Grigorii Popov

Russia

On his way out of UFC
BantamweightOther
February 11, 2020
Popov has been released by the UFC, Nolan King of MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Popov's time with the company will be short-lived after just two fights, as the 35-year-old was finished in the second round by Eddie Wineland last July and followed that performance up with a split-decision loss to Davey Grant in November. The most recent bout ended in a lengthy medical suspension, but rather than wait it out, the UFC will allow him to look for his next fight elsewhere.
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Receives medical suspension
BantamweightOther
November 19, 2019
Popov was handed a six-month medical suspension pending a nasal X-ray following his loss to Davey Grant via split decision at UFC Fight Night in Moscow, Nolan King of MMAJunkie.USAToday.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Popov entered the bout as a favorite, as he was fighting in his native Russia, but he was unable to ride the crowds momentum to victory. It was his second loss since debuting in the UFC in June. He can potentially return earlier than May if his nasal X-rays get cleared by a physician.
Still searching for first UFC win
BantamweightOther
November 9, 2019
Popov lost to Davey Grant via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 28-29) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Moscow, Russia.
ANALYSIS
It was a pretty lousy effort from a guy who entered as a healthy (-150) favorite. Popov, with the crowd behind him in his native Russia, really struggled over the course of the first two rounds. He improved a bit in Round 3 but the damage was already done. Popov's inability to defend the takedown -- Grant landed two successful tries in each round -- was his ultimate undoing. Popov made his UFC debut in June and already has a pair of losses under his belt.
Gets spot on Moscow card
BantamweightOther
September 6, 2019
Popov was booked to fight Davey Grant at UFC Moscow on November 9, Nolan King of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Popov was riding a nine-fight winning streak that lasted four years before his UFC debut in June. There, he fell to Eddie Wineland via knockout in the second round of their bout at UFC 238. Now, he has a good opportunity to bounce back against Grant, who is just 1-4 in his career under the UFC banner.
Struggles with hand speed
BantamweightOther
June 8, 2019
Popov lost to Eddie Wineland via TKO (punches) at 4:47 of Round 2 at UFC 238 on Saturday in Chicago.
ANALYSIS
Popov was up against it here. He tried to get loose with his striking. However, Wineland was the one pushing the pace. Popov had his moments, but you got the impression that it was only a matter of time until Wineland started scoring with his power strikes. That end came in the second round. Popov was hurt with a right hand. He tried to stay in it, but eventually he went down. Popov will certainly get another shot in the UFC.
Making UFC debut in Chicago
BantamweightOther
April 23, 2019
Popov (14-2-0) signed a four-fight deal with the UFC on Tuesday and will make his promotional debut June 8 at UFC 238 in Chicago, Matt Eaton of TheFightNation.com reports. He's scheduled to take on Eddie Wineland (23-13-1) in a bantamweight bout.
ANALYSIS
At 35 years old, Popov is older than most UFC rookies, but he's not lacking in experience. The promotion has made several efforts to sign the Thailand-trained fighter over the past two years, during which Popov has amassed a nine-fight winning streak.