Coach John Kavanagh Drops Major Hint About Conor McGregor Returning Soon
Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor may be stepping into the octagon sooner than his fans expected. The Irishman’s longtime coach, John Kavanagh, recently stated that McGregor was in training camp and sent fans into a frenzy. McGregor has been out of action since July 2021, when he snapped his leg during a fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Due to the injury, ‘The Notorious’ was forced to the sidelines for over two years. During his time off, McGregor underwent extensive surgery and physical rehabilitation. However, he made his public return as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter opposite Michael Chandler earlier this year. When Dana White announced McGregor and Chandler as TUF 31’s coaches, he also dropped major hints about the two explosive lightweights facing off before the year ends. Unsurprisingly, fans were extremely excited and were eagerly awaiting further news. However, their excitement was rather short-lived. ‘The Notorious’ has been embroiled in a battle with USADA to submit his testing samples. He is currently out of the testing pool and will be required to spend six months in it before he’s eligible to fight again. The head coach of SBG Ireland gym, where Conor McGregor trains, recently gave the Irishman’s fans new hope. John Kavanagh recently took to Instagram to share a picture of him meeting MMA legend Royce Gracie in Dublin, Ireland. In the caption, Kavanagh explained why McGregor was absent and wrote: “Unfortunately, he couldn’t join us, but he’s in camp right now.” Interestingly, the timing of the post coincides with Conor McGregor finally earning his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. Coach Kavanagh recently awarded the former two-division champion his black belt after over a decade of training under him. It remains to be seen if McGregor’s new achievement proves to be an encouraging factor leading to his return. So far, Michael Chandler is most likely his next octagon challenge.
Mike Tyson And Francis Ngannou Name Jon Jones As Their MMA ‘GOAT’
It seems Mike Tyson and Francis Ngannou share a similar opinion on who the greatest MMA fighter ever is. The two personalities recently sat down to discuss all things related to combat sports and named Jon Jones as their personal MMA ‘GOAT.’ Jones is widely considered to be the greatest mixed martial artist of all time by many MMA enthusiasts. After defeating Mauricio Rua to win the light heavyweight title at UFC 128 in March 2011, ‘Bones’ became the youngest champion in promotional history. He was 23 years old at the time. He soon solidified his status as the most dominant UFC champion with a record-breaking 11 title defenses. His championship run included victories over world-class opponents like Daniel Cormier, Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, and Glover Teixeira. Jon Jones was lauded by almost every major MMA entity for his dominant fighting style, technical abilities, and adaptability. With his exceptional wrestling skills and unique striking, Jones was an unsolvable enigma for his opponents. Outside the octagon, ‘Bones’ is widely known to be a cultural icon, thanks to his larger-than-life persona and propensity for finding trouble. In a recent episode of GOAT Talk for Complex, Francis Ngannou and Mike Tyson revealed who they thought was the greatest MMA fighter of all time. While ‘Iron Mike’ claimed he saw many other fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov as bonafide legends, Jones stood apart. Tyson cited Jones’ perseverance in the face of hardships as his reason for picking him as the ‘GOAT.’ Meanwhile, Francis Ngannou claimed that until his fight against ‘Bones’ doesn’t materialize, Jones would be his ‘GOAT’ as well. ‘The Predator’s opinion was especially surprising to fans, considering the ugly history between him and Jones. Jones was initially expected to fight Ngannou in December 2022, however, that bout fell through after negotiations went sour. Francis Ngannou later quit the UFC in January 2023 due to a falling out with the UFC executives. ‘The Predator’ is now booked to face Tyson Fury in the boxing ring on October 28 in Saudi Arabia.
Coach Eric Nicksick Weighs In On Sean Strickland vs. Israel Adesanya
Xtreme Couture head coach Erick Nicksick recently shared his two cents on the Sean Strickland vs. Israel Adesanya title fight. While the veteran trainer, who coaches Strickland, held back from giving a solid prediction for the fight, he claimed that his pupil had a strong chance of winning if their strategy was carried out perfectly. Strickland is set to challenge Adesanya for the middleweight title at UFC 293 in Sydney this weekend. This will be ‘Tarzan’s first title opportunity and the reigning champion’s sixth career title defense. While the odds strongly favor Adesanya, Nicksick hasn’t given up hope on Strickland to pull off an upset. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Erick Nicksick discussed the upcoming 185-pound title fight. While he recognized Israel Adesanya’s dominance and exceptional fighting skills, the Xtreme Couture frontman believed in the game plan they formulated for Sean Strickland. He stated that while he saw ‘The Last Stylebender’ as the greatest middleweight ever, MMA was an unpredictable sport, and anything could go wrong at any time. He stated: “In my opinion, Adesanya is the best middleweight ever to do it. We have to go out there and execute this thing correctly, and if we can do that, I think we go home with the W.” Given the bad blood between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, many eagerly look forward to this grudge match. ‘Tarzan’ is coming off two consecutive wins over Abus Magomedov and Nassourdine Imavov. Meanwhile, the Nigerian-born Kiwi last reclaimed his middleweight title against Alex Pereira via second-round knockout at UFC 287. In the co-main event of UFC 293, Tai Tuivasa and Alexander Volkov will clash in a heavyweight contest. Elsewhere on the main card, Justin Tafa goes up against Justin Lane, and Manel Kape faces Felipe Dos Santos.
Mark Zuckerberg Trains With UFC Champions Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski
Mark Zuckerberg recently shared some footage from his training session with UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski. The Meta Platforms CEO was seen doing some wrestling drills with ‘The Great’ and striking with ‘The Last Stylebender’ on an impressive-sized boat in the middle of the ocean. It’s no secret that Zuckerberg is a huge MMA fan and trains in the art regularly. The 39-year-old is also an avid Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, having won several tournaments. Zuckerberg is also a regular attendee at major UFC events and is often seen sitting cage-side to enjoy all the action. Mark Zuckerberg was first spotted training with the two UFC champions in July when there were talks of him fighting Tesla CEO Elon Musk in an MMA bout. While a potential fight between the two tech billionaires certainly generated a lot of hype among fans, the excitement has fizzled out over the past month due to their talks stalling. In a recent cinematically aesthetic video posted to Instagram, Zuckerberg showed off his impressive MMA skills. While a Mission Impossible voice-over played in the background, Israel Adesanya can be seen sparring with someone unknown. Meanwhile, Alexander Volkanovski grappled with the billionaire. Adesanya can also be seen kicking his partner into the water before repeating it using his wrestling techniques. Mark Zuckerberg and his world-champion friends undoubtedly seemed to have the time of their lives on the boat. As mentioned, the Zuckerberg vs. Musk fight looks like a pipe dream for both tech moguls at this time. However, it seems the Meta Platforms CEO is keeping himself fit for whenever it happens. Meanwhile, Israel Adesanya is set to face Sean Strickland at UFC 293 this weekend in Sydney. This bout will mark the Nigerian-born Kiwi’s sixth career title defense. On the other hand, Alexander Volkanovski is coming off an impressive third-round TKO over Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290.
UFC 293 Early, Preliminary, Mains Card Matches: Date, Time And Location
The UFC is making its triumphant return to Australia with UFC 293 in Sydney, slated for Saturday, September 9. The middleweight division, however, has been a topic of discussion, with limited opponents available for reigning champion Israel Adesanya. While initially considering Dricus Du Plessis as a potential challenger, plans have evolved. Adesanya is now set to defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland in what promises to be a thrilling main event. The event is scheduled to take place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Australia and will be available for viewers on ESPN+. UFC 293 offers an enticing main card starting at 10 p.m. (ET) and available on pay-per-view ($79.99 via ESPN+). Preliminaries, divided into two sets, will be broadcast on ESPNews and streamed on ESPN+, commencing at 6:30 p.m. (ET). Keep in mind that there is a notable time difference of 14 hours between Sydney and Eastern Standard Time. Israel Adesanya (24-2 MMA, 13-2 UFC) is set to defend his middleweight title, marking his first defence in his second reign as the UFC middleweight champion, against Sean Strickland. Adesanya initially claimed the title in 2019 and successfully defended it five times before losing it to his kickboxing rival, Alex Pereira, in November 2022. However, Adesanya reclaimed the championship belt in April with a second-round knockout, solidifying his return to the top. Based in New Zealand, Adesanya has long been anticipated to headline the UFC’s return to Australia. UFC 293 Fight Card: Israel Adesanya (c) vs. Sean Strickland for the UFC middleweight title Jamie Mullarkey vs. John Makdessi for the Lightweight title Tai Tuivasa vs. Alexander Volkov for the heavyweight title Carlos Ulberg vs. Jung Da-un for the Light Heavyweight title Kai Kara-France vs. Manel Kape for the Flyweight title Justin Tafa vs. Austen Lane for the Heavyweight Title Tyson Pedro vs. Anton Turkalj for the Light Heavyweight title FAQs: The main event features Israel Adesanya (c) vs. Sean Strickland, with Adesanya defending his UFC middleweight title. The main card of UFC 293 is set to begin at 10 p.m. (ET) and will be available on pay-per-view via ESPN+. UFC 293 preliminaries will be broadcast on ESPNews and streamed on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. (ET). The main card can be accessed on ESPN+. UFC 293 is an event that fans won’t want to miss. It marks a significant moment for Adesanya as he looks to solidify his reign as the middleweight champion. Stay tuned for a night of thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. Additional Information: Adesanya expressed his frustration when Dricus Du Plessis, the No. 1 contender, was deemed unfit to fight him at UFC 293. He made it clear that champions show up even with injuries, unlike Du Plessis. Adesanya’s focus has shifted to Sean Strickland, who has managed to get under his skin with his antagonistic demeanour. Adesanya emphasised that he disregards expectations of an easy win and focuses on his team. He expressed irritation towards his upcoming opponent for his provocative behaviour and sparring footage, which Adesanya finds distasteful. He disapproves of this conduct and believes it doesn’t align with his character. As the UFC 293 event approaches, fight fans eagerly await the showdown between Adesanya and Strickland, expecting sparks to fly both inside and outside the Octagon. As the anticipation for UFC 293 grows, fight fans around the world are eager to witness the clash between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland for the middleweight title. Adesanya’s journey to regain his championship belt has been remarkable, and Strickland, despite their differences, has earned his shot at the title. This fight promises to be a showdown of skills, willpower, and determination. As both fighters prepare to step into the Octagon on September 9th, the question remains: who will emerge victorious and secure the coveted middleweight title? Fight night can’t come soon enough as we await this thrilling contest between two formidable middleweights.
Paul Felder Rejects Clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov Upon Possible UFC Comeback
The MMA community is abuzz with excitement over Paul Felder’s potential return from retirement for one last hurrah. While there are a multitude of options for his comeback bout, one name stands out as an unlikely choice. Felder opted for retirement in 2020 after a closely contested split-decision loss to Rafael dos Anjos. Post-retirement, he seamlessly transitioned into a successful career as a UFC broadcaster, lending his insights during numerous Fight Night broadcasts. However, a recent occurrence in the world of MMA reignited Felder’s fighting spirit. A certain Korean Zombie, Chan Sung Jung, staged a spectacular return at UFC Fight Night 225, prompting Felder to tweet, “@KoreanZombieMMA got me wanting to go once more… damn you zombie. Seeing him face that crowd one last time Epic moments. I can’t get that main event out of my mind.” This tweet set off a wave of speculation and excitement among fans and fighters alike, contemplating Felder’s potential octagon comeback. Not long after, Felder took the plunge and officially initiated his return process by entering the USADA drug testing pool. Although Felder has a plethora of possible opponents waiting for him, be it in the lightweight or welterweight division, there’s one name he politely declined. When a fan suggested via Twitter that “The Irish Dragon” square off against the red-hot prospect Shavkat Rakhmonov, Felder promptly declined the proposed matchup. “I speak for everyone when I say we want @Rakhmonov1994 vs. @felderpaul! the fan tweeted. “No thank you!” was Felder’s succinct response. With Shavkat Rakhmonov boasting an unblemished record of 17-0, with all wins coming by way of finishes, it’s understandable why Paul Felder might opt to avoid facing such a formidable young contender in his potential comeback. Nevertheless, the UFC matchmaking team will have an intriguing task on their hands when Felder’s return becomes official. Felder, who holds a professional MMA record of 17-6 and boasts victories over elite UFC fighters like Charles Oliveira and Edson Barboza, has had his fair share of highs and lows inside the octagon. In his most recent bout at UFC Fight Night 182, Felder suffered a closely contested split-decision loss to former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos. Conversely, Shavkat Rakhmonov is one of the hottest prospects currently gracing the UFC. The welterweight sensation currently sits at No. 6 in the division rankings and is on a five-fight win streak in the promotion. With a pristine record of 17-0, featuring eight knockouts and nine submission wins, the Kazakh fighter is widely considered a future title contender. Rakhmonov’s most recent outing at UFC 285 saw him secure a third-round submission victory over Geoff Neal. As Felder contemplates his return to the octagon, it’s clear he’s not inclined to square off against a rising star like Rakhmonov. While injuries and health concerns factored into Felder’s initial retirement decision, the allure of one more moment beneath the bright lights, sparked by the Korean Zombie’s epic comeback, is undeniable. While Felder may be hesitant to face an emerging talent like Rakhmonov, the final word on his comeback opponent remains a mystery. MMA enthusiasts eagerly await Felder’s decision, should he choose to grace the UFC octagon once more. As Paul Felder contemplates his comeback, fans and fellow fighters are eager to see who he’ll eventually face inside the octagon. His successful career as a UFC broadcaster has allowed him to maintain a close connection to the sport, but the desire to experience the adrenaline and challenges of competition has rekindled his fighting spirit. The world of MMA eagerly awaits Felder’s decision, not only about potential opponents but also which division he’ll compete in. Whether he chooses to return to lightweight or venture into the welterweight division, one thing is certain: a fighter’s heart beats within Paul Felder, and he may pen another thrilling chapter in his storied career.
Ciryl Gane Responds To Tom Aspinall’s Call After Winning UFC Paris Bout
Ciryl Gane, the former UFC interim heavyweight champion, made a triumphant return to the octagon at UFC Paris. Fresh off the worst defeat of his MMA career, Gane faced Serghei Spivac in the main event and secured a second-round TKO victory at the Accor Arena in Paris. Gane was coming off a disappointing loss to Jon Jones for the vacant heavyweight title in March at UFC 285. The defeat left questions about his ability to defend takedowns against high-level heavyweight grapplers. However, Gane showcased improvements in his bout against Spivac by fending off a takedown attempt and outstriking him significantly. In a post-fight interview, Gane expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating, “Everything was perfect. He highlighted his mission to demonstrate his wrestling defence and adherence to his game plan. The victory marked a crucial rebound for the 33-year-old fighter. Tom Aspinall, another rising star in the heavyweight division, watched the fight cageside. Aspinall has ambitious plans for his career, including targeting a title shot against Jon Jones. However, he has shown an open-minded approach to his next opponent, indicating his willingness to face Gane or Sergei Pavlovich. Gane responded to Aspinall’s callout with respect, stating, “I’m not a bully; if he doesn’t want the fight, I’m not going to try and force it on him. Gane emphasised that his focus remains on fighting at the highest level and fixing any past mistakes rather than proving doubters wrong. The callout from Aspinall adds an intriguing storyline to the heavyweight division. Gane’s victory at UFC Paris solidified his position as a top contender, and potential matchups against Aspinall or other rising stars in the division are on the horizon. Aspinall’s ambitions in the heavyweight division are evident as he eyes a showdown with Jon Jones. However, he recognises that a fight against Gane or Pavlovich could be the next step in his journey to the top. Gane’s performance against Spivac demonstrated his evolution as a fighter and his ability to handle strong wrestlers. In the post-fight press conference, Gane clarified that he wasn’t motivated to prove doubters wrong but rather to fix the situation after his previous loss. He acknowledged that his coach and corner knew he wasn’t himself in his last fight. Gane’s dedication to improvement and his desire to remain at the highest level of the sport are evident. As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, fighters like Gane and Aspinall are at the forefront of the next generation of contenders. Gane’s victory at UFC Paris has put him back on track, and potential matchups against fellow rising stars make for exciting prospects in the division. While Gane is open to various opponents, including Aspinall, he maintains his focus on his journey and improvements as a fighter. As the heavyweight landscape shifts, fans can anticipate thrilling matchups and intriguing developments in the division. In the ever-changing world of mixed martial arts, the heavyweight division remains one of the most captivating. With fighters like Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall on the rise, the future promises exciting battles and the potential for new champions to emerge. The potential showdown between Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall has ignited a spark of anticipation among MMA enthusiasts. Both fighters possess unique skill sets and aspirations to reach the pinnacle of the heavyweight division. While Gane’s rebound victory at UFC Paris reestablished his position as a formidable contender, Aspinall’s eagerness to take on the division’s best sets the stage for a compelling clash. As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, the narratives of these rising stars intersect, creating a thrilling storyline for fans to follow. Whether the octagon eventually hosts a Gane-Aspinall showdown or sees these fighters rise through the ranks separately, one thing is clear: the heavyweight division is in the midst of an exciting transformation, and the future holds captivating matchups and championship aspirations for those willing to seize them.
Gilbert Burns: “Ian Garry Will Be A Champion In A Few Years”
In the fast-paced world of mixed martial arts, identifying rising stars is both an art and a science. Fighters come and go, but some leave an indelible mark that signifies greatness. Gilbert Burns, an established name in the UFC welterweight division, believes he has spotted one such future champion: Ian Garry. At UFC 292, Garry showcased his undeniable potential as he dominated the experienced Neil Magny over a gruelling 15 minutes. His victory propelled him to an impressive 6-0 record under the UFC banner, leaving fans and experts alike buzzing about his future in the sport. Garry’s performance drew admiration from his fellow fighters, including Gilbert Burns. The seasoned welterweight, who himself has challenged for the title, spoke highly of Garry’s prospects on MMA Fighting’s Trocaço Franca podcast. Burns expressed his belief that Ian Garry would likely become a UFC welterweight champion in the coming years. He praised Garry, noting he’s just 25 years old, a formidable talent, and someone who accurately predicted and executed his fight strategy. Burns’ endorsement carries significant weight. Having fought at the highest level of the sport and vied for the welterweight championship, he knows the attributes that make a fighter exceptional. Garry, at just 25 years old, already exhibits those qualities. It’s worth noting that Garry’s journey to stardom has been marked by a series of impressive victories. His most recent triumph came against the seasoned Derrick Lewis on February 4, 2023, where he secured a victory via submission. This win marked his third consecutive victory and further solidified his status as a rising contender in the 170-pound division. While Gilbert Burns is currently on the mend from a shoulder injury sustained in a gruelling five-round battle with Belal Muhammad, he is keeping a keen eye on the welterweight landscape. He sees Garry as part of a new wave of fighters who are poised to make a significant impact on the division. But Garry is not the only young talent that has caught Burns’ attention. He cited Shavkat Rakhmonov as another promising fighter in the division, emphasising that there is “new blood” entering the welterweight ranks. Rakhmonov boasts a perfect 17-0 record and recently earned a spectacular standing choke victory over Geoff Neal. Jack Della Maddalena, a formidable young prospect with an unblemished record in the UFC, is also on Burns’ radar. Maddalena will be returning to action on September 16th, facing off against Kevin Holland. Burns didn’t stop there. He highlighted Michael Morales, a Venezuelan fighter with an impressive 15-0 record in MMA. Morales joined the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series and has already turned heads with his performances. Gabriel Bonfim, another undefeated fighter at 15-0, has showcased his skills with two first-round guillotine choke victories in the UFC. As these young fighters continue to make their mark, established veterans in the division, like Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, are being urged to pay attention. Burns emphasised the importance of reinventing oneself to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving sport. Burns cautioned that experienced fighters like ‘Wonderboy’ and Neil Magny, who recently faced a tough loss, should focus on reinventing themselves for their continued success. Despite his own injury setback, Burns remains confident in his own abilities. At 37 years old, he believes he has more to offer in the UFC’s welterweight division. Unlike some of his contemporaries, who have faced a litany of injuries and surgeries, Burns feels that he is in peak physical condition. Burns pointed out that ‘Wonderboy’ seems to require surgery after every fight and has endured many injuries. In contrast, Burns stressed his good health, versatility in jiu-jitsu, and eagerness to compete. While age may be catching up with some fighters, Burns is not ready to hang up his gloves just yet. He remains motivated and driven to continue competing at the highest level. He added that he still has a few years left in his fighting career. Despite ‘Wonderboy’ being 42, five years older than him, and dedicating his life to karate, Burns believes he’s on a higher level, both physically and mentally, than others like Neil Magny. In a sport where youth often prevails, Gilbert Burns aims to prove that experience and determination can still lead to greatness. And as for Ian Garry, the sky’s the limit, with the belief of future greatness echoing in the words of a seasoned veteran.
Israel Adesanya Warns Khamzat Chimaev Against Underestimating Paulo Costa
Israel Adesanya recently weighed in on the highly anticipated Paulo Costa vs. Khamzat Chimaev matchup. While the Nigerian-born Kiwi recognized Chimaev’s grappling prowess, he urged ‘Borz’ not to underestimate Costa. ‘The Last Stylebender’ is undoubtedly among the most dominant champions the UFC has ever seen. Adesanya is a two-time middleweight champion and has built himself one of the most impressive resumes in divisional history. After beating Robert Whittaker in a title unification bout at UFC 243 in October 2019, Israel Adesanya held on to the 185-pound strap for over three years, losing it to Alex Pereira at UFC 281 in November 2022. Nevertheless, Adesanya reclaimed his title at UFC 287 with a stunning second-round KO over ‘Poatan’ in their rematch in April 2023. Over the course of his UFC career, Israel Adesanya has functionally cleared the middleweight division. He’s beaten world-class opponents like Robert Whittaker, Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier and avenged his sole 185-pound loss to Alex Pereira. Now ‘The Last Stylebender’ is looking for a new challenge and has his eyes on Khamzat Chimaev. ‘Borz’ is set to face Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 294 on October 21. Considering Adesanya’s long-running rivalry with ‘Borrachinha,’ it’s unsurprising that the middleweight king is hoping to see Chimaev emerge victorious. Adesanya previously beat Costa at UFC 253 in September 2020. In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Israel Adesanya shared some pearls of wisdom with Khamzat Chimaev. He urged the Chechen-born Swede not to look past the Brazilian and claimed he’s betting on Chimaev to win. He said: “I might be favoring Khamzat a little bit more because I like new blood… I just made Paulo look easy, but trust me, he’s a hard fight.” Meanwhile, Israel Adesanya is booked to fight Sean Strickland at UFC 293 this weekend in Sydney. If ‘Borz’ can get past Paulo Costa, an immediate middleweight title shot against Adesanya is undoubtedly on the cards for Khamzat Chimaev.
UFC 294: MMA Stars Weigh In On Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa
UFC 294 is undoubtedly one of the 2023’s most eagerly awaited pay-per-view events. Set to go down on October 21 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UFC 294 will be headlined by an exciting lightweight title rematch between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. While the main event features an undeniably exciting matchup, the co-main event also promises fireworks. Khamzat Chimaev will make his long-awaited middleweight debut against Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 294. Considering their long-brewing rivalry, this classic grappler vs. striker matchup is sure to enthrall fans. Chimaev last fought Kevin Holland at UFC 279 in September 2022 and blitzed ‘Trailblazer’ via first-round submission. ‘Borz’ is currently undefeated in his professional career with a perfect 12-0 record. Meanwhile, Costa is coming off a unanimous decision win against Luke Rockhold at UFC 278 in August 2022. Considering both contenders are returning from extended layoffs, many are unsure how ring rust will affect their performances. In a recent video uploaded by MMA journalist Helen Yee, several UFC stars weighed in on the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa middleweight fight. Here’s how each one predicted the outcome of the contest: No.3-ranked middleweight contender Jared Cannonier was uncertain about the final outcome and said: “That’s a good fight… If I was a bad man, I’d lean more towards Costa. He’s a big guy, we haven’t seen Khamzat compete against a guy of that size, stature, and skill level as well. But, as in all other combat situations, Khamzat’s got the skills to pay the bills. It’s going to be a fun fight.” No.3-ranked welterweight contender Belal Muhammad claimed that wrestling would be a pivotal factor and predicted the fight to go the distance. He said: “I think it comes down to how much the wrestling will play a factor. Khamzat, when he was taking guys down at 170 [pounds], he was going double-legged and picking them up. You’re not gonna be able to pick up Costa like a little guy… I think it’ll mostly be on the feet. I think both of these guys are gonna bang it out, kinda like the Gilbert Burns fight, for three rounds.” No.13-ranked welterweight contender Kevin Holland claimed Paulo Costa would be Khamzat Chimaev’s toughest test to date but predicted a win for the Brazilian. He said: “I think a lot of people forget how good Paulo Costa is. So I think that’s probably the toughest fight that Chimaev’s gonna have to date. Especially with the size… Chimaev’s a pretty big guy… I think they’ll match up and clash up pretty well, but we all know I don’t like Chimaev, so I’m gonna put my money on Paulo Costa.” No.5-ranked middleweight contender Sean Strickland is expecting a war between the two mercurial fighters but couldn’t pick a clear winner. He said: “You have two fighters who haven’t really been active. I don’t know, it’s gonna be a great fight, it’s gonna be a war. I’m excited for it. I like Costa.”