UFC President Dana White called the timing of Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon, Chal Sonnen started a fight, and Islam Makhachev will fight Beneil Dariush in a Candidate Fight. “MK-Sport” tells about the main events in the world of mixed martial arts over the past week.
UFC announced Makhachev’s fight
Russian lightweight fighter Islam Makhachev will hold his next fight at the Fight Night series tournament against Iranian-American Beneyl Dariush , who enters the octagon under the flag of the ancient Assyrian state (well, or under what Dariush himself considers the flag of Assyria, which disappeared in the seventh century BC). The fight will take place on February 27 in Las Vegas (USA) at the UFC Apex arena.
The winner of this confrontation will be the next contender for the title fight in the organization. The belt is currently owned by Brazilian Charles Oliveira , who is likely to make his second title defense in the spring against American Justin Gaethje.
Makhachev had three fights in 2021 and won early victories by submissions in all of them. He defeated Drew Dober in March , Thiago Moises in July , and Dan Hooker in October .
The Russian opened as a clear favorite in the battle against Dariush. The odds for his victory is 1.15, while for Benel’s victory it is 6.00. The American goes on a series of seven wins. In his last fight at UFC 262 in May, he defeated Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision.
UFC President – about 2022
Last week, the head of the strongest promotion, Dana White , spoke in an interview with ESPN MMA about possible fights that could take place in 2022. He also said that he expects the return of Conor McGregor closer to the summer.
– Conor is a very rich man. But he still has a passion for MMA. He wants to return to battles and is doing everything possible for this. If everything is in order with his leg, then we will see him in the octagon in the summer. McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier’s fourth fight ? Do not know. Rather, Conor will have a third fight with Nate Diaz .
White also said that one should not wait for the return of Khabib Nurmagomedov for a fight with the organization’s lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
– Many people ask me to talk to Khabib again. I don’t think he’ll be back. Now he has a new path, he has a promotion. He lost his father, a painful loss. Abdulmanap was the leading force for Khabib. Now he is gone.
The UFC president was asked if Khamzat Chimaev will receive a welterweight title fight in the near future. White believes that the fighter from Sweden is not ready for this yet.
– Nobody wants to fight Chimaev, except for Neil Magny . I can say for sure that Khamzat will not get a fight for the belt in the near future. It’s too early.
In addition, White said that heavyweight champion Francis Ngannu may soon leave the organization. This can happen after the fight with Cyril Gan .
– Ngannu has one contract fight left. It is difficult to say whether there will be an extension. Sometimes it happens that the parties cannot come to an agreement. It’s all about the managers who work with Francis. If Ngannu wants to be with us, we will be glad. If not, then he will leave the league.
Chal Sonnen got into a scandal
American Chel Sonnen started a fight in Las Vegas. According to the police, the fighter had a fight with a couple passing by. The fighter grappled with the man, after which the woman began to scream, and a bystander called the police. It is reported that Sonnen was not arrested, he escaped with a fine. Some sources claim that five other men were involved in the fight, whom Sonnen beat.
The situation was commented on by former UFC light heavyweight champion John Jones , who often found himself in similar situations and was constantly criticized by Sonnen.
“ Man, I’m not happy that you received accusations of beating a man and a woman. If I criticize you, it will make me the same as you. Instead, I wish you health, – wrote Jones on his Twitter.
Fights Announcements
Russian Damir Ismagulov will fight German Nasrat Hakparast on February 19 at the UFC Fight Night tournament.
Tagir Ulanbekov will perform as part of the UFC 272 show on March 6 . He will fight the American Tim Elliot . At the same tournament, Ukrainian Marina Moroz will meet with the representative of Kazakhstan Maria Agapova .
American Kevin Lee learned the name of his opponent in his debut match at the Khabib Nurmagomedov Eagle FC league tournament. It will be Diego Sanchez . The fight will take place in Miami on March 11th.
The fight between Russian Magomed Ankalaev and Brazilian Thiago Santos will lead the UFC tournament, which will be held on March 13. The winner of this confrontation will be the contender for the light heavyweight title.
The fight between Umar Nurmagomedov and Welshman Jack Shor was canceled on March 19 due to the Russian’s unpreparedness. Another representative of Russia, Timur Valiev, will be replaced .
The Flyweight Candidates Fight between Askar Askarov and Kai Kara-France will take place on March 26 .
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