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Articles by Suraj Sukumar
Predicting the stud & dud for UFC 300
UFC 300 is finally here. In an era of UFC cards being thrown at you almost every weekend of the year, you can appreciate UFC 300 so much more. The fights are legendary, the quality of fighters is the best in years, and the potential for multiple fight-of-the-year candidates is high. Under the bright lights, there is always one standout fighter and one who might miss the mark. On a quality card like this, the latter is a little bit harder to predict.
Who is Connor Matthews?
Connor Matthews makes his UFC debut at UFC Atlantic City on Saturday. By Suraj Sukumar | 3:00 PM EDT UFC Atlantic City is right around the corner and features a main event between flyweights Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot. Outside of that, this card is stacked with several aspiring fighters looking to make their mark in the UFC. Connor Matthews is one of them. The United States Air Force Combat Controller has spent a lot of time honing his skills.
5 Conor McGregor pre-UFC fights you need to watch
Conor McGregor changed the MMA landscape for future generations in a big way. Whether you loved him or hated him during his prime with the UFC, there is something to be said about the confidence, skill, and raw emotion that made him the face of the sport. The best thing about McGregor's UFC career is it's aging like fine wine. Considering how many fighters are getting spoon-fed opponents to grow their popularity, McGregor's doesn't look as bad, despite getting the same criticism at the time.
Super Bowl predictions: Nate Diaz makes his side known ahead of the big game
Super Bowl LVIII is live from Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world. on Feb. 11. The effects of Las Vegas hosting the Super Bowl will only add more to the NFL finals. It's in the heart of the sports gambling and casino industry, and the newer stadium for the Las Vegas Raiders is the perfect venue. Maxx Crosby, a star defensive lineman for the Raiders, is a big fan of MMA and has been seen around the area with plenty of MMA athletes, coaches, and personalities.
UFC 275: Who is Jack Della Maddalena? Jack Della Maddalena is doing things a bit differently. After losing his first two professional bouts back-to-back, he is riding an 11-fight win streak dating back to 2016. He not only impressed on the Dana White Contender Series against Ange Loosa, but he followed that up with a great boxing performance against Pete Rodriguez in his UFC debut. Maddalena earned a first-round knockout at UFC 270 and is now back for UFC 275.
UFC 266: What happened the first time Robbie Lawler and Nick Diaz fought?
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 06: Robbie Lawler celebrates after defeating Johny Hendricks by a split decision in their welterweight title fight during the UFC 181 event at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on December 6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images) UFC 266 gets Nick Diaz and Robbie Lawler. What happened the first time they fought? UFC 266 officially lands the highly-touted rematch between Nick Diaz and Robbie Lawler.
UFC Vegas 31: A timeline in the career of Miesha Tate
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 09: Miesha Tate addresses the media during UFC 205 Ultimate Media Day at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 9, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Miesha Tate is set to make her UFC return this Saturday at UFC Vegas 31. Miesha Tate and Marion Reneau are quite literally experiencing a passing of the guard. While Tate is looking to make a storied comeback to the UFC, Reneau is ready to call it quits.
Andre Ewell plans to fight at 135, 145 to 'stay active' in the UFC (Video)
Dec 29, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Nathaniel Wood (red gloves) reacts after his loss to Andre Ewell (not pictured) during UFC 232 at The Forum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports Andre Ewell sheds light on staying active at 135 and 145, having interim belts in the UFC, and the current state of affairs in boxing vs.
Houston Rockets: 3 big questions heading into 2019-20
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images The Houston Rockets have made a major splash in adding Russell Westbrook, but there are plenty of uncertainty for the new-look contenders. Here are the three big questions heading into the 2019-20 season. The Houston Rockets had disappointing conclusion to their 2018-19 campaign. Despite the strong teams in the Western Conference, the Rockets were one of the few teams with a chance to dethrone the Golden State Warriors.
Houston Rockets: Playing buy or sell with 2019 free agents
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images) The Houston Rockets are still trying to build a legitimate contender, and deciding which 2019 free agents to keep will be the first step this offseason. The Houston Rockets want a championship. With James Harden leading the charge, it’s important that the Rockets make the most of their prized-superstar.
Houston Rockets: 5 keys for rest of series vs. Warriors
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images The Houston Rockets came up short in Game 1 , but they have the tools to take down the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals. The Houston Rockets are looking for a big showing against the Golden State Warriors in their second round matchup of the 2019 NBA Playoffs. They have become bitter rivals in this new era and are running back their Western Conference Finals matchup from 2018.
UFC on ESPN+8: Jacare Souza Putting Everything on the Line
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 03: Jacare Souza of Brazil celebrates his knockout win against Chris Weidman of the United States in their middleweight bout during the UFC 230 event at Madison Square Garden on November 3, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) UFC Fort Lauderdale is the opportunity at least one high profile fighter has fallen short of in the past. Jacare Souza has everything to lose at UFC Fort Lauderdale.
UFC on ESPN+8: Jacare Souza Putting Everything on the Line
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 03: Jacare Souza of Brazil celebrates his knockout win against Chris Weidman of the United States in their middleweight bout during the UFC 230 event at Madison Square Garden on November 3, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) UFC Fort Lauderdale is the opportunity at least one high profile fighter has fallen short of in the past. Jacare Souza has everything to lose at UFC Fort Lauderdale.
Houston Rockets: Resting Chris Paul is the right move
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 13: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors on March 13, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D.
Houston Rockets: Improving road performance key to success
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 23: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) drives to the hoop against Houston Rockets' Chris Paul (3) and Eric Gordon (10) during the second quarter of a NBA game at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. (Ray Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images) The Houston Rockets continue to showcase their offensive prowess, but consistency and discipline will be key down the stretch.
Houston Rockets: Iman Shumpert has much to prove
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 9: Iman Shumpert #1 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 9, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
New UFC Title Belt Getting Mixed Reviews, Will Premiere on ESPN
The UFC is continuing to revamp as much as possible ahead of the new ESPN era. There were several reports about new championship belts coming out prior to UFC 232, but it was postponed for internal reasons. Some believe it had to do with the controversy surrounding the light heavyweight title bout between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson. In any case, the UFC waited till the new year to unveil any sort of information regarding their new championship belts.
New UFC Title Belt Getting Mixed Reviews, Will Premiere on ESPN
The UFC is continuing to revamp as much as possible ahead of the new ESPN era. There were several reports about new championship belts coming out prior to UFC 232, but it was postponed for internal reasons. Some believe it had to do with the controversy surrounding the light heavyweight title bout between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson. In any case, the UFC waited till the new year to unveil any sort of information regarding their new championship belts.
UFC: Jon Jones, Anthony Smith Title Fight in the Works
(Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) Jon Jones is back. Love him or hate him, he is one of the greatest mixed martial artists to ever grace the UFC. It is exciting to see him put the pieces of his life back together as he gets back to the Octagon. Despite the controversy heading into his fight against Alexander Gustafsson, Jones put on a dominating performance and came away with his UFC light heavyweight belt.
UFC: Jon Jones, Anthony Smith Title Fight in the Works
(Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) Jon Jones is back. Love him or hate him, he is one of the greatest mixed martial artists to ever grace the UFC. It is exciting to see him put the pieces of his life back together as he gets back to the Octagon. Despite the controversy heading into his fight against Alexander Gustafsson, Jones put on a dominating performance and came away with his UFC light heavyweight belt.
UFC 232: Pre-Fight Analysis, Betting Odds to Consider
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 27: Jon Jones speaks during the news conference with opponent Alexander Gustafsson of Sweden face during the UFC 232 press conference on December 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC) UFC 232 is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. What should be a celebrated rematch between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson is now a questionable event taking place in Inglewood, California.
UFC 232: Pre-Fight Analysis, Betting Odds to Consider
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 27: Jon Jones speaks during the news conference with opponent Alexander Gustafsson of Sweden face during the UFC 232 press conference on December 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC) UFC 232 is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. What should be a celebrated rematch between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson is now a questionable event taking place in Inglewood, California.
Blue Jackets John Tortorella thinks there is not enough hate in the NHL
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 04: Head coach John Tortorella of the Columbus Blue Jackets watches the action from the bench against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on October 4, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Columbus defeated Detroit 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella is never afraid to let everyone know what’s on his mind. He’s blunt, which is a blessing and a curse.
NHLPA Player Poll: A Closer Look At the Results
The NHLPA Player Poll was released to the public this past Wednesday. However, the discussions it has created are just getting started. While some of the results are almost predictable, others may provide an element of surprise. The questions asked provided information on who players would like to play with, who they hate playing against, and what they consider to be the most important qualities in a great player. They even go into details on all-time greats and best venues to play in.
Hockey Day in America: Promoting Hockey Around the United States
Hockey Day in America is more than a step in the right direction. Fans and players alike will come together to help promote the great sport of hockey throughout the country. USA Hockey partnered up with ‘400 local associations’ to help organize games for children between the ages 4 to 9. You are able to search for participating locations through this link, and the website does state that minimal equipment will be available for public use.
Philadelphia Flyers: Eric Lindros’ Number 88 To Be Retired
Eric Lindros had the potential to be one of the best hockey players of all-time. Maybe not in the most statistical way, but the way he played the game and dominated was something to marvel. During his time with the Philadelphia Flyers, he quickly became arguably the most beloved athlete in Flyers history. He was physical, yet gracious, in his own way. The penalty minutes and fearsome attitude was always there.
Edmonton Oilers: Michael Cammalleri adds much needed scoring depth
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 28: Los Angeles Kings left wing Michael Cammalleri (14) skates in warm up before a game between the Boston Bruins and the Los Angeles Kings on October 28, 2016, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Kings defeated the Bruins 2-1 (OT). (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Michael Cammalleri and Jussi Jokinen each joined new teams this summer, hoping for a resurgence in their NHL careers after both got bought out.
UFC 217: Cody Garbrandt vs. TJ Dillashaw is the Real Main Event
For long-time MMA fans, Michael Bisping vs. Georges St-Pierre might mean a lot more than money fights and new-era UFC business decisions. Despite St-Pierre’s dominance in the welterweight division, Bisping has found a way to keep up with the tide. He is now the UFC middleweight belt, and will take on the Canadian in his first fight back. With Bisping doing everything he can to sell this bout, he finally got his big money fight to headline UFC 217.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos Gunning for Art Ross Trophy
Steven Stamkos was always one of the NHL’s best players. Unfortunately for him, injuries are a part of the game, and he was limited to 94 games over the last two seasons. However, when the Tampa Bay Lightning captain is on the ice, he continues to perform at an elite level. Stamkos did play a full 82-game season in 2014-15, where he recorded 43 goals and 72 points, but missed most of the prior season with a broken leg.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Olli Maatta Coming Alive in 2017-18
Olli Maatta of the Pittsburgh Penguins is slowly becoming one of the NHL’s best two-way defenseman. After uphill battles with injuries over the past few seasons, he played 25 games during the 2016-17 NHL playoffs. Maatta scored two goals and six assists, but it was his defensive play that made him a formidable asset. After playing 78 games in 2013-14, Maatta is looking to complete his first full regular season ever since.
St. Louis Blues: Robby Fabbri Out For Season After Knee Injury
The St. Louis Blues are without Robby Fabbri once again. Unfortunately, the young forward has re-injured his left knee and will be out for the entire 2017-18 season. Fabbri suffered a torn ACL on February 4, had surgery on February 28 and received medical clearance to train on July 31. He played in Friday’s preseason game and garnered almost 20 minutes of ice time. Fabbri said he felt good after the game, but his body had a different plan.
Philadelphia Flyers: 3 Keys to Success for 2017-18
UNIONDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 17: Flyers bench during the NHL preseason game between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders on September 17, 2017, at NYCB Live in Uniondale, NY. (Photo by John Crouch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) The Philadelphia Flyers did not come out to play last season. Despite a promising roster with plenty of talent, the Flyers found themselves on the outside looking in, and were unable to compete with the rest of the Eastern Conference powerhouses.
Philadelphia Flyers: 3 Burning Question for 2017-18
The Philadelphia Flyers have a lot to prove. After looking like a powerhouse for a few seasons, they have spiraled towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference. While the competition is becoming increasingly fierce, the Flyers have always been able to adapt. Last season was very different. Jakub Voracek was the only player to break the 60-point mark with 61 points, while the defensive game and goaltending struggled immensely.
Minnesota Wild: 3 Burning Questions for 2017-18
The Minnesota Wild are aching for a Stanley Cup appearance. They seem to have the personnel, but things never go their way. They are likely a playoff-bound team already, but they are hoping to take it to the next level this NHL season. The Wild have plenty of offensive-minded players, and a strong group on defense. Devan Dubnyk has turned himself into a number goaltender behind this unit, and he continues to impress as the Wild’s number one goalie.
Minnesota Wild: 3 Keys To Success in 2017-18
ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 19: Minnesota Wild's Martin Hanzal, right, celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the second period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey first-round playoff series April 19, 2017, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) The Minnesota Wild must be frustrated. On paper, they look strong from every angle. Good coaching, strong goaltending, one of the best defensive groups, and impressive depth at forward.
Arizona Coyotes: Shane Doan Retires After 21 Seasons in the NHL
Shane Doan is a legend. For Canadian fans, he represented the sport and country proudly. He was committed to the Arizona Coyotes for his entire career, after getting drafted by the Winnipeg Jets seventh overall in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. He was loyal, gritty, and a adapted to the changes in the game better than most players his age. Doan’s career is finally at an end, as he has announced his retrement. Some hoped he would sign elsewhere to win a Stanley Cup.
NHL Free Agency: Jaromir Jagr’s Decision Still to Come
Jaromir Jagr is still without an NHL team. Many thought this would have ended by now, but that is not the case. Shane Doan officially retired from the NHL, despite interest from several teams. Is there something stopping Jagr? Doan must weighed all the options and decided to call it quits. He probably did not want to play elsewhere, and why waste another year of his life playing in Arizona? There are much better things to do in life, at least from a player of 21 years’ perspective.
Colorado Avalanche: 3 Burning Questions for 2017-18
The Colorado Avalanche are in an interesting position. Aesthetically, people are already writing this team off. They have poor defense, under-performing forwards, and a very questionable tandem in goal. If there is one great thing about hockey, it is the unexpected success of certain players. The Avalanche have a huge crop of young talent, and while they are still unproven, the right group of players could surprise the NHL world this season.
Calgary Flames: 3 Keys to Success for 2017-18
The Calgary Flames kicked it into gear at the right time last year, and made the NHL playoffs as a result. However, a lot more was expected of them during the regular season. The emergence of Johnny Gaudreau, the arrival of Brian Elliott, and their growth as a unit made everyone a believer from the start of the season. In reality, the Flames struggled, and Elliott was not the player they expected. He found himself in a battle with Chad Johnson, and there was a lack of production from everyone.
Calgary Flames: 3 Burning Questions For 2017-18
The Calgary Flames have a lot going for them, but their on-ice success has still been limited. They have plenty of youth in the system, and have tried to flirt with several looks on defense to find some consistency. Johnny Gaudreau is on the cusp of elite status, but his tough 61-point campaign in 72 games was a big concern. He was considered a favorite to lead the league in points last season, but that did not flourish into anything.
2012 NHL Draft: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
The 2012 NHL Draft was one to remember. Maybe not from a “where are they now” perspective, but certainly from an exciting and historic one. Nail Yakupov was the talk of the town. He put on a great show with the Sarnia Sting (OHL), and went on to become the undisputed first overall prospect in 2012. The Edmonton Oilers hopped on the hype train with little regret, and drafted the young Russian first overall. Ryan Murray was not too far behind.
Vancouver Canucks: Alex Kerfoot Seems Like a Great Fit
PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 25: Harvard Crimson forward Alexander Kerfoot (14) skates with the puck during the third period of the NCAA East Regional quarterfinal game between Air Force Falcons and Harvard Crimson on March 25, 2017, at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI. Harvard defeated Air Force 3-2. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) The Vancouver Canucks are a team looking for an identity, but they are well on their way.
Arizona Coyotes: Anthony Duclair Needs to Sign a One-Year Deal
The Arizona Coyotes are one of the more interesting teams to watch heading into the preseason. At the moment, Anthony Duclair remains unsigned, but the talks remain positive. Kent Hughes, Duclair’s agent, continues to see hope as things progress with John Chayka, the team’s General Manager and President of Hockey Operations. Chayka has not been candid about Duclair’s season, or the chance a deal gets done.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Conor Sheary’s Rise Continues
Conor Sheary gelled with the Pittsburgh Penguins from the very start. At just 25 years old, Sheary has two Stanley Cup under his belt, and broke the 50-point mark in just 61 games last season. The young forward played four years at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was a productive offensive threat and captained the team in his final season. Sheary went on to play his first professional season Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2014-15, and finished with 20 goals and 45 points in 58 games.
2017 World Junior Summer Showcase: Brady Tkachuk A Player To Watch
MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 05: Members of Team United States lock arms and sing the US national anthem during the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship gold medal game against Team Canada at the Bell Centre on January 5, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Team United States defeated Team Canada 5-4 in a shootout to win the gold medal round. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) Brady Tkachuk comes from a great hockey family.
Montreal Canadiens: Mark Streit Has Big Shoes To Fill
NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 11: Mark Streit #32 of the Pittsburgh Penguins lifts the Stanley Cup after the Penguins defeated the Nashville Predators 2-0 to win the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena on June 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) Mark Streit is now the veteran presence on the Montreal Canadiens blue line. Andrei Markov announced on Thursday that he will not be returning to the Canadiens, and will take his talents to Russia.
Will Butcher Is The Next Big College Prospect to Hit NHL
Will Butcher was silencing the critics for the past four seasons a the University of Denver. After a strong performance at the U-18 World Junior Championships in 2013, Butcher was selected in the fifth round by the Colorado Avalanche with the 123rd overall pick. He went on to represent the United States at the U-20 World Junior Championships two years in a row, before finishing his last two years with the Pioneers.
Winnipeg Jets: Connor Hellebuyck Needs to Prove Himself in 2017-18
NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 28: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets adjusts his equipment during the game against the New Jersey Devils on March 28, 2017 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images) The Winnipeg Jets are stocking up on goaltenders this offseason. After signing veteran Steve Mason to a two-year, $8.2 million contract, the Jets re-signed Connor Hellebuyck to a one-year contract worth $2.25 million.
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 03: Tomas Tatar #21 of the Detroit Red Wings turns up ice against the Ottawa Senators during an NHL game at Joe Louis Arena on April 3, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Wings defeated the Senators 5-4 in a shoot-out. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) The Detroit Red Wings are preparing for a new era, and Tomas Tatar seems to be a major part of their long-term plans. Tatar is coming off an above-average season, but the Red Wings were not very good.
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Victor Hedman #77 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his goal with teammates Ondrej Palat #18, Tyler Johnson #9, and Nikita Kucherov #86 against the Montreal Canadiens during third period at Amalie Arena on December 28, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images) The Tampa Bay Lightning are hungry for another Stanley Cup appearance. They missed the NHL playoffs by a small margin, but dealt with plenty of issues throughout the season.
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