MMA News

Author: Andrew Ravens

  • Colby Covington Gets Honest On Troubles After Third Failed UFC Title Bid: ‘Mentally Speaking…’

    Colby Covington Gets Honest On Troubles After Third Failed UFC Title Bid: ‘Mentally Speaking…’

    Colby Covington is set to headline the UFC Fight Night in Tampa this Saturday at Amalie Arena in a highly anticipated matchup against Joaquin Buckley. Ahead of his return, it’s safe to say that the former interim champion’s career since 2018 has been a roller coaster of triumphs and setbacks.

    The journey began with Covington claiming the interim welterweight title at UFC 225 with a win over Rafael dos Anjos. However, he was later stripped of the title due to injury.

    At UFC 245 in 2019, he lost to Kamaru Usman via TKO in a bid for the undisputed belt. Covington rebounded in September 2020 with a TKO victory over Tyron Woodley, but subsequent fights brought mixed results.

    “Chaos” suffered another loss to Usman at UFC 268, claimed a decisive win against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 in March 2022, and most recently fell to Leon Edwards via decision for the title at UFC 296.

    Reflecting on his year-long hiatus, Covington shared insight into his personal and professional growth during the first episode of UFC Journey for this weekend’s main event on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel.

    “It’s been a year since my last fight, and I’ve used that time to really grow myself as a martial artist and as a person,” Covington said. “Mentally speaking, I’m in a better place than I’ve ever been. After I lost three shots at the undisputed title, it felt like the lowest of lows. I lost and forgot who I was, and that was a good reminder that woke me up again. I just had to cancel out the bad energy.”

    Covington emphasized his renewed commitment to his goal of becoming the undisputed champion.

    “I knew that I couldn’t let that hype and ego get to my head. I had to train harder to be the No. 1 contender again because all I ever wanted was to be the undisputed champion. That’s all I cared about.”

    As the fight against Buckley approaches, Covington sees this as a chance to rewrite past wrongs and silence the critics who have doubted him.

  • Robert Whittaker: Neither Dricus Du Plessis Nor Sean Strickland Could Stop Khamzat Chimaev’s Grappling

    Robert Whittaker: Neither Dricus Du Plessis Nor Sean Strickland Could Stop Khamzat Chimaev’s Grappling

    Robert Whittaker, a former UFC middleweight champion, is eager to see how Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland would fare if they faced Khamzat Chimaev.

    Strickland is set to challenge reigning titleholder Du Plessis in a rematch that headlines UFC 312 on Feb. 8 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.

    Chimaev, fresh off a dominant first-round submission victory over Whittaker at UFC 308 in October, is likely to face the winner. “Borz’s” last win saw him claim victory via a crushing face crank, leaving Whittaker with significant injuries.

    Reflecting on the potential matchups that lie in his recent opponent’s future, Whittaker expressed doubts about either Du Plessis or Strickland being able to defend against Chimaev’s relentless takedown game.

    “I think he just takes them down and does the same thing — not necessarily to me, but like how he beat (Kamaru) Usman or Gilbert Burns,” Whittaker shared on his MMArcade Podcast. “I can see those sorts of fights. I think he’d have more success with Strickland than Du Plessis because Du Plessis is a big dude. Stopping that first takedown is so crazy. The way he shoots that first shot is crazy. How do you stop that dude? Jump over him?”

    Whittaker also questioned whether Strickland could make the necessary adjustments to avenge his previous loss to the South African, which came via split decision at UFC 297 in Canada this past January.

  • Former UFC Star Nate Diaz Charged With Battery After Allegedly Striking Nightclub Employee

    Former UFC Star Nate Diaz Charged With Battery After Allegedly Striking Nightclub Employee

    Nate Diaz, the former UFC star, is in the spotlight once again following an alleged altercation earlier this year.

    Diaz has been charged with battery after reportedly striking a Las Vegas nightclub employee in the face during an incident at Omnia nightclub in Caesars Palace.

    According to court documents obtained by TMZ Sports, the alleged altercation occurred on Aug. 25, just after midnight. Witnesses told police that Diaz and his group were holding up the cashier line when a club security guard approached to assess the situation. Things escalated when the fighter reportedly pushed the guard. In response, the guard shoved Diaz back, prompting the ex-UFC star to allegedly strike him in the face with “an open right hand.”

    This account aligns with video footage that circulated on social media at the time. The video shows that Diaz engaged in a shoving match near the nightclub entrance before swiping at the guard’s face, knocking his glasses off.

    Court documents note that the two were separated by other security guards before police arrived, but the fighter had already left the scene.

    An arrest warrant was issued for the Stockton native, and the misdemeanor case against the 39-year-old is ongoing.

    Since his departure from the UFC after a victory over Tony Ferguson in 2022, Diaz has pursued boxing, competing in high-profile bouts against Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal.

  • Aljamain Sterling Admits Questioning Fighting Future After UFC 310 Loss: ‘I Don’t Want To Retire, But…’

    Aljamain Sterling Admits Questioning Fighting Future After UFC 310 Loss: ‘I Don’t Want To Retire, But…’

    Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling finds himself at a crossroads following a loss to Movsar Evloev at UFC 310.

    The defeat marked a turning point after a brief resurgence in his career, fueled by a notable victory over Calvin Kattar at UFC 300 this past April. That win had temporarily revived Sterling’s momentum after losing his bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292 in 2023.

    Now, having had his push for two-division glory stalled, Sterling is openly questioning his future in mixed martial arts.

    Reflecting on his career trajectory during a YouTube video, “Funk Master” expressed uncertainty about whether he has the motivation to “climb the ladder all over again” in pursuit of the belt. Instead, he is contemplating alternative paths, including supporting his teammates or focusing on high-profile, entertaining matchups.

    “Do I continue, or do I just help out the guys and help them get ready for their fights, and maybe just take fun fights? I don’t know,” Sterling said. “I don’t want to retire, but I’ve got to see what the UFC offers and then kind of make a decision from there to see where my positioning is.

    “It’s tough to even talk like this because I’m only 35,” Sterling continued. “I know people think I still look good and everything, but my body hurts.”

    Sterling acknowledged that his training regimen has evolved as his body no longer endures the intensity it once did. He admitted that the grueling schedule of training three times a day may have given him an edge in his prime — one he feels is harder to maintain now.

  • Michael Chiesa Reveals Record He Wants To Break After UFC 310 win

    Michael Chiesa Reveals Record He Wants To Break After UFC 310 win

    Michael Chiesa is riding high after a submission victory over Max Griffin this past Saturday at UFC 310.

    The win marked the continuance of a significant turnaround for the veteran, who had previously been on a three-fight losing skid from 2021 to 2023 that raised doubts about his future in the sport. This resurgence began in August when Chiesa submitted Tony Ferguson, and he added another milestone by becoming the first fighter to submit Griffin.

    With his latest victory, “Maverick” now boasts seven rear-naked choke wins in the UFC, just two behind the all-time record of nine held by grappling legend Demian Maia. Reflecting on his accomplishment, Chiesa expressed his determination to surpass the Brazilian’s record.

    “I saw that I tied Kenny Florian with seven rear-naked choke finishes – now I’ve got to chase down the great Demian Maia and try to get past nine,” Chiesa said during the UFC 310 post-fight press conference. “It just created another little goal for me.

    “Obviously, the goal remains the same for me: I want to be the world champion. Otherwise, what’s the point of fighting? If you don’t think you’re the best in the world, if you’re not going to chase the title, what the hell are you doing it for?”

    The night before UFC 310, Chiesa achieved another milestone by earning his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Adding to the significance of the occasion, the event also took place on his birthday. Chiesa described the experience as a career highlight and expressed satisfaction with his performance.

  • Daniel Cormier On ‘Weird’ Muhammad-Rakhmonov UFC 310 Faceoff: ‘I Don’t Think It Served The Purpose That You Want’

    Daniel Cormier On ‘Weird’ Muhammad-Rakhmonov UFC 310 Faceoff: ‘I Don’t Think It Served The Purpose That You Want’

    Daniel Cormier has joined many fight fans in critiquing the staredown between UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, describing the moment as underwhelming.

    The faceoff took place after Rakhmonov’s victory over Ian Garry, which positioned him as the next contender for Muhammad’s title. The originally planned headliner between “Remember the Name” and “Nomad” was canceled after the champ withdrew due to a toe infection.

    When Muhammad was finally allowed inside the Octagon for the staredown, the interaction remained respectful, which Cormier felt lacked the intensity needed to hype the fight.

    “I’ve got to be honest. It was weird,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “I don’t love faceoffs when you have a translator, especially when Belal, as much as people want to hate him, he’s not a disrespectful guy. So it doesn’t make that moment that you’re looking for when you bring a champion into the ring.”

    Cormier compared the moment to other notable post-fight interactions, highlighting the promotional value that was missing.

    “When (Alexander Volkanovski) came in after (Ilia) Topuria beat Max (Holloway), they shook hands and they left. It was very respectful. But you understood what they were saying. When (Sean) O’Malley was in there, and he was about to fight Aljo (Aljamain Sterling) for the belt, Merab (Dvalishvili) takes the jacket, that makes a memory. This tonight, I don’t think it served the purpose that you want, as a promotion, in regards to what you’re going to do to try to build that fight.”

    While the staredown was meant to ignite anticipation for their potential title fight, Cormier believes the lack of drama or significant engagement may have fallen short of its promotional goal.

  • Alex Pereira Explains Major Edge Jon Jones Has Over Tom Aspinall

    Alex Pereira Explains Major Edge Jon Jones Has Over Tom Aspinall

    Alex Pereira has shared his thoughts on the ongoing situation involving UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones and his potential next opponent.

    Jones has expressed interest in fighting the UFC light heavyweight champ rather than interim heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall. While “Bones” sees this matchup as the most compelling, UFC CEO Dana White appears less enthusiastic, believing Jones would have a significant advantage over the smaller fighter.

    Some fight fans echo Jones’ preference, considering it the best fight to make. Pereira, meanwhile, has welcomed the idea of a showdown with Jones. But should Aspinall get the nod, “Poatan” recently acknowledged the challenges he would face due to Jones’ extensive experience.

    “I think Jon Jones has a lot of experience on his side,” Pereira told TNT Sports. “Some people say, ‘Aspinall this, Aspinall that,’ but it comes down to experience. Jon Jones is a seasoned guy. He’s been there, so I think he wins.”

    Pereira also spoke about his own desire to face Jones.

    “Everybody knows my interest in fighting him, and I was happy to see the initiative he had to speak that on the microphone, to express to everybody that he wants to fight me,” Pereira said. “We both want it, but it doesn’t come down to us. We have to see what plans the organization has for us.”

    https://youtu.be/WzA8Z6_WIPQ

    As the UFC deliberates on Jones’ next fight, the possibility of a clash between two champions continues to fuel speculation and fan debate.

  • Leon Edwards Becomes Latest To Get A Laugh Out Of Security Not Recognizing Belal Muhammad At UFC 310

    Leon Edwards Becomes Latest To Get A Laugh Out Of Security Not Recognizing Belal Muhammad At UFC 310

    UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad made an unexpected attempt to enter the Octagon last Saturday night at UFC 310. He intended to confront Shavkat Rakhmonov, who had just defeated Ian Garry and is now positioned as the next contender for the title.

    However, cageside security initially stopped Muhammad, seemingly failing to recognize him and suspecting he might instigate a disturbance. After clarifying the situation, the 170-pound kingpin was eventually allowed into the cage.

    Security measures at UFC events have been heightened due to past incidents involving fighters storming the Octagon and provoking altercations. Addressing the confusion, Muhammad explained his side of the story during an interview with The Schmo:

    “Yeah, I don’t know, they thought I was gonna do. They thought I was pulling a Merab, like hopping over and going crazy or something like that,” Muhammad said. “No, he called me, bro! If someone calls me into the cage, I’m gonna go in there, right? I don’t think (security) heard it, they didn’t realize what was going on — they thought I was going in to attack him. I’m just like, bro, chill.”

    The tension between Muhammad and Rakhmonov dates back to their originally scheduled matchup in the UFC 310 headliner, which was canceled after Muhammad withdrew due to a toe infection.

    Adding to the drama, Leon Edwards responded to the incident on Instagram with a string of crying-laughing emojis under an ESPN post.

    Muhammad’s surge to the welterweight mountaintop came at the expense of Edwards this past July. “Remember the Name” outpointed “Rocky” across five rounds in the UFC 304 main event, staged in Manchester, England.

    Edwards has vowed to bounce back and regain the gold by the end of 2025. For the time being, though, Muhammad looks set to have his hands full with Rakhmonov before potentially pondering a trilogy with the former champ.

  • Alexandre Pantoja Explains Demetrious Johnson Callout At UFC 310: ‘Fighters Like Me & Makhachev…’

    Alexandre Pantoja Explains Demetrious Johnson Callout At UFC 310: ‘Fighters Like Me & Makhachev…’

    Alexandre Pantoja had fight fans buzzing with his performance at UFC 310 and the bold post-fight promo he delivered.

    In the main event, Pantoja secured a dominant win by putting Kai Asakura to sleep, successfully defending his flyweight title in the process. However, it was his unexpected callout of former UFC champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson that stole the spotlight.

    At the post-fight press conference, “The Cannibal” explained his reasoning behind the challenge, emphasizing both respect and legacy.

    “I beat the No. 1, the No. 2 multiple times. The UFC brought me another guy, another champ from across the world, and I finished him. That is the fight that makes sense for me,” Pantoja said. “The flyweight division is so different right now. Back when Demetrious Johnson fought, it was not like this. My last four fights were against a Mexican, Australian, American, and Japanese fighter. Times have changed. It’s so hard to keep this belt now.”

    He continued, reflecting on the challenge of maintaining his title in today’s competitive landscape.

    “Right now, fighters like me and [Islam] Makhachev have three title defenses. But these are tough times. It’s not like before. All my respect to Demetrious Johnson — I love him for opening the doors for us. But that’s the fight I want. If you ask me what I want for Christmas, that’s what I want.”

    Johnson, who retired from MMA this past September at ONE 168 after last competing in May 2023, took to X to respond to Pantoja’s challenge.

    “Guys, I got offered $2 million to fight!! I turned it down. I don’t care to fight anymore,” Johnson wrote.

    The former champ’s response left fans speculating, especially since his retirement announcement came after a successful career capped by years of dominance. It is, however, believed that Johnson remains contractually tied to ONE Championship, where he fought after being traded from the UFC.

    Despite “Mighty Mouse’s” apparent disinterest, Pantoja believes the potential fight transcends money, focusing instead on legacy. The reigning flyweight champ wants to prove himself against a legend of the division, saying it’s about testing who the better fighter truly is.

  • Dominick Reyes Reveals Anthony Smith’s Strange Mid-Fight Request At UFC 310

    Dominick Reyes Reveals Anthony Smith’s Strange Mid-Fight Request At UFC 310

    Dominick Reyes continued his resurgence at UFC 310 on Saturday night, earning a second consecutive victory with a TKO win over fellow former title challenger Anthony Smith.

    Despite Reyes’ success, the fight was marked by emotional and unusual moments from Smith, who is grappling with the recent loss of one of his coaches and friends.

    Smith entered the Octagon visibly affected, crying throughout his walkout. His emotions carried into the fight, leading to an unusual mid-fight moment that Reyes discussed at the post-fight press conference.

    “When I went into the cage – I haven’t been around Anthony much in my life, for the record – but I could see he was emotional,” Reyes said. “That’s a dangerous man. He’s said it himself: he’s fighting for a friend, and he doesn’t care about the outcome. He just wants to feel something.”

    Reyes described a surprising exchange in the first round when Smith dropped his hands and asked him to punch him.

    After the fight, “Lionheart” hinted at the possibility of retirement, a sentiment echoed by UFC CEO Dana White, who suggested it might be time for Smith to step away. The veteran light heavyweight has now lost two consecutive fights, including a decision defeat to Roman Dolidze at UFC 303.

    “There was a point in the first round when he put his hands down and just said, ‘Punch me in the face,’ and I obliged. That’s my job. My job is to finish you and get you out of there, whether you’re going through something or not. If you’re going to give me free shots, I’m going to hit you. We are professional fighters, and it’s a very dangerous game. God bless Anthony.”

    Reyes, for his part, acknowledged the difficulty Smith is facing but reiterated his own focus.

    “Losing someone is never easy; I’ve lost people this year as well, and it’s terrible. I’m glad he got to come out and be the warrior that he is — this is his outlet,” Reyes said. “My job is to win and give my best performance, and that’s all I was focused on. Whatever you’re going through, when the door closes, it’s wartime.”

    Smith’s future in MMA remains uncertain, but his emotional journey at UFC 310 highlighted the deeply personal battles fighters often face outside the cage.

  • Ciryl Gane Frustrated By Early Toe Injury He Says Impacted UFC 310 Performance

    Ciryl Gane secured a split decision victory over Alexander Volkov at UFC 310, marking his second consecutive win since his title fight loss to Jon Jones. However, the Frenchman expressed dissatisfaction with his performance due to an apparent injury sustained early in the bout.

    In the first round, Gane injured multiple toes on his left foot during his initial teep kick. This inssue significantly impacted his fighting style, limiting his mobility and effectiveness in both striking and grappling exchanges. He elaborated on this during the post-fight press conference.

    “My first teep. You see, this changes a lot of my style because I love to be on my feet and be fast, in and out, land my jab. So I was really focused on it.”

    The toe injury compelled Gane to alter his strategy, opting to grapple more with Volkov. However, the injury hindered his ability to push off his foot, reducing the effectiveness of his grappling techniques.

    “I was frustrated about my fight because of this. I was frustrated because I started my training in July for this fight, and you started your fight like this. Like the first second you land.”

    Looking ahead, Gane expressed a desire to return to action promptly but acknowledged the necessity of allowing his toes to heal fully before resuming training.

    The victory over Volkov was also not without controversy.

    The split decision was met with boos from the crowd, and even UFC CEO Dana White believed Volkov deserved the win. Gane himself appeared uncertain of the outcome, as he began to exit the Octagon in disappointment immediately after the result was announced.

    This fight was a rematch of their 2021 encounter, which Gane won via unanimous decision. Since then, both fighters have experienced different trajectories, with “Bon Gamin” competing for UFC gold three times and “Drago” steadily climbing the rankings.

    Gane’s recent performances, including this contentious win, have sparked discussions among fans and analysts about his standing in the heavyweight division and potential future matchups.

  • Dana White On Merab Dvalishvili After UFC 310 Fan Clash: ‘He’s My Mini-Sean Strickland — Without The Mouth’

    Dana White On Merab Dvalishvili After UFC 310 Fan Clash: ‘He’s My Mini-Sean Strickland — Without The Mouth’

    Fight fans — and even UFC CEO Dana White — are drawing comparisons between former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland and current bantamweight kingpin Merab Dvalishvili, albeit with a twist.

    Dvalishvili is being dubbed the “mini-Strickland,” but “without the mouth,” according to White.

    The Georgian is set to make his first title defense against undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 on Jan. 18, 2025. However, his antics outside the octagon are grabbing the headlines.

    At UFC 310 on Saturday night, Dvalishvili was involved in an altercation with a fan after cornering Aljamain Sterling for his bout against Movsar Evloev. Security stepped in to separate “The Machine” from the fan, but the situation escalated when the fan began exchanging punches with another member of Sterling’s coaching team, UFC featherweight Dennis Buzukja.

    Addressing the incident during the UFC 310 post-fight press conference, White expressed both exasperation and resignation.

    “He’s my mini-Strickland — without the mouth,” White said of Dvalishvili. “What do you do? Let him buy the pay-per-view, I guess. You can’t keep fighting with f*cking fans. You can do it, but it’s going to cost you a lot of money. I say it all the time: we’re in the f*cking fight business. This happens. We’ve got to deal with it.”

    This isn’t Dvalishvili’s first clash with fans. In August, he confronted a heckler during the Craig Jones Invitational in Las Vegas, climbing into the audience to address the situation.

    At the UFC 311 on-sale press conference this week, White admitted he had to keep an eye on Dvalishvili after noticing another fan taunting him from the crowd.

  • Dana White Calls For Three Retirements After UFC 310 Results

    Dana White Calls For Three Retirements After UFC 310 Results

    Dana White has made it clear he believes Chris Weidman, Anthony Smith, and Clay Guida should consider hanging up their gloves following their losses at UFC 310.

    During Saturday’s preliminary card, Weidman suffered a TKO defeat at the hands of Eryk Anders, Guida was submitted by Chase Hooper, and Smith fell via TKO to Dominick Reyes.

    Among the three, “Lionheart” hinted at retirement, stating it was “probably” his final fight. However, neither the former middleweight champion nor inaugural Strikeforce lightweight titleholder addressed the possibility during the event.

    At the UFC 310 post-fight press conference, the UFC CEO didn’t mince words, expressing his hope that all three fighters would call it a career.

    “They should all retire tonight,” White said.

    This isn’t the first time White has encouraged Weidman to consider retirement. His loss to Anders marks a 1-3 record in his last four fights.

    Meanwhile, Smith removed his gloves in the octagon but stopped short of making an official announcement.

    For Guida, the defeat extends a challenging stretch, leaving him 1-4 record in his last five bouts.

  • Merab Dvalishvili To ‘Piece Of Sh*t’ Umar Nurmagomedov: ‘You’re A Good Fighter, But Not A Good Man’

    Merab Dvalishvili To ‘Piece Of Sh*t’ Umar Nurmagomedov: ‘You’re A Good Fighter, But Not A Good Man’

    The tension was palpable at the UFC 311 on-sale press conference on Friday, as UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili and challenger Umar Nurmagomedov exchanged fiery words ahead of their upcoming title clash.

    Dvalishvili, who captured the 135-pound title with a unanimous decision victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, is set to defend his belt against Nurmagomedov, who earned the shot with a dominant win over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi. However, the Georgian has made it clear that he doesn’t believe his opponent truly deserves the opportunity.

    “You’re a good fighter, but not a good man,” Dvalishvili said, calling out Nurmagomedov for comments he made online. “You lost respect as a man for me. Real men don’t talk trash online. Be a man first. You’re a piece of sh*t.”

    Nurmagomedov, unfazed by the champion’s remarks, pushed back, claiming he has only spoken the truth and accusing Dvalishvili of avoiding the fight.

    “I’ve only stated facts,” Nurmagomedov countered, standing his ground during the heated exchange.

    The growing animosity between the two fighters sets the stage for what promises to be an electrifying title bout at UFC 311.

  • VIDEO: Nate Diaz Throws Water Bottle At Islam Makhachev Backstage At UFC 311 Press Conference

    VIDEO: Nate Diaz Throws Water Bottle At Islam Makhachev Backstage At UFC 311 Press Conference

    Nate Diaz, known for his fiery temperament and no-nonsense attitude, found himself at the center of yet another altercation — this time after the UFC 311 press conference in Las Vegas.

    The incident occurred backstage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where Diaz hurled a water bottle in the direction of UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev and his team.

    Diaz’s reputation for such antics is well-documented. He caused chaos by throwing a water bottle at Chase DeMoor during the MF & DAZN X Series 6 event in New Orleans. Perhaps his most infamous bottle-throwing incident came at the UFC 202 press conference in 2016, when he and Conor McGregor exchanged cans and bottles, creating pandemonium.

    This time, tensions escalated as Diaz shouted, “Pull up, b*tch,” before launching the bottle. Members of Makhachev’s entourage, including Tagir Ulanbekov and Magomed Zaynukov, were nearby. Zaynukov retaliated by tossing an object back at Diaz. Security intervened quickly, corralling Diaz as he continued to yell at Makhachev.

    The Russian, who was present for the UFC 311 on-sale press conference, appeared unfazed by the commotion. Despite the outburst, the focus of the evening eventually shifted back to the UFC 310 ceremonial weigh-ins, where Diaz accompanied main card fighter Kron Gracie.

    This latest altercation underscores Diaz’s penchant for stirring up drama, ensuring his presence is always felt — whether inside or outside the octagon.

  • UFC 310’s Ciryl Gane Reveals Heavyweight Boxing Star As Inspiration For His Combat Sports Career 

    Ciryl Gane has emerged as a leading figure in French MMA, a significant achievement given that the sport was previously banned in his home country.

    Gane is set to face Alexander Volkov in a rematch this Saturday at UFC 310, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This bout represents a pivotal moment for Gane as he looks to solidify his standing in the heavyweight division.

    “Bon Gamin” began his MMA career with a stellar 10-1 record, becoming interim UFC heavyweight champion before challenging Francis Ngannou for undisputed status at UFC 270, where he suffered a decision loss. His second title shot came at UFC 285, where he was submitted by Jon Jones in the opening round. Despite these setbacks, Gane remains a top contender in the division.

    In a recent vlog by Red Corner MMA ahead of his return, Gane revealed that his journey into combat sports was inspired by boxing superstar Anthony Joshua.

    “When I started doing Muay Thai, I remember I did exactly the same [as] Anthony Joshua,” he shared. “Like, ‘Damn, this guy is so f***ing good! I want to be like him!’ I remember saying… ‘Okay, let me do some push-ups like this! I want to be like him!’ It was a motivation, and everybody needs that, to have a target.”

    Interestingly, Joshua recently suffered a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, and his next fight remains unconfirmed. As Gane prepares for his next challenge, his story highlights how inspiration from sports icons can fuel the rise of new stars in other disciplines.

  • Alexandre Pantoja Reveals The Moment He Took Notice Of Kai Asakura’s Career: ‘Who Is This Guy?!’ 

    Alexandre Pantoja Reveals The Moment He Took Notice Of Kai Asakura’s Career: ‘Who Is This Guy?!’ 

    UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja is set to defend his title against former two-time Rizin bantamweight kingpin and Octagon newcomer Kai Asakura this weekend at UFC 310. This highly anticipated bout will headline the pay-per-view at T-Mobile Arena.

    Asakura enters the fight with an impressive 21-4 record, including a two-fight winning streak that secured his shot at fighting in the UFC. Pantoja’s interest in the Japanese star dates back to 2019, sparked by a stunning moment in his career — his knockout victory over Kyoji Horiguchi, a fighter and teammate whom Pantoja deeply respects.

    “I got more attention about him, ‘Who is this guy, who can beat Kyoji because Kyoji is so good?’” Pantoja said at UFC 310 media day this week. “I realized I have a very good fighter to fight.”

    Pantoja delved deeper into Asakura’s career, analyzing his performances against notable opponents.

    “I’ve started to study him more, and I see he fought Manel Kape. He won one time and lost one time. He fought Ulka Sasaki. I fought with the same guy before. Good coincidence, and I’m so happy for that fight,” Pantoja said.

    For the reigning flyweight king, this matchup represents more than just another title defense. It symbolizes the growing interconnectedness of MMA on a global scale.

    “It makes that like a crossover. It’s opened doors for a lot of good fighters all across the world. You have so many good promotions, but of course, everyone wants the belt in the UFC,” he explained.

    Pantoja is excited for this fresh challenge, viewing it as a test for himself and an opportunity to showcase the depth of talent in MMA.

  • Israel Adesanya Makes Surprising Pick For ‘Sleeper Fight’ At UFC 310

    Israel Adesanya Makes Surprising Pick For ‘Sleeper Fight’ At UFC 310

    Israel Adesanya will be tuning in to UFC 310, the final pay-per-view event of 2024, this Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena with the rest of the fight world.

    The event is headlined by a UFC flyweight championship bout between reigning titleholder Alexandre Pantoja and former two-time Rizin bantamweight kingpin Kai Asakura.

    In the co-main event, Shavkat Rakhmonov will face Ian Garry in a five-round welterweight title eliminator. This match comes after the Kazakh star’s original title fight against current champ Belal Muhammad was canceled.

    Adesanya, a former two-time UFC middleweight champion, shared his thoughts on the card via his YouTube channel, where he always selects one matchup as the “sleeper fight” on each PPV card.

    Interestingly, this occasion saw Adesanya choose the main event, which sees a somewhat unknown commodity to UFC fans in Japanese star Asakura challenge for gold in his debut.

    “Pantoja knows how to scramble, but he also knows how to scrap. … A guy like this, Kai, you just have to make him pay,” Adesanya said. “Who has made him pay yet for being reckless? You have to have someone who is confident in their skills enough to not fear (Asakura’s) barrage.

    “Pantoja can grapple. I’m sure (Asakura) is very well-versed. But this is going to be a crazy fight. This might be the sleeper fight for f**k sake! And it’s the main event,” Adesanya added. “All I know is this card is f**king stacked.”

    Adesanya is also expected to return to the Octagon soon, with reports placing him on the UFC Saudi Arabia lineup for Feb. 1, 2025, against Nassourdine Imavov.

  • Vicente Luque Doesn’t Expect To Revisit Nick Diaz Fight Post-UFC 310

    Vicente Luque Doesn’t Expect To Revisit Nick Diaz Fight Post-UFC 310

    UFC welterweight contender Vicente Luque is turning the page on his attempts to do battle with Nick Diaz.

    Diaz was initially scheduled to face Vicente Luque at the UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi this August, but the bout was scrapped due to travel issues on the Stockton native’s end. The matchup was later rebooked for UFC 310 on Dec. 7, marking what would have been Diaz’s first fight in over three years.

    However, the fight was canceled as Diaz withdrew once again after a concerning video emerged that appeared to show him attempting to light grass on fire in the street. In his place, Luque is now set to face Themba Gorimbo at UFC 310.

    The last time Diaz competed was at UFC 266 in September 2021, where he suffered a TKO loss to Robbie Lawler. Luque, meanwhile, has been struggling to regain his momentum in the Octagon. He holds a 1-3 record in his last four fights and is coming off a TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley in March.

    Reflecting on the scrapped matchup during media day on Wednesday, Luque expressed doubts about ever facing Diaz in the future.

    “At this point, I don’t think it will happen again,” Luque said. “Maybe – who knows. But I’m up the division. I’m looking to get past Themba. That’s the first mission to be accomplished, and after that, I’m looking up. I think that the Nick fight is past.”

  • Anthony Smith: Jiří Procházka In For ‘A Bad Night’ vs. Jamahal Hill At UFC 311

    Anthony Smith: Jiří Procházka In For ‘A Bad Night’ vs. Jamahal Hill At UFC 311

    Anthony Smith has developed a close friendship with Jamahal Hill and is openly rooting for him as Hill prepares to take on another former UFC light heavyweight champion in Jiří Procházka at UFC 311 on Jan. 18.

    Meanwhile, Smith has his own battle to focus on this Saturday at UFC 310, where he faces Dominick Reyes. Assessing the upcoming Procházka-Hill clash during media day, Smith acknowledged the challenges posed by the Czech star’s unorthodox fighting style but remains confident that Hill will secure a knockout victory.

    Hill is coming off a strong run in the division, having put together a four-fight winning streak with three TKOs against Jimmy Crute, Johnny Walker, and Thiago Santos, followed by a decision victory over Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 to claim the title. However, he lost the belt to Alex Pereira via KO at UFC 300 this past April.

    Procházka, heading into this fight, holds a 1-2 record in his last three bouts. Both losses came against Pereira via TKO — first for the vacant title at UFC 295 and again for the belt at UFC 303. His lone win during this stretch was a TKO victory over Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 300.

    Smith shared his thoughts on the matchup during UFC 310 media day.

    “Jiří is such a pain in the ass. He’s just got such a unique style and fights so free,” Smith said. “But anybody that’s as hittable as Jiří standing in front of Jamahal is going to have a bad night. That’s not just because Jamahal’s my friend — the power that guy carries is different. His ability to find shots is different, and you’re not going to have to work too hard to find Jiří’s head.”

  • Shavkat Rakhmonov Reacts To Ian Garry’s ‘Delusional’ UFC 310 Fight Prediction

    Shavkat Rakhmonov Reacts To Ian Garry’s ‘Delusional’ UFC 310 Fight Prediction

    Shavkat Rakhmonov enters UFC 310 brimming with confidence as he prepares for a five-round welterweight clash against Ian Garry.

    The bout, now serving as the co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was a shift from the original plan. Rakhmonov was initially slated to face UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad but he withdrew from the fight due to injury, opening the door for Garry to step in.

    The Kazakh star, boasting an undefeated 18-0 record with all his wins coming via finish, remains confident that his streak will continue on Saturday night. With that in mind, he was surprised by Garry’s bold prediction of securing a stoppage victory in “Sin City.”

    “I don’t think that’s how it’s going to happen; I think he’s delusional,” Rakhmonov said at UFC 310 media day. “I think I’m going to beat him and get to my goal.”

    While Rakhmonov respects Garry as a worthy opponent, he is hesitant to label him the toughest test of his career.

    “We’ll see whether that’s true come fight night,” Rakhmonov added.

    With the spotlight firmly on this co-main event, Rakhmonov looks to not only extend his perfect record but also solidify his place as the top contender in the welterweight division.

  • Aljamain Sterling: Exciting Movsar Evloev Fight At UFC 310 Will Be A ‘Win-Win’ For Both Of Us

    Aljamain Sterling: Exciting Movsar Evloev Fight At UFC 310 Will Be A ‘Win-Win’ For Both Of Us

    Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling is just days away from his return to the Octagon, where he will face Movsar Evloev at UFC 310. The fight is set to take place this Saturday as part of a stacked pay-per-view card.

    Sterling heads into this fight riding momentum from a significant victory over Calvin Kattar at UFC 300 this past April. That win helped him bounce back after losing his bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292.

    For “Funk Master,” the matchup with Evloev represents an opportunity to position himself back in title contention. Speaking at UFC 310 media day, Sterling shared his mindset.

    “The path [to the title] is dominate Movsar. I dominate Movsar, and I think I take care of a lot of issues outside of things I can’t really control. I can only control my performance. The UFC is going to say who they want to fight for the belt next, and hopefully, it gives me a shot if I go out there and do a great job and win.”

    Sterling is confident the fight will deliver an exciting contest for fans, predicting a showcase of high-level grappling. At the same time, he’s open to the possibility of striking exchanges, which could lead to thrilling moments inside the Octagon.

    “It’s a win-win for both of our careers,” Sterling noted.

    As Sterling looks to prove his case for another title shot, the clash with Evloev has the potential to be a pivotal moment in his career and the UFC featherweight division.

  • Anik Says Jon Jones Has Surpassed Other Undefeated Greats: ‘With Respect To Calzaghe & Mayweather…’

    Anik Says Jon Jones Has Surpassed Other Undefeated Greats: ‘With Respect To Calzaghe & Mayweather…’

    UFC broadcaster Jon Anik has declared Jon Jones as not just the greatest fighter in MMA history but arguably in all combat sports.

    Jones boasts a 28-1 professional record, with his sole loss being a disqualification for an illegal 12-6 elbow against Matt Hamill. Interestingly, the 12-6 elbow is now legal under the new MMA Unified Rules adopted in New York. His résumé includes victories over some of the most elite fighters to ever step inside the Octagon, solidifying his status as a legend in the sport.

    “I think, with respect to Joe Calzaghe and Floyd Mayweather, that Jon Jones has already pushed himself beyond those guys,” Anik told MMA Junkie. “Even if people want to denigrate the Stipe win because it happened at 42 years of age, I don’t think there really is anything left for Jon Jones to accomplish. But there is financial gain to be had.”

    Though the reigning heavyweight champion has dismissed the idea of facing interim titleholder Tom Aspinall, Jones has expressed interest in a blockbuster matchup with current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

    As speculation swirls, Jones is reportedly in discussions with the UFC for a potential return in 2025, keeping fans eager for what’s next in his legendary career.

  • Jon Jones’ Coach On Tom Aspinall: ‘It’s Not A Matchup That Scares Us At All’

    Jon Jones’ Coach On Tom Aspinall: ‘It’s Not A Matchup That Scares Us At All’

    UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones’ coach, Brandon Gibson, is confident in his fighter’s ability to dominate any opponent, including interim heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall.

    While many fans — and UFC CEO Dana White — view a title unification bout between Jones and Aspinall as the logical next step, “Bones” has expressed a preference for facing light heavyweight king Alex Pereira instead.

    This decision has sparked accusations that Jones is avoiding the tougher challenge in Aspinall. However, Gibson dismissed these claims, framing Jones’ strategy as a matter of timing and maximizing opportunities in his career.

    According to Gibson, Jones is in a commanding position and has the leverage to dictate his terms.

    “I think the fans want that from a lineal standpoint,” Gibson told SiriusXM Fight Nation. “You want to see the belt get passed, not just a belt get vacated. But I always tell Jon, ‘Dude, you don’t owe anybody anything.’ We owed Stipe Miocic and the UFC that night on Nov. 16. That’s what we owed. We’ll see if negotiations can get done right, but Jon’s not ducking anybody.”

    Gibson also dismissed concerns about a potential fight with Aspinall, noting that Jones thrives against elite competition, especially in long, grueling bouts.

    “I actually think Jon is a tough matchup for Tom Aspinall. Obviously, we haven’t seen Tom with an average fight time of two and a half minutes — we haven’t seen much out of Tom, but that’s also a positive on our part.

    “Jon is great at taking champion-level caliber fighters into deep waters. Jon is great in that fourth round and that fifth round. It’s not a matchup that scares us at all. It’s a matter of what’s best for Jon and his family.”

    With Jones holding all the cards, the decision about his next opponent remains uncertain.

    Whether it’s Aspinall for heavyweight unification or Pereira for a high-stakes superfight, Jones’ next move will undoubtedly shape the UFC landscape.

  • Shavkat Rakhmonov Downplays Importance Of Making Ian Garry Tap In Training: ‘The Fight Is Different’

    Shavkat Rakhmonov Downplays Importance Of Making Ian Garry Tap In Training: ‘The Fight Is Different’

    Shavkat Rakhmonov is entering UFC 310 with unwavering confidence as he prepares for a five-round welterweight clash against Ian Garry. The highly anticipated bout is set to co-headline this Saturday’s pay-per-view at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    Rakhmonov boasts a flawless 18-0 professional record, with every victory coming by way of knockout or submission. His recent dominance includes three straight wins via rear-naked choke against top-tier opponents in Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen Thompson.

    In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Rakhmonov addressed footage circulating from a 2023 sparring session with Garry at Kill Cliff FC, clarifying that the clips don’t show the full story.

    “Ian Garry taps,” Rakhmonov said. “It was a submission, choke.”

    Despite the sparring history, Rakhmonov emphasized that past sessions are irrelevant compared to their upcoming fight.

    “The most important for me is the win,” he explained. “Sparring is sparring. The fight is different. Ian Garry is a very tough opponent who is a good tactician, who comes in with a good game plan. So for me, it doesn’t matter [whether it’s] submission or stoppage. For me, what’s most important is to win.”

    With his undefeated streak on the line and Garry presenting a formidable challenge, Rakhmonov is determined to maintain his perfect record and solidify his place as a top contender in the UFC welterweight division.