MMA News

Author: Andrew Ravens

  • Eddie Alvarez Explains Why Michael Chandler’s UFC Tenure Has Been ‘Frustrating’ To Watch

    Eddie Alvarez Explains Why Michael Chandler’s UFC Tenure Has Been ‘Frustrating’ To Watch

    Eddie Alvarez has been closely following Michael Chandler’s UFC career.

    Chandler entered the UFC with an impressive 21-5 MMA record and has since gone 2-4 over his last six fights. His most recent victory was a spectacular knockout of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274 in May 2022. However, the former Bellator champ’s momentum faltered he was submitted by Dustin Poirier, followed by another defeat at UFC 309, where he fell at the hands of former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for the second time.

    Despite Chandler’s successes, Alvarez believes his former Bellator rival has not reached his full potential in the UFC. Speaking with MMA Junkie, “The Underground King” shared his perspective:

    “If you ask him, he’s underperformed. He’ll know the reason for that or whatever the reasons are, but for sure I think he has all the tools to win the UFC title. It’s a matter of whether he uses the tools he has, and I don’t think he has properly, and I don’t know why. It’s very frustrating for me to watch because I know what he’s capable of, and what kind of grit and champion spirit he has.”

    Alvarez emphasized Chandler’s need to adjust his fighting style to leverage his strengths, particularly his wrestling ability.

    “I think it’s more of him tweaking the way he fights and using the weapons that he has. He just doesn’t use them, and it’s frustrating for me to watch, to be honest with you. I think it’s frustrating for a lot of people who are fans of him who want him to win because he can. He just doesn’t use the stuff that God’s given to him. He doesn’t use his wrestling at all, and it’s very dominant. He’s a very strong guy.”

    For Alvarez, Chandler’s unrealized potential and strategic decisions in the Octagon are what make his performances so perplexing to watch.

  • Bellator Champion Corey Anderson On Vadim Nemkov: ‘He’s Scared Of Me’

    Bellator Champion Corey Anderson On Vadim Nemkov: ‘He’s Scared Of Me’

    Corey Anderson has faced Vadim Nemkov twice, but he’s increasingly skeptical that their trilogy bout will materialize.

    The two fighters first met in April 2022 at Bellator 277 during the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Final for the championship. Their clash ended in a no contest due to an accidental headbutt.

    The rematch took place at Bellator 288, with Nemkov earning a decision victory to defend the Bellator light heavyweight belt. Since then, Anderson has rebounded with decision wins over Phil Davis and Karl Moore, with Anderson’s last win seeing him capture the vacant light heavyweight title.

    Anderson was eager to secure a third fight with Nemkov, and it appeared the trilogy was set for heavyweight at the PFL Road to Dubai: Champions Series event on on Jan. 25. However, the fight fell apart, leaving Anderson frustrated and convinced that Nemkov is avoiding him.

    “I told you a while ago before he moved to heavyweight, I believed he was scared of me,” he said in an interview with MMA Fighting. “Now I know for a fact. He doesn’t want to fight me. He got scared. It was time to go to the altar, and he got cold feet and ran.”

    Anderson expressed disappointment about how the situation unfolded, especially with rumors swirling that Nemkov is on the final fight of his current PFL contract.

    “I feel like after this, he’ll probably never take the opportunity to fight me again,” Anderson continued. “One, he knew I wanted the fight — that’s on him. He’ll finish his contract on a high note, and we’ll never do the trilogy. Two, if it keeps coming, he’s going to find another way out of it.”

    Anderson is ready to move on and remains confident in his ability and eager to get back to fighting, even if the Nemkov trilogy never comes to fruition.

  • Colby Covington: Joaquin Buckley Got Me At 30% Percent & I Still Should Have Beat Him On No Notice

    Colby Covington: Joaquin Buckley Got Me At 30% Percent & I Still Should Have Beat Him On No Notice

    Joaquin Buckley delivered a commanding performance against Colby Covington in the UFC Tampa main event last month.

    However, the fight ended on an anticlimactic note when the ringside physician halted the contest due to a gruesome cut on Covington’s face. The injury, which worsened as the fight progressed, raised concerns about potential damage to Covington’s eyelid, prompting the doctor to stop the bout in the third round.

    Reflecting on the fight in a YouTube video titled My Honest Reaction to UFC Fight Night in Tampa, Covington shared his perspective, emphasizing that he felt the fight was competitive and that he wasn’t outclassed.

    “There was a little cut that happened,” Covington said. “I rewatched the film, it was like minute two, it was like a headbutt … It wasn’t from a punch. So, you know, that’s the only thing that really limited my potential to be at 100% was the fact that I had blood draining in my eye. I couldn’t see. I’m seeing three, four different people. It’s hard to keep fighting through that, but that’s what I signed up for. I’m a gladiator. This is what I love to do.”

    Covington elaborated on his resilience during adversity.

    “In moments like that, I show my real character — to push through and rise up stronger. So it’s unfortunate that the DEI doctor stopped the fight early. I feel like the fight was just getting started, and there was a lot more that needed to be settled in there.”

    He also highlighted his short preparation time for the fight.

    “I showed up for the company on two and a half weeks’ notice,” he explained. “I wasn’t even training. Didn’t have any training partners, didn’t get a proper training camp like this guy. He was in training camp for twelve weeks. He was preparing for the best version of someone. I’m coming off the couch. This guy got me at 30%, and I still should have beat him on no notice.”

  • Coach: Brandon Moreno ‘Matches Up The Best’ With Alexandre Pantoja

    Coach: Brandon Moreno ‘Matches Up The Best’ With Alexandre Pantoja

    Brandon Moreno has faced UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja three times, but victory has eluded him each time.

    Their most recent encounter at UFC 290 in July 2023 ended in a razor-close split decision that favored Pantoja. Moreno followed this up with a unanimous decision loss to Brandon Royval in February before taking a step back from competition.

    Despite these setbacks, coach Sayif Saud remains confident that Moreno has what it takes to dethrone Pantoja. Moreno made a triumphant return to the Octagon in November at UFC Alberta, where he defeated Amir Albazi in the main event, snapping the Iranian’s six-fight win streak in the process.

    “You look at the talent of the flyweights — they are so good, all of them,” Saud told MMA Junkie. “Manel [Kape] looked amazing, Royval too. But to me, Brandon [Moreno] is still the most complete fighter overall. If you look at Brandon’s last fight with Pantoja, I feel like if that was judged with today’s criteria emphasizing damage, we win that fight.”

    Saud acknowledges that Moreno’s history with Pantoja complicates the path to a fourth bout. Still, he believes Moreno is better prepared than ever to face the reigning champion.

    “That fight was so close, but it’s kind of gotten lost in the narrative because Brandon has lost to him before,” Saud said. “The thing is, Brandon now is even better, but Pantoja is also better. You can’t take anything away from Pantoja — he’s dominating and finishing opponents. But Brandon’s skill set matches up so well with him. I think Brandon could absolutely win that fight.”

    Saud understands that the UFC might hesitate to book a fourth fight between Moreno and Pantoja so soon, given their history. However, he believes Moreno is always just one fight away from earning another title shot.

    “We’ve got to see what happens with Brandon. He’s one fight away, I think, all the time,” Saud explained. “But the question is, who? I get why Mick Maynard and the UFC aren’t giving us the title shot right now — they’ve already fought so many times. Even though I think it’s probably the best fight out there, personally.”

    Saud speculated about potential contenders, including Kai Kara-France, but questioned whether the New Zealander could handle Pantoja’s dominant ground game.

    “Kai is amazing and will do great on the feet, but I just don’t know if he can handle Pantoja’s ground game. He’s not easy to take down, but you saw Albazi take him down and take his back. Meanwhile, Albazi couldn’t even get close to Brandon — it wasn’t even close.”

    For now, Saud is taking a wait-and-see approach. He remains optimistic that circumstances — such as an injury to another top contender — could pave the way for Moreno to step in.

    “We’ve just got to sit and wait. Maybe one of Manel or Royval gets hurt, and we step in to fight that guy. Or we fight someone else and see what happens. But I truly believe Brandon matches up best with Pantoja, and he’s capable of finally beating him.”

  • UFC Veteran Breaks Down Why Organizations Like The PFL, Global Fight League Are Destined To Fail

    UFC Veteran Breaks Down Why Organizations Like The PFL, Global Fight League Are Destined To Fail

    Over the last two decades, MMA fans have witnessed numerous promotions rise and fall, with the UFC standing as the dominant force throughout.

    Organizations such as Strikeforce, PRIDE Fighting Championships, WEC and even ambitious ventures like Affliction failed to establish a lasting presence in the combat sports landscape.

    The latest contender attempting to challenge the UFC’s dominance is the Professional Fighters League (PFL), which made waves in 2023 by acquiring Bellator MMA. This acquisition positioned the PFL as the second-largest MMA promotion. However, the transition has been rocky, with high-profile fighters — including champions Patricio “Pitbull” Freire and Patchy Mix — requesting releases due to inactivity and other frustrations.

    Former UFC fighter Matt Brown shared his skepticism about the business strategies of promotions like the PFL during an episode of MMA Fighting’s The Fighter vs. The Writer. Brown argued that the “fighter-first” model, which includes significant payouts like the PFL’s $1 million prize per weight class, might not be sustainable in the long term.

    “There’s only been one truly successful fight promotion in history — the UFC. They didn’t build it by helping fighters. I think that’s where they’re all kind of messing up,” Brown said. “I say that as a former fighter — I want to see everybody get paid and do well. But the UFC built their business by lowballing fighters and still almost went out of business. Even now, people debate how they treat their fighters. So, making it a fighter-centric promotion is admirable, but I have a hard time believing it’s the way to build a lasting business.”

    Brown questioned how the PFL has managed to sustain itself so far and expressed doubts about its ability to compete at the UFC’s level.

    “To be honest, I’m not sure how they’ve existed this far. If they keep doing whatever they’re doing, maybe they’ll keep existing. They bought Bellator, and we thought maybe they’d become a clear No. 2. But they were already claiming that before, acting like they were close to the UFC, and it’s like, no — not really. It’s basically the UFC, and then there’s everybody else.”

    Reflecting on the history of successful promotions, Brown noted that growth often requires a long-term, incremental approach.

    “If you look at the big players in combat sports — boxing and the UFC — they all started small and took years to build. You can’t start at the top unless you have immense resources, like Saudi Arabia throwing billions around to fund cool fights as a luxury. That’s a completely different game.”

    The PFL’s ambitious strategy has garnered attention, but whether it can establish a sustainable model to challenge the UFC’s dominance remains uncertain.

    And the same can be said for the recently announced Global Fight League (GFL), which is set to launch in 2025 and boasts of high pay and advantages fighters under its banner will have.

  • Kevin Holland Lays Out Scenario Where Belal Muhammad ‘Gets Knocked The F*ck Out’

    Kevin Holland Lays Out Scenario Where Belal Muhammad ‘Gets Knocked The F*ck Out’

    Despite currently competing in a different weight class to Belal Muhammad, Kevin Holland believes he would not only stand a chance against the UFC welterweight champion but could finish him.

    Known for his versatility across multiple divisions under the UFC banner, Holland sees things going favorably in a hypothetical fight with Muhammad compared to middleweight champ Dricus Du Plessis.

    Appearing on the Overdogs Podcast, Holland shared his thoughts on how he would fare against both divisional kingpins:

    “Easier fight, I have to say honestly, probably (is) Belal,” he said. “People can say what they want to say about Du Plessis — his style is ugly, his style is this, his style is that. He is a gritty motherf**ker to fight, and it doesn’t matter what you’re doing that night, you’re going to have to deal with that grit.

    “I like grit, so I’m fine with that. Belal, I really honestly believe (if) I shut down the takedown, Belal gets knocked the f*ck out,” he added.

    Holland’s confidence stems from his striking ability and his belief that he could neutralize Muhammad’s grappling-heavy style.

    Since moving up to middleweight, Holland has had mixed results, splitting his last two fights.

    He is set to face former ONE Championship double champion Reinier de Ridder at UFC 311 on Jan. 18 at the Inuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The fight could determine Holland’s trajectory in the middleweight division and whether he can secure a path toward championship contention.

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov Sees Only 1 Big Fight For Alexandre Pantoja: ‘If I’m A Promoter Like Dana…’

    Khabib Nurmagomedov Sees Only 1 Big Fight For Alexandre Pantoja: ‘If I’m A Promoter Like Dana…’

    In Khabib Nurmagomedov’s view, there’s only one compelling matchup left for UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja: a fight against former dual-champion Henry Cejudo.

    Pantoja has solidified his dominance in the 125-pound division with three successful title defenses against Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, and most recently Kai Asakura at UFC 310. With victories over most of the UFC’s top 15 flyweights, Pantoja now faces a lack of fresh challenges in the division.

    “There is no other option for Pantoja. There is no fight,” Khabib said during an interview on the Pound 4 Pound podcast. “I think if they want some big fight for this weight class, they have to make this: Cejudo vs. Pantoja.”

    Cejudo, who vacated the flyweight and bantamweight titles and retired in May 2020, has teased a return to the 125-pound division after back-to-back losses at bantamweight to Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili. Khabib directly asked “Triple C” if he could make the 125-pound weight limit again.

    “Yeah, I can make it. It’s just a lot of discipline,” Cejudo responded. “I’ve got to maybe fast for like a week, lose a good 10 pounds, and then from there just be on a strict diet. Only water. I think I’d lose about 15 pounds.”

    “The Eagle” expressed confidence in the potential of the matchup, emphasizing its importance for the division and Pantoja’s legacy.

    “We have to recognize real things. If I’m a promoter like Dana [White], I try to make Pantoja fight with you because there is nobody else. Cejudo vs. Pantoja is going to be a big name. Bring somebody old with a big name, make them fight.”

    Cejudo agreed, noting that even a loss to him could elevate Pantoja’s profile.

    “Even if he was to beat me, it elevates him because he beat a legend.”

    Khabib laid out a roadmap for Cejudo to return and reclaim the flyweight title, stressing the discipline required to achieve greatness.

    “You fight February, March, take off, and jump [into] April training camp. Fight June or July, International Fight Week at 125 [pounds] for the title. Can you imagine you come back and win 125 [title]? You can. I’m going to talk with Dana, too.”

    If the UFC can make this fight happen, it would bring significant intrigue to the flyweight division, pairing a reigning champion in his prime against a returning legend looking to reclaim his former glory.

  • Rampage Jackson Describes What Led To The Downfall Of His MMA Career: ‘Happens To The Best Of Us’

    Rampage Jackson Describes What Led To The Downfall Of His MMA Career: ‘Happens To The Best Of Us’

    Quinton “Rampage” Jackson remains one of the most iconic fighters in MMA history, known for his tenacity, charisma, and unforgettable performances in promotions like PRIDE FC, UFC and Bellator.

    During his illustrious career, Jackson achieved notable accolades, including winning the PRIDE middleweight championship and the UFC light heavyweight title.

    “Rampage” rose to stardom in Japan during his tenure with PRIDE, captivating fans with his dynamic fighting style and larger-than-life personality. After leaving the UFC in 2015 with a decision victory over Fábio Maldonado, he transitioned full-time to Bellator.

    His career concluded on a difficult note, going 1-3 in his last four bouts, with his final fight being a TKO loss to Fedor Emelianenko in 2019.

    Recently, Jackson reflected on his career during the JAXXON Podcast, offering candid insights into the mistakes he made along the way.

    “(Bryan) Battle, don’t get complacent with the scales. Always push yourself harder even if you outgrow your teammates and coaches — don’t feel bad. I’m going to tell you something, with your personality and your skills, you can be a big star in the UFC, and there’s not that many stars. It could be your time soon, right? So make sure you train really hard; I’m talking about taking it super serious.

    “I don’t care if your friends tell you, ‘Oh, you think you’re this.’ F* that. You’ve got to be selfish for a little while because Father Time is undefeated, and it’s going to be a short window. I’m telling you, keep honing in on your skills. Don’t get complacent, because that happens to the best of us. It happened to me. I was like, ‘My s*** don’t stink,’ and I stopped training as hard. I did. I was a big star, and I stopped training as hard like, ‘F*** it.’ Bro, you could be a big star.”

    Jackson’s reflections highlight the importance of consistent dedication and self-discipline in a fighter’s career, offering valuable lessons for the next generation of MMA athletes.

  • Tom Aspinall Predicts Every Men’s UFC Champion When 2025 Ends

    Tom Aspinall Predicts Every Men’s UFC Champion When 2025 Ends

    Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall recently shared his predictions for who will be holding UFC titles across all men’s weight classes by the end of 2025.

    Given the depth of talent in the promotion’s divisions, his projections during a recent interview with TNT Sports provide interesting insights into how a UFC champ assesses the title picture in other divisions.

    • Flyweight:
      “I mean, I would have chosen Muhammad Mokaev, but he’s gone. So, [Alexandre] Pantoja, I would say – Pantoja will still be there this time next year.”
    • Bantamweight:
      “I mean it’d be between Merab [Dvalishvili] and Umar [Nurmagomedov] next year. That’s an interesting fight, but I would back Merab.”
    • Featherweight:
      “I’ll say Lerone Murphy will be getting up there by this time next year, but I don’t think he’ll have won a title just yet – I think that’s probably the year after. I think Ilia Topuria will still be champion by this time next year. Easily.”
    • Lightweight:
      “Islam [Makhachev] is going to be champion, again, by this time next year.”
    • Welterweight:
      “I think Belal [Muhammad] is massively underrated, and I think that he’s still going to be the champion next year.”
    • Middleweight:
      “Right, I’ve picked against Dricus [du Plessis] so many times, and I’m not going to do it again. But I think to say that Khamzat Chimaev is not going to be a champion by this time next year is just silly – so I’m going to say Khamzat.”
    • Light Heavyweight:
      “I think Alex Pereira – ah, I don’t know. He’s got a tough fight with Magomed Ankalaev. I think that’s a really tough fight, so I don’t know with that one. I’m going to sit on the fence; it’s going to be one of them two: either Ankalaev or Pereira.”
    • Heavyweight:
      “Ah, come on, come on. This time next year – as Ricky Gervais said [in The Office], I could be sitting in this hot seat yet – so I’m going to say me by this time next year, definitely.”

    Aspinall remains optimistic about securing a bout with current heavyweight champion Jon Jones in 2025. Jones has also expressed interest in a potential light heavyweight showdown with Alex Pereira instead.

  • Islam Makhachev Reveals How He’ll Know When To Retire From MMA: ‘Beterbiev Is 39…’

    Islam Makhachev continues to solidify his legacy as one of MMA’s most dominant forces. The UFC lightweight champion has showcased his skills against elite competition, establishing himself as a formidable presence in the sport.

    Makhachev claimed the vacant lightweight title with a submission victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. He successfully defended it with a decision win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 and followed it up with a knockout win in their rematch at UFC 294.

    Most recently, at UFC 302, Makhachev submitted Dustin Poirier, further cementing his reign. His next title defense is set for Jan. 18, 2025, at UFC 311, where he will face Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch.

    In a recent interview with Yukah MMA (h/t Bloody Elbow), Makhachev addressed questions about his career longevity and whether he has a specific retirement age in mind.

    “I wouldn’t say it’s that bad; if I feel like I have stopped [developing], then that’s it — I have to quit. No, [there is no age in mind], I don’t associate anything with age… [Artur] Beterbiev is 39 years old, and he’s the best boxer in the world. Years are not the limit. I don’t have any [title] numbers at all [in mind].”

    When asked how he would recognize when it’s time to step away from the sport, Makhachev explained that he’ll rely on comparisons with his training partners.

    “I train with a lot of young guys in the gym. If I see that I can’t keep up, that they are catching up with me, overtaking me, then why should I torture myself? I’ll stop [then].”

    For Makhachev, the focus remains on continuous improvement and maintaining dominance, with no immediate plans to slow down.

  • Deiveson Figueiredo Explains How Merab Dvalishvili Can Defeat Umar Nurmagomedov At UFC 311

    Deiveson Figueiredo Explains How Merab Dvalishvili Can Defeat Umar Nurmagomedov At UFC 311

    Deiveson Figueiredo wouldn’t be surprised to see Merab Dvalishvili emerge victorious in his first title defense as the bantamweight champion.

    Dvalishvili is set to face Umar Nurmagomedov in the co-main event of UFC 311, a pay-per-view event scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    Despite riding an impressive 12-fight winning streak, the Georgian enters the fight as the betting underdog against Nurmagomedov. For Figueiredo, the style of the champion is the key to his success.

    “I tend more for Merab,” Figueiredo told MMA Junkie. “The reason I do this is his striking is not refined, but he manages to tire people and confuse them so he can take them down. On the other hand, Umar is a guy who knows how to submit from the bottom, so there’s that risk for Merab. But after five rounds, I see Merab’s hand being raised.”

    Figueiredo, a former flyweight champion, plans to closely follow UFC 311. The Brazilian expressed his desire to remain at bantamweight and potentially add another divisional title to his résumé.

  • Michael Johnson Reveals The Biggest Problem He Faced When Fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov

    Michael Johnson knows firsthand the challenge of stepping into the Octagon with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

    The two faced off in November 2016 at UFC 205, where Khabib submitted Johnson in the third round of their lightweight bout.

    “The Menace” had taken the fight on just two weeks’ notice, a fact that added to the difficulty of facing the undefeated Dagestani fighter. Fans may remember the intense moment during the fight when Khabib was heard telling Johnson to give up, claiming he needed a title fight.

    “I was like, ‘F*ck you!’” Johnson recalled during an appearance on Mike Perry’s Overdogs Podcast. “I hit him with a backhand like, ‘I’m still in it. I can’t move, but I’m in it.’ I wasn’t going to f*cking give up. He’s good.”

    Reflecting on the fight, Johnson admitted that focusing solely on Nurmagomedov’s wrestling was a mistake:

    “I went into that fight, his wrestling is all I thought about. His wrestling, his wrestling, his wrestling. So, I wasn’t thinking about myself, and that was the mistake. I just went in there kind of waiting for him to shoot, trying to find my motions. I was kind of crouched down, and I couldn’t really move around.”

    Johnson also spoke about Khabib’s strength and dominance:

    “Bro, he’s good, strong. He felt like a middleweight, and that’s a problem. I couldn’t move, but he helped me get better. I went back to the gym and started working on that. Without that fight, I wouldn’t be here.”

    Nurmagomedov went on to capture the UFC lightweight title and successfully defend it three times before retiring undefeated.

    As for Johnson, he recently delivered a standout performance, earning Performance of the Night honors for his knockout of Ottman Azaitar earlier this month at UFC Tampa.

  • Ilia Topuria On Meeting Conor McGregor: It Felt Like His Aura Came From Hell

    Ilia Topuria On Meeting Conor McGregor: It Felt Like His Aura Came From Hell

    Ilia Topuria didn’t have the most positive experience meeting Conor McGregor, largely due to the energy and body language he perceived during their interaction. Topuria shared his thoughts during a resurfaced clip from The Wild Project podcast, where he reflected on the time they both fought at UFC 264.

    At the event, McGregor headlined the card against Dustin Poirier but suffered a gruesome leg break in the first round. Meanwhile, Topuria delivered an impressive first-round KO victory over Ryan Hall. Despite their contrasting outcomes, Topuria recalled an unsettling vibe from McGregor.

    “Super bad vibes,” Topuria described (H/T to MMA Mania). “Look, analyzing people as human beings, let’s look at Conor. A guy, his wife, his children, his family. I can’t give an opinion. I don’t know how these people are. He might be an excellent person, and I perceived his energy in a different way from what it is. He simply came to work, put on a show.

    “But the feeling I had when he was around was, ‘Keep him away!’ Keep him away. Because you can be Conor McGregor and act however you want, but no one is above me, only God, you know what I’m saying? Congratulations on your career, I respect it. But don’t tell me a thing because I’ll take your head off.”

    Topuria went on to describe McGregor’s aura as something he had never encountered before:

    “Just a terrible energy. I swear it felt like his aura came from hell. I wanted to be away from this dude, he had a black energy I have never felt before. Agustin, my trainer, he’s a very spiritual guy. He’s very careful with the energies. He said, ‘This dude is gonna lose badly and split.’ He broke his leg that night. He brought an energy of hell, you know what I’m saying?”

    Since that fateful night at UFC 264, McGregor has yet to return to competition, now over three and a half years later. In contrast, Topuria has continued to rise in the UFC, recently defending his Featherweight Championship against former champion Max Holloway.

  • Israel Adesanya: ‘I Almost Forgot How Great I Was’

    Israel Adesanya: ‘I Almost Forgot How Great I Was’

    Israel Adesanya is gearing up for his next challenge as he faces Nassourdine Imavov in the headliner of the second UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia. The fight is set to take place on February 1, 2025, at The Venue in Riyadh. Despite focusing on the bout ahead, Adesanya hasn’t forgotten the obstacles he’s encountered on his path to greatness.

    Once undefeated with a 20-0 record and a dominant reign as middleweight champion, Adesanya’s journey has been marked by highs and lows in recent years. His first professional defeat came against Jan Błachowicz at UFC 259 in an attempt to claim the light heavyweight title. Following this setback, he successfully defended his middleweight belt against Marvin Vettori, Robert Whittaker, and Jared Cannonier.

    Adesanya’s reign faltered at UFC 281 when Alex Pereira dethroned him, but he reclaimed the title in emphatic fashion with a stunning KO of Pereira at UFC 287. However, his momentum took another hit when Sean Strickland defeated him by decision at UFC 293. Adesanya then fell short again this past August, losing to Dricus Du Plessis by submission in a bid to regain the title.

    Now, Adesanya views his upcoming fight against Imavov as a pivotal step toward title contention. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Adesanya reflected on his skills and resilience:

    “Because I can – and I’m really, really, really good at it. I almost forgot how great I was, but then recently I just realized like, ‘Fck, I’m good at this sht.’ I forget because – reasons, but yeah, it’s good to remind yourself. I keep saying, ‘Ya’ll must have forgot.’ F*ck, I almost forgot.”

    Adesanya emphasized his commitment to improvement and showcasing his full range of skills in mixed martial arts:

    “I love the way things are playing out. It’s about me and just improving and really showing what I can really do in the full range of mixed martial arts. You’ve got a motherf*cker swinging at you, trying to take your head off – you better be up.”

    Reflecting on his career, Adesanya said:

    “I’ve achieved my dreams in this game. I still have some more dreams to achieve, but the main ones I have (achieved). (I want to) just enjoy this sht. I’m going to definitely get a submission (before I retire). That’s definitely a big one. I don’t even care about the belt. I want to get someone’s fcking ankle or neck.”

    Adesanya’s fight against Imavov could reignite his path to reclaiming UFC gold, as he continues to push the boundaries of his career and legacy.

  • Ex-UFC Fighter: If He Retired Tomorrow, Alex Pereira Is Already A Hall Of Famer

    Ex-UFC Fighter: If He Retired Tomorrow, Alex Pereira Is Already A Hall Of Famer

    Alex Pereira continues to build an extraordinary legacy in MMA, earning praise from fans and fighters alike. Currently the UFC light heavyweight champion, Pereira previously held the middleweight title before moving up in weight.

    Pereira’s meteoric rise began with an impressive 6-1 record that earned him a title shot at 185 pounds. And at UFC 281, he defeated Israel Adesanya via TKO to claim the belt. However, he lost the title back to Adesanya via KO at UFC 287.

    Transitioning to light heavyweight, Pereira captured the division’s crown at UFC 295, defeating Jiří Procházka via TKO. He has since defended the title against the Czech star in a rematch, as well as against Khalil Rountree and Jamahal Hill, securing all victories with decisive finishes.

    UFC analyst and former fighter Alan Jouban believes Pereira’s accomplishments warrant a place in the UFC Hall of Fame.

    “If he retires tomorrow, nobody in the history of the UFC has done what he has done in such a short amount of time,” Jouban said on SiriusXM’s MMA Today. “Look at what he has done. It’s unprecedented, so I would say yes.”

    Jouban elaborated on what sets Pereira apart from other champions.

    “Not only is he a guy that has this mystique, that has this following of kids and people of all ages, and has carried the UFC on his back, but the one thing that he does better than anybody else in the UFC is that he puts a bow on it and he finishes fights.”

    He further praised Pereira’s ability to deliver thrilling performances.

    “You put Alex Pereira in the main event slot on any card, any time of the year, people are going to leave there with a smile on their face because they got to see a knockout. They got to see a devastating knockout early. You don’t have that trust in a lot of other fighters. But you know with Alex Pereira in there, somebody’s going to get knocked out, and it’s all that we’re going to be talking about the next day.”

    • Read More: Chris Curtis Accuses UFC Vegas 101 Opponent Of Underhanded Tactics: ‘Couple Weeks Ago, 2 Russians Show Up…’

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov Admits He Doesn’t Like His New MMA Role

    Khabib Nurmagomedov has transitioned into coaching in MMA since retiring from active competition. However, the former champion has admitted that the new role isn’t exactly his favorite.

    Nurmagomedov holds a legendary record in MMA, having been the longest-reigning UFC lightweight champion, a title he held from April 2018 to March 2021.

    With an impeccable career record of 29 wins and zero losses, Khabib is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. His achievements were further solidified with his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in June 2022. His final fight at UFC 254 in October 2020 ended with a submission victory over Justin Gaethje.

    Despite stepping away from active competition, Khabib continues to guide his teammates to success. However, when it was announced that Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov would compete back-to-back at UFC 311, “The Eagle” expressed mixed feelings about his coaching responsibilities.

    “I don’t like [coaching], but I have to be here,” Khabib said in video uploaded by Demetrious Johnson. “It’s gonna be a very big night for us at UFC 311, with Tagir [Ulanbekov], Umar for the title, and Islam defending his belt. I cannot be home; I have to be here, but I don’t like this.”

  • Matt Brown Says It’s ‘Clear’ Conor McGregor Will Not Fight In The UFC Again

    Matt Brown Says It’s ‘Clear’ Conor McGregor Will Not Fight In The UFC Again

    Conor McGregor’s much-anticipated return to combat sports has been a topic of speculation, particularly since his last UFC bout in 2021 ended with a severe leg injury in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier.

    Initially slated to face Michael Chandler in July, the matchup fell through due to a broken toe. Despite this, UFC CEO Dana White has repeatedly stated that the Irishman will eventually return to the Octagon.

    However, McGregor himself has hinted that his comeback might take a different route. The former two-division UFC champion recently claimed that discussions are underway for a potential boxing match against social media star and occasional boxer Logan Paul. If this materializes, it would mark a shift away from McGregor’s UFC roots.

    Former UFC fighter Matt Brown shared his perspective during a recent episode of MMA Fighting’s The Fighter vs. The Writer, expressing doubts about McGregor’s return to the UFC.

    “Does he fight Logan Paul? That’s a good question. I don’t know. I’m going to say I don’t know,” Brown remarked. “Does he fight in the UFC? I think that’s a clear no. Does he fight outside the UFC? I think it’s always possible for him to fight outside the UFC, if the UFC allows it. I don’t know if the UFC is going to get behind it. I just don’t know how those deals are going to play out. But does he fight in the UFC? No, and I’m going to leave it at that. He won’t be in the UFC. I don’t think he’ll fight in the UFC ever again.”

    Brown believes the financial incentive to fight Logan Paul far outweighs the challenges of facing elite UFC opponents.

    “There’s so much money to be made doing a Logan Paul fight. Of course, he would do that. He doesn’t have to come back and fight a f*cking Islam [Makhachev] or something or Dustin Poirier or [Nate] Diaz or anything. He just [has to] go and box a guy who is not a pro boxer.”

    As the combat sports world awaits McGregor’s next move, the possibility of a lucrative boxing spectacle with Logan Paul adds another layer of intrigue to his storied career.

  • Robert Whittaker Explains How Alex Pereira Can Beat Khamzat Chimaev

    Robert Whittaker Explains How Alex Pereira Can Beat Khamzat Chimaev

    Robert Whittaker has expressed interest in the potential matchup between UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev.

    Whittaker, who recently faced Chimaev at UFC 308 and suffered a quick submission loss that also resulted in displaced teeth, shared his thoughts on the hypothetical bout during a recent episode of his MMArcade Podcast.

    Rumors of a possible Pereira-Chimaev fight emerged after “Poatan” hinted at an unexpected next opponent. For Whittaker, the prospect of Chimaev moving up to face the Brazilian is intriguing.

    “I saw a rumor that Chimaev might go up and fight Pereira,” Whittaker said. “Imagine that. Chimaev (will win). Not easily, Chimaev though. Unless the heavyweight strength changes the dynamic. Chimaev will get the takedown, and it’s just that he’s good at what he does; he plays into his strengths.”

    Despite leaning toward “Borz’s” grappling ability as the deciding factor, Whittaker acknowledged the light heavyweight champ’s striking prowess and conditioning as potential game-changers, particularly if Chimaev fails to maintain a relentless pace.

    “But let’s say hypothetically, Chimaev slows down, gasses a little bit, Pereira won’t,” Whittaker added. “He can strike asleep, dead tired—dude’s been doing it his whole life. He’ll kill Chimaev in a standup.

    “It won’t be like that (Kamaru) Usman-Chimaev fight, where Usman was kind of outboxing him a little bit at that period when Chimaev got tired. It will be a slaughter. But does it go that far?”

    As speculation builds around this potential matchup, Whittaker’s analysis highlights the contrasting styles of the two fighters: Chimaev’s elite grappling against Pereira’s striking mastery.

  • Joe Rogan Praises ‘Insane Tank Of A Human’ Daniel Cormier’s MMA Career: ‘He Was A Killer’

    Joe Rogan Praises ‘Insane Tank Of A Human’ Daniel Cormier’s MMA Career: ‘He Was A Killer’

    Joe Rogan has expressed high admiration for Daniel Cormier, applauding his remarkable achievements as an undersized heavyweight and a light heavyweight champion.

    During his illustrious MMA career, Cormier earned UFC titles in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, holding them simultaneously at one point. As his career concluded, he competed as a heavyweight, cementing his legacy in the division.

    Cormier’s résumé includes victories over elite fighters such as Stipe Miocic, Alexander Gustafsson, Anthony Johnson and Dan Henderson. After retiring, he transitioned to a new role, joining Joe Rogan and Jon Anik as a commentator for UFC pay-per-view broadcasts and other programs.

    “Daniel was a light heavyweight champion and heavyweight champion,” Rogan said on a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience. “He was a two-division world champion and was dominating in a weight class in Strikeforce that he didn’t even belong in – heavyweight. He’s like 5-(foot)-11 – he’s not a big guy.

    “He’s just such an insane tank of a human being. His wrestling was so insane and just his will was so insane. He dominated two different divisions. He was a killer. The nicest f*cking guy you’d ever meet in your life. If you were hanging around him, you would never believe that he could pick up anybody in the room and smash them on their head.”

    In 2022, Cormier’s storied career was honored with his induction into the Modern Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame.

  • Jon Jones On His 5-Year Plan, Including Last UFC Fights: ‘Money Is A Motivator…’

    Jon Jones On His 5-Year Plan, Including Last UFC Fights: ‘Money Is A Motivator…’

    UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones acknowledges that his storied professional fighting career is nearing its twilight. With only a handful of fights left in him, the MMA star is focused on securing lucrative matchups to maximize his earnings during the remainder of his career.

    Jones is coming off an impressive TKO victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Looking ahead, he has expressed a preference for a fight against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira over interim heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall. He views the potential matchup with Pereira as more financially rewarding.

    “Money is a motivator,” Jones shared on Alex Gonzalez’s YouTube channel. “I think most people lie if they said they weren’t motivated by money. But also, I’ve been doing the UFC work just out of love, too. I really love what I do. I really love making money. I really love writing my name down in the history books and being a guy who’ll be able to live forever through the UFC record books. That all means a lot.”

    Jones also recounted advice from UFC CEO Dana White that has shaped his approach to career and finances.

    “Dana told me a long time ago, ‘Jon, money will never be your issue because I never want you to worry about money. It will always come to you for the rest of your life.’ And it seems like the less I think about money, the more it comes to me. It just starts falling in my hands these days, and I’m grateful for it.”

    Looking to the future, Jones has mapped out his plans for the next decade. In the short term, he hopes to compete in at least one or two more fights over the next five years while pursuing other ambitions.

    “Within the next five years, I want to win one more fight, maybe even two, and try to make as much money as possible in the UFC,” Jones said. Beyond fighting, he has aspirations to transition into acting. “I’ve always wanted to be an actor. I think I do pretty good on camera, and I’ve done little commercials and things like that. Every time I’m on set, everybody’s like, ‘Bro, it’s hard to believe that you’re a fighter. You conduct yourself just like all of our professional actors.’”

    As he envisions his life a decade from now, Jones’s focus shifts to family.

    “10 years from now, I just want to be the best dad I can be,” he shared, emphasizing his desire to leave a lasting legacy both in and out of the Octagon.

  • ‘Jamahal Can’t Handle This’ – Fans React To Jiří Procházka’s Latest Unique Training Video Ahead of UFC 311 Return

    ‘Jamahal Can’t Handle This’ – Fans React To Jiří Procházka’s Latest Unique Training Video Ahead of UFC 311 Return

    Jiří Procházka is turning heads with his unique training methods ahead of his next fight.

    Scheduled to face another former light heavyweight champion in Jamahal Hill at UFC 311, Procházka is looking to work his way back toward the gold after an already storied career.

    The Czech star captured the title at UFC 275 with a victory over Glover Teixeira during a remarkable 12-fight winning streak. However, he later vacated the belt without making a defense due to an injury. And lost the chance to regain the belt opposite Alex Pereira last year UFC 295.

    Procházka bounced back with a TKO win over Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 300 this past April, only to lose again to Pereira via TKO at UFC 303 in a bid to reclaim the championship.

    Hill, Procházka’s upcoming opponent, is also coming off a KO loss to Pereira at UFC 300, where the light heavyweight title was at stake.

    Recently, “BJP” shared a training video on X showcasing his unconventional approach: walking on a treadmill while shadowboxing and practicing various striking techniques.

    The video quickly sparked fan reactions, with many chiming in to share their thoughts on his distinctive preparation.

    UFC 311 will take place on Jan. 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. A lightweight championship bout between current kingpin Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan is scheduled to headline the event.

  • Francis Ngannou Reiterates Push For Tyson Fury Rematch After ‘The Gypsy King’s’ Second Usyk Loss

    Francis Ngannou closely observed Tyson Fury’s recent rematch against Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Usyk retained his WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC world heavyweight titles by defeating Fury via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 116-112 in the Ukrainian’s favor.

    The defeat marked the Englishman’s second consecutive to Usyk following a split decision loss in May. Despite these setbacks, Ngannou remains eager for a rematch with “The Gypsy King.”

    When asked about the defeated challenger’s potential next opponent during an interview with Pro Boxing Fans, Ngannou threw his name into the hat.

    “What I want to see now is Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. That’s all what matters for me.”

    Ngannou and Fury share a notable history. In their 2023 meeting, Ngannou shocked the boxing world by knocking the former WBC champ down before narrowly losing on the judges’ scorecards. Following that bout, Ngannou faced Anthony Joshua but was knocked out in the second round.

    Returning to mixed martial arts, Ngannou achieved a first-round knockout against Renan Ferreira in October, marking his debut with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The victory was particularly poignant as Ngannou dedicated it to his late son, Kobe, who passed away earlier this year.

    As the combat sports community speculates about future matchups, Ngannou’s focus remains on a rematch with Tyson Fury, aiming to settle unfinished business in the ring.

  • Arman Tsarukyan On UFC 311 Opponent Islam Makhachev: ‘Not As Good As People Think’

    Arman Tsarukyan On UFC 311 Opponent Islam Makhachev: ‘Not As Good As People Think’

    Islam Makhachev, widely regarded as the number one pound-for-pound fighter, is set to defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 in Los Angeles next month.

    This highly anticipated rematch revisits their first encounter from April 2019, a Fight of the Night classic that showcased both fighters’ skill and tenacity.

    Tsarukyan, the title challenger, believes that Makhachev’s reputation as an unstoppable force is overstated. In a recent interview with ESPN, the Russian-Armenian expressed his confidence in dethroning the champion:

    “He’s not as good as people think,” Tsarukyan said. “People think he’s unbeatable, like crazy wrestling, but I took him down when I was 22 years old.”

    The challenger attributes his confidence to two key factors: wrestling expertise and his relentless drive to achieve championship glory.

    “First of all, I know how to wrestle very well,” Tsarukyan explained. “Second, I’m young and hungry. I’ve never had the belt, so it drives me. I have a lot of energy for training, and I believe I’m the guy who’s going to beat him. But the most important thing is that I’m very hungry. I want that belt so much. It’s a dream. When I got into the UFC, I was thinking about that. I’ve been thinking about it for five years.”

    With both fighters determined to leave their mark, UFC 311 promises to deliver another unforgettable showdown in the lightweight division.

  • Francis Ngannou Maintains ‘Something Unfair Definitely Happened’ With Anthony Joshua Fight

    Francis Ngannou Maintains ‘Something Unfair Definitely Happened’ With Anthony Joshua Fight

    Francis Ngannou would be hesitant about a rematch with Anthony Joshua after how the lead-up to their fight this year unfolded.

    The former UFC heavyweight champion faced Joshua in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and suffered a second-round knockout loss. Since then, “The Predator” made a successful return to MMA in October, securing a KO victory over Renan Ferreira at the PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants event, also held in Saudi Arabia.

    In a recent interview with Radio Rahim of Seconds Out, Ngannou revealed his reservations about a rematch with Joshua down the line, pointing to unsettling circumstances surrounding their initial fight week that he’s previously brought up.

    “The rematch with Joshua, to be honest, I feel very off and not very comfortable in that fight,” Ngannou admitted. “It’s something that could happen, but what I do know for sure is that I want the rematch with Fury. Again, I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but I didn’t like the Joshua fight. I think things wasn’t right, nothing was right, and if it’s gonna be the same scenario, I’m not interested.”

    Ngannou elaborated on his concerns, reiterating complaints about what he considered unfair treatment during the fight preparation process.

    “Something unfair definitely happened. I don’t have the full picture, but I have seen some myself that wasn’t right. I was in the locker room for almost four hours, for example, which is not something that does happen in a fight. So, just from that, not to talk about the entire week.”

    While Ngannou hasn’t ruled out the possibility of facing Joshua again, his sights seem firmly set on a rematch with Tyson Fury, with whom he shared an intensely competitive boxing bout earlier in his crossover career.

  • Gilbert Burns Targets Colby Covington For UFC Event In Miami: ‘I Know You Not Showing Up!’

    Gilbert Burns Targets Colby Covington For UFC Event In Miami: ‘I Know You Not Showing Up!’

    Gilbert Burns and Colby Covington have yet to share the Octagon, but their paths may soon cross following a week of online exchanges fueled by a prank.

    The drama began when Burns publicly tweeted UFC Tampa cornerman Chael Sonnen’s phone number. The move was a response to the UFC legend spreading a rumor that the Brazilian had retired from MMA. While “Durinho” and Sonnen appear to have resolved their differences, the stunt didn’t sit well with Covington.

    In defense of the former fighter, Covington issued a challenge to Burns, proposing a fight in his honor. The one-time title challenger quickly accepted the idea and suggested Miami as the venue, expressing interest in an April showdown.

    “Just [sign] the contract,” Burns wrote. “I know you not showing up.”

    Both fighters are looking to bounce back in their careers.

    Burns is on a three-fight losing streak, while Covington has dropped his last two bouts. Interestingly, both athletes’ most recent victories came against Jorge Masvidal — in March 2022 for “Chaos” and April 2023 for “Durinho.”