MONDAY’S NEWS DIGEST 9/25: Deontay Wilder comments on fighting Brock Lesnar, Gokhan Saki says MMA transition played into cardio issues, Paige VanZant and Jessica Eye pulled from UFC 216

BY COLE HENRY, MMA TORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Brock Lesnar (artist Grant Gould © MMATorch)

Deontay Wilder comments on fighting Brock Lesnar

Deontay Wilder is a boxing champion, but still thinks he could defeat Brock Lesnar in an MMA fight, and actually thinks he could do it by submission. Now clearly Wilder is simply trying to stir up noise here, but it does leave you wondering how this match would unfold.

Cole’s Analysis: My opinion is that Lesnar takes him down early, and submits him quickly, or uses ground and pound. My brother has trained in the same gym as Deontay Wilder in the past, and I know they don’t do any grappling there so I don’t likes Wilders chances here. Still though it is an interesting thought, and out of all the boxer/MMA fighter call outs that have surfaced recently I actually think this one is the most likely to happen. Still though, it’s unlikely. Neither of these men fight in the UFC, and Wilder should be focusing on boxing. Beating a 40 year old pro wrestler doesn’t do much for anybody at this point. 

Gokhan Saki says MMA transition played into cardio issues

Gokhan Saki is one of the most decorated strikers to ever enter the octagon, and he didn’t disappoint when he finished Henrique da Silva with a huge left hook in the first round of their fight at UFC Fight Night 117. But “Turkish Tyson” seemed to be having some cardio issues, and at one point found himself in a bit of trouble. Still though, he pulled through and landed the KO shot that gave him his first MMA victory ever. Still though, he isn’t naïve and he realized what everybody else was seeing, so he addressed the cardio issues. He basically said that he is used to three-minute rounds, and that five minutes will take some getting used to. He stated that he’d only been doing “MMA conditioning” for the last year, and it will take him more time to adjust.

Cole’s Analysis: It was a hell of a performance, all things considered, and if Saki continues to have performances like that, win or lose, he is bound to become a crowd favorite and perhaps finally gain some of the recognition that has eluded him, and most pro kickboxers throughout the years. He is 33, but we know his striking is top level, so if he can get his wrestling to a point where he is at least good defensively, perhaps he can actually have a successful career in the UFC.

Paige VanZant and Jessica Eye pulled from UFC 216

An injury to Paige VanZant has forced her off of the UFC card, delaying her anticipated return for a bit longer. The fight was scheduled to take place in the flyweight division.

 

James Vick vs. Joe Duffy announced for UFC 217 card


NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS NEWS: Carlos Condit to fight in the UFC again?, Lima to defend title against MacDonald, ONE announces super fight, Liddell comments on Jones

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