear whether “T-City” will opt to move up to lightweight or stay at featherweight. For that reason, I don’t feel comfortable matchmaking for Ortega until we get more clarity on his status. I think Murphy will end up fighting Arnold Allen. His fellow Englishman is ranked #7 and is coming off a win over Giga Chikadze. The fight makes sense and can headline a UK show or fit nicely on a Pay-Per-View main card.

Murphy’s next fight: Arnold Allen

Pat Sabatini

Sabatini came in and thoroughly dominated the 2-to-1 betting favourite Joanderson Brito over all three rounds. This is his first time winning consecutive fights in the UFC since his 4-0 run when he initially entered the promotion. Yes, he has fallen to Damon Jackson and Diego Lopes, but the Philadelphia fighter is now quietly 7-2 in the UFC.

Before we book him against a ranked fighter, he needs to distance himself from other fighters in his current tier who also have solid UFC records. Names like Gabriel Santos, Hyder Amil and Muhammad Naimov could all make sense, but I ultimately went with Melquizael Costa who was victorious last week and is on a nice run of his own.

Sabatini’s next fight: Melquizael Costa

Chang Ho Lee

After winning Road to the UFC last June in a hard-fought split decision, Lee earned a second-round finish and a performance bonus, this time around. It was an impressive and entertaining outing for the 30-year-old.

Even though Gaston Bolaños and Serhiy Sidey are both currently booked, they would produce sure-fire action fights with the Korean prospect. Either of them is a great option, but I slightly prefer the Sidey matchup. And should Cam Smotherman get his hand raised in Des Moines, then he can fight Lee as well.

Lee’s next fight: Smotherman/Sidey winner

Brad Tavares

It’s wild that Brad Tavares and Gerald Meerschaert had never faced off before UFC Vegas 105 on Saturday. Two veterans of similar calibre who have been around forever, you would think they’d have at least been booked in the past.

The Hawaiian earned a unanimous decision win after stuffing all eight of Meerschaert’s takedown attempts. Despite the win, this doesn’t necessarily move Tavares up the ladder. He instead gets to keep playing the role of gatekeeper at middleweight and serve as a litmus test for up-and-comers. One of the fighters who have been making noise in this weight class is former professional kickboxer Cesar Almeida. The Brazilian is 3-1 in the UFC and has bounced back nicely from his split decision loss to Roman Kopylov last June. This seems like an appropriate test for him.

Tavares’ next fight: Cesar Almeida

Ode’ Osbourne

Osbourne was probably at risk of being handed his walking papers had he lost on Saturday. Instead, with his back against the wall, the Jamaican knocked out the undefeated Luis Gurule in the second round, earning a performance bonus in the process.

Not unlike Tavares, this win is nice for Osbourne, but it doesn’t exactly change his role within his division. Though I wouldn’t be opposed to having him fight a Lone’er Kavanagh, a Rafael Estevam or an Andre Lima next, how about we give Osbourne a break from fighting prospects? There is a fun scrap going down later this month in Kansas City between Matt Schnell and Jimmy Flick. These are two fighters that bring it every time and should make for a fun matchup with Osbourne.

Osbourne’s next fight: Schnell/Flick winner

Torrez Finney

Judging by social media engagement, it wouldn’t be outlandish to say that Finney might have been the biggest story on the UFC Vegas 105 card. He came in as the only fighter to win three times on the Contender Series and his fight had the most talked-about scorecards of the night.

Finney set the middleweight record for least number of significant strikes landed in a decision victory with four. Despite getting eight takedowns, Finney was out struck by Robert Valentin nearly 8-to-1. It was this disparity in damage inflicted that had judge Tony Weeks score the fight 30-27 in favour of the Swiss. For someone nicknamed “The Punisher”, calling this performance flat or uninspired would be an understatement.

However, we must keep in mind that Finney is 26 and doesn’t even turn 27 until late October. He has all the time in the world, especially in this division, to learn from this and put on more refined performances in the future. This is why we should be looking for give him nothing but layups, for now. Fighters like José Medina and Antonio Trocoli shouldn’t offer too much resistance, and that is why I’d look to them as potential opponents for Finney.

Finney’s next fight: José Medina

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]]> Pat Sabatini Dominates Joanderson Brito in UFC Vegas 105 Co-Main https://cagesidepress.com/2025/04/05/pat-sabatini-dominates-joanderson-brito-in-ufc-vegas-105-co-main/ Sun, 06 Apr 2025 03:47:23 +0000 https://cagesidepress.com/?p=205798 UFC featherweight Joanderson Brito aimed to right the ship coming off a controversial loss his last time out, but he would have to face Pat Sabatini at UFC Vegas 105 on Saturday night to do it. Brito (17-4-1) lost a very close split-decision to William Gomis last September in France. The Chute Box product was […]

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]]> UFC featherweight Joanderson Brito aimed to right the ship coming off a controversial loss his last time out, but he would have to face Pat Sabatini at UFC Vegas 105 on Saturday night to do it.

Brito (17-4-1) lost a very close split-decision to William Gomis last September in France. The Chute Box product was adamant that he did not lose that fight and that everybody knew it. The up-and-coming 145er holds victories over Jack Shore, Jonathan Pearce, Westin Wilson and Andre Fili to name a few. He hoped to add Sabatini to his resume at the APEX.

Sabatini (19-5) last fought in October scoring a submission victory over Pearce at the APEX. He did not take his foot off the gas after the win taking part in two grappling bouts for Fury Pro Grappling taking home wins over Herbert Burns and Peter Fazekas. The 34-year-old said his journey in the UFC isn’t done yet, and he would go for a win over Brito on Saturday.

Round one started out in favor of Sabatini, who landed a takedown in the opening fifteen seconds. Sabatini worked to half guard, while Brito threatened a guillotine from the bottom. Sabatini escaped the choke and moments later Brito returned to his feet. Against the fence Sabatini put Brito to the mat for a second time with a trip takedown. An impressive top game for Sabatini scored him a possible 10-8 round in the opening frame, as he landed a few thunderous hammer fist’s as the bell sounded.

In the second, Sabatini came out and implored his game plan again getting Brito to the mat in the opening minute. The takedown defense of Brito was not what we had seen in previous contest’s as Sabatini completely controlled this fight through the first seven minutes. Sabatini landed a few good shots while staying on top in the half guard position. A heavy top game from Sabatini was on full display again, as Brito had landed little to no offense through two rounds. This fight easily could have been scored 10-8 in back to back rounds.

In the final five minutes Brito marched forward throwing a kick to the body and a right hand behind it. Sabatini weathered the storm and again landed a takedown as Brito attempted another guillotine that was no where close to threatening. Smothering Brito on top, Sabatini was putting together one of the best performances of his UFC career. Sabatini worked to the back of Brito chasing a submission with a minute left in the round. Almost locking in the submission near the bell, Sabatini had more then thirteen minutes of control time in the fifteen minute contest. Brito was able to survive but the judges all scored the fight in favor of Sabatini (30-26, 30-26, 30-27).

Putting together back-to-back wins Sabatini may find himself across from ranked opposition in his next fight. With this victory Sabatini earned his 20th professional win.

Official Result: Pat Sabatini def. Joanderson Brito by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

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]]> Joanderson Brito Says He Beat Gomis, “Everybody knows I won” https://cagesidepress.com/2025/04/03/joanderson-brito-says-he-beat-gomis-everybody-knows-i-won/ Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:49:21 +0000 https://cagesidepress.com/?p=205586 UFC featherweight Joanderson Brito is coming off a frustrating loss in September coming into another tough fight against Pat Sabatini at UFC Vegas 105 on Saturday night. Brito (17-4-1) lost a split-decision to William Gomis in France. The Brazilian is convinced he won the bout and should have gotten the nod. “Everybody knows I’m not […]

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]]> UFC featherweight Joanderson Brito is coming off a frustrating loss in September coming into another tough fight against Pat Sabatini at UFC Vegas 105 on Saturday night.

Brito (17-4-1) lost a split-decision to William Gomis in France. The Brazilian is convinced he won the bout and should have gotten the nod.

“Everybody knows I’m not very used to, my fights don’t usually go to the third rounds, but I know I won. You know I won. Everybody knows I won,” Brito told reporters through a translator on Wednesday.

“Gomis knows as well. Listen ya’ll know I won that fight.”

Now at the APEX he gets a grappler in Sabatini who comes into the fight off a submission victory in October. Brito knows his opponent will be shooting for takedowns early and often.

“Pat’s a tough guy. We know what he’s all about, what he’s going to try to bring in the wrestling to it. I’m ready to exchange with him, and I’m ready to grapple,” he said.

“(Striking) probably is not going to be a factor. I can see him straight shooting for my legs right away. I’ll be ready for it.”

Watch the entire media day scrum with Joanderson Brito above. He takes on Pat Sabatini at UFC Vegas 105 on Saturday night.

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]]> UFC Vegas 98: Pat Sabatini Dominant in Submission Win Over Jonathan Pearce https://cagesidepress.com/2024/10/12/ufc-vegas-98-pat-sabatini-dominant-in-submission-win-over-jonathan-pearce/ Sat, 12 Oct 2024 23:02:37 +0000 https://cagesidepress.com/?p=196615 Talented featherweights Jonathan Pearce and Pat Sabatini both looked to return to the win column in preliminary card action at UFC Vegas 98. Pearce had dropped two straight, to Joanderson Brito and David Onama, while Sabatini entered off a single loss, opposite the red-hot Diego Lopes. Both of these fighters desperately needed a win to […]

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]]> Talented featherweights Jonathan Pearce and Pat Sabatini both looked to return to the win column in preliminary card action at UFC Vegas 98.

Pearce had dropped two straight, to Joanderson Brito and David Onama, while Sabatini entered off a single loss, opposite the red-hot Diego Lopes.

Both of these fighters desperately needed a win to stay in contention at 145-pounds.

Early in the first round, Sabatini pressured Pearce to the cage and found a home for a double leg takedown. As Pearce tried to get back to his feet, Sabatini expertly jumped to his back where he remained in control for the remainder of the fight. Pearce tried to break the body lock Sabatini had around his waist, leaving himself open for the rear naked choke.

Sabatini was soon able to secure the choke forcing Pearce to tap. This was the eighth first round finish in Sabatini’s career. In the four minutes and six seconds the fight lasted, Sabatini had three minutes and 56 seconds of control time. This was a dominant performance for the Philadelphia native, who secured his 12th submission victory.

Pat Sabatini told UFC commentator Michael Bisping in his in post fight interview “I think I have an edge over everyone in this division on the ground”. With this win Sabatini has won four of his last six matchups in the UFC and is on doorstep of a top 15 ranking.

Official Result: Pat Sabatini def. Jonathan Pearce by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 4:06

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]]> Jonathan Pearce vs. Pat Sabatini Lands on UFC Vegas 98 https://cagesidepress.com/2024/08/28/jonathan-pearce-vs-pat-sabatini-lands-on-ufc-vegas-98/ Wed, 28 Aug 2024 18:08:00 +0000 https://cagesidepress.com/?p=194654 A promising featherweight scrap has been added to UFC Vegas 98 this October. That fight will see Jonathan Pearce (14-6) take on Pat Sabatini (18-5), in a match-up that finds both men looking for a return to the win column. The event takes place October 12, 2024 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, NV. […]

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]]> A promising featherweight scrap has been added to UFC Vegas 98 this October.

That fight will see Jonathan Pearce (14-6) take on Pat Sabatini (18-5), in a match-up that finds both men looking for a return to the win column. The event takes place October 12, 2024 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, NV.

MMA Junkie was first to report news of the booking, with both fighters confirming the match-up on social media.

Pearce has lost back-to-back bouts against Joanderson Brito and David Onama, a slump that has halted a five-fight win streak “JSP” compiled between 2020 and 2022. A product of Dana White’s Contender Series from the 2019 season, Pearce is 5-3 overall under the UFC banner.

Sabatini, a two-time Cage Fury FC featherweight champ, went straight to the UFC in 2021, immediately going on a four-fight win streak for the promotion. He then ran into Damon Jackson, who finished Sabatini via TKO, and is 1-2 in his last three fights, with the second loss coming most recently, opposite Diego Lopes.

Given Lopes is red-hot at the moment, that particular loss doesn’t hurt Sabatini too badly in the grand scheme of things.

The UFC recently announced a number of fights for UFC Vegas 98, which will be headlined by flyweights Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira. The card currently breaks down as follows:

  • Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira
  • Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Josh Fremd
  • Clayton Carpenter vs. Lucas Rocha
  • Chris Barnett vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta
  • Polyana Viana vs. Cory McKenna
  • C.J. Vergara vs. Ramazonbek Temirov
  • Grant Dawson vs. Rafa García
  • Themba Gorimbo vs. Niko Price
  • Chidi Njokuani vs. Jared Gooden
  • Park Jun-yong vs. Brad Tavares
  • Pat Sabatini vs. Jonathan Pearce

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]]> What’s Next: UFC 295 Losers https://cagesidepress.com/2023/11/13/whats-next-ufc-295-losers/ Tue, 14 Nov 2023 01:51:51 +0000 https://cagesidepress.com/?p=178175 A main card full of finishes resulted in an exciting night at UFC 295 in New York City. That also leaves a number of fighters on the mend and looking to rebound moving forward. Where do the likes of Jiri Prochazka and Sergei Pavlovich go from here? Let’s play a little matchmaker (who knows, maybe […]

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]]> A main card full of finishes resulted in an exciting night at UFC 295 in New York City. That also leaves a number of fighters on the mend and looking to rebound moving forward. Where do the likes of Jiri Prochazka and Sergei Pavlovich go from here? Let’s play a little matchmaker (who knows, maybe we’ll get hired – it’s happened!).

Jiří Procházka

The Czech Samurai, Jiří Procházka, found some success but was ultimately knocked out by Alex Pereira at UFC 295. The former champ is still in title contention after his loss, but now has to get a win or two before earning another shot. There are a few notable fights in the division that will factor into who Jiří’s next opponent is: Blachowicz vs Rakic 2, Pereira vs Hill for the belt, and a likely re-booking of Ankalaev vs Walker after their recent no-contest.

The best option may be the winner of that Blachowicz vs Rakic fight. Both men are coming off of losses so one win will not be enough to get them a title shot again, but whoever gets back on track could face Procházka in a number one contender’s fight.

Prochazka’s Next Fight: Winner of Blachowicz/Rakic 2

Sergei Pavlovich

The heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich ended in a first round knockout, to no one’s surprise, and this time it was Pavlovich who got separated from consciousness, ending the longest first round knockout streak in UFC history.

Pavlovich is still a top heavyweight contender and most of his peers are not currently booked, so options are plentiful. The most logical opponents would someone Sergei has not already fought, like Ciryl Gane, Jailton Almeida, or Alexander Volkov. Of those, Gane makes the most sense, as he brings elite striking to the table just like Pavlovich, but with a much different style. The slick point-kickboxer vs the brutal knockout artist would be a highly entertaining stylistic clash.

Pavlovich’s Next Fight: Ciryl Gane

Mackenzie Dern

Brazilian jiu-jitsu artist Mackenzie Dern lost by finish for the first time in her MMA career as former champion and fifth-ranked strawweight Jessica Andrade knocked her down four times before the referee called the fight. Dern has now traded wins and losses for her last five fights and will drop a bit in the rankings from her spot at number seven.

With Lupita Godinez winning her fight on UFC 295 in the same division, she is deserving of a fight against a higher-ranked opponent while Dern will have to fight down. ‘Loopy’ has won four straight fights and looks like a potential title challenger one day, but she will have to get past Dern to prove she belongs in the top ten.

Dern’s Next Fight: Lupita Godinez

Matt Frevola

Matt ‘Steamrolla’ Frevola is a fighter that lives by the sword and dies by the sword. His streak of fights ending in first round knockouts extended to five on Saturday, but unlike the last three, this time he was the one laid out on the canvas. Benoit St. Denis came into enemy territory and got the job done, stealing Frevola’s top-15 lightweight ranking in the process.

The Steamrolla remains a top-tier action fighter in a division full of fun foes, so there is a bevy of options out there for him. Another fight between contending lightweights goes down soon at UFC Austin as Bobby Green takes on Dan Hooker in a strikers’ delight. The winner of that fight will be too high-ranked for Frevola, but the loser would make perfect sense.

Frevola’s Next Fight: Loser of Green/Hooker

Pat Sabatini

The battle between grappling aces Pat Sabatini and Diego Lopes ended without a single takedown landed by either party. Instead, Diego Lopes showed his striking prowess as he dropped and finished the American wrestler with his hands. Sabatini is now 5-2 in the UFC, a respectable record, but will need a step down in competition next as he attempts to bounce back.

There are a few featherweight fights coming up between fighters with a similar status in the division currently: Joanderson Brito vs Jonathan Pearce and Charles Jourdain vs Sean Woodson. Brito vs Pearce takes place this week, putting the loser of that fight on a good timetable to fight Sabatini in early 2023, barring injury.

Sabatini’s Next Fight: Loser of Brito/Pearce

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