Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 25, 2024, we’re taking a look at:
- Gordon believes Muhammad can catch Edwards off guard
- Video shows Ferguson's boxing success against Pimblett
- Former Jones rival backs Aspinall to beat him
Jared Gordon Says Belal Muhammad Can Surprise Leon Edwards On The Feet
Belal Muhammad comes into his first UFC title fight with tons of confidence that he is the best welterweight in the world.
His winning streak has been very impressive but in the champion Leon Edwards, he faces a very tough test at UFC 304 this weekend.
It doesn't take an expert analyst to break down why the challenger's wrestling will be crucial in this fight if he is able to take Edwards' striking game away from him.
During a fight week interview with InsideFighting, his teammate Jared Gordon broke down how he sees the fight playing out.
Whilst he expects Muhammad to really come into his own in the second half of the fight, he also predicted that he might be able to catch "Rocky" off guard when it comes to the stand-up battle.
I see Belal surprising him on the feet and I think his pressure and the later rounds is what's going to separate them and Belal always does better in the later rounds where Leon tends to fade, you know. So I think Belal's going to have to get through that first round, second round, and then he's going to cook him.
Social Media Video Shows Tony Ferguson Repeatedly Landing Straight Punches Against Paddy Pimblett
Paddy Pimblett will face the toughest test of his UFC run to date this weekend when he takes on King Green in Manchester.
Whilst "The Baddy" has had a lot of success inside the Octagon, his striking defense has been called into question a few times.
This is something he's been working on extensively in recent times and against the boxing skills of Green, it's sure to be a major factor at UFC 304.
A recent highlights compilation posted on X showed how Tony Ferguson was able to have success against Pimblett at UFC 296 by utilizing his straight punches.
"El Cucuy" didn't deal a whole lot of damage in the fight but he was able to consistently land these shots.
With Green being known for his speed and combinations, not taking too many jabs or straights may have been a significant part of the Brit's training camp for this next outing.
Alexander Gustafsson Says He Can See Tom Aspinall Beating Jon Jones If They Ever Fight
There aren't many fighters that know Jon Jones better than his former light heavyweight rival, Alexander Gustaffson.
"The Mauler" fought tooth and nail with "Bones" 11 years ago in one of the best title fights we've ever seen and met him for a second time in a rematch.
Despite interim champion Tom Aspinall returning to defend his title this weekend against Curtis Blaydes, the match-up that many have been speaking about is the Brit taking on Jones at some stage.
Gustaffson spoke in a recent interview with Crypto Sports Betting (h/t FightBook MMA) where he said that if the fight happens, he believes England's Aspinall has what it takes to be the first man to beat the consensus greatest of all time.
Yes, I think Tom will be too much for Jon. He has all the weapons to beat Jon. Jon hasn’t been that active, but he’s still the GOAT. You can never count this guy out, he’s so freaking good at what he does. He’s handled every opponent and everybody knows how good he is, but Aspinall right now, I see him as very dangerous for Jon,” Gustafsson continued. “He’s dangerous on his feet, he’s fast, he has great footwork, and he’s a smart fighter. He has the tools to do good against Jon and even beat him. If they will fight, now is the time for Aspinall. He could go down as one of the best heavyweights ever.
Read more on the story here.
For more MMA news, check out:
- VIDEO: Former Opponents Paddy Pimblett & Jared Gordon Have Respectful Elevator Interaction In Manchester Ahead Of UFC 304
- Conor McGregor Takes Issue With ESPN’s List Of Top 10 Women’s MMA Fighters: ‘Cyborg Is A Convicted Steroid Cheat!’
- Manel Kape, Eric Nicksick Suggest Hotel Fight Was Planned Attack From Muhammad Mokaev’s Team Ahead Of UFC 304