Blood Diamond
New Zealand
Still searching for first UFC win
Diamond lost to Charlie Radtke via unanimous decision (27-29, 27-29, 27-29) at UFC 293 on Saturday in Sydney, Australia.
ANALYSIS
The bar is exceedingly low, but this was probably Diamond's best performance in three UFC bouts. Of course, he remains winless with the company. Facing a debuting opponent, Diamond's takedown defense held up -- something that has been a major issue for him in the past. He spent far too much time being controlled by his opponent along the fence, however, and was also (correctly) docked a point by referee Herb Dean for repeated low blows. "Blood Diamond" was a high-level kickboxer in his day, but now 35 years of age and with all of six professional fights under his belt, Diamond's time with the UFC has likely come to an end.
The bar is exceedingly low, but this was probably Diamond's best performance in three UFC bouts. Of course, he remains winless with the company. Facing a debuting opponent, Diamond's takedown defense held up -- something that has been a major issue for him in the past. He spent far too much time being controlled by his opponent along the fence, however, and was also (correctly) docked a point by referee Herb Dean for repeated low blows. "Blood Diamond" was a high-level kickboxer in his day, but now 35 years of age and with all of six professional fights under his belt, Diamond's time with the UFC has likely come to an end.
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Another go at UFC 293
Blood Diamond will take on Charlie Radtke in a welterweight matchup at UFC 293 on Sept. 9 in Sydney, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
It may soon be the end of the line for Blood Diamond (aka Mike Matheha), as he's already lost his first two appearances in the UFC. He now draws Radtke in the 33-year-old's UFC debut following a 4-0 run in Cage Fury FC. Radtke is 7-3-0 as a pro, and per Tapology, trains out of MMA Masters in Miami.
It may soon be the end of the line for Blood Diamond (aka Mike Matheha), as he's already lost his first two appearances in the UFC. He now draws Radtke in the 33-year-old's UFC debut following a 4-0 run in Cage Fury FC. Radtke is 7-3-0 as a pro, and per Tapology, trains out of MMA Masters in Miami.
Drops decision to heavy opponent
Diamond lost to Orion Cosce via unanimous decision (28-29, 28-29, 28-29) at UFC 277 on Saturday in Dallas.
ANALYSIS
It was a better performance from Diamond than we saw in his UFC debut this past February, but it was still a clear cut unanimous decision defeat. Diamond's biggest issue was his inability to defend the takedown. He allowed Cosce to get him to the mat once in the opening frame and twice in Round 3, ultimately resulting in more than seven minutes (7:06) worth of control time. The only good news for Diamond is that he will be collecting 20 percent of Cosce's purse after the latter missed weight on Friday morning. Diamond turned 34 years of age in early July and has just five professional fights under his belt, including losses in his only two UFC bouts. There's no guarantee he gets a third opportunity with the the company.
It was a better performance from Diamond than we saw in his UFC debut this past February, but it was still a clear cut unanimous decision defeat. Diamond's biggest issue was his inability to defend the takedown. He allowed Cosce to get him to the mat once in the opening frame and twice in Round 3, ultimately resulting in more than seven minutes (7:06) worth of control time. The only good news for Diamond is that he will be collecting 20 percent of Cosce's purse after the latter missed weight on Friday morning. Diamond turned 34 years of age in early July and has just five professional fights under his belt, including losses in his only two UFC bouts. There's no guarantee he gets a third opportunity with the the company.
Fighting heavy opponent
Diamond will fight a heavy opponent in Orion Cosce during their matchup at UFC 277, MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Diamond's fight will remain on as scheduled after Cosce weighed in at 172.5 pounds. Diamond will receive 20 percent of Cosce's forfeited purse as a result. Despite the bigger pay day, Blood Diamond finds himself as roughly a (+160) betting underdog as of Friday afternoon.
Diamond's fight will remain on as scheduled after Cosce weighed in at 172.5 pounds. Diamond will receive 20 percent of Cosce's forfeited purse as a result. Despite the bigger pay day, Blood Diamond finds himself as roughly a (+160) betting underdog as of Friday afternoon.
Cosce fight rescheduled
Blood Diamond's welterweight fight against Orion Cosce has been rescheduled to take place at UFC 277 on July 30, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Diamond was originally slated to take on Cosce in UFC 275 on June 11 before Diamond was ruled out of this fight for undisclosed reasons. This makes for the third time these two have been matched up for a welterweight fight in the UFC, though they have yet to face one another due to previous cancellations. Diamond will look to score his first UFC win after falling to Jeremiah Wells via submission during the first round of his February debut with the promotion.
Diamond was originally slated to take on Cosce in UFC 275 on June 11 before Diamond was ruled out of this fight for undisclosed reasons. This makes for the third time these two have been matched up for a welterweight fight in the UFC, though they have yet to face one another due to previous cancellations. Diamond will look to score his first UFC win after falling to Jeremiah Wells via submission during the first round of his February debut with the promotion.
Cosce fight called off
Diamond (undisclosed) has been ruled out of his welterweight fight against Orion Cosce at UFC 275, Cole Shelton reports.
ANALYSIS
This is the second time the two fighters have had their bout called off, the first time being at UFC 271. It is uncertain if the UFC will reschedule the fight or look for a replacement to fight Cosce.
This is the second time the two fighters have had their bout called off, the first time being at UFC 271. It is uncertain if the UFC will reschedule the fight or look for a replacement to fight Cosce.