Kayla Harrison Enters UFC, Set To Debut Against Holly Holm At UFC 300
After the long wait, Israel Adesanya’s bounce back to the UFC has created a lot of gossip and amazing anticipation. Throughout it all, fans were left buzzing as the Last Stylebender shared some behind-the-scenes training footage from his time in Mexico that harkened Jones’ epic return. The latest fight Adesanya lost by unanimous decision against Sean Strickland was in September 2023. It was a short-term setback for the former middleweight champion of the UFC. He then went on to allude to the possibility of a long hiatus from MMA and even insinuated that he may not fight again until 2027 when addressed by mediamen. However, Adesanya later on revealed that his break could be shorter than expected and excitedly fought fans about what was in store. On his YouTube channel, FREESTYLEBENDER, Adesanya gave a glimpse into how he trains in Mexico. The video showcased the focus of Adesanya’s training: boxing skills. Fans watched the video, and their reactions varied; some believed that he had gained extra power, while others were bedazzled by him incorporating these skills in his return to octagon. The world of MMA is well-versed in comebacks, and Adesanya seems determined to write a tale much like Jon Jones’ triumphant reemergence in the UFC heavyweight division. Comparing these two champions is not unwarranted since Jones made an impressive comeback after a three-year absence. Social media was abuzz with fans expressing their excitement, including one bold statement declaring that Adesanya’s upcoming fight would be the greatest comeback since Jon Jones. These statements clearly highlight how much anticipation and belief there is in Adesanya’s ability to reclaim UFC gold. As the training footage of Adesanya was scrutinized by fans, there were varying opinions about his approach. Some commended his commitment to boxing and suggested that he should include grappling offence in his arsenal, while others warned against neglecting his kickboxing expertise. Interestingly enough, parallels were drawn between this situation and Conor McGregor’s shift towards a predominant focus on boxing, which some believe negatively impacted his overall combat abilities. Adesanya’s quest for redemption triggered conversations around the complexities of combat sports. The tale of a titleholder surpassing obstacles, honing abilities, and rising victorious strikes a chord with viewers everywhere. Adesanya’s resolve to tackle weaknesses head-on and amplify his strengths has undeniably captivated the MMA world. Newly crowned UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is looking to enhance the narrative by making a call-out. Having won at UFC 297 on January 20, 2024, the South African fighter quickly challenged Adesanya while provoking an exchange of words with his sharp-witted opponent from Nigeria, who now resides in New Zealand. This has set up the stage for an eventual showdown between them known as ‘Stillknocks’. Earlier this month, Adesanya shared information about his comeback possibilities in an interview with CombatTV. Despite some remaining injury concerns, the 34-year-old expressed a desire to return to full training by February 2024’s end. Although he didn’t divulge who or when for his next fight, many fans believe that Adesanya may be able to stage a successful comeback later this year. Adesanya said he may be ready to return by the end of February, but due to his efficient healing process, it could happen earlier than expected. However, he plans on going for rehabilitation and will reassess afterward. The revelation served to heighten the ongoing storyline, thereby intensifying fans’ anticipation of Adesanya’s reappearance and potential matches. The inclusion of doubt plus Adesanya’s unquestionable charm as well as proficiency all combine to amplify speculation about his prospects in the UFC. Exclusive footage of Israel Adesanya’s boxing training in Mexico has sparked enthusiasm among MMA fans. The comparisons to Jon Jones’ epic comeback and the wide range of reactions from various fans emphasise the importance of Adesanya’s journey in mixed martial arts. With his return on the horizon, anticipation and speculation regarding his next move continue to grow, promising an exciting chapter in one of the UFC’s most captivating fighters’ ongoing sagas, The Last Stylebender.
5 UFC Stars Who Might Retire By The End Of The Year 2023
In the relentless arena of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), fighters often face a stark crossroads: the decision to retire or continue their quest for glory. As 2023 unfolds, we find ourselves at the precipice of change, where some of the sport’s most storied warriors contemplate the final chapter of their careers. Two icons, Shogun Rua and Glover Teixeira, recently penned their final verses in the octagon, leaving fans with bittersweet memories. Their farewells remind us that even the toughest warriors have their curtain calls. 1) Stipe Miocic Widely regarded as the greatest UFC heavyweight of all time, finds himself at a career crossroads. After suffering a devastating KO loss to Francis Ngannou in 2021, the 40-year-old took a hiatus to recuperate and reflect on his future. In January, Miocic tweeted, “I got a winner in July, hinting at a potential comeback. However, with Jon Jones scheduled to contest for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 in March, questions swirl around about where the former champ fits into the equation. Could this be Stipe’s last chance to ride off into the sunset, leaving a legacy etched in gold? 2) Dominick Cruz Often touted as the ‘G.O.A.T.’ of the bantamweight division, has had a career peppered with injuries and unfortunate setbacks. His journey began with the WEC’s merger into the UFC, where he clinched the inaugural bantamweight title at WEC 53, a historic moment as it marked the only UFC title fight held outside the promotion. Cruz’s career is a testament to his resilience. After defeating Demetrious Johnson in 2011, a series of injuries kept him on the sidelines for three long years. A brief return in 2014 set the stage for another title run, but another injury dashed those hopes. In 2016, he returned in style, reclaiming the gold by defeating TJ Dillashaw and successfully defending it against old rival Urijah Faber. However, Cruz’s fortunes took a sharp downturn at UFC 207, where he was soundly defeated by Cody Garbrandt, losing his title in the process. More injuries followed, sidelining him for an additional four years. Since 2020, the former champ has stepped into the cage four times, securing victory on two occasions. Known for his impeccable movement and timing, Cruz’s unavoidable inactivity raises questions about his longevity. Could 2023 be the year he decides to hang up his gloves? 3) Jan Bachowicz Renowned for his ‘Polish Power,’ has carved out a remarkable career spanning nearly a decade in the UFC. The Polish warrior experienced the highs and lows of the fight game, culminating in his Cinderella moment at UFC 253 in 2020. Bachowicz, after years of toil, secured a shot at the vacant light-heavyweight title and triumphed over Dominick Reyes. His title defence against Israel Adesanya showcased his elite skills, making him the first fighter to hand ‘The Last Stylebender’ his first MMA loss. However, the taste of success can be fleeting in the world of MMA. In 2021, he surrendered his title to Glover Teixeira, a formidable adversary. Bachowicz’s journey back to the top faced a hiccup when his fight against Magomed Ankalaev ended in a majority draw, halting his immediate quest for redemption. At 39, the question looms large: how much longer can he maintain his status among the elite? While he has demonstrated all the requisite skills, the sands of time wait for no one. 4) Holly Holm Forever etched in MMA history for her sensational knockout of Ronda Rousey in 2015, is another fighter approaching the twilight of her career. “The Preacher’s Daughter” has tested herself against the very best in the business and left a piece of her heart in the cage. Since the iconic Rousey victory, Holm has participated in ten bouts, emerging victorious on four occasions. Her most recent contest ended in a contentious decision loss to Ketlen Viera in May of the previous year. At 41, she continues to exude motivation and determination. Still, as she explores ventures beyond the UFC and mixed martial arts, the sands in her fighting hourglass might be dwindling. The former boxing champion could potentially make a return to the ring before retiring from combat sports altogether. While her options remain open, her UFC contract features only a handful of fights. Thus, fans should cherish Holm’s remaining time in the cage. 5) Jorge Masvidal The BMF (Baddest Motherf****r) champion, has set the UFC ablaze since joining the promotion in 2013. He’s eternally celebrated for his jaw-dropping flying knee knockout of Ben Askren at UFC 239 in 2019. However, in the last couple of years, Gamebred has faced considerable challenges. He fought for the title twice, falling short on both occasions against Kamaru Usman. In addition, his arch-rival, Colby Covington, secured a victory over him at UFC 272 in March. With three demanding losses in a row, fans are beginning to question how much of a challenge Jorge can pose for the welterweight elite. In 2021, Masvidal provided insight into his future, stating, “When I go to the gym with myself and the younger generations and I can no longer hang with them, then I know it’s time for me to hang it up. At 38, could 2023 be the year he pens his fighting swan song?.
Who was the first fighter to defeat Ronda Rousey?
Ronda Rousey’s dominance in women’s MMA captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, but her undefeated streak eventually came to a halt. In this article, we delve into the pivotal moment when Rousey faced her first defeat, highlighting the opponent who achieved this significant milestone in her career. Who was the first fighter to defeat Ronda Rousey? The Fighter Who Ended the Undefeated Streak Holly Holm holds the distinction of being the first fighter to defeat Ronda Rousey in the UFC. Their highly anticipated clash took place on November 15, 2015, at UFC 193: Rousey vs. Holm in Melbourne, Australia. The Historic Fight In their bantamweight title bout, Rousey was expected to continue her reign of dominance. However, Holm, a decorated professional boxer and kickboxer, showcased her striking prowess and evasive footwork throughout the fight. Holm displayed exceptional defensive skills, successfully neutralizing Rousey’s grappling and judo techniques. In the second round, a powerful left high kick from Holm connected with Rousey’s head, sending her crashing to the canvas. Holm capitalized on the opportunity and followed up with ground strikes, prompting the referee to intervene and declare her the winner via knockout. Aftermath and Legacy Holly Holm’s victory over Ronda Rousey sent shockwaves through the MMA world, signaling the end of Rousey’s reign as the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. The defeat exposed Rousey’s vulnerabilities and highlighted the importance of a well-rounded skill set in MMA. While Rousey faced setbacks in subsequent fights, including a loss to Amanda Nunes, her impact on women’s MMA remains significant. She played a pivotal role in elevating the popularity and recognition of female fighters in the UFC, paving the way for the emergence of other talented athletes in the division. Conclusion Holly Holm made history as the first fighter to defeat Ronda Rousey in the UFC when they clashed at UFC 193. Holm’s superior striking skills and well-executed game plan proved decisive, ending Rousey’s undefeated streak and leaving an enduring mark in the annals of women’s MMA. Watch highlights from the fight below:
