TheNotrap: 👊 UFC [Inside the Octogon] 2023

TheNotrap 01.13.23	Probably too soon for Strickland but it's always fun to see him fight (and talk) https://youtu.be/DXmeozw_PHg
MO 01.13.23	not super jazzed about this card but excited to see what 2023 brings for sure
TheNotrap 01.13.23	Let's see if it brings a double-champ - Volk 👊
widowslaugh123 01.13.23	I’m going Strickland by decision Dan ige by decision Don’t know either tbh Viera by submission Nurmagomedov by tko
Gmork89 01.13.23	Strickland is annoying, but he could be great if he showed some urgency. Not super pumped on this card but will probably watch it.
MO 01.13.23	"Let's see if it brings a double-champ - Volk 👊" would be up there with cormier in terms of how impressive an accomplishment based on the talent faced
Thalassic 01.13.23	Odds seem to be in favor for Kopylov, but when the fight goes to the ground I see Punahele getting the upper hand tbh
Wructy 01.14.23	Dan Ige needs this W I hope he gets it. Idk I kinda think Strickland might get finished.
TheNotrap 01.14.23	" I kinda think Strickland might get finished " I've only seen one Imavov fight so far but he looks like a dangerous fast guy, it won't be an easy job for Strickland. If he loses he may be out of the big fights for a while
TheNotrap 01.15.23	Good W for Strickland, he looked better than expected even though he was 10 pounds heavier.
TheNotrap 01.15.23	But the big news is Ngannou being stripped of his title and the return of Jon Jones who will fight Gane for the vacant belt.
Thalassic 01.15.23	I expected Strickland to win by decision, but I didn't expect Imavov having such a rough time with him.
TheNotrap 01.15.23	Considering he fought a couple of weeks ago I honestly didn't think he would do so well, let alone in a 5 round fight.
Wructy 01.16.23	Yeah it’s really just depressing they would just let him go like that. He’s gonna be on MMA Hour tomorrow so I’ll wait til he says it himself but idk maybe that was what he wanted. But, my mans 50k with that KO! Strickland also did a lot better than I gave him credit for before the fight. More of a clear sense of urgency.
Colton 01.16.23	they always treated him badly and tried to manipulate him and pressure him unfairly. he's talked about it a bunch. he knows his worth. just look at Dana's reaction, trying to badmouth him and say "he wants to fight lesser opponents"
Colton 01.16.23	Ngannou has never shown a willingness to duck anyone... even after he got dominated by Stipe, he took the rematch and destroyed him. he's not scared of anyone and the fact that Dana tries to push that narrative just shows how dishonest and scummy he is in his treatment of fighters. not to mention the "we were gonna pay him more than any heavyweight ever" line. that doesn't mean shit when he would still be getting a way smaller revenue percentage than any other organization offers to an athlete of Ngannou's caliber really hope he boxes Tyson and makes fuck you money
TheNotrap 01.17.23	For those interested in Ngannou's version of events: https://youtu.be/0vngym7ChcM
Thalassic 01.17.23	Dana White is a complete sleazebag, agreed
TheNotrap 01.20.23	My predictions for tomorrow's event: Glover Teixeira vs Jamahal Hill - Glover, TKO Deiveson Figueiredo vs Brandon Moreno - Figueiredo, decision Gilbert Burns vs Neil Magny - Burns, decision Jéssica Andrade vs Lauren Murphy - Jessica, TKO Paul Craig vs Johnny Walker - Craig, submission
Colton 01.20.23	those are great picks. could definitely see it being a submission for Glover though, or even a KO for Hill
TheNotrap 01.20.23	Yeah, both scenarios are possible. I'm leaning towards Glover's ground and pound
Colton 01.20.23	think I'm leaning toward a hill KO/TKO just because of how much success Jiri had, and I think Hill will be more disciplined and not leave as many openings
TheNotrap 01.20.23	Glover usually always gets hit and comes back from the dead to win on the ground, but if he gets hit tomorrow the story may indeed have a different ending
Colton 01.20.23	should be a good one. great main card overall actually. Craig vs Walker is one of those classic style matchups and Andrade is lowkey the most exciting woman in the UFC besides maybe Zhang
TheNotrap 01.20.23	Craig is one-dimensional but if he takes the fight to the ground Walker has no chance
TheNotrap 01.20.23	Yep Andrade is super exciting. I'm a fanboy
Gmork89 01.20.23	I feel like Craig isnt quite as one dimensional as an Askren or Ryan Hall, his striking is there enough to not be totally useless, but yeah Walker will have a massive advantage on the feet. I like both guys so not sure who im rooting for on that one.
TheNotrap 01.20.23	https://youtu.be/KKF814OJuTs
TheNotrap 01.20.23	Hahaha gotta love Craig: https://youtu.be/06hMfu9BGbo
TheNotrap 02.04.23	McGregor vs Chandler on TUF
Colton 02.04.23	best possible fight for both guys
TheNotrap 02.04.23	If Conor wanted to play it safe he would pick Tony, but yes, it's good business for both. Now let's see what kind of Conor shows up, he now looks like a 190-pound whale hahah
Colton 02.04.23	Tony's skid has been too long for that fight to really make any sense imo. it's hard to really market it in 2023. even though Chandler lost his last fight he also has that crazy KO on Tony and the Dan Hooker KO
Colton 02.04.23	but yeah Conor is very clearly taking something, or was. not sure how that'll effect him. I'm assuming the fight will be at 170
TheNotrap 02.04.23	Yes, I believe so. Conor no longer does 155
Colton 02.04.23	he was looking huge lately and basically confirmed on twitter or IG that he's taking some kind of PED to help heal his leg. but I think he's disciplined enough that he'll lose the weight and make 170 no problem. biggest question is how the leg will affect him. I'm assuming Chandler won't try to take him down because he genuinely values entertaining the fans over everything else
TheNotrap 02.04.23	If Conor catches him with a strong left Chandler has no chance but honestly I don't see Conor winning against any top contender atm
Gmork89 02.05.23	Same, I dont see him beating anyone aside from landing a very lucky left hand.
MO 02.05.23	he's been figured out at this point. he's still a draw but I don't see him mounting a huge comeback anymore
widowslaugh123 02.05.23	Not a fan of McGregor by any stretch but I think he knocks out chandler in the second round
Colton 02.05.23	no shame in losing to Khabib and Poirier, two of the best fighters in the world. it's not as simple as "he's been figured out"
Colton 02.05.23	and even if the path to victory was that concrete I don't think Chandler would be the one to exploit it
TheNotrap 02.10.23	Are there any Aussies around here rooting for Volk? Let’s go Volk 👊 against all odds
TheNotrap 02.10.23	* crickets *
Colton 02.10.23	not aussie but definitely rooting for him, betting on Islam though
TheNotrap 03.04.23	Any thoughts on tonight's event? Here are my picks: Jon Jones by decision & extreme eye poking Valentina by decision Rakhmonov by decision Gamrot by decision Bo Nickal by submission
TheNotrap 03.04.23	https://youtu.be/qM6S1ixxYss
widowslaugh123 03.04.23	Super excited for the main event
Trundle 03.04.23	Honestly thought he'd never fight at hw
widowslaugh123 03.05.23	Well that was anticlimactic
TheNotrap 03.05.23	Jones made it look easy hahah he's undeniably the goat whether you like the character or not
Colton 03.05.23	depressing night for Jones haters that also bet on Valentina, great card though
Colton 03.05.23	still don't think he's the goat cause the goat wouldn't have taken PEDs just to get his ass beat by Dominick Reyes :)
widowslaugh123 03.12.23	Merab is a beast
TheNotrap 03.12.23	Merab destroyed petr
Colton 03.12.23	Merab has the best cardio in UFC history
TheNotrap 03.12.23	He should fight Sterling…I don't get that team stuff
Colton 03.12.23	I get it, if you’re tight with someone for a long time you won’t wanna fight them. Aljo has no chance at FW though
TheNotrap 03.12.23	He should fight for the title and not hold back for a teammate. For Sterling to be a legitimate champ he has to fight Merab next
Colton 03.12.23	disagree with that, he’s already a legitimate champ. more so if he beats Cejudo, O’Malley or Chito
TheNotrap 03.12.23	Hahah that wasn't really my point but ok
Colton 03.12.23	what was your point
widowslaugh123 03.16.23	Alright I’m going Vettori by decision O’Neill by decision Nelson by submission Gaethje by tko Edwards by submission (weird prediction but I just feel it for some reason)
TheNotrap 03.16.23	I'll watch Fiziev's latest fights before dropping my predictions, but it smells like fight of the year
TheNotrap 03.19.23	👊 Gaethje
TheNotrap 04.07.23	My picks: Izzy by decision Burns by decision Adrian Yanez by decision Holland by decision Raul Rosas by submission
Colton 04.07.23	good picks once again
TheNotrap 04.08.23	What's your prediction for the main and co-main?
Colton 04.08.23	I think Izzy can get it done. I think he’s a better more well rounded fighter overall. rooting for him too cause I just think he’s a more interesting fighter
Colton 04.08.23	and I got Burns by decision. he’ll lean on Jorge and just outwork him
ReefaJones 04.08.23	Izzy gonna get knocked out again unfortunately. Alex just has his number and Izzy probably will fold under the pressure getting ptsd flashbacks from all the times Alex stole his lunch money
widowslaugh123 04.08.23	Pereira by TKO Masvidal by TKO Font by decision Holland by TKO
ReefaJones 04.08.23	god I hope that piece of human trash Masvidal gets brutally knocked out.
Colton 04.08.23	I think it’s perfectly reasonable to predict another Pereira finish but I also feel like people are forgetting who Izzy is. and that Pereira was saved by the bell in round 1
Trundle 04.08.23	I hope Burns puts on such a great performance that he's finally given the title shot over Colby. And that we don't have to see anymore slap fighting trailer trash
Wructy 04.08.23	Pereira by KO/TKO before the third round 👀 I’m infinitely more stoked about the co-main though. Also I really really hope Kelvin Gastelum gets the W tonight as well.
TheNotrap 04.08.23	Izzy will most likely change strategy this time around and be more aggressive, shortening distances, leaving no room for Pereira. It's a risky strategy, but there's no safe game plan against that left hook.
TheNotrap 04.08.23	"I hope Burns puts on such a great performance …" Only another lucky knee will save Masvidal
Colton 04.08.23	he will wrestle more too
Colton 04.08.23	we should do a game where we all pick the fights and if you pick the winner you get a point and if you also pick the method of victory you get 2 or 3 points and then see who can get the most points
widowslaugh123 04.09.23	Holy shit
TheNotrap 04.09.23	I'm in Colton. Order restored in middleweight in the most brutal way 👊 Burns respected Masvidal too much. RIP Jorge
ReefaJones 04.09.23	there exists a site for that. It's called tapology. You can make groups there and then pick on each event and collect points
TheNotrap 04.09.23	Burns has to fight the winner of Leon vs Colby. I would like to see if he would get the better of Colby on the ground
ReefaJones 04.09.23	I made a group: https://www.tapology.com/groups/1347 If you make an account you can join
MFPENCIL 04.09.23	so say you're someone like me who is interested in following UFC but has no idea where to start/who to root for etc. where would be a good place to start?
ReefaJones 04.09.23	I'd say pick some of the current champions and watch their last 5 fights. Watch some interviews and media appearances of them also (helps to get to know them/get more invested in the outcome of future fights). Then go back further and watch some of the huge landmark fights from the all time greats.
ReefaJones 04.09.23	also maybe watch some breakdowns (people like Jack Slack and Luke Thomas do good breakdowns of fights) Helps to get a grasp of the concepts/technique when you're new to mma
MFPENCIL 04.09.23	sweet, thank you. I always get so invested when secret base does any mma video but most fighters they cover are already retired
TheNotrap 04.09.23	Check this one if you love striking: https://youtu.be/rOwC1p0AD3A
ReefaJones 04.10.23	so are ya'll gonna join the group and make tips for the next card or not
TheNotrap 04.10.23	I've already asked to join
ReefaJones 04.10.23	oh my bad you're in
Colton 04.10.23	will join but we could just do it here on sputnik too
ReefaJones 04.10.23	that's a lot of work for something that that site does for you.
Colton 04.10.23	true. we can track people’s scores on here though
ReefaJones 04.10.23	yeah
ReefaJones 04.12.23	which one of you is bwfc on tapology. Just making sure the request is from one of you
ReefaJones 04.14.23	Don't forget to make your picks. Also still waiting for Colton to join the group
TheNotrap 04.14.23	Who you guys got this Saturday? I pick the underdog - Arnold Allen, by decision
widowslaugh123 04.14.23	Arnold by decision Quarantillo by decision Jacoby by tko Cutelaba by tko Munhoz by decision Guida by decision
TheNotrap 04.14.23	Amazing how Guida is still around
ReefaJones 04.14.23	Since I think it's very close between the 2 I picked Max just because he's prob my favorite fighter ever
ReefaJones 04.14.23	@widowslaugh123 might as well make your picks here: https://www.tapology.com/groups/1347
ReefaJones 04.15.23	aight none of you made picks haha this'll not work :D
TheNotrap 04.16.23	Max had a good game plan, solid win. I thought Allen would do better but he's not there yet.
TheNotrap 05.04.23	https://youtu.be/ND3ssj5fqzA My picks: Triple C and Durinho
widowslaugh123 05.06.23	Gotta keep up my streak of bad picks Burns by 4th round submission Sterling by 3rd round submission
TheNotrap 05.06.23	Heheh Triple C, by decision Burns, by decision
TheNotrap 09.10.23	The biggest upset in UFC history? I had Strickland going in with a 10% chance
Deez 09.10.23	Nah. Recency bias Holm was bigger and Serra was still the biggest coming out of winning a fking reality show. Both much bigger odds wise also but top 3 no doubt although Pena nunes has to be there. I thought he had no chance but when I heard how loud the crowd where for him at the presser something in the back of my head was saying something was gonna happen just felt like a moment. This guy who's a bit of a joke suddenly became a massive crowd fave and if he could capitalise on that. Just weird..had a strange feeling. Unlucky I banned myself from all gambling sites cos about 5 mins before I was like I need cash on this. Was 5/1, Holly was double that at one point.
TheNotrap 09.10.23	I honestly didn't think he had the tools to beat Izzy, let alone in such a convincing way - 49-46 damn
Deez 09.10.23	yeah me neither man at all, his striking defensive was superb
TheNotrap 09.10.23	Weird stance isn’t? The way he shortened spaces and put constant pressure on Izzy also played a key part in the win. Hope he fights Dricus next, the division needs to move on.
widowslaugh123 09.10.23	Stricklands pressure has always been insane
Deez 09.10.23	Dricus next, the division needs to move on.' this,absolutely izzys, i think 4-3 now in his last 7 and 1-2 in his last 3. Alex rematch made sense but Dana said it was gonna be the rematch. Have DDP v Strickland next Izzy fights someone else then its all set for a huge fight with either of those guys if he wins.
Deez 09.10.23	Yeah that too
TheNotrap 09.10.23	It won't happen but I'd like to see Izzy vs Khamzat
Deez 09.10.23	Also props to that Kid (dos santos) who fought Kape. Hes got a high ceiling. look forward to seeing more of him
TheNotrap 09.10.23	I didn't pay attention to the rest of the card, only watched Tai vs Volkov. RIP Tai btw
TheNotrap 09.10.23	http://youtu.be/ezX_cpgeij8?si=-dgyS41XrFvzSYKL
Gmork89 09.13.23	I doubted Strickland all the way, totally admit I underestimated him, that was a crazy performance.
TheNotrap 11.11.23	Two bangers, who you got? Procházka vs. Pereira - Jiri by KO Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall - Aspinall by KO
MO 11.11.23	^ agreed notrap
Deez 11.11.23	routing for Tom all day but just have a feeling hes gonna lose, short camp etc etc lil heavier also cant get the fact he was getting tagged by Blaydes before the injury despite how great hes been. Gonna go Perriera KO too Both absolute 50/50s tho
TheNotrap 11.11.23	Pavlovich is a scary guy but I'm counting on Tom's speed and ground game
Deez 11.11.23	Hes more well rounded 100%
widowslaugh123 11.11.23	Pereira by TKO in the 4th Pavlovich by TKO in the 1st
TheNotrap 11.11.23	I don't know if Pereira's left hook and calf kick is enough to beat Jiri... he doesn't have many weapons
Wructy 11.11.23	I’m almost just as hype for this Benoit Saint Denis Vs. Matt Frevola fight as the main and co main.
TheNotrap 11.11.23	I only saw Benoit fight in Paris and he looked solid. Let's see if his cardio makes it to the third round
Deez 11.11.23	I don't know if Pereira's left hook and calf kick is enough to beat Jiri... he doesn't have many weapons' Jiri gets tagged, If Alex tags him its done, Its another case of more tools but just a feeling. Thought Jan would rag doll him on the floor and didnt
Wructy 11.12.23	MY MAN BENOIT!!!!
Wructy 11.12.23	But yeah man I still wanna see him fight 3 rounds.
MO 11.12.23	aspinall called that one nice. he's the future of HW
widowslaugh123 11.12.23	That shit was crazy
TheNotrap 11.12.23	That felt like an early stoppage to me. Tom is the man
Deez 11.12.23	So happy for Tom man, amazing early stoppage for sure in the Main but then Jiri said it wasnt he was out apparently so thats the end of that