
UFC 318: Roman Kopylov media day interview

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USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Gabriel Bonfim wants Colby Covington next: 'An appropriate next step'
Gabriel Bonfim isn't listening to the noise. Mentally, he's already on to the next battle. The rising Brazilian contender picked up his most prolific win to date on July 12 when he defeated welterweight legend Stephen Thompson at UFC on ESPN 70 by split decision. "I feel great and I'm happy with my performance," Bonfim recently told MMA Junkie through a Portuguese-language translator. "My opponent is a legend of the sport, so that victory gives me confidence moving forward, and also shows me some things that I need to work on if I'm to achieve that status myself. I'm very hungry to build on my momentum." As for the judges' decision and the wave of disagreement that came from fans online, Bonfim remains confident. "I've gone back and watched it a couple times," Bonfim said. "Overall, I'm happy. I think it was a good performance, and I stuck to the game plan. I think it was an exciting fight, which is something that's very important to me -- giving the fans something to enjoy and remember." "... I was confident that the judges would make the correct decision, and they did in declaring me the winner. There were aspects of the fight that made it close at times, but I did enough to win. Perhaps those who doubt my victory haven't rewatched the fight, which is something that I recommend." Regardless of the armchair judges' nasty social media comments, the record books have a big "W" on Bonfim's resume. The victory even landed him in the official UFC rankings at No. 14. He's since bumped to No. 13. "Myself and my team have worked so hard to get to this point," Bonfim said. "It's an honor to be recognized in this way, and it gives me even more confidence that I can continue to climb the rankings and be the champion." With one welterweight great defeated, Bonfim has turned his attention to another one – one that is a bit more loud and bombastic. Bonfim wants Colby Covington. "I'd like to fight Colby Covington," Bonfim said. "A fight against a former champion is an appropriate next step in my career after defeating Thompson, who also has a very impressive resume. That's a great matchup for me, and I believe it makes the most sense for my career. Most importantly, I've heard from a lot of fans, online and in person, who say that's the fight they want to see next, so let's do it." Bonfim, 27, has won three fights in a row since his first career loss to Nicolas Dalby. Covington, 37, has lost three of his most recent four fights including most recently a December bout vs. Joaquin Buckley.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Gabriel Bonfim wants Colby Covington next: 'An appropriate next step'
Gabriel Bonfim isn't listening to the noise. Mentally, he's already on to the next battle. The rising Brazilian contender picked up his most prolific win to date on July 12 when he defeated welterweight legend Stephen Thompson at UFC on ESPN 70 by split decision. "I feel great and I'm happy with my performance," Bonfim recently told MMA Junkie through a Portuguese-language translator. "My opponent is a legend of the sport, so that victory gives me confidence moving forward, and also shows me some things that I need to work on if I'm to achieve that status myself. I'm very hungry to build on my momentum." As for the judges' decision and the wave of disagreement that came from fans online, Bonfim remains confident. "I've gone back and watched it a couple times," Bonfim said. "Overall, I'm happy. I think it was a good performance, and I stuck to the game plan. I think it was an exciting fight, which is something that's very important to me -- giving the fans something to enjoy and remember." "... I was confident that the judges would make the correct decision, and they did in declaring me the winner. There were aspects of the fight that made it close at times, but I did enough to win. Perhaps those who doubt my victory haven't rewatched the fight, which is something that I recommend." Regardless of the armchair judges' nasty social media comments, the record books have a big "W" on Bonfim's resume. The victory even landed him in the official UFC rankings at No. 14. He's since bumped to No. 13. "Myself and my team have worked so hard to get to this point," Bonfim said. "It's an honor to be recognized in this way, and it gives me even more confidence that I can continue to climb the rankings and be the champion." With one welterweight great defeated, Bonfim has turned his attention to another one – one that is a bit more loud and bombastic. Bonfim wants Colby Covington. "I'd like to fight Colby Covington," Bonfim said. "A fight against a former champion is an appropriate next step in my career after defeating Thompson, who also has a very impressive resume. That's a great matchup for me, and I believe it makes the most sense for my career. Most importantly, I've heard from a lot of fans, online and in person, who say that's the fight they want to see next, so let's do it." Bonfim, 27, has won three fights in a row since his first career loss to Nicolas Dalby. Covington, 37, has lost three of his most recent four fights including most recently a December bout vs. Joaquin Buckley. This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Gabriel Bonfim calls polarizing UFC star: 'An appropriate next step'


USA Today
6 hours ago
- USA Today
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2: Odds and what to know ahead of UFC 320 title rematch
Magomed Ankalaev will look to prove superior to Alex Pereira once and for all when the reigning champion looks to make his first defense against the former titleholder in the UFC 320 main event. Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira preview Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) is riding a 14-fight unbeaten streak inside the octagon dating back to March 2018. After a long wait for his title shot, he took advantage of the moment at UFC 313 in March with a unanimous decision victory over Pereira to become the first Russian-born champion in the illustrious history of the 205-pound weight class. Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) will attempt to prove his defeat to Ankalaev was merely an off night as he claimed by recapturing the belt he successfully defended a record three consecutive times in 2024. "Poatan" can join Jon Jones and Randy Couture as the only fighters in divisional history with multiple reigns. Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira odds According to DraftKings, Ankalaev is a slight -180 favorite to retain his title against challenger Pereira, who's a +150 underdog. How to watch Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira at UFC 320 Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas Broadcast/streaming: ESPN+ pay-per-view When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025