Merab Dvalishvili’s relentless cardio: Could he be the next bantamweight champ?
In the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA), cardio has been described as the “silent killer. ” This is a quality that can make or break a fighter even when he has the skills and muscle power. There is no better example of this than Georgia’s Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili is a known cardio machine with a non-stop pressure and suffocating grappling making him an elite bantamweight contender. The question now is: so is he the next bantamweight champion of the UFC? In this piece, we will explore Merab Dvalishvili’s journey in the UFC, his cardio and grappling, the problems he poses to the current bantamweight division, and his potential of becoming the 135-pound champion. To evaluate his possibility of being the next bantamweight champion, we will also make a comparison of him with other contenders and champions of the division, present and former. The Emergence of Merab Dvalishvili Merab Dvalishvili was born in Tbilisi, Georgia, and started practicing martial arts from a young age and he practiced judo, sambo, and wrestling. Upon arriving in the United States, he switched to MMA, and with his aggressive pressure-oriented approach, he gained the recognition. Dvalishvili’s initial stint in the UFC was not very impressive and he was defeated in his first two fights in the organization. But it was not long before the man’s determination and his commitment to work were to be seen. Dvalishvili got his big win in 2019 when he submitted Terrion Ware and since then, the Georgian fighter has not looked back. His UFC record now stands at an impressive 16-4, with the highlight of his performances against some of the best bantamweight talents in the world such as José Aldo, John Dodson and Marlon Moraes. It is, however, Dvalishvili’s ability to keep up the pace from the first round to the last second of the fight that makes him stand out from the rest of the fighters, tiring even the toughest and most dangerous opponents. His constant pressure along with a very good wrestling background has made Dvalishvili a very tough opponent for anyone who shares the cage with him. But beyond his individual victories, his rise in the division raises a tantalizing question: can his cardio help him get the bantamweight title? Unpacking Dvalishvili’s Cardio: The Machine’s Greatest Weapon When discussing Merab Dvalishvili, it’s impossible to ignore the central aspect of his fighting style: this is the case with his cardio. Dvalishvili has been rightly nicknamed “The Machine” because he has incredible endurance and the fighting tempo. This is due to the fact that he can force his opponents to the ground and still have enough stamina to stand up and fight is a skill that has been developed through the years of hard work. 1. The Facts and Figures of Cardiovascular Training. From Merab Dvalishvili’s fight record, one can see the numerous times he has been taking the fight to his opponents. He has the record of the most takedowns in a single bantamweight fight in the UFC and made 13 takedowns in his match against Gustavo Lopez in 2020. In fact, his overall takedown stats are staggering: Dvalishvili has a strike rate of 6. He averages 55 takedowns per 15 minutes, and that places him among the best wrestlers in the history of the UFC bantamweight division. But it’s not only the frequency of takedowns that is striking – it’s the frequency with which Dvalishvili works at. During his bout against Cody Stamann at UFC on ESPN 23, Dvalishvili scored five takedowns and threw more than fifty significant strikes and engaged in the forward pressure throughout the whole fight. His striking and wrestling is on a different level and he is not a gasser like many of the other fighters in the division. 2. Conditioning as a Skill While most of the fighters are well conditioned to enter the fights, Dvalishvili takes cardio to another level. Cardiovascular endurance is not just an ability he possesses, it is an ability he uses effectively. He keeps on putting pressure on his opponents which makes them get tired both mentally and physically and hence makes them make mistakes. This exhausts even the most experienced fighters, who are usually not prepared for an opponent that doesn’t appear to be tired. Dvalishvili trains at the Serra-Longo Fight Team and his coaches are Matt Serra and Ray Longo, and he has built a tremendous level of fitness in his training regime. He does a lot of high-intensity drills that simulate the actual fight and focuses on the duration of the fight and the ability to maintain a high work rate when grappling, striking and defending. Unlike many fighters who slow down as the fight goes on, Dvalishvili appears to be getting stronger, and that is due to his training. 3. The Psychological Advantages of the Relentless Pressure. It is not only a physical boost but also a psychological one that will work in Dvalishvili’s favour. A lot of fighters who are accustomed to dictating the rhythm and range of the fight can be easily frustrated by Dvalishvili’s constant movement and pressure. It puts pressure on the opponents and makes them play the game at his tempo, which leads to the rivals’ blunders due to fatigue or desperation. This is why fighters like José Aldo, a legendary striker, and former featherweight champion, had no answer to the pressure that Dvalishvili applies. At UFC 278, Aldo could not do what he usually does because Dvalishvili put pressure on him and threw strikes and takedowns, even if he couldn’t always finish the takedown. This constant pressure annoyed Aldo and took away his stand up game. Wrestling Dominance: A Full Game for the Bantamweight Division. However, cardio is Dvalishvili’s bread and butter, and wrestling is not far behind in terms of importance. A convert from sambo and judo, Dvalishvili has easily translated his grappling skills into MMA and has emerged as one of the most dangerous wrestlers in the UFC’s bantamweight division.
Demetrious Johnson’s legacy in numbers: The greatest flyweight of all time?
When it comes to mixed martial arts (MMA), there are fighters who are easily recognized and then there is Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. Often considered as one of the best pound for pound fighters of all time, Johnson’s claim to the throne of the greatest flyweight of all times is not only based on his amazing performances inside the cage but also by the number of records he has set and the number of records he has broken in the course of his career. Johnson’s journey from his emergence in the UFC to his reign as the first UFC Flyweight Champion and then moving over to ONE Championship is something that has put him in a league of his own in the flyweight division and beyond. This article aims to examine Demetrious Johnson’s legacy through the numbers, looking at his title reign, fight metrics, and overall impact on the sport, while answering the question: Can we really consider Demetrious Johnson as the greatest flyweight of all time? The Beginning and the UFC Flyweight Tournament Before the flyweight division was added in the UFC in 2012 Johnson fought in the bantamweight division (135 lbs) where he also showed his potential. In his last fight at the bantamweight division Johnson challenged for the UFC Bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz, who at the time was the champion, and even though Johnson competed in a weight class above his natural weight he was able to give a good account of himself. Johnson’s transfer to the newly created flyweight division which was more appropriate for his build started Johnson’s reign. In 2012, the UFC started a four men tournament with the aim of crowning the first ever flyweight champion. Johnson was able to defeat Ian McCall in the first fight of the tournament via split decision but the two fighters were again scheduled for another bout and Johnson got the better of the deal with a unanimous decision to proceed to the final round of the tournament. In the final fight Johnson fought Joseph Benavidez and won via split decision and became the first UFC Flyweight Champion. This victory paved way to what will be one of the greatest title reigns in the history of UFC. Johnson’s Flyweight Title Reign Explained in Numbers Demetrious Johnson’s title run at the UFC flyweight division is one of the best in the history of the company. Let’s break down the key numbers that define his dominance at 125 pounds:Let’s break down the key numbers that define his dominance at 125 pounds: 1. 11 Title Defenses Johnson is the man with the most consecutive UFC title defenses which he made in the flyweight division where he successfully defended the title 11 times between 2012 and 2018. This achievement broke the previous record of 10 held by the ex-middleweight champion Anderson Silva which further cement Johnson’s position as one of the great champions in the history of the sport. Johnson was therefore able to retain his championship and defeat every contender who came his way, each with their own special skills and talents, thus proving Johnson’s versatility and technical prowess. His title defenses were against a host of opponents, some of whom were power strikers, some were grapplers and some were well-rounded fighters, but Johnson was still unbeaten during this period. 2. 8 Performance of the Night Bonuses In his UFC run, Johnson received eight ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses which show how he always came through with spectacular fights in some of the most pivotal moments of his career. Unlike other champions who prefer to play more cautiously and conservatively especially when defending their titles, Johnson always looked for ways to knock out his opponents and display the improvements he was making. Johnson’s one of the greatest performances was in his 2017 title defense against Ray Borg where he produced one of the most memorable finishes in the history of the MMA. Johnson was able to make a transition from a suplex to an armbar mid air in the fifth round, which led to Johnson to win the match via submission. That submission not only showed how creative and technical Johnson is but also got him the Performance of the Night bonus. 3. 18 Total UFC Wins Johnson’s UFC career was quite successful as he won 18 of his 21 fights with the most of them coming at flyweight. His 18 wins are proof of the fact that he has been a force to be reckoned with in the sport for a long time. It is also important to mention that Johnson’s defeats in the UFC were to the highest level of competition, such as to Dominick Cruz at the bantamweight division and a split decision loss to Henry Cejudo in 2018 which stopped his reign as the champion. Johnson’s win percentage remains high even after his UFC fights and he has managed to clinch victories in most of the fights that he has had in the UFC to date. 4. 9 Wins by Submission While Johnson was considered as one of the most versatile fighters in the world of MMA, his submission skills were one of his biggest assets. Out of the 18 wins that he has on his record in the UFC, nine were finishes via submission which proves his stand up grappling ability. Johnson’s submission wins were always crafted by his striking and grappling skills and he would switch from striking to grappling to submit his opponents. The most memorable of Johnson’s submissions was in his third title defense against John Moraga in 2013. In the last round Johnson took the fight to the ground with his wrestling and finished his opponent with an armbar, proving that he can finish fights even in the later stages. 5. 7 Wins by Knockout/TKO Despite the fact that Johnson is famous for his grappling and submission, he was not far from knockouts and technical knockouts. In his career he has achieved seven knockouts or TKOs, and most of
The Merab Dvalishvili-O’Malley showdown: Strickland’s controversial prediction dissected.
Mixed martial arts or MMA as it is commonly known is a sport that loves drama and when the leading fighters are in the mix, then the drama is amplified. In the UFC, one of the most engaging possible clashes in the bantamweight division is a fight between the non-stop wrestler Merab Dvalishvili and the flashy striker and the current champion Sean O’Malley. Of late, the current UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland, made a statement on social media where he predicted how this fight would turn out, and as expected, this generated a lot of reactions from the MMA fraternity. Strickland’s statements have caused quite a stir among the fans, analysts, and fighters because of his rather candid personality and rather peculiar opinions on the matter. But, this is based on his understanding of the fighter’s attributes, and the interaction of the two in the Octagon. In this article, we will dissect Strickland’s comments, examine the logic behind his prediction, and examine the virtues and vices of both Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley. By the end, we will be in a better position to understand how this potential fight could go down and whether Strickland’s prediction is accurate at all. Part 1: Setting the Stage – Who Are Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley? First, let us look at the main participants of this discussion and then proceed to analyze Sean Strickland’s prediction. Dvalishvili and O’Malley are stylistically opposite, and their rise to the top of the UFC bantamweight division has been a polar opposite. Merab Dvalishvili: The Machine Also known as ‘The Machine’, Merab Dvalishvili is one of the most uncompromising wrestlers that the UFC has to offer. Training at Serra-Longo Fight Team together with former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, Dvalishvili is known for his stifling pressure, exceptional conditioning, and a wrestling game that is almost unmatchable. His striking is based on the forward pressure, takedowns and the ability to outstrike opponents in clinch and on the ground. What sets Dvalishvili apart is not only the fact that he is a wrestler but the fact that he keeps the pressure up non-stop during the fight. He possesses excellent cardiovascular fitness and despite the fact that his takedowns aren’t always effective, he keeps the pressure on and makes his opponents defend themselves throughout the entire fight. He has been known for his ground game and has defeated some high profile opponents such as Petr Yan, José Aldo and John Dodson. Dvalishvili has entered the title contention now with a nine-fight winning streak and many people including fans and analysts think that he might be the most difficult opponent for anyone in the division including Sean O’Malley. However, some fans have pointed out that Dvalishvili’s style is not as ‘fan-friendly’ as the striking based approach. He is a decisive fighter who engages in many battles and his constant grappling is quite effective but boring for those who like to exchange more often. Sean O’Malley: The Showman At the other end of the spectrum is the flamboyant, colorful, and very energetic UFC bantamweight champion Sean “Sugar” O’Malley. O’Malley is one of the most liked and disliked fighters in MMA today, not only because of his abilities inside the cage, but also because of his personality, his social media presence and his confidence. O’Malley’s stand-up is his biggest asset and he is very technical and inventive with his kicks and punches. A fighter who loves to operate in the kickboxing realm, O’Malley is very effective at keeping distance and keeping his opponent at bay with his reach and accurate punches, spinning kicks, and power. His KO victory over Aljamain Sterling in UFC 292 to capture the bantamweight title only added to his status as one of the scariest strikers in the division. What is especially dangerous about O’Malley is that he can combine innovation with technical skills. He’s not just trying to look good; some of the things he does are quite unorthodox and can rattle opponents, and he is very accurate for a welterweight. O’Malley has proved that he is not just a hype man as he has defeated top level opponents such as Sterling, Petr Yan and Thomas Almeida. Despite the fact that O’Malley has one of the best striking techniques in the world, his grappling and wrestling defense are questionable. Despite having some improvements in his takedown defense, he has not yet faced a constant pressure wrestler like Dvalishvili and this is why the match up between these two has been highly anticipated. Part 2: Sean Strickland’s Controversial Prediction Sean Strickland is a middleweight fighter in the UFC and has not been shy to express his views. He is not afraid to speak his mind and when he made his prediction about the Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley bout, it went viral. Strickland, known for his straightforward speaking, said that Merab Dvalishvili would “destroy” Sean O’Malley if they fought in the Octagon. Of course, Strickland’s prediction was not a random guess; he put more weight into it by saying that Dvalishvili’s constant wrestling and pressure would be too much for O’Malley to handle. The above prediction by Strickland has elicited a number of comments from different people supporting his view and those who do not agree with him. The supporters of Dvalishvili also agreed with Strickland stating that O’Malley has no experience of fighting a wrestler and grappler like Dvalishvili. However, O’Malley’s supporters believe that his striking is so sharp that Dvalishvili will never be able to approach him and use his wrestling. Strickland’s prediction comes from the age-old MMA stereotype of the ‘striker vs. grappler’ matchup, a fight that people always wonder who will come out on top. Elite wrestlers have had a lot of success against strikers especially if they are able to take the fight to the latter and keep it there. But the sport has developed and the top strikers such as Israel Adesanya, Conor McGregor and Anderson Silva proved that wrestling can be countered by high-level
Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady: What does the result mean for the welterweight division?
In the ever changing world of mixed martial arts, especially in the UFC’s welterweight division, a single fight can change the path of the title, the position of the contenders and the history of the fighters. Closely contested bouts such as Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady are the type of fights that have the potential to set the division on its head. The two fighters had a lot riding on this fight and the result not only impacted the two men directly but also the future of the welterweight division. In this article, we’ll look at the fight itself, the aftermath of the fight, and what it means for the welterweight division. Also, we will look at possible future bouts for both Burns and Brady and for the rest of the contenders who are aiming to challenge for the UFC title. At the end of this exhaustive study, we will be in a position to understand the position of the division and how this outcome affects the hierarchy. Chapter One: The Fighters – Context and Importance Before we look at the result, it is important to know the background of these two fighters when they entered the Octagon. Gilbert “Durinho” Burns Gilbert Burns has been a part of the UFC for quite some time now and has earned his place as one of the most deadly and well rounded fighters in the welterweight division. Born as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) black belt, Burns has over the years built up his stand-up skills in order to become a versatile fighter. Burns was once a lightweight fighter and he got a new lease of life when he stepped up the welterweight division where he could use his strength and grappling skills to the fullest. This was when he got his biggest break in 2020 when he got a title shot against the welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Even though Burns got defeated in the bout, he was still a popular fighter because of his grit and the thrilling exchanges in the fight especially when he stunned Usman in the beginning. Since then, Burns has faced elite level of competition and has kept on with his top five ranking after defeating fighters such as Stephen Thompson and Neil Magny. A win over Sean Brady will be another accomplishment in his career and may get him another title shot or a number one contender fight. Sean Brady Sean Brady is one of the new generation fighters of the UFC. Before this match, Brady had not lost a single fight and gained his reputation thanks to victories over such opponents as Jake Matthews and Michael Chiesa. Popular for his wrestling, grappling, and a very suffocating top game, Brady was seen as a dark horse in the welterweight division. However, he did not have the same popularity as Burns, but his skills and the fact that he had never been knocked out were telling of his abilities. This fight with Burns was a perfect opportunity for Brady to make a statement and establish himself in the welterweight division, get a shot at the title and make a name for himself. If Brady defeats Burns, he will establish himself as a serious contender and will get a chance to face big names such as Colby Covington, Khamzat Chimaev or even Leon Edwards based on the title situation. Chapter 2: The Fight – Scene by Scene and Tactical Analysis This was a highly anticipated match since both Burns and Brady provided a great style of fighting. Burns, who possesses lethal knockout punch and phenomenal grappling skills, was pitted against Brady who is known for his wrestling and ground control and this made for an interesting match up. Round 1: Testing the Waters During the initial round, both the fighters were quite reserved as they were still trying to gauge their opponent’s strength and strategy. Burns was using his movement to keep the distance and threw quick flurries of punches while Brady was trying to get inside and clinch with him. Brady, who is a wrestler, was probably trying to see how good Burns is at defending takedowns in the early stages of the fight. But, Burns stood his ground and the experience that he had made him hit the more powerful shots in the range. While Brady was somewhat effective in moving closer and trying to take Burns down, Burns was able to do a good job at stopping it. The first round was a fairly even battle, but Burns’ striking appeared to be the key factor as he was able to land several leg kicks and sharp jabs which put Brady off balance. Round 2: Momentum Shifts In the second round the fight started to get more exciting and less technical. Brady started to come forward with more intent knowing that he had to take the fight to the wrestling. He was able to drop Burns in the middle of the round but Burns’ BJJ was evident as he threatened with submission and was able to get back to his feet as quickly as possible. Feet, however, started to suit Burns and he began to get into the rhythm. He was able to land several strong punches that would stagger Brady, including a right hand that appeared to pain Brady. Recognising this, Burns went for the attack but Brady’s heart and chin allowed him to survive the storm. Nevertheless, it was noticeable that Burns was more effective in the striking department especially as the fight progressed and Brady began to slow down due to the energy that Burns was putting in. Round 3: Burns Takes Over. It was in the third round that Burns was seen to be taking the lead. He kept on connecting with the cleaner and more devastating shots, and although Brady was trying to close the distance and get the fight to the mat, Burns’ backpedaling and defense was sound. Burns even started to engage in his grappling which meant that Brady had
How Alexandre Pantoja’s mental toughness made him a UFC champion.
MMA is as much a fight of the mind as it is of the body and this is something that is often overlooked. The Octagon is not only a place where physical strength is put into a trial, but also psychological and emotional strength. Many of the fighters are talented and have the physical abilities that can help them win the fights and become champions but there is something that sets the champions apart from the rest. Alexandre Pantoja is another fighter in this list, a man whose mental strength has been almost as important as his skills. Alexandre Pantoja had always wanted to become the UFC Flyweight Champion and he made it happen in July of 2023 when he won the title against Brandon Moreno via split decision at UFC 290. The battle which has been described by many as one of the best in the history of the flyweight division was a clear indication of Pantoja’s toughness, determination and confidence. But this victory was not achieved in a day; it was the result of many years of struggle, efforts and, above all, a strong will power. In this article, the author will look at how Alexandre Pantoja’s mental strength that was developed during the tough years led him to become the UFC champion. First of all, we will describe the early stages of his career, the difficulties he faced and the turning points in his life. Last of all, we will discuss how Pantoja’s mental strength has become his biggest asset when fighting in the Octagon. Early Years: The concept of Mental Toughness. Mental toughness is not something that one is born with; rather it is developed over the course of a lifetime through work, struggle and self-improvement. For Alexandre Pantoja, his mental toughness was being developed even before he entered the world of UFC. Pantoja was born on April 16, 1990, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and thus raised in a country where MMA is a lifestyle and where legends like Anderson Silva and José Aldo are considered national pride. But, as it often happens with fighters from poor families, Pantoja’s road to the top was not a bed of roses. He was raised in a rather tough environment and that is why he had to learn how to struggle and stand up for himself from an early age. MMA, therefore, was not only an interest, but also a means of self-fulfillment and a source of an opportunity to let off steam in the megacity of Rio de Janeiro. Pantoja started practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at the age of 15 and this would be the stepping stone to his MMA career. BJJ is very scientific and one has to have a lot of patience in order to practice it. Pantoja has trained in BJJ and the experience he gained in the discipline prepared him for the nature of combat sports where victory is not easily achieved. Pantoja began to train and compete in local tournaments and experience the joy and sorrow of training which eventually shaped his mental strength that is characteristic of his fighting style. He had the passion and the drive to excel in a sport that required one to have a strong body and mind. The Early Struggles: Resilience in the Midst of Challenges Alexandre Pantoja had his initial career in the UFC before switching to the Brazilian Mixed Martial Arts where he fought in the local shows. In the initial years of his career, Pantoja had to struggle through several challenges such as inadequate funding, scarce training facilities, and the challenge of performing against strong competitors. Life of a regional MMA fighter in Brazil is not a bed of roses as people may think. Fighters have to take up other employment opportunities to cover their needs and they have very tight training regimens that do not allow much time for anything else. Pantoja, like so many others, had to fight his way up and through the ladder of the competition. This is the time when his physical and mental strength was put to the test. The only thing that Pantoja could not predict was the reality of whether or not his dream of becoming a world-class fighter would ever come true and this was a burden that he had to bear, but he never gave up on his dreams. It was therefore not surprising to see him get a chance to represent the country in an international arena. In 2014, Pantoja appeared on “The Ultimate Fighter: The above mentioned has shown that inclusion of Latin America as a member of the cast is appropriate. It was however a great experience even though he did not clinch the championship as he wanted. It helped him to perform in front of a larger number of people and attract the attention of UFC representatives. Most importantly, it gave him an opportunity to develop himself mentally as he was exposed to high stakes games against some of the best talents in the world. Still, Pantoja would have to endure before getting his shot at the UFC through the show. He moved on to other organizations and started piling up victories and gaining more experience. The late call to the UFC could have been a demoralizer to most fighters, however, for Pantoja it was just another challenge to conquer. His patience was also his mental strength and it was being rewarded as he continued to sharpen his skills and build towards his first UFC fight. Entering the UFC: The First Big Test of Mental Toughness Pantoja made his entrance to the UFC in 2017, fighting with Eric Shelton, the winner of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter. At this time, Pantoja had already earned a great deal of victories, but the UFC was a higher level of competition, a promotion that contains the highest level of fighters in the world. The pressure of competing in the biggest stage of the sport can bring down even the most
Steve Erceg’s path to UFC: From local shows to the big stage.
MMA is a sport that has expanded its reach across the world and the UFC is the biggest and most well-known organization. Bouts are fought by fighters from around the globe and everyone wishes to be a part of the UFC but only a few get this chance. Among them is Steve Erceg, an Australian talent who has fought his way to the UFC through hard work, determination and passion for the sport. Going from local shows to the big stage of the UFC, Erceg’s journey is one that shows the passion, hard work and, most importantly, the will to succeed. In this article, we look at Erceg’s journey, from local circuits to the biggest stage in MMA. The Introduction to the MMA and the First Stage of Its Evolution Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Steve Erceg was not always certain that he wanted to pursue professional MMA. Like many of his peers Erceg first became involved in combat sports through traditional martial arts. Born in Australia, he was raised in a culture that encouraged the spirit of sports and competition as well as a number of sport disciplines for young people. Erceg was actively involved in different sports in his early ages but he had a special interest in the martial arts. His first experience of combat sports was with conventional martial arts such as karate and jiu-jitsu. Erceg trained in a local dojo; he started learning his grappling and striking techniques. These was the early days that shaped him and set the stage for what would be his life’s passion for the MMA. He was a fast learner and displayed potential in terms of technical and tactical knowledge, work ethic and attitude. Soon the desire to compete increased and he started entering local amateur wrestling tournaments. Moving from One Combat Sport to Another: The Case of Mixed Martial Arts Erceg did not switch from traditional martial arts to MMA overnight but the growth of the sport interest him. MMA had been on the rise by the late 2000s and the UFC was becoming the cream of the crop in the sport. Australian fighters such as Robert Whittaker were doing well overseas and this was encouraging other young fighters in the country. He was fascinated with the idea of MMA as he believed that this is the best way to prove who is the best in terms of martial arts. It wasn’t just about mastering one discipline but becoming proficient in many: punching, kicking, clinching, throwing, and submission. This approach interested him and he realized if he were to continue with martial arts then mixed martial arts was the way to go. He started training in the MMA gyms in Perth and got a chance to be a part of a new combat sport. He also got the guidance of the experienced coaches and being surrounded by other athletes who were also passionate for the sport helped him to enhance his skills in all aspects of the game. The initial days were very tough as there were many hours in a day that were spent in honing the skills and developing the strength necessary for a cage fight. Erceg’s dedication was evident and he did not take long before he was willing to fight in his first amateur bout. Early Fights: Part II: The Amateur Circuit Steve Erceg is no stranger to the competitive platform of the MMA and he kick started his career in the local amateur circuit of Western Australia. It is not as glamorous or as well-funded as the professional circuit, but this is where most fighters start and develop. For Erceg these early fights were very useful in developing his skills and the much-needed experience of the cage. He fought against different people with different abilities and techniques of fighting. Some of them were good with striking, others were good at grappling or wrestling. These early fights made Erceg realize that one has to be a jack of all trades. That was why he was not allowed to depend only on his kickboxing or wrestling skills; he had to develop into a versatile fighter. His fight IQ increased as well as his confidence as the years went by. Erceg’s amateur career was marked by one key feature that is the ability to handle pressure. It didn’t matter if the opponent was a striker or a grappler, Erceg did not panic but thought tactically and tried to find a way to end the bout in his favor. He was mentally very strong and along with the development of his skills, he was a formidable player in the local circuit. Coming into the Professional Level Steve Erceg had several amateur bouts and felt that it was time to move to the next level in his career. In 2016 he started his professional career and fought in regional shows in Australia. Leaving the amateur to the professional level is a big step where a lot is at risk, the competition is much greater and the attention is much more intense. But Erceg was ready. He made his professional debut in a local Australian show and proved that he is well rounded. He emerged the winner in the event and won the hearts of both the fans and promoters with his skill and doggedness. From there, his professional career started to build up. Competing in promotions such as Eternal MMA, one of the biggest regional shows in Australia, Erceg slowly built up his reputation as one of the country’s top up and coming talents. The Australian based promotion company Eternal MMA, which is known for developing high level fighters, provided Erceg with the right stage to prove his worth. He gained the fans’ hearts with his thrilling performance in the fight and his finishing skills. An increase in the Regional Circuit While still competing professionally Erceg started to gain victories and establish himself as one of the best fighters in his weight division. Having won a number of
Brandon Royval vs. the elite: Can he capture UFC gold in 2024?
MMA is a sport that embraces the risk takers and encourages fighters to develop new skills and keep on fighting through the hardships. Over the past few years, there are very few fighters who can be associated with such characteristics as much as the current UFC flyweight Brandon Royval. Best known for his power, unorthodox movement and a never-say-die attitude, Royval has emerged as one of the most entertaining fighters in the flyweight division. As he keeps on climbing the ladder, the one question that remains on everyone’s lips is whether 2024 could be the year that Brandon Royval becomes the UFC champion. This article also details Royval’s UFC career, his bouts against the cream of the flyweight division and the challenges he has to face to claim the title. The Road to UFC for Brandon Royval Brandon Royval was born in Denver, Colorado and was exposed to the martial arts at an early age, which paved the way to his mixed martial arts journey. Training under the guidance of his coach Marc Montoya at Factory X, Royval started his professional career as a fighter in local shows and then moved to the big platform of UFC. From the start, Royval was more comfortable in fast, back-and-forth bouts. The nickname he had, “Raw Dawg,” was given to him because of his aggressive approach and desire to engage in a brawl whether it is on the feet or on the ground. This man possessed a very unique set of attributes such as innovation, vigor, and stamina that would later on make him one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. Royval was able to fight in promotions such as the Legacy Fighting Alliance where he won the flyweight title and was signed by the UFC in 2020. His debut match was against Tim Elliott, a former UFC Flyweight title challenger with a weird style and a never give up attitude. Royval was able to submit his opponent in the second round thus proving that he can handle the pressure of the UFC and that he is a great grappler. This was a statement victory and one that should have people taking note of Royval as a prospect in the flyweight division. The Journey of the UFC Flyweight Division. After a great start to his career, Royval was among the most promising fighters in the flyweight division. His next fight was against Kai Kara-France, a New Zealand based fighter who was already a part of the UFC top 10. In one of the most entertaining flyweight bouts that fans have seen in the recent past, Royval and Kara-France engaged in a fierce exchange that saw the two nearly land the knockout blow. Royval was able to get the victory by submitting his opponent in the second round with a guillotine choke which made him get his second successive win in the UFC and also received the Performance of the Night bonus. The fight was a perfect example of why the fans and analysts had grown to love Royval – the man was not afraid to push the pace, to take risks and to look for the finish in what often became a wild brawl. His victory over Kara-France elevated him to the top of the flyweight division and he would be challenged with even tougher opponents. But every rising in the level of competition brings about new challenges and Royval’s path to the top of the division was no different. The Setbacks: This is the Fight Against the Crème de la Crème of the Flyweight Division Every fighter has his or her share of victories and losses on the way to the title and Royval is no exception. After his victory over Kara-France, Royval was scheduled to fight Brandon Moreno, a contender in the division. This was a big bout because both men were looking to secure themselves a title shot. However, Royval got a dislocated shoulder in the fight and thus Moreno won by TKO in the first round. This was a big blow for Royval not only in the physical aspect but also in the psychological aspect. But even in the fight, and especially during the last few seconds before the injury, one could see that he is on the same level with the division’s elite. Moreno would later on defeat the current flyweight champion making Royval’s loss to him quite reasonable. Still, it was a reminder of how unforgiving the sport of MMA is where a single mishap or an injury can put a fighter out of action. Royval came back to the Octagon for the second time in 2021 after recovering from a shoulder injury to fight Alexandre Pantoja, another flyweight contender who had already proved himself in the division. The fight was another tough contest and Pantoja was able to submit his opponent in the second round. Again, Royval showed that he is a warrior and a true athlete as he tried to knock out Pantoja but failed and was submitted in the process. It was hard for Royval to go through these back-to-back losses, but at the same time, these losses were beneficial to him in terms of learning. The flyweight division is one of the most competitive divisions in the UFC and to win the title a fighter has to be able to learn, develop and bounce back from a loss. It was therefore not a surprise to see that Royval was able to do just that in his subsequent fights. The Comeback: Revival and the Main Triumphs. After suffering defeats at the hands of Moreno and Pantoja, people questioned whether Royval would be able to regain his form and keep on climbing the ladder in the flyweight division. This being a true reflection of the character that Royval is, he did not back down. However, he decided to take the time and increase his training to enhance his grappling and striking defence while at the same time keeping his aggressive fighting style.
The impact of Matt Schnell’s retirement on the flyweight division.
Matt Schnell, who is also known by his nickname ‘Danger’ has been among the most exciting fighters in the UFC’s flyweight division for the past few years. His fights have always been tactically intense with high tempo and he always engages the fans especially when he gave a good account of himself in some of the most entertaining fights. Schnell’s decision to retire is a big blow to the flyweight division, a division that has been going through some radical changes in the recent past. In this article, we will discuss how his retirement will impact the flyweight division, the possibilities that other fighters will have, the history of the division and the future of the flyweight class after Schnell. 1. Matt Schnell: The Journey Matt Schnell joined the UFC flyweight division in 2016 when he fought on the reality show “The Ultimate Fighter” season 24 in which champions from different organizations competed for a title shot at the then flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. Schnell may not have taken home the victory in the tournament but he did get a UFC contract out of it. It didn’t take long for Schnell to gain a reputation for being an entertaining fighter, who would always stand and trade, and never back down from a fight, while also having great submission skills. One of the best performances was at UFC 269 in December 2021 where he fought with Brandon Royval and put up a great display of toughness and pressure. Despite his defeat, he was known to have given his best and thus enhanced his reputation of being a great performer. Another memorable bout was his contest with Su Mudaerji at UFC Long Island in July 2022; a thrilling contest that many people believe was one of the best flyweight bouts in the history of the organization. Schnell’s ability to get out of the near finishes and then come back to get the submission win showed that Schnell is a true warrior in the Octagon and fans and other fighters praised him for it. Schnell has wins over top-ranked opponents in his career such as Tyson Nam and Louis Smolka. Schnell never got to win the UFC gold but he was able to bring excitement and tough fights to the division. 2. The Flyweight Division: An Overview In order to explain the effects of Matt Schnell’s retirement, it is necessary to go through the history and development of the flyweight division. The flyweight division was added into the UFC in 2012 and the first champion of the division was Johnson Demetrious Mighty Mouse through a tournament that involved the best fighters globally. Johnson would go on to become one of the most successful champions in the history of UFC, holding the title from 2012 to 2018, and making 11 successful title defenses, another UFC record. Nevertheless, Johnson was supreme in the division, yet the flyweight was not able to achieve the same level of popularity as the other weight classes in the UFC. The first problem was the notion that flyweights could not deliver KO’s, as most fans preferred other weight classes where fighters could knock opponents out with a single strike. Johnson’s skills were usually overlooked and there was a time when the UFC was thinking of closing the division. Changes started happening when Henry Cejudo defeated Demetrious Johnson by a split decision at UFC 227 in 2018. Cejudo’s win was the start of a new chapter for the flyweight division as he would later on become the bantamweight champion which only elevated the status of both divisions. Cejudo’s rivalry with TJ Dillashaw, who moved to the flyweight division to challenge him for the title and his subsequent retirement after capturing the bantamweight title also provided the much needed excitement to the flyweight division. The division was left without Cejudo and the division saw new champions like Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno who had an amazing trilogy between 2020 and 2022. The Figueiredo-Moreno rivalry became the best rivalry that the fans could ask for and played a big role in building the flyweight division as one of the best divisions in the UFC. 3. Where Matt Schnell Stands in the Flyweight Division? Thus, in the world of flyweight division that is becoming more and more competitive and diverse, Matt Schnell established himself as a dangerous fighter. Schnell was never a fighter who could be described as a puncher or a knock-out artist but a fighter who had a lot of heart and a great technique. His grappling was also very effective, especially the guillotine choke which he used to win many fights in the UFC. In addition, Schnell was able to deliver exciting fights for the fans which made him a contender for the title even when he was not the champion. Schnell was a member of the flyweight division which also featured other talented fighters such as Alexandre Pantoja, Askar Askarov and Brandon Royval. This group of fighters played a big role in taking the division out of the shadow of Demetrious Johnson and bring new life into the division. It was crucial for Schnell to be there as he is the kind of fighter that can both provide excitement to the audience and challenge anyone in the division. Schnell never got to be the flyweight champion of the world but his fights were always among the most exciting on any given card. His exciting victory over Su Mudaerji in which he was knocked down several times but managed to submit his opponent with a triangle choke is a clear testament as to why Schnell was such a fan favourite in the division. The fighters such as Schnell are important in any weight division because they help fans stay interested in the division even when there are no title shots to be had. 4. Schnell’s Retirement and Its Effect on Flyweight Division Matt Schnell’s retirement is a good chance for other fighters in the flyweight division to advance in the
Fighters who cashed in big: The biggest earners in UFC history.
The UFC is without a doubt the leading organization in MMA, a sport in which fighters from all over the world come to fight for recognition, honor and of course, money. In its first years, the UFC was not very generous with its earnings, but today the organization is a multi-billion-dollar business. The increase in the popularity of the superstar fighters, the big budget pay per view events and the increased media coverage has created millionaires out of some athletes. However, only a few UFC fighters have been able to enter the financial elite and earn millions of dollars for every fight they engage in and make their mark in the sport. In this article, we will look at the highest paid fighters in UFC and how they were able to accumulate their wealth, the bouts that brought them the most money and the overall effect of their careers on the sport. These fighters not only gave their best in the octagon but also emerged as some of the highest paid athletes in the combat sports. 1. Conor McGregor: The Money Maker of UFC In terms of the UFC, there is no one that can even come close to the financial success that Conor McGregor has enjoyed. The Irishman who is famous for his aggressive behavior and knockout ability has emerged as one of the biggest stars of the MMA. McGregor’s rise to fame is quite spectacular and he has been able to command high pay-per-view numbers thus making him the highest paid fighter in UFC. McGregor entered the UFC in the year 2013 and gained recognition in the featherweight division due to his beautiful stand-up game and the ‘conviction’ of a champion. He was able to market himself and his fights and thus gained the hearts of many fans. But it wasn’t until his knockout of José Aldo at UFC 194 for the featherweight title in 2015, where he KO’d Aldo in just thirteen seconds that McGregor became a bona fide star. This victory was the beginning of a series of high profile fights that would see him earn a lot of money in his career. McGregor’s most profitable fight in the UFC was in the year 2017 when he fought with Khabib Nurmagomedov in UFC 229. The fight was the final battle between the two rivals and the preparations to the fight were filled with insults and hatred. UFC 229 became the biggest pay-per-view event in the history of MMA with the revenue of 2. 4 million buys. However, McGregor lost the fight via submission but the Scottish sun daily reported that he was paid $50 million, which includes his fight purse, pay-per-view share and endorsements. In addition to his UFC wages, McGregor’s 2017 boxing match with Floyd Mayweather Jr. added to his bank account. The event was named ‘The Money Fight’ and it was one of the most lucrative events in the history of combat sports where McGregor pocketed around $100 million. This was not a UFC fight but this event made McGregor a recognized sportsman and opened the way to his future earnings in UFC. McGregor has been the highest paid UFC fighter with an estimated net worth of more than $200 million. His whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve has also played a role in adding to his wealth, which shows that McGregor has a way of making profits even outside the cage. McGregor’s popularity and his business mindedness in his career has made him not only the richest fighter in the UFC but also one of the richest athletes in the world. 2. Khabib Nurmagomedov: The Undefeated Champion Another fighter who made a lot of money during his UFC career is Khabib Nurmagomedov who is also known as “The Eagle”. Nurmagomedov who is well known for his wrestling and grappling ability retired with an impressive winning record of 29-0 and is considered to be one of the greatest fighters of all time. Although Nurmagomedov’s journey to the top of the UFC was less flamboyant than McGregor’s, he also accumulated a lot of wealth especially in his final years of the career. As has been highlighted earlier, Khabib’s highest earning fight was against Conor McGregor at UFC 229. Although McGregor was the star of the show, Khabib got $10 million for the event. This amount comprises his fixed salary, the share he gets from the pay-per-view earnings, and the fight money. After his win over McGregor, Khabib became an even bigger celebrity. His other bouts include fighting with Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 and Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 which also contributed to his income. In his title defense against Poirier, Khabib was said to have earned around $6 million and for his last fight against Gaethje, he earned around $10 million. But the money that Khabib earns does not only come from his fight purses. Nurmagomedov retired from MMA in 2020 and since then, he has focused on his business endeavours and has even started his own MMA promotion called Eagle FC. Although the estimated career earnings of Khabib are much less than McGregor, his net worth is estimated to be between $40-50 million which is an evidence of his success in and out of the octagon. 3. Ronda Rousey: The Queen of Women’s MMA Ronda Rousey was one of the pioneers of the UFC, and played a big role in the development of women’s MMA. Rousey became the first woman to have a contract with the UFC and she helped to bring focus to the women’s division and became one of the most popular fighters in the history of the sport. Rousey’s wealth can be attributed to her performance in the octagon since she has been earning a lot of money. Ronda Jean Rousey was born on February 20, 1987, in Riverside, California; she became the UFC’s first female bantamweight champion in 2012 and dominated her opponents with armbar submission, especially in the first round. She had fast knockouts and the talent to
Belal Muhammad’s brutal honesty: Why he wants no part of Conor McGregor.
Belal Muhammad is one of the top contenders in the UFC’s welterweight division, and not only has he shown great skill inside the octagon but also openness outside of it. As a fighter who consistently climbs the rankings with a hard-nosed style and unrelenting work ethic, Muhammad has made it clear that he’s here for one thing: He was a multiple time Olympic gold medallist and had won many championship golds. However, when the issue of a possible fight with the biggest star of the MMA, Conor McGregor, is raised, Muhammad’s reaction is quite unexpected. While many of his colleagues are eager for a bout with the Irishman because of the fame, money or recognition that it brings, Muhammad has no interest in fighting McGregor. His reasons are very much individual and moral and they are very much in line with the general idea of MMA. In this article, I will explain why Belal Muhammad does not want any part of Conor McGregor, looking into his brutal honesty about the fight, his career path, the current state of McGregor’s career, and the ethical issues that are behind his decision. On the way, we will also discuss the culture of money fights in the UFC and how Muhammad’s attitude is different from the general one. Belal Muhammad: An example of a true fighter’s fighter. To grasp why Belal Muhammad doesn’t want to share the octagon with Conor McGregor, one needs to get to know the former a bit more. Muhammad is a Chicago native with Palestinian immigrant parents and has always been a fighter in the most literal sense. His UFC career is proof of the hard working man’s attitude where nothing was ever given to him. Muhammad was not a person who became famous overnight or a fighter who became an overnight star after one fight. However, he got to be one of the favorites to win the title by working his way through every fight, and sometimes without much fanfare. Although not the most technical of fighters with his wrestling background and a rather aggressive, pressure-oriented fighting style, Muhammad may not be the most aesthetically pleasing fighter to watch, but he gets the job done. This has been due to his pressure, his use of takedown shots and his control of range which has made him a tricky opponent for many of the welterweight division. In the course of his UFC career which started in 2016, Muhammad has fought and defeated some tough opponents such as Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque and Demian Maia among others. He has gradually climbed the ladder in the division, something that has been attributed to good strategies and game plans, plus the spirit of determination. However, it is not only the fighting style of Muhammad that has attracted people’s eyes. He is a man who does not shy away from expressing his thoughts and opinions and for this he is quite a character in the UFC. In his writing, activism for his Palestinian identity, speaking against wrongs in the sport or interacting with fans on social media, Muhammad has always been quite candid. It’s this honesty that perhaps most defines why he wants no part of Conor McGregor. The Allure of a McGregor Fight: Fame and Fortune To most of the fighters, the opportunity to fight Conor McGregor is the biggest challenge that one can get. Nevertheless, McGregor is not only an athlete, he is a business, an international celebrity, and the biggest star in the history of the MMA. A fight with McGregor almost always means the biggest paycheck of a fighter’s career. Besides the money, there is the publicity which is derived from the opportunity to fight one of the most popular celebrities in the world. Whether a fighter wins or loses, a bout with McGregor brings a fighter into the lime light in a way that no other fight in the UFC can. McGregor’s journey to fame is not something new to the public. The Irishman made his entry into the UFC with a lot of attitude and a mouth to match, which made him an instant fan favourite. However, he did not only gain fame with his rants; McGregor also delivered knockouts such as the one that took place against José Aldo where he won the UFC Featherweight Championship in 2015 with a knockout in just 13 seconds. He would go on to become the first fighter in the history of UFC to win titles in two weight classes at the same time, and thus write his name in the annals of the organization. After that, McGregor has gone beyond the realm of MMA and became a global phenomenon. His boxing, his business endeavors, and the controversies have kept him in the news even as he has only fought occasionally in the UFC. It is therefore not a surprise that fighters in search of fame or a career defining victory will be quick to sign up for a McGregor fight. Belal Muhammad’s Brutal Honesty: Why McGregor Doesn’t Interest Him Belal Muhammad, who has been touting a fight with McGregor as the biggest fight of his career, has made it clear that he has no desire to share the cage with the Irishman. Muhammad’s reasons are complex, yet all of them revolve around his role as a fighter and as a man. First of all, Muhammad has always stated that he wants to fight for the UFC title and not for the fame and money. In his career he has always considered himself as one who has faced the toughest fighters in his weight category and has climbed the ladder of the rankings without any shortcuts. According to Muhammad, a fight with McGregor will not take him any closer to his dream of being a UFC champion. McGregor has not been active in the welterweight division and his recent form is not even close to being title worthy. From Muhammad’s point of view, fighting with McGregor would be a regression