Khabib was 'really worried' about Makhachev at UFC 284
Khabib Nurmagomedov was worried about Islam Makhachev entering UFC 284, according to coach Javier Mendez.
The Level Change Podcast 235: UFC San Antonio, Silly Fighter Quotes
Welcome to The Level Change Podcast, our combat sports themed variety show hosted by Stephie Haynes and Victor Rodriguez. The show features the news of the week, fight card breakdowns and analysis, a roundup of regional promotions’ cards and fights; and whatever else we decide is important enough or entertaining enough to bring to your […]
Bryce Mitchell accuses UFC 284 judges of taking ‘oil money,’ claims Makhachev-Volkanovski is ‘rigged’
UFC 284’s headliner between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski was so controversial that it is still talked about today, more than a month since it happened. There have been numerous takes on it, but the most unique of them all, by far, is from featherweight Bryce Mitchell. “Thug Nasty” recently spoke with James Lynch for […]
UFC champ Makhachev unhappy about Australia event not giving him enough time to recover from weight cut
Islam Makhachev appeared to have a difficult weight cut for his UFC 284 title fight with Alexander Volkanovski. The undisputed lightweight champion had to strip down during the official weigh-ins to make the 155-pound limit, and his alleged IV use has been a hot post-fight discussion. Makhachev recently caught up with TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter and […]
Dana White explains why he shot down Makhachev vs Volkanovski immediate rematch
Because of such a close, debated result at UFC 284, both Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski have agreed on an immediate rematch. The two men were even seen discussing it backstage right after their five-rounder and agreeing to a potential part two in Abu Dhabi. Like many who saw the fight, UFC president Dana White […]
UFC contender Rafael Fiziev wants ‘bullsh-t’ rule changed after Makhachev vs Volkanovksi
Two and a half weeks may have passed, but there remain to be conversations about UFC 284’s headliner between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Top ten lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev was recently asked about it during an interview with Submission Radio, and he is calling for some rule changes. “I think they have to change […]
Makhachev was ‘getting gassed’ more than Volkanovksi at UFC 284, says Teddy Atlas
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was a sizable favorite leading up to his first title defense at UFC 284 against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. On fight day, the Dagestani registered as a -380 favorite over the +320 underdog that is Volkanovski. He was even favored to win via a finish (-115), while Volkanovski’s chances to […]
UFC 284 medical suspensions: Yair Rodríguez, Josh Emmett, three others facing 6-month terms
The Combat Sport Commission of Western Australia has released its list of medical suspensions for UFC 284 earlier this month. Following the most recent pay-per-view, five fighters — Yair Rodríguez, Josh Emmett, Tyson Pedro, Jamie Mullarkey and Blake Bilder — were given potential six-month terms. Rodríguez and Emmett vied for the interim UFC featherweight championship, […]
Video: Islam Makhachev and Alex Volkanovski agree on Abu Dhabi rematch
After their five-round scrap at UFC 284, champions Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski agreed on a rematch. The two went on separate post-fight interviews, stating their intentions for a possible part two. But as it turns out, both men already talked about and said yes to a rematch in the locker room as soon as […]
YouTuber fakes credentials, sneaks into UFC 284 and walks out alongside Alexander Volkanovski
At UFC 274, we all got a preview of how tight security is during live events. This lady learned it the hard way when she tried to jump the barriers and made a beeline toward the cage, only to be stopped and harshly thrown out. But no matter how foolproof a system is, there are […]
Have it your way! – Jon Anik got served a burger and fries by rowdy fans at UFC 284
There’s no question that Aussie fans brought the energy to UFC 284. The first show for the world’s largest MMA promotion ‘Down Under’ in two-and-a-half years (the UFC also had a show in New Zealand in 2020), meant fans sold out the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia at lightning speed. There was lots of cheering, […]
The Level Change Podcast 226: Erectile Dysfunction, Cocaine & Illegal IVs
Welcome to The Level Change Podcast, our combat sports themed variety show hosted by Stephie Haynes and Victor Rodriguez. The show features the news of the week, fight card breakdowns and analysis, a roundup of regional promotions’ cards and fights; and whatever else we decide is important enough or entertaining enough to bring to your […]
‘I never expected justice’ – Makhachev blames Volkanovski’s P4P rank on ‘attitude’ against Russians
UFC 284’s headliner was a battle between the top two pound-for-pound fighters, Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev. Makhachev ended up winning via decision, and he expected to claim the top spot. Tuesday rolled around and lo and behold, the smaller Volkanovski is still at number one. Makhachev was asked about these developments in his return […]
MMA SQUARED: Dana White’s most beloved friends stage an intervention
Chris Rini BONUS CARTOON! Take care of yourself and I’ll talk to you Monday. Chris
‘Something was going on’ – Volkanovski’s coach expounds on team’s cheating allegations vs Makhachev
In the aftermath of the debated result of UFC 284’s headliner between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski, Dan Hooker made some incendiary claims. Without naming names, “The Hangman” alleged that Makhachev used an I.V. to his advantage, a practice that’s been banned since USADA stepped in. Dumb cunt thinks he can fly to Australia hire […]
MMA SQUARED: Volkanovski vs Makhachev was too close; now the future of two divisions is blurry
Chris Rini Take care of yourself and I’ll talk to you Monday. Chris
USADA was ‘watching me ‘sh-t nonstop’ – Tyson Pedro details stomach flu before UFC 284
UFC 284 didn’t go as planned for light heavyweight Tyson Pedro. The 31-year-old City Kickboxing fighter lost to Modestas Bukauskas via unanimous decision at the prelims, snapping a two-fight win streak. Pedro went on social media early this week to give a bit of insight into his performance. While he did give credit to Bukauskas, […]
Weekly Guest Pod: A Change of Heart, Drax and My MMA Future | The Eugene S. Robinson Show Stomper!
“Did Volk get robbed? Yes. And?” – Eugene S. Robinson 2.12.2023 Welcome to our weekly guest podcast, which fills our Wednesday Bloody Elbow Presents Podcast Network content slot. If you aren’t familiar with the show, it’s probably best described as a compelling MMA video podcast, with a smattering of social commentary & ramblings, as well […]
UFC fighter rankings: Alexander Volkanovski still tops P4P list
While UFC 284 featured one of the most technically proficient fights ever between the top two P4P fighters in the promotion, not much changed in terms of the rankings. Alex Volkanovski came up just short in the main event, dropping a close decision to Islam Makhachev that a lot of people think he actually won. […]
‘The guy is a loser’ – Makhachev’s manager says Dan Hooker’s IV claim is ‘completely BS’
Few sports love their drama to the same extent as MMA. Apparently it wasn’t enough that Alex Volkanovski felt hard done by from the judges at UFC 284 in Perth, or that he turned in a performance that had fans cheering him on at the final bell—and which kept his spot secure atop the UFC’s […]
‘He can hold that flag until I’m there’ — Volkanovski says Rodríguez can defend interim title
After losing to Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 this past Saturday, Alexander Volkanovski set his sights on his next opponent: Yair Rodríguez. Earlier that night, Rodríguez became the interim UFC featherweight champion after subbing Josh Emmett with a triangle choke. For ‘El Pantera’ and the ‘Great,’ their next fight should be a title unification, which […]
‘This guy is so strong’ — Islam Makhachev credits Alexander Volkanovski for tough fight at UFC 284
Islam Makhachev planned on knocking Alexander Volkanovski out at UFC 284 this past Saturday. But that plan changed after their fight started. One of the main storylines heading into the fight was how Volkanovski was going to deal with the ‘Dagestani wrestling’ Makhachev had dominated his previous opponents with. The UFC featherweight champion was excited […]
‘Feigned outrage’ – Daniel Cormier calls out critics of UFC 284 main event result
A lot of people don’t agree with the result of UFC 284’s headliner between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev was awarded the unanimous decision, but many others like longtime commentator Joe Rogan believe otherwise. But for UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, his AKA teammate was the rightful winner. In a video he uploaded […]
Makhachev ‘should’ve lost’ – Watch Joe Rogan’s live reaction to UFC 284 headliner
Sentiments surrounding UFC 284’s headliner fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski have been divided. Makhachev was awarded the victory via unanimous decision, but a handful of people believe Volkanovski was the rightful winner. One of those who was convinced about a wrong result is color commentator Joe Rogan, who held a Fight Companion podcast […]
The Level Change Podcast 225: UFC 284, Islam accused of IV use, Pulver inducted into HOF
Welcome to The Level Change Podcast, our combat sports themed variety show hosted by Stephie Haynes and Victor Rodriguez. The show features the news of the week, fight card breakdowns and analysis, a roundup of regional promotions’ cards and fights; and whatever else we decide is important enough or entertaining enough to bring to your […]
Yair Rodriguez wants Mexico City title fight, convincing Volkanovski & the UFC might be a challenge
Yair Rodriguez headlining a PPV in Mexico seems like a surefire home run, but the UFC has reason to hesitate.
Jack Della Maddalena calls for guaranteed ‘banger’ with Vicente Luque
Rising welterweight prospect, Jack Della Maddalena, pulled off a sensational first round club & sub victory over Randy Brown this past weekend at UFC 284 — and the 14-2 knockout artist already has another name in mind for his next outing. JDM made quick work of Brown. He dropped him with a set of right […]
‘Cheating dog’ — Islam Makhachev accused of breaking rules at UFC 284 by lightweight rival
On Saturday night Islam Makhachev secured his spot as number-one on the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings thanks to a close, though still impressive, decision win over Alexander Volkanovski. The win also saw him defend his UFC lightweight title for the first time. Someone who was not impressed by Makhachev’s win is Dan ‘The Hangman’ Hooker, a […]
MMA SQUARED: Islam Makhachev overcomes PR threat in thrilling UFC 284 performance
Chris Rini Thanks everyone for being supportive of my work here and in my proper art studio making books about MMA. What a thrilling and heartening night of fights. The winners (and Volk) in the last three fights of UFC 284 just made me more excited for the future. Take care of yourself and I’ll […]
UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski – Fights to make
Fans have to hope that the promotion didn’t learn exactly the wrong lesson from UFC 284. Namely, that if they put together an extremely top-heavy event with just a few notable names on it, that fans will still walk away entirely satisfied. That’s a long way of saying that Saturday’s PPV, in Perth, rocked hard. […]