This will be a three part series beginning with fights 5 and 4. Yep, I’m going to make you wait for the rest of them. Now on to our Top 5 Fights of the Year, part 1.

5. Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno III – UFC 270

No two opponents know each other better than Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno do. I mean at this point they probably know each other’s phone passcodes, secret recipes, and mother’s maiden names.

Going into UFC 270 the record was technically 1-0-1 for Moreno since the first fight ended in a draw. Moreno clearly showing signs of major improvement from the first fight all the way to the third fight where the two fought to a close decision that is still argued about to this day.

The first three rounds seemed to go Moreno’s way as he employed a more patient game plan in the striking only firing off when he was sure he could land the most damage on Figgy. At the end of the third round Figgy dropped Moreno with a right hand, and then tried to finish the champ with a guillotine choke, but ran out of time.

Figueiredo tried to put Moreno away, but the champ was unfazed 🚫 #UFC270 pic.twitter.com/G0oFC2ArPa

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 23, 2022

With rounds 4 and 5 were very close, but the best came at the end of the fight when the two threw all caution to the wind and brawled it out in the final seconds. What a fight.

WHAT. A. FIGHT! 🤯

How do you have it scored?

[ #UFC270 | Main Card LIVE on E+ PPV: https://t.co/Nr2IHwgXWX ] pic.twitter.com/PStVGpwKrC

— UFC (@ufc) January 23, 2022

4. Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler – UFC 281

This one kind of came out of nowhere right? At first the two seemed to have an amicable relationship even going as far as Poirier congratulating Chandler on a victory over Dan Hooker at UFC 257.

You never know who you’ll bump into backstage. 👀 @DustinPoirier, @MikeChandlerMMA and Conor McGregor cross paths post #UFC257 pic.twitter.com/h0SU7A5fyA

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 24, 2021

Then at UFC 276, out of nowhere, the two have heat? To this day nobody is actually sure of why Poirier was yelling at Chandler, other than to set up a possible bout, but we were all here for it. We could all just imagine the violence that would take place.

Wow 🤩 @DustinPoirier vs @MikeChandlerMMA pic.twitter.com/Dw7aYb9ueV

— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) July 3, 2022

Finally the two were set up for UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden and MAN did they deliver. The first round by itself stands as one of the best rounds of the year. After Chandler took it to Poirier with body kicks and power shots, and then takedowns, the last 35 seconds or so of the round belonged to “The Diamond”. Nasty stuff.

pic.twitter.com/gy6WYJiHoc

— @jakeshreds420 (@shredsclips) November 13, 2022

What we had in the second round can be….well it can be summed up like this.

I would’ve tapped out so fast. Michael Chandler is giving Dustin Poirier a blood bath 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/7x05DqIotl

— The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) November 13, 2022

After pouring blood onto Poirier’s face, using the fish hook to try and finish a choke….well Chandler may have gotten what he deserved. Poirier took his neck and finish him off with the RNC.

THE DIAMOND GETS IT DONE IN AN INSTANT CLASSIC 💎 #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/56vHlHqfaI

— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022

Even after the fight we’re not sure if the beef has been settled as a very heated Poirier got into Chandler’s face following the stoppage.

pic.twitter.com/eASdaLKqAr

— Heavyweight Thanos (@MMAThanos) November 23, 2022

At the end of the day both men are warriors and respect was earned in blood…and snot…and a little bit of carnage.

“Hey, Mike! I was scared to fight you. It was coming from a healthy spot. Without fear, there is no bravery.”@DustinPoirier shared a moment with @MikeChandlerMMA prior to his interview with Joe Rogan 💎#UFC281 pic.twitter.com/wBV8kmkxhm

— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) November 13, 2022

Fights 3 and 2 later this week!

The post 2022 In Review: The Top 5 Fights Of The Year, Part 1 appeared first on Cageside Press.

The main event saw a new champion crowned, and with that, Alex Pereira became the 100th champion in UFC history, also becoming the 18th Brazilian champion. Not only that, but 281 broke the record for the most first round finishes with seven. Let’s take a look what could be next for the winners of the history-making night.

Alex Pereira

The tale of these two foes culminated at UFC 281 with “And New” being chorused out. Pereira now becomes the third Brazilian UFC middleweight champion in history behind Murilo Bustamante and the great Anderson Silva.

There is no doubt that Israel Adesanya deserves a rematch. Despite already losing to “Poatan” twice before, that should not and cannot be regarded in this situation. On all three judges scorecards, “The Last Stylebender” was up 3-1 heading into the fifth round. An extremely similar situation to his close friend Kamaru Usman and his recent loss. The fight gave fans everything they wished for and expected, with the spectacle leaving questions on everyone’s mind. What happens now? Who’s next?

The former champion, Adesanya, said in his post-fight press conference that he has some health concerns that he has got to sort out before he thinks about getting back in there. Despite that, there is no one else who deserves the shot over him, with Robert Whittaker being the only one who comes close, but he is already booked for a fight in February.

It may be a while until we see the middleweight title up for defense as depending on how long Adesanya will be out for will determine when these two men run it back again.

Pereira’s Next Fight: Israel Adesanya

Zhang Weili

Just over a year since losing her strawweight strap, Zhang Weili recaptured it this past weekend, putting on a clinic against the two time champion, Carla Esparza. Since her two losses to Namajunas, Weili has gone back and worked on the minimal holes in her game, and that became clear in this match-up.

Before the fight, Esparza’s clear, and possibly only path to victory was her wrestling. Despite that, in the exchanges that played out, Weili seemed the better fighter no matter where the fight ended up. And that was highlighted with the finish. Weili managed to take the back of the former champion, and locked in a rear-mounted crucifix. Although we didn’t get a Gary Goodridge moment of terrifying elbows from the back crucifix, what we did get was a deep rear-naked-choke.

Now, there are several avenues the UFC could go down for Weili’s first title defense. The selfish side of me wants to see Weili vs Yan Xiaonan in China, as this would be the biggest women’s MMA fight, ever. Amanda Lemos though, may have something to say about that.

Although I believe Lemos may well deserve the title shot over Yan Xiaonan, the possible magnitude of the event alone sways my decision.

Weili’s Next Fight: Yan Xiaonan 

Dustin Poirier

Two frogs in a blender. That is the only way to describe the fight that went down between these two top lightweights, and that’s exactly how everyone expected it to play out. What was slightly unexpected, however, is the fact that Poirier submitted Michael Chandler.

The questions coming into this firework of a match-up, were whether Chandler was going to utilise his clear advantage in the wrestling department. Round one played out as a striking affair and lived up to the high expectations. Round two however saw Chandler finally showcase his high level wrestling, for the first time in his short UFC tenure. That became the staple of the round, especially as it levelled the fight going into the third.

That same wrestling that proved pivotal in round two though, got him into deep waters in round three. Due to both men being extremely slippy and bloody by this point, Chandler executed a big takedown, but Poirier managed to slip away from his grasp and take the back of “Iron” Mike, subsequently sinking in a rear-naked-choke. With that, Poirier became the first man to submit Michael Chandler.

There are a few possibilities for Poirier moving forward. It’s hard to imagine he sits out and waits for the culmination of the title fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski. Not only that, but he himself has questioned his desire to get stuck into another title-chasing fight camp.

With that being said, a match-up between himself and Beneil Dariush would make the most sense for the division to move forward. Failing that, absolutely no one would say no to Poirier vs. Gaethje 2.

Poirier’s Next Fight: Beneil Dariush 

Chris Gutierrez

Chris Gutierrez’s win came as a bittersweet moment due to the man on the receiving end being Frankie Edgar.

The narrative around this whole fight was of course the fact that it was Frankie’s retirement fight and it being at MSG. Unfortunately for the legend that is Edgar, Gutierrez scored a picture perfect flying knee in a fight that will result in a lot of contenders keeping their eyes on him.

That is now four-in-a-row for “El Guapo,” and having a name like Edgar on his record will go a long way in the matchmaking for his next bout, especially as there will likely be a number by his name come Tuesday evening.

Pedro Munhoz is a name that makes a lot of sense in my opinion. He is going to have to defend his ranking.

Gutierrez’s Next Fight: Pedro Munhoz

Dan Hooker

The Kiwi got back into the winning column after back-to-back losses, with one of them being a stint down at featherweight. The move back up to lightweight is one that is sensible and suits the 32-year-old better.

The fight itself was extremely bizarre and one that took a lot of composure and concentration from “The Hangman.” Puelles came in with a big threat in the grappling department with three previous wins by kneebar since his emergence on The Ultimate Fighter Latin America Season 3. His game-plan didn’t change in this one, and the countless imanari rolls throughout the two rounds exhibited his one dimensional approach.

In the second, Hooker dug in a beautiful body teep kick sinking Puelles to his knees, putting him, and the fans, out of their misery.

Despite it being a low-action fight, that is not to the fault of Hooker, and he fought perfectly looking good in the victory.

There was another extremely impressive victor on the night, Renato Moicano. Although it may not be the best match-up on paper for Hooker, it is one that would be absolutely spectacular.

Hooker’s Next Fight: Renato Moicano

The post What’s Next: UFC 281 Winners appeared first on Cageside Press.

In the co-headliner, Weili Zhang made short work of Carla Esparza. Neither former champ is done just yet, so where do they and the other UFC 281 losers go from here?

Israel Adesanya

On paper, the next step for now-former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya seems simple: rematch Alex Pereira. Despite losing all three fights in their series, he has generally acquitted himself well and won most of the individual rounds and minutes he has spent in the cage with ‘Poatan,’ plus he should have arguably won the first fight. Further, he was a long reigning champion and one of the UFC’s foremost stars of today. The fight generated massive interest in a division lacking clear-cut challengers, and the rematch — or quadrilogy depending on how you look at it — will surely generate even more.

The only possible issue is some ‘health issues’ that ‘Stylebender’ addressed in the post-fight press conference. Some have speculated that that is simply a staph infection that may have been visible on his left ankle, but if it is something more serious then perhaps the winner of Whittaker vs Costa will be next in line. Still, it would not be right to predict anything but an immediate match-up and a trilogy – or pentology — could be in store down the line if Izzy can finally defeat his personal boogeyman.

Adesanya’s Next Fight: Alex Pereira II (or IV)

Carla Esparza

Carla Esparza lost her title to Zhang Weili at UFC 281 on Saturday. The future for the two-time champion is not clear. The path back to the title is murky after the way she won it and how she was finished to lose it. Further, Esparza recently turned 35 years old, which is getting up there in years for a fighter in a lighter weight division, and strawweight is the lightest the UFC has to offer. Carla may start thinking about retirement.

For now however, let us work under the assumption that she wants to keep fighting and start pushing to become the first three-time champion in UFC women’s history. She has already fought many top contenders such as Rose Namajunas, Zhang Weili, Marina Rodriguez, and Yan Xiaonan. That leaves only two top seven contenders as options if we are to exclude rematches: Amanda Lemos and Mackenzie Dern. Lemos is in the immediate title picture after her TKO of Marina Rodriguez in a main event, so Dern makes more sense. Locking that up as a pretty clear choice for their next matchu-p is the wrestling vs. BJJ dynamic. Some pretty interesting scrambles and submission attempts could be had out of these two, creating an exciting fight in a battle of whose martial art is better like the early UFC days.

Esparza’s Next Fight: Mackenzie Dern

Michael Chandler

Despite becoming a fan favorite so soon in the UFC, ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler does now find himself with a losing record in the promotion at 2-3. He has had a run of being given the most fun match-ups out there in his last three fights when he faced Gaethje, Ferguson, and Poirier with the UFC seemingly ignoring rankings or records at times to make those fights happen.

Now however, there are younger up and coming fighters who demand to be heard from on the basis of what they have done in the octagon. Rafael Fiziev, Mateusz Gamrot, Arman Tsarukyan, Damir Ismagulov, and Jalin Turner are all looking to climb the ranks and Chandler should likely fight one of them unless he gets his dearest wish and fights Conor McGregor, who may be returning in 2023 at welterweight. For now though, one of those fighters should be given an opportunity to test themselves against the explosive and dangerous Michael Chandler.

Rafael Fiziev is probably one win from a title shot, is only one spot behind Chandler, and may even be ahead of him when the new rankings are out on Tuesday, so he is not the best choice. Gamrot just lost to Dariush, but that is still a possibility and an exciting stylistic match-up between wrestlers. Tsarukyan is facing Ismagulov in December and Turner is currently not booked to fight. Of these options the one closest in ranking to Chandler that makes the most sense and sets up the most exciting match-up is Mateusz Gamrot. The pacey chain wrestler has unique takedowns but struggled to hold down Dariush and leaves his chin open at times, having been knocked down twice in his six UFC fights. Contrast that with the wrestling pedigree and knockout power of Michael Chandler and you are left with an insane fight that will have fans on the edge of their seats. Neither man has had a boring fight in the promotion and they each have four performance bonuses in such a short time since joining, and this fight would surely be either a ‘Fight of the Night’ or ‘Performance of the Night’ as well.

Chandler’s Next Fight: Mateusz Gamrot

Claudio Puelles

Dan Hooker got back in the win column at UFC 281 after a rough run and honestly made his opponent look silly when he faced Claudio Puelles on Saturday. The Peruvian leglock specialist had nothing for Hooker on the feet and was largely unable to get it to the ground, or at least to get Hooker to follow him down when he fell over.

Renato Moicano beat Hooker’s teammate and recently ranked fighter Brad Riddell at UFC 281 as well and should be on the verge of a ranking. On the flip side, Riddell may need a fight, though he has hinted at taking some time off. Puelles could honestly use some time away after that lackluster performance, so maybe they can link up on down the line.

Puelles’s Next Fight: Brad Riddell

Frankie Edgar

The legend is gone from the sport but never forgotten and his legacy will live on. Frankie Edgar fought his last fight on Saturday at UFC 281 in the biggest combat sports arena in the world. Even in brutal defeat the fans screamed his name from their seats. The former lightweight champion defended his title as many times as any other lightweight champion and did what no other man has ever done by beating elite fighters that were two weight classes bigger than him. Then he moved down to fight and beat elite fighters in two more weight classes when he was in his late thirties and into his fortieth year of life, something that is simply unheard of. He is the owner of arguably the greatest trilogy of all time against Gray Maynard, was a supremely technically skilled wrestle-boxer which enabled him to beat bigger foes consistently, and was just a great human being by all accounts. Frankie Edgar was and is loved like no other man in this sport and he deserves to retire in peace and spend time with his family.

Frankie Edgar Is Retired

The post What’s Next: UFC 281 Losers appeared first on Cageside Press.

Following UFC 281 in New York City on Saturday, UFC President White was asked about perhaps hitting all 50 states in the new year. Thus far, the promotion has touched down in 47, by one count. But it’s international expansion on White’s mind it seems.

“I never thought of that, but I’m so focused on Africa right now. I want to do Africa so bad. That’s sort of my focus,” White stated. “Plus, it’s been so long since we’ve been to some of these other [places], like Canada. Get back to Australia, and some of these other countries. We’re going to South Korea this year, we’re going back to Brazil. So we gotta knock a bunch of those out first, the places we’ haven’t been in a minute.”

“And like you said, all the time we were kept out of New York, and now we’re number one and number two all time at Madison Square Garden. Think of the events that have been held here, and we’re one and two. It’s pretty badass.”

When it comes to Africa, White expanded a little more on the subject than he has in the past. Asked about where in Africa the promotion was targeting, “Nigeria,” White revealed. “Nigeria is what we’re thinking.”

Asked if that meant hitting up a soccer stadium, or potentially constructing a new venue, the UFC President said both were on the table. “Both. Both. I don’t know which one yet.”

“At the end of the day, we’re pretty crafty. We’ll figure it out.”

White was later told by a reporter local to Nigeria that while the nation doesn’t have a suitable facility to host the UFC, Rawanda does. “Thank you,” White replied, later admitting that he wasn’t even sure how big UFC Africa could be — he just wants to do it for personal reasons.

“It’s not even about how big I think it will be. I don’t know. I don’t know what it will be like when we go over. I just want to do it,” White stated, admitting that watching historic fights in Africa like the famous Rumble in the Jungle were behind his desire to hit up the continent.

“100%. And we have African champions, and I’m going to build a PI [Performance Institute] over there,” White stated. “It’s just something I personally want to do.”

As for a timeframe, that’s up in the air for now. “I don’t know. It’s like, this gentleman over here just educated me on it. I don’t know enough yet. What we’ll do is send a team over there, they’ll kick around the country a little bit and see what we can do.”

One thing not to bank on is a rematch between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira to take place as part of the UFC’s African debut. “I don’t see us going there fast enough to do this rematch,” said White on that front.

The post Dana White Says Promotion Targeting Nigeria for UFC Africa, May Build Venue appeared first on Cageside Press.

That includes snagging Fight of the Night honors at Saturday’s Pay-Per-View card in Madison Square Garden. The three-round lightweight war was a back-and-forth affair, with both men having opportunities to finish the other. By the third, it seemed like Chandler might just come away with a decision, only for Poirier to turn the tables, take the back, and lock up a rear-naked choke.

Chandler tapped moments later; Poirier got back in the win column, bouncing back from his title fight loss to Charles Oliveira late last year.

Performance of the Night bonuses went to a pair of new champs in Weili Zhang and Dustin Poirier. Zhang dazzled by dominating Carla Esparza on the ground, submitting the American to reclaim strawweight gold. In doing to, China’s Zhang became the third straight fighter to become a two-time champ in the women’s 115lb division, after Rose Namajunas and Esparza herself.

The rematch in the main event, meanwhile, saw Alex Pereira once again get the better of Israel Adesanya. After beating “The Last Stylebender” in kickboxing twice, Pereira was down heading into the fifth round in Saturday’s cross-sport trilogy fight. He turned up the heat when it mattered, battering Adesanya and securing a TKO win to dethrone a dominant middleweight champion.

All four fighters will pocket an extra $50,000 for their efforts at UFC 281 in New York, NY.

The post New Champs, Poirier vs. Chandler Collect Bonuses at UFC 281 appeared first on Cageside Press.

And that, perhaps, was the key difference in the build-up to UFC 281 on Saturday, where Adesanya put his 185lb title on the line against a familiar foe in Alex Pereira.

“Poatan” had twice defeated Adesanya, albeit in another sport, back in the pair’s kickboxing days. But those two wins had created enough doubt ahead of Saturday’s contest that Adesanya was being questioned, and truly doubted, for the first time in years.

As it turned out, those doubts were quite justified. Adesanya had said all week that he wanted to turn the fight with Pereira into a horror movie. He set the mood early, walking out to the theme from Saw. But at the end of it all, it was Adesanya who turned out to be another horror movie victim.

Time for a good ol' fashioned horror flick #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/J4lz1kLOx8

— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) November 13, 2022

Carrying on with the horror movie theme, Pereira, best described as a “scary” guy, looked to have a monstrous size advantage. He came right out and threw a side kick off the opening bell, while Adesanya, a bit later, attacked the legs. A right hand by Adesanya just over a minute in was followed by another leg kick, while Pereira fired two low kicks then went high. Adesanya answered in kind, blocked by Pereira. A right hand found it’s mark for the champ, however. The champ went high with a kick once again, bouncing it off Pereira’s guard. A high kick attempt by Pereira was nearly caught, as the kicking exchanges and single strikes continued.

In the final minute, the pair clinched up, with Adesanya controlling initially, but Pereira ripping the body. They broke with ten seconds to go, and Adesanya rocked Pereira with a right hand to the ear! A second punch, a left hook, landed for the champ seemingly after the bell (though it had been lined up just before), but regardless, the challenger was wobbled as he headed to his corner.

Adesanya opened round two with a leg kick, as Pereira walked him down. The challenger landed to the body, and Pereira continued to march forward like a zombie, backing Adesanya up against the cage. Adesanya then began to open up, only for Pereira to land a couple of jabs. In close, Pereira ripped the body, and Adesanya landed upstairs. They reversed, Adesanya in control and dropping for a takedown, but he could not muscle the hulking Pereira down.

Coming out of the break, a heavy right landed for the champ. Pereira then cornered Adesanya, firing a couple of shots before the champion escaped. In a clinch, Adesanya drove Pereira into the fence landing knees and looking for a trip. Pereira then flicked a head kick that came dangerously close, deflecting off a shoulder; at the end of the round, it was Pereira landing a takedown, successfully!

Round three opened with the fight potentially being even. Adesanya landed a leg kick then went upstairs. Adesanya went low with a kick again, then trailed with a right hand that landed. Pereira in turn marched forward, landing a knee to the body in a clinch. A takedown then led to a scramble, with the champ taking the back! The first takedown, officially, of Israel Adesanya’s career. Adesanya let go with some ground n’ pound while controlling a wrist. Left hands landed as Pereira tried to power up by the fence.

Another scramble saw Pereira briefly grab a leg, but Adesanya pulled free, ending up inside Pereira’s guard. Pereira launched an elbow off his back, but Izzy’s elbows from top were going to do a lot more damage — and regardless, he was well on his way to winning the round. Adesanya backed off, avoided a few upkicks, and landed an axe kick to the body with Pereira still on his back.

Heading into the fourth, the massive weight cut of Alex Pereira, and Adesanya’s experience in five rounds fights, potentially could factor in. Adesanya again attacked the challenger’s lead leg. The champ landed a jab. A right hand followed a moment later.  Pereira, not done, backed Adesanya up to the feynce, but Adesanya pressed forward, landing a right hand again.

Pereira was beginning to slow. Adesanya faked a level change, appeared to do it again, then clinched up and tried to land a trip. That wasn’t there, but Adesanya moved Pereira to the fence, and tied things up. The pair traded looping hooks, both men landing. Adesanya moved out of range, but was caught against the fence again! A bit of success, and Pereira had suddenly found a second wind. The champ clinched up again, and dropped for a takedown, but once again the size of Pereira became an insurmountable obstacle.

The fifth and final round had Pereira arguably in need of a finish. The x-factor was the gas tank; Pereira had slowed early, but did he have enough left for a final surge? Early on, Adesanya tied things up, but he couldn’t find the takedown. Adesanya next chopped at Pereira’s leg, then tripped while stepping back. That led to Pereira charging forward, but Adesanya recovered and escaped.

Pereira then walked the champ down, kicking low, landing high with a jab, then tagging the champ! Adesanya began taking heavy blows, lefts and rights! The champ stumbled, then came back up. Almost on autopilot, Adesanya weaved left and right as Pereira continued to unload. Hooks and uppercuts hit home. The ref didn’t like what he was seeing, and moved i to wave it off! For the third time, between two sports, Alex Pereira proved to be the better man against Israel Adesanya. This time, the win earned him UFC gold.

Official Result: Alex Pereira def. Israel Adesanya by TKO, Round 5, 2:01

The post UFC 281: Alex Pereira Mounts Late Comeback, Stops Israel Adesanya in Fifth appeared first on Cageside Press.

Carla also seemed to want to right the wrongs of her title winning performance earlier in 2022 against Rose Namajunas, a fight which stood in stark contrast to Weili’s last title win against Joanna Jędrzejczyk— which is known as the greatest women’s fight in MMA history. The striker versus wrestler match-up could not be more stark in this fight. Carla Esparza was an All-American collegiate wrestler and mainly uses that to win fights while Weili comes from a Sanda style kickboxing background that has consistently seen her win fights with her intense striking. Both of these women had held the strawweight title, but only Weili defended it successfully coming into UFC 281. Both of them lost their title, but only one had reclaimed it coming in. One woman’s dreams had to win out in this high-stakes co-main event.

During Bruce Buffer’s introduction of the champion, boos rained down upon her, likely as a result of her last fight with Rose. A big question leading into this fight was if that would affect her.

The fight started with Weili feinting and moving forward to land a low kick. Carla quickly threw back a right hand that landed, surprising Weili. Leg kicks were the gameplan for Zhang early, as is often her plan in conjunction with her pressure game. Weili started opening up a bit with left hooks and kicks towards the head off of the leg kick setups. One head kick hit Carla’s head but she turned it into a takedown. However Weili was able to reverse it and almost take Carla’s back, falling off to the side slightly.

Carla herself then reversed and got a scarf hold, but Weili scrambled out and took the back of Esparza. The scrambles were electric and Carla finally turned into Weili, ending up in full guard on top. Weili pushed off and got back to the feet, eating a right hand for her trouble before getting back to pressure. A big body kick landed from Zhang but Esparza was able to catch it and go for a takedown. However Weili once again reversed and ended up in top half guard. Weili rained down elbows from on top until an arm-bar attempt from Carla forced her to leave the guard right before the bell.

After an electric first round, the second round started with Weili back on the pressure and Carla circling the outside of the cage. Carla’s leg was red and she quickly ate a right hand. She shot a brilliant takedown but Weili sprawled out. Instead of standing up though, Zhang Weili went for a reverse crucifix while attacking a one arm rear-naked choke in an awkward position. At first the choke was not tight, but then Zhang adjusted and it was in deep. The champion was forced to tap and a new champion was crowned.

With the win at UFC 281, Weili became the third strawweight champion in a row to become a two-time champ. In her post-fight interview, the new champion said that she had felt like “Weili that belongs to China.” Now after getting so much love in America she feels like, “The Weili that belongs to the world.” A touching turn of phrase from a fighter who everyone says nothing but nice things about, who is now a beloved champion once again.

Official Result: Zhang Weili def. Carla Esparza by Submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 1:05

The post UFC 281: Zhang Weili Impresses, Regains Title by Submitting Carla Esparza appeared first on Cageside Press.

It certainly begs the question, why not hold back these hotly anticipated fights? Why not have them anchor some of the unquestionably underwhelming Fight Night cards of late? Regardless, Michael Chandler vs. Dustin Poirier certainly fit the “people’s main event” billing on Saturday, with the lightweight showdown on paper being the most dazzling bout on the docket.

It played out as advertised at UFC 281 in New York City on Saturday, with a Fight of the Year candidate unfolding at Madison Square Garden.

The feeling ahead of Poirier vs. Chandler was electric, and that carried right into the fight. Chandler fanned on a low kick in the opening minute; Poirier returned one of his own moments later. A right hand was followed by several kicks to the body by Chandler; those had Poirier retreating, but not for long. Poirier then checked a low kick; Chandler moved in, firing lefts and rights. A right hand, then another, landed for “Iron” Mike. He had Poirier up against the fence, unloading, as Poirier covered up and survived.

After more back-and-forth at center, Chandler pressed forward swinging heavy leather again. Chandler then ate a right hand, followed by an outside leg kick. The pair clashed heads, and Chandler went on the attack, landing lefts and rights, battering Poirier then landing a takedown! Poirier began working his way up, and Chandler briefly threatened to take the back. Poirier however posted up only for Chandler to pull him back down. In the final minute Poirier made it up, then began landing on Chandler! Chandler returned fire, hurting Poirier, but Poiirier rocked Chandler! Chandler looked ready to fall over, and he was bloodied, with Poirier lighting him up! Poirier looked to be seconds away from the win, especially after a nasty elbow, but the horn sounded to end the round!

Round two had a tough act to follow. Chandler was unlikely to have recovered in just 60 seconds, but he pressed forward early and landed a slam takedown, planting Poirier on his back! A smart call, giving Chandler some much-needed recovery time, though Poirier was active on bottom, landing an elbow. Chandler, meanwhile, was leaking blood from the nose, a heavy stream. Poirier then threw up a triangle, but the blood made that futile. Chandler transitioned to the back, and got one hook in by the fence. He could not get under the neck however. And when he did, somewhat, Chandler was too high up the back.

That said, Chandler had again got out to a strong lead, as he had in round one. Two minutes remained, as Poirier got his back to the fence. Chandler was in guard; Poirier was unable to use a kimura to free himself. Chandler then unloaded hammer fists, most of which were to the back of the head. Chandler then corrected his aim and landed several punches to the ear.

The second was clearly Michael Chandler’s round. The first, with the late surge, likely went to Poirier. That left the third frame as potentially the decisive round. Poirier, perhaps with that in mind, went on the attack early. Chandler appeared to be slowing, as his first level change was badly telegraphed. Then, a single leg, a slam takedown, but it was Poirier on top in a scramble. Poirier took the back! He had a triangle in place, and went looking for the rear-naked choke — and he had it! Chandler tapped, and Poirier was back in the win column.

THE DIAMOND GETS IT DONE IN AN INSTANT CLASSIC 💎 #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/56vHlHqfaI

— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022

After the win, Poirier could be heard telling Chandler that “I was scared to fight you,” adding “without fear, there’s no greatness.”

Official Result: Dustin Poirier def. Michael Chandler by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 3, 2:00

The post UFC 281: Dustin Poirier Overcomes Early Adversity, Subs Michael Chandler in Wild Fight appeared first on Cageside Press.

Edgar’s retirement comes after a storied career where he captured gold at a division that would prove to be at least two weight classes bigger than where he could have or should have been fighting. Tied for the longest title reign in the history of one of the UFC’s marquee divisions, owner of three wins over fellow legend BJ Penn, and participant in arguably the greatest MMA trilogy of all-time with Gray Maynard, there was no doubt that Frankie would ascend to the Hall of Fame not long after this final fight.

His opponent at UFC 281 was the impressive but as of yet unranked Chris Gutierrez, who had not lost in eight fights, going back to his UFC debut in 2018. The man perhaps best known for his violent low kicks was not going to take it easy on the forty year old legend across the cage from him if the press conference was any indication. ‘El Guapo’ sent verbal jabs Frankie’s way multiple times on Wednesday and the intensity for both men had been turned up to eleven by the time they faced off, jawing at each other all the while.

When they met in the center a dance of footwork ensued. Frankie tried to get inside to box on the longer man while Gutierrez looked to get an angle to land his infamous leg kicks. Early on a spinning backfist caught Frankie but the legend ate it. However, the leg kicks were already taking a toll. Feinted and real spins and front kicks gave misdirection so Edgar could never predict when a real leg kick would be coming. Two minutes into the fight, Chris Gutierrez stepped in with a high knee as Frankie came forward and level changed. He caught Frankie and put him out cold. As sad as this was for Frankie and his fans, this was the biggest win of his career, he looked nearly perfect, and he would have a ranking next to his name on Tuesday.

As Edgar sat on the stool, Gutierrez came over and hugged him. The warriors exchanged a few words just for the two of them. As the two teams were talking, the crowd started a chant of “Frankie Edgar,” showing just how much this man is loved, inside and outside of the octagon. Not many men can get cheered for like that after losing by knockout, but Frankie can hold his head high as he retires and enjoy life with his family, knowing he was one of the best to ever do it.

In an emotional post-fight interview Chris Gutierrez revealed that his mom and his friend are both battling cancer and that he feels like he has to fight the best he can for them. He said, “I’m trying to hold it in,” but it was clear how emotional he was, and understandably so with so much going on in his life.

Not the way he wanted to end it, but tonight @FrankieEdgar closes the book on a legendary career inside the Octagon 🙌 #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/XDlkQ68mvW

— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022

Joe Rogan then went to talk to Frankie Edgar for his retirement speech. Frankie addressed the cruel nature of the sport, as well as his love for it, but then reiterated that his family is all that really matters. It was a typically classy last speech from a man so universally loved.

Official Result: Chris Gutierrez def. Frankie Edgar by KO (knee), Round 1, 2:01

The post UFC 281: Frankie Edgar KO’d by Chris Gutierrez Knee in Retirement Fight appeared first on Cageside Press.

Hooker may have been 1-4 in his last five to start the night, but remained a fan favorite and dangerous fighter as he returned to the lightweight division. Puelles, who would undoubtedly have the edge on the ground, had three kneebar submissions in his last five UFC fights, making it clear what sort of fight he wanted to make it on Saturday.

A bit of a loose kickboxing bout played out early in the PPV card opener between Puelles and Hooker, with Puelles checking a leg kick or two. Hooker also fired kicks upstairs, and while nothing was particularly impactful, the result was Puelles being forced to the outside. Hooker continued to fight long, forcing Puelles to take extreme measures — an Imanari roll, and he landed it! Puelles grabbed the leg, rolling with it, and Hooker was forced to defend a knee bar. In the ensuing scramble, Hooker managed to get to the back, but even there, dry and on the ground, City Kickboxing’s Hooker was in dangerous territory.

Case in point, Puelles transitioned to a heel hook, giving Hooker more cause for concern. Luckily for Hooker, Puelles wasn’t in position, and Hooker managed to transition to the top — then, wisely, he stood back up. Another Imanari roll fell short for Puelles, who apparently wanted nothing to do with the stand-up of Hooker, despite little landing outside the opening moments of the round.

The lesson learned from round one was clear: Puelles wanted no part of a stand-up fight. Hooker, though he did survive the first engagement on the ground, did not want to be back there.

Round two saw Hooker back Puelles up and cap a combo off with a high kick. A Hooker right hand then forced Pielles into a desperation takedown attempt that fell short. Hooker landed a left jab. A left hook caught Puelles, who dove in on a leg. Hooker answered with a guillotine, forcing Puelles to back off. Puelles went back to the well, attempting an Imanari roll, which was well short this time, and earned a chorus of boos from the Madison Square Garden crowd. Another sloppy takedown attempt from Puelles saw him catch a leg, only for Hooker to pull free. A better single-leg attempt, with Puelles well in on the leg, followed. But Hooker sprawled, and Puelles stalled in his tracks.

Back up, Puelles landed, but Hooker hurt his foe care of a teep kick. Puelles was slow to get back up after Hooker backed off; a sloppy cartwheel attempt followed. Another body kick from Hooker, once again a teep, sent Puelles backpedaling; he went down, apparently wanting to lure Hooker in, but the ref had seen enough. He called off the affair, giving Hooker a much-needed TKO win.

THE HANGMAN IS BACK!!!

[ @DanTheHangman | #UFC281 ] pic.twitter.com/rRl9Oer1qu

— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022

Official Result: Dan Hooker def. Claudio Pielles by TKO (teep kick), Round 2, 4:06

The post UFC 281: Dan Hooker’s Teep Kicks Put Claudio Puelles Away appeared first on Cageside Press.