MMA
Israel Adesanya wants top 5 ranking for Navajo Stirling following sensational UFC Belgrade finish: "Another day in the office"
Zuffa LLCIsrael Adesanya believes Navajo Stirling is due for a significant boost in the rankings.
Stirling was featured on the UFC Belgrade card this past Saturday. He was matched up against his most notable opponent to date. Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Blachowicz, who holds a win over Adesanya, was standing across from Stirling on fight night. While Blachowicz was hoping to end his winless drought, Stirling had other ideas. The rising New Zealand star delivered a first-round TKO finish to improve his unbeaten record to 11-0.
With the impressive victory, Adesanya reacted on his YouTube channel by calling for Stirling to be placed in the top five rankings at 205 pounds (h/t MMAJunkie).
“He just got back from Japan last fight, takes this fight on short notice against a former champion, and smokes the dude – absolutely smokes him,†Adesanya said. “I'm still in awe. I'm still in awe. Just the whole thing, the walkout, when he steps into the octagon, he just looked so relaxed. There was a sequence in there where he just looked relaxed. He wasn't panicking, even when he got popped with that jab and his nose started bleeding. He stayed composed. You're watching it, and I know the guy, I'm just like, ‘He's relaxed. He's chill.' He fought so recently. Another day in the office. Another good day in the office for Navajo Stirling. No one has ever done that before to Jan until today. Top five. Put my man in the top five. Hurry up. And $100 Gs.â€
Stirling's first three fights under the UFC banner were unanimous decision wins, while his last three outings have resulted in TKO victories. Some believe Stirling continues to get better every time he steps inside the Octagon, and he might be the spark the light heavyweight division needs. Whether or not he can live up to the hype as the competition gets tougher will be a story to watch in the coming months and years.
Is Navajo Stirling ready for top five competition? What do you think his ceiling is at 205 pounds? Chime in with your opinion below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
Zuffa LLCMMA analyst Din Thomas has some thoughts on Brandon Moreno's future ahead of his fight against Joseph Morales.
At Noche UFC, Brandon Moreno will try and prove that he still has what it takes to mix it up with the elite at 125 pounds. This is a rapidly evolving division, and there are new and exciting prospects coming up through the ranks every single month.
RELATED: Brandon Moreno is feeling motivated heading into Noche UFC clash
That includes Joseph Morales, who will attempt to use Brandon Moreno as a way to really make a name for himself and prove that he could be a potential title contender at some point in the future.
In a recent video, Din Thomas explained why Noche UFC is such a crossroads moment in the career of Brandon Moreno.
Thomas on Brandon Moreno's situation
“Joseph Morales has been looking good. Obviously, he was on ‘TUF' and just been looking good,†Thomas said on Deep Waters. “But to me, this is a do-or-die type of fight for a guy like Brandon Moreno, who's held the belt, who's had his ups and downs.â€
“Love watching him fight but this is definitely like you said, almost like gatekeeper territory,†Weidman said of Moreno. “They're trying to see if he's the guy that if you beat, you're up there in the top five, top 10 immediately afterwards. I'm guessing the UFC sees something special in Joseph Morales. They're giving him an opportunity to fight Brandon Moreno.â€
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Whatever happens, there's no denying that Moreno has played an integral role in rejuvenating the flyweight division. With that being said, you can tell he's hungry for more, and he has a real opportunity in front of him tonight.
Do you agree with Din Thomas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
iliatopuria on InstagramFormer UFC champion Belal Muhammad believes Ilia Topuria should face Paddy Pimblett when he returns to the cage.
After losing the UFC lightweight championship, Ilia Topuria is in a difficult position. While it seems like he is set for an immediate rematch against Justin Gaethje (if reports are to be believed), a lot of people feel like that isn't the best move for him so soon after dropping the belt.
RELATED: Dana White claims Ilia Topuria is ‘ready' to fight after UFC Freedom 250 defeat
Another option, of course, is Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett. There's been bad blood between these two rivals for a long time now, and it makes sense that we finally get to see them blow off their feud in the Octagon.
In a recent video, Belal Muhammad weighed in on the Ilia Topuria situation.
Muhammad on Ilia Topuria's next fight
“What do I think about it? I don't think Topuria deserves it,†Muhammad said on his YouTube channel. “It was a great fight, but he made you quit. He broke him and it was a clear decision. It wasn't like a split decision, came down to the wire. He got him, he won, he finished him. For Topuria, he's coming back, he's already talking and saying that this is going to make him better, this is going to change him. So let's get you another fight.â€
“Paddy Pimblett's right there. I think the Paddy Pimblett fight makes the most sense, but I'm sure he's still recovering himself,†Muhammad said. “Two broken orbitals, I don't know what else he had. I know he's a big name, but for Justin, I don't see Justin taking that rematch. He already said he's not taking that rematch. If I'm Justin, maybe I try to get the Max Holloway fight again.â€
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Do you agree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
Oscar De La Hoya Raises Concerns Over Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn Final KO Verdict
Din Thomas says Brandon Moreno is in 'do-or-die' situation at Noche UFC
Ilia Topuria should face Paddy Pimblett next, says former UFC champion
-
Boxing2 days agoWhy Emiliano Vargas Is Not Prepared to Face Shakur Stevenson
-
MMA2 days agoTom Aspinall attacked by top heavyweight in X-rated rant amidst long hiatus
-
MMA2 days agoZabit Magomedsharipov’s undefeated brother gets biggest test yet at PFL Dubai
-
MMA2 days agoJake Paul, Logan Paul set to lead new fight competition reality show on Hulu, ESPN
-
Boxing2 days agoRyan Garcia vs Conor Benn: Expert Prediction for the Upcoming Showdown
-
MMA1 day agoUFC champ Justin Gaethje stumps for Trump at GOP midterm convention
-
MMA2 days agoJustin Gaethje surprisingly supports Arman Tsarukyan's long wait for UFC title shot
-
MMA2 days agoVideo: Dana White separates Ryan Garcia, Conor Benn after heated faceoff