MMA News

Author: Andrew Ravens

  • Tyron Woodley Claims He’s Getting ‘Boxing Money In MMA’ With New Global Fight League

    Tyron Woodley has become one of the earliest fighters to sign with the Global Fighting League (GFL), a new mixed martial arts promotion set to launch next year. Since his UFC release in 2021, Woodley had transitioned to boxing but has now been drawn back to MMA by the enticing opportunities offered by GFL.

    The former UFC welterweight champion recently expressed his eagerness to return to the sport, citing the league’s lucrative contract as a significant motivator.

    Woodley left the UFC on a four-fight losing streak, but his signing signals a fresh start. He joins a roster that includes notable names such as Benson Henderson, Junior dos Santos, Andrei Arlovski, Fabricio Werdum, and Alexander Gustafsson — just a few of the high-profile veterans who have signed with GFL.

    “I’ve been wanting to get back into MMA. I really just kind of put it on pause — I kind of ghosted it for a minute — but it never really ghosted me when I needed it,” Woodley said on The Ariel Helwani Show. “This was a good opportunity. It had some Ric Flair drip with the payout, and it made sense for me.”

    Woodley emphasized his commitment to the organization, which he claimed is paying him “boxing money in MMA.”

    “I’m fully in with the GFL. So many people called me and asked if I was really signed because they know I wouldn’t step up to something that’s bullsh*t. I’m not going to be part of anything that doesn’t pay me super handsomely or offer a platform that helps build my brand. Everyone that’s signed — probably 90 percent — called me to make sure I was in.

    “The OGs get paid, man. Getting boxing money in MMA is a whole flex, and I’m just excited to be a part of the new wave. I’ve been wanting to get back in MMA.”

  • Aljamain Sterling: It Wasn’t Right For UFC To Book Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov On Short Notice

    Aljamain Sterling: It Wasn’t Right For UFC To Book Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov On Short Notice

    Aljamain Sterling believes UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili is being rushed into defending his title against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311, scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    Dvalishvili claimed the bantamweight belt in September at UFC 306 and had hoped to take some time off before his next fight. However, the UFC decided to book this title bout on short notice, sparking criticism from the Georgian’s friend and teammate Sterling, who feels the timeline is unfair.

    “This fight is being made on six weeks’ notice? Maybe six-and-a-half,” Sterling said during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. “For a title fight? I understand having to do that if you’re a challenger, but as a champion, you shouldn’t be relegated to those types of stipulations. It’s just not right.”

    Sterling elaborated on the frustration of being in such a position.

    “It leaves a bad taste in your mouth, as in, ‘Why did I work so hard to get to this position, to call the shots — or some of the shots — and you’re not even getting a fair shake in it?’ Hopefully, we go out there — knock on wood — Merab does his thing, he takes [Nurmagomedov’s] 0, puts on a great performance, and we can move on from this to the next.”

    Sterling is no stranger to this situation.

    After defeating Henry Cejudo to retain the bantamweight title at UFC 288, he was forced to defend it just three months later against Sean O’Malley at UFC 292. “Funk Master” lost the fight via knockout, a result that still looms large in his mind as he defends Dvalishvili’s predicament.

  • Beneil Dariush Admits UFC 311 Fight Will Decide Potential Retirement: ‘It Might Be Time…’

    Beneil Dariush Admits UFC 311 Fight Will Decide Potential Retirement: ‘It Might Be Time…’

    Beneil Dariush acknowledges that he is nearing the end of his MMA career, and a two-fight losing skid has added to the mental strain of contemplating his future.

    Once riding high on an eight-fight winning streak, Dariush faced a setback when he was TKO’d by Charles Oliveira at UFC 289. This was followed by a KO loss to Arman Tsarukyan in December 2023.

    Now, the veteran 155lber prepares to face Renato Moicano at UFC 311 on Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. After 11 years in the UFC, he understands the significance of this crossroads fight in his career.

    “I don’t know exactly when I’m going to retire,” Dariush shared on MMA Junkie Radio. “It’s one of those things where I’m not going to be able to pinpoint, ‘Hey, I’m 36. I’m done. I’m 37. I’m done.’ It’s really two things: Do I have the desire? Then the second part, which is just as important: Do I have the ability?

    “Currently, I feel like I have the desire, and I still feel like I have the ability. I don’t feel like I’m lacking, and I do believe I’ve gotten way better over the year. It’s been a really good year for improvement and growth,” Dariush continued. “All that’s left is being able to prove it — getting into that octagon and demonstrating what I’ve been working on. If I can do that, I’ll continue to fight. If I can’t, then there’s obviously something missing, and you only get so many chances to fix it. At that point, it might be time to consider walking away from this.”

    Dariush will appear on the undercard of next year’s first pay-per-view, which will be headlined by a pair of title fights.

    Before lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev runs it back with Arman Tsarukyan in the main event, Merab Dvalishvili will put his newly won bantamweight gold on the line opposite the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov.

  • Islam Makhachev Vows To ‘Make Everyone Shut Up’ In Arman Tsarukyan Fight Like ‘With Volkanovski’

    Islam Makhachev Vows To ‘Make Everyone Shut Up’ In Arman Tsarukyan Fight Like ‘With Volkanovski’

    At UFC 311 in Los Angeles next month, Islam Makhachev — the number one pound-for-pound fighter — will defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan. This highly anticipated bout is a rematch five years in the making, as the two previously faced off in April 2019 in a Fight of the Night clash.

    Makhachev is not just looking to retain his belt; he’s aiming to make a definitive statement by finishing Tsarukyan.

    “With Volkanovski, I told everyone I had to end all doubts and get the finish. That’s why in the second fight, I’m going to be looking for the finish to make everyone shut up,” Makhachev said to ESPN MMA, reflecting on his mindset.

    Some fans believe Tsarukyan could have beaten Makhachev in 2019 if he’d had a full training camp. Now, the Russian-Armenian has the chance to prove them right — or wrong. For the champ, however, familiarity with his opponent gives him confidence.

    “Honestly, I like to fight a second time,” Makhachev said. “I don’t like rematches, but when I fight the same opponent again, I know everything they can do, so there won’t be any surprises. Sometimes, like when Dustin [Poirier] defended my wrestling or submission skills, it surprised me a little. But when I know what my opponent will do, I have more options.”

  • Jan Błachowicz Expects ‘Nothing’ But A Title Shot With UFC London Win Over Carlos Ulberg

    Jan Błachowicz Expects ‘Nothing’ But A Title Shot With UFC London Win Over Carlos Ulberg

    After a year and a half away from the Octagon, Jan Błachowicz is gearing up for his return to the UFC. He is scheduled to face rising contender Carlos Ulberg on March 22, 2025, at UFC London.

    Błachowicz was initially slated for a rematch with Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 297 last January but a shoulder injury required surgery, sidelining him from competition. Across his last four outings, the Polish fighter holds a 1-2-1 record, with his most recent victory coming in May 2022 after an injury to Rakić. Since then, he fought to a split draw for the light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282 and lost a split decision to Alex Pereira at UFC 291.

    Speaking on Home of Fight, Błachowicz revealed his intentions to make a strong case for a title shot after his fight with Ulberg.

    “He’s a standup fighter. I’m a standup fighter,” Błachowicz said about Ulberg. “But you know, if I have to use my wrestling, I’ll do it. It’s MMA, but I like fighting standup, so people can expect to see a lot of punches.

    “He’s a very good fighter — great left hand, solid footwork. I’m excited. Seven wins in a row, that’s amazing. It’s time to stop him. … I think if I win this fight in a good way, I will start talking only about the title shot — nothing else.”

  • Islam Makhachev’s Coach Not Interested In Ilia Topuria Fight, Hopes Welterweight Title Will Be ‘Available’ Instead

    Islam Makhachev’s Coach Not Interested In Ilia Topuria Fight, Hopes Welterweight Title Will Be ‘Available’ Instead

    Islam Makhachev, the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, has the record to justify his place at the top. Next month, at UFC 311 in Los Angeles, he will put his lightweight title on the line against Arman Tsarukyan.

    Makhachev, a longtime friend and training partner of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s, is coached by Javier Mendez, who also guided Khabib throughout his career. Mendez believes history will repeat itself, predicting that the current champ will follow in “The Eagle’s” footsteps and retire early.

    “He’s going to probably do what Khabib [Nurmagomedov] did and retire at 35,” Mendez said. “Well, Khabib did it a lot earlier, but I think 35 is the magic number for these guys. They have that in their head, that 35 is the cut-off point. Some will go over, but I think Islam is already set financially. He’s done really well with his money, so I think it will probably be lights out after 35.”

    The UFC champion is currrently 33 years old. A matchup that has fans buzzing is a potential superfight between Makhachev and featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria. However, Mendez has dismissed that bout as something they are not currently considering.

    “I think it’s great that he’s motivated,” Mendez said of Topuria. “He’s a champion, for sure. He’s proven it. He’s gone up in weight. I also was told his coach said he was 187. Islam, I don’t think, has ever been that heavy. When he starts training camp about two months out, Islam is about 179, 178.

    “The guy [Topuria] is a great fighter. He’s got the best boxing hands in the business, I feel — most technical. He can do a lot of damage if he goes up in weight, but I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m not interested in that fight whatsoever at the present time. I’m interested in [Islam] defending against Arman, and then who knows — maybe the welterweight title will be available at that particular time.”

  • Aljamain Sterling Targets Two Top Names After Claiming UFC 310 Loss ‘Should Be Treated As A W’

    Aljamain Sterling Targets Two Top Names After Claiming UFC 310 Loss ‘Should Be Treated As A W’

    Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling didn’t get the result he wanted in his latest fight, but he’s already looking ahead.

    Sterling fell to Movsar Evloev at UFC 310, marking a setback in his pursuit of two-division glory.

    His recent journey had taken a positive turn at UFC 300 in April, where he secured an impressive victory over Calvin Kattar. That win temporarily revived Sterling’s momentum after losing his bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292 in 2023.

    Now, having dismissed brief thoughts of retirement, the former champion has his sights set on a comeback in March and is targeting either Arnold Allen or Brian Ortega as potential opponents.

    “I would like to make a March return,” Sterling told Home of Fight. “If I do get a fight for March, April at the latest, I’d like to fight Arnold Allen or Brian Ortega. I don’t think that loss to Movsar should push me down the rankings. I almost feel like it should be treated as a ‘W.’

    “It’s weird to say it like that because it might come off as funny to people to hear me say that, but honestly, that’s just how I feel. I feel that I shouldn’t have to fight down the rankings after being 1-1 and losing to a guy that people are saying is going to be the next champion, in a fight that a lot of people still think I won.”

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov Advises Former Opponents Dustin Poirier & Justin Gaethje To Retire

    Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov retired on top, leaving the sport after a dominant submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.

    Despite UFC CEO Dana White’s efforts to lure him back, Khabib remains firm in his decision to stay retired. However, he remains active in the sport as a trainer and continues to keep a close eye on the MMA landscape.

    The Dagestani has witnessed the decline of several notable fighters, including Dustin Poirier, Gaethje, and Tony Ferguson, and he has urged them to step away from competition.

    “I think Poirier has to stop fighting. I think he’s finished,” Khabib said during an interview on the Pound 4 Pound podcast. “Justin Gaethje, Khabib, Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson — this is old school, brother. Stop fighting. We have to recognize relevance.”

    Khabib’s protégé, Islam Makhachev, recently defeated Poirier to retain the lightweight title. That loss marked the Louisianan’s third failed title bid, and he has since announced that he will retire after his next fight.

    Meanwhile, Gaethje is coming off a brutal knockout loss at UFC 300 and has yet to schedule a return. Ferguson, on the other hand, is on an eight-fight losing streak and hasn’t won a bout since 2019.

  • Joaquin Buckley Vows To ‘Take Over’ In 2025: ‘I’ve Done Enough To Earn A Title Shot

    Joaquin Buckley Vows To ‘Take Over’ In 2025: ‘I’ve Done Enough To Earn A Title Shot

    Joaquin Buckley delivered a dominant performance against Colby Covington in the main event of UFC Tampa on Saturday night, and he’s now got his sights on the welterweight gold.

    The fight came to an unexpected conclusion when the ringside physician stopped the contest due to a severe cut on Covington’s face. The injury worsened as the fight progressed, sparking concern that the former interim welterweight champion might lose his eyelid. After consulting the doctor, the referee called off the fight.

    With this victory, Buckley extended his winning streak to six, further solidifying his place among the UFC elite. He now believes he deserves a title shot after the highly anticipated bout between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov but also envisions a potential matchup against Kamaru Usman in the future.

    “I feel like my fight shouldn’t have been stopped. But it is what it is. You gotta protect the fighters,” Buckley remarked post-fight. “2025 is definitely my year, and we’re taking over. This is a six-fight winning streak. I’ve got eight knockouts within the UFC. I feel like I’ve done enough to earn a title shot.”

    Buckley expressed his readiness to step in if the Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov fight falls through.

    “Even though I know that Shavkat is next — blessings to that fight — if anything happens where Shavkat or Belal doesn’t step up into the octagon, I’m willing to face them,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’re keeping this short. I’m definitely looking to take that throne, man. 2025, bro. So we out, baby. Thank you.”

  • Joe Rogan Puts Conor McGregor’s Decline Down To ‘Getting Hit In The Head A Lot’

    Many fight fans agree that Conor McGregor hasn’t been the same fighter — or person — since earning generational wealth from his high-profile boxing match with Floyd Mayweather years ago.

    Once tied to a potential bout with Michael Chandler this year, McGregor’s return to the Octagon was ultimately scrapped. Despite UFC CEO Dana White’s insistence that the irishman will fight again, the former two-division champion has been absent from competition since July 2021, when he suffered a gruesome leg injury.

    Notably, McGregor has won only one fight since November 2016, posting a 1-3 record during that time.

    During a conversation with YouTuber Derek Munro of More Plates More Dates on the Joe Rogan Experience, the color commentator weighed in on McGregor’s ongoing controversies, including a recent guilty civil verdict for sexual assault in Ireland and his turbulent behavior outside the cage. Rogan speculated that McGregor’s decline may be attributed to head trauma and drug use, including alleged cocaine use.

    “I don’t know if Conor’s ever going to fight again,” Rogan said. “I don’t know the real details of that case. I know his version of it, her version of it, and what played out in court. But the reality is, that guy’s partying, and he’s partying real hard. He talked about it in the court case. He was talking about cocaine. That was the whole thing: ‘We were all doing cocaine and we were f**king.’”

    Munro referenced recent viral videos showing McGregor seemingly under the influence, but Rogan emphasized that these allegations remain unconfirmed.

    “A lot of fighters have sustained significant damage over the course of their careers, and there’s no way to avoid it,” Rogan continued. “We’ve all seen Conor get beat up and knocked out. We’ve seen his sparring footage with elite fighters. You’re getting hit in the head. A lot. And for many fighters, especially toward the end of their careers, drugs become an outlet.”

    Rogan highlighted the cumulative toll of years of training and fighting, explaining how consistent head trauma disrupts brain chemistry and can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

    “You’re not supposed to get punched in the head a thousand times a year,” Rogan said. “That’s the reality of consistent training. Then you mix in a little bit of coke, and you’re feeling good again. I bet it becomes addictive.”

    He also drew parallels to other fighters with tumultuous personal lives, such as Jon Jones, emphasizing the wild and extreme nature of many elite athletes.

    “The guy obviously likes extreme things, which is why he’s such a great fighter,” Rogan noted. “They’re wild people.”

  • Dana White Teases Something In The Works That Fans Will ‘Never F**king See Coming’ For 2025

    Dana White Teases Something In The Works That Fans Will ‘Never F**king See Coming’ For 2025

    Following UFC Tampa, the promotion’s final event of the year, Dana White dropped a tantalizing hint that has fight fans buzzing.

    Reflecting on a banner year for his promotion — one filled with massive fights, record-breaking moments, and unforgettable highlights — White suggested that even bigger surprises await in the near future.

    Speaking to the media at the post-fight press conference, the UFC CEO shared his excitement about what lies ahead for both the organization and his other ventures, including Power Slap and Nitro Circus. While he remained tight-lipped about specifics, his comments hinted at seismic plans in the works.

    “Every year over the last 17 years, I’ve said, ‘How is next year gonna be bigger than this year?’” White said. “And some of the stuff that we’re already working on is…on multiple levels, not just UFC. We got Power Slap meetings going on down there. SLS [Street League Skateboarding], which I own a piece of, did an event down there today, and UFC stuff is being worked on right now in Brazil.”

    White then upped the intrigue, promising a major announcement that would shock fans.

    “I anticipate a lot of big fights,” he said with a grin. “I’ve got something in the works right now that’ll drive you [media] crazy. All you guys will be running around. I got something in the works that you will never f**ing see coming for 2025. It literally started to come together last night. Yeah, we got some fun stuff coming up.”

    While fans speculate about the cryptic remarks, the UFC is gearing up for its first event of 2025. UFC Vegas 101 is set to take place on Jan. 11 at Las Vegas’ Apex, headlined by a women’s strawweight rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas.

    With White’s tease of groundbreaking news for 2025, anticipation for what the new year will bring is already at an all-time high.

  • Dana White On Colby Covington’s Defeat To Joaquin Buckley: ‘That Fight Doesn’t Get Stopped In Vegas’

    Dana White On Colby Covington’s Defeat To Joaquin Buckley: ‘That Fight Doesn’t Get Stopped In Vegas’

    Joaquin Buckley delivered a commanding performance against Colby Covington in the UFC Tampa main event. However, the fight concluded on a somewhat 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 the former interim welterweight champion’s eyelid, prompting the doctor to stop the fight in the third round.

    Dana White shared his thoughts on the stoppage during the post-fight press conference. While acknowledging Buckley’s dominant performance, the UFC CEO expressed disagreement with the decision to end the fight, suggesting the outcome might have been different under different circumstances.

    “No doubt that was a bad cut, but that fight doesn’t get stopped in Vegas,” White stated. “That fight keeps going in Vegas. 100 percent.

    “Listen, Colby’s an older guy who fights every once in a while. He’s always durable and tough. Did you hear the body shots he was taking tonight? And the head shots? Those would have stopped other guys. Colby’s tough, but I feel like he wasn’t too pissed about the stoppage. The cut was definitely bothering him.”

    White emphasized Covington’s resilience, noting that, despite the damage, “Chaos” remained competitive.

    “He’s obviously still one of the top-ranked guys. What we were saying about him all night — he took big shots and stayed in there. But I also believe if that fight’s in Vegas, that fight doesn’t get stopped with that cut. Still, I don’t think Colby was very upset when it did. The cut was bothering him.”

    While the fight’s ending sparked some debate, Buckley’s victory underscored his status as a rising force in the division, with a performance that left no doubt about his dominance.

  • Global Fight League Signee Alexander Gustafsson Also Eyeing BKFC Debut After UFC Release

    Global Fight League Signee Alexander Gustafsson Also Eyeing BKFC Debut After UFC Release

    Alexander Gustafsson, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists to never capture a UFC title, is officially parting ways with the promotion after 15 years and 18 fights.

    The Swedish star’s most iconic moment came at UFC 165 in September 2013, where he pushed Jon Jones to the limit in a fight many consider one of the greatest in UFC history. Although Gustafsson lost by decision, some fans and analysts believed he had done enough to win. He later challenged for the light heavyweight championship on two more occasions, falling short against Daniel Cormier and in a rematch with Jones.

    In recent years, “The Mauler” has struggled to find his footing, losing his last four fights. These include a knockout loss to Jones in their rematch, submission defeats to Anthony Smith and Fabricio Werdum, and a KO loss to Nikita Krylov in July 2022, which marked his most recent bout.

    In a recent interview with Matias Andres of Maximum Sports, Gustafsson’s manager, Majdi Shammas, revealed that the veteran fighter had requested and been granted his release from the UFC.

    “We asked the UFC to release Alex from his contract,” Shammas said. “They agreed, and we’re grateful for that.”

    Gustafsson has since signed a lucrative deal with the Global Fight League (GFL), although the terms allow him to pick and choose his fights rather than locking him into an exclusive contract.

    “There are a lot of interesting things that could come up along the way,” Shammas explained. “The GFL has given us a very appealing deal at this stage of our careers, and it’s simply the right time and the right place to strike a deal like this.”

    In addition to his GFL deal, Gustafsson has reportedly received an offer from the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). He is expected to debut against a well-known former UFC or Bellator fighter, potentially adding an exciting new chapter to his storied career.

  • Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov Official For UFC Saudi Arabia Main Event

    Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov Official For UFC Saudi Arabia Main Event

    The UFC has finalized a fight between former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and the rising Nassourdine Imavov for early 2025.

    Knockout Alerts reported a number of weeks ago that the bout was planned to headline the second UFC Fight Night event in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 1, 2025, at The Venue in Riyadh. That’s now been made official, with UFC CEO Dana White announcing the matchup in a social media video.

    Israel Adesanya, once unbeaten with a 20-0 record and a dominant reign at middleweight, has faced a turbulent career path in recent years.

    After his first career loss to Jan Błachowicz at UFC 259 in a bid for the light heavyweight title, the Nigerian-New Zealander defended the belt against Marvin Vettori, Robert Whittaker, and Jared Cannonier. He lost the championship to Alex Pereira at UFC 281, only to reclaim it one fight later with a spectacular KO victory over “Poatan” at UFC 287.

    His momentum faltered again when Sean Strickland defeated him by decision at UFC 293, and he subsequently lost a chance to reclaim the title against Dricus Du Plessis by submission this past August. This upcoming fight could be a crucial step toward getting Adesanya back into title contention.

    Nassourdine Imavov, currently holding a 15-4 record, has been building momentum with three consecutive victories, including two by decision. Most recently, he defeated Brendan Allen in a UFC Fight Night main event in Paris this past September.

    A win over Adesanya would be the biggest of “The Sniper’s” career and could propel him into the middleweight title conversation.

    With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia are as follows:

    • Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov (middleweight main event)
    • Shara Magomedov vs. Michael Page (middleweight co-main event)
    • Ikram Aliskerov vs. Andre Muniz (middleweight)
    • Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik (heavyweight)
    • Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira (bantamweight)
    • Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Jamal Pogues (heavyweight)
    • Bogdan Grad vs. Lucas Alexander (featherweight)
    • Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Jordan Leavitt (lightweight)
    • Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Mayra Bueno Silva (women’s flywight)
    • Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Petersen (heavyweight)
    • Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli (featherweight)
    • Terrance McKinney vs. Damir Hadžović (lightweight)

    This card promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent as the UFC continues its expansion into the Middle East.

  • VIDEO: Former UFC Heavyweight Greg Hardy Brutally Knocked Out At Russian Boxing Event

    VIDEO: Former UFC Heavyweight Greg Hardy Brutally Knocked Out At Russian Boxing Event

    Greg Hardy’s transition from the NFL to combat sports has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

    After wrapping up his football career, Hardy entered the UFC heavyweight division in 2019, making his debut with a disqualification loss to Allen Crowder. He rebounded with knockout victories over lower-tier opponents but faced stiffer competition as his career progressed.

    Hardy suffered a decision loss to Alexander Volkov but bounced back with two wins before his UFC stint ended on a sour note — three consecutive knockout losses to Marcin Tybura, Tai Tuivasa, and Serghei Spivac.

    Following his UFC departure, Hardy shifted to boxing, where he built a 3-0 professional record before his most recent fight. On Friday night, at the Fight Club REN TV Super Series in Moscow, Russia, Hardy faced Aleksei Papin, an opponent with 18 wins.

    The bout, scheduled for six three-minute rounds, ended in the third when Papin rocked Hardy with a decisive blow, ultimately sending him crashing to the canvas with just 90 seconds left in the round.

    After the fight, Hardy reflected on Instagram:

    “I came to Russia alone on short notice to fight a monster with 18 wins and tested my metal. Got two knock downs and went toe to toe. I don’t take easy fights, I don’t fight fake fights — I fight real killers and sometimes the price is high, but I will pay it to become the best, no? Thank you to everyone that helped me get to this point.”

  • Belal Muhammad Hoping Joaquin Buckley Breaks Colby Covington’s Jaw: ‘We’ve Seen It Before…’

    Belal Muhammad Hoping Joaquin Buckley Breaks Colby Covington’s Jaw: ‘We’ve Seen It Before…’

    Belal Muhammad has made it clear that he will be rooting against Colby Covington in the UFC Tampa main event, where “Chaos” is set to face Joaquin Buckley at the Amalie Arena.

    Muhammad and Covington share a long-standing history of animosity, having exchanged verbal jabs for years. Despite the bad blood, the two have never faced off in the Octagon. Now, the reigning welterweight champ hopes Buckley delivers a decisive victory over the ex-interim titleholder.

    “I’m hoping that Buckley breaks his jaw,” Muhammad said. “I hope that Buckley puts him out cold, and I think that Buckley can put him out cold. Colby’s striking is terrible, and his wrestling looked awful in his last fight. I think Buckley is athletic enough to defend those takedowns.”

    Shifting gears, Muhammad provided a detailed analysis of how Buckley could secure a win while highlighting areas where caution will be necessary against the three-time title challenger’s skillset.

    “If Buckley doesn’t get crazy — he throws a lot of wide hooks that leave openings for shots underneath — he just can’t let Colby push him to the fence,” Muhammad explained. “He can’t let Colby keep him on the fence and wear him down. In his last fight against ‘Wonderboy,’ he was getting a little bit tired, but I think that was more because he was offensive wrestling ‘Wonderboy.’ He was taking ‘Wonderboy’ down, ‘Wonderboy’ would get up, he was trying to hold him down, and you don’t really need to hold Colby down.”

    Muhammad emphasized that the primary strategy for “Chaos” would be to rely on takedowns, as he believes the polarizing veteran lacks striking power.

    “Colby can’t strike, and nothing he throws is dangerous,” Muhammad said. “We’ve seen Colby have his jaw broken before by Kamaru (Usman), who isn’t great at striking. So, I think Buckley, who has way more power and way better boxing, can put Colby to sleep.”

  • Joaquin Buckley: Colby Covington Was ‘Scared’ To Train With Me, Is ‘Nervous’ About UFC Tampa

    Joaquin Buckley: Colby Covington Was ‘Scared’ To Train With Me, Is ‘Nervous’ About UFC Tampa

    Joaquin Buckley and Colby Covington are set to clash in the main event of UFC Tampa, and the buildup has been as intense as expected.

    Both fighters have engaged in their share of trash talk, but Buckley couldn’t help but laugh at Covington’s attempts to dismiss their history.

    According to “New Mansa,” the two once trained together at the MMA Masters gym in Florida, where he even offered to help the former interim champion prepare for a UFC title fight. However, he claims Covington avoided sparring with him.

    “It’s funny how he was scared to just train with me, and now he’s stepping in the cage with me,” Buckley said during UFC Tampa media day. “For real, Colby’s been quiet and he hasn’t been saying anything because he knows the truth. I think he’s really nervous to step in that cage with me.”

    Buckley didn’t stop there, accusing Covington of cherry-picking opponents outside his weight class.

    “He wants to fight 145-pound fighters. He wants to fight Paddy Pimblett, Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira — guys that aren’t welterweights,” Buckley said. “In my opinion, this might be his last fight on his contract. I’m just assuming that. If you want to fight and it’s going to be your last one, you want to go off on top. I really feel like with that being said, he had no choice but to take this fight because it’s his last one.”

    As fight night approaches, the tension between the two headliners is palpable, setting the stage for an explosive showdown.

  • Anthony Smith Considering One More Fight Before Retirement After UFC 310 Setback

    Anthony Smith Considering One More Fight Before Retirement After UFC 310 Setback

    Dominick Reyes continued his resurgence at UFC 310, securing a second consecutive victory with a TKO win over fellow former title challenger Anthony Smith. After the fight, “Lionheart” hinted at the possibility of retirement, a sentiment shared by UFC CEO Dana White, who suggested it might be time for Smith to step away.

    The call for his retirement comes as the veteran light heavyweight has now lost two consecutive fights, including a decision defeat to Roman Dolidze at UFC 303. Despite the speculation, he appears to be reconsidering retirement, indicating his desire to step into the Octagon one more time before calling it quits.

    Smith also faced challenges outside the fight itself following the passing of a friend and coach, leading to his emotional walkout and post-fight remarks at UFC 310.

    Speaking on SiriusXM’s MMA Today show, Smith reflected on the idea of a farewell bout.

    “There’s a circumstance that probably exists where I would do one more,” Smith shared. “It would have to be the perfect scenario — timing, opponent, and situation. I know there’s almost never the perfect sendoff, but having the opportunity to give all the people who supported me a chance to experience fight week knowing it’s the last time would be special.

    “Being able to tell everyone in that process what they’ve meant to me over all these years, like one final fight… Win, lose, or draw, who gives a f*ck? But one final sendoff would be cool, I think,” Smith added.

  • ‘This Does Absolutely Nothing’ – Fans React To Arman Tsarukyan Training With Fighter Who Knocked Out Islam Makhachev

    ‘This Does Absolutely Nothing’ – Fans React To Arman Tsarukyan Training With Fighter Who Knocked Out Islam Makhachev

    Arman Tsarukyan is set to face Islam Makhachev in a highly anticipated rematch for the UFC lightweight championship on Jan. 18 at UFC 311. This clash comes nearly six years after their first encounter in April 2019, which Makhachev emerged victorious from via unanimous decision.

    Since their initial meeting, Tsarukyan has been on an impressive run, fighting 10 times with a record of 9-1. His sole defeat during this stretch came via decision against Mateusz Gamrot. Currently riding a four-fight winning streak, the Russian-Armenian’s recent victories include dominant performances over top contenders Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira.

    Makhachev, with an overall record of 26-1, has maintained his position as one of the most dominant forces in the division. His only career loss came via first-round knockout to Adriano Martins at UFC 192 in 2015. While Martins has since parted ways with the UFC, he is playing an indirect role in the upcoming fight. Tsarukyan trained with Martins during his training camp at American Top Team, as revealed through posts from both on Instagram.

    Fans were quick to give their thoughts on the link-up, with some laughing off any suggestion Martins’ presence could benefit the challenger come fight night in Los Angeles.

    UFC 311 promises to be a blockbuster event, with the 155-pound title fight headlining the card. Additionally, the co-main event will feature a UFC bantamweight championship bout between current champion Merab Dvalishvili and rising contender Umar Nurmagomedov, adding another layer of excitement to an already stacked card.

  • Cub Swanson Wants An Apology From Joaquin Buckley: ‘People Need To Show Respect’

    Cub Swanson Wants An Apology From Joaquin Buckley: ‘People Need To Show Respect’

    Tensions are running high between welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley and UFC veteran Cub Swanson as both prepare for their respective fights at UFC Tampa this Saturday.

    Buckley is set to headline the event in a clash against Colby Covington, while Swanson will face Billy Quarantillo in the co-main event. With both fighters sharing the card, their simmering feud became a hot topic during media day.

    “I stand by what I said,” Swanson remarked when asked about the ongoing beef. “I don’t think the younger guys should be disrespecting the older guys. That’s just what I think. I believe the people who paved the way always deserve respect.

    “I’m sure I will [run into him], and I’m not going to back down from what I said,” Swanson continued. “I was a fan of his until he opened his mouth a little bit. I’ve got no ill will towards him, but, like I said, I think people need to show respect.”

    The animosity began when Buckley claimed he could knock out a prime Georges St-Pierre, a statement that struck a nerve with Swanson, a close friend and former teammate of the legendary welterweight and middleweight champion. “Killer” came to GSP’s defense, which prompted Buckley to respond with harsh words, including questioning the entirety of the veteran’s career.

    The situation escalated when Buckley referred to Swanson using derogatory language. This weekend’s co-headlined addressed this directly.

    “An apology for calling me a ‘ho,’ because that’s one thing I’m not,” he stated. “I’ve stayed true to myself, I’ve stayed true to who I am my entire career, so the name-calling was just a little over the line. But I was a fan of his until that moment.”

    Despite the friction, both fighters remain focused on their respective matchups, but the tension adds an extra layer of drama to an already highly anticipated UFC Tampa card.

  • Chael Sonnen Explains Why He Expects ‘Better’ Sean Strickland Performance In Dricus Du Plessis Redo

    Chael Sonnen Explains Why He Expects ‘Better’ Sean Strickland Performance In Dricus Du Plessis Redo

    Chael Sonnen has joined the fight world in marking Feb. 8, 2025, on their calendars for UFC 312, where Sean Strickland will face middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis in Sydney.

    This rematch comes after Strickland lost his title to Du Plessis via split decision at UFC 297 this past January. The razor-close bout has sparked speculation that the belt could change hands again come fight night.

    While Strickland maintains he won their first encounter, Sonnen firmly disagrees.

    “If there has ever been a guy that turns out to be one heck of a lot better than I knew he was, it’s Dricus Du Plessis,” Sonnen said during a recent episode of Good Guy / Bad Guy on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel. “The other side of that coin, Sean Strickland has talked himself up very much and has a high level of confidence because he believes he beat him the first time. He believes he dominated him. That’s not what I saw.

    “As a matter of fact, I’m not sure Sean didn’t lose all five rounds on my scorecard. Very close, real tight, but at the end of it, if you got to go a 10-9, I’m not sure I didn’t give them all to Dricus. The only reason I’m saying this is I don’t want Sean to necessarily fall for what he’s believing. I want him to study this guy, I want him to have a different game plan for this guy, I want him to really take Dricus seriously.”

    Sonnen believes that Strickland, now in the role of challenger, will approach the fight with heightened motivation.

    “The moment he lost that belt, boy, that care meter went through the roof. And I do believe Sean is going to fight better trying to regain something than to defend something. That’s my own belief, but that’s the fight to make. Winner draws in (Khamzat) Chimaev, I can drink to that.”

    The stakes are high for both fighters as they prepare for what promises to be another thrilling showdown.

  • Jamahal Hill On Rejecting Alex Pereira’s Sparring Invitation: ‘I’ll KO You & Collect A Check’

    Jamahal Hill On Rejecting Alex Pereira’s Sparring Invitation: ‘I’ll KO You & Collect A Check’

    Jamahal Hill has his eyes firmly set on UFC 311, where he’ll face Jiří Procházka in a light heavyweight contenders’ match. However, “Sweet Dreams: isn’t just thinking about the Czech star; he’s already envisioning the 205-pound title belt wrapped around his waist.

    Hill recently made headlines after nearly getting into a physical altercation with Alex Pereira at the UFC Performance Institute. The incident, which began as a heated exchange, was sparked by their rivalry on social media. The American addressed the confrontation in a YouTube interview with Helen Yee.

    “We had an exchange where he said something on Twitter,” Hill explained. “And I just went to go tell him in person, ‘Yo, I’m coming. I’m putting in the work. Don’t run to heavyweight. After I handle this guy, you’re next.’ That was pretty much how it started, and then it went from there.”

    The tension escalated quickly, with Hill recounting Pereira’s verbal jab.

    “He said, ‘You woke up from UFC 300,’ and I was like, ‘I’m wide awake now and I’m going to put you to sleep for real.’ It was never anything like, ‘Oh, let’s fight right now,’ or nothing like that. It was just competitive talk, and then it went from that to what people saw.”

    Reflecting on the altercation, and his decision not to lace the gloves upon Pereira’s invitation, Hill emphasized that he’s motivated by the opportunity to make a statement — and get paid while doing it.

    “Like I told him, we don’t need gloves because if we going to fight right here, right now, we just gonna fight. You know what I’m saying? But I get paid. I’m here to make money, and I’mma knock your ass out and I’mma collect a check for it.”

    For Hill, a clash with Pereira is the ultimate goal. Frst, he’s determined to handle business at UFC 311 against and make his case for a title shot.

  • Colby Covington Rips Jon Jones For Avoiding Tom Aspinall: ‘Just Like He Ducked Ngannou!’

    Colby Covington and Jon Jones have a long-standing feud that dates back to their days as wrestling teammates at Central Iowa Community College. Since then, the two have seized every opportunity to trash-talk one another.

    While Covington is focused on his upcoming UFC Tampa showdown against Joaquin Buckley this Saturday, he’s also keeping an eye on Jones, the UFC heavyweight champion, and his future plans.

    “Bones” recently revealed that he’s in discussions with the UFC about returning to action in 2025 following his dominant third-round victory over Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. The question now is who Jones will face in his potential comeback.

    Though he’s expressed interest in a fight with reigning light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira, UFC CEO Dana White has suggested that a title unification bout with Tom Aspinall is the more logical option.

    Like many who disagree with Jones’ stance on dodging Aspinall, Covington didn’t hold back his criticism of Jones at the UFC Tampa media day.

    “I think Jon needs to stop ducking Tom Aspinall just like he ducked [Francis] Ngannou,” Covington said. “He ducked Ngannou for years, now he’s ducking Aspinall. He doesn’t want to fight the guys he knows he’s going to get his ass beat against. So I don’t think anything special of Jon Jones.”

    Covington also dismissed Jones’ performance against Miocic, claiming the UFC legend deliberately chose an opponent past his prime.

    “Miocic is an older fighter who shouldn’t have been in the Octagon with Jones. He was just looking to get paid. So, I don’t think Jon’s performance was anything special,” Covington added.

    With Covington preparing for his own fight and Jones plotting a return, the verbal jabs between the two continue to fuel one of the UFC’s longest-running rivalries.

  • Gilbert Burns Predicts Colby Covington Will ‘Overwhelm’ Joaquin Buckley At UFC Tampa

    Gilbert Burns Predicts Colby Covington Will ‘Overwhelm’ Joaquin Buckley At UFC Tampa

    Gilbert Burns believes Joaquin Buckley may face significant challenges when he steps into the Octagon against Colby Covington. The highly anticipated fight is set to headline this Saturday’s UFC Fight Night at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

    Burns reflected on Buckley’s 2018 loss to Logan Storley at Bellator 197, a bout that took place in a higher weight class. The Brazilian thinks Storley’s dominant wrestling performance in that fight offers insight into how Covington might approach the matchup.

    “I think Buckley’s in the best momentum right now, but (wrestling is) Buckley’s kryptonite,” Burns explained during an interview on Submission Radio. “One of my favorite teammates is Logan Storley — he was the interim Bellator champ. He fought Buckley and just outwrestled him. Logan took him down, beat him up with ground-and-pound, and did it over and over. That’s something Colby can really do.”

    Since moving down to welterweight, Buckley has built an impressive 5-0 record, including a knockout victory over Stephen Thompson at UFC 307 in October.

    Despite “New Mansa’s” recent momentum, however Burns predicts Covington’s relentless pace and wrestling prowess could give him the upper hand, especially in the later rounds.

    “Colby might give a lot of problems to Buckley, taking him down repeatedly with that crazy pace,” Burns noted. “Buckley’s a big guy with a lot of muscle. If Buckley cannot put Colby out in the first or second round, I think Colby will overwhelm him. Colby could win with a dominant decision, but Buckley could also score a quick knockout early in the fight.”

    The clash between Buckley’s power and Covington’s endurance promises to deliver a high-stakes battle.

  • Daniel Cormier Blames ‘Mental Fatigue’ For Ilia Topuria’s Callout Of Charles Oliveira

    Daniel Cormier Blames ‘Mental Fatigue’ For Ilia Topuria’s Callout Of Charles Oliveira

    Daniel Cormier has shared his thoughts on why UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria might lack the motivation to defend his title, despite his dominant performances against elite competition.

    Topuria’s recent victories include knockout wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, with the latter marking the first time “Blessed” has ever been finished via strikes during their bout at UFC 308 this past October.

    The Spaniard recently revealed his interest in moving up to the lightweight division for a potential fight against top contender Charles Oliveira. He also hinted that his days competing at 145 pounds might be behind him.

    Cormier, speaking on his Funky and the Champ show alongside Ben Askren, suggested that Topuria’s mindset could be affected by a type of mental fatigue rather than physical exhaustion.

    “When you beat the best guys, especially the two guys that ruled the division for so long, there can be a little bit of fatigue in there,” Cormier said. “It’s not like muscle fatigue; it’s mental fatigue. You have to be so up to do what he did to Max Holloway and to do what he did to Volkanovski. I don’t care what people tell you. The only ones that believed he would do what he did were Ilia Topuria and his team. You don’t knock out Max Holloway. He knocked out Volkanovski. You don’t do those things back-to-back.”

    While contenders such as Movsar Evloev and Diego Lopes are waiting in the featherweight division, Cormier believes Topuria may struggle to find motivation after defeating such iconic names.

    For now, it appears the champion’s sights are set on new challenges at lightweight, where bigger fights and greater stakes may reignite his drive.