MMA News

Author: Andrew Ravens

  • Joe Rogan: Ilia Topuria Is MMA’s ‘New High-Water Mark’ 

    Joe Rogan: Ilia Topuria Is MMA’s ‘New High-Water Mark’ 

    People are still buzzing about Ilia Topuria’s stellar performance against Max Holloway at UFC 308, where Topuria made history by becoming the first fighter ever to finish Holloway.

    This victory extended Topuria’s undefeated streak to an impressive 16-0. It came on the heels of his knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, where he claimed the featherweight title.

    The New High-Water Mark

    During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, UFC color commentator Joe Rogan shared his thoughts on Topuria as the new “measuring stick” in MMA.

    “Ilia is fast as f*ck,” Rogan said. “He’s not slow at all. He doesn’t have any disadvantages. He doesn’t have any weaknesses, man. That’s the thing. That’s why I say he’s the new high-water mark. There are people who think he’s the best pound-for-pound fighter alive.”

    Rogan went on, “There’s a lot of discussion about that online. It’s a little premature, especially with Jon Jones still out there, and there are other elite fighters too – Islam Makhachev is another one. There’s a real argument that he’s the best pound-for-pound guy alive, but it’s f*cking close. Ilia – he might be the best.”

  • Stipe Miocic Voices Confidence Ahead Of Jon Jones Fight

    Stipe Miocic Voices Confidence Ahead Of Jon Jones Fight

    Stipe Miocic exudes confidence as he prepares for his highly anticipated showdown with Jon Jones. Heading into their UFC 309 heavyweight title fight at Madison Square Garden, Miocic feels secure in his abilities and isn’t showing any worry.

    Jones is heavily favored to win, but Miocic, a former UFC heavyweight champion, is ready to prove his doubters wrong. Miocic has gone 3-2 in his last five fights, securing back-to-back heavyweight title victories over Daniel Cormier in 2019 and 2020. However, he lost his most recent fight via knockout to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in March 2021, which cost him the heavyweight title.

    Expressing Confidence

    In a recent appearance on BS w/ Jake Paul, Miocic discussed his mindset as the fight approaches. He’s maintained a quiet focus, emphasizing his dedication to his training and his desire to stay mentally prepared.

    “I’m excited, honestly,” Miocic said. “It’s finally here. It was supposed to happen last year, but an injury took it away. Now, we’re three weeks out. I’m ready. I’ve been pumped. I keep quiet and stay focused on the task at hand, just worrying about my fight. That’s all I focus on.”

    Miocic continued, “Jon Jones does a lot of things well, but I have great coaches and teammates who prepare me for whatever happens. I’m not going to wait to see what he’s going to do; I’m going to do what I want to do.”

  • Derrick Lewis: Jon Jones Will Finish Stipe Miocic In First Round At UFC 309

    Derrick Lewis: Jon Jones Will Finish Stipe Miocic In First Round At UFC 309

    Derrick Lewis is paying close attention to the upcoming heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, which will headline the UFC 309 pay-per-view event at Madison Square Garden in New York.

    Heading into the fight, Jones is heavily favored to defeat the former UFC heavyweight champion, and Lewis agrees with the odds.

    First-Round Finish Prediction

    In an interview with MMA Junkie, Lewis shared his prediction for the bout, believing that Jones will finish Miocic in the first round.

    “I think Jones will beat him in the first round,” Lewis told MMA Junkie. “It’s crazy to see so many people disrespect Jones like that, like he isn’t the GOAT, for real. A lot of people keep throwing around these GOAT terms and this and that. Jones has been doing this for so many years at the highest level, taking on top-ranked guys.”

    Lewis continued, “Even though he’s had trouble outside of the UFC, people don’t understand—it’s 80 percent mental going into these fights, and only about 20 percent physical. If you don’t have the mentality going into these fights, you’re not going to do well. For him to be dealing with all he’s been through and still beating these top guys, it says a lot.”

    Lewis is set to return to the octagon himself, taking on Jhonata Diniz at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 246 main card at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

  • TJ Dillashaw: Max Holloway ‘Got Too Comfortable’ Against Ilia Topuria At UFC 308

    TJ Dillashaw: Max Holloway ‘Got Too Comfortable’ Against Ilia Topuria At UFC 308

    TJ Dillashaw recently shared his thoughts on Ilia Topuria’s impressive performance against Max Holloway at UFC 308, where Topuria made history by becoming the first fighter ever to finish Holloway. This victory kept Topuria’s undefeated streak intact, bringing his record to 16-0. It was his second monumental win after his knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, where he claimed the featherweight title.

    Too Comfortable in the Stand-Up Game

    While speaking on the JAXXON Podcast, Dillashaw praised Holloway’s early approach, noting his effective movement and strategy in the first couple of rounds. However, he felt that Holloway became too comfortable in the stand-up game as the fight progressed.

    “I think he (Holloway) got too comfortable in the second round,” Dillashaw remarked. “He started piecing him (Topuria) up, right? He’s using his distance, he had a great jab, he’s hammering his jab, and Max is a volume guy. His volume’s working; he gets better and better as the fight goes on. But I think when it got into the third round, he got a little comfortable, and Topuria’s fast as f*ck. He did that slapping hook to get his hands away from his face with that overhand right, and then it changed everything.”

    Dillashaw went on to praise Topuria’s boxing skills, calling him the best striker the UFC has to offer in that department.

  • Joe Rogan: ‘Scary Motherf*cker’ Khamzat Chimaev Deserves UFC Title Shot

    Joe Rogan: ‘Scary Motherf*cker’ Khamzat Chimaev Deserves UFC Title Shot

    Joe Rogan has voiced his support for Khamzat Chimaev, stating that the top contender deserves the next UFC middleweight title shot.

    Chimaev recently scored a decisive first-round victory over Robert Whittaker in the UFC 308 co-main event, sparking debate among fans about whether he or Sean Strickland should be next in line for the title. While UFC CEO Dana White had previously indicated that Strickland was set to challenge for the belt, Chimaev’s dominant performance has led many fans to speculate that plans might change.

    Changing Plans

    “Once he gets a hold of you, it’s so dangerous,” Rogan said during his Fight Companion podcast. “He gets a title shot. Not just that (how he beat Whittaker in the first round), but he ran through him. He didn’t get touched. He ran through him and strangled him in the first round. He might be the guy. Think about this at 185: So this guy was killing himself to get to 170. At 185, he’s the fcking man. That guy’s a scary-ass motherfcker – scary. That grappling is next level.”

    Strickland, meanwhile, bounced back with a win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 in June after losing the title to Du Plessis by split decision at UFC 297.

  • Daniel Cormier: Sean Strickland Should Be Worried About Khamzat Chimaev

    Daniel Cormier: Sean Strickland Should Be Worried About Khamzat Chimaev

    Daniel Cormier was impressed by Khamzat Chimaev’s performance on Saturday night at UFC 308, where Chimaev scored a decisive first-round victory over Robert Whittaker in their co-main event bout.

    The former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion believes that Chimaev has now done enough to leapfrog Sean Strickland for the next title shot. Strickland had been expecting a title fight rematch against champion Dricus Du Plessis.

    Sealed Deal

    However, according to Cormier, Chimaev’s dominant win over Whittaker, which included breaking Whittaker’s jaw, has solidified his position as the top contender.

    “He went and beat him in the first round. And if you’re Sean Strickland, that result worries you,” Cormier said. “Why? Because Mick Maynard, sitting next to me, jumps up and runs to Dana, and they start talking with Hunter [Campbell]. Dana immediately follows Chimaev to talk to him. That’s a concerning sign for a guy considered the No. 1 contender, because it tells you things are happening. Khamzat Chimaev, to me, solidified himself as the No. 1 contender at 185 pounds. His wrestling, his top control, his mentality, his approach—it’s unlike many things we have seen.”

  • Magomed Ankalaev To Alex Pereira: ‘Stop Running Away From Me’

    Magomed Ankalaev To Alex Pereira: ‘Stop Running Away From Me’

    Magomed Ankalaev is confident that Alex Pereira is actively avoiding a showdown, and he’s eager to step into the Octagon with him.

    Fresh off a decisive victory over Aleksandar Rakic on the main card of UFC 308, Ankalaev believes he’s earned a title shot. His decision win at UFC 308 showcased his skill, positioning him as a top contender. Speaking to the media after the fight, Ankalaev voiced his suspicions, suggesting that the promotion may be shielding Pereira from the matchup.

    No More Running

    “Let’s do it: Alex, stop running away from me. … I’ve heard he wants to fight during Ramadan. We’re not fighting in Ramadan. But after Ramadan or before, if he agrees, we’ll fight.”

    Ankalaev added, “I think he’s being protected. I’m not sure why the UFC is doing it, but it seems they’re shielding him. He’s an exciting fighter and a strong striker, so maybe they’re just trying to save him.”

    Undefeated since 2018, Ankalaev’s fighting style has drawn some criticism, with some detractors labeling it “boring.” However, he remains a formidable contender in the light heavyweight division, eager for his chance to face Pereira.

  • Ilia Topuria Reveals The One Thing That Surprised him About Max Holloway Fight

    Ilia Topuria Reveals The One Thing That Surprised him About Max Holloway Fight

    Ilia Topuria faced an unexpected moment in his fight with Max Holloway on Saturday night. Topuria made history at UFC 308, becoming the first fighter ever to finish Holloway, cementing his place as a top featherweight contender.

    This victory extended Topuria’s undefeated record to 16-0, building on his previous win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, where he claimed the featherweight title by knockout.

    Surprising Moment

    Before the fight, Topuria had expressed his intent to engage Holloway in a slugfest, planning to point to the ground and call for a toe-to-toe battle. Holloway had initially doubted that Topuria would follow through, yet when the moment came, it was Holloway who didn’t engage.

    “That surprised me,” Topuria admitted. “I pointed to the ground, and he didn’t stop in the middle of the octagon. He started with some bullsh*t like that. You called yourself the bull, and you said, ‘I’m the bull, and ‘The Matador’ is running from me.’ But you never see a bull doing this. It surprised me a little, so I had to adjust the game plan. But at the end of the day, I got the knockout.”

  • Dricus Du Plessis Warns Khamzat Chimaev After UFC 308

    Dricus Du Plessis Warns Khamzat Chimaev After UFC 308

    Khamzat Chimaev scored a major victory on Saturday night at UFC 308, submitting Robert Whittaker in the first round of their co-main event fight. Dricus Du Plessis, watching alongside fans worldwide, is eager for a chance to end Chimaev’s undefeated streak.

    Following the fight, Chimaev clarified that he wants a title shot next. If the promotion decides to schedule a rematch between Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, he would likely need to wait for that to happen.

    UFC CEO Dana White discussed potential matchups post-fight, leaving all options open. Meanwhile, Du Plessis took to social media to call his shot, expressing both respect for Whittaker and his desire to put the first loss on Chimaev’s record.

    “Feel really sorry for Rob; he looked super ready, but this is the fight game. Well done on a good performance, Khamzat. That being said, I can’t wait to take your 0,” Du Plessis tweeted.

    With this win, Chimaev made a strong statement and solidified his position as a top midweight title contender.

  • Ilia Topuria Declares Himself The New ‘BMF’ Champ After Max Holloway Win

    Ilia Topuria Declares Himself The New ‘BMF’ Champ After Max Holloway Win

    Ilia Topuria made a powerful statement on Saturday night, becoming the first fighter in history to finish Max Holloway as he defeated the future Hall of Famer in the main event of UFC 308.

    Holloway came into the fight with momentum, fresh off a knockout victory over Justin Gaethje that earned him the BMF (Baddest Motherf*cker) title. However, there’s now a new, unofficial champion in town.

    Unofficial Champion Crowned

    Although the BMF belt wasn’t officially up for grabs, that hasn’t stopped Topuria from claiming the title for himself.

    “I never understood why they didn’t put the BMF title on the line,” Topuria told reporters at the UFC 308 post-fight press conference. “It should have been on the line from day one. But if they don’t want to make it official, I’ll make it official myself. Now, I’m the new ‘Baddest Motherf*cker’ world champion.”

    With this victory, Topuria extended his undefeated streak to 16-0. He previously became the featherweight king in February at UFC 298 with a knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski.

  • Francis Ngannou: Dana White Can’t Stand He Lost, I Won ‘Everything’

    Francis Ngannou: Dana White Can’t Stand He Lost, I Won ‘Everything’

    Francis Ngannou has responded to Dana White’s comments regarding his departure from the UFC after 2023. Ngannou, who vacated his heavyweight title to explore free agency, went on to secure highly lucrative matchups against boxing icons Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

    In his return to MMA, the former UFC heavyweight champion achieved a decisive finish over Renan Ferreira at PFL: Battle of the Giants. Earlier this week, White suggested that financial incentives drove Ngannou’s recent career choices. White shared that he even considered releasing Ngannou after he suffered back-to-back losses to Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis in 2018.

    In a recent interview, Ngannou addressed White’s remarks, expressing confusion over why White continues to criticize him. “Regardless of everything that happened, I’m not about him,” Ngannou said in an interview with Sirius XM Fight Nation. “I went out there, did a fight, had a good fight for my son’s memory, but the guy can’t stand— I don’t know what his problem is. He can make everything up as he wants. That’s his problem. I think he needs to make peace with himself.”

    Ngannou elaborated on his perspective, adding, “(He) could’ve just said, ‘We didn’t find an agreement. We couldn’t come to a deal, but good luck to him.’ That’s it, you know? Good for him, and we continue our lives. What’s the problem here? I think the problem is he can’t handle this loss.”

    White’s Intentions

    Ngannou believes White struggles to accept how things played out and even questions whether White wishes to see him fail in the new chapter of his career. For his part, Ngannou is committed to focusing on his own path forward.

    “Dana has lost in this situation, and the only thing is that he cannot stand it,” Ngannou stated. “Bro, I won everything. Now I have made more money than I would have ever made in the UFC. I’d say maybe twice what I could have made in my entire UFC career if I had continued there. I’m not just saying from the moment that I stopped. Either way, even if I’ve made less, if I’m not making as much as I could’ve in the UFC, that would be my problem. Why is he so pissed about me not making that much money? C’mon, man, live your life.”

  • Merab Dvalishvili: Umar Nurmagomedov ‘Doesn’t Deserve To Fight Me’

    Merab Dvalishvili: Umar Nurmagomedov ‘Doesn’t Deserve To Fight Me’

    Merab Dvalishvili is making it clear that he believes Sean O’Malley deserves a rematch with him before Umar Nurmagomedov gets a title shot.

    Dvalishvili won the bantamweight title with a unanimous decision over O’Malley at UFC 306, and although Nurmagomedov initially appeared to be next in line after his dominant win over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi, Dvalishvili has other ideas. Recent reports suggest that Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong are in talks for a potential showdown, though MMA Fighting reports the deal has yet to be finalized.

    Proving Time

    During a fan Q&A at UFC 308, Dvalishvili responded to questions about his intentions, refuting any notion that he’s avoiding a fight with Nurmagomedov in favor of an O’Malley rematch.

    “Where is this guy? He’s taking [another] fight. He’s scared. He’s fighting somebody else. Where is [he]? Where is [he]? Tell me. He wants to get knocked out by somebody else, and then he’s going to make excuses. He’s not going to make this fight. I’m not the one making fights; Dana White and Hunter [Campbell] decide who I fight next. I don’t make that decision,” Dvalishvili explained.

    He continued, “If Dana White tells me I have to fight Umar, I’m fighting Umar, OK?” Dvalishvili said. “But, you know what? Umar doesn’t deserve to fight me. Sean O’Malley deserves a rematch, and I’m ready to fight him again. After that, Umar will have to prove himself, and I’ll be ready.”

  • Khamzat Chimaev Hopes To Change Dana White’s Mind With UFC 308 Performance

    Khamzat Chimaev is set to make his highly anticipated return to the Octagon this Saturday, facing Robert Whittaker in the co-main event of UFC 308 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This will be Chimaev’s first fight in a year, and he hopes to make an impression strong enough to alter the current middleweight title landscape.

    Despite Dana White’s recent confirmation that a rematch with former champion Sean Strickland will be middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis’s next title defense, Chimaev is eager to change White’s mind.

    Aiming for a Title Shot

    Du Plessis is riding high after a recent submission victory over former champ Israel Adesanya. Strickland, who previously lost to Du Plessis by decision, will reportedly be his next challenger. However, Chimaev is determined to secure a title shot with an impressive performance against Whittaker.

    “I hope so, but they said that before, as well,” Chimaev remarked at the UFC 308 media day. “When I beat Gilbert Burns, I didn’t get my chance. After that, it was (Kamaru) Usman, and they said, ‘if he beats Usman, he’s going to fight for the title.’ I haven’t fought (for the title) yet, so we’ll see.”

    Chimaev’s last fight was a victory over former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in October at UFC 294, a career pause since caused by health issues. Now, he’s ready to make a statement and position himself as a top contender for the middleweight belt.

  • Dana White: I Was ‘Begged’ Not To Cut Francis Ngannou In 2018

    Dana White: I Was ‘Begged’ Not To Cut Francis Ngannou In 2018

    Dana White remains firm in his stance on Francis Ngannou’s departure from the UFC, even after Ngannou’s recent return to MMA. In his comeback fight, the former UFC heavyweight champion secured a decisive finish over Renan Ferreira at PFL: Battle of the Giants.

    Ngannou’s 2023 UFC exit was turbulent, as he vacated his heavyweight title to pursue free agency. Since then, he has taken on boxing giants Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in highly lucrative matchups.

    At a Power Slap 9 post-event press conference on Thursday, White was asked to share his thoughts on Ngannou’s recent performance. He suggested that financial incentives were the main driver behind Ngannou’s recent career choices.

    White’s Initial Plan to Cut Ngannou in 2018

    White shared that he had considered releasing Ngannou after he suffered back-to-back losses to Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis in 2018.

    “I was going to cut Francis when he lost two in a row,” White said. “Somebody around here begged me not to do it. It wouldn’t have mattered to me either way. There’s a much deeper story to this whole thing. He would’ve made more money if he’d stayed in the UFC. He didn’t want to fight Jon Jones. That’s a fact, my friend. We’re moving on.”

  • Dustin Poirier: Ilia Topuria’s Prediction For Max Holloway Fight Is ‘Almost Impossible’

    Dustin Poirier: Ilia Topuria’s Prediction For Max Holloway Fight Is ‘Almost Impossible’

    Dustin Poirier is not convinced by something Ilia Topuria has stated ahead of Topuria’s featherweight title fight at UFC 308 this Saturday. Topuria believes he is capable of knocking out Max Holloway with a single punch, but Poirier has expressed skepticism. Topuria’s confidence is undeniable—he has even suggested that it will be an easy feat. However, given Holloway’s elite caliber, Poirier doubts such a claim.

    While appearing on The Bohnfire podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn, Poirier analyzed the matchup.

    Dustin Poirier’s Dismissal

    “To go out there and one-punch Max is going to be almost impossible, I think,” Poirier said. “It can happen, for sure. But I don’t think it will. This is a big test. If [Topuria] goes in there and beats Max, or lasts with Max in the volume game, outpoints him, outfights him technically on the feet—that’s going to say so much about Ilia and where he’s going to go. I can’t pick against Max. I could see Topuria winning, but Max’s experience and the championship fights he’s been in… it’s hard to bet against that.”

    Holloway, the former featherweight champion, has won 5 of his 15 victories by knockout, including his most recent performance when he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298.

  • Max Holloway On CTE Concerns: ‘I Don’t Want To Be A Vegetable When I’m Older’

    Max Holloway On CTE Concerns: ‘I Don’t Want To Be A Vegetable When I’m Older’

    Max Holloway has been through countless wars in his long and successful MMA career. Now, just days away from his highly anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 308, where he will face Ilia Topuria for the featherweight title, Holloway reflects on the toll the sport has taken on him.

    While MMA offers highs like fame and fortune, it also has a significant downside—the physical and mental damage fighters endure. As Holloway prepares for another fight, he does so with heavy concerns about his long-term health.

    Holloway’s Concerns

    Speaking at the UFC 308 media scrum, Holloway opened up about his fears regarding brain damage and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

    “Take care of your guys’ brain, and learn about brain health,” Holloway said at UFC 308 media day. “Do the right things. You only get one brain, guys, you only get one brain, and once that thing starts to deteriorate, it’s not like anything else where you can grow it back. So, be smart. Go see specialists, go see doctors, and do research on your own brain health.”

    He continued, “Take care of yourself, guys. I don’t want to be a vegetable when I grow older. Everyone keeps talking to me about how many times I’ve gotten hit, like, brother, I take brain health so seriously. People will never know [what I do]. Maybe after my career, I will talk about it and all the stuff we’ve been doing. But take care of your guys’ brains, do your homework, get on it, and be smart.”

  • Max Holloway: ‘Copycat’ Ilia Topuria Is Trying To Steal Conor McGregor’s Aura

    Max Holloway: ‘Copycat’ Ilia Topuria Is Trying To Steal Conor McGregor’s Aura

    Max Holloway is just days away from his highly anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 308, where he will face Ilia Topuria for the featherweight title. As the fight draws near, Holloway has dismissed Topuria’s attempts at trash talk, comparing the rising contender to Conor McGregor, who became famous for his pre-fight bravado and ability to back it up once the cage door closed.

    Topuria has made bold statements about Holloway, but the former champion remains unfazed. One particular claim from Topuria was his promise to initiate a throwdown in the center of the Octagon within the first 10 seconds of the fight. Holloway, however, isn’t convinced that Topuria will follow through on this promise.

    Copycat Accusations

    Holloway didn’t hold back when criticizing Topuria’s approach, calling him a “copycat” of McGregor.

    “It just makes no sense,” Holloway said. “To me, I don’t think he deserves it—you’ve got to earn that right. I don’t think he deserves it. I mean, you guys know who he’s copying. This guy is a copycat down to his tattoos, to his aura, to the way he approaches fights.”

    Holloway went on to say, “I think the moment needs to be earned, and he’s just trying to steal stuff. He’s already trying to steal one person’s aura, and now he’s trying to steal someone else’s thing.”

  • Khamzat Chimaev: ‘Karate Guy’ Robert Whittaker Can’t Stop My Wrestling

    Khamzat Chimaev: ‘Karate Guy’ Robert Whittaker Can’t Stop My Wrestling

    Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker are on a collision course this Saturday night when they meet in the UFC 308 co-main event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

    Heading into the fight, Chimaev is confident in his ability to take Whittaker to the ground using his wrestling skills—and do so with ease. He envisions this tactic playing out throughout the fight.

    Takedown Advantage

    “Who has stopped my takedowns?” Chimaev told MMA Junkie. “Nobody. So, I don’t think this guy will be any different. Kamaru Usman was a great champ, and he took everyone down. But I took him down. I dominated him easily in the rounds. What’s going to be different with a taekwondo or karate guy compared to Usman, who’s been a wrestler? He was a professional wrestler before.”

    Chimaev hasn’t fought since his victory over former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman last October at UFC 294, as health issues slowed him down. Before that, he also scored a win against Gilbert Burns.

    Despite the long layoff, Chimaev assures fans that he will come out strong, as they’ve come to expect from him, even in this five-round bout.

  • Donald Cerrone Gets Ripped For UFC Comeback After Steroid Usage: ‘It’s Not A Good Look’

    Donald Cerrone Gets Ripped For UFC Comeback After Steroid Usage: ‘It’s Not A Good Look’

    Donald Cerrone has sparked mixed reactions from fans after announcing his intentions to return to the sport for two more fights despite retiring in 2022. Cerrone, who was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023, hopes to bring his total career fights to 50.

    Following his retirement, Cerrone openly admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), since he was no longer subject to USADA testing. He noted that the treatments made him feel younger. However, his decision to return to competition after using PEDs has drawn criticism, including from Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen.

    Cerrone Criticized

    “I just don’t think it’s a good idea to retire, take a bunch of steroids, and then come back and fight again,” Eblen said during a post-fight news conference (via MMA Junkie). “It’s not a good look, man.”

    Eblen went on to blame Conor McGregor for setting a precedent by using PEDs while outside of the USADA testing pool, only to return to fighting.

    “I think Conor paved the way, and he’s influencing a lot of people to do it,” Eblen said. “People are trying to fight past their prime using these substances, and it’s just not natural. It’s not good. Your brain doesn’t heal from steroids, so all that CTE just adds up. I’m very against steroids and against people fighting past their prime.”

  • Alexander Volkanovski Makes The Case For Ilia Topuria As ‘Fighter Of The Year’

    Alexander Volkanovski Makes The Case For Ilia Topuria As ‘Fighter Of The Year’

    As the year draws to a close, many fans are making their picks for “Fighter of the Year.” While Max Holloway is a leading candidate, Alexander Volkanovski believes there’s another name in the running—especially if that fighter gets past his next opponent.

    Holloway is set to return later this month at UFC 308, where he will challenge Ilia Topuria for the featherweight title. Holloway and Volkanovski previously fought at UFC 276 in July 2022, with Volkanovski winning by decision. Since that loss, Holloway has been on a tear, securing wins over Arnold Allen by decision in April 2023 and finishing The Korean Zombie in August 2023. Earlier this year, he also knocked out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.

    In the Hunt for Fighter of the Year

    Volkanovski recently explained to Kevin Iole why he believes the UFC featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, could be a top choice for “Fighter of the Year” if he defeats Holloway.

    “If Ilia goes out there and does his thing, that’s very impressive—taking out myself and Max… He’d be right up there for Fighter of the Year. He may not be as active as some of the other guys, but the competition is [better],” Volkanovski said.

    Volkanovski also mentioned that he will be watching the fight closely as he envisions facing the winner in 2025. He expressed his desire to fight at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia.

  • Max Holloway Honest On If He Can Surpass Alex Pereira For 2024 Fighter Of The Year

    Max Holloway Honest On If He Can Surpass Alex Pereira For 2024 Fighter Of The Year

    Max Holloway has expressed his belief that UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is likely to be named 2024 Fighter of the Year. In 2024, Pereira has fought three times, earning three consecutive finishes. He secured victories against Jamal Hill at UFC 300, Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, and most recently, Khalil Rountree at UFC 307. Following these dominant performances, Pereira plans to take some time off.

    Fighter of the Year Discussion

    In a recent interview with Kevin Iole, Holloway was asked about his thoughts on the 2024 Fighter of the Year.

    “I mean, I don’t know, man. I don’t know that I would be [the Fighter of the Year]. The way Alex [Pereira] took fights… he’s the fastest guy to defend his title, right? With three title defenses. That’s a hard man to beat.”

    He continued, “Every time I’m in the talks for [being Fighter of the Year], somebody’s having a crazy year. I think Alex Pereira has already got that win in the bag.”

    Holloway himself is set to return later this month at UFC 308, where he will challenge Ilia Topuria for the featherweight title.

  • Coach Backs Jorge Masvidal’s Comeback Plan: ‘He’s Focused & He’s Ready’

    Jorge Masvidal is preparing for a comeback to the sport that made him a household name. The former title contender, who retired from MMA in April 2023, is currently on a four-fight losing streak in the UFC. His skid began in July 2020 when he lost a decision to Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title at UFC 251. In their rematch at UFC 261 in April 2021, Usman knocked out Masvidal to retain the belt.

    Masvidal then suffered decision losses to Colby Covington at UFC 272 in March 2022 and to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April 2023. Most recently, Masvidal stepped into the boxing ring, where he lost via decision to Nate Diaz in July 2023.

    Expectations for the Comeback

    In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, American Top Team coach Mike Brown shared his thoughts on Masvidal’s return to the gym.

    “I was actually surprised when Jorge came back to the gym by how good of shape he was in,” Brown told MMA Junkie. “He was actually in really good shape and had clearly been training, especially his wrestling. He was jumping right in and wrestling with the best guys. He didn’t get out of shape. He’s focused, and he’s ready. He has that itch and wants to do it again. He’s obviously a big star, and there are a lot of matchups I’m sure people want to see. There’s a lot of fights I’d like to see.”

  • Umar Nurmagomedov Rips ‘Bum’ Sean O’Malley Over UFC 306 Performance

    Umar Nurmagomedov Rips ‘Bum’ Sean O’Malley Over UFC 306 Performance

    Umar Nurmagomedov was unimpressed with Sean O’Malley’s performance in his latest fight. O’Malley, one of the UFC’s top stars and a former bantamweight champion, recently suffered a decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306. This defeat snapped O’Malley’s three-fight winning streak, which included capturing and defending the bantamweight title.

    O’Malley was mostly out-grappled in the fight, though he managed to hurt Dvalishvili with a body kick late in the contest. However, according to Nurmagomedov, O’Malley didn’t put forth his best effort.

    Nurmagomedov’s Criticism

    “He’s a bum, brother. He’s a bum,” Nurmagomedov told Submission Radio. “He didn’t do what he had to. He was running. If you’re a champion, you can’t enter the cage and fight like that. He left the fight without even getting tired—he left the cage fresh. What are you doing, man? You need to go all out, do everything you can to defend your title, but instead, you were running, scared, and Merab played with you.”

    Nurmagomedov continued, “He kissed you. He played. Remember when he didn’t even wait for the round to finish and just walked away? That’s like saying, ‘I can do whatever I want with you.’ Merab toyed with him, and I don’t know how O’Malley can talk after that.”

    Although O’Malley has expressed interest in a rematch with Dvalishvili, Nurmagomedov doesn’t see the UFC taking that route.

  • Alex Pereira Slams The Door Shut On Jake Paul Boxing Match

    Alex Pereira Slams The Door Shut On Jake Paul Boxing Match

    UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira has closed the door on the possibility of fighting Jake Paul.

    Pereira, fresh off his third title defense after finishing Khalil Rountree in round four of their UFC 307 headliner, revealed that he plans to take time off, with a projected return around March.

    While “Poatan” had previously shown some interest in a potential boxing match against Paul — who is set to fight Mike Tyson next month — he made it clear that this fight is not in the cards. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani for Uncrowned, the Brazilian suggested that Paul wouldn’t be calling him out if it weren’t for his UFC contract.

    “I’m going to be honest, of course boxing interests me,” Pereira said when asked about a future boxing match with Paul. “But he knows that I’m under contract with the UFC, and I can’t just leave. I think that’s why he calls [me out] and says all of that.”

    “If the UFC were a league that allowed everyone to fight everywhere, he wouldn’t be saying that,” Pereira added.

  • Michael Chandler: Conor McGregor’s MMA Legacy Is On The Line

    Michael Chandler: Conor McGregor’s MMA Legacy Is On The Line

    Michael Chandler believes that Conor McGregor will return to the octagon. UFC President Dana White recently stated that he expects McGregor to return in early 2025.

    McGregor last fought in 2022, suffering a devastating leg injury in his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier, which ended in Poirier’s victory. Initially, it looked like Chandler and McGregor would headline UFC 303 in June, but McGregor withdrew from the fight due to injury.

    During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Chandler explained why he hopes McGregor eventually makes his comeback.

    “Conor’s a very ‘Flavor of the Week’ kind of guy,” Chandler said. “I believe Conor McGregor fights again. The way it’s all happened—the campaign he’s put on, calling it ‘The Greatest Comeback in Combat Sports History.’ The Ultimate Fighter, signing a contract to fight me, and then pulling out…

    If you think about Conor McGregor’s legacy, he’s been the guy who never backed down, even when opponents pulled out of fights. He’d say, ‘I don’t care! Dana, figure out who I’m fighting.’ That’s been his legacy.”

    Driving Force Behind McGregor’s Return

    Chandler also highlighted the impact of McGregor’s injuries, suggesting that they may be a driving force behind his potential return. As a fellow fighter, Chandler can’t imagine McGregor being content with how his career could end in the way it has gone.

    “To let his career end a couple of years ago after breaking his leg, and then going through a training camp and all the promotion for TUF 31—only to pull out of a fight with a broken pinkie toe—that can’t be the last chapter of his legacy.

    I don’t think Conor wants that. If you look at how he lives, he doesn’t seem to be focused on training or fighting like the rest of us savages, but I do believe he’s still romantic about the sport. When he does come back, I believe he fights me.”