Hailing from Bangalore, Edukondal Rao is set to face his toughest challenge yet against Abdullah AI Qahtani of Saudi Arabia in the highly anticipated PFL vs. Bellator champions mega event on February 24, 2024. This event is headlined by heavyweight champions Renan Ferreira from PFL and Ryan Bader from Bellator, promising an electrifying showdown. With this merger event, Indian MMA is poised to seize the spotlight once more, this time under a different promotion. In an exclusive interview for XpressMMA, Edukondal Rao shares insights into his journey, discussing his upcoming bout against Abdullah Al Qahtani at PFL vs. Bellator in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He reflects on his childhood dreams and the evolution of his fighting spirit. Childhood Aspiration: Edukondal recalls his early fascination with martial arts, expressing his desire to pursue it from the tender age of 4. Despite his enthusiasm, his family hesitated due to apprehensions. However, at 18, he took the plunge into Taekwondo with the singular goal of winning an Olympic gold medal and retiring. Little did he know, the fighter within him would steer his path towards a lifelong career in martial arts. Challenges and Transformation: His journey was not without hurdles. Following setbacks in his martial arts career, Edukondal found himself coaching for several years, yearning for the adrenaline of combat. It wasn’t until 2019, when his friend Raj opened Phenomal MMA gym, that he found renewed purpose. Training at Phenomal MMA reignited his passion, propelling him back into the ring. Focused Preparation: For his upcoming bout, Edukondal emphasizes his dedication to a rigorous training regimen, emphasizing unique strategies tailored for success. He vows to showcase the indomitable spirit of Indian warriors by delivering a decisive victory over his opponent. As the date of the PFL vs. Bellator event draws near, anticipation mounts for the clash between Edukondal Rao and Abdullah AI Qahtani. With his unwavering determination and commitment to excellence, Edukondal stands ready to etch his name in the annals of Indian MMA history. To watch the full interview, visit [link to the interview].
Edukondal Rao from India Ready to Make Waves at PFL vs. Bellator Mega Event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Edukondal Rao, a promising fighter from Bangalore, is on the brink of a monumental challenge as he prepares to take on Abdullah AI Qahtani in the highly anticipated PFL vs. Bellator mega event. Scheduled for February 24, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this event marks a significant moment for Indian MMA, thrusting Rao into the global spotlight. With a background in kickboxing and a 4-1 MMA record, Rao epitomizes the spirit of a warrior, driven by a desire to honor his country and showcase the talent of Indian fighters on the international stage. As he gears up for this career-defining bout, all eyes are on Rao, eager to witness his ascent in the world of mixed martial arts.
5 Take-aways from UFC 298
As the dust settles from UFC 298, the mixed martial arts world finds itself grappling with the aftermath of an electrifying event. From stunning upsets to career-defining moments, the night showcased the relentless pursuit of victory and the harsh realities of combat sports. Let’s delve into the aftermath and dissect the key takeaways from this memorable evening inside the octagon. Volkanovski’s Further Career in Jeopardy: Assessing the Featherweight Champion’s Decline Alexander Volkanovski’s reign as featherweight champion seems to have reached its end. Despite his remarkable four-year tenure and legendary rivalry with Max Holloway, his recent string of defeats suggests a decline. Two consecutive knockout losses within four months signal a dramatic shift for the once-dominant fighter. In his latest bout against Illia Topuria at UFC 298, Volkanovski appeared hesitant and a shadow of his former self, hinting at the inevitable toll of time catching up with him. Topuria’s Triumph: A New Featherweight Contender Emerges at UFC 298 Illia Topuria emerges as a legitimate contender. While he hasn’t faced other top-five contenders in the division, his resounding victory over Volkanovski solidifies his position. With notable wins over Josh Emmett, Bryce Mitchell, and even heavier opponents like Jai Herbert, Topuria’s performance cements his status as a rising star in the 145-pound division. His potential impact may extend beyond the featherweight realm, possibly influencing the welterweight division long dominated by Volkanovski. Questioning Whittaker’s Chin: Analyzing Durability in the Octagon Robert Whittaker’s durability comes into question. Despite a commendable showing against Paulo Costa, Whittaker’s susceptibility to heavy hitters like Costa and Duplessis raises concerns. Costa’s repeated strikes in both the first and second rounds suggest Whittaker’s chin may not meet championship standards of resilience. Costa’s Contradictions: Balancing Brilliance with Inconsistency Paulo Costa displays flashes of brilliance but inconsistency mars his potential. While Costa exhibits undeniable brawling skills, his infrequent appearances in the octagon detract from his credibility. Despite delivering a formidable performance against Whittaker at UFC 298, Costa’s lack of activity in the division undermines his ability to pose consistent challenges to opponents. Merab Dvalishvili: A Worthy Contender for Championship Glory Merab Dvalishvili proves himself worthy of a title shot. With an impressive unbeaten streak and victories over formidable opponents like Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling, Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling prowess solidifies his status as a formidable force in the 135-pound division. His undeniable skill set warrants a shot at the title, potentially against the winner of the Chito vs. O’Malley matchup.
Recap of UFC 298: Topuria Claims Featherweight Title in Spectacular Fashion
Relive the excitement of UFC 298, where Illia Topuria’s 2nd Round KO shook the MMA world, crowning him the UFC featherweight champion. Dive into the action-packed co-main event between Paulo Costa and Robert Whittaker, and discover other noteworthy moments from this unforgettable night in the octagon.
UFC Fight Night Hermansson vs Pyfer results, what exactly happened?
In a thrilling display of skill and determination at UFC Fight Night, Jack Hermansson emerged victorious over Joe Pyfer in a hard-fought unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47). The bout showcased the anticipated excitement as Hermansson and Pyfer engaged in a captivating showdown, demonstrating the prowess of both middleweights to captivated fans. Despite Pyfer’s strong start with aggressive low kicks and powerful strikes, Hermansson gradually found his rhythm, asserting control with his jab and leveraging his experience to wear down his opponent. With superior conditioning and strategic prowess, Hermansson sealed the win, affirming his status as a top contender in the middleweight division.
UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs Imavov – Unleashing Excitement. Fights to look out for
Gear up for the highly anticipated UFC Fight Night, brimming with electrifying matchups and rising stars set to captivate fans. Let’s delve into the key bouts and prospects that make this event a must-watch: Main Event: Roman Dolidze vs Nassourdine Imavov Witness a clash of ranked middleweights eager to kickstart their 2024 campaigns. Roman Dolidze, boasting a four-fight win streak in 2023, seeks redemption after a setback against Marvin Vettori. Nassourdine Imavov, doubling his 2023 appearances, aims to rebound from recent challenges in a promising showdown. Renato Moicano vs Drew Dober Former featherweight standout turned lightweight contender Renato Moicano returns after a dominant 2022, facing the always-entertaining Drew Dober. Expect fireworks as Moicano looks to build on his momentum, while Dober aims to continue his exciting run. Randy Brown vs Muslim Salikhov In a pivotal matchup, Randy Brown, riding high with five wins in his last six fights, squares off against the seasoned Muslim Salikhov. At 39, Salikhov faces a critical juncture in his career, making this bout a significant measuring stick for both fighters. Some other featured fights: Whole Card: Main Event: Other Main Card Matches: Prelim Matches: Road To UFC Finals, Season 2
ONE Championship’s Electrifying Return to Japan: Superlek Triumphs, Aoki Submits Lineker, and Thrilling Highlights
ONE Championship made a highly anticipated return to Japan after a four-year hiatus, delivering an exciting night of action in Tokyo. MMA News is here to provide you with a comprehensive recap of all the thrilling highlights from the event. The last time ONE Championship graced the “Land of the Rising Sun” was at ONE: Century in 2019, featuring renowned fighters like Angela Lee, Demetrious Johnson, Janet Todd, and Christian Lee. Now, in 2024, the Asian promotion has resumed its numbered events, starting with a spectacular return to Japan. Local fans enjoyed a showcase of stars, including the debut of Japan’s own Takeru Segawa, a former three-weight K-1 champion. Initially set to face Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Takeru found himself in a title bout against Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the flyweight kickboxing championship after Rodtang’s injury-related withdrawal. Despite a spirited effort, Takeru fell short, and Superlek successfully defended his title over five rounds. The co-headliner featured a clash for the lightweight submission grappling title, with Kade Ruotolo defending his belt in a rematch against Tommy Langaker. Despite Langaker’s impressive achievements in IBJJF competitions, he succumbed to another decision loss after 10 minutes. Sage Northcutt’s return was eagerly anticipated, but a last-minute withdrawal led to John Lineker stepping in for a showdown against former two-time ONE champion Shinya Aoki. Aoki secured a quick submission victory, expressing his thoughts on the promotion in a passionate post-fight interview. The event also showcased the return of fan-favorite Yoshihiro Akiyama, facing kickboxing legend Nieky Holzken in a special-rules bout. Holzken emerged victorious with a first-round TKO, drawing criticism on social media. Additional highlights included Garry Tonon’s submission win over Martin Nguyen, Marat Grigorian’s KO victory against Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong in kickboxing, and Rade Opacic securing a win in heavyweight kickboxing. With the event concluded, check out the full results below for a detailed overview of ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru.
Who should DDP fight next? Fights to make after UFC 297
In the aftermath of UFC 297, the Octagon dust settles, leaving a canvas painted with the tales of triumph, resilience, and the pursuit of redemption. Arnold Allen, despite a narrow loss, showcased the heart and skill that keep him within striking distance of a title shot. The proposal of a redemption journey sets the stage for a captivating matchup against the loser of the upcoming Brian Ortega vs Yair Rodriguez bout. This strategic move not only offers Allen a chance at vindication but also introduces the intriguing prospect of a mini-tournament, with the ultimate prize being a showdown against the formidable Movsar Evloev. Stay tuned as we dissect the potential paths to glory and redemption carved by the fighters of UFC 297.
ONE 165: Collision of Titans – Unveiling the Epic Night of Champions in Tokyo
Get ready for a seismic collision of titans as ONE Championship takes center stage at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena for ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru. This epic night promises a convergence of the planet’s most exceptional combat athletes, each poised to leave an indelible mark in their respective divisions
7 Take-aways from UFC 297
Canada’s representation at UFC 297, despite being on home turf, faced an uphill battle with a 1-7 record. The unexpected loss of top Canadian fighter Mike Mallot to Neil Magny raises questions about Canada’s status in producing UFC contenders. The road to a Canadian title contender seems distant in the wake of these outcomes.
