Michael Chandler

Chandler came seemingly seconds away from wearing UFC gold this past weekend. He looked like exactly what people expected of him in that first round before taking a left hand in the second that changed the course of history in a hurry. He shouldn’t be that far away from a title shot. You have to imagine that the winner of Conor and Poirier is next for Oliveira, but after that, with the right win, Chandler could be right there again. That right opponent should be Justin Gaethje. Not only would it put the winner in line for another shot at the belt, but it would be pure violence in its best form.

Michael Chandler’s Next Fight: Justin Gaethje

Tony Ferguson

As the sun seems to set on Tony Ferguson, the lightweight title contender, I’m not quite ready to write him out of the UFC – like many fans seem to be. Both of the last two losses have come against people who bring a very similar game plan. Both Oliveira and Dariush planned, and succeeded, in taking him down and threatening submissions for 15 straight minutes. He may be on the far side of the mountain, but at least give him someone who will oblige him in a violent showdown before the sun sets. Paul Felder seems like the type of guy who would do the trick and I think Tony Ferguson likely gets him out of the broadcast chair for another kick at the can.

Tony Ferguson’s Next Fight: Paul Felder

Matt Schnell

Schnell wound up on the losing side for the 2nd time in his last 3 fights. A lot of this seems to come from the fact that he seems to have fallen in love with his hands and isn’t leaning on what got him to the dance in the first place – his submission grappling. The flyweight division is filled with a lot of talented strikers right now, and Schnell would benefit from attacking where he’s best. If he isn’t going to do that though, why not pair him with someone would will force him to grapple. Matheus Nicolau will do exactly that and may be a little more on the same level as him in the striking department than Bontorin was.

Matt Schnell’s Next Fight: Matheus Nicolau

Viviane Araujo

A lot of people think Araujo should have walked away with the victory this past weekend and as a result would be nipping at the top 5 of the flyweight division. The majority of media members on MMA Decisions had her coming out on top, as did the fan vote. Instead, she is walking away with her 3rd loss in 4 fights. While we could just treat it as if she is still at the top, she likely needs a step back in competition to see if she can hang with the best still. Miranda Maverick is a nice mix of her two needs. It could show she is still elite while also offering her a challenge in there.

Viviane Araujo’s Next Fight: Miranda Maverick

Shane Burgos

If you take a look at Shane Burgos’ record, you’ll see he has done an excellent against guys who are primarily grapplers. It’s the heavy strikers like Calvin Kattar and his opponent this weekend, Edson Barboza, that have given him trouble. That doesn’t mean the UFC should backpedal and find him another fighter he can easily handle on the feet, but it does mean that perhaps an elite striker isn’t the right move either. Alex Caceres sits just outside of the top 15. He has a 4-fight win streak and is likely due for a ranked name. He likely won’t be able to KO Burgos like Barboza did (nor could anybody), but he does present enough problems on the feet to make it interesting.

Shane Burgos’ Next Fight: Alex Caceres

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Charles Oliveira

Oliveira has a few options for his first title defense. The first option would be the winner of Conor McGregor versus Dustin Poirier. Justin Gaethje is also looking for a fight and Beneil Dariush is going to be breaking into the top five. Dustin Poirier seems to be the front runner if he can beat McGregor. Oliveira’s best matchup stylistically would be fighting Poirier. All three of those options probably have a decent advantage in the striking department. Poirier seems to have the best ground game out of the three.

Oliveira’s next fight: Winner of Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier

Beneil Dariush

If Oliveira fights the winner of McGregor-Poirier in his next fight, Dariush should fight Gaethje for the next number one contender’s spot.

Gaethje has a tough style for Dariush. He has great takedown defense, he has great striking and he can take a shot and give one back. It would be interesting to see if Dariush can continue his win streak against a top-level contender such as Gaethje.

Dariush’s next fight: Justin Gaethje 

Rogerio Bontorin

Rogerio Bontorin won a unanimous decision over Matt Schnell at UFC 262. He came into this fight ranked at number nine in the flyweight division one spot behind Schnell. Bontorin should be looking to get a fight in the top five for his next fight. Joseph Benavidez is currently ranked number five in the division and is riding a three-fight losing streak. He has been hurt on the feet in all three of those losses so it will be a breathe of fresh air to fight a guy like Bontorin who will be looking to grapple.

Bontorin’s next fight: Joseph Benavidez 

Katlyn Chookagian

Katlyn Chookagian won via decision over Viviane Araujo this past weekend at UFC 262. Chookagian is 3-2 since 2020 only losing to Valentina Shevchenko and Jessica Andrade. Lauren Murphy will be fighting Joanne Calderwood in her next fight and that is most likely going to be a number one contender fight. The loser of that fight should fight Chookagian next and that would keep the winner of that fight in contention for the title within the next year.

Chookagian’s next fight: Loser of Lauren Murphy-Joanna Calderwood 

Edson Barboza

Edson Barboza knocked out Shane Burgos in the third round to open the UFC 262 main card. This win makes Barboza 2-1 since returning to featherweight with his only loss being a split decision to Dan Ige. For his next fight, Barboza should fight Giga Chikadze. This would be a match made in heaven. Both men have great kicks and are known to finish fights with their feet. Chikadze is 6-0 in the UFC and just recently defeated Cub Swanson.

Barboza’s next fight: Giga Chikadze 

The post What’s Next: UFC 262 Winners appeared first on Cageside Press.

That strong start was derailed when opponent Andre Muniz trapped Souza in an awkward looking arm-bar.

And then came the snap.

The force Muniz applied to Jacare’s limb resulted in a broken arm, audible to viewers at home watching the UFC 262 broadcast (the fight was the featured preliminary card bout on ESPN). While it may have gone unnoticed by many in the stands, it was impossible not to hear the sound of Jacare’s arm breaking on replay after replay — yet despite that, Souza showed little sign of the injury.

WOW 🤯@andremunizufc is able to earn a submission against Jacare at #UFC262 pic.twitter.com/45NMJCn4TF

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 16, 2021

The fighter’s doctor, however, confirmed Sunday that Souza had broken his humerus, and will undertake surgery in the United States shortly, prior to returning to Brazil. Rickson Moraes, the fighter’s longtime physician, revealed the news to MMA Fighting.

“In general, he’s fine, despite the fracture,” Moraes told the site. However, seeing as how the procedure is urgent, it will take place in the coming days.

Souza suffered the first submission defeat of his career at UFC 262 — at the loss represented his fourth straight. A troubling number for the 41-year old fighter, who is teetering on the precipice of the end of his career.

The post Jacare Souza Facing Surgery for Fractured Humerus Following UFC 262 appeared first on Cageside Press.

Michael Chandler had a massive debut at UFC 257 with his knockout victory against Dan Hooker, the man that many thought would spoil Chandler’s first fight under contract with the UFC. Michael Chandler’s career has led him to a shot at UFC gold, after years of being at the top and in the discussion as one of the greats in the lightweight division that wasn’t in the UFC.

Charles Oliveira paved his way to UFC gold the hard way, gaining records along the way. After his dominant performance over Tony Ferguson, there was no more denying that Oliveira is ready for a shot at a championship within the UFC. In his 28th fight inside the octagon, “Do Bronx” had finally arrived.

After a back-and-forth first round, Oliveira came out in the second with power of his own, rocking Michael Chandler with a left hook which dropped him and got Oliveira the finish early in the frame. With that, the UFC finally had a new lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira!

PROS GIVE THEIR TAKE

Check out the pros’ reactions to Charles Oliveira becoming the new UFC Lightweight Champion at UFC 262.

Congrats to Olivera on becoming the 11th UFC lightweight champion.
Wonder who Twelve is…

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 16, 2021

Congratulations @CharlesdoBronx! Great performance! Brazil has another champion #UFC262

— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) May 16, 2021

WOW!!! HUGE congrats to @CharlesDoBronxs !!! Amazing performance and way to fight through real adversity! Amazing! #UFC262

— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) May 16, 2021

How awesome is this. Congrats to Charles Oliviera. What a fight, what a performance. What a champ!

— michael (@bisping) May 16, 2021

Things can change so fast in MMA ! Phewww #UFC262

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) May 16, 2021

UNREAL!!! So good you gotta get blood on Dana’s beautiful bald head! What a turn around on what looked like the end for Oliveira! #UFC262

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) May 16, 2021

Congrats to the new champ @CharlesDoBronxs way to come back . @ufc

— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) May 16, 2021

It’s absolutely insane how quick things change in the @ufc @MikeChandlerMMA was cruising and :19 secs later @CharlesDoBronxs is the champion!!! What a fight! Congrats to the new king. 🇧🇷 You got another champion!!! #ufc262

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) May 16, 2021

Ohhh my gosh that was insane so fast wow #UFC262

— Mallory Martin (@MalloryyMartin) May 16, 2021

Ole Charlie olives gets it done 🫒 wild fight #UFC262

— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) May 16, 2021

Oh my goddess I love this

— C H🖕🏽T O🇪🇨V E R A (@chitoveraUFC) May 16, 2021

Great job Champion! @CharlesDoBronxs

— Dan Ige (@Dynamitedan808) May 16, 2021

Wow gotta be happy for Olivera! What a career he has had. Been fighting on cards with him since @ringofcombat! Amazing to watch it

— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) May 16, 2021

Oliviera is the champ !

— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) May 16, 2021

MMA is the most exciting sport in the world. Period. #UFC262

— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) May 16, 2021

Big congrats to @CharlesDoBronxs UFC Champion 👏🏽 #ufc262

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) May 16, 2021

Incredible heart by @CharlesDoBronxs

— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) May 16, 2021

Soldados! @CharlesDoBronxs 🏆 #UFC262

— Jairzinho 'BIGI BOY' Rozenstruik (@JairRozenstruik) May 16, 2021

https://twitter.com/BulldozerBoser/status/1393791074183770114?s=20

The post The Pro Take: Charles Oliveira Captures UFC Gold in Houston at UFC 262 appeared first on Cageside Press.

Seven finishes adorned the PPV event, topped by a lightweight title fight between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler. Two of those came by way of technical submission, with one of the two picking up a Performance of the Night bonus.

That was awarded to card-opener Christos Giagos, who put the returning Sean Soriano to sleep by way of a D’arce choke. The end came early in the second round, and earned Giagos $75,000 — an extra 25K above the usual UFC post-fight bonuses. Promotion President Dana White had announced the one-night only pay bump earlier in the week.

The other technical submission on the night, which saw Andre Muniz break Jacare Souza’s arm, was not rewarded. Instead, the other Performance of the Night award went to new lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who knocked out Michael Chandler early in the second round of the main event.

Appearing in his 28th UFC fight, Oliveira finally claimed gold in his first title shot, extending his win streak to nine in the process. The Brazilian, with the promotion over a decade, had the longest path to the belt of any fighter in UFC history.

Fight of the Night at UFC 262 was awarded to Edson Barboza vs. Shane Burgos. That featherweight affair was wildly entertaining for the better part of two plus rounds, until Barboza put “Hurricane” Burgos away early in the third with a punch. Burgos appeared to have a delayed reaction to the blow, initially eating it, only to stumble backwards moments later, eyes wide, before crashing to the canvas.

As with the Performance bonuses, Fight of the Night earned each man an extra $75,000 in Houston.

Attendance at the Toyota Center came in at 16,005, with a gate of $4.11 million for the promotion’s second card back with fans.

The post UFC 262 Bonuses: Shane Burgos vs. Edson Barboza Earns FOTN appeared first on Cageside Press.

For Michael Chandler, the former face of Bellator MMA and a multi-time champion in that promotion, it was a quick ride to the top of the UFC: a free agent signing, role as a back-up fighter for Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje, and a finish of Dan Hooker, and presto: the shortest path to UFC gold, potentially anyway, since Anderson Silva.

Of course, that discounts the time Chandler put in under the Bellator banner — but as a three-time champion in his old home, those efforts had largely been rewarded.

Charles Oliveira, the UFC’s submission king, took a very different path to the title shot on Saturday. The long route. Oliveira had toiled among the UFC rank and file for the better part of a decade before embarking on an eight-fight win streak in 2018. Now over 10 years into his UFC tenure, he was entering his 28th bout inside the octagon Saturday — with a chance to claim the title vacated by Nurmagomedov late last year.

Just as Chandler’s path to potential gold had been the shortest, Oliveira’s had been the longest. Perhaps it made it that much sweeter in the end.

Oliveira’s first two calf kicks proved effective, as the second took Chandler’s legs out from under him. Chandler punched his way in, however, and when Oliveira changed levels for a takedown, Chandler locked on with a guillotine. Oliveira popped out, and Chandler gave up his back. Chandler worked up with Oliveira on his back, then slammed the pair of them down, but Oliveira remained on his back, with a body triangle. Chandler then focused on fighting hands, and scrambled free — adding a few punches from the top while avoiding upkicks. He’d soon have Oliveira stacked against the fence, and “Iron” Mike was not shy about going to the ground on top with the jiu-jitsu ace. A strong start for Chandler, who finished the round strong.

In the second, Oliveira added an early knockdown! A left hook connected, and Chandler was rocked. Charles Oliveira moved in for the kill! A handful of follow-up strikes, and Oliveira launched himself out of the octagon, celebrating in with the broadcast team, stopping to talk to Dana White, and celebrating with the crowd. 28 fights later, and “Do Bronx” was a UFC champion.

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!

🇧🇷@CharlesDoBronxs #UFC262 pic.twitter.com/g0lLQSi1lC

— UFC (@ufc) May 16, 2021

“I’m the lion of lions,” Oliveira exclaimed following the fight.

Official Result: Charles Oliveira def. Michael Chandler by TKO, Round 2, 0:19

The post UFC 262 Results: Charles Oliveira Stuns Michael Chandler to Claim Lightweight Title appeared first on Cageside Press.

For Tony Ferguson, once the uncrowned king of the 155lb division, it was must-win territory. Two straight losses had all but removed his name from title contention. A third would drive the final nail in that coffin.

Beneil Dariush, meanwhile, had a chance to make a statement win against one of the most popular and enigmatic fighters in the company. And to extend his win streak to seven.

Before the fight got underway, the Houston fans let the world know who they were behind with “TONY, TONY” chants. The pop for Ferguson was frankly electric. That, however, may have been the highlight of his night.

An early takedown from Beneil Dariush put Tony Ferguson on his back for the majority of the first round. Dariush had a lot of control on the ground with some ground-and-pound, putting Tony Ferguson in defense mode until the horn sounded to end the round.

Round two opened up with Beneil Dariush being locked in a d’arce choke by Tony Ferguson, but with patience, Beneil Dariush broke free. After a few scrambles on the feet, the fight made it to the ground with Beneil Dariush sinking in a heel hook. Ferguson grimaced in agony but did not tap and got free from the submission attempt. Tony Ferguson seemed to fade heading into Round three, and Beneil Dariush looked to be up two rounds.

Beneil Dariush took the fight right back to the mat, starting off the third round with another takedown and with the displeasure from the fans chanting for the ref to stand the fight up. A questionable request given Ferguson’s leg was compromised. But Beneil Dariush continued to control Tony on the ground, where the fight ended at the final horn and we went to the judges’ score cards for the unanimous decision.

Make that 7️⃣ in a row!

💢 @BeneilDariush with a dominant performance at #UFC262. pic.twitter.com/npblAuVyX9

— UFC (@ufc) May 16, 2021

Official Result: Beneil Dariush def. Tony Ferguson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

The post UFC 262 Results: Beneil Dariush Dominates El Cucuy, Wins Unanimous Decision appeared first on Cageside Press.

Rogerio Bontorin, who had made weight for all of his 125lb fights inside the octagon, was a pound over the bantamweight limit Friday morning. That gave opponent Matt Schnell a little financial boost heading into Saturday night — and perhaps some added motivation.

In the end, however, it was Bontorin’s night.

Schnell kept Bontorin on the fence early, holding center and working his jab. Despite both men fighting up in weight, Bontorin looked much thicker. Schnell fired a low kick, as the pair felt each other out. The exchanges, when they came, were quick; Bontorin was able to hit home whenever Schnell approached. Schnell then landed a crisp left hook, and followed up with a combo moments later as things began to open up. Bontoin, meanwhile, was finding a home for his leg kicks, which were having a clear effect on Schnell.

Schell’s movement was clearly impeded in the second as the calf kicks began to add up. His combos, however, were on point, and landing with more consistency than Bontorin, who was swinging hard, but nowhere near as often. Bontorin was switching stances and giving a number of different looks, which allowed him to catch Schnell with just over a minute remaining in the frame. What Bontorin could not do, however, was capitalize on that opportunity.

Round three saw a restless crowd, and a tentative start to the frame. Schnell circled away from Bontorin’s power; Bontorin fired yet another leg kick. When Bontorin closed the distance, Schnell did enough to fight him off and escape. At the midway point, however, Bontorin trapped Schell along the fence and began to unload. Schnell was under heavy fire, covering up. Bontorin then scored a takedown, planting Schnell on his back in a pivotal moment in the fight. Bontorin would land some heavy ground n’ pound before round’s end, in what was the most active round of the fight.

Official Result: Rogerio Bontorin def. Matt Schnell by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

The post UFC 262 Results: Rogerio Bontorin Gets Past Matt Schnell With Late Surge appeared first on Cageside Press.

For the first time in the last few years, it was not Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, or even Tony Ferguson in the title mix. Instead, former Bellator champ Michael Chandler was up against Charles Oliveira, to lay claim to Khabib’s vacant title.

The path the pair had taken to Saturday’s title fight could not have been more different. Chandler was in just his second UFC fight, after signing on as one of the UFC’s biggest free agent pickups in years. Oliveira, meanwhile, was in his 28th fight inside the octagon — the longest path to a title shot for any fighter in the promotion.

And since Tony Ferguson is never really too far from the title, “El Cucuy” featured in the evening’s co-main event. Ferguson, on a two-fight skid for the first time in his career, went up against the surging Beneil Dariush. Ever so quietly, Dariush had put together a six fight win streak over the past few years.

Following Saturday’s PPV card, tune in for the UFC 262 post-fight press conference. A live stream of all the proceeding can be viewed above. For full results from the event, check out our UFC 262 coverage.

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Standing opposite him, another top 145lb’er in Shane Burgos. “Hurricane” Burgos was looking to bounce back from a loss to Josh Emmett, one that had derailed a three-fight win streak.

On paper, the pairing had a Fight of the Night feel to it, quite frankly.

Barboza opened the with a leg kick, and followed up with several more, quickly doing some damage. The Brazilian then went to the body, and threw out several more kicks, lightning fast. Burgos answered back with his hands, but he was eating too many low kicks and jabs. A spinning back kick by Barboza ended in a brief clinch, but the action really heated up later in the round. Barboza, taking some heavy swings, landed several counters that hurt Burgos. Those, mixed in with increasingly nasty leg kicks, were doing a real number. Burgos managed to back Barboza up to the cage, earning a reprieve, but through the first round, it was Barboza with the edge — and the fight most certainly lived up to the hype.

Burgos opened the second round pushing the pace, walking forward. Of course, that meant walking into Barboza’s kicks. Burgos was not deterred, continuing to march forward dutifully, landing a body shot. Barboza, meanwhile, had hurt his shin on a kick from Burgos and was bleeding. Barboza’s movement was clearly hampered, but he was still able to throw the odd kick. Including a spinning kick that landed, answered with a left hook from Burgos. The pair continued to trade throughout the round, with both men landed multiple significant strikes in a very close round.

Round three would prove critical, with a possible 19-19 score heading in. Burgos fired in inside kick in the opening minute, with Barboza returning fire. It wasn’t a kick but a right hook that finished the fight, however. Barboza hit home with the hook, following up a jab, which resulted in a delayed reaction from Burgos, who ate the blow, then stumbled back and crashed to the canvas. Goodnight, Shane Burgos.

SHUT 👏 IT 👏 DOWN 👏

🇧🇷 @EdsonBarbozaJR just took care of business. #UFC262 pic.twitter.com/T2CzwvcdyR

— UFC (@ufc) May 16, 2021

Official Result: Edson Barboza def. Shane Burgos by TKO, Round 3, 1:16

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