A couple of new bouts have been booked for upcoming UFC fight cards, and here are my thoughts on them in today’s MMA odds and ends.
Damir Ismagulov vs. Alex Gorgees, UFC Fight Night 142
After injuries to Ross Pearson and Joe Duffy, a brand new lightweight fight has been set between UFC newcomers Damir Ismagulov (Pearson’s replacement) and Alex Gorgees (Duffy’s replacement) for UFC Fight Night 142, which takes place Saturday, December 1 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Adelaide, Australia. MMA journalist Igor Lazorin broke the news. Ismagulov (16-2) is one of the top lightweight prospects in the game and he has won 11 straight fights to get a shot in the UFC. The young Russian has fought for M-1 for most of his career and has finished the majority of his victories, making him a very intriguing prospect at 155lbs. Gorgees (7-0) is also an undefeated young prospect fighting out of Australia and he is a veteran of the Hex Fighting Series, which has developed current UFC fighters Israel Adesanya and Jim Crute. This is an interesting fight here between two young prospects but you’d have to lean towards Ismagulov just baed on his resume alone.
Ashkan Mokhtarian Injured, Out Of UFC Fight Night 142
Another note for UFC Fight Night 142 as Ashkan Mokhtarian is injured and out of his flyweight bout against Kai Kara France. MMAjunkie’s John Morgan reported the news. According to Morgan, the UFC is hoping to sign a local bantamweight to take the fight. With the flyweight division in the UFC seemingly no more, it makes more sense for any replacement fight to take place at 135lbs. With just over a week until the date, it’s possible no one will be found in time, but you know the UFC matchmakers are working the phones hoping to get something done.
Molly McCann vs. Priscila Cachoeira, UFC on ESPN+ 5
A women’s flyweight bout between Molly McCann and Priscila Cachoeira will take place at UFC on ESPN+ 5, which is set for March 16 in London, England. Combate broke the news. McCann (7-2) dropped a decision to Gillian Robertson in her UFC debut but is still one of the top female fighters out of England. She is a Cage Warriors veteran and decently experienced. Cachoeira (8-1) was undefeated in her MMA career until running into Valentina Shevchenko earlier this year. She took a prolonged beating in that fight back in March and hasn’t fought since then. This is a tough fight to call here as Cachoeira seems to be the more talented fighter, but that fight with Shevchenko could change her entire career. I just don’t know how you could trust her after that, and considering the fight is taking place in England, you’d have to favor McCann here ever so slighty.
Rachael Ostovich Speaks About Alleged Domestic Violence
UFC women’s strawweight fighter Rachael Ostovich spoke about the recent domestic violence alleged incident with her husband, MMA fighter Arnold Berdon. TMZ has the full report. It is truly disgusting to hear some of the violent acts that were committed against her and we at MMAOB stand by Ostovich as she heals up. She is officially out of her upcoming fight with Paige VanZant at UFC on ESPN+1.
