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2024-03-19T00:00:00-04:00
http://www.mmamania.com/rss/current/
2024-03-19T00:00:00-04:00
2024-03-19T00:00:00-04:00
Midnight Mania! ‘Mentally Unwell’ Strickland Admits Struggles, Violent Thoughts
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<img alt="UFC 297: Strickland v Du Plessis" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W7K1HyFYryYGcy_IxsnL4rxPXoc=/0x0:8640x5760/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216939/1949124244.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight! </p> <p id="cRPUxl">Welcome to Midnight Mania!</p>
<p id="IPwDHU">Sean Strickland is a complicated figure in mixed martial arts.</p>
<p id="lFlKCw">Much of the time, the former champion is <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/14/24100594/sean-strickland-blames-canadian-leftists-for-dricus-du-plessis-loss-that-needs-to-be-run-back">unapologetic and abrasive</a>. He’s lashed out against individual people and <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/1/21/24046073/dana-white-defends-sean-strickland-over-latest-anti-lgbtq-tirade-he-was-baited">groups of people</a>, at times without any provocation. These traits alone have earned him a certain fan base, but on the flip side, Strickland has also been open about his <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/videos/2024/1/1/24021948/audio-sean-strickland-gets-emotional-discussing-childhood-trauma-ufc">mental health struggles and traumatic childhood</a>. That’s valuable in a sport where <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/16/24102909/video-devin-haney-ryan-garcia-commission-requests-mental-health-examination-boxing-social-media">many are dealing with similar issues</a>, yet relatively few are talking about it.</p>
<p id="xDoRX2">Earlier on Monday, Strickland filmed an update on his mental health for his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4q_pWIPJfM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D">Instagram</a>, admitting to struggling and feeling “like I’m a danger to people.” He went into detail on “always fighting the demons” and how his success and wealth haven’t fixed the issues.</p>
<p id="ZXRWoO">“All week I’ve been f—ked up, dude,” Strickland began (via <a href="https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/03/sean-strickland-vents-mental-health-struggles-feels-like-danger-to-people">MMA Junkie</a>). “I’ve been on the Twitter saying crazy s—t, just f—king spiraling. I woke up and I told my girl, I was like, ‘Babe, I feel like I’m a danger to people. Like I don’t feel like I should be out in the world.’ And I think that – I have everything. I’m rich, I’m famous, I have everything I ever f—king wanted and I am still mentally unwell. I get in these mindsets to where like I want to burn everything down in the world. Like, I want to have nothing, so I can just f—king lose it and just take out everything on people.</p>
<p id="HbyrfC">“I think that you guys, in a weird way, are like my family. Like I’ve shared some s—t with you guys, and you guys have shared some s—t with me. I feel more connected with my fans than I think most people feel just because we’ve gone through a lot together. I have everything I want, and I still struggle with mental health. My memory is so short that, like, when I go out into this week, I think to myself, like once I get past it, I think to myself, like, ‘Oh, man. That was a really rough time in my life.’ But then when I really think about it, this happens multiple times a month, every month.”</p>
<p id="5i8FbY">Strickland did conclude his post on a slightly more positive note, doubling down the important of having a physical outlet in training and hoping the best for his fans with similar struggles.</p>
<p id="vz0o9P">“Again, I don’t know why I’m telling you guys this. I’ve just been kind of going through some sh*t. I’m fine. I’ll be fine. I’m going to go train right now and try to hurt all of my friends, and all of the demons will go away. I just want you guys to know that I have everything I could ever want in the world, and I still struggle. So, whatever you guys are going through man, hope y’all feel better. Go to the gym, train. F—king wish you all the best.”</p>
<p id="lav0FF">Sean Strickland’s last appearance in the Octagon came at UFC 297, when he lost a split-decision and his title to Dricus Du Plessis <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/1/21/24045369/watch-full-fight-video-highlights-strickland-vs-du-plessis-ufc-297-results-espn-ppv-toronto-adesanya">(watch here)</a>. Since then, Strickland has requested an instant rematch, but it remains uncertain how the Middleweight division will shake out. It’s still unknown when Strickland will return to action and against whom.</p>
<p id="ckR9uv">Hopefully, Strickland is in a better place mentally when it’s time to compete again.</p>
<aside id="mEtECm"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Navy SEAL Bashes Strickland: ‘We Take Real Souls From People’","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/24/24082016/sean-strickland-bashes-navy-seal-training-promptly-called-out-by-angry-navy-seal-ufc-mma"},{"title":"Strickland Throws Down With Fans On Ski Slopes","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/23/24080859/snow-spar-sean-strickland-throws-down-with-fans-on-the-ski-slopes"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="SXyrtR"><strong>Insomnia</strong></h2>
<p id="Fj4F3s">IT HAPPENED AGAIN IT HAPPENED AGAIN IT HAPPENED AGAIN!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">AND SHES OFF!! ♂️ ♂️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFCVegas88?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFCVegas88</a> <a href="https://t.co/Oawvuyjx9M">pic.twitter.com/Oawvuyjx9M</a></p>— Jordain (@McDainMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/McDainMMA/status/1769127074306912535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<aside id="LglZHe"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"RUN FORREST! Chandler Gets Absolutely Roasted On Twitter","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/7/15/23796425/twitter-hits-meme-overload-with-ufc-vegas-77s-chelsea-chandler-running-headfirst-into-cage"}]}'></div></aside><p id="7W09rN">Anyone got a prediction of Bellator’s possible new streaming partner? New player in the game is interesting ...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ariel Helwani says it will be announced tomorrow or Wednesday latest where Bellator will air in the U.S. Says he has been asked not to reveal. It's a bit of a new player in the game.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheMMAHour?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheMMAHour</a> <a href="https://t.co/KCu9uW21jR">pic.twitter.com/KCu9uW21jR</a></p>— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) <a href="https://twitter.com/jedigoodman/status/1769794120346710197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="dsmQe4">I don’t know if it was the intent, but this video made me laugh out loud.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don’t f*** with Georgian Power <a href="https://t.co/JqowgxM4Ag">pic.twitter.com/JqowgxM4Ag</a></p>— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) <a href="https://twitter.com/MerabDvalishvil/status/1769085137252172065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<p id="hOT56Q">This should be a fun grappling match at 115 lbs.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Michelle Waterson-Gomez will fight Gillian Robertson at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC302?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC302</a> on June 1st. (first rep. <a href="https://twitter.com/MagicM_MMABets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MagicM_MMABets</a>) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MMA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MMA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFCESPN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFCESPN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/aPgRmP1HzX">pic.twitter.com/aPgRmP1HzX</a></p>— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigMarcel24/status/1768969469626396896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<p id="naw0jX">Insanely strong people are really tough to deal with on the mats with just a bit of aptitude and direction. Immovable object!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">So there's this powerlifter who qualified for ADCC<br>Mark Macqueen<br><br>He barely moves but he's got a raw total of 920 kg (2028 pounds) so good fucking luck scoring on him<br><br>I'm kind of fascinated to see if he can win any matches at ADCC worlds <a href="https://t.co/sPfq11oSVM">pic.twitter.com/sPfq11oSVM</a></p>— William - Open Note Grappling ️ (@OpenNoteGrapple) <a href="https://twitter.com/OpenNoteGrapple/status/1769688579498786978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="TtgRWb">Fight fans demand blood!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oleksandr Usyk's reply when he was asked why he didn't KO Anthony Joshua: “Why are you so bloodthirsty? There is victory, everything is fine. Why is it necessary for a person to fall? He has a mother and father. This is a big chunk of health if a person falls. I'm not for that.”</p>— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1769731029684686943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<aside id="e25N4W"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Video! New Footage Shows Shocked Ngannou Recovering From KO Loss","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/17/24104221/video-new-footage-shocked-francis-ngannou-recovering-from-scary-anthony-joshua-knockout-ufc-boxing"}]}'></div></aside><p id="gHbnTE"><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/15/24101464/marlon-veras-coach-rejects-reality-sean-omalley-rivalry-chito-jail-murder-ufc-espn-mma">The delusion runs deep</a> in the Marlon Vera camp.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> | Chito Vera on the body shot he landed on Sean O’Malley in the fifth round:<br><br>“If we were fighting to the death, the O’Malley family would have a funeral right now.” <br><br>[per The MMA Hour] <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC299?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC299</a> <a href="https://t.co/qaJ8jguhKC">pic.twitter.com/qaJ8jguhKC</a></p>— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) <a href="https://twitter.com/mma_orbit/status/1769798604804227318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<h2 id="pun6kJ"><strong>Slips, rips, and KO clips</strong></h2>
<p id="bwRDpq">“The Gun” still firing! At 41 years of age, Diego Nunes is winning fights and a regional belt. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well that was quick...<br><br>Diego Nunes is your new CFS Lightweight champ!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFS15?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFS15</a> <a href="https://t.co/gNe6Cw2QEB">pic.twitter.com/gNe6Cw2QEB</a></p>— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) <a href="https://twitter.com/UFCFightPass/status/1768753740163494182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="HUsEss">11 minutes of knockout footage! Pancrase just realized all the knockouts in their promotion from last year.</p>
<div id="lJ6QI2"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nVCnJ0PO1m8?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="3OmaNU">Buggy chokes are such a silly way to win (or lose) a fight.</p>
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<p lang="es" dir="ltr">El sábado pasado en el evento de Fight 2 One el brasileño Santhiago Paiva se sacó una sumisión por Buggy Choke que últimamente se ha puesto de moda <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fight2One?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fight2One</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MMASpain?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MMASpain</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZwB9dYQObt">pic.twitter.com/ZwB9dYQObt</a></p>— Pelunaton (@pelunaton) <a href="https://twitter.com/pelunaton/status/1769725642667360310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<h2 id="YkakJI"><strong>Random Land</strong></h2>
<p id="4iRvTl">Assuming one per row: 3B6H. Debate!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Make your perfect burger <a href="https://t.co/g93NPh0OPH">pic.twitter.com/g93NPh0OPH</a></p>— The Irrelevant Fan (@bagsfan75_Tony) <a href="https://twitter.com/bagsfan75_Tony/status/1768631811876299120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="hSxltI">Midnight Music: New wave, 1978</p>
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<p id="4P34oY">Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/19/24105390/midnight-mania-mentally-unwell-sean-strickland-admits-struggles-violent-thoughts-fighting-demons-ufc
Andrew Richardson
2024-03-18T22:00:00-04:00
2024-03-18T22:00:00-04:00
‘I Feel Like Makhachev Wants To Avoid Us’
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<img alt="UFC Fight Night: Weigh-ins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BabKzT9dsv4JBrhhTn9uGywmo6A=/0x0:5418x3612/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216819/1138064932.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="AcNDuR">Arman Tsarukyan is confident he’ll get a title shot after his next fight.</p>
<p id="z4QZBk">The biggest event in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is right around the corner. UFC 300 will showcase a top-to-bottom line up of some of the sport’s very best, including Lightweight talents, Tsarukyan and his former champion opponent, Charles Oliveira.</p>
<p id="dtvb5V">UFC CEO, Dana White, has indicated that the match up will lead to the next title challenger for the current champion, Islam Makhachev, a past successor for both men. However, Tsarukyan believes a potential rematch will look to be avoided.</p>
<aside id="TZELIL"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Makhachev Admits Dustin Poirier ‘Doesn’t Deserve Title Fight’ But Doesn’t Have ‘Any Option’","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/14/24101263/islam-makhachev-admits-dustin-poirier-doesnt-deserve-title-fight-but-doesnt-have-any-option-ufc"}]}'></div></aside><p id="kyA0SK">“I feel like Islam wants to avoid us,” Tsarukyan told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh8SP-qTzhg">Morning Kombat</a> (h/t <a href="https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/03/ufc-news-arman-tsarukyan-opinion-islam-makhachev-avoiding-fight-with-dustin-poirier-callout">MMA Junkie</a>). “He feels like I’m going to win, and for him, it’s better to fight [Dustin] Poirier than me because I am more dangerous for him.</p>
<p id="26y4D0">“I know wrestling, and maybe he can make more money with Dustin,” he continued. “Probably because of that, he’s interested. Anyway, for me, it doesn’t matter. I just focus on Charles Oliveira. After that fight, we’re going to talk.”</p>
<p id="s1xzkv">Tsarukyan, 27, made his promotional debut on short notice opposite Makhachev in April 2019. Despite his best efforts, Tsarukyan was stifled for his first career loss as he dropped a unanimous decision (21-3 overall).</p>
<aside id="FSeuAR"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Tsarukyan: Oliveira Great Submission Artist ‘But Overall, He’s Nothing Special’ ","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/14/24101326/ufc-300s-arman-tsarukyan-charles-oliveira-great-submission-artist-overall-hes-nothing-special-mma"}]}'></div></aside><p id="PtxBOZ">Now an established Top 5 contender in the 155-pound ranks, Tsarukyan knows what’s at stake in his battle against “Do Bronx.” Whether the champion likes it or not, they’ll have to fight again at some point.</p>
<p id="awaWYR">“Not maybe. It’s 100 percent contender No. 1 for the title,” Tsarukyan said. “After this fight, I’m going to be contender No. 1 and I’m going to fight for the title. That’s it.”</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/18/24105352/arman-tsarukyan-100-percent-fighting-title-after-ufc-300-win-i-feel-islam-makhachev-wants-avoid-us
Drake Riggs
2024-03-18T20:30:00-04:00
2024-03-18T20:30:00-04:00
‘I Am Not Able To Get A Job’
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<img alt="UFC 272 Weigh-in" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1rzFoUCVnDpaF8Z_xL0Bh8e3eas=/0x0:4197x2798/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216715/1379636916.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC</figcaption>
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<p id="1PBZea">Mariya Agapova is more than ready to fight again.</p>
<p id="fv1SeW">The 26-year-old Kazakhstan native last fought against Gillian Robertson in Sept. 2022. Unfortunately for Agapova, she suffered a second round rear-naked choke loss (<a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2022/9/17/23358250/watch-ufc-vegas-60-full-fight-video-highlights-results-espn-robertson-submission-agapova-tongue">watch highlights</a>) that made her 2-3 in her five-fight Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) run thus far (10-4 overall).</p>
<p id="rDgvhm">Although Agapova missed all of 2023, it hasn’t been without a lack of trying to rebound as soon as possible. The women’s Flyweight prospect took to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mma.mashka/">Instagram</a> today (Mon., March 18, 2024) with a now-deleted post that called for action after her extended time away.</p>
<aside id="awlCE6"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Manager Defends Drug-And-Slug Accusations Against Agapova","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2021/7/5/22564073/manager-defends-drug-slug-accusations-against-ufcs-agapova-this-is-mariyas-private-life-mma"}]}'></div></aside> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BX9Fbwz02yruYKDnaP1wE6Z-5aw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25343301/GI_LIH0XEAA55AI.jpeg">
<cite>Instagram: @mma.mashka</cite>
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<p id="OfgoE6">“I have two more fights under my contract in the UFC,” Agapova said. “Because of the contract, I can’t fight in other places and promotions to make money. I also train two-three times a day, because of this, I am not able to get a job. Thank you very much to my friends, sponsors, and tattoo clients for their help. But I urgently need a contract for the fight. My documents have been in order for a month now, and it’s still not clear when I’ll sign the contract for the fight. Let’s make some noise. Write to the UFC that you miss my fights.</p>
<p id="J4N0Ke">“When is the fight?” she concluded. “Don’t ask me that! Let’s ask the UFC [Matchmaker] Mick Maynard. WHEN WILL MY FIGHT BE HAPPENING???”</p>
<p id="BfjEws">Agapova has been a prospect to watch within the women’s Flyweight division since her mixed martial arts (MMA) debut in 2015. “Demonslayer” rapidly put together a six-fight winning streak to start, which resulted in an opportunity against Tracy Cortez on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019. Cortez held off her fellow prospect as she won a unanimous decision and a contract with the promotion.</p>
<aside id="S8Ll8A"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Submission! Watch Agapova Batter Sabina Mazo On The Feet, Choke Her Out","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2021/10/9/22717859/ufc-vegas-39-full-fight-video-highlights-dern-vs-rodriguez-results-espn-agapova-submit-mazo"}]}'></div></aside><p id="59AmxC">After two stellar first round finishes in Invicta Fighting Championship, Agapova got the call-up to UFC where she dispatched of Hannah Cifers before she fell victim to the biggest upset in UFC history, according to the odds. Agapova was a -1400 favorite in her bout with the +940 underdog, Shana Dobson, who finished her with strikes in round two at UFC Vegas 7 in Aug. 2020 (<a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2020/8/22/21397194/ufc-on-espn-15-full-fight-video-highlights-edgar-munhoz-results-mma-vegas-dobson-knockout-agapova">watch highlights</a>).</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/18/24105297/i-am-not-able-to-get-a-job-ufc-flyweight-stuck-in-fight-limbo-calls-out-matchmakers-mma
Drake Riggs
2024-03-18T19:00:00-04:00
2024-03-18T19:00:00-04:00
‘Motherf—ker’s A Fakeass B—ch. Chito Sucks. F—k Him’
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<img alt="UFC 299: O’Malley v Vera 2" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1QGYTGDOYq4Ws3DV79Jo9WE6KC8=/0x0:6444x4296/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216606/2072545487.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="fSspvz">Sean O’Malley was not amused by Marlon “Chito” Vera’s recent allegations after their rematch at UFC 299 two weekends ago (March 9, 2024).</p>
<p id="TcKbZl">Vera, 31, came up short in his first crack at UFC Bantamweight gold opposite his rainbow-haired rival, O’Malley. The champion, “Sugar,” managed to score redemption in the pair’s sequel match up as he outstruck his way to a five-round unanimous decision for his first successful title defense (<a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/10/24095629/full-fight-video-highlights-sean-omalley-marlon-vera-2-ufc-299-results-miami-ppv-espn">watch highlights</a>).</p>
<p id="5UWjQ2">The rivalry hasn’t quite ended — in and out of the Octagon — after the fight as the series is now tied at 1-1. Vera has since raised a point of controversy when he questioned whether or not O’Malley <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/13/24100135/gel-gate-chito-vera-says-sean-omalley-was-greased-to-the-bone-in-ufc-299-rematch-mma">greased his hair</a> for the fight.</p>
<aside id="tnrS3d"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"O’Malley Coach On Vera Greasing Claim: ‘He’s Probably Still Concussed’ ","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/18/24104696/sean-omalleys-coach-shrugs-off-marlon-veras-greasing-allegations-hes-probably-still-concussed"}]}'></div></aside><p id="HH9paZ">“Everybody seems to love this dude,” O’Malley said on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55uOOGi61V0">his YouTube channel</a>. “Motherf—ker’s a fakeass b—ch. Chito sucks. F—k him. I know s—t that people don’t know that would change their minds on him, but I’m not gonna go out there and post it. The DM s—t was real. I was in his f—king head. I was his brain. I was thinking for him. People are, ‘Oh, he’s just a family man.’ F—k that guy, bro.</p>
<p id="izCrji">“Then he comes out saying I’m greasing my hair,” he continued. “Bro didn’t even get close enough to smell my hair let alone think I — what was greasing my hair gonna do?”</p>
<p id="ZixsEY">Bad blood has boiled since O’Malley and Vera were first scheduled for their clash in August 2020. Even after O’Malley (18-1, 1 no contest) suffered a first round technical knockout loss in the bout, he maintained he was still undefeated due to his foot injury caused by Vera’s leg kicks.</p>
<aside id="Dtp7ej"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Cory Sandhagen Disappointed With ‘Homeless-Looking’ Chito","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/14/24101356/cory-sandhagen-disappointed-homeless-looking-chito-vera-i-dont-know-why-i-bought-into-the-hype"}]}'></div></aside><p id="ywCDQc">Ultimately, the aftermath of the O’Malley vs. Vera rematch has shown their issues with each other are nowhere near resolved.</p>
<p id="w9A3fy">“I’m just like, be the bigger man, you don’t need to ruin his f—king life, you already ruined his career. Just be the bigger man,” O’Malley said.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/18/24105259/sean-omalley-goes-off-on-fake-a-b-ch-chito-vera-after-greasing-allegations-chito-sucks-f-k-him-mma
Drake Riggs
2024-03-18T18:00:00-04:00
2024-03-18T18:00:00-04:00
‘There’s No Denying’ Carmouche Is ‘Top Girl’ ... But ‘Don’t Underestimate’ Ditcheva
<figure>
<img alt="PFL 10: Championships" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c-sSfWyzUz4EpNzXtO3b9JOwr5I=/0x0:7721x5147/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216534/1245103856.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>“This has probably got to be one of the most exciting tournaments they’ve done.”</p> <p id="dZ04cx">The 2024 Professional Fighters League (PFL) season has all the potential to be the best one yet.</p>
<p id="Mxt8oZ">A Bellator roster invasion is upon each division after PFL absorbed the longstanding promotion in late 2023. Each divisional tournament to kick off 2024 is littered with fresh new faces and match ups across the board.</p>
<p id="DaerFT">Despite the large increase in overall depth, PFL is maintaining the same number of seasons per division as it always has with six. One of those belongs to the women, who won’t be Featherweights or Lightweights as seen in past years. In 2024, the Flyweights get the spotlight and the talent pool looks to create plenty of intriguing bouts whether that includes PFL Europe star and champion, Dakota Ditcheva, or reigning Bellator titleholder, Liz Carmouche. Ditcheva, 25, will have an edge with the PFL format. However, she knows she no longer has the biggest target on her back like she did last year in the European iteration.</p>
<aside id="uQr6O9"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Ditcheva: ‘I Honestly Don’t Think Anybody Can Compete With Me That PFL Can Pull In’","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/10/19/23905154/dakota-ditcheva-i-honestly-dont-think-anybody-can-compete-with-me-these-days-that-pfl-can-pull"}]}'></div></aside><p id="KSz40r">“This has probably got to be one of the most exciting tournaments they’ve done, I feel like,” Ditcheva told <a href="http://mmamania.com">MMA Mania</a>. “The level of girls that are in it and the names that are in it. Obviously, Liz has been around for years. The people she’s fought, she holds the Bellator belt. [Taila] Santos coming over as well and her level. She’s right at the top where she’s been.</p>
<p id="rI184O">“To see girls like that coming in now, it’s just crazy,” she continued. “There’s a few young people like me that are gonna be coming up so it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out but also how the girls deal with the tournament format. A lot of the fighters have kind of fought once a year, twice a year. They’re not as regular so it’ll be interesting who to see can carry on throughout the whole tournament and who ends up in the final ... with me (laughs).”</p>
<p id="oQgFvr">Carmouche, 40, has been one of the division’s best globally since she dropped from Bantamweight while still a part of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in December 2017. Meanwhile, one-time UFC title challenger, Santos, makes for a thrilling addition to PFL’s roster after establishing herself as a consensus Top 5 fighter worldwide.</p>
<aside id="X1N1l3"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Santos&nbsp;Claims UFC Admitted ‘Scared’ Valentina Shevchenko Is ‘Running’ From Rematch","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2022/11/22/23473732/taila-santos-claims-ufc-admitted-scared-valentina-shevchenko-running-rematch-mma"}]}'></div></aside><p id="FgmnUC">Between Ditcheva, Carmouche, and Santos, they’ll all be tasked with different opponents to kick off their 2024 campaigns. A finisher through and through with her flawless 10-0 record (8 knockouts, 1 submission), the “Dangerous” Brit hopes to blaze through Lisa Mauldin at PFL San Antonio on April 4, 2024. After that, she’ll aim to take out Carmouche and or Santos en route to another PFL championship.</p>
<p id="VR2zQr">“Yeah, her level of experience, who she’s fought, she is the top girl at the moment, for sure,” Ditcheva said of Carmouche. “Her and Santos, I would say are the top two. There’s no denying that. I don’t think I’m far behind them as well. Don’t underestimate what I’m going to bring. I think they’re definitely the top two that we should all look out for.”</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="xR70GI">
<p id="aquOwN"><strong>For all the latest PFL and Bellator MMA news and notes click </strong><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/professional-fighters-league-pfl"><strong>here</strong></a><strong> and </strong><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/bellator-results-news-videos-spike-mma"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<p id="4OMh8W"></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/18/24101079/dakota-ditcheva-theres-no-denying-that-liz-carmouche-is-top-girl-in-pfl-dont-underestimate-me
Drake Riggs
2024-03-18T17:00:00-04:00
2024-03-18T17:00:00-04:00
Moore Out To Win Title In Front Of Hometown Crowd
<figure>
<img alt="Bellator 285" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hM3_Nk772ZnMBEhhVm68FvIDeuY=/112x0:4314x2801/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216385/1243457688.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="N4QXIe">Karl Moore has never fought in front of his hometown crowd of Belfast, Northern Ireland as a mixed martial arts (MMA) professional. But this Friday (March 22, 2024) he will not only fulfill that goal, but he will get to do it while trying to win the vacant Bellator Light Heavyweight title.</p>
<p id="jIeMmg">The hard-hitting Irishman has been tasked to headline the initial <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/6/24062008/pfl-launches-bellator-champions-series-march-22-in-belfast-ireland-anderson-mccourt-dazn-mma">“Bellator Champions Series”</a> event against Corey Anderson for the strap <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/1/17/24041440/vadim-nemkov-vacates-bellator-mma-title-eyes-pfl-heavyweight-throne-riyadh">left behind by Vadim Nemkov</a>, just five fights into his career with the promotion. For Moore, it’s a dream come true that he’s envisioned early on in his amateur career.</p>
<p id="fTSzYo">“This is a dream come true. I fought in Belfast as an amateur in my third fight. After I won that fight I jumped on top of that cage and celebrated. At that age I hadn’t realized the dream of fighting in front of the Belfast crowd while winning the world title,” he said during a recent media call to promote Bellator Belfast.</p>
<aside id="465Gm3"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Anderson Headlines First Bellator Event Under PFL ","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/1/30/24055770/corey-anderson-karl-moore-vacant-light-heavyweight-title-fight-headlines-bellator-belfast-mma"}]}'></div></aside><p id="5vGpz0">“But you think, when is Bellator going to come to Belfast? When are they going to stick me as the main event for a world title? But it’s happening, and I am going to win that world title in front of my people,” he added before saying he knows not to get too caught up with the comfort of his surroundings and stick to the business at hand.</p>
<p id="pbNmlU">“I understand the ramifications, but just like Corey said, it’s another fight and everything else is irrelevant. I am going to go in there for 25 minutes, do my businesses and then after you soak it in and enjoy it. But in those 25 minutes it is me and Corey. Me and him, everything else does not matter. After it’s all said and done we can enjoy our moment and our time.” </p>
<aside id="gUP1D0"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Latest Bellator 302 Fight Card For ‘Belfast’","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/20/24072851/bellator-302-fight-card-rumors-anderson-moore-mccourt-kavanagh-dazn-belfast-ireland-mma"}]}'></div></aside><p id="ua2Xfd">Still, Moore knows that the atmosphere will be electric come fight night, which he will feed off of to get the job done.</p>
<p id="vvoAZc">“I fought in Dublin so many times and the atmosphere in Dublin is electric, but Belfast is a bit different. They’re not too far away, but the people from Belfast, they bring their own type of atmosphere," he added.</p>
<p id="jLvQ6s">“I mean, Belfast is a historic fighting city. We have so many great boxers that have come through and so many great boxers coming through at the minute. And when those guys fight, the atmosphere is electric. So I can only imagine what it’s going to be like when they have one of their own fighting for a world title. It’ll be unbelievable. I can only imagine how crazy it will be.”</p>
<aside id="oSCHAq"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"WORLDWIDE! Bellator Champions Series Event Schedule Revealed ","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/7/24092551/pfl-announces-full-slate-bellator-mma-champions-series-events-2024-espn-mma"}]}'></div></aside><p id="izvIdA">Moore has competed the majority of his career in Ireland under the Cage Warriors banner, winning the 205-pound title for the promotion in 2017. After signing with Bellator in 2019, Moore has gone on to rack up four straight wins, good enough to land him his first-ever championship fight for the company.</p>
<p id="fTbSoI">It will be a tough task to say the least because he will come face-to-face with a man who is also hungry for his first taste of Bellator gold, as Anderson has come up short in his previous two bids to win the belt against Nemkov. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="dxqXxB">
<p id="84QYVC"><strong>For all the latest PFL and Bellator MMA news and notes click </strong><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/professional-fighters-league-pfl"><strong>here</strong></a><strong> and </strong><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/bellator-results-news-videos-spike-mma"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<p id="gya8Ym"></p>
<p id="1PmxR2"></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/18/24103983/karl-moore-winning-title-hometown-crowd-dream-come-true-corey-anderson-bellator-belfast-mma
Adam Guillen
2024-03-18T16:00:00-04:00
2024-03-18T16:00:00-04:00
Petr Yan Headed For Surgery
<figure>
<img alt="UFC 299: Yan v Song" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cmf81KBxBQpfSGXwBrz_nOY6r3k=/0x0:8449x5633/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216226/2072302300.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="WIyBlO"><strong>Petr Yan</strong> <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/9/24095861/ufc-299-results-petr-yan-song-yadong-who-won-bantamweight-espn-stream-miami-mma">returned to the winner’s circle</a> (<a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/11/26/23976850/petr-yan-admits-new-coaching-team-needs-to-be-created-to-regain-contender-status">finally</a>), but it came at a physical cost.</p>
<p id="mfTtBw">Yan got back on track at <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/ufc-299-start-time-live-stream-results-fight-card-date-location-odds-highlights-who-won-omalley-vera-2-espn-ppv">UFC 299</a> earlier this month in Miami, Fla., snapping his dreaded four-fight losing streak when he toppled the surging <strong>Song Yadong</strong> <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/9/24090439/ufc-299-start-time-results-live-streaming-ppv-fight-updates-sean-omalley-marlon-vera-espn-mma">via unanimous decision</a>. But, “No Mercy” suffered multiple injuries inside Kaseya Center that will send him to surgery and leave him sidelined for several months.</p>
<p id="hqZm96">UFC’s former Bantamweight champion revealed the laundry list of maladies via social media.</p>
<aside id="TDt8VD"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Yan Yokes Yadong, Returns To Win Column","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/9/24095861/ufc-299-results-petr-yan-song-yadong-who-won-bantamweight-espn-stream-miami-mma"}]}'></div></aside><div id="OTb250">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">So MRI confirmed acl rupture, meniscus tear and groin injury. Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. Nothing will break me, I’m determined to come back stronger than ever in no time </p>— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PetrYanUFC/status/1769737975867539559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<aside id="PCfazb"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Matches To Make After UFC 299","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/10/24096457/ufc-299-results-matches-make-omalley-vs-vera-2-main-card-winners-espn-miami-mma"}]}'></div></aside><p id="mUwz28">“So MRI confirmed ACL rupture, meniscus tear and groin injury,” Yan wrote. “Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. Nothing will break me, I’m determined to come back stronger than ever in no time.”</p>
<p id="XMzVoA">While the timeframe for his recovery is unclear at this time, it usually takes nine months to a year to fully recover from an ACL repair. And that means, unfortunately, the Russian fighter is most likely looking down the barrel at another year layoff, which is just unlucky because Yan took an entire season off after <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/3/11/23634831/ufc-las-vegas-results-petr-yan-merab-dvalishvili-espn-mma-apex">losing to current No. 1 contender</a>, <strong>Merab Dvalishvili</strong>.</p>
<p id="QxSUmr">Nevertheless, Yan is in a much better place than he started this year, and depending on what the 135-pound division looks like when he returns, he could be in an even sweeter position — especially if O’Malley is still champion — after their <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2022/10/22/23417195/watch-ufc-280-full-fight-video-highlights-results-espn-ppv-abu-dhabi-yan-o-malley">very, very close fight</a> back in 2022.</p>
<p id="r5X7bA"><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/3/14/23639468/embarrassed-petr-yan-never-recovered-from-ufc-loss-sean-omalley-took-little-something-from-him-mma">Payback?</a></p>
<aside id="7PbNPi"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"O’Malley And Vera Received ‘Gifted’ Titles Opportunities","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/6/24092857/ufc-299s-petr-yan-both-sean-omalley-and-marlon-vera-received-gifted-titles-opportunities-mma"}]}'></div></aside><hr class="p-entry-hr" id="2b7eMq">
<p id="4EBsjJ"><strong>To checkout the latest and greatest UFC 299: “O’Malley vs. Vera” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right </strong><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/ufc-299-start-time-live-stream-results-fight-card-date-location-odds-highlights-who-won-omalley-vera-2-espn-ppv"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/18/24105089/petr-yan-headed-to-surgery-after-several-injuries-at-ufc-299-including-a-ruptured-acl-will-break-me
Alexander Behunin
2024-03-18T15:00:00-04:00
2024-03-18T15:00:00-04:00
‘I Refuse To Be The New Neil Magny’
<figure>
<img alt="UFC Fight Night: Smith v Walker" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/McasdQP1nLWS32hZIuN7CMt906c=/1x0:7471x4980/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215917/1489859105.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="K7Snyv"><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2022/11/6/23442960/neil-magny-gatekeeper-daniel-rodriguez-submission-ufc-vegas-64-results-espn-mma">Get wrecked!</a></p>
<p id="UhmzpI">Last week, it was announced that former Light Heavyweight title challenger, <strong>Anthony Smith</strong>, <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/12/24098483/anthony-smith-vs-vitor-petrino-booked-ufc-301-may-4-rio">would fight surging undefeated prospect</a>, <strong>Vitor Petrino</strong>, later this spring in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/17/24076032/breaking-ufc-301-returns-to-rio-de-janeiro-on-march-13-main-event-mma">UFC 301</a>.</p>
<p id="yP6V1n">Petrino actually called out Smith after <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/3/24089147/im-probably-gonna-have-to-rob-somebody-tyson-pedro-cites-family-and-financials-as-reason-retirement">he retired</a> <strong>Tyson Pedro</strong> at <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/2/24084073/ufc-vegas-87-results-live-streaming-fight-updates-rozenstruik-vs-gaziev-pedro-petrino-apex-mma">UFC Vegas 87</a> earlier this month, and the Brazilian got his wish; however, “Lionheart” was just the opposite.</p>
<p id="etLTpH">In fact, he was offended.</p>
<aside id="yyfTbO"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"‘Lionheart’ Draws Petrino For UFC 301 In Rio","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/12/24098483/anthony-smith-vs-vitor-petrino-booked-ufc-301-may-4-rio"}]}'></div></aside><p id="T4r9fb">“I’m offended,” Smith said on SiriusXM’s <em>MMA Today</em>. “Why didn’t he callout someone higher ranked? Why didn’t he callout [Aleksandar] Rakic? As far as timelines go, Rakic is going to be fighting soon. That would be a little closer to your timeline in terms of two guys who are fighting around the same time. Why didn’t you call out Rakic or Volkan Oezdemir? Why didn’t you call out any of those guys? Because you think you can beat me. You’re not sure about the other ones ... and that pisses me off.</p>
<p id="uBNIXk">“I’m not done,” Smith continued. “I’m not the old wounded lion that’s just pacing around waiting to be killed by the younger ones. That’s not me. I refuse to be the new Neil Magny. Three guys in 1.5 months have fought, won and called me out — all unranked — all young guys.</p>
<p id="3y6FGx">“We’re going to dead this right in its tracks,” Smith concluded. “Call me a gatekeeper. Call me whatever the hell you want to call me, but here’s the fact: I’ve been fighting inside the <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/ufc-mma-rankings">Top 10</a> for a very long time and have been fighting in the rankings in two different weight classes for a very long time.”</p>
<aside id="s39DQF"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"‘Fat’ Smith Has ‘Really Stupid’ Idea For Next UFC Fight","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/7/24064668/fat-ufc-contender-balloons-up-heavyweight-reveals-really-stupid-idea-next-mma-fight"}]}'></div></aside><p id="laUROp">Smith is referring to Magny as the <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2017/12/30/16830584/neil-magny-dismisses-gatekeeper-talk-ahead-of-ufc-219-battle-with-carlos-condit-mma-las-vegas">ultimate gatekeeper</a> in the Welterweight division. However, “Lionheart” has a good record of shutting down rising prospects in the 205-pound division, defeating <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2021/4/24/22401662/ufc-261-results-jimmy-crute-anthony-smith-light-heavyweight-espn-ppv"><strong>Jimmy Crute</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2020/11/29/21724175/ufc-vegas-15-full-fight-video-highlights-smith-clark-results-mma-espn-submission"><strong>Devin Clark</strong></a> and <strong>Ryan Spann</strong> (<a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/8/26/23846764/pic-anthony-smith-suffers-disgusting-eye-injury-in-controversial-ufc-singapore-win-twitter-spann">twice</a>). On the other hand, he was just <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2023/12/10/23994798/full-fight-video-highlights-ufc-vegas-83-results-espn-rountree-knockout-smith">smashed by <strong>Khalil Rountree Jr.</strong></a> on short notice.</p>
<p id="apoUC8">Nevertheless, Smith is at a point in his long career where he will have to fight the young, hungry prospects unless he can turn back the clock and get to one last title run. Maybe he fights his <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/11/24069133/brother-watch-bogdan-guskov-meet-anthony-smith-after-sparking-zac-pauga-ufc-vegas-86">brother-from-another-mother</a> next? Or<a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/7/24064668/fat-ufc-contender-balloons-up-heavyweight-reveals-really-stupid-idea-next-mma-fight"> Heavyweight</a>...?</p>
<p id="Nh7w3O"><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/1/3/24024527/anthony-smith-i-dont-want-to-be-the-guy-that-has-people-telling-you-that-you-need-to-leave-ufc">Just don’t tell him to leave</a>.</p>
<aside id="XnJWYa"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Pic! Smith Suffers ‘Nightmare’ Eye Injury At UFC Singapore","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2023/8/26/23846764/pic-anthony-smith-suffers-disgusting-eye-injury-in-controversial-ufc-singapore-win-twitter-spann"}]}'></div></aside><hr class="p-entry-hr" id="M2s8ab">
<p id="eP9q1l"><strong>For more on UFC 301 click </strong><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/17/24076032/breaking-ufc-301-returns-to-rio-de-janeiro-on-march-13-main-event-mma"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/18/24105041/anthony-smith-offended-by-ufc-301-matchup-with-vitor-petrino-i-refuse-to-be-the-new-neil-magny
Alexander Behunin