Fighter Highlights – Page 6

Khalil Rountree and Health Awareness

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Heather

On October 5th 2024, UFC Light Heavyweight champion [#1] Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira will be defending his title against a 15-fight UFC veteran, [#8] Khalil Rountree Jr. Rountree had a somewhat rocky start to his UFC career; however he is currently on five-fight win streak with four finishes. While Khalil is an underdog in this fight, with the current odds having Pereira as -500 favorite, Rountree’s Muay Thai skills and power make him a dangerous opponent to even such a decorated striker as Poatan. It will be an uphill battle for Khalil, but I am hoping to see an entertaining stand-up fight while it lasts.

I think Khalil Rountree is a great Muay Thai fighter and wonderful mental health advocate and inspirational person. During a press conference, he opened up about how he had struggled with being depressed and overweight in the past. This hits hard to home for a lot of people in the United States and worldwide. He’s a very relatable individual to so many of us out there. With mental health illnesses still having a stigma, it’s impressive to see a public figure being so open and emotional on live TV, regarding his life struggles with depression and obesity.

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Heather

MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.

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UFC 307: Glory (Kickboxing) vs Muay Thai

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Austin Petti

Why did I choose Khalil as the ambassador for Muay Thai? He is married and got married in Thailand. He enjoys training at Tiger Muay Thai & MMA in Phuket. First, we have the Wai Kru, a dance that Khalil does. He does a much quicker version of the Wai Khru, as it is a big part of the muay Thai show. It is the dance, which may be similar to John Wayne Parr in which you pull out your invisible guns, much like the original John Wayne. This is where you can be a little creative or insert part of your personality. I noticed his last fight with Anthony Smith, he did a similar Wai Khru, which provides protection, shows honor and gives you heart.

If you want to see a Muay Thai clinic you should watch his fight with Eryk Anders. He nearly knocks him out via leg kicks with Anders falling due to them throughout the fight. Most of the Fight was spent, by Khalil, having Anders stand back up using the low kick to provide his victory.

Khalil would be considered more of a Muay Mat type fighter. It is normal for foreigners to take this style, as it is more based on boxing and ending combinations with low kicks or entering starting with the low kick to keep you confused about low and high attacks . This is the link to the actual fight, but it is a Muay Thai clinic without one answer.

When watching these fights, you can notice in the first minute, he is bringing his front leg light and puts most of the weight on the back foot. You can also see him target the low kick and moving into the second round he picks up the pace to try to finish the fight. This goes on for round two and three. Eryk Anders, comments that Anders should throw in the towel. Noticing how Khalil has a leg strong kicks and mid kick defense, he uses the shield he brings the leg up connects his knee to elbow to make the power disperse over a larger mass shows we need to keep a look for his defense coming up with Pereira every fighter says the leg kick is so hard. Which segues us into Alex Pereira.

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Austin Petti

My name is Austin Petti. I have been writing short stories and poetry for my whole life. Also, another passion is MMA and Muay Thai. You see I have been doing MMA since I was 19 years old–25. I made my pro debut in Indonesia. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer, which I have many stories. I joined Indonesia because it was the closest country to Thailand and hoped I could find a job in Thailand from another Peace Corps Volunteer and I did it. Now I have been living in Thailand for 8 years I have 16 pro fights. I just want to educate the people who watch MMA like me what is practical and what is different? What is the same between the martial arts and a lot of interesting training tools.

Conor McGregor Wants Ten Fights in 2025 Though Fans Would Settle for Just One

Posted on September 23, 2024 by A. J. Riot

Having failed to get back in the octagon in 2024, Conor McGregor has set a rather lofty goal for 2025, which is in keeping with his confident demeanor. The Irish fighter wants ten fights for the year, doing so after a December comeback was ruled out by UFC supremo Dana White.

It’s now more than three years since McGregor fought, breaking a leg during his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier, and the two-time UFC Champion is clearly itching to get back to doing what he does best, namely pulling in the fans for his fights and more often than not, overcoming his opponents.

It had looked as if he would take on Michael Chandler in June, but a toe injury suffered by McGregor saw that clash canceled, and the 36-year-old clearly can’t wait to get back into the swing of things.

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A Star is Born: Shauna O’Keeffe – Pro Boxer

Posted on September 21, 2024 by Heather

Congratulations to Shauna O’Keeffe for achieving victory over her opponent, Iceland’s Valgerdur Gudsteinsdottir. She was a success on September 20, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland. This is when she fought at the 3Arena boxing event. Ìlker Furat’s Public Relationships company, 12RaundsSports, helped Shauna O’Keeffe immensely. In the last three months, Furat has greatly increased Shauna’s recognition and prepared her for an important move forward in her career and his. As a professional boxer, she is now (3-0).

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Heather

www.fightmatrix.com

Top 10 Unforgettable Moments in UFC History

Posted on September 20, 2024 by A. J. Riot

The history of the UFC is punctuated by moments that have not only defined the sport but also captivated audiences around the globe. From the organization’s inception to the rise of dominant figures like Anderson Silva and Ronda Rousey, each event has contributed to the rich tapestry of mixed martial arts. Notable incidents, including dramatic knockouts and unexpected controversies, have further shaped the narrative of this evolving sport. As we explore the top 10 unforgettable moments, one must consider how these pivotal events have influenced both fighters and fans alike, prompting an ongoing dialogue about the future trajectory of the UFC.

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Best Upcoming Boxers to Watch in 2025

Posted on September 18, 2024 by A. J. Riot

Boxing is undergoing a resurgence, and the best upcoming boxers will be looking to carry that torch. Before looking at the top boxers 2025 list, fans keen on placing bets on these rising boxing stars can explore the best online betting sites at Sambafoot to bet on boxing fights. Who will be in contention for best boxer 2025? Check out the list below.

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Alexa Grasso Talks Valentina Shevchenko Rivalry During Exclusive Stake.com Interview

Posted on September 13, 2024 by A. J. Riot

Sports and athlete rivalries go hand in hand like bread and butter. Healthy competition and wanting to become better than your peers are two of the most natural instincts that people dealing with sports can have. Training all your life and stepping over obstacles does not mean you are guaranteed success. There are others in your sport, your category and division, who have been through the same but in a slightly different way, thousands of kilometers away.

Getting to the professional level and living off your athletic prowess only to get paired with, pit against, and compared to colleagues is how rivalries are born. Actually competing against them head to head and winning is how they are put to rest. Some sports have an easier time coming up with rivalries. Of course, individual sports are the go-to option, particularly combat sports like boxing and mixed martial arts. There is no team to hold you back, nobody on your own side who you compete with for minutes or ball touches – just you and the opponent.

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What comes next for Alex “Poatan” Pereira?

Posted on September 12, 2024 by A. J. Riot

At UFC 303, Alex Pereira delivered a spectacular performance that reaffirmed his status as a top contender in the UFC. Facing a formidable opponent, Pereira showcased his striking excellence and strategic prowess throughout the bout. With a mix of precise strikes and powerful combinations, he secured a decisive victory that thrilled fans and further cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s most dangerous strikers. This win not only highlighted his skill and preparation but also set the stage for future high-stakes matchups in the UFC.

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Kyle Nelson: Canada’s Rising MMA Star Aiming High With Another Win on the Horizon in Vegas

Posted on September 6, 2024 by A. J. Riot

Kyle Nelson has become a name to watch in the featherweight division of MMA. The Canadian fighter, known for his tenacity and skill, has been steadily rising in the ranks with a string of impressive performances.

Nelson’s Early 2024 Successes

Nelson entered 2023 with significant pressure, having faced a two-fight losing streak that left him with his back against the wall. However, Nelson turned things around in a big way, embarking on a four-fight unbeaten streak. His resurgence started with a majority draw against Dooho Choi in February 2023, a fight that marked the beginning of his comeback.

This result was crucial as it halted his losing streak and gave him the momentum to build upon. The bout showcased Nelson’s resilience and determination, traits that would define his subsequent performances.

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The most iconic fights in the history of the UFC

Posted on September 3, 2024 by A. J. Riot

The UFC is an international mixed martial arts organization founded in 1993 in the USA, which immediately attracted the attention of professionals. At a time when sports competitions were characterized by high brutality and competitiveness, the UFC emerged as an experiment to identify the most effective combat equipment in one-on-one fights. The first tournaments were attended by fighters from various types of martial arts, including kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, karate, boxing, and other disciplines.

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Top 5 Greatest UFC Fighters of All Time

Posted on September 3, 2024 by A. J. Riot

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has hosted many talents and true Mixed Martial Arts legends. They are invincible against their opponents and have confronted many challenges in being combatants in that cage. That is why we focus on discussing the careers of the best UFC fighters in history and their role in shaping the sport. Whether one is a fan, an avid MMA viewer, or a research paper writing service looking to explore MMA`s evolution, comprehending the careers of legends offers valuable insights into the sport’s development.

Starting with fighting and evolving into today’s UFC, MMA boxers do not shy away from going the extra mile physically and in their minds. Following is a list of the participants who triumphed in championships and awards and influenced the sport’s history. Now, we look at those who have defined the UFC and, therefore, must be regarded as legends.

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Jake Paul: YouTuber Turned Professional Boxer Only for the Money!

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Heather

Let’s take a deep dive into the new life of former YouTuber and current professional boxer, Jake Paul. To be a fair fight and more interesting to watch, it is necessary for Paul to actually compete with fighters in his same weight class, with the same level of experience, and similar in age as he is. Then, let’s see how good he is going to do?!

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Heather

www.fightmatrix.com

Dublin Boxing Event: Shauna O’Keeffe

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Heather

Irish boxer, Shauna O’Keeffe is preparing for the 3rd match of her professional career at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland. Shauna is extremely enthusiastic regarding fighting in her hometown at 3Arena. The athlete, advised by boxing manager İlker Furat and 12 Raund Sports, is preparing for a very important match for his career. Shauna, will face Icelandic Valgerdur Gudsteinsdottir on September 20, 2024.

On her social media accounts, she has shared her thoughts with her followers. Tom Loeffler is a boxing promoter and the head of the 360 Promotions organization. At some point during the event, Loeffler will meet the audience with UFC Fight Pass.

A vast majority of spectators want to see Shauna O’Keeffe knockout Valgerdur Gudsteinsdottir. All eyes will be watching Shauna as she portrays her passion for boxing, with a new style. This will be done with perseverance!

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Heather

www.fightmatrix.com

Ronda Rousey Retires from WWE – Backstory

Posted on August 25, 2024 by Heather

Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

According to Sports Illustrated, Ronda Rousey has indefinitely retired from the WWE. “During an interview with NewsNation’s “Banfield,” Rousey claimed that Gulak pulled her by the strings of her sweatpants while she was waiting to speak with WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque.” Due to his unprofessional conduct, Dave Gulak was fired by the WWE.

She has had a short, yet successful career in combat sports, including Judo, MMA, and professional wrestling. Dana white had vouched never to have a female fighter in the UFC. However, due to being a bronze medalist in the USA Olympic Judo team and her popularity in Strikeforce, she impressed Dana White. In turn he included women in the UFC.

Ronda Rousey was the pioneer of women’s MMA in the UFC. The unfortunate part of Ronda Rousey’s story is that her striking needed a lot of improvement. Yet, she was an excellent grappler and when she won it was typically by submission.

Eventually, Rousey’s and opponents figured out her weakness and after consecutive losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, her career deteriorated. This led her to transition to professional wrestling. It’s a rarity for an individual to achieve the highest level of success in numerous sports in such a short period of time. Ronda Rousey will go down in history of the UFC, WWE, and Judo.

Heather

www.fightmatrix.com

FightMatrix Exclusive: Interview with Undefeated Pro Boxer Joshua Quartey

Posted on August 24, 2024 by Heather

“This was after my 4th victory and my first time going the full rounds as a professional.

My face looked happy because that fight taught me a lot about professional boxing.”

Introduction:

Joshua ‘The Lion King’ Quartey is 28 years old and an up-and-coming pro boxer. He hails from the greater Accra region of Ghana. Joshua Quartey (who is also known in private life as Abubakari Quartey) has a perfect professional record of 8-0, with 7 wins coming by the way of knock out. He is currently ranked #1 middleweight in Ghana and #156 in the world by BoxRec.com. Quartey is currently looking to break out into the international boxing scene.

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Heather