MMA News

Author: Aakrit Sharma

  • Tom Aspinall Sneakily Reveals Why He Looks Up To Stipe Miocic More Than Jon Jones: ‘Don’t Make Me Say It!’

    Tom Aspinall Sneakily Reveals Why He Looks Up To Stipe Miocic More Than Jon Jones: ‘Don’t Make Me Say It!’

    Tom Aspinall defended the interim UFC heavyweight title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304. Since then, demands for a fight between him and the undisputed kingpin Jon Jones have increased significantly.

    Regardless, it looks like Jones will return to the Octagon against Stipe Miocic before the end of 2024. On top of that, the former UFC light heavyweight champion has repeatedly hinted at hanging up his gloves after the fight.

    Aspinall has always respected Jones and Miocic for their illustrious careers. However, he recently revealed why the latter is a better role model for him…

    Tom Aspinall Isn’t A Fan Of Jon Jones And Anderson Silva Being Involved In PED Usage

    Aspinall talked about Jones and Miocic on the official Michael Bisping YouTube channel recently. He praised both the veterans for their contributions to MMA but clarified that he relates more to the former UFC heavyweight champion.

    “Well, I look to Stipe more because the… Don’t make me say it Anthony. Don’t make me say it!”

    For starters, the interim UFC heavyweight champion believes that failing drug tests directly affects the legacies of greats like Jones and Anderson Silva. Despite holding some of the most celebrated UFC records, both fighters have been heavily criticized in MMA circles for PED usage.

    “If there’s anything about drug tests going on, that’s a bit of an asterisk next to your name. Do you know what I mean? If there’s a drug test going. Same as, you know, when people talk about Anderson Silva being the best of all time. You know, he definitely was, but there was definitely some other stuff going on there.”

    Miocic, on the other hand, has a record six title wins in the UFC heavyweight division. He’s never been accused of using PEDs, which is one of the main reasons why Aspinall picked him as a more suitable role model over Jones.

    “I mean, I don’t know either guy personally but Stipe seems more my type of human being.”

    Aspinall made sure not to delve into Jones’ personal life, though. He aims to fight “Bones” only to unify the UFC heavyweight title and has no interest in taking a jab at the veteran’s notorious past.

    READ MORE: Sean Strickland Shares Unpopular Opinion On Former UFC Middleweight Champ: ‘I Just Don’t Think Izzy’s That Good!’

  • Sean Strickland Shares Unpopular Opinion On Former UFC Middleweight Champ: ‘I Just Don’t Think Izzy’s That Good!’

    Sean Strickland Shares Unpopular Opinion On Former UFC Middleweight Champ: ‘I Just Don’t Think Izzy’s That Good!’

    Sean Strickland defeated Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision at UFC 293 in September 2023. It was one of the biggest upsets in MMA history as fans expected the champ to piece up Strickland with his striking.

    “The Last Stylebender” returned to the Octagon after 11 months at UFC 305, challenging Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship. The fight was competitive on the feet and ground from the get-go, but the kingpin secured a submission win in the fourth.

    Adesanya had never lost two consecutive fights in his pro career previously. Looking back at his bouts, former opponent Strickland has claimed that Izzy was never that good to begin with…

    Sean Strickland Doubted Israel Adesanya’s Fighting Skills After Sparring Kelvin Gastelum

    Strickland recently discussed his former rival on the Verse Us with Erick Nicksick podcast. After admitting that it’s an unpopular opinion, he said that “The Last Stylbender” isn’t as good as his record makes him look.

    “I have an unpopular opinion. You guys aren’t going to like it. I just don’t think Izzy’s that good!”

    Strickland thinks so primarily because of his regular sparring sessions with Kelvin Gastelum. Izzy had one of the toughest fights of his MMA career against Gastelum, while Strickland claims to run through him during training.

    “So, when he fought Kelvin dude. I think Kelvin sucks. So, like, everyone’s like, everyone’s like oh man Izzy’s this and that. Like, dude, I’ve sparred Kelvin so many times where I’m like, you kind of had a close fight with Kelvin, like you’re not that good.”

    The previous UFC middleweight champion clarified that he still believes Adesanya to be better than the majority of the UFC roster. He compared Izzy’s recent form to the likes of Chuck Liddell and Anderson Silva who went on losing streaks once an opponent figured out the best game plan to beat them.

    READ MORE: Anthony Smith Shares Theory On Alex Pereira Pondering Middleweight Return To Fight Dricus Du Plessis: ‘You Beat My Friend!’

  • ‘I’m Certain Steve Is Better Than What He Showed’ – MMA Fans & Fighters React As Kai Kara-France Produces First Round KO Win At UFC 305

    ‘I’m Certain Steve Is Better Than What He Showed’ – MMA Fans & Fighters React As Kai Kara-France Produces First Round KO Win At UFC 305

    Kai Kara-France is back in the win column by knocking out Steve Erceg in the first round at UFC 305. The fight started slow with both fighters making reads. However, an overhand left from the New Zealander in the final minute dropped Erceg, eventually ending the fight.

    Kara-France was on a two-fight losing streak heading into his UFC 305 co-main event bout. Although his split-decision loss to Amir Albazi was criticized by many, he needed a win to re-enter the title picture.

    With his UFC 305 win, Kara-France has reminded fans of his threatening style and ability to finish the fight spontaneously. On the flip side, many of Erceg’s supporters have admitted to expecting a better striking display from “Astroboy”.

    Fans Back Kai Kara-France To Fight Alexandre Pantoja For The UFC Flyweight Championship Next

    https://twitter.com/Trending_Memers/status/1825022780167106976

    After bagging his thirteenth first-round finish, “Don’t Blink” asked for a title fight in his post-fight interview. Fans admire his explosive fighting style, and a win over Erceg could be enough for the UFC to hand him a title shot.

  • ‘Mini Poatan’ – MMA Fighters & Fans React To Carlos Prates Flatlining Li Jingliang In Brutal UFC 305 Knockout

    ‘Mini Poatan’ – MMA Fighters & Fans React To Carlos Prates Flatlining Li Jingliang In Brutal UFC 305 Knockout

    Carlos Prates has become the first fighter to knock out Li Jingliang in his 29 pro fights. The Brazilian welterweight entered the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series and has now racked up three wins in the promotion.

    “The Nightmare” displayed his striking prowess at UFC 305 from the get-go but never rushed to the finish. He knocked down Jingliang a couple of times before finally landing the knockout blow in the second.

    “The Leech”, as usual, showed heart and walked forward even while taking Prates’ best shots. This is the first time he has suffered two consecutive losses in his pro record.

    While it’s unclear what’s next for Jingliang, Prates has grabbed all the praise from fans and fighters worldwide.

    Carlos Prates’ Explosive Fighting Style Could Make Him A Problem In The UFC Welterweight Division

    https://twitter.com/FKNWOLVES/status/1824997838054408228
    https://twitter.com/Malcolm_fleX48/status/1824997841154023506

    The UFC welterweight division already has contenders like Jack Della Maddalena and Shavkat Rakhmonov with high finish rates. Prates climbing the ranks in similar fashion can naturally make the division more intriguing for the fans.

  • Jon Jones’ Religion: Debunking Rumors About UFC Great’s Links To Islam

    Jon Jones’ Religion: Debunking Rumors About UFC Great’s Links To Islam

    Since his UFC debut in 2008, Jon Jones has been through several ups and downs. He only has one DQ loss against Matt Hamill and boasts a record 15 title wins in the promotion. However, arrests and suspensions for performance-enhancing drug usage has compelled many fans to turn on him.

    Jones never refrains from acknowledging such upsets, though. He claims to use his religion to learn from his mistakes and get ahead in life. Although he’s mostly come off as an ardent Christian, rumors regarding his conversion to Islam have surfaced at times as well.

    So, here’s what religion Jones follows and whether he has converted to Islam…

    What is Jon Jones’ Religion?

    Jones follows Christianity and there are countless incidents to support this. After winning the UFC heavyweight championship against Ciryl Gane in March 2023, he thanked Jesus Christ in his post-fight interview.

    Another huge giveaway is the former UFC light heavyweight kingpin’s chest tattoo. It says “Philippians 4:13” which is based on a verse from the Bible stating:

    “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

    On top of this, “Bones” repeatedly talks about Jesus Christ in high regard on his socials. He also shares moments celebrating Christian festivals and appreciates Bible verses on these platforms.

    Back in 2013, Jones appeared on an episode of UFC In The Moment and looked back at the time when doubted doubt religion after his sister passed away.

    “Spirituality is what makes me do the right thing when no one is looking. To know someone is watching you when no one is watching you. I think it is an important thing to have. But I have also had times in my life where I have questioned religion. I had a sister who passed away. She was 18 years old. She had brain cancer. Within two years’ time, her life was over. Considering that she was a light and she was my only sister, it is tough for me. Despite all the questions that I have had, I have never given up on God, never given up on my faith.”

    Did Jon Jones Convert To Islam?

    No, Jones never converted to Islam and has only professed faith in Christianity. However, a few misinterpreted incidents have birthed rumors that he’s converted.

    These include Jones joking about converting to Islam when Ariel Helwani once asked him about his beard in an interview. In other interviews, he also said the Arabic term Alhamdulillah, used to thank and praise God.

    In hindsight, one can easily make out that Jones simply respects Islam. He revealed in the same interview that he grew a beard for no specific reason. Similarly, Arabic phrases like Alhamdulillah are widely used in pop culture regardless of the speaker’s religion.

  • Does Israel Adesanya Follow A Religion?

    Does Israel Adesanya Follow A Religion?

    Israel Adesanya gained prominence not just for being a dominant UFC champion, but also for his blunt statements outside the Octagon. Be it religion, politics, or other global matters, he never refrains from speaking his mind.

    “The Last Stylebender” ignores the trolls and has frequently talked about anime’s impact on his personal life. He aims to live a spiritual life through meditation, and unsurprisingly, fans are curious to know about his religious beliefs as well.

    Ahed of his return at UFC 305, here’s whether Adesanya follows religion and a rundown of his statements on God…

    What Did Israel Adesanya Say About God?

    Adesanya discussed his stance on god and religion on the IMPAULSIVE Podcast hosted by Logan Paul and Mike Majlak in 2023. He confronted his parents about the creator of god during his childhood and got no satisfactory answers.

    “I grew up in a Religious household. But when I was young, Sunday school, I remember asking like my Sunday school teacher. Well, if God made the world, then who made God? And no one had an answer for me. I asked my parents and then what, I asked my housemates.”

    The former UFC middleweight kingpin then pointed out a few experiences where he felt like talking to God. Regardless, he doesn’t follow any religion ardently but has indicated his Christian bent through tweets like this:

    Interestingly, though, fans spotted “Izzy” in a church service in 2023 where he motivated the youth. Following his split-decision win over Marvin Vettori in 2018, he talked about self-criticism and Jesus Christ’s crucifixion in the post-fight show.

    “Even Jesus Christ, he was the greatest guy of all time; he got crucified. I welcome all the criticism. Because it’s good for me. I criticize myself.”

    Another pivotal point regarding religion in Adesanya’s life was the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand. After the attack, he showed solidarity and admitted to learning about other religions like Islam.

    Long story short, Adesanya openly follows no religion but has seemed to be eager to know about other cultures, religions, and beliefs. He was born in a Christian household and has self-admittedly followed a spiritual path in life.

    What Tribe Does Israel Adesanya Belong To?

    Adesanya belongs to the Yoruba tribe, one of the biggest ethnic groups in Nigeria. Despite moving to New Zealand in his early teenage, he’s proud of his African identity. This explains why Dricus Du Plessis questioning his legitimacy as a ‘real’ African UFC champ enraged “The Last Stylebender”.

    A lot of Yoruba people have started following Christianity or Islam over the years.

  • What Is Alex Pereira’s Walkout Song In The UFC?

    What Is Alex Pereira’s Walkout Song In The UFC?

    Alex Pereira has gained massive popularity in the UFC, not just for his fighting style and consistency, but also for his cold walkouts to the Octagon. He starts with a hobbled, limping walk and then mimics shooting an arrow towards the opponent while screaming at them.

    Unlike stars such as Israel Adesanya, “Poatan” has used the same walkout since his debut at UFC 268. In return, fans regularly appreciate and imitate him on social media platforms and it is unlikely that he would change his walkout going forward.

    Pereira has also used the same walkout song in his UFC fights, and here’s everything to know about it…

    The Story Behind Alex Pereira’s Walkout Song

    Itsári by Brazilan heavy metal band Sepultura is the song Pereira has used for all his UFC walkouts. In the Xavante language, Itsári means “Roots” and the instrumental track is an ode to Brazilian traditions.

    Like the song, Pereira’s walkout routine is also inspired by his indigenous history. His first kickboxing coach was indigenous and after enquiring his parents about it, the UFC light heavyweight kingpin became aware of his cultural heritage.

    In an interview with ESPN MMA in November 2022, “Poatan” explained how he came up with his UFC walkout theme and song:

    “My first teacher had indigenous roots. I went home the same day and asked my mom. She said my grandparents were indigenous. It made me feel more confident. We wanted to resurrect my origins and indigenous culture. I made a ritual with a bow and arrow. Then a sequence with the indigenous music and that’s how it started.”

    Pereira’s bow and arrow sequence depicts an early ritual in his culture. When matched with Itsári and his stoic face, it undeniably becomes one of the most intimidating walkouts in UFC history.

    The former UFC middleweight champion proudly represents Brazil’s indigenous Pataxo tribe through walkouts, face paint, and interviews. He’s also popularized terms like Chama from Portuguese and Poatan from Tupi in MMA circles.

  • Conor McGregor Sturgis Clip Decoded: Why Did The UFC Star Attend A Motorcycle Rally?

    Conor McGregor Sturgis Clip Decoded: Why Did The UFC Star Attend A Motorcycle Rally?

    Conor McGregor hasn’t fought in the UFC for over three years but he still makes the headlines easily. Most recently, the former UFC double champ visited Sturgis with several of his fan interactions going viral.

    McGregor is expected to return to the Octagon before the end of 2024. He seems to have recovered well from his toe injury, relieving many fans eagerly waiting for the Michael Chandler fight.

    “The Notorious” took the internet by storm attending a motorcycle rally in Sturgis and here’s everything to know about the incident…

    Where Is The Viral Conor McGregor Sturgis Clip From?

    McGregor was in Sturgis for the BKFC 63 event and his viral party clip is from the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally which began on August 2 and ends on August 11. He was seen clicking pictures and talking to other riders.

    In the viral clip, “The Mystic Mac” seemingly ignored a fan dancing in front of him.

    The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally boasts a massive footfall and many believe holding the BKFC event alongside it to be a wise move. The card was headlined by Britain Hart vs. Taylor Starling for the promotion’s strawweight championship. “The Notorious” hyped up the crowd with his entrance and was ringside for Sam Shewmaker vs. Josh Burns as well.

    Another memorable moment was when the Irishman chugged a beer while exiting the BKFC stage, compelling fans to speculate whether he’s taking his UFC return seriously.

    Interestingly, UFC President Dana White has attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally too. Back in 2017, he, Matt Serra, and Din Thomas searched South Dakota’s local fight promotion for talent and ended up signing Jared Gordon. The lightweight debuted that year and recently gained prominence for giving Paddy Pimblett his toughest fight in the UFC.

    While at Sturgis, McGregor didn’t talk about his next UFC fight. Regardless, his Stone Cold Steve Austin-esque outfit and energy kept were enough to make him the talk of the town.

  • Did Dustin Poirier Retire? Status Of Veteran UFC Fighter

    Did Dustin Poirier Retire? Status Of Veteran UFC Fighter

    Dustin Poirier has become one of the biggest UFC stars ever, despite never becoming an undisputed champion in the promotion. Fans have always appreciated his aggressive fighting style, endurance, and consistency.

    Throughout 39 pro fights, Poirier has interestingly never lost two bouts consecutively. Since his last loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, “The Diamond” has been considering retirement instead of bouncing back again.

    Here’s whether Poirier has officially retired and the conditions he’s laid down for returning to the Octagon…

    Is Dustin Poirier Retired From The UFC?

    No, Poirier is yet to confirm his retirement from the UFC. He recently appeared on the official MMA Junkie YouTube channel and discussed his latest vacation with friends and family.

    The former interim UFC lightweight champion needs more time to confirm if he will never fight for the UFC again. He also aims to get back to training and evaluate his performance and conditioning.

    When asked whether spending time with loved ones helped him decide about his career, here’s what “The Diamond” said:

    “We’ll clean it up. Go 30 days, August, and just make a decision after that, you know. Get in shape, see how you feel. So, we’ll see man, I don’t know.
    I need to make a solid decision so I can get out of the limbo, you know, because I’m still kind of like fighting myself every day not sure what I’m doing.”

    Poirier also revealed that his body has been recovering well after the Makhachev fight. He needs nose surgery that can be delayed if he wants, but his knees and ribs feel better. So, his priority is to get back to training.

    Dustin Poirier Admits Interest In Fighting For The Interim UFC Lightweight Championship

    Poirier has agreed to fight Arman Tsarukyan for the interim UFC lightweight championship if Makhachev cannot compete in October due to injury. Considering that the division has no other solid contenders, the fight could be more realistic than it seems.

    An interim belt win would ensure Poirier gets another shot at the UFC lightweight title. This explains why he’s not equally interested in other popular opponents like Charles Oliveira, Nate Diaz, Conor McGregor, and Alexander Volkanovski.

    “Yeah, I wonder what they’re going to do with that, you know. Who’s? Arman’s gonna continue to like wait for Islam. I don’t know when Islam’s going to be back but I saw a thing he said is, he might have to have surgery so we’ll see man.”

    Overall, fans can look forward to learning more concrete details about Poirier’s retirement or upcoming fight in the coming weeks.

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov Tax Problems Explained: How Much Money Does He Owe?

    Khabib Nurmagomedov Tax Problems Explained: How Much Money Does He Owe?

    Khabib Nurmagomdeov has gained massive popularity in MMA circles due to his perfect record. He fought Conor McGregor at UFC 229, the most-bought PPV in the promotion’s history, and probably made a fortune from it.

    Nurmagomedov retired from MMA after defending his UFC lightweight belt for the third time at UFC 254. Since then, he’s focused on building his MMA promotion Eagle FC in Russia and training the likes of Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov and Usman Nurmagomedov.

    The former UFC lightweight champion has also made headlines recently due to tax problems. Here’s how much money Nurmagomedov owes to the Russian Federation and what happened to his bank account…

    Does Khabib Nurmagomedov Owe Taxes?

    As per Russian media outlet Mash and Ren TV, Nurmagomedov owes $3.3 million (306 million Rubles) to the Federal Tax Services in Russia. It was also reported that he’s left Russia and now has UAE citizenship. However, with no response from the Dagestani fighter and his camp, it is hard to confirm whether these allegations are entirely true.

    The reasons behind the retired UFC lightweight’s financial problems are speculated to be tax evasion and incorrect information in records. In 2021, Octagon.media revealed that authorities had blocked his foundation accounts because of untimely report submissions.

    “The Eagle” had to pay 36,000 Rubles to avoid the liquidation of his foundation’s account. The account ban could’ve affected the partners of his foundation such as Lipestk LMK Group, Prime Top Indusrtry LLC, and Rosinka.

    What Happened To Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Bank Account?

    In May 2024, Mash and Ren TV reported that the Federal Tax Services in Russia had seized Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC and charity accounts. This was right after the authorities searched his gym due to connections with Gadzhimurad Kagirov, a fighter involved in the Derbent and Makhachkala terrorist attacks.

    Nurmagomedov’s foundations that helped in the development of tourism in Dagestan were also allegedly shut down in the process.

    Interestingly, the UFC legend’s team had rejected the early claims about his tax debt and had claimed that he was still growing his ventures.

    On July 25, 2024, another report by Mash suggested that the authorities seized Nurmagomedov’s car collection worth over $800,000. This is suspected to be a result of him leaving Russia and settling in the UAE.

    What Businesses Does Khabib Nurmagomedov Own?

    Nurmagomedov owns Eagle FC, a Russian MMA promotion, and a fast food chain called M-Eat. Although it has previously featured the likes of Kevin Lee, Diego Sanchez, Rashad Evans, and Junior Dos Santos, the promotion’s last event took place in November 2023 and there’s no information on the next card.

    M-Eat, on the flip side, has fourteen stores in Russia with plans to reach other countries as well.

    Rival stars like McGregor have left no opportunity to call Nurmagomedov out for his tax troubles. Regardless, “The Eagle” has maintained silence while regularly appearing on UFC shows as a cornerman for Makhachev, Nurmagomedov, and other fighters.

  • When Did Conor McGregor Start Fighting?

    When Did Conor McGregor Start Fighting?

    Conor McGregor can be credited with making countless people MMA fans with his iconic UFC run between 2013-16. His popularity skyrocketed further among casual MMA fans after boxing Floyd Mayweather in August 2017.

    Although McGregor hasn’t fought consistently lately, he became an MMA star for his courage to fight anytime, anywhere, and anyone. The most unforgettable moments of his career might have come in the UFC, but not a lot of people are aware of his long journey to success.

    So, here’s when McGregor started fighting and a brief rundown of his early pro and amateur career…

    When Did Conor McGregor Start Training?

    McGregor started training at the age of 12 at the Crumlin Boxing Club under Phil Sutcliffe. While talking to Irish Boxing, he credited the club for helping him sharpen his striking fundamentals. Sutcliffe has also revealed that “Mystic Mac” was one of his most focused students.

    After winning a couple of novice boxing tournaments, McGregor aimed to learn other MMA disciplines and eventually started training at Straight Blast Gym under John Kavanagh.

    When Was Conor McGregor’s First Fight?

    McGregor made his amateur debut on February 17, 2007, against Kieran Campbell. He won via first-round TKO and immediately turned pro. He was first signed by Irish promotion Cage of Truth but went on to fight for Chaos Fighting Championship and Cage Warriors too.

    Before joining the UFC, “The Notorious” lost twice via submission to Artemij Sitenkov and Joe Duffy. However, he bounced back by winning his next eight pro fights consecutively.

    Holding the featherweight and lightweight titles at Cage Warriors simultaneously in April 2012 was the Dubliner’s big breakthrough. He first fought for the UFC in April 2013 against Marcus Brimage, and the rest is history…

  • Did Jon Jones Leak His Phone Number?

    Did Jon Jones Leak His Phone Number?

    Although he last fought in March 2023, Jon Jones is the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. He bagged the title in his heavyweight debut by effortlessly submitting Ciryl Gane – but is yet to defend it.

    Jones was scheduled to fight Stipe Miocic in November 2023 but the contest has been delayed by almost a year due to the kingpin’s shoulder injury. In the meantime, Tom Aspinall has won and defended the interim UFC heavyweight title against Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes, respectively.

    Jones is well aware that many fans want him to fight Aspinall instead of Miocic as the latter’s last fight was in March 2021. The former UFC light heavyweight champion responded to these demands in a rather unique way recently…

    Jon Jones Posts Phone Number On X For Fans Demanding Tom Aspinall Fight

    Jones shared a phone number on X on August 6, 2024, with the following caption:

    “If you want me to fight Tom call and text me, I’ll respond for the next few days.”

    This is naturally a sly dig toward fans who’ve been complaining about Jones vs. Miocic. However, many followers of the UFC heavyweight champion are curious whether he has leaked his real number or doxxed someone else.

    Is Jon Jones’ Leaked Phone Number Real?

    No, Jones’ phone number posted on X isn’t real. A big giveaway is the location above the number stating Glenview, IL, which is hundreds of miles away from New Mexico, the champ’s residence.

    In a follow-up tweet, “Bones” acknowledged fans who took the number as a joke. He also asked his followers to continue calling even if the number is turned off, again implying that it’s not his own.

    Despite the tension in MMA circles, Dana White has been adamant about Jones vs. Miocic in November 2024. The UFC President believes that the veterans deserve to fight each other after such illustrious careers.

  • Jon Anik Names Perfect Final Opponent For Tony Ferguson After He Half-Retires At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi: ‘That Fight Makes Some Sense’

    Jon Anik Names Perfect Final Opponent For Tony Ferguson After He Half-Retires At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi: ‘That Fight Makes Some Sense’

    It’s a hard pill to swallow, but Tony Ferguson has now lost eight fights in a row. Justin Gaethje broke his iconic 12-fight win streak in the UFC lightweight division and most recently, he lost to Michael Chiesa via submission at UFC Abu Dhabi.

    Ferguson was naturally overwhelmed by the loss but he didn’t lay down both his gloves in the Octagon. He was unsure about retirement and kept a glove just in case an exciting fight opportunity emerges.

    If he returns to the Octagon for one last ride, Jon Anik has the perfect opponent for Ferguson…

    Jon Anik Expects Tony Ferguson To Find Success Against Fellow UFC Lightweight Veteran Joe Lauzon

    Anik recently appeared on Submission Radio on YouTube and talked about Ferguson’s career as of late. He credited “El Cucuy” for making a double-digit win streak in a competitive division like lightweight, and admitted how the eight losses on this record baffle him.

    “The rainbow-colored nature of Tony Ferguson’s Wikipedia page, bro. I mean, it is indeed crazy to see 12 green stripes followed by eight red stripes.”

    Anik wants to see Ferguson in the UFC Hall of Fame as soon as possible. He isn’t keen on seeing the veteran fight again but suggested that Joe Lauzon could be a viable option for his upcoming and most likely, final, bout.

    “I was googling Joe Lauzon to make sure that he never fought Tony Ferguson because as I sit here and think about opponents that might make sense for Tony to try to realize some sort of success. Joe Lauzon still has fights left on his contract and for whatever reason, hasn’t competed, but I think that fight makes some sense”

    Lauzon made his debut in the UFC in 2006 and is a veteran with over 25 fights under his belt. He holds wins over Jens Pulver, Jeremy Stephens, Chiesa, and Diego Sanchez, among other notable lightweight fighters.

    The UFC commentator highlighted that Lauzon still has fights on his UFC contract. However, he hasn’t fought for the promotion since October 2019 so it’s hard to anticipate whether he would return for a bout with Ferguson.

    READ MORE: Tom Aspinall Questions UFC’s ‘Unfair’ Decision Not To Renew Muhammad Mokaev’s Contract

  • Jake Paul Face Tattoo Explained: Is It Inspired By Mike Tyson?

    Jake Paul Face Tattoo Explained: Is It Inspired By Mike Tyson?

    Jake Paul usually leaves no stone unturned to promote fights and his face tattoo, similar to Mike Tyson’s, exemplifies this perfectly. He now has ten professional boxing wins including seven knockouts but has also faced criticism for fighting old MMA stars and/or undersized opponents.

    Paul knocked out Mike Perry in the sixth round on July 20, 2024, which was the original date for his match against Tyson. The fight with the boxing legend is now scheduled for November 15, which unsurprisingly is a bone of contention for many.

    Paul is adamant about fighting Tyson and they’ve had multiple heated altercations as well. The face tattoo was another tactic used by “The Problem Child” to get under Tyson’s skin, and a brief rundown of how and when Paul got it…

    Throwback To When Jake Paul Got A Face Tatto Like Mike Tyson

    In March 2024, Paul got a face tattoo that resembles the one Tyson got ahead of the Clifford Etienne fight in February 2003. As per his coach, “Iron Mike” didn’t want to fight and the bout was canceled due to him getting a tattoo a week before the event.

    According to Tyson, he originally wanted to get hearts but the artist didn’t approve of it. He ended up with a tribal pattern and tried to get it removed in April 2013.

    Paul copied Tyson’s face tattoo for a promotional video. The design was removed later but in a month, he again talked about getting a permanent design in honor of the former heavyweight boxing champ.

    “I’m not gonna get the Tyson one but Tyson, like, got his legendary tattoo, he just…So, I’m just like f**k it, like why not just do it cause Tyson did it. The story behind Tyson’s face that is, it was like Wednesday of his fight week. And he just got it. And he showed up to presser the next day with the face tat and he didn’t tell anybody. So I’m thinking about doing that.”

    On his socials, Paul proudly flaunts his face tattoo. However, based on the Perry fight, it is safe to assume that getting the tattoo was a temporary move but we might see another one as the November 15 bout approaches.

    Paul has a permanent face tattoo above his left ear, though. The design was scrutinized heavily during one of his early faceoffs with Tyson.

    READ MORE: IOC Explains Why Boxers Who Failed Gender Test At World Championships Are Cleared To Compete At The Olympics

  • Islam Makhachev Hand Injury: Is Potential UFC 308 Title Defense Against Arman Tsarukyan In Jeopardy?

    Islam Makhachev Hand Injury: Is Potential UFC 308 Title Defense Against Arman Tsarukyan In Jeopardy?

    Islam Makhachev has been eyeing a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan to defend his UFC lightweight championship. He last fought Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 and was expected to return at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26, 2024.

    Makhachev and Tsarukyan first crossed paths in April 2019. Although the Armenian fighter threw and landed more strikes, the Dagestani prospect bagged the decision win due to four takedowns and over five minutes of control time.

    The UFC lightweight kingpin had recently revealed a hand injury that could potentially delay his return. Makhachev and his coach have now shared more details and clarified whether defending the title at UFC 308 is no longer a possibility…

    Islam Makhachev’s UFC Return Could Be Delayed To Early 2025

    Javier Mendez recently appeared on Helen Yee Sports on YouTube and shared the implications of Makhachev’s hand injury. The coach first explained that a ligament-related injury has left the champion unable to train.

    “Yes, he’s got a ligament injury and he’s, you know, looking for consultation. Not looking, he’s getting consultation from different doctors and we’ll see what they say he has to do. But yeah, no, he’s not going to be able to train to, you know, for a fight so probably late December November or maybe January, I don’t know. Depends on what the UFC, and them, can come up with but he’s definitely not going to be ready to fight, you know, in October [UFC 308], like people are hoping.”

    As per Mendez, Makhachev is currently receiving advice from several doctors that would decide the fate of his UFC return. However, he admitted that defending the UFC lightweight belt at UFC 308 in October is unlikely.

    Mendez believes that a late 2024 or early 2025 return to the Octagon is more realistic for Makhachev. Because there’s a lack of contenders at lightweight, Tsarukyan is still likely to be the challenger. Moving up a weight class is also off the table because Makhachev and Belal Muhammad have been training together and have no intention to fight each other.

  • Former UFC Champion Explains How Retiring After Stipe Miocic Fight Would Affect Jon Jones’ Legacy: ‘Ducking Tom Aspinall!’

    Former UFC Champion Explains How Retiring After Stipe Miocic Fight Would Affect Jon Jones’ Legacy: ‘Ducking Tom Aspinall!’

    Jon Jones is expected to face Stipe Miocic before the end of 2024, with Dana White recently stating that the winner will step into the Octagon against Tom Aspinall to unify the UFC heavyweight championship.

    Jones has been out of action since winning the heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane in March 2023. Although Aspinall has won and defended the interim title, “Bones” is still the official champion and holds a solid #3 ranking in the pound-for-pound list.

    “Bones” has repeatedly talked about considering retirement after the Miocic fight as well. One former UFC champ, however, thinks this move could be detrimental to his legacy…

    Michael Bisping Claims Jon Jones Would Lose Fans If He Retires Without Fighting Tom Aspinall

    Michael Bisping recently discussed the future of the UFC heavyweight division on his official YouTube channel. The winner of Jones vs. Miocic is expected to face Aspinall next, and early odds favor the interim champ.

    “The Count” claimed that despite his GOAT status as a light heavyweight, Jones’ inactivity at heavyweight makes him an underdog against Aspinall. But the former UFC middleweight kingpin also highlighted that his opponent’s lack of fighting experience could benefit Jones, who boasts a record 15 UFC title wins.

    “He hasn’t got the in-ring time, he hasn’t got the experience, the fight IQ of a Jon Jones.”

    Bisping’s other concern is regarding Jones’ will to fight after the Miocic fight. The decision is largely dependent on his performance, and in the eyes of “The Count,” retiring without unifying the heavyweight title wouldn’t sit well with a lot of fans.

    Jones vs. Aspinall has been a highly anticipated fight for over a year now. While the Brit has been respectfully waiting for the opportunity, many think that “Bones” is avoiding the Aspinall fight due to the higher risk of losing.

    Bisping believes such narratives will only get stronger if the UFC heavyweight champion retires after his next scheduled fight.

    “It would suck. Not only would it suck, but it would also be not the best move for Jon Jones in terms of fan appreciation. The narrative would always be that he was ducking Tom Aspinall.”

  • Charles Oliveira Lists 8 Opponent Options For Fans To Choose From For His UFC Return: ‘Who Would You Like To See?’

    Charles Oliveira Lists 8 Opponent Options For Fans To Choose From For His UFC Return: ‘Who Would You Like To See?’

    Charles Oliveira lost a razor-close decision to Arman Tsarukyan last time out at UFC 300, and he’s now looking for a new opponent.

    With 19 post-fight bonuses, the Brazilian’s easily one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC and there are several intriguing matchups for him.

    Oliveira bagged the UFC lightweight championship by beating Michael Chandler in May 2021. He defended it against Dustin Poirier before being stripped after missing weight prior to his victory over Justin Gaethje.

    Since failing to regain the title in his clash with Islam Makhachev, he’s defeated Beneil Dariush and is looking for another high-profile win to get a another shot at the gold.

    From Makhachev to Colby Covington, here are all the fighters that Oliveira is open to facing in his UFC return…

    Oliveira Eyes Rematch Against Makhachev, Also Open To Money Fights With McGregor, Covington, Poirier

    Oliveira recently posted training footage on Instagram and asked his fans to choose his next opponent. He’s willing to fight the following names on the UFC roster:

    • Islam Makhachev
    • Arman Tsarukyan
    • Dustin Poirier
    • Conor McGregor
    • Max Holloway
    • Justin Gaethje
    • Alexander Volkanovski
    • Colby Covington

    Alongside the list, Oliveira declared his intention to fight shortly.

    “Who would you like to see me fight next? The Lion is ready!!”

    “Do Bronx” has already fought Tsarukyan, Makhachev, Poirier, Gaethje, and Holloway. While Makhachev submitted him in the second, he fought through adversity to beat “The Diamond” and “The Highlight.” The fight with Holloway ended due to the Brazilian sustaining a shoulder injury, and fans could look forward to seeing the rematch more than ever now.

    The other matchups on the list won’t necessarily move the needle in the UFC lightweight division. McGregor has lost three out of his last four fights and will most likely return to face Michael Chandler. Volkanovski, meanwhile, is 0-2 in the lightweight division and has yet to rematch Ilia Topuria for the UFC featherweight title.

    Covington is another opponent that “Do Bronx” would fight to entertain the fans. The former interim UFC welterweight champion decisively lost to Leon Edwards in his last fight and appears unlikely to fight for the title again.

    Regardless of the opponent, it is safe to assume that Oliveira will bring the fight to the Octagon and give fans another gritty performance.

  • NSAC Withholds Portion Of Mayra Bueno Silva’s Purse For Cage Jump After UFC 303 Loss

    NSAC Withholds Portion Of Mayra Bueno Silva’s Purse For Cage Jump After UFC 303 Loss

    Mayra Bueno Silva lost to Macy Chiasson at UFC 303 after the cageside doctor stopped the fight due to a deep cut above her left eyebrow. Although the Brazilian was keen to continue fighting, Chiasson was handed the TKO win.

    As Chiasson began celebrating her International Fight Week victory, “Sheetara” hopped the cage and rushed to talk to Dana White. While still dripping in blood from the cut, she seemed to complain about the stoppage and the UFC CEO naturally had no control over the situation.

    The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has now punished Silva for jumping over the cage at UFC 303, withholding a portion of her purse.

    Mayra Bueno Silva Facing Fined For Jumping Over The Cage At UFC 303

    MMA Junkie’s Nolan King reported on X that the NSAC has temporarily cut $2,500 from Bueno Silva’s UFC 303 purse, which amounts to $100,000. Jumping over the Octagon is banned for safety reasons, even though fighters often ignore this rule in the rush of winning a fight.

    King also stated that the women’s bantamweight contender might be asked to pay a fine, which will be determined at the commission’s meeting on August 27.

    If Bueno Silva ends up being fined, she would join Diego Lopes on the list of those recently punished. He had to pay $2,500 for jumping over the cage after his UFC 300 win over Sodiq Yusuff. The commission originally withheld $5,000 from his purse, and Bueno Silva’s sailing on a similar boat.

    Unsurprisingly, Bueno Silva’s penalty has received a mixed response in MMA circles. Some fans have called out the commission for not being equally strict about fouls that happen during fights.

    Suspensions and fines for actions beyond fighting are fairly common in the UFC. The most prominent example is Arman Tsarukyan, the #1-ranked UFC lightweight contender, who is currently facing a six-month suspension for punching a fan while walking out at UFC 300.

  • Islam Makhachev Next Fight Opponent & Date Speculated: Will Hand Injury Affect His Title Defense Against Arman Tsarukyan?

    Islam Makhachev Next Fight Opponent & Date Speculated: Will Hand Injury Affect His Title Defense Against Arman Tsarukyan?

    Islam Makhachev last defended his UFC lightweight title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 2, 2024. He’s defended the belt thrice now, and fans are excited to see him battle it out against former rival Arman Tsarukyan.

    The Armenian prospect is riding a four-fight win-streak which includes a decision win over former champ Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. However, he’ll be out of action until, at least, October 12, 2024, due to a suspension for punching a fan while walking out.

    Makhachev has now revealed a hand injury as well, and here’s how it could affect his next fight and opponent.

    Who Is Islam Makhachev’s Next Fight?

    Despite the hand injury, Makhachev is most likely to fight Tsarukyan for the UFC lightweight championship next. “Ahalkalakets” is the only fighter in the division with a strong case for a title shot, and the kingpin has acknowledged it repeatedly.

    Interestingly, Makhachev is one of the only three fighters to beat Tsarukyan in his pro-MMA career. They fought in April 2019 at UFC Fight Night 149 and after three rounds of high-level grappling exchanges, the Dagestani fighter got the judges’ nod.

    Since the loss, Tsarukyan has racked up nine wins, and his close decision loss to Mateusz Gamrot was seen as an impressive performance nonetheless.

    When Will Islam Makhachev Return To The UFC?

    Makhachev, during an interview with Ushatayka on YouTube, revealed that a hand injury might force him to get surgery, meaning he might not be able to fight at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. This was the event rumored to feature his next title defense but naturally, it is hard to confirm anything now.

    The news is undeniably disappointing for fans of the UFC lightweight champion as he was keen to defend his title again in 2024.

    Tsarukyan, on the other hand, will feature in an anti-bullying PSA video to reduce his nine-month suspension to six and be eligible to fight after October 12. This could become insignificant if the champion cannot fight, though.

    Read also: Israel Adesanya Reacts To Belal Muhammad’s Title Win Over Leon Edwards At UFC 304: ‘I’m A Fan Now!’

  • What Is The Meaning Of Scouser? Paddy Pimblett Accent Explained

    What Is The Meaning Of Scouser? Paddy Pimblett Accent Explained

    Paddy Pimblett, who proudly calls himself a Scouser, has finally entered the top-15 rankings in the UFC lightweight division. His first-round submission win over King Green was one of the three finishes on the UFC 304 main card and prelims, helping him bag $200,000 in post-fight bonuses.

    After shutting down tons of doubters, Pimblett called out Renato Moicano who’s riding a three-fight win streak in the lightweight division. With a few more wins, he aims to fight for the title.

    “The Baddy” has popularized the term Scouser by frequently mentioning it in post-fight interviews and other media interactions. Here’s everything to know about Pimblett’s accent and why he calls himself a scouser.

    Why Does Paddy Pimblett Call Himself A Scouser?

    Paddy Pimblett calls himself a scouser because he’s from Liverpool, England. The term was originally used for Liverpudlians because the Scandinavian lobscouse was prevalent in the region.

    Scouse is the shortened form of lobscouse, a stew prepared in Scandinavian countries. Because Liverpool was a small fishing village, the Scandinavian lobscouse was an accessible dish for many struggling sailors.

    Paddy Pimblett Reveals Where His Accent Is From

    In October 2022, Pimblett revealed that he has a scouse accent which is native to Liverpool. He’s often confused with being Irish because the scouse accent is quite different from the usual English accent.

    “A lot of people comment on my YouTube and think I’m Irish. A lot of people don’t realize I’m English. It’s just Scouse. It’s the way we talk. A lot of our own country, can’t really understand us.”

    The uniqueness of the scouse accent can again be traced back to the sailing culture in Liverpool. By the 1890s, it had become prominent in the region due to the influence of sailors from Scandinavia, Dublin, and Northern Wales.

    The scouse accent is another trait for which Liverpudlians are called Scousers. In MMA circles, the slang became quite famous as Pimblett used it after winning his UFC debut via first-round KO in September 2021.

    When asked about getting caught with a left hook that could’ve knocked him out, here’s how “The Baddy” responded in the famous interview:

    “You know me saying, lad. I’m a scouser, we don’t get knocked out. Hey, I take that s**t all day.”

    Pimblett is now riding an impressive six-fight win streak in the UFC lightweight division. The undefeated prospect will most likely fight a ranked opponent next, and fans are excited to witness whether he can reach the title.

  • Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic Date Speculated: When Could The UFC Heavyweight Champion Return?

    Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic Date Speculated: When Could The UFC Heavyweight Champion Return?

    Jon Jones grabbed the UFC heavyweight title by beating Ciryl Gane in March 2023. His first defense will be against Stipe Miocic and then, the winner will fight the winner of Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes.

    The fight with Miocic was originally scheduled for November 11, 2023. However, a shoulder injury forced the champ to pull out and stay out of action for over six months. He’s fit and back at the gym now but a new date for the bout is yet to be announced.

    Here’s when fans can expect Jones to finally fight Miocic and proceed to unify the UFC heavyweight championship…

    When Will Jon Jones Fight Stipe Miocic?

    Although official confirmation from the UFC is pending, Jones will most likely fight Miocic on November 9, 2024, at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden, New York. The date has been teased by the champion himself through a post on Instagram with this caption:

    “The red corner, my office. #Nov9th.”

    The official UFC schedule is only updated till UFC 308 which takes place on October 26. So, it won’t be a stretch to assume that November 9 is the planned date for UFC 309 and the main event will feature “Bones” and the former UFC heavyweight kingpin.

    Will Jon Jones Retire From The UFC After Fighting Stipe Miocic?

    Jones has repeatedly discussed retiring from the UFC. He initially seemed certain about hanging up the gloves after the Miocic fight. However, in recent tweets, he’s claimed to make the decision based on his performance and the available options at the time.

    Dana White has confirmed that the winner of Aspinall vs. Blaydes will fight the winner of Jones vs. Miiocic. These plans could undeniably change if Alex Pereira moves up for a super fight in the UFC heavyweight division.

    READ MORE: King Green Explains His Issues With UFC 304 Opponent Paddy Pimblett: ‘Ariel Doesn’t Even Pay Conor, Why Would He Pay You?!’ 

  • Is Conor McGregor Retired?

    Is Conor McGregor Retired?

    Conor McGregor was on top of the MMA world by becoming the first UFC double champion in 2016. Instead of defending his titles, he boxed Floyd Mayweather in August 2017 and his returns to the Octagon since then haven’t been too pleasing for the fans.

    “The Notorious” lost decisively to Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018. After a long break, he knocked out Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds to register KO wins in three UFC weight classes.

    McGregor hasn’t entered the Octagon since losing to Dustin Poirier twice in 2021. With no confirmation regarding the rescheduling of the Michael Chandler fight, here’s whether McGregor has retired…

    Has Conor McGregor Retired From The UFC?

    No, McGregor hasn’t retired from the UFC. He’s repeatedly reacted positively to his return to the Octagon and reports suggest he’ll fight Chandler towards the end of 2024. The matchup will most likely be a part of UFC 310.

    Having said that, “Mystic Mac” has a long history of shocking fans with retirement posts on his socials. Such announcements are believable because the Irishman has made a fortune over the years. Even Dana White claims that the former UFC double champ has no compulsion to risk his health fighting again.

    For now, though, McGregor is adamant about fighting Chandler before the end of 2024.

    Does Conor McGregor Still Have A UFC Contract?

    Yes, McGregor still has a UFC contract. In a BKFC event held on July 18, 2024, he claimed to have two fights remaining on his contract.

    https://twitter.com/acdmma_/status/1813909981617619434

    The Dubliner’s current contract was signed ahead of his fight with Nurmagomedov with a five-year expiration date. Things have been rather complicated as he dropped out of the USADA testing pool temporarily during this period.

    Regardless, fans can look forward to seeing him fight in the Octagon at least twice.

    Conor McGregor Sheds Light On His Plans Post UFC Retirement

    McGregor is now a part-owner of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, and he’s eager to fight for the promotion after completing the last two fights in his UFC contract.

    “It’s money in the bank. So, you know, for me, I have a bit of business left with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, two fights left in my contract. But, for sure, we got three lightweights up here. And yeah, I have my eyes on all of this. I’m not up here just as an owner, I’ll play a manager, you know.”

  • Sean O’Malley’s Next Fight – Is He Fighting Merab Dvalishvili?

    Sean O’Malley’s Next Fight – Is He Fighting Merab Dvalishvili?

    Sean O’Malley is arguably more popular than ever after defending his UFC bantamweight title for the first time against Marlon Vera. The champ not only avenged his first UFC loss, but also shut down a ton of doubters.

    O’Malley last fought in March 2024 and fans are eager to see him back in the Octagon. At this time, the bantamweight division lacks clear-cut title challengers and Merab Dvalishvili is the only fighter with a strong case.

    So, who is O’Malley’s next fight and when will the champ return to action?

    Who Will Sean O’Malley Fight Next?

    Although the UFC has yet to confirm it, O’Malley will most likely fight Dvalishvili next. He can’t aim for a super fight with Ilia Topuria for the featherweight title because the latter is expected to fight Max Holloway.

    Similarly, top-ranked fighters in the UFC bantamweight division are either scheduled for matchups or lack an impressive latest win. In contrast, Dvalishvili is riding a ten-fight win streak including wins over Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and José Aldo.

    “The Machine” and “Suga” have also been calling each other out on social media for quite a few months now. There were strong rumors about their fight being the main event of the Riyadh Season Noche UFC card. However, the bantamweight kingpin has clarified that nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

    On July 23, 2024, here’s what O’Malley said about his next fight on his official YouTube podcast:

    “Me vs Merab is next. Everyone knows it. We just don’t know when. We don’t know where. And that’s kind of where that’s at.” He added, “I’m very excited about that fight. Still nothing. Waiting for the UFC to, you know, finally kind of tell us what’s next. Is it going to be Sphere? Is it going to be December, we’re all f*****g on our edge of our seats, waiting.”

    When is Sean O’Malley’s Next Fight?

    O’Malley is most likely to fight in the UFC’s Sphere Event or in December which could be UFC 310. His coach previously claimed that the UFC is finding a new date for Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler, potentially leading to the delay in confirming other anticipated fights.

    So, for now, fans worldwide can be very certain about O’Malley’s next fight to be Merab Dvalishvili. However, the fight date and venue are hard to speculate unless the UFC announces them officially.

  • Is Jake Paul Fighting In The 2024 Olympics? YouTuber-Turned-Boxer Joins USA Boxing Team

    Is Jake Paul Fighting In The 2024 Olympics? YouTuber-Turned-Boxer Joins USA Boxing Team

    Jake Paul beat Mike Perry on July 20, 2024, via sixth-round KO to extend his boxing record to 9-1. With 6 knockouts under his belt, he’s gained credibility among some fans while others still expect him to fight harder competition.

    After his last win, Paul called out UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira which received a mixed response in MMA and boxing circles. Regardless of such controversies, the social media star can be credited for creating a host of young boxing fans.

    Here’s how Team USA Boxing is using Paul’s unique journey for motivation and whether he’s fighting in the 2024 Paris Olympics…

    Will Jake Paul Fight In The 2024 Paris Olympics?

    No, Paul won’t fight in the 2024 Paris Olympics as a member of Team USA Boxing. Here’s a list of all the athletes representing the nation in boxing this year:

    • Male boxers
      • Roscoe Hill – flyweight
      • Jahmal Harvey – featherweight
      • Omari Jones – middleweight
      • Joshua Edwards – super heavyweight
    • Female boxers
      • Jeniffer Lozano – flyweight
      • Alyssa Mendoza – featherweight
      • Morelle McCane – welterweight
      • Jajaira Gonzalez – lightweight

    Jake Paul Discloses Collaboration With Team USA Boxing For Olympics 2024

    On a recent episode of BS w/ Jake Paul uploaded on his YouTube channel, Paul revealed that he’ll be the mental coach for Team USA Boxing for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

    The internet sensation has now released a documentary on his official YouTube channel. It details his trip to Paris and meeting with the USA Boxing team. As an honorary coach, he talked to the members about meditation, staying calm under pressure, and breathing control.

    “As an athlete, this is the highest prestige. The highest ranking. To me, the courage, the ups, the downs, of what these athletes have to go through are truly, some of the most inspiring stories in the world. And the fact that I get to even just be in Paris next to these kids who are so humble but are the best in the world at what they do is an honor and I’m hoping that everyone else can see and share that vision.”

    Like millions of others, Paul hopes to see Team USA Boxing bag gold medals at the Olympics and he’s already played his part.

  • Why Did Jon Jones Get Disqualified? Only UFC Loss To Matt Hamill Explained

    Why Did Jon Jones Get Disqualified? Only UFC Loss To Matt Hamill Explained

    As Dana White has made abundantly clear, Jon Jones is the best mixed martial artist of all time. He won six out of seven fights after making his UFC debut in 2008 to earn a title shot. The prospect then grabbed the UFC light heavyweight title from Mauricio Rua to become the youngest champion in the promotion’s history.

    Since then, Jones has fought in 15 consecutive title fights and his upcoming bout against Stipe Miocic is likely to be for the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship.

    The only loss on the UFC heavyweight kingpin’s almost-perfect record came in December 2009 against Matt Hamill, via disqualification. Here’s why Jones got disqualified and whether he can update his record as per the latest rules…

    Why Did Jon Jones Get DQ?

    Jon Jones was disqualified against Hamill for throwing consecutive 12-6 elbows at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale. 12-6 elbows are illegal according to the Unified Rules of MMA and accordingly, in the UFC.

    “Bones” was dominating the fight from the get-go, piecing up Hamill with kicks from a distance. He then took the latter down, got top position, and unleashed a flurry of elbows to break his guard.

    While most of Jones’ strikes were perfectly legal and the fight was about to be stopped anyway, he threw a couple of 12-6 elbows. Steve Mazzagatti quickly jumped in to stop the fight and disqualified the rising contender.

    Are 12-6 Elbows Illegal In MMA?

    12-6 elbow strikes, also called downward elbow strikes, used to be illegal under the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. They can be described as an elbow landed on a grounded opponent imitating the movement of throwing an elbow between 12 to 6 on a wall clock. Due to concerns related to fighter safety, the move was banned until July 2024.

    The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports voted to lift the ban on 12-6 elbows in July 2024 but the ruling will be effective from November 1, 2024. All state athletic commissions will have to approve these changes in rules separately as well.

    Jon Jones Reacts To 12-6 Elbows Rule Change In The UFC

    Soon after the ABC announced their decision to make 12-6 Elbows legal, Jones took to social media to claim his undefeated record. The UFC veteran even tagged the UFC President to help him overturn his loss.

    “Undefeated then, undefeated now, @danawhite we gotta get that loss out of the history books.” said Jones via Instagram.

    This is not the first time Jones has protested his loss to Matt Hamill. With state athletic commissions yet to approve the change in rules, it is hard to predict whether he will end up having a perfect pro record.

    Read More: Curtis Blaydes Suggests Jon Jones Likely Turned Down ‘Harder Fight’ Against Him For Heavyweight Debut: ‘Smart Decision…’