UFC on FOX 17: December 19, 2015

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQ5pG01VAAAVnIi.jpg:large




MAIN CARD
FOX, 8 p.m. ET
Rafael dos Anjos (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/rafael-dos-anjos)vs. Donald Cerrone (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/donald-cerrone)
for lightweight title
Junior Dos Santos (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/junior-dos-santos)vs. Alistair Overeem (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/alistair-overeem)
Nate Diaz (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/nate-diaz)vs. Michael Johnson (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/michael-johnson)
Karolina Kowalkiewicz (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/karolina-kowalkiewicz)vs. Randa Markos (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/randa-markos)

PRELIMINARY CARD
FOX Sports 1, 5 p.m. ET
Myles Jury (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/myles-jury)vs. Charles Oliveira (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/charles-oliveira)
C.B. Dollaway (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/cb-dollaway)vs. Nate Marquardt (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/nate-marquardt)
Sarah Kaufman (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/sarah-kaufman)vs. Valentina Shevchenko (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/valentina-shevchenko)
Tamdan McCrory (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/tamdan-mccrory)vs. Josh Samman (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/josh-samman)
Danny Castillo (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/danny-castillo)vs. Nik Lentz (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/nik-lentz)
Jim Alers (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/jim-alers)vs. Cole Miller (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/cole-miller)

PRELIMINARY CARD
UFC Fight Pass, 3:30 p.m. ET
Leon Edwards (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/leon-edwards)vs. Kamaru Usman (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/kamaru-usman)
Hayder Hassan (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/hayder-hassan)vs. Vicente Luque (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/vicente-luque)
Luis Henrique (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/luis-henrique-klb)vs. Francis Ngannou (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/francis-ngannou)





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[ace3g]

MMAjunkie @MMAjunkie
(https://twitter.com/MMAjunkie)Germaine de Randamie injured, out of UFC on FOX 17 bout with Sarah Kaufman dlvr.it/Cw2p9S (https://t.co/4KG08aHNM2) via @MMAjunkie (https://twitter.com/MMAjunkie/)

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yqavPWkqZw

[ace3g]

MAIN CARD
FOX, 8 p.m. ET
Rafael dos Anjos (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/rafael-dos-anjos)vs. Donald Cerrone (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/donald-cerrone)
for lightweight title
Junior Dos Santos (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/junior-dos-santos)vs. Alistair Overeem (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/alistair-overeem)
Nate Diaz (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/nate-diaz)vs. Michael Johnson (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/michael-johnson)
Karolina Kowalkiewicz (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/karolina-kowalkiewicz)vs. Randa Markos (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/randa-markos)

PRELIMINARY CARD
FOX Sports 1, 5 p.m. ET
Myles Jury (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/myles-jury)vs. Charles Oliveira (http://mmajunkie.com/fighters/charles-oliveira)

[Cry Havoc]

Rafael dos Anjos vs. Donald Cerrone

Junior Dos Santos vs. Alistair Overeem
Nate Diaz vs. Michael Johnson
Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Randa Markos

Myles Jury vs. Charles Oliveira

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v338KWZ1hPU

[txstr1986]

Rafael dos Anjos vs. Donald Corrone for lightweight title - RDA is solid everywhere, but I like Cowboy's athleticism in this one. I know Cowboy has had issues in the past with high profile fights, but I get the sense that his mind is in a better place now. And anyway, I'm a big fan of his so I'm rooting for him anyway...

Junior Dos Santos vs. Alistair Overeem - Cain somehow stole JDS's life force in their second fight. Overeem obviously isn't what he used to be, but he's better than JDS at this point.

Nate Diaz vs. Michael Johnson - fun to have Stockton back in the octagon, but Johnson is legit

Myles Jury vs. Charles Oliveira - Oliveira is no joke, but he can't handle the FURY.

[Cry Havoc]

Oliveira misses weight. Should be a no contest for our calls in this forum.

[ace3g]

Nate in full "Diaz" mode

Couldn't even hear his post fight interview, trash talked Conor? I think ? lol

[ace3g]

REEM!!!

[ace3g]

...

[ace3g]

Ariel Helwani @arielhelwani
(https://twitter.com/arielhelwani)RDA: Hey McGregor, you want to come to lightweight division? This is my division. You better stay at featherweight.

Ariel Helwani @arielhelwani
(https://twitter.com/arielhelwani)RDA to McGregor: I will fight you in Brazil, Ireland ... I am here to stay.

[Red Hawk #21]

RDA is a fucking savage, he made easy work of Cowboy. I honestly think the first punch that hit Cowboy drained him and after that the onslaught of punches destroyed him. :wow RDA :wow

[Red Hawk #21]

Ariel Helwani @arielhelwani
(https://twitter.com/arielhelwani)RDA: Hey McGregor, you want to come to lightweight division? This is my division. You better stay at featherweight.

Ariel Helwani @arielhelwani
(https://twitter.com/arielhelwani)RDA to McGregor: I will fight you in Brazil, Ireland ... I am here to stay.




Does Conor really want to fight RDA? I seriously think he should reconsider...

[ace3g]

Conor McGregor’s prediction of becoming a two-weight world champion is coming closer to fruition. UFC Dana White has promised McGregor a lightweight title shot if he chooses to move up to the weight class.

McGregor (19-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) captured the UFC featherweight title from Jose Aldo (25-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) with a record-setting first-round knockout in UFC 194’s main event and continued to take the sport by storm with another brilliant performance.

“The Notorious” has called his shots since the day he set foot in the UFC, and prior to his showdown with Aldo he revealed his intention to jump up a weight class after UFC 194 and become a champion in two weight classes.

Although the plan seemed lofty at the time, White said McGregor’s performance made him worthy of the opportunity.

“(McGregor’s coach) John Kavanagh said in the octagon he’ll never make 145 again. He said, ‘I don’t want him making that weight again; it’s not good for him,'” White said on the UFC 194 post-fight show on FOX Sports 1. “I’d bring him straight in for a title shot. … They’ve been talking about going to ’55, but you never know with Conor.”

UFC Vice President of Public Relations Dave Sholler confirmed White’s statement at UFC 194’s post-fight press conference.

Sholler said McGregor has the option of fighting Edgar at 145 pounds after “The Answer” scored a first-round knockout of Chad Mendes at the TUF 22 Finale on Friday. Or, he could vacate his newly won belt and face the winner of next weekend’s UFC on FOX 17 main event between 155-pound champ Rafael dos Anjos and Donald Cerrone.

http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/dana-white-conor-mcgregor-gets-immediate-title-shot-with-move-to-lightweight

[Cry Havoc]

If Conor fights against RDA and wins, he immediately enters all-time great discussions.

[Red Hawk #21]

If Conor fights against RDA and wins, he immediately enters all-time great discussions.

You think he can beat RDA? I can't see it happening as of right now tbh

[Cry Havoc]

You think he can beat RDA? I can't see it happening as of right now tbh

I mean, he's been doubted at every turn, and he continues to not only win, but completely dominate. I'd still probably take RDA... but Conor beating him wouldn't shock me, nothing he does would shock me at this point.

[Cry Havoc]

Also, what the fuck is up with Cowboy and shitting the bed in his title fights?

[Red Hawk #21]

I mean, he's been doubted at every turn, and he continues to not only win, but completely dominate. I'd still probably take RDA... but Conor beating him wouldn't shock me, nothing he does would shock me at this point.

The only time I recall Conor taking significant damage was his fight with Chad Mendes. I honestly think Mendes would have won that fight if he had more time to train, his conditioning was not up to par (He took the fight on 2 week notice). He pretty much dominated Conor for most of the fight until he gassed. I honestly think if Conor fought RDA it would play out like his fight with Mendes, only thing is RDA isn't going to get gassed which would present major problems for Conor imho.

PS - Notice how everyone is calling out Conor lately? :lol

[Red Hawk #21]

Also, what the fuck is up with Cowboy and shitting the bed in his title fights?

That was a weaksauce performance from Cowboy, I still think it was the very first jab he took from RDA that shook him up. You can never get careless out there and think you can eat a punch, it only takes one hit to completely change a fight. I really feel the UFC wanted Cowboy to beat RDA so then he could go on to face Conor. Can you imagine the trash talk that would come out of a Cowboy-McGregor matchup :wow? Ratings would have gone through the roof. But that's not gunna happen now so I wonder where Cowboy goes from here?

[Cry Havoc]

The only time I recall Conor taking significant damage was his fight with Chad Mendes. I honestly think Mendes would have won that fight if he had more time to train, his conditioning was not up to par (He took the fight on 2 week notice). He pretty much dominated Conor for most of the fight until he gassed. I honestly think if Conor fought RDA it would play out like his fight with Mendes, only thing is RDA isn't going to get gassed which would present major problems for Conor imho.

PS - Notice how everyone is calling out Conor lately? :lol

I think Mendes gassed when Conor beat him up with kicks and punches. I don't think Chad wins that fight, but who knows.

[Red Hawk #21]

I think Mendes gassed when Conor beat him up with kicks and punches. I don't think Chad wins that fight, but who knows.

All I remember was Mendes taking Conor down numerous times and Conor bleeding all over the place as he was getting grounded and pounded. Maybe I'll go back and watch the fight. Hopefully I can find it online :lol

[Cry Havoc]

All I remember was Mendes taking Conor down numerous times and Conor bleeding all over the place as he was getting grounded and pounded. Maybe I'll go back and watch the fight. Hopefully I can find it online :lol

I don't think anyone would argue that Conor needs to work on his ground game. However, his spacing and stand-up seems to make up for it. Do you think even RDS could handle Conor on his feet?

[Red Hawk #21]

I don't think anyone would argue that Conor needs to work on his ground game. However, his spacing and stand-up seems to make up for it. Do you think even RDS could handle Conor on his feet?

Hmm...that's a tough one. I think Conor def has the advantage on the feet but I don't think the margin is that great imho. I hope to see them fight soon...

[pgardn]

Hmm...that's a tough one. I think Conor def has the advantage on the feet but I don't think the margin is that great imho. I hope to see them fight soon...

Not with the little guys anymore.
I think RDA humbles him.

[Cry Havoc]

Not with the little guys anymore.
I think RDA humbles him.

That's what the #1 P4P was going to do, wasn't it?

[pgardn]

That's what the #1 P4P was going to do, wasn't it?

I dont know.

What I do know is McG looks huge compared to guys he now rules. Maybe he keeps growing like Manny P ...

[Cry Havoc]

I dont know.

What I do know is McG looks huge compared to guys he now rules. Maybe he keeps growing like Manny P ...

He's not that much bigger than Holloway or Aldo.

[pgardn]

He's not that much bigger than Holloway or Aldo.

Well then McG has an enormous head. After the rehydration what was his weight and height compared to Aldo? Not implying rehydration makes one taller. He looks to be bigger than the guys he is fighting, this is what I am saying. And I believe going up a notch does have a significant effect on apparent power.

But, it might be he was fighting weaker trying to make weight. Anyways, I hope the fight happens because RDA is one of those guys who has been humbled and come back stronger. I think guys that have been through tougher times and come back better are smarter and tougher fighters (Lawler)

[Cry Havoc]

Well then McG has an enormous head. After the rehydration what was his weight and height compared to Aldo? Not implying rehydration makes one taller. He looks to be bigger than the guys he is fighting, this is what I am saying. And I believe going up a notch does have a significant effect on apparent power.

But, it might be he was fighting weaker trying to make weight. Anyways, I hope the fight happens because RDA is one of those guys who has been humbled and come back stronger. I think guys that have been through tougher times and come back better are smarter and tougher fighters (Lawler)

I dunno man, JBJ has a pretty legit claim to being the best ever, and dude is about as arrogant as it gets.

[pgardn]

I dunno man, JBJ has a pretty legit claim to being the best ever, and dude is about as arrogant as it gets.

For sure.
He just screwed himself up.
And the big Swede showed him that no one is untouchable. So he had a learning experience. I guess Mendes gave Conor somewhat of a wake up. But I don't know how bad he really was because the guy bleeds quickly it seems.

I think fighters who have been in the ring with opponents they know are better that night and actually gut out a win, or even take a tough loss, can become very good if they up their game. It completely ruins some, they don't want the misery again which is understandable. Dos Santos reminds me of a really really good fighter who has just been beat up too much. I think he beats Overeem if Cain had not pulled his heart out before.

This is such a tough brutal sport. I really can't believe I am fascinated by it. One bad car wreck and I don't want back in the car. Survival...

Anyways, Conor is obviously very good for the sport.

[ace3g]

Marc Raimondi @marc_raimondi
(https://twitter.com/marc_raimondi)Donald Cerrone moves up to welterweight, faces Tim Means in UFC Pittsburgh main event mmafighting.com/2016/1/1/10699… (https://t.co/9NzVgSdYit)

[txstr1986]

Marc Raimondi @marc_raimondi
(https://twitter.com/marc_raimondi)Donald Cerrone moves up to welterweight, faces Tim Means in UFC Pittsburgh main event mmafighting.com/2016/1/1/10699… (https://t.co/9NzVgSdYit)


And this is why people love Cowboy