Rise or Regression: How the UFC cash-in on Khamzat Chimaev is stalling his development

As UFC shows halted during the first stateside surge in COVID-19 cases, and with Endeavor’s debt obligations towering over the entire operation, it became clear something radical was in order. The simple phrase “Fight Island” was a tantalizing change of pace for fans desensitized to Zuffa’s utter lack of showmanship. Whatever details Dana White wouldn’t …

Prospect Report: Mochamed Machaev

Mochamed Machaev is a 20-year-old Austrian prospect currently competing in the featherweight division for Brave CF. Machaev comes from a kickboxing background, having won the WAKO junior world title in 2015. He is also a lifelong Kyokushin karate practitioner. Strengths Offensive Wrestling Despite coming from a striking background, Machaev tends to utilise a lot of …

Global Roundup: 30 July-1 August

Invicta FC 41 Montserrat Ruiz def. Janaisa Morandin Early in the first round, both fighters enjoyed some success in the striking department. The finish came after Ruiz was able to complete a head and arm throw and wrap up one of Morandin’s arms with her legs. Ruiz landed some nice ground and pound which opened …

Global Roundup: 23-25 July

ACA 107 Magomed Ismailov vs Alexander Emelianenko Arguably the most anticipated Russian fight of 2020 did not disappoint. The massively undersized Ismailov started quickly by landing several big punches on his opponent. Ismailov was then able to secure an easy takedown and controlled Emelianenko for the remainder of the round. There was some confusion as …

Global Roundup: 17-19 July

LFA 85  Vanessa Demopoulos def. Sam Hughes In the main event of the evening, women’s flyweight title was on the line as Sam Hughes faced off with Vanessa Demopoulos The majority of the fighters spent on the feet with Sam Hughes being a step ahead. At the end of the second round, Demopoulos landed an …

Global Roundup: 10-13 July

LFA 84 Justin Gonzales def. Jake Childers In the main event of the evening, Justin Gonzales was able to pick up his 11th straight win as a professional as he finished the previously undefeated Jake Childers and became the LFA Featherweight champion. J-Train looked in control for the majority of the fight, although he did …

Killing Floor: The Subtler Levers of the UFC Machine

In boxing, fighters set the stage. They choose an opponent, negotiate for the weight they meet at, the location of the fight, the gloves which shall be used, the date of the contest, who will referee, the length of the bout, who will judge the match, if drug testing will take place, which organization handles …

Prospect Report: Jasmine Jasudavicius

Jasmine Jasudavicius is a Canadian prospect competing in the flyweight division. Having turned pro less than a year ago, Jasudavicius has already compiled a 4-0 record with 3 finishes. Prior to turning professional, she also had a successful amateur career where she went 4-0. At 31, Jasudavicius is a bit of a late starter and …

Max Rohskopf: All In to Go All Out

“To bear trials with a calm mind robs misfortune of its strength and burden.”                                                                          Seneca the Younger Less than a week ago, the news broke: Max Rohskopf, one of the brightest prospects in North America, had signed with the UFC. It flew under the radar, as prospect signings often do—not everyone has a nation behind …

Prospect Report: Vladimir Mineev

Vladimir Mineev is a middleweight that currently competes in Fight Night Global and other regional promotions in Russia and Ukraine. Mineev transitioned to MMA after a successful career as a kickboxer where he picked up impressive victories over current Glory fighters in Sergej Maslobojev and Felipe Micheletti. It is believed that Mineev had championship potential …