[hfy962464]

Even before he received the call, Ali Bagautinov had a feeling he would be challenging Demetrious Johnson for the flyweight championship. Elgin Baylor Jersey . Since debuting in the UFC last year, the Dagestan native has made waves in the 125-pound division. After finishing Marcos Vinicius with punches in front of a hostile Brazilian crowd in September, Bagautinov earned consecutive decision victories over Tim Elliott and John Lineker. Immediately following his win over Lineker at UFC 169 four months ago, Bagautinov checked the UFCs official rankings and discovered hed broken into the top five. Since each fighter ranked above him had suffered recent losses to Johnson, Bagautinov knew he was next in line. "I dont know, but for some reason I had this feeling I would be given a chance at a title shot," Bagautinov told UFC.ca through a translator. "I watch all the fights in my (weight class). So I try to keep abreast of everything thats going on." Bagautinov gets his opportunity to dethrone Johnson in the headliner of UFC 174 in Vancouver, B.C. June 14. The co-main event features a pivotal welterweight bout between Rory MacDonald and Tyron Woodley. Also, former heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski returns against Brendan Schaub. Not only would a win over Johnson be the culmination of all his hard work in both mixed martial arts and Combat Sambo, it would earn Bagautinov the distinction of being the first Russian titleholder in UFC history. The heavy-handed striker also recently became a father, welcoming his first-born son. It goes without saying that a victory would allow him to further support his family. Bagautinov admitted a lot is riding on his fight with Johnson. "First of all, its very important to me that I will go into the history books as the first UFC champion from Russia," Bagautinov said. "It is very important to me, and without a doubt, it will help me provide better for my family. "I think that you will see more and more fighters from Russia (in the UFC). We have a lot of very successful and very promising fighters. I believe that they might be champions and titleholders in different categories, in the future." Though Bagautinov is on the cusp of making a better life for himself and his loved ones, his road to a title shot has been bumpy. A recent report from MMABoxing.ru claimed the fighter failed a 2012 drug test and was retroactively suspended for two years by the International Sambo Federation. According to the article, Bagautinov was flagged for methylhexanemine, a dietary supplement and stimulant commonly found in nasal sprays that is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Bagautinov has since called the report bogus, stating that had he been suspended, he wouldnt have been allowed to compete in Sambo bouts in Russia. He also said the incident hasnt interfere with his training camp. "I never even thought about it," Bagautinov said bluntly. "It did not affect my training. I would say that I did experience some indignation as to why this nonsense suddenly came up. But it didnt damage me or hurt me in any way because I am focused on my training and my preparations." With the drug accusation behind him at least for now, Bagautinov has to get the job done against Johnson, who has proven to be a difficult puzzle to solve. Since capturing the inaugural flyweight championship in 2012, Mighty Mouse has been as impressive as any champion on the UFC roster. Johnsons toughness was on display in his first title defence in early 2013, as he rallied to win a unanimous decision over John Dodson. He then put on a dominant display against John Moraga last July before sealing the deal with a fifth-round armbar submission. In December, he became the first fighter to finish Joseph Benavidez by uncorking a vicious right hook for the stunning knockout win. Though Johnsons speed, footwork and timing have given other contenders fits, Bagautinov said hes figured out the flyweight champions style. "In my understanding, his style is to actually crock up his opponent and then to win during the fourth or fifth round," Bagautinov said. "I think hes trying to play it safe by not risking too much. Hes running around the cage and looking for the ninth corner. The cage has eight corners, so its as if hes looking for the ninth corner, then (he tries to deliver) the decisive strike, with a decisive result." Though Johnsons speed and slick striking are often considered among his best tools, Bagautinov feels his power and grappling will get the job done. "As Ive said before, God willing, if I get the title it will be the result of everything that I have been doing for all these years," Bagautinov said. "You can expect a beautiful and good quality fight." Los Angeles Lakers Jerseys .com) - Carmelo Anthony scored 31 points with eight rebounds to lead the New York Knicks to a 92-80 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jersey . A strong fastball. A big, bending curveball that can buckle hitters at the knees. Against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, Elias put the entire package together against one of the leagues strongest lineups. http://www.lakersbasketballshop.com/Larry-Nance-Jr-Jersey/ . Hall had a goal and three assists in a 5-4 loss to San Jose on Tuesday, had an assist in each of Edmontons next two games the capped the week with a goal and two assists in the Oilers 4-2 win over Anaheim on Sunday. Jason Spezza is gone, so the Ottawa Senators needed a top centre. David Legwand needed a home a few days into free agency. On Friday the Senators went about the process of replacing Spezza by signing Legwand to a US$6-million, two-year contract. The 33-year-old cited filling that spot and playing for coach Paul MacLean as the reasons he chose Ottawa over some other teams. Legwand does know hes not a Spezza clone and wont try to be. "Obviously what Jason Spezza did in Ottawa was pretty remarkable," Legwand said on a conference call. "Hes a point-a-game guy and a very rare offensive talent. I dont think youre going to fill his shoes, but I think you can go in there, do some things and maybe help the all-around game." Legwand played more than 900 NHL games over 15 seasons with the Nashville Predators before being traded at the deadline to the Detroit Red Wings. He had 51 points (14 goals and 37 assists) in 83 games in 2014-15, and 577 points in his career. Spezza had 23 goals and 43 assists for 66 points in his only season as Senators captain. He asked for a trade and got his wish Tuesday with a trade to the Dallas Stars for right-winger Alex Chiasson, two prospects and a draft pick. Legwand, who will count $3 million against the salary cap each season and make $2.5 million in the first year and then $3.5 million in the second, expects to fill in as the Senators second-line centre behind Kyle Turris. In a statement announcing the signing, general manager Bryan Murray didnt promise that but complimented the different things Legwand can do. "David is a good, veteran centre, a guy that skates pretty well, gets up and down the ice," Murray said. "We just think the way things shook out for us that having an experienced centre that can be a decent faceoff man, be a good defensive player, get points, was very important at this time." Legwand, a Detroit native, reportedly drew interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs and otheers. Josh Hart Jersey. MacLean made a difference in his decision-making. "I just think hes a great hockey person," Legwand said. "He obviously won the coach of the year for a reason, and I think playing against him in Detroit I think he had a lot to do with a lot of their success there." MacLean was the Jack Adams Award winner in 2013 when the Senators overcame injuries to Spezza, defenceman Erik Karlsson and goaltender Craig Anderson to make the playoffs. They missed this past year after Daniel Alfredsson left to sign with the Red Wings. Legwand believes the Senators, with Milan Michalek back on a $12-million, three-year contract, Bobby Ryan, Turris and Karlsson leading the offence, can contend for a playoff spot next season. "Thats got to be your goal is to get into the dance," Legwand said. "If you get in you never know what can happen." Also Friday the Senators signed restricted-free-agent defenceman Eric Gryba to a $2.5-million, two-year deal. Hell count $1.25 million against the cap each year, making $1.2 million next season and $1.3 million after that. Gryba, 26, had 11 points (2-9) in 57 games last season. The Senators might not be done making moves, as Murray reiterated he was continuing to discuss a trade and added, "its just a matter of if we can get satisfaction both ways." "We probably will do something else but I do feel comfortable with the roster," Murray said. "I think that if we have to add we will, but it looks like our young players that have been drafted by the organization and have developed within -- weve got a couple of guys that are ready and if they get a chance Im sure theyll perform very well." There have been reports that Ottawa has had discussions with the Philadelphia Flyers about veteran forward Vincent Lecavalier. Fridays signing reduces the likelihood of that, unless Lecavalier plays the wing or Legwand centres the third line. Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys Jerseys From China Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys ' ' '