Colby Covington Claims Jon Jones Had Him Removed From UFC 295 Card In December
It’s no secret that there’s no love lost between Jon Jones and Colby Covington. The two UFC stars go way back and used to be roommates at Iowa Central Community College. Since then, their relationship has soured beyond repair, and they make no effort to hide their hatred for each other. In the latest development of the Covington vs. Jones beef, the former welterweight champion recently hurled some severe accusations against Jones. ‘Chaos’ claimed that Jon Jones forced the UFC to pull Covington out of the UFC 295 card. Over the past few weeks, Covington made it clear that he wanted to compete against Leon Edwards for the welterweight title at UFC 295, the same card where Jones will face Stipe Miocic in a heavyweight title fight. Also Read: https://combatsports247.com/bjj-savant-gordon-ryan-talks-about-his-experience-training-with-ufc-heavyweight-champion-jon-jones/ Making his case for featuring in the co-main event of UFC 295, Colby Covington pointed out how he could grill Jon Jones about his past in the pre-fight press conference to entertain the crowds. Unsurprisingly, ‘Bones’ doesn’t like the idea. In a recent interview with Michael Bisping, Covington claimed that Jones’ has a personal vendetta against him, due to which he was pulled off the UFC 295 card. He said: “A little birdie told me that he went behind, backstage with the suits and the big dogs in the UFC. He said he refuses to share a card with me, so they’re going to give him what he wants. They don’t want to ruin their New York show. They are hoping that he still shows up, but they need a backup plan. He’s not reliable. I’m the ultimate company man.” Watch the full video below: Dana White Dismisses Idea of Jon Jones Causing Colby Covington’s Removal From UFC 295 Dana White isn’t buying Colby Covington’s story about Jon Jones influencing the UFC to have him removed from UFC 295. The UFC president recently weighed in on the accusations hurled by ‘Chaos’ and dismissed them as hogwash. As mentioned, Covington recently claimed that he wants to fight Leon Edwards in the UFC 295 co-main event. However, his plans were allegedly spoiled by Jones, who pulled strings to prevent Covington from fighting on the card. Reacting to the news, Dana White recently claimed that he had heard nothing of the sort and rubbished such rumors. Speaking at a post-fight press conference following Dana White’s Contender Series, the UFC Frontman stated: “What’s his problem with Colby Covington? Colby was talking s**t about him like he does everybody on Earth?… So Jon didn’t say it, Colby said Jon said it? Well, there you go. That’s some more Daily Mail for you right there.” White continued: “No. I don’t think Jon Jones could give a s**t one way or the other. Literally, the only person I’ve ever seen Jon Jones truly hate… Was Daniel Cormier. Other than him, I’ve never really seen that with Jon Jones. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’ve never seen it.”
Dana White Gives Verdict On Fourth Max Holloway vs. Alexander Volkanovski Title Fighta
Dana White seemingly isn’t keen to see a fourth title fight between Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. The UFC supremo recently weighed in on a historic quadrilogy fight between the two featherweights and cited the Australian’s dominance as a champion for his doubts about Holloway’s chances to win. Holloway and Volkanovski are undoubtedly two of the greatest featherweights ever to compete in the UFC. Having fought three title fights so far, with Volkanovski coming out on top every time, they share an interesting rivalry. Since 2013, ‘Blessed’ hasn’t lost to any featherweight not named Alexander Volkanovski, whom he just can’t seem to get past. Due to this, fans often joke about ‘Blessed’ being a title-shot barricade for the rest of the featherweight division. However, the Hawaii native is still eager to prove himself against ‘The Great’ and has actively campaigned for a fourth title fight. After his recent win over TKZ at UFC Singapore, Max Holloway indicated that he wants to fight Volkanovski sometime soon. However, Dana White dismissed that idea during a recent media interaction, saying: “There’s a couple of different options for him right now…I just think that Volkanovski is so dominant right now. I mean, there are people who believe he beat Islam [Makhachev]… Don’t know if you throw Max at him again at this point in Max’s career. I don’t love it.” Max Holloway Discusses Fourth Potential Title Fight Against Alexander Volkanovski Max Holloway is widely considered among the greatest featherweight contenders ever to step inside the UFC octagon. The former featherweight kingpin is known to possess some of the best boxing skills in the promotion and holds the record for the most significant strikes landed in UFC history (3197). To top it all, the last time the Hawaiian lost to a featherweight was against Conor McGregor in August 2013. Since then, Holloway has built one of the most impressive resumes, including winning the 145-pound title in December 2016. As mentioned, the only featherweight to beat Max Holloway since McGregor is reigning 145-pound champion Alexander Volkanovski. Despite Holloway’s absolute dominance in the featherweight division, it seems ‘The Great’ has his number. Given ‘Blessed’s resume, a quadrilogy fight against the featherweight king is a highly debated topic amongst fans. Also Read: https://combatsports247.com/max-holloway-praises-tkz-after-fight-night-225-calls-him-legend/ However, Max Holloway isn’t disheartened and aims to make himself the “undeniable” choice for Volkanovski’s next title challenge. At the UFC Singapore post-fight press conference, ‘Blessed’ addressed the possibility of a fourth title shot against Volkanovski. He stated: “Undeniable, man. All week, I’ve been saying undeniable. I’m not here to call nobody out… It’s the fans’ job to do for me. I’m just here to be undeniable, keep being undeniable. I’ll keep crawling, scratching my way to the top of the mountain… I’m only turning 32 in December… I want to win the title back. I want to defend it a bunch of times.”
BREAKING: Top-Ranked Heavyweight Expected To Serve As Backup For Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 295
Sergei Pavlovich is expected to serve as the backup fighter for the heavyweight title fight at UFC 295. Pavlovich is currently on an incredible six-fight win streak and will weigh in as a backup for the second straight Jones fight. He previously did the same when ‘Bones’ returned against Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title in March. The highly anticipated Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic title fight will take place at UFC 295 on November 11 at the Madison Square Garden in New York. This bout will mark Jones’ first title defense as the heavyweight champion against one of the most decorated heavyweights ever. Given the impressive resumes of both title contenders, fans will undoubtedly look forward to a blockbuster heavyweight clash. The news about Pavlovich weighing in as the backup for Jones vs. Miocic was first reported by Igor Lazorin on Instagram. MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin later confirmed Lazorin’s news and tweeted: “Sergei Pavlovich expected to serve as the backup for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic at #UFC295. First reported by the legend Igor Lazorin.” What Is UFC Heavyweight Contender Sergei Pavlovich’s Record? Sergei Pavlovich is among the fastest-rising heavyweight contenders in the UFC. The 31-year-old Russian fighter is currently riding an impressive six-fight winning streak, with all his wins coming via KO/TKO. He is currently the No.1-ranked heavyweight contender in the promotion. Also Read: https://combatsports247.com/ufc-schedule-from-september-to-december-2023-big-matches-key-fights-live-streaming-platforms/ Pavlovich made his promotional debut against Alistair Overeem at UFC Beijing in November 2018. Unfortunately, the Russian’s debut was one to forget, suffering a first-round knockout against ‘The Demolition Man.’ However, Sergei Pavlovich bounced back against Marcelo Golm at UFC Fight Night 149 with a statement first-round KO victory. Pavlovich soon found his footing and has been a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s heavyweight division. In his last three fights, Pavlovich faced world-class knockout artists like Tai Tuivasa, Derrick Lewis, and Curtis Blaydes. Interestingly, the Russian spent less than five minutes of total time in the octagon against them, securing first-round knockouts over all three. Given his resume, Sergei Pavlovich has almost certainly earned a title shot of his own. However, due to Jon Jones specifically asking for a fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295, the 31-year-old was forced to settle for a backup role. However, it is likely that Pavlovich will be next in line to challenge for the heavyweight strap in 2024, depending on the outcome of Jones vs. Miocic.
Jon Jones Picks Mike Perry As ‘The Best African Fighter’ Over Izzy and Du Plessis
In the dynamic world of combat sports, where rivalries and opinions reign supreme, Jon Jones, the UFC heavyweight champion, recently threw a curveball. During an interview on the ‘Overdogs’ podcast, Jones was faced with a provocative question: “Who is the best African fighter: Izzy, Du Plessis, or Mike Perry?” In his characteristically candid style, Jones didn’t mince words. With a hearty laugh, he declared, “The real man himself, Mike Perry! This statement sent shockwaves through the MMA community, sparking debates and discussions. However, context is key here. Israel Adesanya, the current UFC middleweight champion, and Dricus Du Plessis, a rising star in the same division, have been engaged in a heated dispute over the legitimacy of their African heritage. This feud escalated when Adesanya confronted Du Plessis after his victory at UFC 290, leading to a public exchange of heated words. Adesanya’s comments during this encounter drew widespread criticism, as fans and pundits deemed them inappropriate. Consequently, Jon Jones’ surprising choice of Mike Perry as the ‘Best African Fighter’ stirred the pot even further. The Mike Perry Controversy Mike Perry, known as ‘Platinum,’ has been no stranger to controversy during his MMA career. In a bid to assert his right to use a highly offensive racial slur, Perry claimed that a DNA test had revealed he is “two percent African. This assertion didn’t sit well with many, and Perry faced backlash for his comments. However, his controversial stance found some support when he tested this theory against former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. This unique conflict resolution method seemed to grant Perry a pass, at least in the eyes of his opponent. But it’s worth noting that not everyone in the MMA world agreed with Perry’s perspective. The debate over his comments lingered, and Jon Jones’ recent declaration only added fuel to the fire. Jones’ Unconventional Choice Jon Jones, often hailed as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, is known for his fearless and unfiltered approach, both in and out of the octagon. His rivalry with Israel Adesanya had captivated fans for some time, with both fighters engaging in verbal sparring. However, the fight never materialised due to the significant difference in their weight classes. Now, it appears that Jones and Adesanya have buried the hatchet and are on friendly terms. Yet Jones’ unexpected choice of Mike Perry as his favourite African fighter has raised eyebrows and ignited intense online discussions. The Fallout In the wake of Jones’ declaration, the internet exploded with reactions. Fans, fighters, and pundits all had their say, with some expressing support for Perry and others questioning the validity of Jones’ statement. The choice of Perry, who claims a mere two percent African heritage, over two fighters embroiled in a bitter dispute about their African lineage, has created a stir. It’s important to note that Perry has moved on from the UFC and now competes in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). During his BKFC tenure, Perry has amassed an impressive record of three wins and no losses, with victories over Julian Lane, Michael Paige, and Luke Rockhold. As for Jon Jones, he’s currently preparing for a high-stakes title defense. He’ll face former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 295, scheduled for November 11th at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Jones secured the heavyweight title earlier this year by defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. Miocic, on the other hand, is coming off a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in March 2021 at UFC 260. The Verdict Jon Jones’ choice of Mike Perry as the ‘Best African Fighter’ has sent shockwaves through the MMA community. Whether it’s a genuine endorsement or a playful jab at his fellow fighters, one thing is certain: Jones knows how to make headlines. As the MMA world awaits Jones’ upcoming bout with Stipe Miocic, the debate over the ‘Best African Fighter’ is likely to persist, adding another layer of intrigue to the sport’s already colourful landscape. Regardless of one’s opinion on Jones’ choice, it’s undeniable that the sport of mixed martial arts never lacks drama, both inside and outside the octagon.
Who Is Carlos Prates? His Height, Weight, Net Worth, UFC Stats
Carlos Prates: Unveiling the Rise of “Carlo” in the MMA Universe In the heart-pounding realm of mixed martial arts, Carlos Prates, affectionately known as “Carlo,” emerges as a force to be reckoned with. His odyssey within the confines of the octagon weaves an exhilarating narrative of conquest and unyielding resolve. The Fighter’s Profile: Full name: Carlos Prates Nickname: Carlo Date of Birth: August 17, 1993 Age: 30 Height: 6 feet 1 inch (182.88 cm) Weight: 170 pounds (77.11 kg) Reach: 78 inches (198 cm) Weight Class: Welterweight Affiliation: Phuket Top Team Carlos Prates has carved a remarkable niche in the welterweight division, boasting an arsenal of skills that have captivated fans worldwide. The Stats That Define Him: Total Wins: 17 Wins by KO/TKO: 12 (71%) Wins by Submission: 3 (18%) Wins by Decision: 2 (12%) Total Losses: 6 Losses by KO/TKO: 2 (33%) Losses by Submission: 3 (50%) Losses by Decision: 1 (17%) With a striking accuracy of 63%, Prates possesses the precision of a seasoned warrior. His significant strikes per minute (SLpM) of 4.81 reflect his ability to dictate the pace of a bout, while his remarkable striking defence of 47% illustrates his knack for evading opponents’ attacks. Prates has a compelling history in the MMA arena. Let’s delve into his recent fights: Opponent: Mitch Ramirez Result: Win via KO/TKO (punches) – Round: 2 – Time: 1:14 Opponent: Eduardo Ramon Result: Win via KO (knee) – Round: 1 – Time: 2:25 Opponent: Moacir Cordeiro Rocha Result: Win via KO (head kick and punches) – Round: 1 – Time: 4:15 Opponent: Charles de Oliveira Santos Result: Win via KO (punch) – Round: 1 – Time: 3:14 These victories showcase Prates’ diverse skill set, from striking prowess to knockout potential. Carlos Prates’ journey in MMA has been a remarkable ascent, and his recent win on Dana White’s Contender Series only adds to his growing legacy. As he climbs the ranks, the MMA world eagerly awaits his next moves. In the words of Prates himself, “I’m here to make a statement in the octagon. Every fight is an opportunity to prove that I belong among the best.” Beyond the dazzling statistics and electrifying wins, Carlos Prates remains a fighter with an unyielding spirit. His determination to succeed is unwavering, and his commitment to his craft is undeniable. As for his net worth, it’s worth noting that MMA fighters often have earnings from various sources, including fight purses, bonuses, endorsements, and sponsorships. While specific financial details aren’t disclosed publicly, successful fighters like Prates can enjoy substantial incomes from their MMA careers. Carlos Prates, the “Carlo” of MMA, is undoubtedly a fighter to watch. His journey, marked by resilience and tenacity, is a testament to the enduring spirit of mixed martial arts. The octagon is his canvas, and with every fight, he paints a picture of dedication, courage, and excellence.
Who Is Thomas Petersen? His Height, Weight, Net Worth, UFC Stats
Thomas Petersen: ‘The Train’ of the UFC In the dynamic world of mixed martial arts (MMA), fighters often adopt distinctive monikers that reflect their fighting style or personality. One emerging name in the MMA scene is Thomas Petersen, better known as ‘The Train.’ This article delves into the life and career of Thomas Petersen, shedding light on his physical attributes, fighting record, and the latest developments in his journey to the pinnacle of MMA, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The Basics: Full name: Thomas Petersen Nickname: The Train Age: 28 Date of Birth: March 30, 1995 Nationality: United States Physique: Height: 6’ 1 (185 cm) Reach: 74 inches (188 cm) Weight Class: Heavyweight Career Highlights: Record: 8 wins, 1 loss Current streak: 3 wins Affiliation: Spartan MMA Last Fight: August 29, 2023, in DWCS (Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series) The Path to Success: Thomas Petersen is rapidly making a name for himself in the MMA world, and his journey has been marked by impressive achievements and a dedication to his craft. On August 29, 2023, during a bout in Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, Petersen faced Chandler Cole and secured victory via submission (keylock) at 1 minute and 8 seconds into the second round. This win not only showcased his skills but also earned him an official UFC contract. Analysing ‘The Train’: While Thomas Petersen is known for overwhelming his opponents with striking prowess when the fight hits the ground, his recent victory displayed a different facet of his skill set. He managed to secure his first submission victory by dominating his opponent positionally before forcing the tap. Petersen’s remarkable wrestling background plays a pivotal role in his success. Hailing from Iowa Central Community College, a renowned wrestling institution, Petersen has honed his grappling skills. His training partners include none other than Olympic gold medalist Gable Stevenson. This elite training background positions him as a formidable force in the heavyweight division, which often lacks high-level grapplers. Career Earnings: Despite his impressive journey through the ranks, Thomas Petersen’s career-disclosed earnings stand at $0 USD. However, the UFC offers substantial opportunities for fighters to enhance their earnings through match purses, bonuses, and sponsorships. As ‘The Train’ continues to climb the UFC ladder, his financial status may witness significant improvements. Global Recognition: In the worldwide MMA rankings, Thomas Petersen holds the position of the 104th-best MMA heavyweight fighter. While he may not be a household name yet, his dedication and skills are rapidly earning him recognition on a global scale. Closing Thoughts: Thomas Petersen, ‘The Train,’ is on an upward trajectory in his MMA career. His remarkable victory in Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series secured him an official UFC contract, signalling his arrival on the big stage. With a formidable wrestling background and a growing reputation, Petersen is poised to make waves in the heavyweight division. As ‘The Train’ steams ahead in the UFC, fans of mixed martial arts can eagerly anticipate his future matchups and potential ascension through the ranks. Whether he ascends to championship glory or becomes a beloved figure among fans, Petersen’s venture in the UFC guarantees an exhilarating path to monitor. In the words of Dana White, the President of the UFC, “The train is now on the tracks, and we can’t wait to see where this journey leads him.” “The Train” is set to make its presence felt in the world of MMA, and fight enthusiasts around the globe will be keeping a close eye on his progress.
Who is Bolaji ‘The Zulu Warrior’ Oki? A Look at His Height, Weight, Net Worth, and UFC Stats
In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), fighters come from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique monikers and stories. Bolaji ‘The Zulu Warrior’ Oki is one such fighter who has been making waves in the MMA scene. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Oki Bolaji, exploring his height, weight, net worth, and UFC stats. The Zulu Warrior’s Background Bolaji Oki, known by his fighting name ‘The Zulu Warrior,’ hails from Belgium. He was born on November 15, 1995, making him 27 years old as of now. Oki has become a notable figure in the MMA world, particularly in the lightweight division. Height and Reach When it comes to physical attributes, Oki stands at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). His reach extends to 73 inches (185 cm). These measurements give him a well-rounded physique, ideal for his weight class, the lightweight division. MMA Record and Fighting Style Oki Bolaji boasts an impressive professional MMA record of 8 wins and 1 loss. This showcases his dominance inside the octagon, with a winning percentage of 88.9%. Let’s delve into the breakdown of his victories: Knockouts/Technical Knockouts (KO/TKO): Oki has secured 5 wins via KO/TKO, demonstrating his striking prowess and ability to finish fights decisively. Submissions: The Zulu Warrior has also recorded one submission win, showcasing his well-rounded skill set. Decision Wins: Oki Bolaji has earned two victories by decision, highlighting his ability to go the distance and secure wins on the judges’ scorecards. No Losses by Submission or Decision: It’s worth noting that Oki has not suffered any losses due to submission or decision. This underscores his resilience and adaptability in fights. Earnings and net worth As of now, Bolaji ‘The Zulu Warrior’ Oki has disclosed earnings of $0 USD in his MMA career. While earnings can vary significantly in the MMA world, it’s important to remember that many fighters, especially those on the rise, may not have substantial disclosed earnings. Oki’s focus has likely been on building his career and reputation in the sport. Recent Fights One of Oki’s most recent fights took place on August 29, 2023, in Dana White’s Contender Series. This event is known for showcasing promising talents on their journey to potentially earn contracts with the UFC. Oki faced Dylan Salvador in this bout and secured a victory via TKO in the first round, demonstrating his striking skills and finishing ability. Rankings In the regional rankings, Oki Bolaji is currently ranked as the 39th lightweight fighter in the active Europe Western Pro Lightweights division. This ranking reflects his standing among the talents in his weight class. Bolaji, ‘The Zulu Warrior, Oki is a rising star in the MMA world, known for his impressive record and striking abilities. With a height and reach suitable for the lightweight division, he has the physical attributes to continue making a mark in the sport. While his disclosed earnings may be modest, his potential for future success in the UFC and beyond is undeniable. As fans eagerly await his next fight and potential UFC journey, Oki Bolaji remains a fighter to watch in the competitive world of mixed martial arts. Success in MMA comes from dedication, hard work, and the will to overcome challenges. Bolaji ‘The Zulu Warrior’ Oki
Who Are The New Contract Winners Of Dana White’s Contender Series?
Dana White’s Contender Series is known for delivering thrilling fights and offering promising fighters a shot at a UFC contract. In Week 4 of Season 7, the octagon was set ablaze with remarkable performances, and three fighters earned their tickets to the big leagues. Bolaji Oki: A Thunderous TKO Victory The night began with Bolaji Oki, a lightweight warrior, facing off against Dylan Salvador. Despite Salvador’s formidable kickboxing background and level of competition, Oki wasted no time taking control. His superior speed became evident as he relentlessly targeted Salvador’s body. After a few minutes of even exchanges, Oki unleashed a barrage of powerful shots against the fence, leaving Salvador reeling. The French lightweight retreated to the cage, but Oki pursued relentlessly, landing thunderous body shots that ultimately dropped Salvador. It was a stunning start to Week 4! Thomas Petersen: A Dominant Wrestling Display In the heavyweight division, Thomas Petersen, a former JuCo National champion, demonstrated his wrestling pedigree against TUF 30 alum Chandler Cole. Petersen put Cole on the canvas and dominated from the outset. During the first round, Petersen utilised short punches and elbows to bloody Cole, showcasing his control. In the second round, Petersen swiftly transitioned into a kimura submission, forcing Cole to tap. This dominant performance improved Petersen’s record to 8-1, and it marked his first submission victory in his career. Timothy Cuamba vs. Mateo Vogel: A Featherweight Clash Featherweights Timothy Cuamba and Mateo Vogel squared off in an exhilarating contest. Cuamba, a Las Vegas native, displayed impressive hand speed, landing clean shots early in the fight. Vogel, on the other hand, grew into the bout, chopping at Cuamba’s lead leg and responding with his own clean strikes. In the third round, Vogel finally managed to take Cuamba down and secure his back, spending the remainder of the round in a dominant position. The judges were unanimous in their decision, awarding Cuamba the victory. Marco Tulio vs. Yousri Belgaroui: A Battle of Attrition The middleweight clash between Marco Tulio and Yousri Belgaroui turned into a battle of attrition. Both fighters initially employed technical and measured approaches. Tulio aimed to force the kickboxer Belgaroui into grappling exchanges, while Belgaroui relied on his length and striking skills. As the fight progressed, Tulio began to abandon caution, opting for a more aggressive and wild style. He forced Belgaroui on the defensive, ultimately securing a dominant position on the ground in the third round. Carlos Prates: A Walk-Off TKO Finish Closing out the night was Carlos Prates, who delivered a one-shot, walk-off finish in impressive fashion. Prates showcased his patience and poise throughout the fight against Mitch Ramirez. He remained composed, never rushing or faltering in the face of Ramirez’s attacks. In the second round, Prates walked Ramirez down and connected with a powerful left hand that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas. Instead of following up, Prates chose to walk away and savour his spectacular finish. Dana White didn’t hesitate to award contracts to these deserving fighters. Bolaji Oki, Thomas Petersen, and Carlos Prates have now earned the opportunity to make their mark in the UFC, proving that Dana White’s Contender Series continues to be a breeding ground for the MMA stars of tomorrow.
Oscar De La Hoya Predicts Potential Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez Boxing Match
Oscar De La Hoya is betting on Terence Crawford to beat Canelo Alvarez in a potential boxing match. The former undisputed light middleweight champion recently weighed in on the possible super fight and claimed that moving up three weight classes wouldn’t affect ‘Bud’s chances. Crawford is widely considered among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport and is lauded for his versatility. ‘Bud’ recently defeated his longtime rival Errol Spence Jr. via an incredible ninth-round knockout. Crawford is now the undisputed welterweight champion and the first weight-class undisputed champion in the four-belt era. After his dominant performance against ‘The Truth’ last month, Terence Crawford expressed his willingness to move up to super middleweight (three weight classes above) for a blockbuster fight against the undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. Given the significant weight difference between them, many believe the Mexican holds a significant advantage over Crawford at 168 pounds. However, Oscar De La Hoya has a contrarian opinion. In a recent interview with Elie Seckbach, ‘The Golden Boy’ claimed that Terence Crawford’s incredible fight IQ gave him the edge over Canelo Alvarez. He said: “At 168 [pounds], people might think, ‘How can Crawford beat Canelo? It’s not possible.’ In boxing, a big, talented fighter will always beat the small, talented fighter, right?… In Crawford’s case, he’s a big guy. Crawford doesn’t rely on his power, he relies on his IQ… If that fight ever happens, I have to go with Crawford.” Bomac McIntyre weighs in on Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford’s coach, Bomac McIntyre, recently discussed a potential matchup between Crawford and Canelo Alvarez. Despite the consensus siding with the Mexican pugilist, McIntyre claimed that ‘Bud’ is more than capable of holding his own against the undisputed super middleweight champion. After his dominant performance against Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford was called to face the winner of Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo at 168 pounds on September 30 in Las Vegas. However, that would require ‘Bud’ to move three weight classes up. Also Read: https://combatsports247.com/mma-journalist-ariel-helwani-lauds-terence-crawfords-wrestling-skills-in-twitter-post/ Nevertheless, Bomac McIntyre isn’t worried. The perennial boxing coach is confident his student will come out on top with his superior skills. In a recent interview with RING IQ TV, he discussed Crawford’s future plans and said: “Bud’ is one of those guys who likes to challenge himself. So we’ll do what we always do, we’ll go in the classroom, and we’ll pick him apart… We’ll pick his a** apart, and we’ll take that, what we know in the classroom, and put it in the gym so we can come out victorious.”
Jon Jones Names The One Heavyweight Contender He’s Watching Out For
Jon Jones recently weighed in on the current UFC heavyweight title picture. While the divisional kingpin is open to facing the next crop of top contenders, it will ultimately depend on the significance of his opponents. Jones made his spectacular return to action at UFC 285 in March. The former light heavyweight champion marked his heavyweight debut with an incredible first-round submission victory over Ciryl Gane and took home the vacant heavyweight title. ‘Bones’ is now set to defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November. If Jon Jons beats Miocic and chooses not to retire, he will have several intriguing opponents potentially waiting for him. Among the most exciting heavyweight prospects who could face Jones are Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovic. Between the two heavyweight sluggers, Aspinall has been the most vocal about his desire to fight Jones. Conversely, ‘Bones’ has heaped praise on the Englishman in the past, claiming that Aspinall was a “special” fighter. In a recent episode of the OverDogs Podcast, Jon Jones stated he’s looking to face significant contenders and stated: “They’re amazing, don’t get me wrong. They’re starching people in the first round. But as I get older, I have to look at it as a business and not just speak out of pride… But at the end of the day, I have to fight people that the mainstream public is going to be excited about.” He continued: “Tom Aspinall, I think he really has the potential to do something really special in the heavyweight division. I think he’s going to be hard for the majority of guys to beat. I really do believe that.” Watch the full episode below: Jon Jones Is Having “Nightmares” About Facing Stipe Miocic At UFC 295 Jon Jones isn’t taking his title defense against Stipe Miocic lightly. As mentioned, the two UFC veterans are set to clash at UFC 295 in November in New York City. Jones will be facing a 41-year-old Miocic, who will be coming off a 32-month hiatus. Given his extended time away from the octagon, many believe Miocic will be an easy title defense for Jones. However, ‘Bones’ is not buying into that narrative. Also read: https://combatsports247.com/bjj-savant-gordon-ryan-talks-about-his-experience-training-with-ufc-heavyweight-champion-jon-jones/ For context, Stipe Miocic is widely known as the most accomplished heavyweight in UFC history. While he hasn’t competed since his knockout title loss against Francis Ngannou at UFC 260, the perennial heavyweight contender remains a dangerous opponent. While Miocic is expected to retire after UFC 295, Jon Jones recently claimed that he’s already stressed about facing him. In the same episode of the OverDogs Podcast, Jones claimed: “I have nightmares about my opponents. About every hour, Stipe Miocic will cross my mind. He will cross my mind… Stipe has balls. He has courage. He’s not the youngest fighter, but that is a man… I think Stipe is a very capable athlete. I think I owe it to Stipe to give him that chance to fight the best fighter ever. And I think Stipe owes it to me to give me a chance to fight the greatest heavyweight ever.”