Category: Opinion

Knockdown News 2021 Fighter of the Year: Charles Oliveira

The year 2021 presented unique challenges to fighters who wanted to make a name for themselves. In 2020, the struggle was getting fights. As the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically lowered the number of events in 2020 and the virus placed an added risk to fighters, the amount of people who competed was less than ever. But … Continue reading Knockdown News 2021 Fighter of the Year: Charles Oliveira →

Looking Back At 2021: Are We Shocked Too Often?

Maybe we should be shocked less often. In the world of MMA and around the world at large recently, we have seen surprises every single day that make us question whether our daily lives are slipping further into absurdity. There's been more than enough examples of that in MMA and combat sports recently. Who knew … Continue reading Looking Back At 2021: Are We Shocked Too Often? →

Who is the 2021 fighter of the year? Here are the nominees

This past year saw big changes in MMA. As the sport attempted to recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, promotions opened up and fighters became just as active as they were before. Big changes were not just seen in a broad sense, but also in the hierarchy of fighters. Nine champions were crowned in the … Continue reading Who is the 2021 fighter of the year? Here are the nominees →

UFC On The Prelims: The Loopy Godinez Las Vegas Residency

On The Prelims is a column that focuses on standout performances from the undercard of a top MMA event every week. If you're heading to Las Vegas, Nevada, USA for a vacation, you have many choices for how you can spend your nights. Do you want to see Cirque Du Soleil? How about the Blue … Continue reading UFC On The Prelims: The Loopy Godinez Las Vegas Residency →

UFC On The Prelims: Prospects Shine In Striker’s Delight

Saturday's UFC card was violent. I know what you're thinking: "Duh, it's MMA." But listen, Saturday's event from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada USA was more blood-lusting than most MMA events. It presented a level of violence that actually reached a record - yes, you can track these things. The afternoon action tied … Continue reading UFC On The Prelims: Prospects Shine In Striker’s Delight →

Lowered Guard: UFC Champions As K-pop Groups

It’s so serious on this website all the time. Have you ever noticed that? I feel like that should change a little. Emphasis: a little. That’s why I’m introducing a new series called “Lowered Guard.” The infrequent series will provide a space to discuss topics that are more lighthearted or don't really matter. And for … Continue reading Lowered Guard: UFC Champions As K-pop Groups →

UFC 268 On The Prelims: Veteran Newcomers Get Overdue Big Stage Moment

There's something odd about seeing some fighters in the UFC. It's not that they aren't deserving of the opportunity, but sometimes they don't feel that connected to the UFC world. When you think of a fighter like Fedor Emelianenko, the UFC isn't mentioned. And that's because his long career, which has been successful, has strictly … Continue reading UFC 268 On The Prelims: Veteran Newcomers Get Overdue Big Stage Moment →

A Deadline For Tenshin Nasukawa vs. Takeru Has Been Set. Can It Be Met?

For years, many have considered a fight between RIZIN and RISE Kickboxing star Tenshin Nasukawa and K-1 Japan talent Takeru Segawa one of the biggest matchups that could be made in kickboxing. However, it hasn't been made. And whether it will ever happen is yet to be seen. Both fighters have expressed interest in competing … Continue reading A Deadline For Tenshin Nasukawa vs. Takeru Has Been Set. Can It Be Met? →

The Strawweight Division’s Value

Fighters are building extensive legacies across numerous divisions in the UFC. At Saturday night's UFC 261 pay-per-view event, Kamaru Usman notched yet another title defense to his welterweight run, further clearing out a division that he has dominated since 2019. The victory gave him his fourth title defense, putting him just a little closer to … Continue reading The Strawweight Division’s Value →