Showing posts with label Lightweight title. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lightweight title. Show all posts
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
UFC 150: Henderson vs Edgar Preview video
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Costa Ioannou defeats Adam Speechly at EFC 14 to retain lightweight title
Tonight Costa Ioannou became the first fighter in EFC history to defend his EFC title twice when he defeated Adam Speechly via unanimous decision at EFC Africa 14. Ioannou, a huge favourite, was put to the test by a determined Speechly and was forced to dig deep to grind out the win and retain his lightweight title. A great main event, Costa Ioannou and Adam Speechly showed what MMA is all about.
Costa Ioannou vs Adam Speechly EFC 14 fight breakdown
Costa Ioannou took control of the fight early, taking the fight to the ground and maintaining a dominant position for the better part of the first two rounds. Ioannou was able to land some vicious ground and pound and attempt near submissions, looking every bit the dominant champion we are used to. Though Speechly worked hard off his back, the grappling wunderkind couldn't seem to find an answer.As round two drew to a close, Ioannou looked worn out. Speechly took this opportunity and pressed the action in round three, taking the top position and landing some shots of his own. The fight had taken a huge turn and Ioannou looked in real trouble for the first time in his professional career.
Costa Ioannou bounced back in round four, and though he looked gassed for the remainder of the fight, was still able to land effective take downs, control the fight and nearly land a fight finishing rear-naked choke. Speechly for his part was competitive in the latter rounds, but never looked as threatening as he had in the third.
The fight went the distance and Costa Ioannou was awarded a well deserved unanimous decision victory to retain his EFC Africa lightweight title.
Full EFC 14 fight results
Monday, 28 May 2012
Ioannou vs Speechly EFC 14 fight feature video
Its almost time for one of the most star studded fight nights in South African MMA history - EFC Africa 14. Today the EFC released their final piece of promotional material, a fight feature promoting the main event of the evening - Costa Ioannou vs Adam Speechly for the EFC Africa lightweight title.
Click here to read my fight preview article: Costa Ioannou vs Adam Speechly EFC 14 fight preview
Costa Ioannou vs Adam Speechly EFC 14 fight feature video
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Costa Ioannou vs Adam Speechly EFC 14 lightweight title fight preview
On Friday 1 June 2012, the Extreme Fighting Championship
returns to Carnival City, Johannesburg for EFC Africa 14. The MMA event will be
headlined by a lightweight title fight between two of the biggest names in
South African MMA - reigning EFC Africa lightweight champion Costa Ioannou and
former EFC Africa welterweight champion Adam Speechly.
Costa Ioannou (4-0)
Costa Ioannou (#1 Lightweight rankings) has been dominant in
the lightweight division, finishing 3 of his 4 fights inside the EFC Hexagon
against a who’s who of South African lightweights . The Fightfit Militia
product also became the first man to successfully defend his EFC Africa title
at EFC 11 when he defeated Alex Cheboub via third round rear-naked choke
submission. Costa Ioannou, aptly dubbed “The dominant champion” will look to
continue his incredible form when he steps in the Hexagon at EFC Africa 14
against Adam Speechly in his second lightweight title defence.
Costa Ioannou road to EFC Africa 14
Fight
|
Result
|
Method
|
Event
|
Review
|
Brendon
Katz
|
Win
|
Decision (Unanimous)
|
EFC Africa 3
|
|
William Bentley
|
Win
|
Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
|
EFC Africa 5
|
|
Wentzel Nel
|
Win
|
Submission (Triangle Choke)
|
EFC Africa 8
|
|
Alex Cheboub
|
Win
|
Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
|
EFC Africa 11
|
Adam “The Prodigy” Speechly (12-3)
After losing his EFC Africa welterweight title, Adam Speechly will drop down to lightweight for the first time in his EFC career. The prodigy (4-2 EFC) is widely regarded as one of the best ground fighters in South Africa and has submitted three of his opponents in the Hexagon. Speechly has only lost twice in the EFC, once to Lebanese fighter Abdullah Hamdan and most recently to Dallas Jakobi in their welterweight title fight last year. Adam Speechly will want to bounce back with a win over the ever dangerous Ioannou.
Adam Speechly road to EFC Africa 14
Opponent
|
Result
|
Method
|
Event
|
Review
|
Dino Bagattin
|
Win
|
Submission (Rear-naked Choke)
|
EFC Africa 2
|
|
Russell van Heerden
|
Win
|
TKO (Elbows)
|
EFC Africa 3
|
|
Nolan Swanepoel
|
Win
|
Submission (Rear-naked Choke)
|
EFC Africa 4
|
|
Abdullah Hamdan
|
Loss
|
KO (Punches)
|
EFC Africa 6
|
|
Nolan Swanepoel
|
Win
|
Submission (Guillotine Choke)
|
EFC Africa 8
|
|
Dallas Jakobi
|
Loss
|
Decision (Unanimous)
|
EFC Africa 10
|
Costa Ioannou and Adam Speechly - Fighter Comparison
Stand-up advantage
Though Adam Speechly has improved dramatically on the feet, I
have to give the advantage to Costa Ioannou in the stand-up department. Ioannou
is one of the most aggressive strikers in the EFC, and is able to press forward
and close the distance effectively, which invariably results in a clinch
situation. In the clinch he has displayed a vicious arsenal of knees and elbows
which have felled many an opponent.
Ground advantage
The ground is where this fight gets interesting, as Speechly
and Ioannou are both well versed and
respected ground fighters. Speechly has a plethora of accolades in the no-gi
submission wrestling game, while Ioannou holds a brown belt in Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu. This one is too close to call, as both fighters have very different
backgrounds and styles. I think the ground advantage could go either way or end
up being nullified.
Physical advantage
Adam Speechly is the taller man with the greater reach, and
as he dropping down a division, should be the bigger man. Contrary to this
though, I believe Costa Ioannou will have a strength advantage. One factor to consider is how Adam
Speechly will react to dropping the extra weight. There is definitely an
element of risk in not taking a fight or two to test how his body will react to the new weight division.
Mental advantage
Mentally I believe neither fighter has an advantage as both
are very experienced and should be accustomed to the spotlight. Both Speechly
and Ioannou have title fight experience and have held titles before.
Costa Ioannou – Keys to victory
- Close the distance when standing, fight on the inside
- Use the clinch effectively – avoid the take down and land power shots.
- Be methodical on the ground. Work for dominant position, wear Speechly out and work effective ground and pound
Adam Speechly – Keys to victory
- Maintain distance in the stand-up
- Look for the take down - get the fight to the ground as soon as possible
- Work for early submission on Ioannou
Costa Ioannou vs Adam Speechly – EFC 14 fight prediction
This fight has all the makings of an action packed tussle. Costa
Ioannou will come out the more aggressive fighter, looking to close the
distance and nullify Speechly’s reach advantage. Speechly will be content to stay on the
outside and work his striking, but will certainly favour his chances on the
ground.
Costa’s aggressive style will lead to a clinch situation
early on. This will be pivotal to the outcome of the fight as the clinch is not
only where Ioannou can do the most damage, but also where Speechly can get the
fight down to the ground. Due to both fighters being comfortable on the ground,
I believe this fight will definitely end up there and the two master grapplers
will have to work hard to secure anything. Round one will end with both
fighters intact.
Round two will see Costa Ioannou begin to take control of
the fight and wear Adam Speechly out. I predict the Fightfit Militia fighter
will once more close the distance, land some big shots on the inside and take
Speechly to the mat. A worn down Speechly will not be as effective in his
defence and Ioannou will be able to obtain a dominant position and work some
vicious Ground and Pound over the course of the round to end the fight in the
second frame via TKO. Costa Ioannou will maintain his lightweight title and
solidify himself as one of the best fighters in South Africa.
Adam Speechly vs Costa Ioannou EFC Africa 14 promo vÃdeo
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Costa Ioannou vs Adam Speechly - EFC 14
The co-main event for the EFC's 14th event will feature a lightweight title fight. Reigning EFC Africa lightweight champion Costa Ioannou will defend his title for the second time against former EFC welterweight champion Adam Speechly.
Costa Ioannou
Costa Ioannou (4-0) has been rampant in the EFC lightweight division. The champion has defeated Brendon Katz, William Bentley, Wentzel Nel and Alex Cheboub in convincing fashion. With a long list of high level scalps, Costa Ioannou has almost cleaned out the division, leaving the EFC matchmakers with the tough task of finding worthy opponents for the lightweight kingpin.
|
| Costa Ioannou |
Adam "The Prodigy" Speechly
Adam Speechly (12-3, 4-2 EFC) is highly regarded as one of the best grapplers and MMA fighters in South Africa. Speechly was dominant in the EFC welterweight division, losing only once to Lebanese fighter Abdullah Hamdan, en route to winning the EFC Africa welterweight title. The Prodigy however was unable to defend his title against Dallas Jakobi at EFC Africa 10, where he lost a unanimous decision. Speechly will now drop to lightweight for the first time to challenge Ioannou.
|
| Adam Speechly |
Costa Ioannou vs Adam Speechly at EFC Africa 14
There was a lot of controversy surrounding Adam Speechly's title shot, but that aside I believe he is a good opponent for Costa Ioannou (#2 Pound for pound rankings). Both fighters have been at the top of the MMA scene, have been EFC champions and have extremely high level ground games. This is not only a fight between two of the top lightweights, but two of the top fighters in South Africa.
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Adam Speechly - EFC 14 lightweight title shot controversy
The prospect of two of South Africa’s premier grapplers
squaring off in the Hexagon is a mouth-watering one for any MMA fan. Add to
this the fact that both men are accomplished MMA fighters, who have owned EFC
Gold and you have the makings for a titanic clash. This is essentially what the
EFC have done by matching reigning EFC Africa lightweight champion Costa Ioannou against former EFC Africa welterweight champion Adam Speechly at EFC Africa 14.
The timing of this bout however is completely wrong, and
does a lot to detract from the grandeur of the event. Unfortunately, in my humble opinion, this is
the second time in as many events that the EFC has made
a faux pas in selecting title challengers (the first I discussed in my article
about Jadyson Costa's welterweight title shot).
Adam "The Prodigy" Speechly (12-3)
Adam Speechly (#2 Welterweight Rankings) is a great MMA fighter
and holds notable wins over Dallas Jakobi, Dino Bagattin and Nolan Swanepoel. He
has also won ample grappling events and was the first EFC Africa Welterweight
champion.
Adam Speechly was unsuccessful in his first title defence against Dallas Jakobi at
EFC 10, his most recent outing in the EFC. Speechly has also lost two of
his last three fights and has not fought since September last year.
Now, accomplished as Adam Speechly is and, exciting as a matchup with Ioannou promises to be, it is always going to be hard to sell Speechly as the
current, legitimate number 1 contender.
Adam Speechly at lightweight
I am not denying the fact that I intrinsically like the idea
of Adam Speechly vs Costa Ioannou. I happen to think it’s a great match and
that Speechly’s move to lightweight is a prudent one. I however think that the EFC should have gone
about it in a different way and given Speechly a fight or two at lightweight to
prove himself and earn his shot at Costa Ioannou’s title.
Lightweight title contenders
Here are
three far less controversial fights which Ioannou could have had:
- Ryan van Niekerk, as I discussed in my article 5 fights to make after EFC 12.
- Wentzel Nel, who has strung together two straight wins since losing his title to Ioannou.
- Chris Bright, my #2 Lightweight in South Africa, who isn't currently contracted to the EFC, but has expressed an interest in fighting Ioannou.
Saturday, 24 March 2012
Benson Henderson - UFC Lightweight Champion
Benson "Smooth" Henderson, a former WEC champion was dethroned by
Anthony Pettis in the last official WEC fight. The defeated champion reset
himself in the UFC and set about reclaiming the gold that was taken from him.
Four fights later, after a decision victory against Frankie Edgar, Benson
Henderson was crowned the UFC lightweight champion. Henderson has yet to defend
his title.
Benson Henderson UFC title fights
Fighter
|
UFC Stats
|
Rating
|
Bonuses
|
Score
|
Frankie Edgar
|
9-1
|
2.767
|
Title
|
3.267
|
Total
|
9-1
|
2.767
|
3.267
|
|
Average
|
90%
|
2.767
|
3.267
|
Benson Henderson UFC title summary
- Benson Henderson is undefeated in the UFC.
- Benson Henderson’s title opponents had a 90% UFC win ratio prior to challenging him.
- Benson Henderson’s title opponents have the highest average rating.
- Benson Henderson’s title fights have the third highest average rating
- All Benson Henderson’s title fights have been won via unanimous decision.
- Benson Henderson has fought the least title fights in UFC (tied with Junior dos Santos)
My Statistical Analysis of UFC Champions
3: Jose Aldo
7: Jon Jones
10: Most dominant UFC Champion - conclusion
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Wentzel Nel vs Costa Ioannou - EFC 08 Lightweight Title fight
At EFC Africa 08, Wentzel Nel would attempt to defend his EFC Africa lightweight title against surging contender Costa Ioannou. Nel (3-1 EFC) had lost his last non-title fight against American Dave Mazany, while Ioannou carried an impressive 2-0 EFC record into the Hexagon.
Wentzel Nel vs Costa Ioannou - EFC 08 promo video
Wentzel Nel vs Costa Ioannou - EFC Africa 08 lightweight title fight
Costa Ioannou was quick to take the centre of the ring, and after a very brief exchange of punches, closed the distance and got the clinch. Wentzel Nel landed the bigger shots early in the form of punches and knees, but Ioannou worked the clinch well and landed some big elbows and knees of his own, before taking the fight to the ground. Nel managed to work his way back up to standing from a dangerous position, and the clinch once more ensued. After a brief exchange of close range shots, Ioannou managed to create some space and land a huge elbow followed by two huge knees which buckled the champion. Costa Ioannou was quick to take him to the ground and take side control. Ioannou used his position to land some shots before transitioning to full mount. Costa Ioannou then rained down punches on Wentzel Nel, forcing him to react and as he did, Ioannou sunk in a deep triangle choke. Nel was forced to tap 3 minutes into the first round, and Costa Ioannou was declared the new EFC Africa lightweight champion.
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