MMA Junkie Radio #3558: Michael Chandler's statement, Yair Rodriguez wants next, more
Thursday's episode of MMA Junkie Radio with "Gorgeous" George and "Goze" is here.
On Episode 3,558, the fellas dive into the latest stories in the world of MMA with PFL being the only major organization in action this week. Following UFC 314 in Miami, Yair Rodriguez wants the next featherweight title shot, Michael Chandler releases a statement after his loss to Paddy Pimblett, and more. Tune in!
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USA Today
15 hours ago
- USA Today
Michal Oleksiejczuk wants Marvin Vettori afer UFC 319 win: 'I can break this guy'
CHICAGO – Michal Oleksiejczuk feels like a different fighter now that he's training with the Fighting Nerds in Brazil, and thus far, the proof is in the results. Poland's Oleksiejczuk (21-9 MMA, 9-7 UFC) spent his last two training camps with one of the hottest teams in the game today, and is thrilled with his decision – especially after recording his second straight first-round finish by stopping Gerald Meerschaert in the United Center at UFC 319. "This was my second time in Brazil and my skills, my cage game, my ground game – all is better," Oleksiejczuk told reporters during a post-fight news conference. "I am happy my corner gave me great energy." Things were not in a good place for Oleksiejczuk just a year ago. After ending his 2023 campaign with a first-round finish of Chidi Njokuani, things took a nose-dive in 2024. Oleksiejczuk lost all three of his fights, two of which were first-round stoppages. Since switching to the Fighting Nerds, he finished Sedriques Dumas in the first round at UFC 314, and followed it up with the opening-round TKO of Meerschaert. Now, the Polish middleweight has his eyes on a ranked opponent. "I think that my skill is ready for top 15 now," Oleksiejczuk said. "I want fight with Marvin Vettori. I think this is very good fight because Marvin is from Europe, I am from Europe, Poland, and I am ready. I think a lot of people want this fight." Vettori currently holds the No. 13 spot in the UFC's official 185-pound rankings. He's in a similar place to Oleksiejczuk last year, having lost three straight fights. If and when they meet, Oleksiejczuk believes he can be the first fighter to stop the ultra-durable Italian. "I know Marvin is very tough fighter, but I think that this is my time," Oleksiejczuk said. "I can break this guy, I am sure."
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Francis Ngannou explains his criticisms of PFL Africa launch, responds to Donn Davis
PFL's long-discussed debut trip to Africa turned out to be a success in July, showcasing some of the promotion's top talents like Dakota Ditcheva and Johnny Eblen. However, PFL Africa ambassador and heavyweight superstar Francis Ngannou was noticeably missing from the arena come fight night. PFL founder Donn Davis expressed his disappointment with Ngannou's absence following the conclusion of the launch event. Davis claimed not to know why the Cameroonian puncher didn't attend the event, which bothered Ngannou. The former UFC heavyweight champion explained this week to Uncrowned exactly what led to his decision to not attend the first two Africa shows he pushed PFL to create. "I don't think it was something [Davis] should have brought out there [to tell people], right?" Ngannou said on "The Ariel Helwani Show." "At least if it was me, I wouldn't put it out there now, because he gets in the position where we have to bring up context [of] why didn't I come there. He did know why I didn't come. I've been waiting on this for two years — this was a big part of it. ... I wasn't OK with something, but I wasn't the one that was going to [put it] out [into the public conversation]. "If you want to know what exactly is the reason why I wasn't there, I wasn't very OK with the first PFL Africa event seeming to be like an undercard," Ngannou continued. "Quoting [Davis], we worked a lot for that, for [the launch of] PFL Africa. I hoped the PFL Africa debut would have at least had its glory, its moment. That wasn't my decision. I wasn't down for it, but I expressed my feelings to them." The keys to the proverbial castle in PFL were essentially handed to Ngannou upon his arrival to the promotion in 2023. Along with his high-value contract, the signing came with a role in spearheading PFL Africa as a sub-promotion under the overall PFL umbrella. But Ngannou believes his vision wasn't necessarily met — he hoped the launch of PFL Africa would ideally consist exclusively of African talent. "This is what it's about," Ngannou said. "You talk about something for two years, you expect this glorious moment, and I couldn't explain [to people why the card turned out how it did] if I had been there. It looks like I had been in a very bad position to explain how the PFL Africa I've been talking about has become an undercard. So, on that perspective, I'm not facing this. That was the main reason. "What was worse for me was I have seen some people talking about it, but they didn't even realize Aug. 9 was the second [PFL Africa] event." Despite holding down a lucrative spot on the PFL roster for more than two years, Ngannou has only fought once for the promotion, when he made his debut this past October with a first-round stoppage of 2023 PFL heavyweight tournament winner Renan Ferreira. As part of his deal, Ngannou has been allowed to fight freely in big-money boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua during the period. Ngannou said he hasn't had any formal discussions with PFL officials regarding a potential return to the cage in 2025, but has prodded them via email recently. He's under the impression PFL does not have a suitable opponent for him at the moment and hasn't spoken to Davis since their recent disagreements. The relationship between PFL and Ngannou appeared to be in a good place until Davis' comments. From Ngannou's perspective, things are still fine between both parties; it's just a matter of understanding where each is coming from going forward. "So far, I would say we've had a good relationship," Ngannou said. "We have two businesses together. One is PFL Africa, and then one is me as a fighter and PFL as a promoter. But again, everything doesn't always run smooth. It wasn't like, 'OK, this is not working.' This just works like, 'Oh, I don't agree with this. I think it should be like this,' and somebody gives his own point of view. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't work out. "Personally I don't think we are in that point, as you can see, 'Oh, we have a bad relationship.' No, we have a good relationship. We are just working things out. "I think the problem here is from a culture difference, which they are struggling to understand. The African culture aspect of things. I have to try to make sure that's being considered. So I think that's what is getting lost here. Because without that, the relationship would be qualified as a great relationship."
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
'Charisma seen from space' - Britain's Davis stuns Rabadanov
Britain's Alfie Davis stunned defending champion Gadzhi Rabadanov to win the PFL lightweight tournament by unanimous decision in Charlotte, North Carolina. London's Davis landed the more damaging strikes to edge a close contest with all three judges scoring it 48-47 in the 33-year-old's favour. Davis was overcome with emotion as the result was read out as he won $500,000 (£369,000) - a prize he described as "life-changing". He becomes the third Briton to win an annual PFL tournament after featherweight Brendan Loughnane in 2022 and women's flyweight Dakota Ditcheva last year. "I don't know what to say, I've worked so hard for this," said Davis. "To be a champion like Gadzhi, I respect him and have watched him for so many years – he and his team are amazing. To beat someone like that is a dream come true." Davis reached the final after enjoying the best spell of his 11-year career with wins over Clay Collard and Brent Primus. In Russia's 32-year-old Rabadanov, however, he was facing last year's champion and a fighter on a 12-fight win streak. Davis said he had suffered from a lack of confidence in the past, but has put that behind him with a string of impressive displays. His new-found confidence was on full display as he danced his way to the cage, before being introduced as someone whose "charisma can be seen from space". Fighting in UFC is biggest weight I've ever felt - MVP Hughes to face Nurmagomedov in October rematch Following a tentative first round, Rabadanov took control, earning the first takedown of the fight and controlling the action on the ground. Davis, who had been on the back foot, started to open up in the third by stifling Rabadanov's pressure with a number of counter strikes. As the crowd rallied, chanting "Alfie, Alfie", Davis landed an eye-catching spinning elbow, before spending the fourth round on his back following another takedown by Rabadanov. Sensing the fifth could decide the fight, Davis' team said "win this round, change your life" before the final five minutes, and he delivered by landing the more damaging strikes. Confident of victory, Davis ran around the cage with his arms aloft after the final bell before calling for the winner of Russia's Usman Nurmagomedov and Irishman Paul Hughes. Nurmagomedov defends his PFL lightweight belt, which was formerly the Bellator title, in a rematch against Hughes in Dubai on 3 October. In the women's flyweight final, Liz Carmouche knocked out fellow American Jena Bishop before calling for a fight with Ditcheva. Ditcheva, who has won the first 15 fights of her career, beat Sumiko Inaba in July but is currently recovering from surgery after injuring her hand during the bout. Britain's Fabian Edwards competes in the middleweight final later this month when he faces American Dalton Rosta on 21 August in Hollywood, Florida. MMA schedule and results 2025 Watch every Born to Brawl episode More MMA from the BBC Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport
