MMA News

Author: Andrew Ravens

  • Alexander Volkanovski: Islam Makhachev Is The Only Person Who Can Match Me

    Alexander Volkanovski, despite recent setbacks, maintains unwavering confidence in his ability to dominate any five-round UFC contest.

    Islam Makhachev broke his nearly decade-long undefeated streak at UFC 284, a closely contested bout where Volkanovski’s attempt to secure dual-champion status fell just short. 

    He rebounded with a successful featherweight title defense against Yair Rodriguez, but subsequent losses to Makhachev in a rematch and Ilia Topuria have challenged his previously dominant run.

    However, Volkanovski attributes his knockout losses to being caught off guard, rather than being outmatched in a sustained fight. He believes his skill set allows him to compete on equal footing with any UFC fighter for five rounds, with a possible exception for Makhachev.

    This belief in his endurance and overall fighting prowess remains a cornerstone of his mindset as he looks to rebound from his recent defeats.

    Volkanovski’s assertion highlights his belief in his cardio and fight IQ. He feels that when he is able to get into a long fight, he will be able to outlast his opponents. He has stated that his losses where due to him getting caught, and not due to him being outclassed.

    “I don’t believe anyone can beat me,” Volkanovski told Fox Sports Australia. “The only person that I can see giving me a tough fight for five rounds is an Islam Makhachev in the first one, as you’ve seen. Everyone else has just got a puncher’s chance. That’s just how I always look at it. I truly believe that, and that’s the confidence I have in myself. No one can beat me.”

    Following Topuria’s decision to vacate the featherweight championship, Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes are set to clash for the now-vacant title. This highly anticipated main event will headline UFC 314, taking place on April 12th at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

    “They can catch me, so I think he needs to be reckless to beat me,” Volkanovski said. “If he tries to fight this perfect fight, it’s not going to work. He needs to try and be reckless and catch me. That’s his best chance, so he’s going to do what we all know he’s going to do and what he’s been doing, which is exciting for the fans, but it opens a lot of doors for me. … (There’s) a lot I can capitalize and that I will capitalize on.”

  • Former RIZIN, Bellator Champ Kyoji Horiguchi Returning To UFC

    Former RIZIN, Bellator Champ Kyoji Horiguchi Returning To UFC

    Kyoji Horiguchi, a former champion in multiple organizations, is preparing to make his return to the UFC.

    News reports earlier in the month suggested that Horiguchi was close to finalizing an agreement to rejoin the UFC after leaving in 2016. Confirmation of this move was strengthened when it was revealed he had recently completed a drug test required by the UFC’s anti-doping program.  

    Horiguchi initially left the UFC on a positive note, having won his last three fights. He then achieved further success in RIZIN, where he won a championship, and later in Bellator, where he also claimed a title.

    The skilled fighter from Japan has maintained a strong record, going undefeated in his last six fights since April 2022.  

    During his first period with the UFC, Horiguchi came close to winning the flyweight title, challenging Demetrious Johnson in 2015.

    However, he was defeated just moments before the end of the final round. Now, Horiguchi has announced during RIZIN 50 in Japan that he is giving up his flyweight championship in order to return to the UFC. As a result of this decision, RIZIN will organize a tournament to determine a new champion.

    “I’m going to the UFC,” Horiguchi said. “I’m going to become the first Japanese UFC champion.”

  • Logan Paul Backs Himself For UFC Success, Says ‘I’m Not CM Punk’

    Despite the shared TKO corporate umbrella between WWE and UFC, Dana White has shown no interest in leveraging Logan Paul’s celebrity for the Octagon.

    Paul revealed on his Impaulsive podcast that White ignored his attempts to communicate about a potential UFC appearance. This lack of response indicates a clear disinterest from the UFC CEO in bringing the WWE star into the Octagon fold, despite their common corporate affiliation.

    Logan Paul possesses a background in combat sports, having participated in boxing matches against KSI, Dillon Danis, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Additionally, he has a foundation in amateur wrestling, qualifying for the Ohio High School Athletic Association 2013 Division I championships.

    This combination of experience in both striking and grappling sports makes Paul’s potential transition to MMA an intriguing prospect, though it appears Dana White is not inclined to explore it.

    “I told Dana for UFC 300, I texted him, ‘Hey man, consider me available to fight on the undercard in the Sphere,’” Paul said. “Basically, [he] completely ignored me, which I think speaks volumes. I haven’t bothered him about it since.”

    UFC 306, held in Las Vegas’s Sphere, marked a significant milestone as the first live sporting event in the venue, yet Logan Paul’s hopes for a UFC debut on the card were dashed. Despite reaching out to White via text, Paul received no response, leading him to speculate that his exclusion was due to the lingering impression of another WWE star’s failed UFC venture.

    Paul attributed White’s silence to CM Punk’s underwhelming UFC career, which saw Punk suffer a submission loss to Mickey Gall and a decision loss to Mike Jackson. Although the Jackson loss was later overturned due to a failed drug test, Punk’s overall performance likely contributed to White’s reluctance to entertain another WWE crossover, potentially impacting Paul’s chances of securing a UFC fight.

    “He f—ed it up,” Paul said about Punk. “He f—ed it up, and after that Dana was like, ‘I’m never doing this again.’ But, dude, I’m not CM Punk. He’s a great wrestler, not a UFC fighter. I think I would be a much better UFC fighter than I would be as just a boxer. My skill is wrestling. I’m a wrestler.”

  • UFC Fighter Gets Honest On How ‘Eating Disorder’ Has Led To Weight Class Change

    Paul Craig has openly discussed the detrimental impact fighting in the UFC middleweight division had on his mental health.

    The Scottish fighter’s decision to cut down to 185 pounds followed a tough loss to Johnny Walker at UFC 283 in Brazil. While his middleweight debut resulted in a victory over Andre Muniz, his subsequent three fights against Brendan Allen, Caio Borralho, and Bo Nickal ended in defeat.

    Despite facing highly regarded opponents, Craig’s time in the division took a toll on his well-being.

    Craig’s recent decision to return to the light heavyweight division comes after he confronted the mental strain associated with maintaining the middleweight cut. He revealed how an eating disorder helped him to realize the negative impact the division had on his mental state.

    This candid admission highlights the challenges fighters face in managing their weight and the potential consequences for their overall health.

    “I had developed a really bad eating disorder, as well as moving down to middleweight,” Craig told talkSPORT. “It seems a much better fit for me at light heavyweight…the eating disorder, I’m in a weight based sport so I have to watch calorie consumption. I also have to go out and parade how I look, so you end up with not just having not only an eating disorder but how you look.

    “Going out there, I want to look good the last thing I want to do is look out of shape. All of these negative things play on you as a fighter, so what you need to do is: What’s best for my mental health? Staying at middleweight definitely wasn’t best for my mental health.”

    A veteran of MMA, Craig is notable for being the only fighter to defeat current light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC. His journey to the UFC began in 2016, following a successful career in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where he earned multiple British and Scottish championships and a black belt. His elite ground game skills are evidenced by his 13 submission victories out of 17 professional wins.

    Craig’s return to the light heavyweight division signals a move to prioritize his mental and physical health. His decision to address his eating disorder and the mental strain of the middleweight division underscores the importance of fighter well-being in combat sports.

    Craig is set to fight Rodolfo Bellato at a UFC Fight Night event inside Las Vegas’ UFC Apex on May 17.

  • Michael Chandler Reveals Which Two Former UFC Fighters ‘Inspired’ Him To Start MMA

    UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler has inspired many with his dedication, relentless pursuit of goals, and inspiring mindset, particularly his focus on consistency and self-belief. It turns out that there are two notable fighters who have inspired him. 

    Chandler is known for his explosive fighting style, with strong wrestling and striking abilities. “Iron” is also known for his unwavering determination and hard work, both in and out of the Octagon. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in achieving goals, sharing his own journey as an example.

    Chandler’s recent UFC record shows a mixed bag of results. His most recent outing last November at UFC 309 saw him lose to Charles Oliveira via unanimous decision after a full five rounds. Prior to that, at UFC 281 in 2022, he was submitted by Dustin Poirier with a rear-naked choke in the third round.

    Chandler hasn’t secured a victory since May 2022 at UFC 274, where he knocked out Tony Ferguson with a front head kick in the second round.

    While doing a Q&A on X, Chandler named Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren as two fighters who inspired him. 

    Looking ahead, Michael Chandler is scheduled to face Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami, Florida. This upcoming fight presents an opportunity for Chandler to rebound from his recent losses and re-establish his position in the UFC lightweight division.

  • ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong Apologizes To Fighter He Accused of ‘Taking The Easy Way Out’

    Chatri Sityodtong, the leader of ONE Championship, has faced accusations of disrespectful bullying following Sunday’s ONE 172 event.

    The controversy arose from his public criticism of Japanese Shoot Boxing Champion Kaito Ono, who declined a catchweight bout against Marat Grigorian after the Armenian-Belgian failed to make weight. This incident has strained relations between ONE Championship and Shoot Boxing.

    At the post-fight press conference for ONE 172, Sityodtong launched a verbal attack on Ono, accusing him of being “scared” and lacking integrity for refusing the fight. His public shaming of Ono, who was participating in a cross-promotion match, has been widely condemned as unprofessional.

    Shoot Boxing, which has a history of successful cross-promotion events with organizations like RISE, K-1, and Glory, entered into an agreement with ONE Championship in good faith. However, Sityodtong’s actions have appeared to jeopardize this relationship. The organization has now formally demanded an apology, citing his unacceptable and disrespectful treatment of Kaito Ono.

    The public nature of the ONE chief’s remarks has drawn significant attention, with many criticizing his leadership and behavior. In response, Chatri Sityodtong has since retracted his comments.

    ONE’s chairman and CEO issued the following statement:

    “Like all the fans and officials, I was looking forward to the bout between Marat Grigorian and Kaito. Grigorian passed the hydration test after the time limit, which put him 350 grams overweight. At this point, Grigorian was penalized by having 20% of his fight purse forfeited and given to Kaito.

    “When a fighter is less than one pound overweight, the standard response in the world’s major mixed martial arts organizations is to negotiate a bout at a catchweight.

    “Naturally, I was disappointed when Kaito declined the bout. However, as the CEO of ONE Championship, it was inappropriate for me to express such feelings in a press conference.

    “I sincerely apologize and formally retract my comments regarding Kaito’s lack of courage. Kaito is a highly respected champion in Japan.”

  • Colby Covington Hits Back At Comments From ‘Self-Loathing Drunk A**hole’ Paul Felder

    Colby Covington Hits Back At Comments From ‘Self-Loathing Drunk A**hole’ Paul Felder

    The back and forth between Colby Covington and Paul Felder continues. 

    Covington, known for his polarizing “heel” persona and vocal support of Donald Trump, has significantly boosted his notoriety within the UFC by openly antagonizing fellow fighters. However, Felder has observed a recent shift in Covington’s behavior. 

    He noted a more amicable demeanor in his organic interactions, evidenced by Covington’s cordial greeting to former rival Kamaru Usman and Paddy Pimblett’s account of a surprisingly positive encounter. Felder thinks Covington isn’t who he portrays.

    For Covington, he thinks Felder is a “bum” and a punching bag for the UFC. 

    “The guy’s an absolute bum,” Covington stated on Submission Radio. “He’s never done anything in the sport. He has no reason to talk shit, especially when he’s never been in a main event in his life. The guy’s a bum. He’s gotten beaten up by everybody. He’s literally been a punching bag in the UFC and he’s a self-loathing drunk asshole.”

    Covington’s most recent fight occurred at a UFC Fight Night in Tampa, Florida, last December, where he faced Joaquin Buckley. The bout ended in the third round when the ringside physician stopped the fight due to a significant cut over Covington’s eye, awarding Buckley a TKO victory.

  • There’s One Man Michael Chandler Will ‘Never’ Fight In The UFC

    There’s One Man Michael Chandler Will ‘Never’ Fight In The UFC

    Michael Chandler understands Patricio Pitbull’s decision to join the UFC. However, that doesn’t mean he is going to want to fight him again.

    Chandler, who himself transitioned from Bellator to the UFC, understands the frustration faced by many former Bellator athletes following the PFL’s acquisition. He’s acknowledged the lack of consistent opportunities that contributed to Pitbull’s demand to be released and subsequent signing with the UFC. 

    This shared experience highlights the challenges of navigating a merger and the desire for top-level competition. Chandler has a history with the Freire family, including a loss to Patricio and wins over his brother Patricky. 

    Chandler has previously stated that he thinks Patricio’s move to the UFC will be a significant career change. He anticipates that the Brazilian will find the competition and opportunities within the UFC to be a substantial step up, providing a platform to truly showcase his skills on a global stage.

    While doing a Q&A on X, Chandler was asked whether he was interested in renewing hostilities with Pitbull after the Paddy Pimblett fight at UFC 314. He said, “Nope. Never.”

    With that in mind, it would appear unlikely that the pair’s past feud will cross over onto mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

    Both men will be focused on their respective pushes toward different divisional gold, with Michael Chandler targeting the lightweight belt and Patricio Pitbull looking to add UFC featherweight gold to his trophy cabinet.

  • Joe Rogan: It’s ‘Crazy’ KSI Pulled Out Of Fight Against Inexperienced Dillon Danis

    Joe Rogan: It’s ‘Crazy’ KSI Pulled Out Of Fight Against Inexperienced Dillon Danis

    Joe Rogan has reacted after the boxing match between YouTube sensation KSI and Dillon Danis, scheduled for March 29, was abruptly postponed by KSI due to illness.

    This decision impacted the entire event, including a stacked undercard, causing frustration among fighters and fans alike. The matchup pitted KSI, who has boxing experience since 2018, against Danis, a jiu-jitsu black belt with limited boxing exposure.  

    During a JRE Fight Companion broadcast for UFC London, Joe Rogan expressed his bewilderment at KSI’s decision to postpone the fight.

    Rogan, along with Brendan Schaub and Gordon Ryan, Danis’ longtime rival, found it perplexing that KSI, considered the superior boxer, would withdraw due to illness. They felt KSI should have been able to compete, even at a reduced capacity.

    “How does KSI pull out against Dillon Danis? Dillon’s not a boxer. KSI is a pretty good boxer, he’s legit,” Rogan said. “It’s crazy that he would (pull out). You’d think he could not even be at his best and take that fight.”

    Danis responded to the postponement by stating that KSI “pulled out,” not merely postponed the event, highlighting the significant financial and logistical implications of the cancellation. He drew a sharp contrast between postponing a multi-million-dollar fight card and a “little league baseball game.”

    In a further attempt to salvage the event, Danis publicly called upon Logan Paul, KSI’s previous opponent, to step in for a rematch. He expressed sympathy for the other fighters on the card and the fans who had purchased tickets, criticizing KSI’s decision as being based on “the sniffles.” 

  • Michael Page Targets Top Names For Next UFC Fight

    Michael Page Targets Top Names For Next UFC Fight

    Michael Page is aiming for a high-profile welterweight clash in his next UFC appearance, specifically targeting a seasoned veteran of the division.

    Fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Shara Magomedov in a middleweight detour at UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia last month, Page is eager to return to the 170-pound weight class.

    “MVP” has identified former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and the often-controversial Colby Covington as prime candidates for his next opponent. These potential matchups offer both significant name recognition and the opportunity for Page to establish himself against longtime figures within the UFC’s welterweight ranks.

    “I haven’t a clue (what’s next), but everyone seems silent at the moment,” Michael Page said at a UFC fan Q&A. “I don’t know if that last fight has worried a few people, but everyone seems a bit silent. There’s many names out there.

    “I think me and Usman would be a good fight. I want to punch Colby in his face for some reason. I don’t know why. There’s guys out there. I’m just waiting for them to respond to the call.”

    Usman, having last competed in October 2023 with a majority decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight bout, faces a three-fight losing skid. Despite this, he has hinted at a return to competition within the year.

    Covington, meanwhile, has emerged as a potential opponent for Michael Page after his setback to Joaquin Buckley last December. The Londoner has expressed considerable interest in this matchup, citing Covington’s controversial reputation as a significant draw. 

    “I’m hoping for a repeat of a jumping knee to the face,” Page said. “You all saw how that went, so I’m hoping that way.”

    At 37, Page is eager to maintain a busy schedule. He has expressed a desire to return to the octagon at the earliest opportunity.

    “If I can get two more fights in (this year) that would be great,” Page said. “I’m trying to get one as soon as possible. There’s shows in May that I want to be on, and again at the end of the year. So two more fights, definitely.”

  • UFC Targeting Debut Event In New Country This Summer

    The UFC appears to be planning its first trip to a new country in the coming months.

    According to Ariel Helwani, the promotion is “close to finalizing” an event in the Republic of Azerbaijan, set for June 2025. This move aligns with the UFC’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence in Europe and Asia, with several major events scheduled throughout the year.

    Helwani shared the news in a video posted on X.

    “Some breaking news, if you guys want some. … According to sources, the UFC is close to finalizing a debut event in the Republic of Azerbaijan in June later this year,” Helwani said. “Now you may be thinking to yourself, wow, Azerbaijan, that is pretty random. Well, I do want to remind you that there are over 10 million people who reside in the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is technically located in Asia but is bordered by four countries: Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Iran.

    “Now, I do want to stress this — there were a lot of reports that the UFC was going to Qatar in May. Then they seemingly called an audible, and now that event, I think, is happening at the Apex, which is quite the shift,” Helwani continued. “So, I do want to say that things are very fluid right now, but there’s a lot of money being thrown around. Mark Shapiro, the head man over at TKO, mentioned in that conference call we’ve talked about a few times that they were going to move a few Apex events to international locations, right? This would certainly fit as one of them. A date that I’ve seen thrown around is June 21. So, let’s see.”

    Meanwhile, the UFC’s next event is scheduled for an overseas location, as The O2 in London hosts the Octagon on March 22. The main event will feature former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards taking on Sean Brady. Originally, Edwards was slated to fight Jack Della Maddalena, but the Australian was reallocated to a title bout against current champ Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, leading to Brady stepping in as Edwards’ opponent.

    The co-main event will see former light heavyweight titleholder Jan Błachowicz against Carlos Ulberg.

    UFC Executive Dave Shaw recently announced plans to reduce the number of events at the UFC Apex facility in 2025, shifting focus toward more international locations, particularly in Europe. This strategic move aims to bring more live-action events to European fans.

    With the UFC’s European schedule for 2025 taking shape, additional event announcements are expected.

  • Sean Brady Not Shocked He’s Favorite Over Leon Edwards: ‘Look At The Styles’

    Sean Brady Not Shocked He’s Favorite Over Leon Edwards: ‘Look At The Styles’

    Ahead of their March 22 UFC London welterweight main event, Sean Brady is favored at -170, while former champion Leon Edwards is the underdog at +140.

    This fight marks Edwards’ return since losing his title to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 last summer. Brady, meanwhile, steps in for Jack Della Maddalena, who was moved to a title shot.

    The betting odds have shifted significantly this week, with Brady’s opening odds of -125 moving to -170 due to increased betting activity on him.

    Brady has a strong submission record, with all three of his UFC finishes coming via submission, including a kimura victory over Kelvin Gastelum. He is considered a strong contender in the welterweight division.

    Edwards has been taken down three or more times in six UFC fights. And despite victories over Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, Sean Brady saw plenty of holes in the Brit’s game.

    While speaking with Sportsnet’s Aaron Bronsteter, Brady explained that he doesn’t pay attention to the odds for the fight but is unsurprised that he’s favored over the ex-titleholder.

    “I mean, I guess if I was to analyze it and take myself out of it, if you look at the styles…man’s been fighting grab orders his whole life, but a lot of them have given him trouble. You know, he was losing the Kamaru fight until he landed the head kick. I personally thought the third Kamaru fight was a lot closer than what people make it seem to be like. You could argue that fight for Kamaru. And then Belal did what Belal did to him.

    “If you look at ages of a lot of the guys he’s fighting, they’re a lot older, kind of at the end of his career. So I can understand why the odds are the way they are. But like I said, I’m not into any of that,” Sean Brady continued. “When I’m fighting, I’m ready for the best Leon Edwards, and you’re going to get the best Sean Brady.”

  • Manager: Kayla Harrison Gets Similar ‘Hate’ To Top Dagestani Fighters

    Manager: Kayla Harrison Gets Similar ‘Hate’ To Top Dagestani Fighters

    Former Invicta FC champion and UFC featherweight title contender Megan Anderson doubts Kayla Harrison will achieve a dominant reign similar to Amanda Nunes’ in the UFC, particularly at bantamweight. 

    With the promotion’s 145-pound division defunct after Nunes’ retirement, Harrison, a two-time PFL lightweight champion, has joined the promotion to compete at 135 pounds. 

    While Harrison secured victories over Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira to likely secure a title shot against Julianna Peña, Anderson questioned Harrison’s long-term ability to consistently make the bantamweight limit.

    “The caveat for me with Kayla is — and I said this when it was announced that she was going to drop to 135 — just because you can make the weight, doesn’t always mean you should,” Anderson told MMA Fighting. “For women, these big weight cuts, hormonally, it’s not good. So even if she does go out there, she dominates Julianna, or it’s a back-and-forth battle and she ends up becoming the champion, I don’t see her fighting for too much longer. It’s the toll on the body, it’s the quality of life, you know?

    Ali Abdelaziz, the manager of Harrison, weighed in on the hot take by Anderson on X.

    “I see many fighters and media  member rooting against the guys from Dagstan because they are so dominant @KaylaH get in the same treatment don’t hate congratulate.”

    While the UFC hasn’t officially announced Kayla Harrison as Julianna Peña’s next opponent or set a date for the fight, Anderson stated that she it’s a favorable stylistic matchup.

  • Tom Aspinall: Only ‘Uneducated’ Fans Thought Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Was Boring

    Tom Aspinall: Only ‘Uneducated’ Fans Thought Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Was Boring

    Tom Aspinall is perplexed by the scoring decisions in the MMA community that favored Alex Pereira in the UFC 313 main event.

    Earlier this month, Magomed Ankalaev defeated Pereira by unanimous decision to become light heavyweight champion at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    The scoring of the UFC 313 main event was highly contested, with media members and fans divided. On MMA Decisions. nine members scored the bout for Pereira, which Aspinall finds incomprehensible.

    And the interim heavyweight champ was similarly baffled by those who branded the March 8 main event “boring.”

    “I think Ankalaev just had him guessing a lot,” Aspinall said in an interview with JNMediaUK. “I think Pereira’s level on the ground, I don’t know what level he’s at, but I think he’s still a bit wary of getting taken down. He definitely defended the takedowns well, but me with an educated eye watching it, I don’t think Ankalaev was really trying to take him down that much. He definitely tried a couple of times. I think he did 10 or 11 takedown attempts, but I would say only two or three of them he went full blast.

    “I think the rest of the time, he was trying to tire him out with the grappling standing, like the cage grappling stuff. I think Ankalaev had the perfect game plan. He didn’t overcommit, tired him out. I can’t believe people watched that fight and thought that Pereira won. It was just wild to me how many uneducated fans are out there and how many uneducated fans thought it was a boring fight, as well. I thought it was an amazing fight, both guys did good, and I think Ankalaev was just a lot better than him on the night. That’s it.”

    Despite Alex Pereira’s recent loss, which potentially benefits Tom Aspinall as he awaits his title unification fight with Jon Jones, Aspinall believes Pereira could still transition to the heavyweight division in the future.

    “He can do whatever he wants, can’t he? He’s an absolute megastar,” Aspinall said. “I think there’s fights to be made at middleweight, light heavy or heavy for him. He can do whatever he wants.”

  • UFC Veteran Says Leon Edwards Is Making ‘Excuses’ For Belal Muhammad Loss

    UFC Veteran Says Leon Edwards Is Making ‘Excuses’ For Belal Muhammad Loss

    Leon Edwards has blamed his July loss of the UFC welterweight title to Belal Muhammad on less-than-ideal circumstances. While potentially true, one retired fighter says the Brit is still making “excuses.”

    Edwards and his coach, Dave Lovell, have cited the unusually late fight time (approximately 5 a.m. local time) as a major factor, with “Rocky” describing his reactions as “slow” and Lovell estimating his fighter performed at only “30 to 40 percent” of his potential.

    Retired UFC welterweight Matt Brown understands Edwards’ struggles, having experienced similar issues throughout his own career. However, he believes that publicly airing these grievances after a defeat is generally perceived negatively.

    “I understand where Leon’s coming from, especially being in his home country,” Brown said of Leon Edwards on the latest episode of MMA Fighting’s The Fighter vs. The Writer. “He’s certainly accustomed to a certain rhythm, a routine of sleeping and waking. Belal coming from another country, there’s some excitement and everything’s new. The time zone is new. You’re going to be adjusting to the time zone regardless.

    “I guess I could see it a little bit, but we’re right on track with the same thing we always say. You can’t take away from Belal. He fought amazing in that fight. That’s part of being a fighter. You have to deal with shit like that. Things like that have thrown me off in the past, too, 100 percent during fights. I know it. I don’t necessarily say it publicly. But it is factual. It does happen but that’s being a fighter.”

    Brown, a veteran of 15 years in the UFC, recognizes the significant impact that external factors can have on a fighter’s performance. He understands that, beyond skill and ability, numerous outside-the-cage issues have influenced his own outcomes.

    Furthermore, Brown acknowledges that regardless of the candor displayed by fighters and their coaches after a loss, the public reaction from fans, fellow fighters, and the media will inevitably follow a predictable pattern.

    Leon Edwards is set to return to action this weekend, once again on home soil. Unlike last July’s pay-per-view event, Saturday’s UFC London card will take place in UK primetime, perhaps boosting Edwards’ chances of a rebound victory at the expense of Sean Brady.

  • Charles Oliveira Tells Fans To ‘Forget’ About Conor McGregor: ‘He Isn’t Going To Fight Again’

    Charles Oliveira Tells Fans To ‘Forget’ About Conor McGregor: ‘He Isn’t Going To Fight Again’

    According to former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, the fighting career of Conor McGregor is over.

    McGregor continues to fuel speculation about his return to combat sports, with rumors linking him to various potential matchups. Alongside talk of a boxing bout against Logan Paul, the Irishman has also been associated with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he became a part-owner last year and has attended multiple events.

    Oliveira recently shared his thoughts on McGregor’s potential return while speaking with Oddspedia. “Do Bronx” expressed serious doubts about McGregor stepping into the ring or Octagon again.

    “To be honest, I don’t know why people are still talking about Conor McGregor. He has done everything he wanted to do in the sport and now he chooses to live his life the way he is living,” Oliveira stated.

    “We were waiting for his return, and Michael Chandler was waiting for about two years, but he didn’t show up. I think the fans should forget about Conor McGregor coming back — he isn’t going to fight again.”

    McGregor has most recently been teasing an entry into politics.

    On Monday, the former UFC two-division champion made an appearance in the White House briefing room, where he was introduced by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. He interacted with reporters prior to meeting Donald Trump, President of the United States, and other key administration officials as part of his St. Patrick’s Day visit to Washington.

    Conor McGregor has since been entangled in multiple legal battles since his last fight, with one of the most significant coming in November when a jury in the Dublin High Court found him liable for assaulting Nikita Hand, who had accused the former UFC lightweight champion of sexually assaulting her in December 2018.

  • Sean O’Malley’s Coach Branded A ‘Little B*tch’ For Controversial Corner Tactics

    Sean O’Malley’s Coach Branded A ‘Little B*tch’ For Controversial Corner Tactics

    Matt Serra has a deep-rooted connection with Merab Dvalishvili, having trained him upon his arrival in the United States, even before Dvalishvili was fluent in English. This bond ensures Serra’s unwavering support, especially when Dvalishvili faces conflict with opponents or their coaching staff.

    This loyalty was particularly evident after an incident involving Sean O’Malley and his head coach, Tim Welch. Prior to Dvalishvili’s UFC 306 championship victory, a heated exchange occurred between him and the opposition duo, stemming from Welch’s controversial tactics during a previous title fight with Aljamain Sterling.

    While cornering O’Malley, the trainer had attempted to disrupt Sterling by shouting instructions at him.  

    Although “Funk Master” dismissed any impact from Welch’s actions, the coach repeated his disruptive behavior during Sean O’Malley’s fight against Dvalishvili, prompting a warning from the referee.

    This situation deeply resonated with Serra, who, with his extensive experience as both a fighter and a coach, strongly disapproved of Welch’s approach.

    “I’m not a fan of that guy (Welch) because when they were fighting, he does some dirty f*cking, c*nty sh*t,” Serra said during the Overdogs podcast. “He’s the guy (shouting from the corner), ‘Aljo, you’ve got to go, you’ve got (to go)!’

    “It might not be against the rules, but you’re being a little b*tch right now. I’m just letting you know. I’m not going to go, ‘Sean O’Malley, you’ve got to (go)!’“

    Serra’s disapproval extended beyond the personal conflict. He strongly condemned Welch’s use of his cornerman position to shout instructions at opponents. Serra believes this tactic inappropriately inserts coaches into the fight. It’s a practice he considers unacceptable.

  • Cain Velasquez Recalls Preparation That Went Into Beating Brock Lesnar

    Cain Velasquez Recalls Preparation That Went Into Beating Brock Lesnar

    Cain Velasquez’s victory over Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 on October 23, 2010, remains a landmark moment in MMA history.

    In that bout, Velasquez showcased his superior striking and wrestling prowess, relentlessly dominating the professional wrestling star and securing a first-round TKO. 

    This decisive win exposed Lesnar’s vulnerability against elite strikers who possess strong takedown defense. While appearing on Beyond The Belt, the former UFC fighter discussed the fight.

    “I probably weighed in at, like, 240-something going in,” Cain Velasquez said. “My strong suits with him, I was very good at getting off on the bottom. We did this in college wrestling a lot. I was just very good at getting up from the bottom, so I knew if I were to get stuck there, then it could be a long night for me, but we worked on that over and over again with DC. We had another national champion heavyweight wrestler come in.

    “We started in the worst positions, whatever (coach) Bob (Cook) said, in the middle of sparring, I had to lay down on my back with 16-ounce gloves and had DC lay on top of me and that’s where we started from multiple times a round,” Velasquez continued. “So I was very good at getting up from the bottom, especially for that camp, and I knew I just had to keep it on the feet with strikes. Just the pressure of everything, but it didn’t matter for me. My mentality was I didn’t care if I lost or won, I’m just going to give you what I have. That’s it. That’s all I could do.”

    Nearly a decade later, the two crossed paths again, this time in the world of pro wrestling.

    In 2019, Velasquez made his WWE debut, confronting Lesnar on SmackDown’s FOX premiere after “The Beast Incranate’s” quick victory over Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship. 

    Their WWE encounter at Crown Jewel 2019 was much different than their UFC fight. Lesnar was booked to decisively defeat Velasquez in approximately two minutes via kimura submission. Velasquez’s WWE tenure ended the following year.

  • Johnny Eblen Frustrated PFL Still Hasn’t Scheduled His Next Fight

    Johnny Eblen has taken to social media to voice his frustration about not having a fight booked. Eblen entered the year as the Bellator middleweight champion, but the longtime brand has since been scrapped by the PFL.

    Eblen’s most recent fight came last October at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants, where the American beat Edwards in a rematch.

    He wrote on X this week, “Wish I had a fight scheduled 😐.”

    In the meantime, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has been unveiling the rosters for its inaugural World Tournament, which will be replacing the season and playoff format.

    Eblen won’t feature in the middleweight bracket, which includes the likes of former Bellator middleweight title challengers Fabian Edwards and Aaron Jeffery, both bringing considerable high-level experience to the tournament.

    Adding a layer of excitement, Impa Kasanganay, the 2023 PFL light heavyweight champion, will move down a weight class to compete at 185 pounds. The tournament will also feature former Bellator middleweight contenders Dalton Rosta and Mike Shipman, as well as former ONE Championship standout Murad Ramazanov, ensuring a highly competitive field.

  • Nate Diaz Wants One More UFC Run To Complete Legacy

    Nate Diaz Wants One More UFC Run To Complete Legacy

    Nate Diaz is eyeing a return to the UFC, driven by a desire for one final pursuit of championship gold.

    After a submission victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September 2022, Diaz stepped away from the promotion he’d called home for nearly 15 years, seeking opportunities outside of the UFC.

    Since his departure, Diaz has explored the boxing world, experiencing mixed results. He suffered a unanimous decision loss to Jake Paul in August 2023 but rebounded with a majority decision win against fellow UFC veteran Jorge Masvidal in July 2024.

    Despite his ventures outside the octagon, Diaz feels his UFC legacy remains unfinished. He believes his impact within the promotion is unparalleled, and he’s now motivated to make one last run for a title.

    “The legacy – I don’t think about it as done,” Diaz said in a video posted to the Full Violence YouTube channel. “… I think it’s underrated, and I think there’s like f*cking – I think I left more of an impact than a lot of these f*cking, anybody has, really. I mean, Conor (McGregor) has in a way, and then you get like, my brother did – but all that sh*t gets forgotten about too. It can go away because you ain’t getting credit to begin with anyway. You might as well keep that sh*t going forever. That’s why I plan on fighting forever.”

    Nate Diaz has cultivated a devoted fanbase since his appearance on Season five of The Ultimate Fighter in 2007. His distinctive fighting style and persona, shared with his brother Nick, has earned him a cult-like following within the MMA community. The Diaz brothers’ unique presence consistently generated heightened interest in their fights, regardless of the outcome.

    Diaz believes he could recapture that same level of excitement if given the opportunity for one final run at a championship. He feels that the current UFC roster lacks the kind of transcendent star power he and his brother brought to the sport.

    “Well, everybody’s boring right now, so I’m trying to do other sh*t for the moment,” Diaz said. “But like, I want to go back and get a UFC title. I don’t want to fight for nothing, you know? I want to fight for something. … It’s about buzz and who’s poppin’ and who’s doing something. Right now, there’s nobody doing sh*t in the UFC.”

    Should the UFC call, Diaz is ready to return at welterweight, though he’s uncertain about potential opponents.

    “Nobody,” Nate Diaz said. “That’s why I’m not in there right now, you know what I’m saying? I’m watching. I’m hoping for something. … There’s no buzz, nobody’s doing sh*t. There’s nobody to fight, everybody is wack. Every single body in boxing and MMA.”

  • Chael Sonnen: ‘Alex Pereira Can’t Wrestle’ Narrative Is Over After UFC 313

    Chael Sonnen: ‘Alex Pereira Can’t Wrestle’ Narrative Is Over After UFC 313

    Despite Alex Pereira’s recent loss at UFC 313, Chael Sonnen remains optimistic about his potential to challenge Jon Jones in the future.

    Pereira lost the UFC light heavyweight championship to Magomed Ankalaev via unanimous decision in Las Vegas, a defeat that derailed previous speculation about a potential heavyweight showdown with Jones.

    While a Jones vs. Pereira superfight is no longer on the horizon, Sonnen believes Pereira’s performance at UFC 313 addressed a major criticism. —his wrestling defense.

    Pereira successfully defended all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts, showcasing significant improvement in his ground game.

    “You don’t get very far when you start talking about Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones,” Sonnen said. “You just don’t get there because we know that Jon can throw him down and beat him up. Like, that’s just something that Jon does so well. He can throw people down and then beat them up.

    “Well, you go watch this fight, and you go, ‘Hey, you know what? It turns out that old Alex Pereira isn’t so easy to take down.’ Alex Pereira really showed some stuff. That entire narrative that he can’t wrestle and he can’t defend is now gone. Ankalaev revealed his plan, and that was to take him down—his plan failed.”

    Though the loss was a setback, Sonnen suggests that Pereira’s defensive improvements could still make him a compelling future contender.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Urges ‘Steroid Machine’ Jon Jones To Fight Tom Aspinall

    Magomed Ankalaev Urges ‘Steroid Machine’ Jon Jones To Fight Tom Aspinall

    Magomed Ankalaev, the newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion, is seemingly on the hunt for a war of words with Jon “Bones” Jones, following his victory at UFC 313. 

    Ankalaev’s win, which secured him the title previously held by Jones, has derailed potential plans for Alex Pereira to challenge Jones for the heavyweight championship. Had Pereira retained his 205-pound belt, calls for a super-fight between the two would have been inevitable.

    However, Ankalaev’s victory has cleared a significant hurdle for a Jones unification fight, a point the Russian has been keen to emphasize on social media.

    This online feud began when Jones posted a graphic highlighting his record-breaking number of UFC title defenses, stating, “Small flex.” Ankalaev responded sharply, accusing Jones of cheating, stating, “Yes, but all this CHAMPIONs clean his big cheater we all know this.”

    Ankalaev has continued to taunt Jones, specifically accusing him of avoiding a fight with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. This online roasting follows Dana White’s recent statement that Jones will return “this summer” for a unified heavyweight title fight against Aspinall, though the promotion has yet to formally announce the bout.

    “Johnny steroid machine was very disappointed. I beat Alex please fight big Tom Aspinall stop running,” he wrote.

  • Update On Charles Oliveira’s Future, Chances Of Fighting Ilia Topuria Next

    Update On Charles Oliveira’s Future, Chances Of Fighting Ilia Topuria Next

    Charles Oliveira’s manager and coach, Diego Lima, has provided an update on the former UFC lightweight champion and the possibility of a fight against Ilia Topuria.

    Contrary to rumors of a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski, Topuria announced last month that he intends to vacate the featherweight title and move up to 155 pounds.

    UFC CEO Dana White believes this surprising decision stems from Topuria’s struggles with weight cuts and waning interest in the featherweight division. Now, the big question is: what’s next?

    While not officially confirmed, Topuria is widely expected to be Islam Makhachev’s next challenger for the UFC lightweight title.

    Meanwhile, Charles Oliveira secured a unanimous decision victory over Michael Chandler last time out in a five-round co-main event rematch at UFC 309. The bout earned “Fight of the Night” honors and placed the Brazilian back into the championship conversation.

    Coach Lima weighed in on the evolving title picture while speaking to Álvaro Colmenero.

    “Everything is revolving around Makhachev. If Belal doesn’t win the fight in May, (Makhachev) would have a chance to go up a weight class, leaving us with Topuria vs. Charles.

    “But if Belal wins, (Makhachev) would stay at lightweight, and we would have to see with the UFC who it would be — Topuria or Charles — because it depends on two factors: the UFC and Makhachev himself.”

  • Magomed Ankalaev Vows To Finish Alex Pereira In Likely Rematch

    Magomed Ankalaev Vows To Finish Alex Pereira In Likely Rematch

    Magomed Ankalaev has addressed criticism regarding the perceived lack of excitement in his UFC 313 main event victory over Alex Pereira, placing the blame on his opponent. Now, he is looking to run it back.

    Compared to Pereira’s typically high-energy title bouts, Ankalaev’s unanimous decision victory — which earned him the UFC light heavyweight championship — was notably subdued, drawing widespread criticism from fans and fighters alike.

    At the post-fight press conference, Ankalaev defended his strategy, arguing that Pereira’s unwillingness to engage led to the fight’s lack of action. While the judges awarded him a unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), some observers disagreed.

    Ankalaev later took to X to declare his readiness for a rematch, vowing it won’t go the distance.

    “I’m ready for round 6, but this time it will not go the full distance. Let’s go, guys,” he wrote.

    With this victory, Ankalaev has reached a pivotal moment in his career. His win over Pereira has sparked discussions about his next challenges, with a rematch highly anticipated.

    The buzz surrounding UFC 313 has also fueled speculation among MMA fans about potential future contenders.

  • Conor McGregor Snubs UFC When Naming ‘Best Heavyweight Division In Combat Sports’

    Conor McGregor Snubs UFC When Naming ‘Best Heavyweight Division In Combat Sports’

    Jon Jones and the rest of the UFC’s heavyweight division may need to take notice, as the promotion has been snubbed by one of its biggest box office attractions — Conor McGregor.

    The former two-division UFC champion recently praised Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s (BKFC) heavyweight division, drawing attention to its growing roster.

    On Tuesday, the BKFC confirmed that Kenzie “TCB” Morrison, son of the late Tommy Morrison, had officially signed with the organization. Morrison, who boasts a knockout record of 20 wins in 22 fights, joins BKFC after a successful boxing career.

    His signing has drawn praise from the promotion’s part-owner, Conor McGregor, who took to X to celebrate BKFC’s heavyweight division, calling it “the best” in all of combat sports in response to BKFC’s claim that things were “getting interesting.”

    BKFC founder Dave Feldman has called Morrison an “enormous addition” to their stacked heavyweight division. The date and location of his debut fight are yet to be announced.

    Tommy Morrison, best known for his 1993 WBO heavyweight title victory over George Foreman and his role as “Tommy Gunn” in Rocky V, passed away in September 2013 at the age of 44.