https://www.scmp.com/rss/502917/feed Stephen Foote is a New Zealand-based sport journalist who specialises in MMA and writes for Newshub. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Kiwi lightweight contender Dan Hooker has been around the game long enough to recognise a golden opportunity, and no second thought was required when Michael Chandler‘s name was floated his way late last year. While others among the upper echelon of the division appeared tepid to the proposition, Hooker (20-9) was eager to further his stock against the marquee signing, and lay out the most inhospitable of welcome mats to three-time Bellator champ Chandler (21-5) at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118316/ufc-257-dan-hooker-playing-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118316/ufc-257-dan-hooker-playing-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Jan 2021 07:19:20 +0000 Rejuvenated former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker insists there is only one opponent he has any interest in and that is Israel Adesanya, no matter what UFC president Dana White says. After his convincing win over Jared Cannonier at UFC 254 to cement his status as the division’s No 1 contender, Whittaker was almost dismissive of the opportunity he’d earned to reclaim his belt in a rematch against “The Last Stylebender”. And while the New Zealand-born Australian is adamant that enjoying... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108191/ufc-robert-whittaker-insists-he-wants-israel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108191/ufc-robert-whittaker-insists-he-wants-israel?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Nov 2020 03:53:35 +0000 UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya has his sights firmly on adding another belt to his collection, and it looks like Dana White is going to grant him the opportunity. According to head coach Eugene Bareman, the Kiwi-Nigerian has no interest in a rematch with Robert Whittaker and has shifted focus to light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz. UFC president White confirmed at the UFC Vegas 12 post-event press conference on Saturday night that is the plan going forward. After his evisceration... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3107971/ufc-israel-adesanya-talks-jan-blachowicz?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3107971/ufc-israel-adesanya-talks-jan-blachowicz?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Nov 2020 08:35:23 +0000 Statements don‘t come much more emphatic than the one made by Israel Adesanya at UFC 253 last month, when he beat undefeated Paulo Costa inside two rounds, barely wearing a strike on his way to defending the middleweight title for a second time. The Brazilian became the seventh of Adesanya‘s top-15 victims, prompting widespread suggestion that now is the ideal time for the Kiwi-Nigerian to explore the waters outside his division. One such path could involve Adesanya taking the step up to light... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105362/ufc-dana-white-all-israel-adesanya-vs-jon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105362/ufc-dana-white-all-israel-adesanya-vs-jon?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Oct 2020 10:55:46 +0000 While UFC champion Israel Adesanya’s effortless TKO against Paulo Costa left many onlookers aghast at UFC 253 last week, the Kiwi-Nigerian’s immediate post-victory antics almost stole the show completely. Almost two years of relentless back-and-forth barbs culminated in a moment where “The Last Stylebender” sealed the fight with a torrent of blows from the back and gave his nemesis a few demoralising parting “humps”. But as far as UFC president Dana White is concerned, that’s simply the nature... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3104540/ufc-dana-white-defends-israel-adesanyas-post?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3104540/ufc-dana-white-defends-israel-adesanyas-post?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Oct 2020 09:20:46 +0000 The UFC‘s marquee acquisition of former Bellator champion Michael Chandler earlier this month has sent ripples through the promotion’s lightweight division. The 34-year-old American (21-5) has long been considered one of the world‘s best 155-pound fighters and a jewel that has been glaring in its absence from the UFC crown. The esteem in which he‘s held by the UFC brass has instantly been made clear, with Chandler immediately named as the injury replacement for next month’s mouth-watering... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103619/ufc-dan-hooker-keen-welcome-michael-chandler?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103619/ufc-dan-hooker-keen-welcome-michael-chandler?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2020 06:30:13 +0000 UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya had a few choice words of “advice”, shall we say, for Jon Jones on his adversary’s long-awaited move to the heavyweight division. “Go put some [expletive] muscle on your chopstick legs and go fight Francis Ngannou and watch him break you,” said Adesanya. This week, Jones confirmed he would vacate his light heavyweight title to make the seemingly inevitable move up, opening up a host of new opportunities and opponents. “Bones” mentioned the hypothetical... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3098014/ufc-israel-adesanyas-advice-jon-jones-go?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3098014/ufc-israel-adesanyas-advice-jon-jones-go?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Aug 2020 12:01:21 +0000 The Covid-19 lockdown in Auckland has forced the team at City Kickboxing to take drastic measures to ensure its four fighters set to feature at UFC 253 next month can continue their preparations unhindered. On Wednesday, featherweight Shane Young and lightweight Brad Riddell were confirmed to join teammates Kai Kara-France and headliner Israel Adesanya on the September 26 card, where the middleweight champion will defend his crown against Paulo Costa. All four have been living and training full... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3097946/israel-adesanya-says-ufc-253-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3097946/israel-adesanya-says-ufc-253-coronavirus?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Aug 2020 06:04:28 +0000 As the saying goes, a fighter is never truly a champion until they’ve defended their title. That certainly rings true for Alexander Volkanovski, who admits he feels an extra sense of gratification after staving off a resurgent Max Holloway in their rematch at UFC 251 earlier this month. “To take Max out back-to-back is really saying something … he’s a great fighter,” Volkanovski told SCMP MMA. “We knew he’d make adjustments and this would be a tough fight and obviously did, he came out... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3094675/alex-volkanovski-hurt-dana-whites-bad-judging?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3094675/alex-volkanovski-hurt-dana-whites-bad-judging?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Jul 2020 02:24:16 +0000 UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has poured cold water over suggestions he may spearhead a revival of The Ultimate Fighter alongside challenger-in-waiting Paulo Costa. Last month, Costa's coach Eric Albarracin piqued the ears of fans when he told MMA Junkie Radio that his fighter would coach next to Adesanya on the reality television show as part of the build-up to their inevitable and hugely anticipated title joust. But that's news to “The Last Stylebender”. He's revealed he hasn't... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3093684/ufc-champ-israel-adesanya-laughs-ultimate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3093684/ufc-champ-israel-adesanya-laughs-ultimate?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Jul 2020 11:29:56 +0000 Lightweight Dan Hooker is about to make his way to the bright lights of Las Vegas with a clear, two-pronged agenda – support his good mate and training partner Israel Adesanya in his title defence against Yoel Romero at UFC 248, and pick a fight himself. “The Hangman” is fresh off one of the best performances of his career, beating Paul Felder in a razor-close split decision at a partisan UFC Auckland a fortnight ago. The win propelled Hooker inside the division’s top five rankings for the first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3065192/ufc-dan-hooker-says-hes-only-option-dustin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3065192/ufc-dan-hooker-says-hes-only-option-dustin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2020 07:38:22 +0000 UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is bracing for a frosty reception at the T-Mobile Arena when he takes to the Octagon for his maiden title defence against Yoel Romero at UFC 248 next weekend. When asked how he'd negotiate Romero's unique challenges in a press conference last weekend, Adesanya made a reference to the 9/11 terror attacks that killed thousands in New York City. “He's human like anyone else and everyone likes to make this myth about, 'Oh, he's steel, like kicking steel', or... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3052900/ufc-248-israel-adesanya-doesnt-care-if-he?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3052900/ufc-248-israel-adesanya-doesnt-care-if-he?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Feb 2020 08:56:04 +0000 The stars seem to be aligning for UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski. On Wednesday, the UFC confirmed widespread reports that they’d be returning to Australia in June, setting up a potential blockbuster homecoming for Volkanovski’s maiden title defence. While rumours already abound that a rematch with Max Holloway is as good as a lock for the main event, that may still depend on the 31-year-old being medically cleared to fight. “The Great” is working his way back from a hand injury... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3052627/ufc-alex-volkanovski-happy-give-henry-cejudo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3052627/ufc-alex-volkanovski-happy-give-henry-cejudo?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Feb 2020 05:12:08 +0000 UFC lightweight Paul Felder admitted he was taken aback when Conor McGregor pointed a finger his way, after his emphatic knockout of Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 246 in Las Vegas last month. Felder was part of the commentary team that night, and was forced to quickly revert to fighter mode when “The Notorious” – riding the high of his 40-second demolition job – laid the challenge down to him. “It was 100 per cent a surprise,” Felder told the Post. “I was sitting there doing my job, doing the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3051893/ufc-paul-felder-surprised-conor-mcgregor-call?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3051893/ufc-paul-felder-surprised-conor-mcgregor-call?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Feb 2020 04:47:30 +0000 New Zealand flyweight Kai Kara-France is under no illusions as to the size of the opportunity that awaits him at UFC 245 in Las Vegas this weekend. The Kiwi will go toe-to-toe with Mexico’s Brandon Moreno on the undercard of one of the most stacked events of 2019 for the promotion. Not only is it an ideal opportunity to continue his rapid ascent in the divisional rankings, it’s a chance to prove his title credentials under the brightest lights of his professional career to date. “Don’t Blink”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042091/ufc-henry-cejudo-done-flyweight-thinks-kai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042091/ufc-henry-cejudo-done-flyweight-thinks-kai?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Dec 2019 04:56:39 +0000 UFC featherweight title contender Alex Volkanovski has been listening to the plaudits roll in for upcoming opponent Max Holloway for what seems an eternity. The Hawaiian prodigy has captured the imagination of fight fans with his suffocating brand of striking which has seen him tear off a staggering 13-fight win streak. But Dustin Poirier proved the “Blessed” one was fallible when he almost beat him at his own game, dashing his hopes of adding the interim lightweight strap to his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3041756/ufc-245-alex-volkanovski-warns-max-holloway?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3041756/ufc-245-alex-volkanovski-warns-max-holloway?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:09:20 +0000 One Championship golden girl Angela Lee has revealed the deep emotional impact her recent two-fight losing streak had on her, particularly the TKO defeat at the hands of strawweight champion Xiong Jingnan. Lee's bid to become a dual-division champion fell short in devastating fashion in Tokyo at the end of March, where she suffered a fifth-round TKO loss – the first of her professional career. For someone so accustomed to victory, it was a tough pill to swallow – one that left a long and bitter... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3039704/one-championship-angela-lee-talks-depression?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3039704/one-championship-angela-lee-talks-depression?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Nov 2019 03:50:55 +0000 Sage Northcutt learned plenty of lessons from his traumatic knockout defeat on his One Championship debut in May, the most crucial being he was competing at the wrong weight. Billed as one of the UFC’s rising stars, Northcutt opted not to re-sign with the North American promotion in favour of a multi-fight deal with One late last year. But the 23-year-old American received an inhospitable welcome from Brazilian kick-boxer Cosmo Alexandre in Singapore in May, falling victim to a vicious KO that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3039421/sage-northcutt-drops-down-featherweight-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3039421/sage-northcutt-drops-down-featherweight-after?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Nov 2019 09:19:57 +0000