OT: Official MMA discussion thread pt 3 UFC 319: DDP vs Chimaev, Aaron Pico vs Lerone Murphy

[HarthorneWingo]

Congratulations to Belal. Big difference from the first fight.

[j4remi]

Post UFC 304 thoughts:
- Mokaev and Kape embarrassed themselves. They threw their toughest punches outside of the octagon then had a staring contest inside it. Mokaev admitted to throwing a sucker punch too, and promptly was told to enjoy whatever offer he gets from the PFL because the UFC doesn't want him. That's wild, because he's super talented and young, but the foolishness combined with perceptions that he's boring have come to a head.

- Bruna Brasil got me paid, but Jake Hadley and Nathaniel Wood were the prelim standouts.

- Arnold Allen is REALLY good. Giga has never been walked down like that, not even close. 145 lbs is the division of exciting fights. Max, Yair, Ortega, Lopes, and Allen are always exciting; and Volk and Topuria are fun strikers in their own rights, even if they're less likely to brawl.

- Gregory Rodrigues needs some ranked competition.

- Paddy Pimblett showed out. King Green couldn't get any striking going, and the second he changed levels it was over. Paddy's grappling is genuinely great, and if his striking can force fighters to blitz in then his takedowns won't have to be as good. It might be time for Green to consider retiring...

- Aspinall has cleared every excuse Jon Jones had to duck him. Jones is out of excuses...retire or relinquish. That Stipe fight is such a waste.

- Belal said Khabib gave him a gameplan, and Belal steamrolled Leon. The sad part is it wasn't a special gameplan. Approach with a high guard, feint and jab through space, get him to the cage and shoot when his shoulders are squared. It's a great performance, but makes me even more confident that Shavkhat's the best Welterweight alive. I don't think anything Belal showed would give Shavkhat issues.

- Dana White said he won't promise bigger bonuses ever again, because the fights were lackluster. I think the fights were lackluster because the fighters were performing at 3 AM to 5 AM...it was dumb. You reap what you sow. But now Dana has an excuse to shortchange his fighters longer.

- On the brightside, Saturday's fight card is an afternoon card and it's really good!

[j4remi]

UFC on ABC is this weekend, which means we get a free card that they'll stack with familiar faces and exciting match-ups. Quick hits:

Cory Sandhagen vs Umar Nurmagomedov: Umar is in the next generation of Dagestani fighters' top prospects list. Everyone knows Cory, always exciting and elite at striking. Cory's good at grappling, but not Dagestani good. But he's a huge step up for Umar. So, this is a tough fight to call. I think Cory could take it, but Umar has the right skillset to take this and steal the next title shot.

Sharaputdin Magomedov vs Michael Oleksieczjuk: Shara's a terrible person, but one of the hottest prospects in the UFC. I can't tell if it's my disdain for him, but I think he's a tad bit overrated. His striking is flashy and exciting, and he's big, but he hasn't shown the grappling that makes his peers so dangerous. Oleksieczjuk is 1-3 in his last 4 fights...it's a showcase for Shara, which annoys me.

Chito Vera vs Deveison Figuieredo: This is my pick for fight of the night. A two-time champion vs a former title-challenger, and both guys are great technical strikers. It could disappoint if Figgy grapples though, because Vera hasn't shown enough wrestling defense and isn't active enough to avoid losing by decision (or even submission to someone as good as Figuieredo). But Figgy has had gas tank issues in the past, and Chito could potentially weather the storm and make it interesting late.

I lean Figgy, but this is the most interesting fight of the night for me.

Tony Ferguson vs Michael Chiesa: Two dudes on downward spirals. Chiesa has lost his last three fights, and hasn't won since 2021. Ferguson has lost 7 in a row, and an 8th would give him the worst losing streak in UFC history. I like both guys, so I hate to see them fall out.

As has been the case recently, Chiesa is aging but has looked better than El Cucuy recently. Ferguson's big news is that he's sparring again. But I'll believe he's got more to show when I see it. Ferguson should retire or move on to an organization with easier wins. Chiesa, win or lose, will still have more to prove before I trust that he isn't finished being a top-ten talent.

Other interesting names: Mackenzie Dern, Jai Herbert, Alonzo Menifield, and Guram Kuteladze are fighting in different match-ups...all talented fighters who haven't lived up to their prospect hype. But they're all in a position to bounce back. Guram is especially interesting to me. He beat Mateusz Gamrot, then lost a debatable decision to Damir Ismagulov (another great LW who fell off due to injuries). But then Guram looked terrible against Elvis Brener, and people wrote him off.

[MrDollarBills]

UFC on ABC is this weekend, which means we get a free card that they'll stack with familiar faces and exciting match-ups. Quick hits:

Cory Sandhagen vs Umar Nurmagomedov: Umar is in the next generation of Dagestani fighters' top prospects list. Everyone knows Cory, always exciting and elite at striking. Cory's good at grappling, but not Dagestani good. But he's a huge step up for Umar. So, this is a tough fight to call. I think Cory could take it, but Umar has the right skillset to take this and steal the next title shot.

Sharaputdin Magomedov vs Michael Oleksieczjuk: Shara's a terrible person, but one of the hottest prospects in the UFC. I can't tell if it's my disdain for him, but I think he's a tad bit overrated. His striking is flashy and exciting, and he's big, but he hasn't shown the grappling that makes his peers so dangerous. Oleksieczjuk is 1-3 in his last 4 fights...it's a showcase for Shara, which annoys me.

Chito Vera vs Deveison Figuieredo: This is my pick for fight of the night. A two-time champion vs a former title-challenger, and both guys are great technical strikers. It could disappoint if Figgy grapples though, because Vera hasn't shown enough wrestling defense and isn't active enough to avoid losing by decision (or even submission to someone as good as Figuieredo). But Figgy has had gas tank issues in the past, and Chito could potentially weather the storm and make it interesting late.

I lean Figgy, but this is the most interesting fight of the night for me.

Tony Ferguson vs Michael Chiesa: Two dudes on downward spirals. Chiesa has lost his last three fights, and hasn't won since 2021. Ferguson has lost 7 in a row, and an 8th would give him the worst losing streak in UFC history. I like both guys, so I hate to see them fall out.

As has been the case recently, Chiesa is aging but has looked better than El Cucuy recently. Ferguson's big news is that he's sparring again. But I'll believe he's got more to show when I see it. Ferguson should retire or move on to an organization with easier wins. Chiesa, win or lose, will still have more to prove before I trust that he isn't finished being a top-ten talent.

Other interesting names: Mackenzie Dern, Jai Herbert, Alonzo Menifield, and Guram Kuteladze are fighting in different match-ups...all talented fighters who haven't lived up to their prospect hype. But they're all in a position to bounce back. Guram is especially interesting to me. He beat Mateusz Gamrot, then lost a debatable decision to Damir Ismagulov (another great LW who fell off due to injuries). But then Guram looked terrible against Elvis Brener, and people wrote him off.

Not bad, I'll put it on my schedule. Kinda weird that it's airing at 3pm though?

[HarthorneWingo]

What's the problem with Shara?

[Stannis]

UFC on ABC is this weekend, which means we get a free card that they'll stack with familiar faces and exciting match-ups. Quick hits:

Cory Sandhagen vs Umar Nurmagomedov: Umar is in the next generation of Dagestani fighters' top prospects list. Everyone knows Cory, always exciting and elite at striking. Cory's good at grappling, but not Dagestani good. But he's a huge step up for Umar. So, this is a tough fight to call. I think Cory could take it, but Umar has the right skillset to take this and steal the next title shot.

Sharaputdin Magomedov vs Michael Oleksieczjuk: Shara's a terrible person, but one of the hottest prospects in the UFC. I can't tell if it's my disdain for him, but I think he's a tad bit overrated. His striking is flashy and exciting, and he's big, but he hasn't shown the grappling that makes his peers so dangerous. Oleksieczjuk is 1-3 in his last 4 fights...it's a showcase for Shara, which annoys me.

Chito Vera vs Deveison Figuieredo: This is my pick for fight of the night. A two-time champion vs a former title-challenger, and both guys are great technical strikers. It could disappoint if Figgy grapples though, because Vera hasn't shown enough wrestling defense and isn't active enough to avoid losing by decision (or even submission to someone as good as Figuieredo). But Figgy has had gas tank issues in the past, and Chito could potentially weather the storm and make it interesting late.

I lean Figgy, but this is the most interesting fight of the night for me.

Tony Ferguson vs Michael Chiesa: Two dudes on downward spirals. Chiesa has lost his last three fights, and hasn't won since 2021. Ferguson has lost 7 in a row, and an 8th would give him the worst losing streak in UFC history. I like both guys, so I hate to see them fall out.

As has been the case recently, Chiesa is aging but has looked better than El Cucuy recently. Ferguson's big news is that he's sparring again. But I'll believe he's got more to show when I see it. Ferguson should retire or move on to an organization with easier wins. Chiesa, win or lose, will still have more to prove before I trust that he isn't finished being a top-ten talent.

Other interesting names: Mackenzie Dern, Jai Herbert, Alonzo Menifield, and Guram Kuteladze are fighting in different match-ups...all talented fighters who haven't lived up to their prospect hype. But they're all in a position to bounce back. Guram is especially interesting to me. He beat Mateusz Gamrot, then lost a debatable decision to Damir Ismagulov (another great LW who fell off due to injuries). But then Guram looked terrible against Elvis Brener, and people wrote him off.

Not bad, I'll put it on my schedule. Kinda weird that it's airing at 3pm though?

Looks like it is taking place in Etihad Arena, which is in the UAE.

So I'm guessing it had to be at an awkward time for us in the USA or the fighters would be having their matches at weird times.

[MrDollarBills]

UFC on ABC is this weekend, which means we get a free card that they'll stack with familiar faces and exciting match-ups. Quick hits:

Cory Sandhagen vs Umar Nurmagomedov: Umar is in the next generation of Dagestani fighters' top prospects list. Everyone knows Cory, always exciting and elite at striking. Cory's good at grappling, but not Dagestani good. But he's a huge step up for Umar. So, this is a tough fight to call. I think Cory could take it, but Umar has the right skillset to take this and steal the next title shot.

Sharaputdin Magomedov vs Michael Oleksieczjuk: Shara's a terrible person, but one of the hottest prospects in the UFC. I can't tell if it's my disdain for him, but I think he's a tad bit overrated. His striking is flashy and exciting, and he's big, but he hasn't shown the grappling that makes his peers so dangerous. Oleksieczjuk is 1-3 in his last 4 fights...it's a showcase for Shara, which annoys me.

Chito Vera vs Deveison Figuieredo: This is my pick for fight of the night. A two-time champion vs a former title-challenger, and both guys are great technical strikers. It could disappoint if Figgy grapples though, because Vera hasn't shown enough wrestling defense and isn't active enough to avoid losing by decision (or even submission to someone as good as Figuieredo). But Figgy has had gas tank issues in the past, and Chito could potentially weather the storm and make it interesting late.

I lean Figgy, but this is the most interesting fight of the night for me.

Tony Ferguson vs Michael Chiesa: Two dudes on downward spirals. Chiesa has lost his last three fights, and hasn't won since 2021. Ferguson has lost 7 in a row, and an 8th would give him the worst losing streak in UFC history. I like both guys, so I hate to see them fall out.

As has been the case recently, Chiesa is aging but has looked better than El Cucuy recently. Ferguson's big news is that he's sparring again. But I'll believe he's got more to show when I see it. Ferguson should retire or move on to an organization with easier wins. Chiesa, win or lose, will still have more to prove before I trust that he isn't finished being a top-ten talent.

Other interesting names: Mackenzie Dern, Jai Herbert, Alonzo Menifield, and Guram Kuteladze are fighting in different match-ups...all talented fighters who haven't lived up to their prospect hype. But they're all in a position to bounce back. Guram is especially interesting to me. He beat Mateusz Gamrot, then lost a debatable decision to Damir Ismagulov (another great LW who fell off due to injuries). But then Guram looked terrible against Elvis Brener, and people wrote him off.

Not bad, I'll put it on my schedule. Kinda weird that it's airing at 3pm though?

Looks like it is taking place in Etihad Arena, which is in the UAE.

So I'm guessing it had to be at an awkward time for us in the USA or the fighters would be having their matches at weird times.

Ah okay. Damn. I don't wanna be an ass hole but I hate when cards get scheduled in places that aren't within US timezones I'm used to watching combat sports at night.

[j4remi]

Not bad, I'll put it on my schedule. Kinda weird that it's airing at 3pm though?

Looks like it is taking place in Etihad Arena, which is in the UAE.

So I'm guessing it had to be at an awkward time for us in the USA or the fighters would be having their matches at weird times.

Ah okay. Damn. I don't wanna be an ass hole but I hate when cards get scheduled in places that aren't within US timezones I'm used to watching combat sports at night.

Yeah, it's weird to get the UFC fights at awkward times. I think ABC also only schedules their UFC events early, because I remember Max Holloway's performance against Calvin Kattar being early.

I do wish UFC would schedule everything an hour earlier though. A 1 AM walkout and 25-minute fight means I don't get to clean up after a watch party until 2 at the earliest.

[j4remi]

What's the problem with Shara?

This was the moment I turned on dude,

Read on Twitter

It's already pathetic to harass a couple for their nominal PDA. But he had to sucker punch the guy after the scuffle was broken up. Just absolute punk behavior. Then on the prospect level, I just think his schedule's been cupcake. I'm curious to see if he can continue to look flashy and throw variety when he eventually faces better competition. I'd also like someone push his cardio for three rounds.

[HarthorneWingo]

What's the problem with Shara?

This was the moment I turned on dude,

Read on Twitter

It's already pathetic to harass a couple for their nominal PDA. But he had to sucker punch the guy after the scuffle was broken up. Just absolute punk behavior. Then on the prospect level, I just think his schedule's been cupcake. I'm curious to see if he can continue to look flashy and throw variety when he eventually faces better competition. I'd also like someone push his cardio for three rounds.

Okay. Enough said

[Stannis]

Ah okay. Damn. I don't wanna be an ass hole but I hate when cards get scheduled in places that aren't within US timezones I'm used to watching combat sports at night.

I don't mind the early fights tbh. I'm kinda a loner so it's cool to knock it out early in the day, and then I can go spend the night playing video games lol.

UFC is also going where the money is. The Arab oil money has been investing a lot into sports lately, including boxing and MMA and even WWE.

I believe HBO and Showtime completely pulled the plug on their boxing. UFC might be going the same route with the outdated PPV model.

[Stannis]

What's the problem with Shara?

This was the moment I turned on dude,

Read on Twitter

It's already pathetic to harass a couple for their nominal PDA. But he had to sucker punch the guy after the scuffle was broken up. Just absolute punk behavior. Then on the prospect level, I just think his schedule's been cupcake. I'm curious to see if he can continue to look flashy and throw variety when he eventually faces better competition. I'd also like someone push his cardio for three rounds.

Goodness. What an absolute POS.

[Clyde_Style]

Not bad, I'll put it on my schedule. Kinda weird that it's airing at 3pm though?

Looks like it is taking place in Etihad Arena, which is in the UAE.

So I'm guessing it had to be at an awkward time for us in the USA or the fighters would be having their matches at weird times.

Ah okay. Damn. I don't wanna be an ass hole but I hate when cards get scheduled in places that aren't within US timezones I'm used to watching combat sports at night.

What an ass hole!

[Clyde_Style]

What's the problem with Shara?

This was the moment I turned on dude,

Read on Twitter

It's already pathetic to harass a couple for their nominal PDA. But he had to sucker punch the guy after the scuffle was broken up. Just absolute punk behavior. Then on the prospect level, I just think his schedule's been cupcake. I'm curious to see if he can continue to look flashy and throw variety when he eventually faces better competition. I'd also like someone push his cardio for three rounds.

Goodness. What an absolute POS.

What an ass hole!

[Ghetto Gospel]

Looks like it is taking place in Etihad Arena, which is in the UAE.

So I'm guessing it had to be at an awkward time for us in the USA or the fighters would be having their matches at weird times.

Ah okay. Damn. I don't wanna be an ass hole but I hate when cards get scheduled in places that aren't within US timezones I'm used to watching combat sports at night.

Yeah, it's weird to get the UFC fights at awkward times. I think ABC also only schedules their UFC events early, because I remember Max Holloway's performance against Calvin Kattar being early.

I do wish UFC would schedule everything an hour earlier though. A 1 AM walkout and 25-minute fight means I don't get to clean up after a watch party until 2 at the earliest.

it's really awful for the east coast. also, depending on who's in the main event, if the fight's crazy, it's hard to just fall asleep right after too

thankfully, the last few haven't been too exciting so i've been sleeping well.

[HarthorneWingo]

Not bad, I'll put it on my schedule. Kinda weird that it's airing at 3pm though?

Looks like it is taking place in Etihad Arena, which is in the UAE.

So I'm guessing it had to be at an awkward time for us in the USA or the fighters would be having their matches at weird times.

Ah okay. Damn. I don't wanna be an ass hole but I hate when cards get scheduled in places that aren't within US time zones I'm used to watching combat sports at night.

DVR it and then make believe that it's live when you watch it later that night. Problem solved.

[HarthorneWingo]

This was the moment I turned on dude,

Read on Twitter

It's already pathetic to harass a couple for their nominal PDA. But he had to sucker punch the guy after the scuffle was broken up. Just absolute punk behavior. Then on the prospect level, I just think his schedule's been cupcake. I'm curious to see if he can continue to look flashy and throw variety when he eventually faces better competition. I'd also like someone push his cardio for three rounds.

Goodness. What an absolute POS.

What an ass hole!

What an ass hole!

Watch on YouTube

[MrDollarBills]

What's the problem with Shara?

This was the moment I turned on dude,

Read on Twitter

It's already pathetic to harass a couple for their nominal PDA. But he had to sucker punch the guy after the scuffle was broken up. Just absolute punk behavior. Then on the prospect level, I just think his schedule's been cupcake. I'm curious to see if he can continue to look flashy and throw variety when he eventually faces better competition. I'd also like someone push his cardio for three rounds.

How is he not in prison? Sucker punch and a head stomp???? He could have killed that dude ffs

What a piece of garbage

[MrDollarBills]

Ah okay. Damn. I don't wanna be an ass hole but I hate when cards get scheduled in places that aren't within US timezones I'm used to watching combat sports at night.

Yeah, it's weird to get the UFC fights at awkward times. I think ABC also only schedules their UFC events early, because I remember Max Holloway's performance against Calvin Kattar being early.

I do wish UFC would schedule everything an hour earlier though. A 1 AM walkout and 25-minute fight means I don't get to clean up after a watch party until 2 at the earliest.

it's really awful for the east coast. also, depending on who's in the main event, if the fight's crazy, it's hard to just fall asleep right after too

thankfully, the last few haven't been too exciting so i've been sleeping well.

That's why I like watching fight cards at night. Nothing like being hyped at like 1AM after a good card or main event

[j4remi]

How is he not in prison? Sucker punch and a head stomp???? He could have killed that dude ffs

What a piece of garbage

Apparently, the victim of the assault didn't file any official complaints. Dude took the lumps and just kept it moving (which sounds sketchy, but I won't speculate).

https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-wtf-is-wrong-with-this-dude-attacking-a-man-for-pda-disturbing-clip-shows-sharaputdin-magomedov-landing-a-cheap-shot-as-fans-fume-over-controversial-ufc/

Shara's comment is rich:
"The situation must be understood, in Makhachkala there are unwritten laws, a kind of moral code of our own. In Moscow it is common, but for us it is unacceptable. I couldn’t keep quiet.”

A real hero for his hometown