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UFC 251 is just four days away, and it’s a pretty compelling card from top-to-bottom. Somewhat overshadowed by the three title fights is an excellent rematch between Jessica Andrade and Rose Namajunas, a pivotal Strawweight bout that carries definite title implications.
The first time these women fought, Andrade was able to steal Namajunas’ crown with one of the most brutal slam knockouts in MMA history. However, Namajunas was doing quite well on the feet prior to the slam, which has prompted some to write Andrade’s victory off as luck or a fluke.
“Bate Estaca” respectfully thinks otherwise.
“I don’t know if [Namajunas] thinks [it was a fluke], but I know she really wants this rematch; she wants to show she’s has gotten better and evolved, that she has what it takes to beat me,” Andrade told MMA Fighting. “There are a lot of American fans and a lot of Brazilian fans that say it was luck, but I know it wasn’t luck. I was ready for all that. I knew what I had to do in the fight and how it would go down. If I hadn’t won that way [the win] would have come any other way, the next round, or even the next one.
“I don’t know what goes inside Rose’s mind, but she has this strength inside of her to prove herself, to evolve after every fight. She has this desire to get better and win every time she stumbles. I believe she’s coming to prove that by fighting me.
“If it was lucky, she will be able to beat me, and if it wasn’t, I’ll win – and the mutual respect continues.”
It’s definitely an interesting match up and perfect candidate for a do-over. On one hand, Namajunas was tagging Andrade with lots of counters. However, Andrade generally has no qualms about getting punches in the face, and her own work to the body and legs was definitely taking its toll on Namajunas even before the big slam.
Who ya’ got in the rematch?
Insomnia
Confirmed: Max Holloway is a pretty cool dude.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, here’s further confirmation that Ali Abdelaziz is not a super cool guy.
Here is a story not included in the article:
Back in 2017, I reported on Renzo Gracie visiting Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov. Shortly thereafter, I got threatening texts from Ali Abdelaziz in an attempt to silence me. Here is a screenshot of a portion of those texts pic.twitter.com/uZPrZ8wCs4
— Karim Zidan | كريم زيدان (@ZidanSports) July 7, 2020
Finally, it remains a struggle to determine if Mike Perry is a lovable goof or absolute psychopath. Hopefully he’s at least paid his taxes …
I hope judgement day is coming. I hope all you filthy mouth losers burn in the shithole sewers of hell. All you will see, smell & hear is nightmares of vomit and feces drowning you for eternity. Your life sucks so you hate on beauty you will never have but it will only get worse
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) July 7, 2020
A nifty teep setup:
The women’s Flyweight division gains a much needed new prospect/hopeful contender.
Former Jungle Fight Woman’s Flyweight Champion, Natalia Silva signed a deal with UFC.
Information comes from her management today in Social Media.
23 years old, Natalia have 12-5-1, 6-winning streak with 4 finishes in her last 4 bouts. pic.twitter.com/Y1abRMGtCr
— Bruno Massami (Бруно Массами) (@BrMassami) July 7, 2020
Jorge Masvidal ain’t worried bout nothin’ as he heads into a title fight on roughly a week’s notice.
I don’t know precisely why Weili Zhang is doing this exercise, but it looks difficult!
Slips, rips, and KO clips
I wrote my own article about the trials and tribulations of Josh Emmett’s rise, but here’s some extra info from a man who witnessed all of it firsthand!
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Ray Sefo delivers an exceptionally mean right hook.
Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic 3 is a rubber match where I really have no idea what will happen. There are at least three extremely possible results!
Random Land
A very cool bridge in Enshi City, China!
Midnight Music: Dove headfirst into the Jazz rabbit hole tonight!
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.