Latest news with #muayThai
USA Today
18-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ignacio Bahamondes promises fireworks against Rafael Fiziev: 'I'm willing to die in there'
Ignacio Bahamondes promises fireworks against Rafael Fiziev: 'I'm willing to die in there' Don't blink when Ignacio Bahamondes and Rafael Fiziev fight at UFC on ABC 8. Bahamondes (17-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) meets Fiziev (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) in Saturday's co-main event (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+) at Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan. With Fiziev coming from a muay Thai background, and eight of his 12 professional wins coming by knockout, Bahamondes guarantees a banger of a fight – but plans on showing he's a different level. "Fiziev is a striker just like me," Bahamondes told MMA Junkie. "I think wherever he is good, I'm way better than him. On the ground, after my fight with Jalin Turner, my ground game has been exceeding its limit. My ground game is every time more dangerous, but I would love to take this fight to the three rounds. I would like to dominate my opponent for three rounds so I have time to show everything I got, everything I got in my arsenal, and take him to school for three rounds. "It's going to be fireworks for three rounds, five minutes, whatever the fight lasts. It's going to be fireworks. You know Fiziev doesn't play, he goes to fight, and you know I don't play either. I'm going to stand in there, and I'm going to try and finish him. So, it's going to be exciting to see that fight how it goes because I'm willing to die in there. So, I hope he's there and ready to die, too." A win over Fiziev will give Bahamondes an opportunity to enter the UFC's lightweight rankings, and he has big goals should things go according to plan. "I think I deserve a top 10, and after this fight, it's going to be the beginning of my title run," Bahamondes said.
USA Today
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Khalil Rountree grateful for custom UFC shorts, explains design inspiration
Khalil Rountree grateful for custom UFC shorts, explains design inspiration Show Caption Hide Caption Khalil Rountree talks custom fight gear for UFC Baku main event bout Khalil Rountree Jr. talks to MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn ahead of Saturday's UFC on ESPN 69 main event against Jamahal Hill in Baku, Azerbaijan. Khalil Rountree says a lot of thought and consideration went into his UFC on ABC 8 custom fight shorts. When Rountree (13-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC) makes his walk to the cage Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan for his headlining bout vs. Jamahal Hill (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC), he'll sport white and gray shorts with images that pay tribute to various aspects of his life and travels. "I got invited to design custom fight shorts, which was an absolute surprise, but I was so happy," Rountree told MMA Junkie on Tuesday. "The design inspiration, it's a lot about me." Featured perhaps most prominently is a design similar to Rountree's sak yant tattoos, which he got in Thailand, a place he trained extensively in order to craft his muay Thai abilities. His current home city of Las Vegas is also represented. "I wanted to put that representation of how much Thailand means to me and how much muay Thai means to me and my tattoos that I've got in honor of my martial arts journey, and that journey through Thailand," Rountree said. "Then I put some mountains on the legs that represent Las Vegas, my home. It's where I'm from. I wanted a piece of me and piece of Vegas on my shorts, but I didn't want slot machines and poker chips or Elvis Presley on my shorts. Vegas, to me, I love the mountain scenery. It's amazing. We've got the Red Rocks. We've got a lot of cool things there. That's just my way of kind of putting my Las Vegas stamp on there." Rountree said the two locations represent his duality. He is not the same person inside the cage as he is out of it. That's what he tried, and feels he succeeded in, doing during an extensive workshopping process with UFC apparel partner Venum. "A lot of people, when the talks about me, or the people who know about me, maybe my fighting style is known as violent or aggressive," Rountree said. "If people know me, they're like, 'Oh, you're such a different person than you are in the cage. I think that's just life. I do see a lot of contrasting things and duality of life and doing my best to find balance throughout my journey. That's why the shorts are split in half like yin and yang. I just think I did my best to make custom shorts that were just personal to me, and that really had some key things that just represent me as a person and as a fighter." Custom fight kits are rare and typically reserved for the creme de la creme of UFC talent. Rountree is honored to be included in the exclusive group and said it makes sense despite what the critics might say. "I'm really grateful," Rountree said. "It's nice because I do realize mostly champions or certain No. 1 contenders and stuff are usually the ones to get them. But I think the UFC knows exactly what they are doing. They are a billion-dollar business for a reason. I think that when it comes to me and just being with the business, I think that it's not a bad thing to do. I've been in the UFC now for 11 years. I finally got a fight to where my fanbase is now growing. But I don't think the UFC thinks I'm going anywhere anytime soon. I don't think I'm on the verge of getting cut or anything like that. I think it's a safe decision. It's a safe decision to make. I'll be around for a while. "I think I'll continue to connect with the fans for as long as I'm in the business. Maybe people who are new to this will think, 'Oh, this guy hasn't been around,' or blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. But I've been here for a long time now. I've been here for a long time. Maybe I haven't been at the top for a long time, but I've been in the business for a long time now. I've been loyal and dedicated to the UFC and the staff, so I think it's just kind of their way of being OK with that."
Sunday World
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Sunday World
Meet the loved-up couple training together to become Ireland's next MMA stars
Logan Peters and Nicole Geddis train together six days a week, as well as working as baristas and studying Nicole have made huge sacrifices in her social live to pursue her cage dream Nicole says the sport has become her whole world Logan has had three novice and one amateur fight, but Nicole's opponent at Wrath Combat Champions had to pull out MMA fighters Logan Peters and Nicole Geddis are loved up and lethal. The couple are emerging talents in the mixed martial arts scene and are hoping to make it all the way in the gruelling sport. And they're fiercely focused on the demands of MMA, sparring together at Fight Academy in Belfast, where rising star Paul Hughes trains. 'I like to learn from Nicole's boxing because I think she's very good at punching people,' says Logan (20). 'She's the better striker and I'm the better grappler.' The pair met through MMA and were best friends before they became a couple eight months ago. They train together six days a week, as well as working as baristas and studying. Logan is heading into the final year of a degree in computer games design at Ulster University and Nicole's just completed an English degree at Queen's. Nicole in fighting form He started out in jiu jitsu and judo in Carrickfergus from the age of five until 14, and played rugby until he was 18. Nicole (22), from Dromore, found her fighting fitness in muay Thai, or Thai boxing, two years ago, before going travelling. 'In April 2024 I went back to it and it just stuck. I haven't been able to leave it,' she says. 'There are ups and downs, like training when you don't want to train, but it's become my whole world. I'm quite an anxious person in everyday life so it puts me out of my comfort zone.' She was set to make her novice debut next month at Wrath Combat Champions in the Stormont Hotel on June 21 but faced disappointment when her opponent had to pull out after breaking her nose during training. 'There will be something in the near future for me but unfortunately the girl I was due to fight had to pull out with a broken nose.' That prospect of injury is no deterrent to Nicole, who often spars with Logan. 'Being punched in the face is not as bad as you think,' she says. 'Logan is a wee bit scared to hit me in the face too hard. Other sparrers aren't afraid to go for the head and it gets your adrenaline pumping. It gets you back in the fight.' Logan has had three novice and one amateur fight, but Nicole's opponent at Wrath Combat Champions had to pull out The fighter also disapproves if she thinks Logan has let her win. 'If I ever get the better of him it's always in the back of my head that's he let me. I could spar with Logan and get a massive ego and then spar with someone else and get beaten up,' she says. 'It's about perfecting technique,' says Logan. 'We are each other's main training partners. 'And because we're boyfriend and girlfriend there can be a bit of craic. I'll do a silly move on her or she'll do a silly move on me. 'We're not trying to kill each other.' The pair have to combine the skills of martial arts like kick boxing and jiu jitsu as well as wrestling and boxing. Logan, who has had three novice fights and one amateur contest, and will fight at Wrath next month, says mastering MMA requires all the disciplines. 'In training we'll do one day jiu jitsu grappling, next day striking, next day wrestling. There are so many different elements. 'If you are a boxer and you come up against a wrestler he will try and take you down,' he says. 'It's better to be slightly good at everything than really good at one thing.' Logan Peters and Nicole Geddis train together six days a week News in 90 June 4th The pair have made huge sacrifices in their social lives to pursue their cage dream, as well as studying, working, and sticking to a rigorous high protein and low carb diet. Before a fight Logan will also have to drop weight to 66kg with a demanding routine which involves cutting carbs, water loading and then limiting water. 'You have to make hard choices, but if you don't there is someone else out there who will,' he says. Going into a fight he says it's all about self-belief for the sportsman. 'When you're making the walk in, for me confidence is key, going in with your head held high. 'In my first ever fight the guy wanted to do the fight. 'The second guy wanted to fight me. The third guy wanted to kill me.' The pair want to go all the way in the sport, which has produced notable local champions including Leah McCourt from Saintfield, who won a European title in 2015 and became International MMA featherweight world champion in 2016. Logan has also trained with Paul Hughes from Derry, a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion, who's now moved up to lightweight. At a homecoming bout in the SSE Arena recently Hughes defeated his opponent, Bruno Miranda in 42 seconds. 'I've done a few classes with him and he really put me through my paces. 'Being able to see how these guys train it make you want to get better. We're seeing what he's doing and it's pushing us on. 'He is as good as everybody says he is. He's a local hero to us,' says Logan.
USA Today
30-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber prediction, pick: Is upset brewing at UFC on ESPN 68?
Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber prediction, pick: Is upset brewing at UFC on ESPN 68? Maycee Barber has won six straight, but she's a significant underdog against Erin Blanchfield in Las Vegas. Show Caption Hide Caption Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber prediction | UFC on ESPN 68 breakdown MMA Junkie fight analyst Dan Tom offers his breakdown and prediction for the UFC on ESPN 68 in Las Vegas. Dan Tom MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC on ESPN 68 main event between women's flyweight contenders Erin Blanchfield and Macyee Barber. Erin Blanchfield UFC on ESPN 68 preview Staple info: Record: 13-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC Height: 5'4" Age: 26 Weight: 125 lbs. Reach: 68" Last fight: Decision win over Rose Namajunas (Nov. 2, 2024) Camp: MK Muay Thai (New Jersey) Stance/striking style: Orthodox/muay Thai Risk management: Good Supplemental info: + Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt + EBI flyweight champion + 2 KO victories + 4 submission wins + 3 first-round finishes + Consistent pace and pressure + Steadily improved striking ^ Stance shifts, kicks and combos + Strong inside the clinch ^ Good frames, elbows and knees + Serviceable takedown ability ^ Chains well off of singles + Excellent transitional grappler +/- 3-0 inside the UFC Apex Maycee Barber UFC on ESPN 68 preview Staple info: Record: 14-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC Height: 5'5" Age: 27 Weight: 125 lbs. Reach: 65" Last fight: Decision win over Katlyn Cerminara (March 9, 2024) Camp: Team Alpha Male/High Altitude Martial Arts (Denver) Stance/striking style: Switch-stance/muay Thai Risk management: Fair Supplemental info: + Karate black belt (2nd degree) + Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt + 6 KO victories + 2 submission wins + 3 first-round finishes + KO power + Steadily improving striking ^ Hard kicks and combos + Strong inside the clinch ^ Good frames, elbows and knees + Servicable takedown ability + Improved takedown defense and getups + Solid ground striking +/-2-1 in the UFC Apex Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber point of interest: Striking in the small cage The main event in Las Vegas features a women's flyweight affair between two top-five fighters familiar with exchanging in the smaller octagon of the Apex. Initially coming through Dana White's Contender Series when it was still hosted in the old "TUF" gym, Maycee Barber has quietly accrued some solid experience under the UFC banner – though in that experience, she never had missed weight until Friday. Barber came in a half-pound heavy for the headliner. A large and powerful athlete for her division, Barber can pack some serious pop compared to her contemporaries. "The Future" still maintains her in-and-out sensibilities from her background in karate, but Barber has made steady efforts to settle down and improve her fundamental striking since spreading her time around with other camps like Team Alpha Male and company. Now working with striking coaches like Guilherme Faria, Barber has slowly shown more of a feinting and jabbing process as opposed to wading forward with naked kicks and punches. Primarily fighting from southpaw, Barber wields dangerous offerings off of her left side that range from head kicks to crosses. And when Barber is feeling in stride and can corral her opponents to the cage, she unleashes wicked elbows and Eddie Alvarez-esque punching combos with how animated her hooks can get. That said, Barber is not beyond being taxed for coming in hot and will need to be careful opposite Erin Blanchfield. Although Blanchfield has been primarily billed as a grappler, the native New Yorker has made measurable strides in her striking game since working with MK Muay Thai in New Jersey. Steadily pressuring forward behind a prodding jab, Blanchfield employs solid form in her straight punches and front teeps to enter space. When feeling in stride, Blanchfield can shift to southpaw where she has shown a knack for left crosses and high kicks. Once Blanchfield can establish herself in the clinch, the 26-year-old smartly prioritizes frames that allow her to get off deceptively effective elbows and knees in close. But considering that Barber also makes her money in this space, I'll be curious to see how the closed-quarter combat shakes out. Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber breakdown: Potential grappling threats Considering Blanchfield's on-paper edges and opportunistic submission acumen, no one should be shocked if "Ice Cold" looks for takedowns early and often. Since storming onto the scene as the first female EBI flyweight champion, Blanchfield has only continued to grow her grappling abilities in mixed martial arts. Appearing to be an avid driller in the wrestling realm, Blanchfield sequences her attacks like second nature, chaining particularly well from single-leg positions. Whether Blanchfield is sweeping the standing leg or looking to double off into a more traditional shot, the 7-year pro is certainly not short on ideas in this space. Once she's able to secure top position off of takedowns, Blanchfield's brand of high-percentage choices continues to show itself on the floor. From cross-wrist rides that lead to pins to kimura traps that allow for positional advances, Blanchfield displays a bevy of high-level tactics that she regularly puts to practice in her fights. Still, larger and stronger athletes have shown to be difficult for Blanchfield to control, so I'm curious as to how she'll stack up against Barber. Already strong and confident in the clinch from an offensive standpoint, Barber presents a strong first layer of defense for her opponents to break through. Having a good sense for establishing over-under positions, Barber can work her way out of negative positions and pile on impactful damage in the small openings. Barber's hips seem strong both in the open and against the fence, making double-legs particularly difficult to hit on her (unless her kicks are being countered, of course). When taken down, Barber has shown a suspect bottom game in past fights as far as her complacency and seeming lack of options. However, in Barber's defense, she has shown smarter tactical choices in regard to utilizing everything from underhooks to the cage to get back to her feet. And when Babrer is working from top position, she possesses some solid ground and pound that Blanchfield will need to respect. Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber odds The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the New Jersey native, listing Blanchfield -250 and Barber +190 via FanDuel. Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber prediction, pick Although I don't disagree with who is favored, the betting line listed above is starting to get a bit too wide for my liking. Aside from the fact that women's MMA carries a special kind of volatility from a handicapping and prognostication perspective, Barber has proven to possess some serious X-factors that always make her a live underdog. Whether we're talking about Barber's standout power or her judge-swaying style (which has earned her a couple of questionable scorecards in the UFC), she'll be very lively from start to finish should she avoid getting washed by Blanchfield on the mat. The potential problem, however, is that Blanchfield – who is very difficult to dissuade in victory or defeat – has some takedown tools that could be very effective against Barber. So long as Blanchfield doesn't get stuck inside of clinch space with a more dangerous threat in Barber, then I see her single-leg chaining ability being problematic for a first-layer defender who emphasizes on hips and upper-body controls. And though we should all leave some room to be surprised when it comes to Barber and any potential improvements she's made during this one-year layoff she's coming off of, the 27-year-old has shown little outside of recent underhook getup attempts (which can get her front choked if she's not careful) that gives me enough confidence to back her here. Add in the fact that this fight is taking place in the smaller octagon of the Apex, and I can't help but side with Blanchfield to get her win conditions and potentially take Barber to "exposure city" via a rear-naked choke in Round 2. Prediction: Blanchfield inside the distance Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber start time, how to watch As the main event, Burns and Morales are expected to make their walks to the octagon at approximately 11:15 p.m. ET. The fight airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales prediction, pick: Are wide odds justified?
Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales prediction, pick: Are wide odds justified? Undefeated Michael Morales enters as a huge favorite against former title challenger Gilbert Burns. Are the oddsmakers dismissing the savvy veteran? Show Caption Hide Caption Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales prediction | UFC Fight Night 256 breakdown MMA Junkie fight analyst Dan Tom offers his breakdown and prediction for the UFC Fight Night 256 in Las Vegas. Dan Tom MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC Fight Night 256 main event between welterweight contenders Gilbert Burns and Michael Morales. Gilbert Burns UFC Fight Night 256 preview Staple info: Record : 22-8 MMA, 15-8 UFC : 22-8 MMA, 15-8 UFC Height : 5'5" Age: 37 Weight: 125 lbs. Reach: 65.5" : 5'5" Age: 37 Weight: 125 lbs. Reach: 65.5" Last fight : Decision loss to Sean Brady (Sept. 27, 2024) : Decision loss to Sean Brady (Sept. 27, 2024) Camp : Kill Cliff FC (Florida) : Kill Cliff FC (Florida) Stance/striking style : Orthodox/kickboxing : Orthodox/kickboxing Risk management: Fair Supplemental info: + Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt (2nd degree) + 4x Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion + Multiple grappling accolades (in and out of the gi) + 6 KO victories + 9 submission wins + 11 first-round finishes + KO power + Aggressive pace and pressure + Improved overall striking flow ^ Dangerous counter right hand + Strikes well off the breaks + Solid wrestling ability + Superb transitional grappler ^ Works well from top or bottom Michael Morales UFC Fight Night 256 preview Staple info: Record : 17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC : 17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC Height : 6'0" Age: 25 Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 79" : 6'0" Age: 25 Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 79" Last fight: TKO win over Neil Magny (Aug. 24, 2024) TKO win over Neil Magny (Aug. 24, 2024) Camp : Entram Gym (Mexico) : Entram Gym (Mexico) Stance/striking style : Orthodox/muay Thai : Orthodox/muay Thai Risk management: Fair Supplemental info: + Regional MMA titles + National champion freestyle wrestling (Ecuador) + National champion in muay Thai (Ecuador) + 12 KO victories + 1 submission win + 8 first-round finishes + Long and stiff jab + Dangerous right hand ^ Coming forward or off the counter + Strong inside the clinch ^ Suplexes to strikes off the break + Solid wrestling ability + Shows solid grappling from topside Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales point of interest: Striking in the small cage The main event in Las Vegas features a potential welterweight war between top 15 fighters. Coming off of three consecutive contests inside the UFC's Apex, Morales is more than familiar with the fighting area of the smaller octagon. Although Morales still seems to be sorting out his stylistic process, the Ecuadorian does a decent job of staying long and fighting to his frame. From stiff jabs to counter crosses, Morales offers up some tricky hurdles for those trying to close the distance on him. When feeling in stride, Morales will also let loose with some explosive flying knees up the centerline. Still, he'll need to be careful about throwing himself out of position, considering his current counterpart, Burns. An accomplished grappler who immersed himself in all facets of martial arts, Burns has steadily become a formidable threat on the feet. Another fighter under the care of coach Hooft, we have seen 'Durinho' build upon his pressuring sensibilities in the striking department. Whether he's working off of his jab or his opponent's, Burns always seems to have a heavy right hook chambered in the rear, as he typically looks to inch his way forward with offense that's wired on a hair-trigger. Burns, who is a solid leg kicker in his own right, has also shown signs of improving his defensive awareness in regards to both checking and countering leg kicks thrown his way. I'm not sure how much Morales will give him to work off of in the kicking department, so I'll be curious to see if Burns looks to fill that vacancy on the feet this Saturday. Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales point of interest: Potential grappling threats Considering where the biggest on-paper disparity lies, no one should be surprised if Burns looks to get this fight to the floor. An IBJJF world champion both in and out of the gi, Burns has smartly sharpened his surrounding skill sets since stepping onto the MMA scene. Working with wrestling influences and standouts like Greg Jones to catch wrestling coaches like Neil Melanson, Burns has been able to develop the groundwork to assist his game during this welterweight run. Integrating these crucial styles into his repertoire, there are now few to no positions that Burns is not comfortable or capable of working from. Whether Burns is defending takedowns along the fence and striking off the breaks or hitting sweet trips and chaining takedowns of his own, the Brazilian's wrestling improvements remain to be one of the things that quietly impresses me most. However, as underrated as that part of his game may be, taking down Morales could be difficult given his strong athletic frame and wrestling background. A freestyle wrestling champion in his home country of Ecuador, Morales reminds me of a young Jon Jones in the way in which opportunistic offense comes to his mind. From spinning elbows off clinch breaks to emphatic suplexes to punctuate rounds, Morales displays the building blocks to justify said claims. That said, Morales, despite otherwise having solid balance and defensive fundamentals, can get a bit lackadaisical at times when fighting in the clinch or off his back, often waiting for opportunistic moments from his opponent's offense before exploding into something. Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales odds The oddsmakers and the public are heavily favoring the younger fighter, listing Morales -950 and Burns +540 via FanDuel. Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales prediction, pick I know there's nothing that MMA gamblers love more than the opportunity to bet a hyped product opposite an aging fighter, but the betting spread listed above is almost criminal at this point. I don't disagree that Morales is favored, but odds north of 8-1 suggest that this is much more of a sure thing than it has any right to be. Aside from the fact that Morales is young and not nearly as experienced as Burns, the product from Ecuador appears to lack any semblance of a reliable process, often relying on opportunistic moments for his skills and athleticism to shine. Still, what Morales does do well might sadly be enough to see him through in this spot. Although Burns could certainly give a veteran lesson if this fight goes to the ground, Morales' clinch presence and range weapons may be too strong and sturdy a force for the Brazilian to break through. Add in the fact that checking jabs and counter-crosses have traditionally been the common culprit for Burns' standing, and I can't help but side with the up-and-comer here. There's nothing I'd love more than to see Burns upset the apple cart as a huge underdog, but the fact that he's yet to beat a fighter in their athletic prime since moving up to welterweight makes my stylistic reads from the sentence prior even harder to ignore. It's dog or pass from a betting perspective, but the official pick is Morales by knockout in Round 2. Prediction: Morales inside the distance Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales start time, how to watch As the main event, Burns and Morales are expected to make their walks to the octagon at approximately 9:10 p.m. ET. The fight streams on ESPN+.
