All articles tagged with #featherweight division
Alexander Volkanovski is pleased with Lerone Murphy's impressive knockout win at UFC 319, considering him a top contender for his next title shot, despite earlier efforts to fight Movsar Evloev. Volkanovski praises Murphy's performance and sees him as a logical challenger for the featherweight belt.
Ilia Topuria, the UFC featherweight champion, has clarified that he does not intend to vacate his title despite considering a move to the lightweight division. This statement comes after speculation arose when Topuria hinted at a potential weight class change, prompting contenders like Diego Lopes to suggest fights for a possibly vacant title. Topuria emphasized that any decision to change divisions is his alone and has not been finalized with the UFC. He remains focused on defending his featherweight title, having recently defeated Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
Brian Ortega overcame a freak ankle injury during his UFC Mexico City fight against Yair Rodriguez to secure a third-round submission win. He expressed respect for former champion Alexander Volkanovski and called out the disrespectful behavior towards him, while also expressing willingness to challenge new champion Ilia Topuria in Spain if Volkanovski needs time off. Ortega emphasized his resilience and willingness to face tough opponents, showcasing his determination to compete at the highest level in the featherweight division.
Brian Ortega overcame an ankle injury and a barrage of strikes from Yair Rodriguez to secure a remarkable comeback victory in the UFC Mexico City co-main event. After surviving the onslaught, Ortega utilized his grappling skills to secure an arm-triangle choke in the third round, forcing Rodriguez to tap out. This win marks Ortega's return to the featherweight division after nearly two years and places him back in the title contention conversation.
Ilia Topuria, a multicultural European fighter with roots in Georgia, Spain, and Germany, knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in the second round to become the UFC featherweight champion at UFC 298. Topuria, who had been undefeated, fulfilled his prediction of a second-round knockout, while Volkanovski, the former champion, suffered his first loss at featherweight in the UFC. Topuria called out Conor McGregor and expressed his desire for a title defense in Spain, opening up a new market for the UFC.
Ilia Topuria is confident he deserves the next title shot in the UFC featherweight division and is willing to wait for the winner of the July 8 title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez. However, he would consider fighting Max Holloway in Spain if offered the opportunity. Topuria believes he has the skills to finish anyone in the division and presents a new challenge for the champion.
David Onama knocked out Gabriel Santos in the second round of their featherweight bout at UFC Jacksonville with a series of uppercuts. Onama, who improved his record to 11-2, credited his training camp at Factory X with coach Marc Montoya for his patience and improved skills. He plans to continue to take his time and improve his game in the highly competitive featherweight division.
Alex Volkanovski wants Max Holloway to leave the featherweight division and stop beating up his contenders. Holloway recently teased a return to the lightweight division but may still be in the running for featherweight title shots. Yair Rodriguez may upset the 145-pound division at UFC 290 in July.
Robeisy Ramirez defeated Isaac Dogboe in a twelve-round unanimous decision victory to claim the vacant WBO featherweight title. Ramirez, a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Cuba, overcame early career adversity to win his first major title. Dogboe, who threw more punches, was outlanded and connected at a significantly lower percentage than Ramirez. Ramirez is now a top featherweight and wants to fight all the world champions, including Joet Gonzalez, Luis Alberto Lopez, or Michael Conlan.