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Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Meet him head on': Michael Bisping advises Dricus Du Plessis how to fight Khamzat Chimaev
Michael Bisping warns Dricus Du Plessis not to back up against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) defends his middleweight title against Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) in the Aug. 16 main event at United Center in Chicago (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+). Bisping acknowledges the work Chimaev has put in for his cardio, but doubts Du Plessis feels threatened. "Dricus Du Plessis, I mean, you cannot doubt this guy," Bisping said on ESPN's UFC on ABC 9 post show. "He said he wants to fight Khamzat on the ground. He said everyone else tries to avoid the ground with him, he said, 'I want to fight the best version of him. I want to test my skills against his on the ground.' He's not intimidated. "There are videos of Dricus Du Plessis online taking on an entire Gracie Barra blackbelt team and submitting them all one by one. He's big, he's strong, he can wrestle, he's got great judo, he's got knockout power. He's had a nose job so. He's got a great gas tank now as well. They hate each other. They absolutely hate each other." That being said, Bisping is confident that Chimaev will succeed in taking Du Plessis down. He advises the champion not to shy away from the early onslaught that the undefeated contender brings. "(Chimaev) is going to get you down," Bisping said. "Look at what he did to (Robert) Whittaker. Look at what he did to (Kamaru) Usman. Usman, with that fight you might go, 'Oh yeah, Usman's had his best days behind him.' Then, look what he did to Joaquin Buckley. "He's still got it. That's how good Khamzat Chimaev is at wrestling. So if you try and just do everything you can to avoid him and get away and run, you're just running away the entire time. He's going to get you. Nah, screw that. Meet him head on. Fight him at his own game." This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Michael Bisping issues warning to Dricus Du Plessis ahead of UFC 319
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Jiri Prochazka set as backup for UFC 320's Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2
Jiri Prochazka already has a fight set for the main card of UFC 320, but will also serve as the backup fighter for the main event. On Oct. 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, former light heavyweight champion Prochazka (31-5-1 MMA, 5-2 UFC) has a matchup on the books against former title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. The main event of the pay-per-view is a 205-pound title rematch between champ Magomed Ankalaev and former champ Alex Pereira. The UFC often labels a top contender as a backup fighter for a title fight in case something were to go wrong in the days ahead of the fight. Should the unthinkable happen, Prochazka will get the call. MMA Junkie confirmed the news following Prochazka's interview on "The Ariel Helwani Show." In this case, with Prochazka already being on the card, he will not make an unnecessary weight cut. However, he will have to make the championship weight of 205 pounds in order to be eligible to win the title. Through seven UFC fights, Prochazka has only needed to use the one-pound allowance for non-title fights once. Prochazka has history with one side of the main event, as he lost a vacant title fight to Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) at UFC 295, and failed to beat the Brazilian in a title rematch at UFC 303. The Czech Republic-born contender has not faced the current champion Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC). Should Prochazka not be needed as a backup, the fight against Rountree Jr. (14-6 MMA, 10-6 UFC) could produce the next No. 1 contender. In his last outing, Prochazka rebounded from the second loss to Pereira by stopping Jamahal Hill in the third round at UFC 311.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Video: UFC on ABC 9 post-fight press conference live stream
ABU DHABI – UFC on ABC 9 takes place Saturday at Etihad Arena, and you can watch a live video stream of the post-event news conference here on MMA Junkie. Expected to take part in the press conference are the winner and potentially loser of the main event between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder, as well as the winner of the co-main event between Petr Yan and Marcus McGhee. You can watch the press conference in the video above, which will go live upon the conclusion of the headlining bout.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder prediction, pick: Middleweight war at UFC on ABC 9
Will Whittaker bounce back by stopping de Ridder at UFC Abu Dhabi? MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC on ABC 9 main event between former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder. Robert Whittaker UFC on ABC 9 preview Staple info: Supplemental info: Reinier de Ridder UFC on ABC 9 preview Staple info: Supplemental info: Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder point of interest: Middleweight maelstrom The main event in Abu Dhabi features a ranked middleweight matchup between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder. Coming from a traditional martial arts base, Whittaker has developed into one of the more unique striking stylists at 185 pounds. Using a combination of speed, accuracy, and a fluid economy of movement, the Australian will deceptively blitz off different angles. Like many karate-based strikers, Whittaker will feint or show a certain speed to draw his opponent into a false sense of security, only to disrupt the perceived timing with off-beat strikes. As we've seen in multiple fights, Whittaker often will assert himself through rear-legged front kicks that he uses to launch himself into variations of left hooks and shifting overhand shots. The former champ also has no issue when it comes to sticking to his fundamentals, building offense off of deceptive jabs and feints. That said, Whittaker is not beyond being taxed for his sometimes low-handed approach and will need to be on his best behavior – particularly early. Although de Ridder is primarily known for his grappling, the Dutchman has proven that his striking skills are not to be overlooked. Aside from being long and lanky, de Ridder is a southpaw who likes to stay active with his jab. When feeling in stride, de Ridder can build off of his jab and put together strikes, typically punctuating his presence with underrated kicks and knees. De Ridder's front teeps, in particular, could be a useful tool that works both defensively and offensively for "The Dutch Knight," given how uncomfortable Whittaker has looked against some taller opponents in the past. Still, de Ridder will need to be mindful about being countered considering his traditionally porous defense. Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder point of interest: Winning the wrestling Given the "striker vs. grappler" dynamic in this fight as far as win conditions go, winning the wrestling should be paramount for both parties this weekend. Despite coming from a judo base, de Ridder has made some steady improvements to his wrestling since shifting his training camps stateside to train at Sanford MMA in South Florida. De Ridder will still try for cheeky uchi mata attempts from the clinch, but the Dutchman is also not shy about changing levels for a more traditional double-leg takedown when the occasion calls for it. Although he might lack some athleticism and explosivity on his entries and finishes, de Ridder does a deceptively decent job of chaining to and from the single-position. Once de Ridder can ground his opposition, his giant frame starts to resemble a giant squid swallowing a ship at sea, given how he engulfs his enemies. Should de Ridder get a dominant position on Whittaker early, it could spell trouble for the former champion. That said, Whittaker has arguably proven to be much more difficult to control than many initially presumed when he moved up to 185 pounds. Aside from the fact that Whittaker's footwork makes it difficult for his opponents to set up their shots, the Australian also shows the small technical intricacies that make him hard to ground or hold down when grasped. For example, while most fighters are reliant on more traditional defenses such as sprawls or battles for under-hooks, they typically end up losing out to superior grapplers since these defensive tactics involve a commitment to contact (which in turn begets more grappling). Whereas Whittaker, though capable of using those defenses, does not rely on them. Instead, 'The Reaper' prefers to head off takedown attempts at the pass. Already possessing a strong base and balance, Whittaker's hip and grip awareness also have improved through the years. Not only does Whittaker utilize grip breaks and wrist controls, but the 34-year-old Australian is also disciplined about consistently circling out to his opponent's weak side, which helps dissuade re-shots and takedown chain adjustments from his foes. Even Romero had difficulty grasping or chaining off his initial attempts due to Whittaker's persistence to fight hands. What is even more impressive is Whittaker's ability to go from thwarting takedown attempts to striking off the breaks (which will also likely keep de Ridder honest in exchanges with him). Still, if Whittaker does find himself on the bottom in this fight, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt will need to be extra careful when scrambling back to his feet, considering the hay de Ridder can make with back exposure. Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder odds The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the former champion, listing Whittaker -154 and de Ridder +120 via FanDuel. Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder prediction, pick Considering people's propensity to overcorrect the steering wheel, I'm not surprised to see so much respect for de Ridder on the betting lines. As someone who cashed on de Ridder in his last two outings and preached about his underrated improvements before his upset win over Bo Nickal, I can understand taking a shot on the Dutch fighter at plus money. If de Ridder ends up on top of Whittaker early in this fight, there is no denying his finishing potential. That said, I'm not sure I buy any of the "size" or "grappling weakness" narratives that de Ridder backers are using as their arugmentative cruxes prior to this competition. First off, it's not so much tall or long fighters that trouble Whittaker; it's fighters who can competently counter (as counter strikes/counter strikers are responsible for the lion's share of his knockdowns and losses alike). And as far as Whittaker's grappling goes, "The Reaper" has traditionally done his best work against grapple-first fighters. The current champion, Dricus Du Plessis, may have been able to get off some damage on Whittaker in their fight, but – aside from the fact that a counter strike standing is what sparked off the actual finish – "DDP" has proven to be a standout fighter in more ways than one. Khamzat Chimaev also had success when it came to getting to certain positions on Whittaker (who tapped from a prior jaw injury and not a submission), but the Chechen fighter is also arguably the best MMA wrestler at 185 pounds and the best one-round fighter since a prime B.J. Penn. De Ridder is an underrated talent by my measure, I just don't think he has the speed or athleticism to reliably get a beat on Whittaker in the larger octagon. Couple that with de Ridder's lack of counter-striking threats and suspect defense standing, and I believe that this could be a vintage win for Whittaker. The official pick is for Whittaker to find a knockout in the middle frames. Prediction: Whittaker inside the distance Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder start time, how to watch As the main event, Whittaker and de Ridder are expected to make their walks to the octagon at approximately 5:10 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts live on ABC and streams on ESPN+.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov prediction, pick, start time for UFC on ABC 9
Nikita Krylov and Bogdan Guskov meet Saturday in the main card opener of UFC on ABC 9 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. Last event: 2-3 UFC main cards, 2025: 70-53-1 Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov UFC on ABC 9 preview Krylov (30-10 MMA, 11-8 UFC) will aim to rebound from a first-round knockout loss to Dominick Reyes at UFC 314 in April. That result snapped a three-fight winning streak, which included stoppages of Alexander Gustafsson and Ryan Spann, with a unanimous decision nod over Volkan Oezdemir. ... Guskov (17-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC) quickly righted the ship after being submitted by Oezdemir in his 2023 UFC debut. Since then, Guskov has finished three straight opponents: Zac Pauga, Billy Elekana, and the aforementioned Spann. Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov UFC on ABC 9 expert pick, prediction Despite having excellent lighter-weight action fights below and above this bout, the UFC matchmakers and their love for force-feeding us big guys on Fight Night main cards strikes again. Although Krylov is a tenured light heavyweight who deserves some love, and Guskov is someone who brings the action, this fight will likely be the equivalent of one of those highway car crashes that everyone slows down to look at – but no one seems to remember by the time they get to where they're going. Krylov's last loss is probably giving pause to many, but given that I predicted and expected that exact outcome opposite Dominick Reyes – I can't say that I'm ready to condemn "The Miner" over it. In fact, I suspect that Krylov's last loss will only further encourage him to exploit the major weakness in Guskov's game, which is wrestling. For that reason, I'll pick Krylov to get back on track with a submission win in Round 1. Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov UFC on ABC 9 odds The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the more experienced fighter, listing Krylov -202 and Guskov +172 via FanDuel. Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov UFC on ABC 9 start time, how to watch As the main card opener, Krylov and Guskov are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 12:10 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts live on ABC and streams on ESPN+.
