Latest news with #RizinFF
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tofiq Musayev ready for 'different level' in UFC on ABC 8 debut
Tofiq Musaev enters his UFC on ABC 8 debut with a more decorated resume than most newcomers, but he knows stepping into the octagon is something unto itself. Musayev (22-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC), who won the 2019 Rizin FF lightweight grand prix and has beaten the likes of Patricky Freire, Johnny Case and Sidney Outlaw, will test himself against the 155-pound roster in the UFC starting with Saturday's matchup against Myktybek Orolbai (13-2-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+). Advertisement "It's a dream of all fighters to be fighting in the UFC," Musayev said through an interpreter at Wednesday's UFC on ABC 8 media day. "It's a different level of course. I feel very lucky that I'm ere. I have fought in different organizations but this is a unique one. I have prepared well and I am going to represent my country with pride. I have prepared specifically for my opponent." Although Musayev has proven himself to be high level, there's speculation about whether, at 35, he's coming into the shark tank of the UFC's lightweight division too late to rise to the top. Only time will tell, but he intends to give it his best shot. "Age is just a number for me," Musayev said. "If anyone thinks otherwise, they shouldn't even be competing in the UFC." Advertisement "I'm focused on my opponent and later on I will focus on the next steps. This fight will determine what the next fights will be." This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Baku: RIZIN vet Tofiq Musayev ready for 'different level' in debut
USA Today
9 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Tofiq Musayev ready for 'different level' in UFC on ABC 8 debut
Tofiq Musayev ready for 'different level' in UFC on ABC 8 debut Tofiq Musaev enters his UFC on ABC 8 debut with a more decorated resume than most newcomers, but he knows stepping into the octagon is something unto itself. Musayev (22-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC), who won the 2019 Rizin FF lightweight grand prix and has beaten the likes of Patricky Freire, Johnny Case and Sidney Outlaw, will test himself against the 155-pound roster in the UFC starting with Saturday's matchup against Myktybek Orolbai (13-2-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+). "It's a dream of all fighters to be fighting in the UFC," Musayev said through an interpreter at Wednesday's UFC on ABC 8 media day. "It's a different level of course. I feel very lucky that I'm ere. I have fought in different organizations but this is a unique one. I have prepared well and I am going to represent my country with pride. I have prepared specifically for my opponent." Although Musayev has proven himself to be high level, there's speculation about whether, at 35, he's coming into the shark tank of the UFC's lightweight division too late to rise to the top. Only time will tell, but he intends to give it his best shot. "Age is just a number for me," Musayev said. "If anyone thinks otherwise, they shouldn't even be competing in the UFC." "I'm focused on my opponent and later on I will focus on the next steps. This fight will determine what the next fights will be."
USA Today
02-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC Fight Night 253's Manel Kape calls for Alexandre Pantoja rematch, says flyweight needs him as champion
LAS VEGAS – Manel Kape thinks the UFC flyweight division is in need of a star champion, and 'Starboy' just happens to feel like he's the right man for the job. Kape (21-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) wants a shot at the title and a chance to bring excitement to the weight class following his latest win. The former Rizin FF champion picked up a TKO win over Asu Almabayev (21-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) on Saturday in the UFC Fight Night 253 main event, cementing him as a top title contender at 125 pounds. Kape has two straight wins and is 6-1 in his past seven fights, which makes him undeniable in his opinion. 'After this fight, there is no excuse for not giving me the title,' Kape said at the UFC Fight Night 253 post-fight press conference. 'I truly believe in the flyweight division needs a champion like me. I can build this division and bring respect like other divisions. I'm the only man that can do this.' Currently, the 125-pound UFC title is being held by Alexandre Pantoja, who holds a decision win over Kape. Kape respects Pantoja's skills and character, but he just doesn't feel like he clicks with the fanbase, making the division uninteresting. 'We see right now Pantoja as a champion has been for a long time, and they didn't build anything,' Kape said. 'Demetrious Johnson was the best in 125 and they didn't build anything. (Brandon) Moreno didn't build anything. I just don't just think (it's been exciting). I feel people love to watch me. Even if they hate me or love me, they want to watch me fight. 'This division don't go anywhere. It needs something spicy, and I'm the hot man.' Pantoja has yet to be booked to defend his title. Kape is hoping to be his next challenger and this time around he promises things will play out much differently than their 2021 meet. 'It's going to be very, very different,' Kape said when asked about a potential rematch. 'I'm in another dimension of fighting. Things have been good. I'm in my timing. I'm in flow state. Definitely with Pantoja, my style against him is going to match very well, and I believe I'm definitely going to stop him.' For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC Fight Night 253.
