The MMA/Boxing Thread

[Theufcveteran]

Who you got in the main and co-main? I think Poirier has Alvarez's number and I reckon Stephens will KO Aldo. Aldo looks past his sell by date and he's coming off two back to back losses.

Eddie and Aldo. Really think Aldo still has enough left in the tank to defeat Stephens.

 

[NW48]

Aldo's body shot KO was something else! It realy just shows how far ahead of the game Max Holloway is though, assuming he can fight again.

But man, do I love watching Poirer do work. Was never his biggest fan a couple years ago, but it was around the Michael Johnson fight I started to follow him. His striking is just so good to watch. So fluid, and so much power in his punches. Hopefully he gets the next shot, if not, a Poirer v Ferguson fight would be interesting to see, whilst Khabib v Conor happens. But then what would you do with Lee? The lightweight division is just so stacked right now.

 

[NW48]

Well big night of fights just then, Demetrious Johnson is no longer the flyweight champion, losing a hotly contested, super high level fight against Henry Cejudo. Can't wait for the rematch if that's the quality they bring every time. Then Dillashaw got Garbrandt out of there in one round, very disappointing performance by Garbrandt, loading up on his punches and just too emotional, if you watched that fight and the Cruz fight back to back, you'd think it was a different person. Not good at all. But not taking anything away from Dillashaw, hell of a fighter, much more composed and so fluid in his strikes.

Also, Khabib is defending the lughtweight title against McGregor at UFC 229 on October 7th, and Nate Diaz returns against Dustin Poirer at UFC 230 at MSG. Also for that event, Weidman v Rockhold 2, Brunson v Adesanya and Romero v Costa. But up next on PPV is UFC 228, headlined by Woodley v Till, and co-headlined by a Women's Flyweight title fight between Montano and Shevchenko.

 

[NW48]

So Jon Jones received his "suspension" from USADA yesterday. (Retroactive) 15 months. He got 3 month reduction based on USADA believing he didn't act negligently, and a further 30 month reduction because he snitched in other fighters who were using PEDs, along with teams and coaches. Also of note in the arbitrator's statement, Jones provided 15 supplements he was using, none came back positive for Turinabol. He also admitted to using illegal "street drugs" in a testimony to USADA. So when does he become eligible for competition again? October 28th 2018. What event is the next week and is suspiciously missing a main event? UFC 230 at MSG. Yeah, I think that speaks loud enough alone.

Daniel Cormier's response to the news essentially sums up my feelings on this whole thing; "Here's the deal with USADA. You can't come to my house anymore at 6am. What's the point? I'm not gonna fail any tests. I'm not gonna make any mistakes. I'm not gonna have to sit up there and go 'I'm serious this time, guys, I promise I wasn't really trying to cheat!' To even have to sit here and do his again, shows that these guys are ridiculous".

 

[Mr P]

Booked 5 days off work from today and tomorrow night is the reason I booked in advance! please live up to the hype

After the last week it certainly looks like Conor's mind games are taking their toll on Khabib.. but please just both make weight tonight, can't efin wait :tup:

 

[NW48]

Booked 5 days off work from today and tomorrow night is the reason I booked in advance! please live up to the hype

After the last week it certainly looks like Conor's mind games are taking their toll on Khabib.. but please just both make weight tonight, can't efin wait :tup:

I'm torn on if McGregor's mind games are really taking their toll on Khabib, especially after the weigh-ins today where he seemed cool as a cucumber and didn't get fired up at all when McGregor was doing his usual antics. This is just such an intriguing fight. A classic stand up vs grappler scenario. I honestly can't say 100% who will win, I just keep flip-flopping between McGregor by 1st round KO or Khabib by TKO in the 4th. Either way, as much as I like to believe DC v Jones is the biggest rivalry and fights the UFC can put on, but that electricity at the weigh-ins was easily one of the all time moments in the UFC. I'm pumped, dunno about the rest of you guys

 

[the_boy]

Good job Conor, lol, what a butt hurt team

Now it’s gone too far? Weak ass Conor fans

 

[Mr P]

Wow! ... what a crazy night!!! Unforgettable 👍

 

[NW48]

Pretty crazy night, great showing from Khabib. UFC and McGregor have nothing to complain about with the post fight brawl. The second they used the bus incident in the promos and let him return with very little punishment, they allowed this to happen. McGregor brought family, religion, race and culture into it, he wanted a war, and he got a war. The immediate reaction to the loss from the McGregor team was very poor taste, labelling Khabib as a terrorist, but also the retaliation from Khabib's team was not great either. A lot of bad, but in my eyes, completely understandable and completely warranted. McGregor and co. turned this into more than a fight back in Brooklyn, this got personal and ugly fast. If the UFC allows rivalries to get this heated, they need better security and event planning.

 

[Andrew R]

I don't feel that reaction was warranted at all. Khabih speaks of changing the game to be respectful, what about that win was respectful? Even Connor is a better sport in defeat than khabih was in victory. I understand the 'payback' for the bus stuff but that is not how a champion should carry himself and his team is also an extension of him. Dog shotting a defeated fighter with his back turned is a low, low act. I'll bet if that was Connor's boys people would be screaming for his head.

 

[SestoScudo]

Russians especially Dagestanis if you insult their religion, family and culture they take it personally.

Connor mcgregor wanted war and the Russian gave him that war.

People from the Caucasus have always been passionate and stubborn hence why they are tough.

Irish are no match for Russians and the people of the Caucasus.

 

[lancia delta hf]

Russians

I don't feel that reaction was warranted at all. Khabih speaks of changing the game to be respectful, what about that win was respectful? Even Connor is a better sport in defeat than khabih was in victory. I understand the 'payback' for the bus stuff but that is not how a champion should carry himself and his team is also an extension of him. Dog shotting a defeated fighter with his back turned is a low, low act. I'll bet if that was Connor's boys people would be screaming for his head.

He Sun goofed. However, Khabib is legit from a tough upbringing. Unlike Conor who plays the "I never had a job, money". That was his choice to not work. He plays the bad was, brags about throwing a dolly at a bus with innocent bystanders, insults Kbabibs family, calls him backwards, which lets be honest, he's not just talking about Khabib there. He does all off this with his bodyguard Dana Whites enabling. He's been a massive POS, and that's without mention nobheads like Dillon Danis insulting Khabib too.

Conor fans blamed Khabib for him attacking the bus, call Conor Alpha every time he acts like a ****. Now they're crying foul.

Also Joe Rogan was proven that weed turns your brains to mush. The crap he spoke about Khabib after the Iaquinta fight was absolutely ridiculous.

 

[Joey D]

What an utterly boring fight. They cuddled on the ground for four rounds. The co-main event was much better and even the undercards. I'm sure grappling and wrestling is a good way to win, but it makes it not terribly exciting to watch - especially for $70.

That was at least until the end. It turned from something boring to something crazy. It reminded me of when Tyson bit Holyfield's ear off.

Khabib should get suspended, fined, and possibly stripped of the title for those antics. You just don't run into the crowd and start throwing punches regardless of the insults. He was mad at McGregor, I get it and McGregor deserved it, but leave the fighting in the ring. Khabib also probably put his visa to the US in jeopardy too, along with his license to fight in Nevada.

And no, if Khabib is stripped of the title, it shouldn't go to McGregor either since he did lose the bout. It should just be left unclaimed.

 

[dlshearon]

@ irish are no match for russians!!!
Over two guys in an octagon, you make this statement!

Wth

 

[Carbonox]

Russians especially Dagestanis if you insult their religion, family and culture they take it personally.

Connor mcgregor wanted war and the Russian gave him that war.

People from the Caucasus have always been passionate and stubborn hence why they are tough.

Irish are no match for Russians and the people of the Caucasus.

This Khabib guy's behavior strikes me more as that of a weak-minded savage, rather than some passionate warrior you make him out to be. He and his teammates are in need of some serious desensitization, since in the western world mere words aren't some excuse to abruptly get violent.

 

[Rallywagon]

What an utterly boring fight. They cuddled on the ground for four rounds. The co-main event was much better and even the undercards. I'm sure grappling and wrestling is a good way to win, but it makes it not terribly exciting to watch - especially for $70.

That was at least until the end. It turned from something boring to something crazy. It reminded me of when Tyson bit Holyfield's ear off.

Khabib should get suspended, fined, and possibly stripped of the title for those antics. You just don't run into the crowd and start throwing punches regardless of the insults. He was mad at McGregor, I get it and McGregor deserved it, but leave the fighting in the ring. Khabib also probably put his visa to the US in jeopardy too, along with his license to fight in Nevada.

And no, if Khabib is stripped of the title, it shouldn't go to McGregor either since he did lose the bout. It should just be left unclaimed.

Why watch MMA of you find the grappling aspect boring? At that point it's just boxing or kick boxing.
I found the fight really good and went about as I thought it would. I actually expected Khabib to finish Mcgregor in the 2nd to be honest. It's a shame Khabib and crew went off like they did. But, this is the atmosphere the UFC created when they let the whole bus incident slide. When they allow weigh ins and pr events devolve into chaotic drama. As much as the Fertitta's helped bring the ufc and mma back from bankruptcy, right now they are walking the path of Art Davie, and it's making MMA look bad again.

 

[Joey D]

Why watch MMA of you find the grappling aspect boring? At that point it's just boxing or kick boxing.

For the most part, I find it pretty interesting. I'm more of a fan of watching boxing, but for big name bouts, I do like watching UFC. I guess I find it more interesting when grappling is combined with ground and pounds, or something a little more interesting than just holding an opponent against the cage for four minutes.

 

[Rage Racer]

So... Looks like Conor got what he wanted, and it's not the champion title.

Khabib isn't a Russian in the ethnic meaning of this term, he's not even a Slav - he's an Avar (it's an ethnic group populating mountain areas of Dagestan, and they're mostly Muslims). Many people from Dagestan live in Moscow as well, and what we know about them is that they can be nice people when you are nice to them, but insulting their parents is a VERY bad idea and can have lethal consequences. It doesn't excuse what Nurmagomedov and his team have done - it just explains it.

Many of Russia's most famous boxers and mixed fighters come from North Caucasus, particularly from Chechnya and Dagestan. Probably because martial arts are popular in the mountains...

 

[Theufcveteran]

What an utterly boring fight. They cuddled on the ground for four rounds. The co-main event was much better and even the undercards. I'm sure grappling and wrestling is a good way to win, but it makes it not terribly exciting to watch - especially for $70.

That was at least until the end. It turned from something boring to something crazy. It reminded me of when Tyson bit Holyfield's ear off.

Khabib should get suspended, fined, and possibly stripped of the title for those antics. You just don't run into the crowd and start throwing punches regardless of the insults. He was mad at McGregor, I get it and McGregor deserved it, but leave the fighting in the ring. Khabib also probably put his visa to the US in jeopardy too, along with his license to fight in Nevada.

And no, if Khabib is stripped of the title, it shouldn't go to McGregor either since he did lose the bout. It should just be left unclaimed.

I mean - it's Khabib. His best strength is wrestling. He'd have been insane to attempt to strike with Conor for 4 rounds and never even attempt a takedown or to tie up and clinch. Personally I enjoyed it, there was a lot of little things he was doing such as hooking the legs and always keeping himself in the right position as to not let McGregor slip out. He did drop Conor too, which was pretty mad. Khabib wanted to stay heavy on Conor and have him tire himself out. I understand it may not be the most exciting thing in the world for everyone though, however there was a lot of nuanced things happening. But yes, the co-main was indeed very good, absolute war.

I understand it from both sides, really. I see why Khabib wanted to have a go at Danis, after all the trash talk (his people take that kind of stuff pretty personal since it was about his father, etc.) but I think his team should NOT have swung at Conor. But then again, on a second viewing, you can see Conor swing first. Just madness all around really. It does mar it a little but hopefully the dust will settle eventually. We'll see. Neither are innocent, Conor maybe didn't expect such a reaction but he prodded and prodded and prodded over the entire time this fight was coming together. You don't bring family into stuff like this - especially a Dagestani's.

 

[Mr P]

Had a good sleep after that crazy night and wake up to lots of news and interviews etc.. good catching up and taking it all in, I like madness for big events as it beats boring events any day haha 👍 I don't in any way agree with the actions after the bell inside and outside the octagon but sometimes it just takes a second to lose all rational thoughts and the madness has already began

I really don't need to see a rematch with Khabib and Conor as it was all answered in those 4 rounds for me, Khabib mauled him and floored him also! no more needed there... I would however like to see how Conor fairs against Tony? This would be a great battle with the 2 best strikers who have massive superman ego's on another level... I reckon Tony wins that one brutally!

...then we can see if they can eventually get Tony in with Khabib and put the final piece of the puzzle together for us obsessed fans haha

Looking forward to Dustin v Nate and have Dustin win with that with his superb combo's and make the next title charge as a result 👍

 

[Andrew R]

Had a good sleep after that crazy night and wake up to lots of news and interviews etc.. good catching up and taking it all in, I like madness for big events as it beats boring events any day haha 👍 I don't in any way agree with the actions after the bell inside and outside the octagon but sometimes it just takes a second to lose all rational thoughts and the madness has already began

I really don't need to see a rematch with Khabib and Conor as it was all answered in those 4 rounds for me, Khabib mauled him and floored him also! no more needed there... I would however like to see how Conor fairs against Tony? This would be a great battle with the 2 best strikers who have massive superman ego's on another level... I reckon Tony wins that one brutally!

...then we can see if they can eventually get Tony in with Khabib and put the final piece of the puzzle together for us obsessed fans haha

Looking forward to Dustin v Nate and have Dustin win with that with his superb combo's and make the next title charge as a result 👍

Khabib's control on the ground is unrivalled. That pressure he puts on, forcing you to hold his weight up the whole time while locking your legs in must just be exhausting. I was actually pretty impressed with Connor's defense on the ground for the most part, a few years ago he wouldn't have made it out of the first round, even if he did seemingly get away with more fence grabs and glove grabs than most. I really didn't think he was going to get through that second round, that was a heavy round.

Connor verse Ferguson would be huge. I would love to see that match up.

 

[Mr P]

Some guy on youtube has done an interesting analysis vid on the after fight incidents.. good vid 👍

 

[McLaren]

What an utterly boring fight. They cuddled on the ground for four rounds. The co-main event was much better and even the undercards. I'm sure grappling and wrestling is a good way to win, but it makes it not terribly exciting to watch - especially for $70.

That was at least until the end. It turned from something boring to something crazy. It reminded me of when Tyson bit Holyfield's ear off.

Khabib should get suspended, fined, and possibly stripped of the title for those antics. You just don't run into the crowd and start throwing punches regardless of the insults. He was mad at McGregor, I get it and McGregor deserved it, but leave the fighting in the ring. Khabib also probably put his visa to the US in jeopardy too, along with his license to fight in Nevada.

And no, if Khabib is stripped of the title, it shouldn't go to McGregor either since he did lose the bout. It should just be left unclaimed.

Pretty similar thought to mine on how it should play out. People on social media going Conor attacked the bus & got away with it, or Khabib's family & religion was insulted. Ok, as far as Conor is concerned, he was charged with 3 counts of assault and 1 count of criminal mischief which put his own Visa in jeopardy. He didn't just get to throw a dolly through a bus window and walk away free with no investigation; there were small talks of serving jail time. Second, even when he was cleared, this fight should've been Khabib's revenge and statement to never attack him again in anyway b/c he beat the crap out of him on the ground, and forced Conor to give up. Where the courts let Conor walk, Khabib gave him his punishment. That should be the end of it.

Jumping into the crowd to attack one of Conor's trainers because he called him a terrorist? Doesn't excuse it. The fight conclusion again, should've been the end of it because Conor is the one who has to deal with the physical consequence of what he & his team say beforehand, and he lost. If Khabib wanted to beat the snot out of the trainer, trying to do it with a crowd of innocent civilians who could caught up in it was the worst possible time. Reminded me a lot of Malice at the Palace. Now the commentators like Rogan were discussing if Khabib could have criminal charges brought against him, his Visa revoked, etc. It first appeared he was going to be stripped, but Dana said in the ring, "If I put this belt on you, people are going to throw things". It sounded like Dana was still leaning with him retaining his title, just not right there at the moment. I guess whether he gets stripped or not will be up to other officials. I'm betting he'll need a new team to attend fights with him, b/c I don't see Dana allowing those guys back after running in to fight Conor. The only people that should be fighting are the fighters themselves and allowing non-fighters to attack them is a huge safety issue. The possibility of really hurting a fighter even more by an unknown shot is always there.

As for the event, Ferguson and Pettis was the best fight. These guys made a bloody mess of each other, Pettis broke his hand and they walked away like best friends. Ferguson was crazy to watch, never relinquished. Derrick Lewis' fight was great as well and his post-commentary was hilarious. Hope he's on Joe's podcast like he wants.

 

[Mr P]

haha yeah when Joe asked... "why did you take your shorts off Derek?" ... Derek replies "My balls were sweaty" hahaha 👍

Funny night

 

[McLaren]

haha yeah when Joe asked... "why did you take your shorts off Derek?" ... Derek replies "My balls were sweaty" hahaha 👍

Funny night

Joe asking if he was ready for a title fight and he said, "Hell naw, I gotta go sit down right now. Do some more cardio".

 

[dlshearon]

@Rage Racer I can get with that.


I think somone who talks that much BS gets what is deserved.

Can’t beleive the guy kept a cool head all this time and went off.

 

[SestoScudo]

This Khabib guy's behavior strikes me more as that of a weak-minded savage, rather than some passionate warrior you make him out to be. He and his teammates are in need of some serious desensitization, since in the western world mere words aren't some excuse to abruptly get violent.

To be honest Connor deserved it. Too bad Khabib did not smash his face so bad.

 

[NW48]

What an utterly boring fight. They cuddled on the ground for four rounds. The co-main event was much better and even the undercards. I'm sure grappling and wrestling is a good way to win, but it makes it not terribly exciting to watch - especially for $70

That was a pretty good fight, dunno what you werw watching. First round, I'll give it to you, it was boring. But business very much picked up after Khabib felt out Conor's ground game in the 1st. Khabib's ground game (even with all McGregor's dirty little tactics like grabbing the cage and hooking gloves) was just utterly captivating to watch. How he just dismantled McGregor (who doesn't have a horrible ground game, as much as people like to make it seem like it) was just impressive. If he wasn't so dominate and unique in his grappling, I could definitely see your point, but after that 1st round, I can't see how that wasn't entertaining to watch. Each to their own though, of course.

possibly stripped of the title for those antics. You just don't run into the crowd and start throwing punches regardless of the insults. He was mad at McGregor, I get it and McGregor deserved it, but leave the fighting in the ring. Khabib also probably put his visa to the US in jeopardy too, along with his license to fight in Nevada.

Except he didn't run into the crowd. He was in Conor's corner. And only after Dillon Danis provoked him, which from what I've seen, is actually illegal itself according to the commission. So had Danis kept his mouth shut, this whole situation would have been avoided most likely. Then we get into the business of who threw the first punch. Well, with the latest footage, we can see that McGregor threw the first punch on a cornerman of Khabib's. Maybe this cornerman did say something as well cause he was definitely within hearing distance of McGregor when he was atop of the cage. This of course doesn't excuse the dog act of the two fighters from Khabib's team who threw a total of 5 punches on McGregor. They definitely deserved to be cut, and have since been cut by the UFC. This whole thing, harkens back to when McGregor jumped out of the cage to confront and torment Aldo (was it in Brazil? My memory fails me here) who was well in the crowd. Only difference is, Aldo didn't fight back (Danis did against Khabib) and there was no one to swarm McGregor (unlike Khabib where he was promptly swarmed by security). And that was lapped up by the UFC and others. The only difference between them is, the person Khabib ran up to, didn't stay composed, and instead attempted to lash out.

Khabib doesn't deserve to be stripped or suspended. Fined, absolutely. But nothing more. The most disgraceful actions were committed by the teammates of both McGregor and Khabib). Ban Dillon Danis, ban any other cornerman who got physical, but do not punish (asides from fines, tops) McGregor or Khabib.

TL;DR
I believe Kevin Lee said it best and most simply put;

For the sake of consistency and fairness, this is the best and only option.

 

[LeMansAid]

This Khabib guy's behavior strikes me more as that of a weak-minded savage, rather than some passionate warrior you make him out to be. He and his teammates are in need of some serious desensitization, since in the western world mere words aren't some excuse to abruptly get violent.

Absolutely, and the ethnic/cultural superiority comments here are utterly hilarious.

McGregor is man acting like a child because it makes him money. Khabib is a child acting like a "man" because he's surrounded by delusions about what honour is, and where it should be found. Apparently "honour" is joining the circus, then complaining about the circus being a circus, then making the circus more of a circus.

You want honour? Go fight terrorists or something.

Ooh..... that's awkward.

Actual honourable behaviour.

 

[NW48]

Daniel Cormier is the GOAT. Don't @ me.

Only ones who really come close are Fedor and GSP. You can make an argument for all three being the GOAT, but the case for DC really stands out for me. He may not have the most amount of wins like Fedor, or consecutive title defences like GSP (thanks to 'events' out of his control), but the quality of competition, the way he dismantles quality competition, the fact he's done it clean and how he's dominated two divisions (Undefeated at heavyweight, 1 loss at Light Heavyweight). And all those little things, like the sweet ankle pick tonight against Lewis, the high crotch slams against Barnett/Gus/Hendo, the beautiful short right hook from the clinch against Miocic, KO'ing a prime Bigfoot Silva, and his grind to just make fighters to roll over and quit, ala Rumble (twice), Volkan and Lewis tonight.

Also, damn, DC saying Lewis hits way harder than anyone he's fought. Imagine if he had a better ground game and cardio Also, this is a guy who's fought some of the heaviest hitters ever, so his opinion holds a lot of weight.