Latest news with #BJJ
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Mansher Khera happy UFC finally gave him a look – and now awaits the real call-up
Mansher Khera happy UFC finally gave him a look – and now awaits the real call-up Mansher Khera waited and waited... and waited some more. When a call from his manager Jason House finally came, the timing and circumstances weren't ideal – but Khera (9-0) found a way to emphatically make things work. "I got the contract two weeks before the fight," Khera recently told MMA Junkie. "I think my opponent was supposed to fight somebody else. I don't know what happened. But then, two weeks before the fight, I got the opportunity, and of course, I was not going to turn it down. These opportunities come once in a lifetime, so I was like, 'Hell yeah, man.'" While it wasn't the direct UFC call he'd hoped for, Khera was happy to accept a Road to UFC bout on short notice. On May 22, he dominated experienced Chinese fighter Aziz Khaydarov en route to a unanimous decision. Khera sees room for improvement, despite sweeping the scorecards. He has already identified specific factors that suppressed his potential. "It was a pretty sh*tty performance, to be honest with you," Khera said. "Not getting the finish. If I had gotten the finish, I'd have been really, really happy. I was happy with my composure. I was happy with my composure and the things that I could control. I just know that there is so much more to my performance than I showed last night. I just felt like that was maybe me at 40 percent. I found out two weeks before. I literally got my visa last-minute. I was in Canada. "... So everything that went into it was hectic and my time in Shanghai, I didn't really have time to adapt to the time zone. It's 12-hour difference. I was not getting any sleep. I had to cut weight and like I said, I didn't have a big fight camp. So I had a lot of weight to lose. Everything was just hectic. If I'm being honest, I didn't feel like my best self. But that's the fight game. Everybody has something going into the fight. That helped me power through it because I knew my opponent had his own struggles as well." Khera, 33, is an accomplished BJJ black-belt, who transitioned fully into MMA in 2021. His record is unblemished and he won Fury FC lightweight gold in November. While he's a little on the older side for a fighter the UFC would typically onboard, Khera is an atypical talent. Complementing his abilities, Khera is a proud Indian-American, a group underrepresented in MMA. Despite his self-criticism, the win certainly didn't harm Khera's chances of a real UFC call. Even though he's a bigger lightweight, he'll stay by the phone ready to accept whatever offer comes through. "I haven't heard anything from the UFC yet," Khera said. "I'm just going off of what my manager is telling me. He told me that this is a really good opportunity and whatever happens after is going to lead me toward the path of being in the UFC. But what exactly? I'm not sure. I should fight out soon. He did tell me that this gets in the system. Now, I'm in the UFC system. I have my bloodwork done. I have my brain scan, everything, done. I just stay ready because who knows? It could be another short-notice fight pretty soon. I'm just trying to stay prepared so I'm in the gym today."
The Courier
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
GALLERY: Highlights from 'Diamond Alley' Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Bonar Hall, Dundee
Hundreds came together on Saturday, May 24, to watch and compete in the 'Diamond Alley,' which took place in Bonar Hall, Dundee. More than 100 jiu-jitsu fighters from across Scotland and Ireland gathered for this one-of-a-kind event to demonstrate their talent and skill. The full-day competition kicked off with the kids' matches from 9 am to 2 pm, followed by the adult bouts starting at 4 pm and continuing into the evening. With competitors ranging in age from as young as 5 to over 50, the event offered a rare opportunity for UK BJJA athletes of all generations to compete in a safe, supportive, and professional environment, all on the same stage, something virtually unheard of at a BJJ event in Dundee or even across Scotland. Competitors had the chance to showcase their skills in front of family, friends, and supporters, while the live stream extended the event's reach, offering athletes a platform to gain recognition well beyond the local scene. The event was organised by Inverted Diamond JJ Fife, led by Professor Darren Clark, in collaboration with Professor Valentine Duke of Gracie Barra Dundee. With support from the wider Gracie Barra organisation, the team brought together a high-calibre event for the BJJ community. Inverted Diamond also secured sponsorship from several local businesses, including Onyx Detailing Studio, Plaster 4 U, and Violet Autos. 'Diamond Alley' was a groundbreaking event for Dundee, setting a new benchmark in scale, production quality, and promotional reach. It helped promote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, provided a valuable platform for competitors, and gave a welcome boost to local businesses while raising the city's profile in the combat sports community.
USA Today
25-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Khalil Rountree Jr. lists necessary changes made after Alex Pereira UFC title fight loss
Khalil Rountree Jr. lists necessary changes made after Alex Pereira UFC title fight loss Khalil Rountree Jr. knew changes were necessary in order to capture the UFC light heavyweight title. Rountree Jr. (13-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC) got his first opportunity to reach that goal at UFC 307, but was outmatched by then-champion Alex Pereira. In the main event of the UFC's first trip to Azerbaijan, Rountree Jr. will have the chance to return to the win column by taking on former champion Jamahal Hill. As the saying goes, you either win or you learn, and Rountree Jr. appears to have taken many lessons from the fight against Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC). As he prepares for Hill (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC), Rountree Jr. reveals he made multiple changes to his fight camp. "I think one of the most important things after the Alex fight, for me, was to continue to progress," Rountree Jr. said in a video on his YouTube channel. "So, after even talking to my wife and breaking down the video, thinking what could I have done better? Even though I put in a really good camp and I did my best in that camp, but I always try to think there's always room for improvement, no matter what. "And so, a few of the things, I felt like I could have improved in my strength. I think I could have had an extra ear in my corner to let me know moments when my opponent was hurt that I could have capitalized on. And I think just a little bit more support. So, right after the fight, that's immediately what I went after." The Fight of the Night battle against Pereira didn't produce the title victory Rountree Jr. hoped for, but he took away many positives from the fight. He is aware that the pinnacle of the light heavyweight division is within reach, but in order to reach it, he couldn't take the same approach. Rountree Jr.'s striking carried him through a five-fight winning streak to earn his first title shot. On the path to a second, he knew that working on his ground game was an important step. "Another thing that I wanted to improve on was my grappling," Rountree Jr. said. "As I climb the ranks and get closer to becoming the champion, knowing that there's going to be guys coming after me to get the belt, I want to be a well rounded fighter – and I want to be the best version of myself that I can be, in all areas." For his grappling game, Rountree Jr. added training with coach Bernardo Tavolaro and rolling with BJJ world champion and ONE Championship heavyweight Marucs "Buchecha" Almeida. Rountree Jr. believes his crowning moment will come one day, and that path begins in Baku against Hill.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Garden Vibes: 2 days only, Singapore's 1st farmer's market & wellness festival
Nourish your mind, body and soul at Singapore's inaugural Farmer's Market and Wellness Event, Garden Vibes, hosted by mall myVillage in collaboration with grocer Little Farms. This groundbreaking event promises an immersive experience filled with fresh produce and global delicacies, as well as rejuvenating wellness activities and talks by industry leaders. You'll have to buy tickets for each of the activities. Prices range from S$5 to S$45. For this festival, pre-purchase a S$20 cash voucher for only S$12, a whopping 40% off. This cash voucher can only be used on 25 & 26 May, at Garden Vibes Farmers' Market. The sale of vouchers is exclusively available until 24 May at Check out these highlights. Take your wellness journey to new heights at only S$5 for each 45-minute session or an all-day unlimited pass for S$30/day. Here's what awaits you on the Level 3 rooftop: Serene Breath and Flow Yoga Classes: Join the Yoga Movement for a journey of self-exploration and relaxation. These classes are perfect for beginners looking to discover the world of yoga or for experienced yoga practitioners seeking inner peace and balance. Introduction to Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): Always wanted to try out Muay Thai and BJJ but felt intimidated? The experienced and skilled instructors at Equilibrium are here to give you a 45-minute introduction to Muay Thai and BJJ at Garden Vibes. Start your morning on 25 May (Sun) at 9am with a deeply rejuvenating sound bath (S$45) by the renowned healer, Shervin Boloorian, who is flying in from Bali just for this festival. With nearly 15 years of expertise, Boloorian is hailed as one of Bali's top healers. For music lovers, Singaporean singer-songwriter Nathan Hartono will be entertaining us on 25 and 26 May, at 4:30pm! Nathan made his debut as a singer after winning the Teenage Icon singing competition in 2005 and released his debut album, 'LET ME SING! Life, Love, and All That Jazz,' in 2006. His buttery voice will surely nourish your soul. The region's leading holiday camp provider is bringing you a multitude of fun mini-games and sports activities. With the widest variety of camps for kids, get a teaser at the Garden Vibes event. Cool off the heat with splash play too— be sure to pack some extra clothing. What are you waiting for? Get your family and go down to the Garden Vibes event for fun. Surrey Hills Grocer at VivoCity is a pet-friendly rainforest haven The post Garden Vibes: 2 days only, Singapore's 1st farmer's market & wellness festival appeared first on
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFC Vegas 106 predictions, odds, full card preview: Does Gilbert Burns have one run left in him?
Gilbert Burns has been a mainstay in the UFC welterweight rankings for years. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) After a month on the road, the UFC is back in the "world-famous" Apex for UFC Vegas 106. The welterweight division is as hot as it's been in years, with Jack Della Maddalena becoming its newest champion at UFC 315, and the spotlight remains on the division this Saturday night. In UFC Vegas 106's main event, one-time title challenger Gilbert Burns returns with hopes of snapping his three-fight losing skid against the surging, undefeated contender Michael Morales. Advertisement This is essentially a one-fight card as far as meaningful stakes are concerned. Outside of the main event, UFC Vegas 106 has good violence potential sprinkled throughout, and we're always here for that. However, it's still, for the most part, what we've come to expect from these Las Vegas fight nights in 2025. 👑 UFC Vegas 106's lineup Crown grade: C- 👑 Betting odds courtesy of BetMGM. Welterweight maintains the featured spotlight for UFC Vegas 106 as Gilbert Burns (not pictured) looks to halt the momentum of rising prospect Michael Morales. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) (Chris Unger via Getty Images) 170 pounds: Gilbert Burns (+550) vs. Michael Morales (-800) Burns vs. Morales is a great matchup, and as good of a litmus test as the 25-year-old Ecuadorian could ask for. On Burns' side, he can prove how much he has left in the tank with age 40 staring him in the face. Advertisement The "gatekeeper" term has started getting thrown at Burns thanks to his losing streak, but that's not totally fair. You have to look at who the perennial top contender has lost to, and lately it's been nothing but champs, former champs and top contenders. Before that, Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman were the only ones to get past "Durinho" as a welterweight, so Morales will get his moment of truth to prove he's still elite. The big worry for Burns is that the damage he's already taken will increase Morales' likelihood of torching him. Make no mistake, Morales looks like he has every tool imaginable to beat the brakes off Burns. That's why he's favored as largely as he is. The odds are wild when you really dive into it, because Morales' previous most experienced opponents were the ones he faced in his last two fights: Neil Magny and Jake Matthews. He passed both tests with flying colors, but in 17 fights he has yet to fight beyond three rounds. That's where Burns will want to drag him. Unfortunately, as we know, Father Time is undefeated. Burns' last three losses weren't quick submissions or anything of the sort. Belal Muhammad and Brady took Burns 25 minutes apiece, while Della Maddalena made it to Round 3 before stopping Burns via a nasty knee and punches. Advertisement Every physical advantage points toward Morales here. He's dynamic, quick, lengthy — just an overall nightmare for Burns on the feet. The BJJ specialist shouldn't even bother playing around in the striking, and instead look to test Morales on the ground by any means necessary. Burns is being overlooked far more than he should be. At the same time, Morales is deservedly a part of this new wave of welterweight dynamos. Pick: Morales 205 pounds: Paul Craig (+400) vs. Rodolfo Bellato (-550) UFC Vegas 106's co-main event could be the most Paul Craig fight ever, and that would only be fitting as it's the last on his contract. Advertisement At 37 and 1-5 in his last six fights, Craig has returned to his old stomping grounds at light heavyweight after a stab at middleweight. Ultimately, we know what to expect from Craig, and that's never changed much. He'll get beat up to the point of holding half his consciousness before either getting finished or pulling off a submission out of nowhere. The 28-year-old Bellato is a heavy-handed tank who will fall into the usual Craig venus flytrap, or put the lights out before tangling on the ground. With all the damage Craig has taken over the years, I've got to lean toward his counterpart in this matchup. Pick: Bellato 155 pounds: Sodiq Yusuff (+115) vs. Mairon Santos (-135) "Super" Sodiq Yusuff has had enough of the featherweight division. Against Mairon Santos, the former 145-pound contender will return to the lightweight pool for the first time since 2017, before he was in the UFC. Advertisement UFC Vegas 106 consists of many matchups in which a UFC veteran is tasked with a relative newcomer. For Santos, this is only his third appearance after winning "The Ultimate Fighter 32." And with that in mind, I just don't see what the oddsmakers see here. Yusuff was overwhelmed by the power and aggression of Diego Lopes in his last fight, but there's no shame in that, considering what the one-time title challenger has done since. Before that, Yusuff lost the chess match against seasoned striking legend Edson Barboza. The guy is still just 31 though, and an excellent striker in his own right. Santos hasn't fought someone quite like Yusuff yet and struggled in his last time out in a split-decision win over Francis Marshall. The Brazilian will be hanging around for a while, but this matchup feels like a bit of too much too soon — unless the size difference plays a significant role. Regardless, I have to take the higher-level competitor, Yusuff. Pick: Yusuff Nursulton Ruziboev (R) heads into his fight Saturday against Dustin Stoltzfus at UFC Vegas 106 as the betting favorite. (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect / Reuters) 185 pounds: Dustin Stoltzfus (+230) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (-285) Kill-or-be-killed fighters are just the best. In the middleweight main card action, we get two trains colliding in Dustin Stoltzfus and Nursulton Ruziboev. Advertisement To be fair to Ruziboev, he doesn't necessarily fit that description because of his nine losses, only two have been finishes. Of his 35 wins, however, two are decisions. This absolute giant stands at 6-foot-5 and fought at welterweight last year. Sure, it didn't go his way against Joaquin Buckley, but this is a large dude for these divisions. The 5-foot-11 Stoltzfus will be looking up at his Uzbekistani opponent. Stoltzfus' relative recklessness and length disadvantages put him in a prime position to get busted up by Ruziboev, adding to the massive highlight reel. Pick: Ruziboev 145 pounds: Julian Erosa (+150) vs. Melquizael Costa (-185) If "Juicy J" Julian Erosa fights, you better watch. Advertisement My fellow Washingtonian is a complete madman in the Octagon, willing to go to war much more often than he arguably should. His opponent Melquizael Costa will be happy to oblige in their meeting, as the Brazilian has been on a good roll of his own lately, winning three in a row. This matchup gets the most interesting if Costa looks to take the action to the ground. Erosa is savvy with his submission game and glad to risk jumping on something that might not be there. That's when his fights get the wildest, as he's forced to sink or swim. Costa might have an overall more solid game in 2025 than Erosa, but the offensive toolbox possessed by Erosa will be a lot to deal with. Expect Costa to take damage over 15 minutes, needing a finish if it goes late. Pick: Erosa Preliminary notes Although she's far removed from her days as a top 10 strawweight, seeing Tecia Pennington open the night is still weird. Arguably, she should be on a six-fight winning streak. Instead, the "Tiny Tornado" will look to boot the once-promising prospect Luana Pinheiro from the roster, as the latter rides a three-fight losing skid. Advertisement At lightweight, Jared Gordon vs. Thiago Moises could be a pretty interesting technical battle on the ground if the talented grappler Moises gets advantageous positions. Other than those two, the UFC Vegas 106 prelims exist. They are indeed going to happen. Quick picks: Matheus Camilo (-225) def. Gabriel Green (+185) Jared Gordon (-125) def. Thiago Moises (+105) Yadier Del Valle (-500) def. Connor Matthews (+375) Tainara Lisboa (+145) def. Luana Santos (-175) Denise Gomes (-600) def. Elise Reed (+425) Hyun Sung Park (-185) def. Carlos Hernandez (+150) Tecia Pennington (-350) def. Luana Pinheiro (+280)
