Din Thomas can’t assist it; he’s not impressed by the UFC 321 co-main occasion.
This Saturday, UFC 321 goes down in Abu Dhabi, and within the co-main occasion, Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern struggle for the flyweight title lately vacated by Zhang Weili. As with every vacant title struggle, the shadow of the previous champion, Zhang, looms massive over it; so massive that Thomas can’t assist however be unenthused however the matchup.
”I imply this with all due respect,” Thomas stated on the On Paper with Anthony Smith podcast. “I’m making an attempt to be as respectful [as possible], however has there ever been a extra insignificant title struggle within the historical past — not, possibly, within the historical past, however within the final, latest reminiscence? You get the place I’m coming from, proper? Nobody appears to even care of have batted an eye fixed at this struggle.”
Thomas isn’t the one one that feels this manner, as Smith, a former UFC gentle heavyweight title challenger, agreed with Thomas, however went a step additional, saying Jandiroba profitable could be a “advertising nightmare” for the UFC.
Fortunately, not less than in keeping with Thomas, the UFC shouldn’t have to fret about that. Jandiroba and Dern already fought as soon as earlier than, in 2020, with Dern profitable a unanimous determination. And Thomas believes she’s more likely to get her hand raised as soon as once more on Saturday.
“In the event you take a look at a few of Mackenzie’s performances, a part of me thinks that she has a bit Kevin Holland factor happening the place she simply hasn’t reached her potential,” Thomas stated. “As a result of I believe she’s higher — it’s bizarre to say this as a result of she’s preventing for a title, however I believe she’s higher than what she’s ever confirmed.
“Her efficiency in opposition to Angela Hill, that needed to be a nightmare for Angela Hill making an attempt to get by means of that struggle. Mackenzie Dern, she punches as laborious as anyone within the division, she grapples in addition to anyone within the division, she’s obtained fuel for days, she doesn’t get drained, it’s simply generally she doesn’t appear to be she even cares about preventing. …
“She’s actually good on the bottom, she’s very athletic, and he or she’s born for this,” Thomas continued. “She’s been in fight her whole life. I really feel as if, if she takes it significantly, I believe she ought to win this struggle very handily.”
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Mackenzie Dern UFC 321 open exercise.
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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Marcus McGhee is such a vibe.
Most likely the one factor I can do higher than Kayla Harrison.
Jalin Turner (14-9) vs. Edson Barboza (24-13); UFC 323, Dec. 6.
Maycee Barber (14-2) vs. Karine Silva (19-5); UFC 323, Dec. 6.
I actually like Din Thomas, and I’m not even saying he’s improper, however he shouldn’t be saying that contemplating he works for the UFC. Heck, similar goes for Anthony Smith. Maybe much more so because it’s not like Smith’s title shot was essentially the most highly-anticipated struggle of all time.
Additionally, he’s improper, as a result of it’s lastly Mackenzie Dern season, folks! Me and Shaheen Al-Shatti are the one individuals who by no means obtained off the island and now take a look at us, we’re sitting in excessive cotton now, child! The Dern Period begins on Saturday. — Meshew
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