https://www.scmp.com/rss/502813/feed Drake Riggs is an MMA writer based out of Brush Prairie, Washington, US who specialises in feature pieces, the women's fight scene, lists, news coverage, and rankings. He has been a passionate fan of MMA ever since 2009. Drake has most notably written for BJPenn.com, FanSided MMA, The Body Lock, Cageside Press, Sherdog, The Scrap, and MMA Today. He has also created video content for RT Sport. As for other sports, Drake is a longtime fan of the NFL's Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com It’s always a special night when the UFC rocks up to the Garden, and Saturday’s spectacular return to Manhattan will go down as one of the best shows in the promotion’s history. The buzz around New York City certainly paled in comparison to the UFC’s last outing in the Big Apple in November 2019, when Donald Trump came to town for the “BMF” title fight between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz, in those blissful final months before the Covid-19 pandemic took hold of the world. But from the first bell... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155331/ufc-268-one-all-time-great-cards-thrills?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3155331/ufc-268-one-all-time-great-cards-thrills?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Nov 2021 13:58:09 +0000 Julie Mezabarba was not even originally slated to be in ONE Championship’s atomweight grand prix, but now finds herself in the semi-finals – and she is not sweating any of her competition. The 28-year old Brazilian striker (9-2-1) will fill in for the injured Ham Seo-hee against Stamp Fairtex (6-1) after an impressive promotional debut against former title challenger Mei Yamaguchi last month, which earned her an alternate slot for the tournament. The unheralded Mezabarba’s unanimous decision win... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3152027/one-championship-julie-mezabarba-not?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3152027/one-championship-julie-mezabarba-not?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Oct 2021 04:31:28 +0000 Itsuki Hirata now knows Ritu Phogat will be standing between her and a place in ONE Championship’s atomweight grand prix final. But the 22-year-old Japanese star (5-0) doesn’t fear anything from “The Indian Tigress” (6-1) heading into their October 29 bout, which was decided via fan vote and revealed during last week’s ONE: Revolution broadcast. “I can really tell that her core is just as a wrestler with a right hand,” Hirata told the Post. “Especially seen in the previous Meng Bo match-up, that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150713/one-championship-itsuki-hirata-doesnt-fear?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150713/one-championship-itsuki-hirata-doesnt-fear?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Sep 2021 08:16:32 +0000 Alexander Volkanovski no doubt put in a star-defining performance against Brian Ortega on Saturday night’s UFC 266 card in Las Vegas. The two were originally supposed to battle in March before Volkanovski got Covid-19, and this summer’s new season of The Ultimate Fighter then extended the wait for the big featherweight title clash. But unlike Nick Diaz and Robbie Lawler’s rematch earlier in the evening evening, this was a wait that was well worth it. The Australian champion (23-1) and his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150568/ufc-266-takeaways-alex-volkanovski-starting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150568/ufc-266-takeaways-alex-volkanovski-starting?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Sep 2021 08:18:54 +0000 Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is fired up, to say the least, heading into his second title defence opposite Brian Ortega in Saturday night’s UFC 266 main event. The two were forced to be together on a daily basis throughout filming season 29 of The Ultimate Fighter, the iconic reality television show which returned to screens in June after nearly three years away. The 30-year-old American challenger Ortega (15-1, one no contest) has remained mellow throughout the process, as is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150083/ufc-266-alex-volkanovski-angry-unprofessional?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150083/ufc-266-alex-volkanovski-angry-unprofessional?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Sep 2021 05:20:03 +0000 After 17 long years, Robbie Lawler will finally get his chance at redemption against Nick Diaz, the man who handed him his second career defeat on a raucous night at the Mandalay Bay Events Centre in Las Vegas. Two young prospects at the time, Diaz and Lawler now have a combined total of 81 fights between them. But unlike on that UFC 47 card in 2004, Saturday night’s stacked UFC 266 event could potentially see the veteran Americans go toe-to-toe for five rounds – despite no title being on the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150081/ufc-266-nick-diaz-show-back-and-his-robbie?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150081/ufc-266-nick-diaz-show-back-and-his-robbie?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Sep 2021 05:13:01 +0000 Jon Jones and trouble with the law have gone hand in hand throughout his illustrious MMA career. On Friday morning, a day after his induction to the 2020 UFC Hall of Fame for his first battle with Sweden‘s Alexander Gustafsson, the former light heavyweight champion was arrested on a charge of misdemeanour battery domestic violence, and injuring or tampering with a vehicle. A police spokesperson confirmed the news to ESPN. The arrest came at 5.45am at a resort near Las Vegas Boulevard and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150074/ufc-jon-jones-arrested-charged-battery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3150074/ufc-jon-jones-arrested-charged-battery?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Sep 2021 03:17:55 +0000 UFC president Dana White will not be taking notes from ONE Championship and their upcoming special rules bout involving Demetrious Johnson. Former UFC flyweight king Johnson is set to do battle with Muay Thai icon Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a four-round fight at the Asian promotion’s 10th anniversary show, ONE: X, on December 5 in Singapore. The ruleset will alternate between Muay Thai and MMA each round, and White hinted that perhaps there‘s a reason behind the unique match-up. “I just think that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3149761/ufc-boss-dana-white-says-demetrious-johnson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3149761/ufc-boss-dana-white-says-demetrious-johnson?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2021 04:30:17 +0000 India’s Ritu Phogat went from losing her spot in ONE Championship’s atomweight grand prix to being a shock participant in the semi-finals. Despite the roller coaster ride that the 27-year old wrestling stand-out has been on in 2021, her best efforts were overshadowed by the opening round‘s final bout. Ham Seo-hee (24-8) went on to pick up a split decision nod over the previously-unbeaten Denice Zamboanga (8-1) which left the MMA community buzzing – and a formal review from ONE’s competition... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3149311/one-championship-ritu-phogat-feels-denice?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3149311/one-championship-ritu-phogat-feels-denice?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Sep 2021 05:52:10 +0000 Meng Bo has had to alter her preparations for ONE Championship’s atomweight grand prix not once, not twice but three times. The 25-year-old Chinese fighter’s confidence has remained intact regardless, however, with Meng (17-5) now locked in to face Ritu Phogat once again at ONE: Empower on September 3 in Singapore. “I don’t think her energy is much more powerful than me because no matter how many times she can wrestle me, I can just finish her easily – effortlessly,” Meng told the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3146429/one-championship-meng-bo-plans-effortlessly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3146429/one-championship-meng-bo-plans-effortlessly?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Aug 2021 04:23:10 +0000 Former UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili has been on the end of criticism from some fans and fighters after her defeat by Rose Namajunas, but the only other woman to defeat her has come to her defence. No 2 ranked ONE Championship atomweight Meng Bo beat Zhang in November 2013, in what was an MMA debut for both. It took 21 fights until Zhang would lose a second time, suffering a first-round TKO against Namajunas at UFC 261 in April. “I feel so sorry for Zhang Weili because I know she must... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3146286/one-championships-meng-bo-so-sorry-zhang?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3146286/one-championships-meng-bo-so-sorry-zhang?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Aug 2021 04:54:01 +0000 The UFC 264 main event is set for Saturday night in Las Vegas, after Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier both made weight – and there was a heated staredown at the end of Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins. After the Irishman threw a kick at Poirier at Thursday’s press conference, UFC president Dana White made sure to keep “The Notorious” at bay before commentator Joe Rogan stepped in for an interview. “Joe, in 16 hours time this man is gonna learn that if you disrespect a person’s kindness and take it... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140601/ufc-264-conor-mcgregor-says-dustin-poirier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140601/ufc-264-conor-mcgregor-says-dustin-poirier?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Jul 2021 04:30:06 +0000 Take everything you remember from the build-up to Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor II and throw it out the window. Unsurprisingly, former two-weight champ McGregor (22-5) has channelled his old antagonistic ways for their trilogy rubber match at UFC 264 this weekend, trying to use the mind games he excelled at during his rise to superstardom. Although the rebuttals are a little less clever, the Irishman's famous trash talk is back in full force. “You're getting walked like a dog in that Octagon... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140512/ufc-264-conor-mcgregor-rekindles-trash-talk?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140512/ufc-264-conor-mcgregor-rekindles-trash-talk?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Jul 2021 09:11:47 +0000 Gilbert Burns believes fighting Nate Diaz would be “easy money” – but he doesn’t believe the American has earned the right to face him. The Stockton, California native (21-13) taunted “amateur” Burns on Twitter last month in response to comments to SCMP MMA from the Brazilian, who had criticised Leon Edwards’ performance in his unanimous decision win against Diaz at UFC 263. “Durinho” returns in a potential welterweight title eliminator against Stephen Thompson in Saturday night’s UFC 264... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140342/ufc-264-gilbert-burns-says-nate-diaz-easy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140342/ufc-264-gilbert-burns-says-nate-diaz-easy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Jul 2021 09:13:42 +0000 Over the past two years Ryan Hall has become a cult hero and bogeyman rolled into one at 145 pounds – all without even fighting. After multiple opponents failed to make it to the Octagon, some coronavirus-related postponements and injuries of his own, The Ultimate Fighter season 22 winner is finally back at UFC 264 this Saturday night in Las Vegas. It will be his first outing since a July 2019 unanimous decision over Darren Elkins, and just his fourth fight since earning a UFC contract by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140316/ufc-264-ryan-hall-says-fighters-avoiding-him?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140316/ufc-264-ryan-hall-says-fighters-avoiding-him?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Jul 2021 07:47:13 +0000 After beating rising Japanese strawweight contender Kanako Murata, a dangerously improved Virna Jandiroba took the microphone at UFC Vegas 29 last month. Closing out her post-fight chat with Michael Bisping following a first career TKO victory, the Serrinha, Bahia native exclaimed “viva o sus, fora naro” – a phrase that encapsulates a larger fight than the one she had just been through in the Octagon. “In Brazil, we‘re living a very delicate moment right now,” Jandiroba told SCMP. MMA. “The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140056/ufc-virna-jandiroba-blasts-jair-bolsonaro?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140056/ufc-virna-jandiroba-blasts-jair-bolsonaro?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jul 2021 12:00:09 +0000 Ayaka Miura knows who she wants to face when challenging for the ONE Championship strawweight title. After successfully rebounding from her first loss in the promotion – a third-round TKO by Tiffany Teo in February, 2020 – the Japanese 30-year-old “Zombie” (11-3, one no contest) has her sights firmly set on the only champion her division has ever known. “I believe [Michelle] Nicolini is second-ranked in the division and to be honest I think Xiong Jingnan will be successful in defending her belt... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3138323/one-championships-japanese-zombie-ayaka-miura?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3138323/one-championships-japanese-zombie-ayaka-miura?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Jun 2021 09:44:23 +0000 After instantly making waves upon her arrival in Bellator in April, Diana Avsaragova is planning a quicker turnaround than usual. A lightning fast 29-second knockout of Tara Graff at Bellator 256 in Connecticut was enough to propel the newcomer directly into the divisional rankings – albeit briefly – and she is keen to put her name back into the top 10 as soon as possible. “I liked being at No 10, it’s really high. But I noticed that after each event the placement always changes and after the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3137895/bellator-diana-avsaragova-targets-summer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3137895/bellator-diana-avsaragova-targets-summer?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Jun 2021 08:47:42 +0000 Marina Rodriguez is determined to do things her way after saving the day by stepping in to take on Michelle Waterson in the UFC Vegas 26 main event. A dominant unanimous decision for No 5-ranked strawweight Rodriguez (14-1-2) last month has set her up for another big spot, and the 34-year-old Brazilian already has an idea who might be next – it’s just a matter of when. “Right after the fight, the UFC told me they wanted me to fight in July,” Rodriguez told SCMP MMA. “I was insistent on only... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3137596/ufc-marina-rodriguez-warns-joanna-jedrzejczyk?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3137596/ufc-marina-rodriguez-warns-joanna-jedrzejczyk?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Jun 2021 02:45:24 +0000 A star may have been born at Thursday’s UFC 263 pre-fight press conference – if it wasn’t, then Brandon Moreno could be well on his way with a win on Saturday night. The Mexican sensation received the Nate Diaz seal of approval via fist-bump after plenty of positive fan reactions upon his arrival at the Arizona Federal Theater.  Moreno (18-5-2) has always been a widely likeable individual not only for his abilities in the cage but his personality outside it. On stage alongside some of the UFC’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3137073/ufc-263-brandon-morenos-star-could-be-born?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3137073/ufc-263-brandon-morenos-star-could-be-born?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Jun 2021 08:21:53 +0000 The UFC 263 official weigh-ins provided plenty of late drama, with Deiveson Figueiredo making the cut-off point by less than a minute. Israel Adesanya and flyweight king Figueiredo were among the final five fighters left to tip the scales with 25 minutes remaining in Glendale, Arizona, with Saturday’s two title fights seemingly in possible danger. Typically underweight when finalising his cuts, Friday morning was no different for “The Last Stylebender”, however, and 183.5 pounds was the official... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3137071/ufc-263-drama-deiveson-figueiredo-weighs-just?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3137071/ufc-263-drama-deiveson-figueiredo-weighs-just?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Jun 2021 07:46:48 +0000 Leon Edwards is fighting this weekend at UFC 263 – but you wouldn’t know it judging by the pre-event press conference. The No 3-ranked welterweight contender saw himself responding to merely two questions in the madness that became the Israel Adesanya-Marvin Vettori show on Thursday. Squaring off with the fan favourite in Nate Diaz, it just gives Edwards all the more spotlight to steal as he heads into the event bafflingly overlooked. “Skill-set wise, I am leaps above him and I will show that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3136987/ufc-263-nate-diaz-steals-spotlight-overlooked?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3136987/ufc-263-nate-diaz-steals-spotlight-overlooked?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Jun 2021 10:11:24 +0000 Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori are fired up for their big title fight rematch, and that’s putting it mildly. Thursday’s UFC 263 pre-fight press conference in Phoenix’s Arizona Federal Theater saw the middleweight elites take centre stage. They were side by side with flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, Brandon Moreno, Leon Edwards and the ever-popular Nate Diaz, but there was no outshining the main event. There was consistent back and forth banter between the champion and challenger that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3136953/ufc-263-israel-adesanya-all-fired-which-could?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3136953/ufc-263-israel-adesanya-all-fired-which-could?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Jun 2021 08:47:01 +0000 Demian Maia is one of MMA’s all-time greatest submission artists – if not the greatest. But at 43 years of age and on the cusp of 40 professional bouts, he knows his time as a competitor has about run its course. The Brazilian is just playing things all by ear as he prepares for Belal Muhammad (18-3) this Saturday night at UFC 263 in Glendale, Arizona. “I’m near the end, and it could be the last fight,” Maia said at the UFC 263 media day. “But, you know, I’ve been performing so well in training... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3136828/ufc-263-demian-maia-admits-it-could-be-last?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3136828/ufc-263-demian-maia-admits-it-could-be-last?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Jun 2021 13:38:12 +0000 Belal Muhammad didn’t technically lose his last fight. But seeing how things have since shaken out, one might assume he did. The 32-year-old American (18-3) is set to take on an always dangerous legend of the sport, Brazil’s Demian Maia (28-10), at UFC 263 in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday night. Also on the card will be Muhammad’s last opponent in Leon Edwards. Competing directly below the co-main event in a non-title five-round contest, Edwards squares off with Nate Diaz. “There’s a little... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3136825/ufc-263-belal-muhammad-jokes-about-giving?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3136825/ufc-263-belal-muhammad-jokes-about-giving?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Jun 2021 13:14:23 +0000 The look in Zhang Weili’s eyes at Friday’s press conference staredowns said it all. When “Thug” Rose Namajunas extended her right hand after their face-off for the cameras, the UFC’s strawweight champion glanced at it, paused, then quickly shook it with seeming reluctance and hesitance before flashing the briefest of courteous smiles. “Magnum” then turned back to the cameras and pointed at her belt, with Saturday night’s UFC 261 co-main event between the Sucker Punch Entertainment stablemates... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130924/ufc-261-zhang-weili-and-rose-namajunas-call?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130924/ufc-261-zhang-weili-and-rose-namajunas-call?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Apr 2021 04:56:28 +0000 Jorge Masvidal certainly got into it with Kamaru Usman at a back-and-forth UFC 261 press conference on Thursday. UFC welterweight champ Usman (18-1) is the heavy favourite again going into Saturday night’s main event, having dominated their first encounter last July, but “Gamebred” (35-14) is promising to shock the world on a full camp. “Not having to cut 20 pounds in six days means a lot to me,” Masvidal said. “I will bring that title right back to Miami. All the energy I wasted on cutting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130843/ufc-261-jorge-masvidal-mocks-kamaru-usmans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130843/ufc-261-jorge-masvidal-mocks-kamaru-usmans?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Apr 2021 10:28:49 +0000 Jessica Andrade may intend to show “no respect” inside the Octagon to Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 261, but the flyweight champ is promising another dominant display in front of 15,000 fans in Jacksonville, Florida. Kyrgyzstani 33-year-old Shevchenko (20-3) has stood tall going 6-0 since dropping down from the 135-pound bantamweight class, quickly amassing four title defences in two years. Brazil’s Andrade (21-8) is the second former strawweight title-holder Shevchenko has fought – the first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130799/ufc-261-valentina-shevchenko-vows-finish?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130799/ufc-261-valentina-shevchenko-vows-finish?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Apr 2021 08:04:05 +0000 Having already knocked off contenders Colby Covington, Leon Edwards and Gilbert Burns, UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman thinks Jorge Masvidal is about to start a trend. For “The Nigerian Nightmare”, Saturday night’s UFC 261 main event will mark his first title rematch of possibly many as he continues to dominate the 170-pound division. “You’ve got 14 losses in your career, seven of them in the UFC. You’re 3-3 in your last six. You’re sitting there today because I chose you,” Usman told... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130795/ufc-261-kamaru-usman-tells-jorge-masvidal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130795/ufc-261-kamaru-usman-tells-jorge-masvidal?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Apr 2021 07:45:05 +0000 Fight No 30 will be the biggest yet in the career of former strawweight queen Jessica Andrade, in terms of the significance of the event and the challenge facing her. But the Brazilian isn’t backing down. In the first of three title bouts at UFC 261 on Saturday night, the 29-year-old will attempt to dethrone flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, who has dominated the 125-pound division and is viewed by fans and media alike as nearly unbeatable. The Kyrgyzstani “Bullet” (20-3) is on a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130777/ufc-261-jessica-andrade-promises-no-respect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130777/ufc-261-jessica-andrade-promises-no-respect?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Apr 2021 06:08:47 +0000 Hong Kong’s Ramona Pascual will be closer than ever to the UFC this week – without actually stepping inside the Octagon. The 32-year-old bantamweight prospect is in Jacksonville, Florida this week to help prepare her fellow former UFC China Academy star Na Liang for the Chinese strawweight’s promotional debut on Saturday night’s stacked UFC 261 card. “Dragon Girl” will kick off the festivities in the opening bout of the prelims against Ariane Camelossi (12-2) at the VyStar Veterans Memorial... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130764/hong-kong-mma-star-ramona-pascual-gets-taste?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130764/hong-kong-mma-star-ramona-pascual-gets-taste?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Apr 2021 04:46:32 +0000 Anthony Smith has no problem taking on the up-and-comers of the UFC’s light heavyweight division. As a former title challenger who hit some speed bumps last year, “Lionheart” knows the climb back up is a long one – and sometimes means taking on dangerous prospects like Australia’s Jimmy Crute (12-1). The pair meet in the UFC 261 main card opener on Saturday night in Jacksonville, Florida. “I’ve always respected the game,” Smith said at Wednesday’s media day. “You’re either in two positions in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130618/ufc-261-anthony-smith-happy-theres-not-lot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130618/ufc-261-anthony-smith-happy-theres-not-lot?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Apr 2021 07:38:28 +0000 Uriah Hall is ready to get redemption at UFC 261 on April 24. Competing in just the second rematch of his 25-fight career, Hall (16-9) faces the first man to defeat him, Chris Weidman (15-5), on Saturday night in Jacksonville, Florida. “It’s business,” Hall said at Wednesday’s media day. “That’s all it is. Listen, fighting is about whoever is left standing, nothing else. It was a moment in my past. He capitalised on it. He had a different route to get where he is. He became world champ, had a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130597/ufc-261-uriah-hall-targets-redemption-against?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3130597/ufc-261-uriah-hall-targets-redemption-against?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Apr 2021 06:01:59 +0000 Former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade has no easy task in overcoming the seemingly unstoppable Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 261 on April 24. The Kyrgyzstani flyweight champ (20-3) is on a six-fight win streak, sweeping all challengers before her, and Andrade (21-8) enters the contest as a decent underdog at +310 odds after moving up and finishing former challenger Katlyn Chookagian last October. But the 29-year-old Brazilian is aiming to apply the pressure en route to a third-round finish... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3128471/ufc-261-jessica-andrade-plans-third-round?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3128471/ufc-261-jessica-andrade-plans-third-round?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Apr 2021 09:04:54 +0000 Dominick Cruz was awarded a special Usada jacket for 50 clean tests ahead of his return to the Octagon, but still took a swipe at the UFC’s anti-doping partner – and detailed an embarrassing interaction with their testers. Former bantamweight champion Cruz (22-3), who faces Casey Kenney on Saturday evening’s preliminary card in Las Vegas, was given the award at the UFC 259 media day in Las Vegas. “It‘s pretty honourable,” the 35-year-old said. “I don’t look at it as a thing because this is just... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124282/ufc-259-dominick-cruz-details-embarrassing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124282/ufc-259-dominick-cruz-details-embarrassing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Mar 2021 11:10:02 +0000 One of the greatest fighters of all-time is back in action at UFC 259. Borderline unstoppable in the Octagon, bantamweight and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes enters this defence of her 145-pound title as a heavy favourite with Las Vegas bookies against Megan Anderson. “I think everyone has holes in their game, you just have to find them,” the Australian challenger said, however at the UFC 259 pre-fight press conference. “Everyone‘s invincible until they’re not.” The 31-year-old Anderson... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124193/ufc-259-megan-anderson-sees-upset-vs-amanda?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124193/ufc-259-megan-anderson-sees-upset-vs-amanda?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Mar 2021 05:00:21 +0000 With UFC 259 set to go down in Las Vegas at the promotion’s Apex facility on Saturday night, middleweight kingpin Israel Adesanya has a shot at becoming a dual-division champion. And if he does defeat light heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz, “The Last Stylebender” could have a chance of headlining the first UFC event back in front of a full crowd, after Texas Governor Greg Abbott this week lifted the state’s Covid-19 mask mandate, allowing businesses to resume at 100 per cent capacity. “If he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124191/ufc-259-dana-white-wants-texas-arena-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124191/ufc-259-dana-white-wants-texas-arena-event?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Mar 2021 04:07:11 +0000 To follow up a stellar second-round knockout of Amanda Ribas at UFC 257 last month, Brazilian striking sensation Marina Rodriguez now has a short hit list in mind as she pursues her title hopes. “I have an order of my favourites to fight next,” Rodriguez (13-1-2) told SCMP MMA. “In first place, I really want to fight Yan Xiaonan who’s third in the division. I think that would be a really nice fight.” China’s Yan Xiaonan (13-1) is also red hot right now, riding a six-fight win streak in the UFC,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3121552/ufc-marina-rodriguez-puts-yan-xiaonan-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3121552/ufc-marina-rodriguez-puts-yan-xiaonan-and?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Feb 2021 06:17:38 +0000 Rizin 26 has officially come and gone and with that came yet another flawless victory for Tenshin Nasukawa on New Year’s Eve at the Saitama Super Arena. Japan’s 22-year-old kick-boxing megastar stretched his professional record to 40-0 in Thursday evening’s co-main event with a unanimous decision against Thailand’s Kumandoi Petcharoenvit, a Muay Thai specialist with over 100 bouts to his name. Despite his tender years, Nasukawa – who is also 4-0 in MMA – has looked simply unbeatable, with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116081/rizin-26-tenshin-nasukawa-sets-takeru-segawa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116081/rizin-26-tenshin-nasukawa-sets-takeru-segawa?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Jan 2021 05:10:12 +0000 Paige VanZant's time with the UFC could very well be coming to an unexpected end. With just a single bout remaining on her contract she has stated publicly she plans to test the waters of free agency once the opportunity presents itself. Wherever her career winds up going, flyweight competitor and Instagram superstar VanZant, 25, will be well off and more than capable of finding ways to be wealthy. But with One Championship continuing to work into the American market, surely the idea of VanZant... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3038587/paige-vanzant-should-ditch-ufc-and-sign-one?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3038587/paige-vanzant-should-ditch-ufc-and-sign-one?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Nov 2019 08:31:49 +0000 “Never leave it in the hands of the judges.” A quote that has been synonymous with MMA for years thanks to UFC president Dana White and the community's general lack of trust in those who score the sport. And there are multiple reasons this fear slowly develops as time expires. The big argument is those in the positions of power who dictate fighters' careers aren't the most equipped with the knowledge to be doing so. However, while that could be true, there's another aspect that needs delving... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037734/ufc-judging-bias-brazil-stop-conspiracy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037734/ufc-judging-bias-brazil-stop-conspiracy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Nov 2019 09:00:21 +0000