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Henry Cejudo eager for trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili after quick RAF 12 win: "I’ve just got to stay disciplined and dedicated”

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Henry Cejudo eager for trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili after quick RAF 12 win: "I’ve just got to stay disciplined and dedicated”

Henry Cejudo finally got a measure of revenge on Merab Dvalishvili in the freestyle wrestling world, but he's already calling for a trilogy.

Cejudo entered the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland this past Saturday in hopes of a strong showing in a RAF 12 rematch with former UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili. In their first encounter outside of MMA rules, Cejudo had a sizable 8-0 lead over “The Machine,†but his gas tank wore out. This allowed Dvalishvili to mount a comeback and score the victory 11-8.

Things played out far differently in the rematch, as “Triple C†managed to have Dvalishvili pinned in just 36 seconds. It was a definitive win for Cejudo, but he may not be done with his rival just yet. During the RAF 12 post-fight press conference, Cejudo said he's counting on a third wrestling match with “The Machine†(via MMAFighting).

“I've been wrestling since I was a kid but that doesn't mean anything,†Cejudo said. “It's humbling but I'm excited for the trilogy.â€

Cejudo believes that the biggest difference between his rematch with Dvalishvili and their first RAF meeting boiled down to dedication.

“When I'm in shape, and I think Izzy [Martinez] said it, we were on the phone one time and [he said] ‘when Henry's in shape, no one will beat him… this kid is good,'†Cejudo said. “I took that to heart.

“I went out to Amsterdam, N.Y. in upstate New York, and I just dedicated myself for a whole month and a half. After getting beat up by Merab in Georgia. I've just got to stay disciplined and dedicated.â€

Cejudo is now 2-1 under the RAF banner. His other victory was against Urijah Faber in his promotional debut back in February. Whether RAF officials book the trilogy between Cejudo and Dvalishvili or they have something else in mind for “Triple C†will be a story to monitor.

Did you catch the RAF 12 rematch between Henry Cejudo and Merab Dvalishvili? Should there be a trilogy, or would you rather see fresh matchups for both men? Drop your two cents in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM


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Noche UFC Post Show: Reaction to Jean Silva’s big win, Tommy McMillen’s rise

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Noche UFC Post Show: Reaction to Jean Silva’s big win, Tommy McMillen’s rise

Jean Silva is back in the mix at 145 pounds.

On Saturday, Silva headlined the fourth iteration of Noche UFC, taking on Jose Miguel Delgado in the main event in Glendale, Arizona. And while he was slow to start, Silva was quick to finish, dropping Delgado in the third round and then tapping him with a one-armed rear-naked choke. Afterward, Silva called for the winner of the upcoming Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev title fight, but will he get it?

Following Noche UFC, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew (and Alexander K. Lee for a brief moment) chopped it up about Silva's impressive performance and what that portends for his future. Jed then also discussed Brandon Moreno's win over Joseph Morales in the co-main event, the rise of Tommy McMillen as a new star, Alexa Grasso's return to form, and the rest of the action from Glendale.

Watch the Noche UFC post-fight show above, or an audio-only version of the show can also be streamed below and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

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Ryan Garcia demolishes Conor Benn inside 2 rounds, calls out Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney

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Ryan Garcia demolishes Conor Benn inside 2 rounds, calls out Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney

Ryan Garcia needed less than five total minutes to demolish Conor Benn to successfully defend his welterweight title before potentially setting up two even bigger fights for the future.

While he was heavily favored to win, Garcia still had to get the job done and it's safe to say he passed that test with flying colors. Best known for a blistering left hand, Garcia showed off his power in the right after blasted Benn with a single shot that sent the British boxer to the canvas in a heap.

Benn managed to make it back to his feet but Garcia wasn't going to stop until he ended the fight as he just kept hammering away and the referee had no choice but to stop the contest. The end came at 1:25 in the second round as Garcia earned the knockout victory.

“I feel at peace,†Garcia said after his title defense. “I've always had a right hand but I've always had injuries. I want to thank Conor for great buildup and a great match. Viva Mexico!â€

Garcia's left hand was landing early and often with Benn trying to find his way inside to show off some of his own power. Benn tried to show off some power as he was digging to the body and then going back up to the head but Garcia was quick to fire back with some nasty shots of his own.

As the second round got underway, Garcia uncorked a hellacious right hand that blasted Benn and he fell to the canvas. Benn was able to get back to his feet to make the 10 count but Garcia wasn't going to give him a moment to breathe.

Garcia just started blasting away with punches as Benn was desperate to survive.

The assault continued with Garcia just unloading shot sand Benn couldn't do much of anything but absorb the punishment until the referee saw enough to stop the fight before any further damage was done.

Garcia's win once again establishes him as one of the top welterweights in the sport but there are still plenty of challenges awaiting him including a potential showdown against Teofimo Lopez, who was in the crowd, and the same goes for Devin Haney.

Garcia previously defeated Haney but a positive drug test overturned the result to a no-contest and the “King†had to serve a one-year suspension. Now he wants that one back as well.

“Teofimo, get that ass up here,†Garcia shouted into the crowd. “Where you at? He wants to get crazy, we can get crazy. I'll beat your ass right now!

“Hopefully we get to beat Devin Haney's ass again for undisputed. F*ck the Haney's!â€

Garcia is already viewed as one of the biggest names in the sport and he's only setting himself up for bigger and better fights with a performance like he had on Saturday. Now he effectively has his pick for potential opponents as he moves forward with his career into 2027 and beyond.

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Noche UFC 4 Bonus Report: Tommy McMillen one of four 'POTN' winners

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Noche UFC 4 Bonus Report: Tommy McMillen one of four 'POTN' winners

The Octagon returned to Arizona for tonight's Noche UFC 4 event, and four fighters wound up taking home performance bonuses.

The 13-bout fight card was headlined by a men's featherweight bout featuring Jean Silva taking on Jose Delgado. The contest resulted in an amazing comeback win for Jean Silva. After being badly outpointed and dropped in the opening round, things did not really get a whole lot better for ‘Lord' in round two. Despite his slow start, Silva stormed back in round three by dropping Jose Delgado with a right hand and then securing a rear-naked choke to ultimately force a tapout just moments later. It was a big comeback win for the Brazilian, and one that puts him into immediate title contention at 145lbs.

Noche UFC 4 was co-headlined by a men's flyweight bout between Brandon Moreno and Joseph Morales. The matchup proved to be hard-fought back and forth affair. Morales got off to a good start, but the former champion was able to show his resilience by coming back strong in rounds two and three. After fifteen minutes of action, ‘The Assassin Baby' was awarded a much-needed split decision victory.

Following the conclusion of tonight's event, UFC officials announced at the post-fight press conference that 4 fighters would be taking home performance bonuses.

Fight of the night: Featherweight fighters Tommy McMillen and Marwan Rahiki each pocketed $100k for their thrilling war on tonight's Noche UFC 4 main card. McMillen ultimately won the contest by unanimous decision (29–28 x2, 29–27).

Performance of the night: Jean Silva earned an extra $100k for his third-round submission victory over Jose Delgado in tonight's event headliner (see that here).

Performance of the night: Sean King pocketed an extra $100k for his 36-second knockout (slam) victory over Jessie Rosas (see that here).

Are you surprised by any of the performance bonuses handed out by Dana White and company following the conclusion of tonight's Noche UFC 4 event? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM


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