This week in MMA

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This weekend's octagon action offers a unique blend of sporting entertainment. The spotlight falls on UFC Fight Night, where Sodiq Yusuff and Edson Barboza will square off in a highly anticipated clash. Simultaneously, the UK's Cage Warriors will make a presence in Dublin, showcasing their talents in the cage. And finally, the world of YouTube boxing takes center stage with KSI facing off against Tommy Fury. This weekend promises to be a compelling showcase of combat sports.

UFC Fight Night - Yusuff vs Barboza 🥊🔥

At UFC Vegas 81 this Saturday, a Middleweight showdown awaits as Andre Petrowski (10-2) squares off against Michel Pereira (28-11). Pereira, who missed weight for his scheduled bout against Stephen Thompson, is moving up from 170 to 185 pounds for this weekend's match due to a last-minute change. His original opponent, Marc-Andre Barriualt, withdrew for medical reasons.

This is your classic striker versus grappler matchup, with Michel Pereira known for his flashy striking and fan-favorite style, while Andre Petrowski is the gritty grappler aiming to upset the Brazilian. Pereira's absence from the MMA scene since mid-2022 might result in some ring rust, which could spell trouble against Petrowski. Petrowski's game plan likely involves seeking an easy takedown to wear down Pereira early, minimizing the time spent on their feet. In contrast, Petrowski is coming off a recent victory against UFC veteran Gerald Meerschart, with just under a month between fights.

Despite the quick turnaround, we at Cage Chronicles believe that Andre Petrowski has what it takes to secure a victory on Saturday, potentially causing an upset on the fight card and earning the judges' nod over the Brazilian.

Next up is a highly anticipated Bantamweight clash, Adrian Yanez (16-4) and Jonathan Martinez (18-4) are set to lock horns this Saturday at UFC Vegas 81. This battle features two exceptionally skilled strikers vying to establish their legitimacy in the 135 lbs division.

Adrian Yanez, previously riding a 5-0 UFC win streak, suffered a first-round knockout loss to Rob Font at UFC 287, momentarily dimming his rising star status. A victory over Martinez could be his ticket back to the top 10 in the Bantamweight ranks.Jonathan Martinez, on the other hand, secured a somewhat controversial unanimous decision win over Said Nurmagomedov in his last outing, extending his win streak to five. Despite the debate, it was another success for the FactoryX fighter.

Adrian Yanez, aged 29 with a 16-4 record, is the #14 ranked Bantamweight known for his boxing skills, particularly his well-timed left jab. His style centers on pressure and toughness, often engaging in exchanges to land his shots.

On the other hand, Jonathan Martinez, also 29 and holding an 18-4 record, utilizes a Muay Thai approach with a focus on kicks, elbows, and knees. His left kick is renowned for its speed and impact.

Yanez's vulnerability lies in moving backward when defending against aggressive opponents. He struggles with leg kicks, often used by his opponents to counter his boxing.Martinez is skilled in timing and countering opponent entries, especially in the kicking range. His pocket exchanges, however, are less effective due to a limited striking arsenal and porous defense.

The fight highlights Yanez's aggressive boxing against Martinez's powerful kicking game, making it an intriguing matchup. Yanez's pace and knockout power give him a slight edge, particularly as he defends well against Martinez's head kicks. This even-odds contest tilts slightly in Yanez's favor, but it remains a toss-up.

In the main event of UFC Fight Night 230, the featherweight division takes center stage with the #11-ranked Sodiq Yusuff (13-2) squaring off against #13-ranked Edson Barboza (23-11). Set for this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, it promises a high-octane showdown.

Yusuff, is the slight favourite as he carries an impressive reputation. He's praised for his calculated approach to his career and the fighting style that has led to a 13-2 professional record. His striking, featuring powerful leg kicks and explosive combinations, has earned him recognition. Still, he's not invincible, and when pushed out of his rhythm, he can be vulnerable.

On the other side, Barboza is an underdog at but brings a wealth of experience. At 37, he's known for highlight-reel knockouts and dynamic striking, but age has taken its toll on his speed, cardio, and defensive reactions. His best days might be behind him, but he's still a dangerous opponent, particularly in the early rounds.

The fight could be close early on, with Barboza possibly taking the lead. However, as the fight progresses, Yusuff's youth, cardio, and consistency may give him the upper hand, making him the one to watch. It's a classic battle of experience versus youth, and in this case, youth holds the advantage. Don't miss this thrilling clash in the featherweight division.

Cage Warrior 161 🤼‍♂️🏆

Now we have a look at this Cage Warriors card in Dublin, The main event is set to be fireworks with the Featherweight belt on the line but as we get further down the card its not the best, although there are a few gems.

In the co-main event, Irish Featherweight talent Ryan Shelley (6-1) faces off against Dutchman Jordy Bakkes (5-2). Shelley, once considered the next big thing in the 145-pound division, hit a roadblock with his first pro loss to Tobias Harila. This bout is his chance to reassert his dominance. On the other side, Bakkes, a Judo blackbelt and proficient grappler, often prefers to keep the fight standing.

However, Shelley has a multifaceted approach. If the striking doesn't go his way, he can exploit Bakkes' susceptibility to takedowns. Our analysts predict a triumphant comeback for the Irishman, with a second-round knockout victory over Bakkes. This co-main event is not to be missed, and it's a prime example of the thrilling action you can expect at Cage Warriors Dublin.

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for the main event that's hotter than a jalapeño in a salsa contest – the clash between the Irish dynamo, Paul Hughes (9-1), and the mighty Jan Quaeyhaegens (11-4). This showdown is the proverbial cherry on top of the combat sports sundae, with the Cage Warriors Featherweight title up for grabs.

Paul Hughes, the man many believe is just one victory away from a UFC contract, is like the Irish pot of gold in the Cage Warriors' roster. He's not just any leprechaun; this lad's got a well-rounded game that's getting spicier by the day. He's been crossing the pond to train with fellow Irishman Ian Garry at Kill Cliff and picking up tips from the Floridian coaching maestros, including Henri Hooft and the gang. He's becoming a one-man Irish fighting machine, and he's not even had a sip of Guinness to fuel his Irish spirit.

But let's not forget Jan Quaeyhaegens, the Belgian battering ram who's been serving up knockouts in Cage Warriors like they're Belgian waffles. He's not just a tasty treat; he's a serious opponent who's been turning heads. Facing him is no walk in the park, and Paul Hughes should know better than to take him lightly.

In this high-stakes showdown, we're not just predicting a win for Paul Hughes; we're envisioning a knockout so spectacular it'll have the UFC's Dana White booking a direct flight to Ireland. We're talking about a victory that'll make the Belgians wish they were brewing beer instead of stepping into the cage! Get ready for some shenanigans, folks!

Misfits Boxing 🥊🔥

Now, brace yourselves for a wild ride into the world of influencer boxing, where the battles aren't just in the ring but also on your social media feed. This week's matchups feature none other than KSI taking on Tommy Fury and Logan Paul squaring off against Dillon Danis. It's safe to say this spectacle is set to be another chapter in the ongoing saga of "boxing embarrassment," but hey, who are we kidding? The fans of these internet celebrities can't resist the temptation to tune in for the showdowns this Saturday night. It's a digital-age showdown like no other, where punchlines are just as important as punches!

In our co-main event, we've got a classic clash of the titans, with American YouTube sensation Logan Paul stepping into the ring against Jiu-Jitsu prodigy Dillon Danis. This bout has been generating more buzz than a beehive in a hurricane, and most of the banter has centered around Logan, who's become the punchline of many jokes.

Dillon Danis, channeling his inner Conor McGregor, has been unleashing a verbal barrage on Logan and even dragged Logan's fiancé, Nina Agdal, into the mix. The Twitterverse has been on fire for months with these two going back and forth. Logan, in an attempt to fire back, has tried to roast Dillon, but let's face it, his jabs haven't landed quite as cleanly as Danis's.

Now, let's be real here – neither Logan nor Dillon are seasoned boxers. The prospect of seeing some textbook boxing skills on display is about as likely as finding a unicorn at the end of a rainbow. In fact, we're predicting this might just be a snooze-fest, where Logan Paul's somewhat more substantial boxing experience might give him the edge. It's more of a social media showdown than a boxing spectacle, but hey, isn't that what we signed up for in the first place? 😴

Now, in the main event, get ready for a matchup that might just deliver some genuine boxing skill. It's a showdown between the British YouTube sensation KSI and the influencer turned professional boxer, Tommy Fury.

Tommy Fury, hailing from a boxing dynasty as the brother of the heavyweight legend Tyson Fury, has been immersed in the sweet science from the time he could walk. He's had a professional record of 10-0, and while he might not have faced the caliber of opponents his elder brother has, they're all bona fide professional boxers. His training regimen alongside Tyson has been nothing short of intense, making him a force to be reckoned with in the ring.

On the other side of the ring , we have KSI, one of the biggest YouTubers on the planet, who has dedicated himself to the sport of boxing in recent years. He's been sweating it out at the Gymbox gym in London, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Viddal Riley, and taking his training remarkably seriously.

This main event promises more in terms of boxing skills compared to its co-main counterpart. While KSI has put in the work, we predict that Tommy Fury, with his formidable background and experience, will come out victorious by decision on Saturday night. It's a fight that has the potential to steal the show and might just make us forget that it all started as a digital rivalry