MMA News

Author: Andrew Ravens

  • Paddy Pimblett: Ilia Topuria Didn’t Move Up Because Of The Weight Cut, He ‘Ran’ From Volkanovski

    Paddy Pimblett: Ilia Topuria Didn’t Move Up Because Of The Weight Cut, He ‘Ran’ From Volkanovski

    Ilia Topuria’s bold decision to vacate his featherweight title and make the jump to lightweight has sent shockwaves through the UFC, sparking intense debate and speculation.

    Fresh off back-to-back knockout victories, his move has captivated fans and pundits, setting the stage for dream matchups and a dramatic shift in the division. While this transition presents a challenge for UFC matchmakers, it’s exactly the kind of shake-up that fuels the sport’s excitement.

    However, not everyone is sold on the move. Paddy Pimblett, one of the lightweight division’s most outspoken rising stars, has emerged as a vocal skeptic.

    Since Dana White announced Topuria’s title relinquishment, Pimblett has questioned the motivations behind it, even suggesting the UFC may have pressured the Spaniard into vacating rather than supporting his bid for champ-champ status.

    Beyond the circumstances of the switch, “The Baddy” is unconvinced that “El Matador” can thrive at 155 pounds. He argues that the former featherweight king lacks the size and physicality to compete with the division’s elite, predicting struggles against bigger, stronger lightweights.

    His sharpest criticism, however, comes in his assessment of a potential showdown with lightweight champ Islam Makhachev. Pimblett sees a one-sided affair, envisioning Makhachev effortlessly imposing his grappling and finishing Topuria with ease.

    “Volk had only just recovered from getting head-kicked 12 weeks earlier and getting knocked clean out by Islam,” Pimblett said during a recent interview on 560 WQAM . “I think if (Topuria) fought Volk again, it’d be a different fight. I think he half ran away from Volk. But you can’t really say that because he knocked him out with one punch last year. Still, I think (Topuria) knew Volk was gonna give him a run for his money.”

    While Topuria’s lightweight ambitions have injected new intrigue into the division, Pimblett’s doubts highlight the risks of the move.

    Whether the Spaniard proves his skeptics wrong or struggles against the division’s best remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the UFC’s lightweight division just got a lot more interesting.

  • Former Bellator Title Challenger Leaves PFL After One Fight, Joins RIZIN

    Former Bellator Title Challenger Leaves PFL After One Fight, Joins RIZIN

    Danny Sabatello, known as much for his flamboyant persona as his relentless grappling, is embarking on a new chapter in his career, leaving the PFL and taking his talents to Japan’s combat sports scene.

    The former interim Bellator bantamweight title challenger has signed a multi-fight deal with RIZIN FF, officially marking the end of his brief tenure with the PFL.

    The move comes at a pivotal moment. The 31-year-old is looking to snap a three-fight winless streak when he makes his Rizin debut, though his opponent and fight date remain undisclosed. Fans eagerly await to see how “The Italian Gangster” will adapt to the Rizin stage.

    His PFL exit and RIZIN signing were first reported by MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin.

    Sabatello’s path to RIZIN has been a mix of highs and lows. His rise in Bellator culminated in a high-stakes interim title fight against Raufeon Stots in December 2022, a razor-close contest that ended in a controversial split decision loss. He rebounded in April 2023 with a dominant win over Marcos Breno, showcasing his resilience.

    However, momentum stalled with back-to-back defeats against Magomed Magomedov and a rematch loss to Stots, followed by a majority draw against Lazaro Dayron in his lone PFL bout in August 2024. Frustrated by the setbacks, Sabatello openly contemplated retirement.

    Yet, in classic Sabatello fashion, he reversed course, embracing a fresh challenge in RIZIN FF. More than just a change in promotion, this move signals a potential reinvention — a chance to bring his brash persona and grappling-heavy style to a new audience.

    Now, with a fresh start in a promotion known for its electric fight atmosphere, Sabatello has the opportunity to reignite his career and prove he still belongs among the elite.

  • Merab Dvalishvili’s Teammate Learns His Punishment For Striking Fan At UFC 310

    Merab Dvalishvili’s Teammate Learns His Punishment For Striking Fan At UFC 310

    The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) has issued a nine-month suspension and $2,500 fine to UFC fighter Dennis Buzukja, a teammate of bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili’s, following a physical altercation with a fan at UFC 310 this past December.

    Buzukja must also pay an additional $157.04 in attorney fees as part of the disciplinary action.

    The altercation occurred after Buzukja, who was cornering his friend and teammate Aljamain Sterling for his fight against Movsar Evloev, became involved in a heated confrontation with a fan. The situation escalated after an earlier verbal exchange between Dvalishvili and the same individual.

    Video footage showed Dvalishvili confronting the fan after the individual grabbed his arm and verbally accosted him as he returned to the locker room.

    • Security intervened, but before tensions could fully de-escalate, Buzukja was seen throwing punches at the fan. The incident quickly went viral on social media, leading to scrutiny from the NAC.

    Following the incident, Dvalishvili clarified that the fan had instigated the exchange by falsely claiming he was part of Umar Nurmagomedov’s team. The accusation carried weight, as Dvalishvili was preparing to fight Nurmagomedov at UFC 311.

    The commission’s decision to suspend and fine Buzukja highlights its zero-tolerance policy on athlete-fan altercations. This follows a similar incident involving Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300, reinforcing the message that such behavior will not be tolerated, regardless of the circumstances.

    While Buzukja’s suspension is set to expire on Sept. 6, 2025, he has an opportunity to reduce it to six months. If he completes approved community service in Nevada, he could be reinstated as early as June 6.

    This conditional reprieve reflects the NAC’s dual approach — punishing misconduct while also providing a path for fighters to demonstrate accountability and rehabilitate their public image.

  • Dustin Poirier Responds To Claim He Rejected Justin Gaethje Trilogy At UFC 313

    Dustin Poirier has refuted any suggestion he outright rejected a potential short-notice clash with Justin Gaethje at UFC 313.

    The UFC 313 co-main event has undergone a significant late change, with Rafael Fiziev stepping in to replace the injured Dan Hooker in a rematch against Gaethje.

    While Fiziev ultimately secured the fight, he wasn’t the only option considered. Several high-profile fighters, including Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier, were seemingly in the discussion, but logistical and weight-related issues prevented them from accepting.

    After Dan Hooker withdrew due to injury, multiple fighters expressed interest in stepping up. Gaethje revealed the decision-making process, providing insight into why Fiziev was ultimately chosen.

    “Arman and Charles understandably said no. Max and Dustin understandably said no. Moicano got the call and said no. Props to Fiziev for volunteering to fly across the world and take this fight. Big risk here for me taking this rematch against an elite striker. Life’s a trip. Best live show on earth going down March 8th #UFC313.”

    While Gaethje listed Poirier among those who declined, Dustin Poirier quickly clarified that he had actually reached out to the UFC himself upon hearing the news.

    “I’m the one who reached out to them when I read the news. Ask Hunter. All respect to you and Fiziev, looking forward to this one again.” 

    Gaethje responded, explaining that he didn’t mean to imply Poirier or others refused to fight him.

    “I was just running back the crazy 48 hours I went through. I was not trying to imply any of you guys would not fight me. Arman was too heavy, same with Charles. UFC obviously has plans for you at a later date so they said that’s a no-go.”

    Poirier then responded in good spirits: “All good bro!! Glad you got an opponent! Can’t wait to watch!!”

    Arman Tsarukyan also expressed interest in taking the fight on short notice. However, due to limited time to prepare for a standard lightweight bout (155 pounds), the Russian-Armenian proposed a 160-pound catchweight fight.

    According to Tsarukyan, the UFC did not agree to the catchweight, which ultimately led to Fiziev being chosen instead.

    “Ataman,” who lost a close decision to Gaethje in their first encounter at UFC 286, now has a shot at redemption on short notice.

  • Daniel Cormier On Anthony Hernandez: ‘Time We Put This Kid In There With Someone Real’

    Daniel Cormier On Anthony Hernandez: ‘Time We Put This Kid In There With Someone Real’

    Daniel Cormier believes Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez has earned a major step up in competition following his latest victory at UFC Fight Night Seattle.

    Hernandez (14-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) extended his winning streak to seven after defeating Brendan Allen by unanimous decision in the co-main event at Climate Pledge Arena. His streak includes impressive finishes over Roman Kopylov and Michel Pereira, solidifying his status as a rising force in the middleweight division.

    With that, “DC” now thinks it’s time for Hernandez to face a top-ranked opponent.

    Speaking on Good Guy/Bad Guy with Chael Sonnen, Cormier highlighted Hernandez’s rapid progression and suggested he deserves a high-profile opponent.

    “You know why I like him? Because I watched Nassourdine Imavov just knock out Izzy, but I also just watched Nassourdine Imavov go dog fight with Brendan Allen in France last year,” Cormier said. “Imavov won that third round to beat Brendan Allen, barely. Hernandez goes and does that, too.

    “Hernandez is the real deal, and if he can beat a guy like Brendan Allen right after he beats Pereira, and then he beat Kopylov, and then he beat Shahbazyan. He’s won four in a row now. It’s KO, sub, KO, unanimous decision. I think it’s time that we put this kid in there with someone real.”

    Cormier floated the idea of Hernandez facing former champions Israel Adesanya or Robert Whittaker, two middleweight stars who are currently facing career setbacks.

    • Adesanya has lost three straight fights, a shocking downturn for the former champion.
    • Whittaker suffered a quick submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308, derailing his hopes of another title shot.

    Both fighters remain among the division’s elite but now find themselves in a rebuilding phase.

    “The question is, though, can you get him a fight with a guy – I can’t believe I’m about to say this, because it just says how far we’ve come. Can you get a guy like Izzy to fight him?” Cormier asked.

    “That’s the classic story, we tell it every time. He beat Allen, who’s No. 9. You’ve got (Marvin) Vettori who’s in there, (Jared) Cannonier at 7, Caio Borralho at 6, Robert Whittaker at 5, Izzy at 4. Can you get a Whittaker or an Izzy to fight this kid next? Because that’s that situation where you’ve got to start using those names from the prior generation now to elevate a guy like ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez.”

    With seven straight wins and victories over ranked opponents, Hernandez is in a position to challenge for a top-five spot. Whether he will face a former champion like Adesanya or Whittaker or be matched against another top contender like Marvin Vettori or Jared Cannonier remains to be seen.

    What is clear, however, is that Hernandez has arrived as a legitimate threat in the middleweight division.

  • Henry Cejudo Sets Sights On Top Name If Dana White Passes On Song Yadong Rematch

    Henry Cejudo Sets Sights On Top Name If Dana White Passes On Song Yadong Rematch

    Henry Cejudo is dealing with significant frustration following his controversial loss to Song Yadong at UFC Fight Night Seattle.

    While Cejudo felt he was gaining momentum, a severe eye poke in the third round forced the fight to end abruptly. Unable to continue, the former two-division lost via technical decision as the judges’ scorecards determined the outcome.

    “Triple C” has had an issue with referee Jason Herzog’s handling of the situation, believing Song was not properly penalized for the eye poke. He also pointed out that after the fight resumed, the Chinese standout immediately extended his fingers toward Cejudo’s face again, suggesting a pattern of unsafe striking.

    Initially, Cejudo pushed for a rematch, but UFC CEO Dana White quickly dismissed the idea. With that door closed, the 38-year-old has now set his sights on a different opponent — a fellow former UFC champion.

    With a rematch against Song Yadong off the table, Cejudo is now targeting Petr Yan, believing it’s the best next step.

    “Petr Yan, man,” Cejudo said on a recent episode of his Pound 4 Pound podcast. “Obviously, Kamaru [Usman], I would love to run it back if Dana… you know, obviously this is Dana’s decision. I know when he says certain sht, like he lays on it. But if we can’t run it back with Song—because I don’t feel like I lost to him—I really don’t, bro.”

    Cejudo made it clear that while he accepted his previous defeats to Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili, he doesn’t feel the same way about his loss to Song.

    “OK, I lost to Aljamain, I lost to fcking Merab, my last two fights. I don’t feel like that with this dude. If we can run it back and do a five-rounder — we could do it at the Apex, we could do it for free, dude. At this point, it’s just about competing and really showing the competitive spirit in me. But if we can’t get Song, I would love to fight Petr Yan, dude. Petr Yan’s looking to fight in May. If the UFC is willing to give me that, I’ll take it.”

    Kamaru Usman appeared resistant to the callout, suggesting that Yan remains a prime contender for a future title opportunity. Usman implied that a fight against “Triple C” could be a high-risk, low-reward situation for Yan, potentially jeopardizing his own title aspirations.

    Cejudo, however, argued that with the bantamweight title picture focused on Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili, Yan would be left waiting if he didn’t take another fight.

    “They’re talking about [Sean] O’Malley and homeboy [Dvalishvili],” Cejudo replied. “What’s he going to do? Sit out for a fcking year? Petr wants to fight in May, bro.”

    Cejudo even addressed Yan in Russian to further push the fight, directly challenging him.

    “Let’s go, dude,” Cejudo continued. “I’m here. I’ll be good by May. As soon as my eye clears up, which should be within days — and I’m still seeing double, Kamaru. As soon as it clears, I want to get back to the gym and just scrap, dude. I want to fight, dude. That’s all there is to it.”

    With Cejudo eager to return and Yan looking for an opponent, a May matchup between the two former champions could make sense — if the UFC is willing to book it.

  • Michael Chandler Maintains Conor McGregor’s ‘Road Back To The UFC’ Goes Through Him

    Michael Chandler Maintains Conor McGregor’s ‘Road Back To The UFC’ Goes Through Him

    Michael Chandler’s stance on a potential fight with Conor McGregor has shifted. While he hasn’t completely abandoned hope, his confidence in McGregor’s return to the octagon has diminished.

    After years of anticipation and a canceled bout at UFC 303 due to McGregor’s injury, Chandler’s patience has worn thin. Now, he’s focused on his upcoming fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314, marking a shift in priorities.

    Despite his doubts, Chandler still believes that if McGregor does return, their fight should be the first on his list.

    “Conor is always a part of it, man,” Chandler said on The Ariel Helwani Show. “His road back to the UFC goes through me. It goes straight through Nashville, Tennessee, and Michael Chandler. We’ve got to finish ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31.’ That is the UFC’s sentiment. I think it’s even his sentiment. He said, ‘I’m a man of my word.’

    “Well, if you’re a man of your word, then there’s only one guy that you’re going to fight when you come back to the UFC — the guy who had a contract with your name on it. The guy who signed on the dotted line and still to this day never missed weight and never pulled out of a fight.”

    While Chandler still hopes McGregor returns, he admits that, realistically, he wouldn’t put money on it happening.

    “Heart of hearts is tough, man, because I think heart of hearts says Conor is coming back at some point. But if I’m a betting man, if I’m using my brain, I wouldn’t put money on it,” Chandler said. “But that’s where I’m at today, right now. I’m focused on a blonde dude from Liverpool.”

    Chandler believes McGregor owes much of his success to the UFC and that walking away now would leave a gap in his legacy.

    “Conor’s got to come back to his first love, the one thing that has given him every single shiny object he’s currently chasing,” Chandler continued. “Every single thing that he has can be tied back some way or the other to the UFC and the opportunity they gave him.”

    Chandler also questioned whether McGregor would be satisfied with how his career ended if he never returned.

    “Does he want his legacy to be, ‘My last fight I broke my leg, I touted the greatest comeback in combat sports history, I fooled everybody for a couple of years, and then signed on the dotted line to fight Michael Chandler, then pulled out of the fight never to return again?’ I don’t think he wants his legacy to be that.

    “Then again, I haven’t walked a mile in that man’s shoes, so I’m not going to say what he is thinking. But my heart of hearts says he’s coming back at some point. But if I was a betting man, I ain’t putting money on it.”

  • Cris Cyborg Returns To Boxing After Successful PFL Debut, Announces Date And Opponent

    MMA legend and PFL Super Fights champion Cris Cyborg is expanding her combat sports repertoire once again as she prepares for another professional boxing match.

    The former champion across UFC, Invicta FC, Strikeforce and Bellator will face Karen Fernandes in a four-round super middleweight (154-pound) boxing bout on March 3 in Medellín, Colombia.

    This marks her third professional boxing fight, showcasing her dedication to competing in multiple combat sports alongside her highly successful MMA career. Having secured stoppage victories in both of her 2024 boxing appearances — one professional and one exhibition — she aims to maintain her momentum inside the ring.

    The announcement, made by her team, confirms that the fight will be available for streaming on CrisCyborg.com.

    Sharing the news on Instagram, she wrote:

    “I am excited to return to the boxing ring with an international fight in Colombia 3.3.25 🇨🇴 Don’t miss any of the BTS action from Fight Week with @onlyfans.”

    Cyborg’s dominance in MMA is unquestionable. With a 28-2 record, she has defeated elite opponents such as Holly Holm, Gina Carano, and Julia Budd. Most recently, she secured a unanimous decision victory over two-weight PFL champion Larissa Pacheco in October, further cementing her legacy.

    Her transition to boxing highlights her desire to test her skills in different combat arenas, keeping her options open as she continues to compete at the highest levels.

  • Michael Chandler Explains His Side Of Rivalry With UFC Newcomer Patricio Pitbull

    Michael Chandler Explains His Side Of Rivalry With UFC Newcomer Patricio Pitbull

    Michael Chandler understands Patricio Pitbull’s decision to join the UFC.

    Both fighters made the transition from being Bellator standouts to competing in the UFC, and Chandler acknowledges the frustration that many former Bellator athletes experienced due to a lack of consistent opportunities following the PFL’s acquisition of their employer.

    This frustration ultimately led to Pitbull’s release and subsequent signing with the UFC.

    Chandler, who has a personal history with the Freire family — including a 2019 first-round TKO loss to Patricio for the Bellator lightweight title and two victories over his brother, Patricky — believes Patricio will experience a significant career shift now that he’s in the UFC.

    “Not surprised,” Chandler said on The Ariel Helwani Show regarding Freire’s UFC signing. “Not surprised at him or the laundry list of everybody who is tweeting at Donn Davis and PFL, and before that Bellator. It just continues to solidify that the UFC is the only place for mixed martial arts. Take it from me. Take it from a guy like Patricio ‘Pitbull.’ Two years from now, a year from now, sit him down on your show and have him answer honestly what the difference is and how much bigger it (UFC) is, how much more significant it is here.”

    Chandler believes that the UFC provides a level of exposure and activity that was missing from the post-acquisition Bellator environment.

    “If he plays his cards right and does his job, how much more lucrative it is. It’s very interesting. I have the best perspective of anybody in mixed martial arts when it comes to the significance of the UFC, and I love the UFC not because it’s the UFC. I love the UFC because I know what the opposite of the UFC is. I know what it’s like to be outside of the UFC.”

    The upcoming UFC 314 event in Miami will mark a significant crossover moment for both Chandler and Pitbull. While the former co-headlines against Paddy Pimblett, the Brazilian will debut opposite Yair Rodriguez.

    This fight represents Pitbull’s first chance to test himself against elite UFC competition after dominating Bellator for years.

    Although there was bad blood between them in Bellator, Chandler admits that much of the tension stemmed from his own frustrations at the time.

    “Honestly, I haven’t seen a fight. I haven’t seen one of his fights in a very long time, so I don’t know where his skillset is at,” Chandler said. “All I do know is I wish him well. There was a little bit of animosity, a little bit of bad blood. I think a lot of that actually stemmed from my discontent with where I was in my life, knowing that I was stuck in Bellator and wanted to get out. So I needed something to blame it on, and sometimes my opponents were that.”

    He also reflected on a misunderstanding that escalated their feud.

    “Patricio was an easy target because I had beat his brother, and he F-U’d me when I stood on the cage. And I said something about family, obviously because I thought his brother—they are by definition family. So when I used the word family, I think he was thinking I was talking about his wife and his kids and his mom and his aunts and all that stuff. So, it became a language barrier. Unfortunate set of circumstances, but I wish him well. I think he’s dynamic. I think he’s explosive.”

    With both men now competing under the UFC banner, their past rivalry is behind them. Pitbull’s debut against Rodriguez could set the tone for his UFC career, while Chandler looks to make a statement against Pimblett.

  • Fabian Edwards Featured In Lineup For PFL Middleweight World Tournament

    Fabian Edwards Featured In Lineup For PFL Middleweight World Tournament

    The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced a stacked lineup for its 2025 middleweight World Tournament, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and rising contenders.

    Eight fighters will compete for supremacy in the 185-pound division, all vying for the $500,000 prize money in a new format that will be replacing the promotion’s usual season and playoff structure.

    The tournament includes several notable names, headlined by former Bellator middleweight title challengers Fabian Edwards and Aaron Jeffery, both of whom bring high-level experience to the competition.

    Adding intrigue, Impa Kasanganay, the 2023 PFL light heavyweight champion, will drop down a weight class to compete at 185 pounds. Former Bellator middleweight contenders Dalton Rosta and Mike Shipman will also be in the mix, alongside former ONE Championship standout Murad Ramazanov.

    Rounding out the field are Josh Silveira, the 2023 PFL light heavyweight runner-up, and Sadibou Sy, the 2022 welterweight champion.

    Two additional fighters, Jordan Newman and Khalid Murtazaliev, have been named tournament alternates and are prepared to step in if needed.

    The tournament will kick off with the quarterfinals on April 18, taking place at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN and ESPN+. Official matchups have yet to be announced.

    This marks the PFL’s return to a bracketed middleweight tournament, a format last used in its inaugural 2018 season. The division was temporarily removed in 2019 to make room for the women’s lightweight division, which gained prominence with the rise of Kayla Harrison.

    Now, with a deep talent pool and a return to its roots, the middleweight World Tournament promises to deliver some intriguing matchups.

  • Bisping Says Missing Out On Ilia Topuria Rematch Is ‘Perfect’ For Alexander Volkanovski: ‘He’s No Spring Chicken’

    Ilia Topuria’s decision to vacate the featherweight title and move up to lightweight has unexpectedly created a favorable path for Alexander Volkanovski, according to another former UFC champion.

    Michael Bisping believes this turn of events has worked out well for “The Great.” Initially anticipating a rematch with Topuria, Volkanovski will now face Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight belt at UFC 314.

    On his YouTube channel, Bisping explained why he thinks this situation benefits the Australian fan favorite.

    “This whole thing kind of played out, I think, for the best for Volkanovski,” Bisping said. “I love Volkanovski. He’s a tremendous guy. He’s a legendary fighter — one of the greatest featherweights that the sport’s ever seen — but going up against Topuria again, I don’t know if that was the best idea.”

    While Bisping acknowledged that every fight is different, he pointed out that Volkanovski already suffered a brutal knockout loss to Topuria early last year. At 36 years old, “The Count” believes a rematch would have been a tough challenge.

    “He’s 36 years old now. Never mind 35 — never mind that curse. He’s 36, he’s no spring chicken.”

    Although Volkanovski was eager for a rematch, Bisping sees a real opportunity for him to regain momentum against Lopes.

    “He wants to take on the best people, and I respect him for that, and he wanted that rematch with Ilia Topuria,” Bisping said. “He beat him, he knocked him out, and as a fighter, that affects your pride and your ego, and you just want to get that one back.

    “However, that ship has sailed. Now there’s a real good chance that Volkanovski becomes the champion again, and then who knows, maybe defends again one more time, two more times, makes a few more million dollars. This, if you ask me, is the perfect scenario for Alexander Volkanovski.”

    With Volkanovski now set to fight for the vacant featherweight title, UFC 314 presents a pivotal moment in his career. If he can reclaim the belt, it may pave the way for another dominant run at 145 pounds.

  • Sean O’Malley’s Hopes For Immediate Title Shot In Return From Injury Get A Big Boost

    Sean O’Malley’s Hopes For Immediate Title Shot In Return From Injury Get A Big Boost

    Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley could be in line for a chance to regain the title in 2025.

    Following this past weekend’s event, UFC CEO Dana White was asked about the possibility of a second clash between “Sugar” and current champ Merab Dvalishvili.

    While he didn’t confirm or deny the fight, he did hint toward it by acknowledging the apparent desire for the bout among fans.

    “They want to fight each other. I think people want to see it,” White said.

    Dvalishvili captured the bantamweight title with a dominant decision victory over O’Malley at UFC 306 in Las Vegas last September. He has since further cemented his status as champion by defeating Umar Nurmagomedov in an upset win at UFC 311 this past January, extending his impressive winning streak to 12.

    O’Malley, meanwhile, has been sidelined by injury since losing the title to Dvalishvili. While he has expressed interest in reclaiming the belt, it remains unclear when he will be ready to return.

    With both fighters and fans eager for a potential rematch, the decision now rests in the hands of the UFC matchmakers.

  • Bryce Mitchell Responds To Jean Silva’s Challenge After UFC Seattle Knockout

    Bryce Mitchell Responds To Jean Silva’s Challenge After UFC Seattle Knockout

    Jean Silva’s electrifying first-round knockout of Melsik Baghdasaryan at UFC Seattle wasn’t just a highlight-reel moment but a statement.

    The featherweight overwhelmed Baghdasaryan with a flurry of punches and elbows, securing a brutal stoppage that had the crowd roaring. But Silva wasn’t done making waves. In his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, he wasted no time calling out his next target: Bryce Mitchell.

    Silva’s challenge to Mitchell wasn’t just about climbing the rankings — it was personal. He explicitly cited “Thug Nasty’s” controversial remarks, particularly his comments about Adolf Hitler, as a key motivation behind his callout.

    “I think Bryce Mitchell is someone that would offer me an opportunity to get a very good renewed contract if I beat him,” Silva said. “Also, he’s a guy that fought Ilia [Topuria] and took him to the brink. As for everything else, there are things you cannot tolerate, especially when you’re a public persona.”

    Mitchell infamously referred to Hitler as a “good guy” and suggested he would “want to go fishing” with him, remarks that were widely condemned. Silva made it clear that he wants to silence the grappling specialist in the octagon.

    It didn’t take long for Mitchell to fire back. The Arkansas native, known for his outspoken nature, responded swiftly on social media.

    “There’s only one LORD and it ain’t u fool,” Mitchell wrote. “U need a country ass whoopin’. It will humble u just right.”

    The brewing feud between Silva and Mitchell quickly caught the attention of fight fans, with many eager to see them settle their differences in the cage.

    When asked about the potential matchup, UFC CEO Dana White responded with a knowing laugh.

    “I bet there’s a lot of people [that want to see that fight],” White said. “I don’t know. We’ll see.”

    With Silva eager to make a statement and Mitchell always ready for a scrap, the stage is set for a highly anticipated showdown—if the UFC decides to book it.

  • Demetrious Johnson Thinks Henry Cejudo Should Retire After UFC Seattle Loss

    Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson believes UFC Seattle should mark the end of Henry Cejudo’s fighting career.

    Johnson, who fought Cejudo twice in the UFC and developed a rivalry that later turned into a friendship, shared his candid thoughts on the controversial conclusion of the headlining fight.

    “Triple C’s” main event bout against Song Yadong ended in a technical decision loss after an accidental eye poke in the third round. Unable to continue, Cejudo saw his opponent win on the judges’ scorecards, leading to a frustrating and unsatisfying outcome for many.

    Reflecting on both the fight’s ending and Cejudo’s career trajectory, Johnson took to his YouTube channel to question whether his former rival has reached the end of his competitive peak.

    “I would like to see him retire,” Johnson said. “He’s got a great podcast with him and Kamaru Usman, he’s got two beautiful children, he’s got a beautiful wife, he’s got businesses. There’s no reason for him to fight and keep risking his health.”

    Given Cejudo’s accomplishments — including winning an Olympic gold medal, UFC championships in two weight classes, and multiple title defenses — Johnson believes he has already cemented his legacy.

    “I mean, he’s beaten me, [was] flyweight champion, defended the flyweight belt, bantamweight champion, defended the bantamweight belt—that’s more than half the motherf*ckers on the roster are ever going to do,” Johnson explained.

    Beyond accolades, Johnson also emphasized the physical risks Cejudo continues to take, referencing the dangerous nature of his latest injury.

    “Yes, I know it’s such good money, it’s easy to train eight weeks and have a fight, but the man almost went blind.”

    With concerns about Cejudo’s health and future, Johnson believes now may be the right time for him to step away from competition for good.

  • Recently Released UFC Fighter Featured In Lineup For PFL Bantamweight World Tournament

    Recently Released UFC Fighter Featured In Lineup For PFL Bantamweight World Tournament

    The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced the lineup for its 2025 Bantamweight World Tournament. The event will feature a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars competing for a $500,000 grand prize.

    Headlining the roster is former UFC competitor Jake Hadley, who has officially signed with the PFL. Hadley, who earned his UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series, showcased his submission skills during his tenure but struggled to maintain consistency, finishing with a 3-4 UFC record. Now, he is looking for a fresh start and a chance to prove himself on a new stage.

    Several Bellator MMA veterans add depth to the competition. Magomed Magomedov, coming off a decision loss to Patchy Mix for the Bellator bantamweight title, is entering the PFL with a point to prove. His experience is set make him an immediate tournament favorite.

    Joining him is Leandro Higo, a 10-fight Bellator veteran known for his grappling prowess, adding further star power to the tournament. 

    The tournament features undefeated fighters eager to make their mark alongside established names. Ciaran Clarke (10-0) and Sarvarjon Khamidov (16-0) are two of the most promising prospects in the division, both stepping into their toughest competition to date.

    International talents Ali Taleb (Sweden), Kasum Kasumov (Russia), and Zebenzui Ruiz (Spain) bring diverse fighting styles, setting the stage for unpredictable matchups.

    Additionally, Francesco Nuzzi and Matheus Mattos will be alternates, ready to step in should injuries or other circumstances arise.

    Full Tournament Roster:

    Main Competitors:

    • Magomed Magomedov (24-4)
    • Leandro Higo (23-6)
    • Jake Hadley (11-4)
    • Ciaran Clarke (10-0)
    • Sarvarjon Khamidov (16-0)
    • Ali Taleb (12-1)
    • Kasum Kasumov (16-1)
    • Zebenzui Ruiz (12-3)

    Alternates:

    • Francesco Nuzzi (10-1)
    • Matheus Mattos (14-3-1)

    This roster, featuring UFC and Bellator experience alongside undefeated prospects, sets the stage for an interesting 2025 PFL Bantamweight Tournament. With a $500,000 prize on the line, fans can expect high-level competition and career-defining performances.

  • Dana White Addresses UFC’s Stance On Double Champions In Light Of Ilia Topuria Vacating

    Dana White Addresses UFC’s Stance On Double Champions In Light Of Ilia Topuria Vacating

    With Ilia Topuria now no longer the featherweight champion, Dana White has made it clear: the UFC’s cool with double champs, but they better be fighting regularly. 

    Speaking after UFC Fight Night Seattle, the promotion’s CEO explained that while the UFC doesn’t oppose fighters holding multiple titles simultaneously, they require a significantly higher level of activity from those who attempt it.

    Four fighters have held two UFC titles at the same time: Henry Cejudo, Daniel Cormier, Conor McGregor and Amanda Nunes.

    Following his featherweight title defense last October, Topuria offered to vacate the belt to avoid stalling the division. His next opponent is yet to be determined.

    “Unless you think you can defend your title,” White said. “If there’s a guy who thinks he can do it and wants to defend both belts and has accomplished all these great things, I would have no problem with it. But you’re going to be busy.

    “…Unless you’ve really wiped out a division, like Jon Jones, who was in light (heavy)weight forever and then moved up to heavyweight. Ilia, I get it. It makes sense. Like I said, who he’s beat and how he beat them, and now he’s tired of making weight and wants to move up to 155? Totally makes sense,” White continued. “But no, I’m definitely not (against it). Weili Zhang, they just asked me. She’s accomplished just about everything you can accomplish in her weight division and I don’t have a problem with it. The philosophy hasn’t changed, it’s just on a case-by-case basis.”

  • Song Yadong Remorseful About UFC Seattle Fight-Ending Eye Poke: ‘That Was Totally An Accident’

    Song Yadong Remorseful About UFC Seattle Fight-Ending Eye Poke: ‘That Was Totally An Accident’

    Song Yadong’s demeanor following his victory at UFC Seattle was notably subdued. Despite defeating Henry Cejudo by technical decision, the Chinese bantamweight appeared far from celebratory during the post-fight press conference.

    The fight was stopped after an accidental eye poke on Cejudo midway through the third round. While “Triple C” took the full five-minute recovery period and opted to continue, he later expressed significant discomfort to his corner between rounds.

    Had Cejudo been unable to complete the remaining minute of the round, the fight would have ended before three full rounds were completed, resulting in a no contest. Song’s reaction suggested he was unsatisfied with the nature of his victory.

    “That was totally an accident,” Song said, following the event. “I’m not so happy with that. It is what it is. I feel bad. I feel bad for Henry. I saw that (it would’ve been) a no contest (if he had stopped when the foul occurred). That’s why I feel so bad.”

    Immediately after the fight, “The Kung Fu Kid” called for a rematch in his in-cage interview. Song is now turning his attention to other potential opponents.

    “My goal is the world champion, so whatever UFC gives me, I want to fight the guys who are ranked above me,” Song said. “If not Henry, give me (Sean) O’Malley. I can fight any time.”

    With Song eager to move forward in the bantamweight division, it remains to be seen whether he will get his wish for a high-profile opponent next.

  • Dana White Dismisses Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong Rematch After Controversial Finish At UFC Seattle

    Dana White Dismisses Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong Rematch After Controversial Finish At UFC Seattle

    A controversial eye poke by Song Yadong forced Henry Cejudo to stop fighting after the third round, leading to Song winning by decision in their UFC Seattle main event.

    While both fighters hinted at a possible rematch, UFC CEO Dana White has already dismissed the idea, showing no interest despite the unsatisfying ending. Cejudo was unable to see after the eye poke, leading to a doctor’s stoppage.

    “Not at all,” White said when asked about a rematch during the UFC Seattle post-fight press conference. “Not even a little bit. I just don’t want to see it again.”

    White did not directly criticize Cejudo for being unable to continue but admitted he wasn’t surprised by the outcome. At the time of the stoppage, Song was leading on the judges’ scorecards and appeared to be taking control of the fight.

    “Yeah [I knew he wasn’t going to be able to continue],” White said about Cejudo. “I have no idea [how he was feeling]. I’ll let him answer all those questions.

    “Song looked good. Only [Cejudo] can answer those questions. I don’t know if he thought, ‘If I stop here, is this a [disqualification], no contest?’ I don’t know what he was thinking, or maybe he can’t see.”

    A key debate following the fight was referee Jason Herzog’s decision not to deduct a point from Song for the eye poke, as point deductions in such cases are left to the referee’s discretion.

    The UFC CEO backed Herzog’s decision, stating he believed the foul was unintentional.

    “If you thought he intentionally poked him in the eye, [you take a point],” White said. “Why would he poke him in the eye? He was doing pretty well. If he was getting his ass whooped, and he poked him in the eye, you could probably make the argument.”

    While White praised the UFC Seattle event as a whole, his tone shifted when discussing the main event’s abrupt and unsatisfying conclusion.

    “Listen, eye pokes are never good, but they happen a lot,” White said. “And fights do continue after eye pokes. I don’t know, I’d have to look and see how many fights are actually stopped due to an eye poke. Not many.”

    With the UFC head honcho firmly against a rematch, it remains to be seen what’s next for both Song and Cejudo following their controversial clash.

  • Henry Cejudo: Dominick Cruz Failed To Adjust To Injury-Riddled UFC Career

    Henry Cejudo: Dominick Cruz Failed To Adjust To Injury-Riddled UFC Career

    Henry Cejudo believes that injuries ultimately derailed Dominick Cruz’s career.

    Cruz, a former two-time UFC bantamweight champion, officially announced his retirement after a recurring shoulder injury forced him to withdraw from his scheduled co-main event bout against Rob Font at UFC Fight Night Seattle. The 39-year-old has long struggled with injuries, often spending extended periods on the sidelines.

    Cejudo, who headlines Saturday’s event against Song Yadong, compared Cruz’s career to former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. While both faced early setbacks due to injuries, Cejudo noted that Nurmagomedov could overcome them and adapt.

    “That’s his decision,” Cejudo said at media day. “He may go back and be like, ‘Hey, you know what, maybe I want my last dance to be done correctly.’ I don’t think he really made those adjustments as a fighter to really understand his body more. I’m going to give you guys an example: Khabib did a really good job of going through injuries and then adapted and adjusted, and how is it that he can get better? A lot of fighters have gone through that, but I don’t think Dominick ever really found it—whether it was rest, nutrition, overtraining, undertraining, whatever that may be.”

    Cejudo’s last fight before his first retirement was a successful bantamweight title defense against Cruz at UFC 249 in May 2020. He won by second-round TKO. The two never fully reconciled after the fight, and their rivalry remains unresolved.

    Despite this, Cejudo acknowledged Cruz’s role in elevating the lighterweight divisions in MMA.

    “He brought a lot of attention to the lower weight classes,” Cejudo said. “His fight with Urijah Faber, his fight with Cody (Garbrandt), his fight with all the (Team) Alpha Male (fighters)—that’s what really put the lighter weight divisions on the map. Then obviously my rivalry and his, which probably is still not even over. He probably still hates my guts as much as I hate his, but I guess the only thing I can say is I’m glad I ain’t fighting him because that would have really sucked, and congratulations to him that he just retired.”

    While Cruz’s career was marred by injuries, his legacy as a pioneer of the bantamweight division remains secure.

  • Dustin Poirier Doesn’t Like Ilia Topuria Or Islam Makhachev’s Chances In Higher Weight Classes

    Dustin Poirier Doesn’t Like Ilia Topuria Or Islam Makhachev’s Chances In Higher Weight Classes

    While Dustin Poirier awaits news on what is expected to be his final fight, he remains an active observer of the lightweight division and its potential shake-ups.

    Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has hinted at pursuing a second title, though his next move remains uncertain. While a jump to welterweight would seem logical, Makhachev has expressed hesitation due to his friendship and training relationship with current 170-pound kingpin Belal Muhammad. Instead, he has suggested that a move to middleweight could be more likely.

    Poirier, however, questions whether that would be a viable option.

    “I think he would do really well at 170 [pounds],” Poirier told Helen Yee. “185, the guys are just too big. Islam’s a big guy. He can fight 170 for sure. He could become the champion at 170, I believe, but 185’s pushing it, I think.”

    While Makhachev considers moving up in weight, former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has officially vacated his title to compete at 155 pounds.

    After scoring impressive knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in 2024, Topuria immediately set his sights on a title fight against Makhachev. However, Makhachev has largely dismissed this challenge, citing his two wins over Volkanovski and a preference for opponents who would add more to his legacy.

    Poirier didn’t directly address Makhachev’s stance but seemed to agree that Topuria’s immediate pursuit of the lightweight title might not end well.

    “If he can stop the takedowns, his boxing’s better than Islam’s,” Poirier said of Topuria. “He’s a bigger puncher. Islam’s technique is getting a lot better on the feet. He’s kind of crafty and elusive. When I fought him, he fought at a weird range. The size difference is just too much [for Topuria], I believe.”

    With both Makhachev and Topuria considering career-altering moves, the lightweight division remains one of the most intriguing in the UFC, and Poirier, even as he nears the end of his career, continues to provide insightful takes on its evolving landscape.

  • Israel Adesanya: I’m Not Expecting To Be The Champ Again, But I’m Not ‘Washed’

    Israel Adesanya: I’m Not Expecting To Be The Champ Again, But I’m Not ‘Washed’

    Much has been said about Israel Adesanya’s latest defeat — a knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia. The setback marked the former two-time middleweight champion’s third consecutive defeat and has fueled widespread speculation about his future in the sport.

    “The Last Stylebender” finds himself outside of title contention for the first time in nearly seven years. At 35 years old, with over 100 professional combat sports bouts, and three stoppage losses in his last four defeats, some fans question whether Adesanya has peaked.

    However, he insists he’s taking a different approach to this unfamiliar territory.

    Adesanya admits his mindset has shifted following his recent losses, and he’s no longer focused on chasing the title.

    “After the DDP fight, I remember thinking, ‘Oh well, cool. It’ll come around. I don’t have to chase it. It’ll come around.’ I expected. Now after this fight, I’m just kind of like, ‘You know what? I’m not expecting anything,’” Adesanya said. “I’m not expecting to be the champ again. If what I’ve done in this game doesn’t make me happy already, then what will? So I’m not expecting it. If it comes, I’ll take it with both hands, but I’m not expecting it. I’m kind of just chilling and living, training, doing well.”

    Despite his struggles, Adesanya remains defiant toward those who believe his best days are behind him.

    “They call me washed, but how are you going to call me washed when you haven’t even been in laundry?” Adesanya said. “You haven’t even gotten dirty. What have you done?”

    As for what’s next, the Nigerian-New Zealander is uncertain but isn’t rushing into any decisions.

    “To be honest, I don’t know,” Adesanya said when asked about his future. “I have an idea when I want to fight-ish, but for the first time—I want to say ‘a long time,’ but I’ve never really been in this position. So I don’t know, and I’m just taking it as it comes. It’s nice, because before I came on the scene, I had to adapt and call a lot of audibles as things were playing along, and call my next move. But now I’ll just plot.”

    With his next steps still unclear, Adesanya embraces the unknown and focuses on training rather than immediate title aspirations.

  • Islam Makhachev’s Manager: Ilia Topuria Needs To Prove He’s A Legit Lightweight Before Title Shot

    Islam Makhachev’s Manager: Ilia Topuria Needs To Prove He’s A Legit Lightweight Before Title Shot

    Islam Makhachev’s manager believes Ilia Topuria should prove himself in the lightweight division before earning a title shot.

    Topuria recently vacated his UFC featherweight title to move up to 155 pounds, aiming to challenge for the lightweight championship. However, Makhachev, who has already defended his belt four times, including two wins over former featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski, has previously expressed reluctance to face another former 145-pounder.

    And his manager, Rizvan Magomedov, evidently shares that belief. 

    The Dagestani’s most recent title defense was a quick submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311. The fight came about after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew due to injury. Despite this, UFC CEO Dana White has ruled out Tsarukyan for the next title shot, leaving the lightweight title picture up in the air.

    Meanwhile, Topuria has had only one previous fight at lightweight, scoring a knockout win over Jai Herbert in 2022, before returning to featherweight, where he eventually won the title. His recent dominance at 145 pounds included consecutive knockout victories over former champions Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

    While Topuria is a rising star, Magomedov believes he needs to face and defeat a top lightweight contender before being granted a title fight against Makhachev.

    “Topuria vs. Dustin/Charles contender fight, to prove he’s a legit lightweight. So we don’t have to defeat another ‘small featherweight,’” Magomedov stated. “We need big fights that make sense for everyone. We already gave chances to a featherweight champ that was reigning for a long time.”

    For now, Makhachev and his team are waiting to see how the division unfolds before making their next move.

  • Dana White Tells Fans: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall ‘Is Coming, Relax’

    Dana White Tells Fans: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall ‘Is Coming, Relax’

    Dana White is urging UFC fans to be patient regarding the highly anticipated heavyweight unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.

    Despite White’s earlier “100 percent guarantee” that the fight would happen, nearly three months have passed since Jones’ victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 and over six months since Aspinall’s last fight — with no official announcement. This has worried some fans. 

    The only concrete update has been White dismissing reports of a massive boxing-style payday for Jones, which has done little to boost confidence in the fight’s likelihood. Adding to the uncertainty, a recent Instagram Live video showing a seemingly intoxicated Jones rambling about violence further fueled concerns about his mindset.

    However, in his own recent Instagram Live session, White assured fans that the fight is still in the works. Reading a comment from a fan suggesting, “We’re not getting Jon vs. Tom ever,” White quickly dismissed the claim.

    “Yes you will, it’s coming. Relax.”

    It’s possible that the fight is already agreed upon and the UFC is simply waiting for the right moment to make a formal announcement — a common tactic for the promotion, which often staggers its fight reveals.

    For now, fans will have to trust White’s word that the long-awaited clash between Jones and Aspinall is still on track.

  • Song Yadong Vows To End Henry Cejudo’s Career At UFC Seattle

    Song Yadong Vows To End Henry Cejudo’s Career At UFC Seattle

    Song Yadong respects Henry Cejudo, but he intends to be the fighter who ends the former two-division UFC champion’s career this weekend.

    Song will face the Olympic gold medalist in the main event of UFC Fight Night Seattle this Saturday at Climate Pledge Arena.

    Since returning from a brief retirement in 2023, Cejudo has suffered back-to-back decision losses — first in a close fight against then-champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288 and more recently in a dominant defeat to current champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298 in February 2024.

    Song, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back after a close decision loss to former champion Petr Yan at UFC 299 last March, which halted his two-fight win streak. At just 27 years old, the Chinese standout acknowledges the challenge ahead and his opponent’s impressive credentials.

    Seeing Cejudo’s position at this stage of his career, Song believes that a victory on Saturday will send the veteran into retirement.

    “Yeah, I think if he lost this one, this is his last fight, the last round,” Song told MMA Fighting. “But I will win the fight. I believe this is his last one, [his] last fight. This will be the last fight in Seattle. Time is over, it’s time to retire.”

    Though he understands the significance of potentially retiring Cejudo, the young contender is also excited about the moment. He’s thrilled to be headlining his first event in front of a large Seattle crowd and finally securing the fight he’s been pursuing for nearly a year.

    “That’s what I [wanted],” Song said. “Last year, in May, I called him out. UFC wanted me to fight him in September, but he got injured and we finally got this one. Yeah, he’s a very good fighter—two-division UFC champion, Olympic champion, a lot of achievements. It’s an honor to fight him.”

    For Song, this fight is a massive opportunity. He believes a victory over a legend like Cejudo will push him into bigger matchups and move him closer to his ultimate goal of becoming a UFC champion.

    “So if I win this fight, I have another chance to challenge the top 5,” Song explained. “If I win this one, give me top 5 fighters, for sure, [then] one more, two more, I will get a title shot.”

    With the stakes high for both fighters, UFC Seattle promises to be a pivotal night in the bantamweight division.

  • Ben Askren: The Odds Of Jon Jones Fighting Again At ‘Less Than 50 Percent’

    Ben Askren: The Odds Of Jon Jones Fighting Again At ‘Less Than 50 Percent’

    Jon Jones has no scheduled fights, and Ben Askren advises fans not to expect one anytime soon.

    Just three months ago, Jones headlined UFC 309, successfully defending his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic in a long-anticipated but perhaps not highly demanded matchup.

    Jones made quick work of the 42-year-old, who subsequently announced his retirement. However, the conversation surrounding UFC 309 largely centered on why the champion wasn’t facing his interim counterpart Tom Aspinall instead.

    That fight still appears no closer to happening, and Askren is betting that “Bones” won’t be stepping back into the octagon anytime soon.

    “If there were Kalshi odds on does Jon Jones fight again, I believe it would be less than 50 percent,” Askren said on Daniel Cormier’s YouTube channel. “I think it would be somewhere around 20, 30 percent that he fights again. I would say if there’s odds, I think it’s less than half that he ever fights again.”

    Though Jones has shown little interest in unifying the heavyweight titles with Aspinall, he has expressed openness to a superfight with Alex Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion. Pereira has become one of the UFC’s biggest stars, and a matchup between the two champions would undoubtedly generate widespread interest.

    Besides Aspinall, the MMA legend’s other frequently discussed opponent is former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. However, Askren believes that fight is highly unlikely due to Ngannou’s current contract with the PFL.

    “That one ain’t happening,” Askren said. “Obviously, I was outside of the UFC for a long time, and I always had the desire—yes, I would love to fight these guys—but I’m under no delusion that Dana White is going to do some type of co-promote or something because he just doesn’t do that. So the idea that Francis is going to fight Jon, that’s a pipe dream.”

    Askren further argued that a “Bones” vs. “Predator” fight could only happen if Ngannou returns to the UFC. Given that Ngannou left the promotion as champion in 2023 and has since secured a lucrative PFL contract that includes the freedom to pursue high-profile boxing matches, “Funky” doesn’t see that as likely.

    “The one thing I wanted to do, I wanted to try to be the best in the world, and I knew I couldn’t do that without fighting the right people,” Askren said. “Francis has already achieved that, so maybe he doesn’t feel the need.

    “And Francis, I don’t think he’s lying—I don’t know that it’s debatable—but I believe he made significantly more money doing the boxing fights outside of the UFC. So if you’ve already proven you’re the best in the world, and listen, there was this Jon Jones thing because Jon Jones didn’t fight for a four-year window or whatever, but yeah, you already proved you’re the best in the world, go make a whole bunch more money. I think that’s great, but if he does want to fight Jon Jones, he’s going to have to come back.”

    For now, it remains unclear when or if Jones will return to the Octagon. But if Askren’s prediction is correct, fans may wait a long time.