MMA News

Author: Bishal Roy

  • Jake Paul Blasts Dana White Over Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway UFC 329 Announcement

    Jake Paul recently fired back at UFC President Dana White as the latter announced Conor McGregor’s return.

    The boxing promoter accused White of attempting to steal attention from his MVP’s debut MMA card.

    On Saturday, White went live on Instagram to officially announce McGregor’s Octagon return, confirming a July 11 main event clash against former rival Max Holloway at UFC 329. The announcement will serve as the headline attraction for this year’s International Fight Week.

    The timing raised eyebrows across the combat sports world. White’s reveal coincided exactly with Francis Ngannou’s walk to the cage at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California for his heavyweight bout against Philipe Lins on the undercard of the debut MVP MMA event streaming on Netflix.

    Jake Paul Accuses Dana White of Piggybacking Off MVP Event

    During the MVP MMA post-event press conference, Paul was asked about White’s announcement timing. The co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions didn’t hold back in his response.

    “Oh, the cokehead is back,” Paul said, according to LowKickMMA. “That’s cool, bro. Drop it during our event. Insecure boys trying to piggyback.”

    Paul appeared largely unfazed by the tactic despite fans and pundits anticipating White might attempt to divert attention from the MVP card. The boxing promoter has maintained an ongoing public feud with the UFC president, including past criticisms of fighter pay and UFC business practices.

    The MVP MMA debut event featured a card headlined by Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano and streamed on Netflix.

  • Conor McGregor WWE Crossover Plans Were Nixed

    Conor McGregor WWE Crossover Plans Were Nixed

    Former WWE star Enzo Amore recently revealed that Vince McMahon once pitched a major crossover storyline which would have seen him publicly antagonize former UFC Double Champion Conor McGregor.

    The payoff would’ve seen McGregor walking into WWE and destroying him on television. The angle never materialized, but Enzo said WWE seriously considered using him as the target for a potential celebrity squash match.

    Speaking on the Mic Check podcast, Enzo explained that after his split from Big Cass, WWE gave both men separate directions. Producers later told him the company was moving him toward the Cruiserweight Title scene, but Vince also wanted him taking shots at McGregor on social media.

    Enzo said Vince wanted him “barking loud” at the ‘Notorious’ because the payoff could have been massive if the UFC star walked into WWE and destroyed him. He noted it could have been the next greatest squash match of all time for a title.

    “When me and Big Cass broke up, he pulled us into a room. He gave Big Cass his direction, and he gave me my direction. Then I got pulled aside at TV another time by some of the producers of the show, letting me know, ‘We’re going in this direction with you with the cruiserweight title.’”

    “Vince wanted me tweeting at McGregor and barking loud, because what would have been better than me talking all this s*** and cutting promos with McGregor, and then him coming in and just taking my f****** head off?” Enzo said. “The place would have blown up, and it could have been the next greatest squash match of all time for a title.”

    He then revealed how that conversation with Vince went. Enzo noted that he was concerned about getting real heat with McGregor and possibly getting hurt. Still, his mindset at the time made him willing to go along with the idea.

    “I’m like, ‘Bro, I don’t want to get killed. I don’t want to get my ass kicked. I’m not trying to get real heat with McGregor,’” Enzo recalled. “But I was also crazy and didn’t really give a s*** at that time, and was like, ‘Hell yeah. Sounds about right, dude.’”

    The crossover never ended up happening. However, Enzo’s revelations made it clear that WWE had plans for using him as the target in a potential angle with McGregor.

  • Jon Jones Calls Daniel Cormier ‘Crybaby B*tch’ in ALF Reality 3

    Jon Jones Calls Daniel Cormier ‘Crybaby B*tch’ in ALF Reality 3

    Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones recently reignited his long-standing rivalry with Daniel Cormier in newly released footage from ALF Reality 3. He called Cormier a “crybaby b—-” after the UFC Hall of Famer declined a wrestling match.

    The footage, released by ALF Reality, shows Jones addressing Cormier’s decision to avoid a grappling contest.

    Jones and Cormier’s Storied Rivalry

    Jones and Cormier have maintained their animosity despite both fighters moving on from their active rivalry years ago. Jones currently holds the UFC heavyweight title, while Cormier has transitioned to commentary and analysis roles.

    Jones teased competing against Cormier in either a Real American Freestyle wrestling match or a boxing fight since announcing his MMA retirement last year.

    Following a fallout with UFC CEO Dana White over his exclusion from the White House card, it remains unclear if Jones will make another comeback.

    Neither Jones nor Cormier has issued additional public statements regarding the exchange beyond what appears in the ALF Reality footage.

  • UFC Champion Calls Out Jake Paul To MMA Fight: ‘They’ll Wipe The Floor With Your Pretty Face’

    UFC Champion Calls Out Jake Paul To MMA Fight: ‘They’ll Wipe The Floor With Your Pretty Face’

    UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko has challenged Jake Paul to compete in MMA after the YouTuber-turned-boxer claimed the UFC is “dying” and criticized grappling-heavy fighters. The UFC flyweight champion responded on social media, daring Paul to step into the octagon.

    ‘The Problem Child’ made the controversial comments during an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast while promoting his upcoming MMA event on May 16 in Inglewood, California. The show will feature former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey facing WMMA pioneer Gina Carano in a comeback fight.

    Jake Paul’s Criticism of MMA

    The 29-year-old Paul told Von that he believes MMA won’t stand the test of time because the sport has become too dominated by wrestlers. He specifically called out fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev as examples of “boring” competitors.

    Paul added that he thinks the UFC has become “too greedy” and “super corporate,” claiming that “boxing has been around since the 1500s, MMA is 30 years old, and it’s declining.”

    Valentina Shevchenko’s Response

    Shevchenko discovered Paul’s comments on social media and fired back with a direct challenge. The champion questioned Paul’s understanding of MMA and invited him to experience the sport firsthand.

    “UFC dying?! Hey Jake, you definitely don’t know what you’re talking about,” Shevchenko wrote on X.

    “Criticizing MMA from a long distance. Try to get into an octagon with one of them, and they’ll wipe the floor with your pretty face.”

    She continued:

    “You will show spectacular, breathtaking fight from down there! Then you can tell us how fun or boring it was!”

    Shevchenko hasn’t competed since outpointing Zhang Weili at UFC 322 in November last year. The flyweight champion doesn’t currently have a fight scheduled but has remained active on social media, previously engaging in public disputes with both Rousey and Nurmagomedov.

  • Tom Aspinall Back In Training As UFC Return Closing In

    Tom Aspinall Back In Training As UFC Return Closing In

    Tom Aspinall has returned to the gym after a six-month layoff following an eye injury that forced a no-contest at UFC 321. The UFC heavyweight champion shared training footage on YouTube, announcing he’s begun light work while awaiting full medical clearance for contact.

    “Not had a lot going on, just been back in the gym doing a little bit of light training,” Aspinall said in the video.

    “Still waiting to get fully cleared for contact on my eye. But we are back in the gym doing a little bit, and we’ll be showing you a bit of that later in the week.”

    The 32-year-old British fighter has been sidelined since October 2025, when an eye poke forced him to withdraw from a bout against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. The no-contest result sparked controversy, with critics claiming Aspinall quit after a slow start to the fight.

    Tom Aspinall Awaits Clearance for Full Training

    The training footage shows Aspinall working on punching bag drills and light grappling exchanges with his training partner. He emphasized the limited nature of his current work as he continues recovery from double eye surgery.

    “Back in, a bit of light training. All good, though. Back into it. Light. Still waiting to be cleared to do contact properly.”

    Interim Title Fight Set During Champion’s Recovery

    The UFC has moved forward with the heavyweight division during Aspinall’s absence. Alex Pereira will challenge Ciryl Gane for an interim heavyweight title at the upcoming UFC White House event, with the winner expected to face Aspinall once he receives medical clearance.

    Pereira is attempting to become a champion in a third weight class, while Gane seeks redemption after the controversial no-contest with Aspinall. The interim title bout ensures the division remains active while the undisputed champion recovers.

  • Ronda Rousey Admits She Hated Her Coach Ahead of Gina Carano Fight: ‘I Was Like This Motherf***er Is So Fake’

    Ronda Rousey Admits She Hated Her Coach Ahead of Gina Carano Fight: ‘I Was Like This Motherf***er Is So Fake’

    UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey recently enlisted a familiar face for her corner ahead of her fight against Gina Carano on May 16. However, it’s a coach she once despised. Ricky Lundell, who worked with Miesha Tate during The Ultimate Fighter, is now training Rousey for her comeback bout.

    Lundell served as one of Tate’s coaches on the reality show when she faced Rousey in one of MMA’s most heated rivalries. Rousey couldn’t stand him despite his kindness toward her.

    “We were mortal enemies,” Rousey said on her YouTube channel. “He was coaching against me on The Ultimate Fighter and he was so nice, I was like this motherf*cker is so patronizing and fake and I hated his guts.”

    Rousey admitted Lundell’s genuine kindness seemed impossible to believe.

    “This is a common theme, by the way, that he’s so nice that everyone was like ‘this motherf*cker is not for real.’ He’s really just being a passive-aggressive assh*le, but he’s actually the nicest motherf*cker.”

    Even after defeating Tate for a second time, ‘Rowdy’ maintained her grudge. She later found herself around Lundell again when he coached her future husband, Travis Browne, who trained at the same Glendale gym.

    “I was still like f*ck that guy. He tried to hurt me. He tried to help somebody hurt me, and you’re dead to me.”

    Depression and Reconciliation

    The relationship shifted when Rousey dealt with mental health struggles, likely following her knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. She stayed at Lundell’s house while Browne trained with him.

    “I fall into a deep depression and Trav goes and stays at Ricky’s house. I’m basically just in the one room, just smoking weed and playing World of Warcraft all day and I would only emerge to eat cereal. But you were really nice and kept me supplied.”

    Lundell’s kindness during that difficult period changed Rousey’s perspective. She eventually agreed to train him in judo when he expressed interest in earning his black belt.

  • Jake Paul Offers to Sell MVP to Dana White: ‘We’ll Help You Guys Not Be Idiots’

    Jake Paul Offers to Sell MVP to Dana White: ‘We’ll Help You Guys Not Be Idiots’

    Jake Paul recently extended a surprising offer to UFC president Dana White, saying he’s willing to sell Most Valuable Promotions after criticizing White’s early mistakes with Zuffa Boxing.

    During an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast, Paul addressed White’s recent venture into boxing. The YouTuber-turned-boxer specifically called out White’s decision to pay Conor Benn $15 million for a single fight against Regis Prograis.

    “They just started, and they are already making a lot of mistakes. They are quite basic. Like, you don’t wanna pay Conor Benn $15 million to an easy-ass fight against Regis [Prograis] right off rip, because your whole UFC model 1/3 of that, max. They already fu**ed up bad.”

    Jake Paul Proposes Partnership With Dana White

    Paul further made an unexpected pitch to the UFC president, offering to either sell MVP or partner with White’s new boxing venture.

    “If they were to buy us or partner with us, they would have such a better outcome. I’m open to it. Buy us! We’ll help you guys not be idiots.”

    The 29-year-old highlighted his willingness to work with anyone, including his long-time rival.

    “I don’t have an ego, bro. I’ll work with anybody.”

    MVP’s Transition to MMA

    Paul launched Most Valuable Promotions alongside Nakisa Bidarian in 2021, quickly establishing the company as a major player in boxing. The promotion announced its transition to MMA in 2026.

    MVP MMA 1 is scheduled for May 16 in Inglewood, California, featuring a stacked card. Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano will headline the event, with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou facing Philipe Lins in the co-main event.

  • Jon Jones Responds to Viral Road Rage Video in Albuquerque: ‘I’m Proud of Myself’

    Jon Jones Responds to Viral Road Rage Video in Albuquerque: ‘I’m Proud of Myself’

    Jon Jones recently responded to a viral video showing an alleged road rage incident in Albuquerque, New Mexico, telling fans he was “proud of myself” for how he handled the confrontation. The former Light Heavyweight Champion was filmed exchanging words with a local car salesman after an apparent driving dispute.

    Bryan Beltran, an Albuquerque car salesman, dropped a video footage of himself confronting a driver he claimed nearly hit his vehicle multiple times near Central Avenue and Eubank.

    The driver appeared to be Jones, who can be heard in the video saying “You gotta calm down, bro. You gotta relax yourself, bro” before giving an obscene gesture and walking away.

    Jon Jones Responds

    Jones confirmed his involvement in the incident on social media, offering his version of events.

    “This kid proceeded to chase my car down for two blocks, revving his engine and trying to intimidate me,” Jones wrote on X.

    “I am glad this happened to me and not one of the senior citizens in our community. I am proud of myself for standing up for myself and not allowing that kind of bullying or intimidation.”

    Beltran claimed Jones nearly hit his vehicle three times while driving on Central Avenue. According to his Instagram post, he revved his engine after the first near-collision, but the truck driver allegedly came close to hitting him twice more.

    Despite the heated exchange, Beltran stated he holds no animosity toward the former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion.

    Beltran expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, adding:

    “Hopefully, soon I’ll make another video where we can maybe shake hands and ‘squash the beef.’”

    The incident marks another controversial moment for Jones, who has had multiple legal issues throughout his career.

  • Chael Sonnen Believes Michael Chandler Could Retire If He Loses At UFC Freedom 250

    Chael Sonnen Believes Michael Chandler Could Retire If He Loses At UFC Freedom 250

    Three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler might be just one loss away from retirement, according to UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen. The 39-year-old lightweight faces Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House, and Sonnen believes a loss could end Chandler’s fighting career.

    Chandler enters the bout on a three-fight losing streak and has dropped five of his last six UFC appearances. Originally hoping to face Conor McGregor to complete their TUF 31 saga, Chandler instead drew the surging knockout artist Ruffy after UFC president Dana White moved on from the McGregor matchup.

    Chael Sonnen Predicts Retirement After Potential Loss

    In a recent video, Sonnen explained that Chandler still harbors championship ambitions despite his recent struggles. However, at 39 years old with consecutive setbacks that goal appears increasingly unrealistic.

    “Chandler will retire if Ruffy beats him. He likely will, and I do not know if it will necessarily be his choice. Chandler is now 38 years old. Chandler is also gainfully employed by Paramount and is going to be part of the announcing team.”

    Sonnen continued:

    “Chandler’s one of those guys who still wants to be a world champion. So if he gets confronted with that’s just not in your future… He likely would say, ‘Fair enough. Give my spot to somebody else.’”

    With championship aspirations fading and a dangerous opponent ahead, June 14 could mark the final chapter of Chandler’s fighting career.

  • Gable Steveson Shuts Down UFC Hall of Famer Over Jon Jones Criticism: ‘He’s Perfect’

    Gable Steveson Shuts Down UFC Hall of Famer Over Jon Jones Criticism: ‘He’s Perfect’

    Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson has defended Jon Jones, calling the UFC legend “perfect” and backing their working relationship.

    The 25-year-old dismissed Daniel Cormier’s concerns about having Jon Jones as his coach. The 2020 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling is 3-0 in his MMA career, with all three wins coming via first-round knockout under Jones’ guidance.

    Cormier recently questioned whether Jones could provide the focused coaching Steveson needs to reach his potential. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the former two-division UFC champion expressed doubts about his former rival’s ability to serve as a primary coach.

    “I believe he has a real chance to be a world champion,” Cormier said. “I believe there are some factors that may slow down [that trajectory] — his coach is Jon Jones. As long as he lets the other coaches coach him, yes. But if Jon is actually coaching him, I don’t know.”

    Gable Steveson Praises Jones’ Mentorship

    The 25-year-old wrestler responded to the criticism by offering a strong defense of Jones’ coaching abilities. Steveson emphasized the value of learning from someone widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.

    “My relationship with him is everything,” Steveson told MMA Fighting. “I don’t think he does [get enough credit]. I think a lot of people overshadow [his abilities] with a lot of things with just fighting and a lot of the things he has going on. His mentorship is the best thing that we can have.”

    Steveson described Jones as the ideal coach for his transition into mixed martial arts.

    “He’s the best fighter of all-time leading a new guy to maybe be that person also. It’s a one of a kind opportunity and I’m all ears. I’m a sponge. Just soaking in all the knowledge that I can,” he said.

    Jones’ Coaching Approach

    The Olympic champion directly addressed concerns about Jones’ commitment and professionalism as a coach. Steveson painted a picture of a dedicated mentor who consistently shows up prepared to work.

    “He’s perfect. He’s everything you want in a coach. He shows up on time. He’s ready to work. He’s ready to work overtime, also,” Steveson said. “So the narrative of him being not there, his ego’s there — it’s non-existent with him.”

    Steveson is set to make his Real American Freestyle debut at the wrestling organization’s ninth event on May 30.

  • Colby Covington Takes Legal Action Against Jorge Masvidal Over Restaurant Attack In 2022

    Colby Covington Takes Legal Action Against Jorge Masvidal Over Restaurant Attack In 2022

    Former Interim UFC Welterweight Champion Colby Covington recently filed a lawsuit against fellow fighter Jorge Masvidal, seeking damages in excess of $50,000. It comes after an attack outside a restaurant in Miami Beach in 2022.

    The lawsuit was filed in Miami-Dade County, Florida, on March 23. The legal action stems from an incident that occurred on March 21, 2022, just weeks after the two welterweights faced off at UFC 272 on March 5, 2022, where Covington defeated Masvidal by unanimous decision.

    In documentation filed with the courts, Covington’s attorneys detailed how Masvidal threatened him during his post-fight interview, stating “if I see him out in the streets, I’m going to give him everything I got to break his f*cking jaw.”

    Attack Outside Papi Steak Restaurant

    On March 21, as Covington left Papi Steak restaurant in Miami Beach, Masvidal “ambushed” him and “initiated a physical attack without warning.”

    The lawsuit further stated that “Gamebred” struck Covington “with a closed fist” to the face. The assault was “sudden, intentional, and calculated” and the 38-year-old fighter had no chance to protect himself.

    Criminal charges were filed against Masvidal, and he later reached a plea deal with prosecutors where he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery. Former UFC “BMF” Champion was sentenced to time served, and he was held responsible for paying all fees associated to the case. However, he faced no additional jail time.

    Masvidal’s Response and Legal Claims

    Following his court hearing, Masvidal took to social media, where he fired back at Covington again over the incident.

    “F*ck you, Colby,” Masvidal said. “It’s going to be a f*cking movie now. All these orders, all these restraining orders been lifted off. It’s going to be a f*cking movie.”

    Covington’s attorneys claim that Masvidal’s attack was “unprovoked” and “deliberate, malicious and carried out with the intent to cause harm.”

    As a result of the attack, “Chaos” claimed he “suffered bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, physical impairment, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, expense of hospitalization, medical and nursing care and treatment.”

    Covington’s attorneys argue that the injuries “are either permanent or continuing” and the veteran Welterweight fighter “will suffer the losses in the future.” In the cover sheet to his lawsuit, Covington’s attorneys noted that he was actually seeking over $100,000 in total damages.

    No court date has been announced yet after the lawsuit was filed in March.

  • Merab Dvalishvili Rejects Surgery Despite Brutal Injury: ‘My Nose Is F**ed Up’

    Merab Dvalishvili Rejects Surgery Despite Brutal Injury: ‘My Nose Is F**ed Up’

    Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili has opted out of surgery after breaking his nose during a sparring accident.

    The 35-year-old revealed that the injury occurred as he was kneed during training. Dvalishvili has revealed his nose is broken in two places, which would require surgery. In an Instagram video, Dvalishvili said:

    “What a good day and what a stupid accident. Again, 12 years after, my nose is f—ed up even worse. As you see, it’s even more cracked, same direction. When I touch, my bones are broken inside, and one side I can’t even breathe.”

    This marks the second time Dvalishvili has broken his nose, with the first break occurring 12 years ago during his professional debut. The injury has left his nose more crooked than before, with one side completely obstructing his breathing.

    Surgery Would Require Year-Long Recovery

    After consulting with a nose surgeon, Dvalishvili learned that fixing the injury would require re-breaking other bones to straighten his nose properly. The recovery timeline of one year proved too long for the active fighter to accept.

    “I did my X-ray, and X-ray shows that my nose is broken at two places,” Dvalishvili explained. “I just saw doctor, nose surgeon, and he said if he will fix my nose and then make straight, then he has to re-break other bones too, and it will take one more year to heal up. Of course, I don’t want to do that.”

    The surgeon suggested Dvalishvili could postpone the surgery until after retirement, but the fighter rejected that option as well.

    “I said, ‘I’m not going into retirement the next 20 years.’ So, I guess I’m going to keep my nose even more crooked than what it used to be before,” he said.

    Plans to Compete Against Henry Cejudo

    Despite the injury, Dvalishvili confirmed he will move forward with his scheduled wrestling tournament against Henry Cejudo at RAF. “The Machine”, who lost to the current UFC bantamweight champion via unanimous decision at UFC 323, remains committed to competing with the broken nose rather than taking time off for surgery.

  • UFC Commentator Defends Nate Diaz Rejecting Conor McGregor Fight: ‘Not About The Paycheck’

    UFC commentator Jon Anik has backed Nate Diaz’s decision to turn down a trilogy fight against Conor McGregor.

    Diaz recently revealed he turned down a UFC offer to return this year for a fight against the Irishman. The 40-year-old explained he still believes he can compete against the best fighters in the world and requested a bout with Charles Oliveira instead.

    Jon Anik Calls Diaz’s Stance ‘Refreshing’

    Speaking on Submission Radio, Anik praised the fighter for prioritizing competitive merit over financial gain.

    “I think it’s the biggest fight and it makes a lot of sense,” Anik said. “That’s not the fight that he was looking for and I think that’s a little bit refreshing if I could take that side of it, to hear Nate say that he wants something that maybe competitively for him is more juicy, that he’s not necessarily there for the pageantry or the biggest possible pay check.”

    Conor McGregor Trilogy Replaced by Max Holloway Bout

    With the Stockton native out of the picture, Max Holloway has emerged as the frontrunner to face McGregor in his targeted comeback. Holloway recently lost his BMF title at UFC 326.

    The promotion is reportedly targeting UFC 329 during International Fight Week for McGregor’s return. The former ESPN anchor expressed enthusiasm for both potential matchups involving “The Notorious.”

    “It may be a little inside baseball of me to think of that Max Holloway fight in the terms that I do but I would really like to see that.

    “The Charles Oliveira fight makes a lot of sense as well and as I’m commentating the BMF title fight with Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway, the whole time, (Joe) Rogan and I are thinking, wow, not man, this is boring.

    “To me, Charles and Conor for the BMF belt makes a lot of sense, Holloway makes a lot of sense.”

    Despite signing with MVP MMA for his next fight, Diaz’s decision likely doesn’t rule out a potential future return to the UFC for a McGregor trilogy down the line.

    Nate Diaz is set to face Mike Perry on the MVP MMA Netflix card scheduled for May 16th.

  • Colby Covington Predicts Brutal Loss for Sean Strickland

    Colby Covington Predicts Brutal Loss for Sean Strickland

    Colby Covington recently delivered a harsh assessment of Sean Strickland’s chances against Khamzat Chimaev, predicting the former middleweight champion would have no path to victory in a potential matchup. The prediction highlights a perceived stylistic mismatch between the two fighters.

    Covington’s outlook for Strickland is decidedly negative. During an interview on Submission Radio, the former interim welterweight champion suggested a significant skill gap exists between Strickland and Chimaev.

    Stylistic Concerns for Strickland

    Covington’s prediction centers on what he views as a problematic matchup for Strickland. The assessment suggests Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy approach and physical dominance would overwhelm Strickland’s striking-based game.

    “No, I’m not giving him a chance,” Covington said. “Hernandez and Khamzat are completely different levels of grapplers and the way they approach their strategies. So, I think Khamzat’s going to take him down and submit him. Schmo went and watched them spar back at Xtreme Couture a couple of years ago, and he pretty much said it wasn’t competitive.

    “Khamzat was just taking him down and submitting him, so I expect that same damn plan. He’s not going to be stupid and strike with Sean and make it a kickboxing fight. He’s just going to make it straight grappling, and I think he’s going to put Strickland in some really bad positions and either submit him or just hold him down for 25 minutes.”

    Chimaev hasn’t competed since he won the middleweight gold back in August last year. ‘Borz’ had some heated words exchanged on social media with Strickland, and the two will clash at UFC 328 on May 9th in Newark.

  • Nate Diaz Rips Into Dustin Poirier Over Pulled Fight

    Nate Diaz Rips Into Dustin Poirier Over Pulled Fight

    Nate Diaz recently unleashed a profanity-laced tirade against Dustin Poirier and Daniel Cormier during an appearance on the This Past Weekend podcast. The former UFC lightweight contender held nothing back in his criticism of both fighters.

    Diaz directed his initial ire toward Poirier, who was scheduled to fight him at UFC 230 in November 2018 before withdrawing due to injury. The Stockton native mocked Poirier’s explanation for missing their bout.

    “He had p*ssy surgery when we were supposed to fight,” Diaz said. “There’s a video of it… Penis being removed. He had penis-removal surgery, so we didn’t get to fight. Let’s make fun of him a little bit. Louisiana-ass, p*ssy boy. He quit his job and then was like, ‘I want to box Nate in a thing.’ I’m like, ‘Why’d you quit too early, stupid?’ He’s emotional.”

    When podcast host Theo Von attempted to defend ‘The Diamond’, Diaz partially walked back his comments.

    “I’m kidding,” Diaz said. “He’s done good. He can’t fight. I’m kidding, I’m just giving you shit.”

    Nate Diaz Goes Off On Daniel Cormier Over Analyst Role

    The Stockton native then shifted his focus to Cormier, expressing frustration with fighters who transition into analyst roles and criticize active competitors. The former two-division UFC champion became a primary target.

    “Then what they do is they go out and give criticism to a fighter like an analyst, I’m like, you were never even a fighter, if that’s what you do,” Diaz said. “You’re a b*tch. And you’re going to f*cking analyze and talk about how fighters are and what they should do? And you know it all? You know it all? Well, what the f*ck happened in your career then? Why are you an analyst now, Mr. Know-It-All?”

    Diaz continued his rant as he questioned why Cormier would criticize other fighters given his own career trajectory.

    “Why are you Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson and the best of the best? Talking negative about what I should do when I made more money than you ever made in your whole career at any fight, Mr. Champion,” he said.

    The criticism appears misguided, considering Cormier won UFC titles at heavyweight and light heavyweight and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Modern Wing in 2022. Cormier lost only to Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic during his career.

    Financial Success Over Championship Status

    Diaz claimed he witnessed only one Cormier fight in person, referencing what appears to be the first Miocic bout at UFC 241.

    “I’ve never seen a single DC fight in my career except for when I was on the same card as him one time and he was picking up the dude and walking around like he was just owned him like he was hella tight, like damn he’s schooling that dude,” Diaz said. “Then I looked back at the screen and he was knocked out on his ass.”

    He then questioned whether Cormier’s criticism stems from financial jealousy.

    “Are you mad because you were the champion and like when I was nowhere near champion I got paid way more money than you? That’s a f*cking bitter little b*tch who’s analyzing fights,” Diaz said.

    Diaz also referenced Cormier’s emotional response following his knockout loss to Jones at UFC 214, a result later overturned to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for banned substances.

    “You’re a great wrestler, DC, but you can’t fight for shit,” Diaz said. “You win fights, but you’re a f*cking big old p*ssy. Remember he cried? He got knocked out by Jon and he cried.”

    Despite the harsh words, Diaz’s comments appeared at least partially tongue-in-cheek. He acknowledged that his targets benefit from the attention.

    “I’m just saying they’re putting themselves in a position to be roasted,” Diaz said. “The bad part about it is they get the favor of me talking and roasting on them and that’s what they wanted me to do. So I take it back, DC, you’re cool. You’re the man.”

    Diaz is set to face former UFC fighter Mike Perry on May 16th on a Most Valuable Promotions card.

  • Nate Diaz Turned Down Conor McGregor Trilogy Fight

    Nate Diaz has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to complete a trilogy with Conor McGregor, revealing he had no interest in facing the former UFC champion for a third time. The Stockton native made it clear he saw no benefit in another matchup.

    During an appearance on “This Past Weekend,” Diaz explained why he didn’t want to lock horns with McGregor at this stage in their lives:

    “I want to fight the best of the best when they are the best of the best. Conor’s great, but I’m not trying to go kill off Conor when he’s on his last dying f*cking leg, literally. That’s f*cked up. I’m not trying to be the ending to some f*cker’s story like that. We ain’t friends, we ain’t none of that, but I ain’t trying to finish this dude off. That’s what I plan on doing if we’re fighting. At the same time, I ain’t trying to get f*cked up by nobody who just got knocked out on his ass and broke his leg, this guy’s down and out, now he’s nothing but motivated to fight me because who else are you going to fight in there? They’re probably going to give him a f*cking BMF belt, f*cking bitch-ass Oliveira, who I believe I’ll beat the f*cking shit out of.”

    Diaz-McGregor History

    The rivalry between Diaz and McGregor produced two of the UFC’s biggest pay-per-view events. Diaz submitted McGregor at UFC 196 in March 2016, handing the Irish star his first UFC loss.

    McGregor won the rematch five months later at UFC 202 via majority decision. A trilogy fight has been discussed for years but never materialized while both fighters were under UFC contract.

    No Interest in Third Fight

    Diaz’s comments indicate he viewed a trilogy as unnecessary. With the series split at one win apiece, the fighter apparently felt no need to settle the score definitively.

    Both fighters have since moved on to other ventures. McGregor has been sidelined with injuries and business pursuits, while Diaz departed the UFC in 2022 to pursue boxing and other combat sports opportunities.

  • Sean O’Malley Admits Jealousy Over Ilia Topuria’s Richard Mille Deal

    Sean O’Malley Admits Jealousy Over Ilia Topuria’s Richard Mille Deal

    Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley recently made a rare public admission of jealousy after learning about Ilia Topuria’s new partnership with luxury watch brand Richard Mille. He described the Richard Mille deal as the type of ultra-luxury sponsorship that signals a fighter has crossed over from star athlete to global A-list status.

    O’Malley’s Honest Reaction

    O’Malley discussed his reaction on his own show after receiving news of Topuria’s announcement. His longtime coach and friend Tim Welch sent him a screenshot of Topuria’s Richard Mille signing, prompting an unusually candid response from the champion.

    “I am jealous. I haven’t felt the jealousy emotion in a long time,” O’Malley said. “I felt it when Tim sent me a screenshot: Ilia signs with Richard Mille. I was like, ‘Oh!’”

    The Significance of Richard Mille

    For a bantamweight champion who has built a strong personal brand and social following, O’Malley’s reaction highlights the prestige associated with Richard Mille partnerships. The luxury Swiss watch manufacturer is known for extremely high-profile athlete endorsements that often represent a fighter’s arrival at the highest levels of mainstream recognition.

    O’Malley’s honest assessment of his emotional response shows how even established champions view certain sponsorship deals as benchmarks of crossover success. His willingness to openly discuss feeling jealous demonstrates the competitive nature that extends beyond the octagon into business opportunities.

    Topuria’s Growing Profile

    Topuria’s Richard Mille partnership represents another step in the featherweight contender’s rising profile. The deal positions him among elite athletes across multiple sports who represent the luxury brand, suggesting his marketability has reached significant levels despite being relatively early in his UFC career compared to established champions like O’Malley.

  • Adesanya Drops From Middleweight Top 5 After Fourth Straight Loss

    Adesanya Drops From Middleweight Top 5 After Fourth Straight Loss

    The former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya has been removed from the UFC’s middleweight top five rankings following his second-round TKO loss to Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle, ending a seven-year streak in the division’s elite tier.

    ‘The Last Stylebender’ suffered his fourth consecutive defeat this past weekend, marking a significant turning point in his career trajectory. Unlike his previous three losses, which came against fellow top contenders, Adesanya’s latest setback was against rising prospect Pyfer.

    Ranking Implications

    Adesanya hasn’t won a fight since April 2023. Despite his recent losses to elite competition, he maintained his top-five status in the 185-pound division. However, the defeat to Pyfer carried different weight as it came against an unranked opponent looking to break into title contention.

    The ranking drop represents the most significant impact on Adesanya’s standing since his championship reign ended. Despite many observers feeling he was performing well in the early stages of the fight, the second-round finish ultimately sealed his fate in the updated rankings.

    Career Context

    Adesanya has already established himself as one of the greatest middleweights in UFC history, with memorable performances throughout his championship runs. The former titleholder produced numerous highlight-reel moments during his peak years in the division.

    Following the tough result at UFC Seattle, Adesanya has indicated he has no plans to step away from competition despite the recent struggles. The loss to Pyfer marks a clear inflection point where the former champion now faces rising contenders rather than established elite fighters.

    The ranking adjustment reflects the UFC’s assessment that Adesanya’s position among the division’s top tier can no longer be maintained following the loss to an unranked opponent, regardless of his previous accomplishments in the middleweight division.

  • Francis Ngannou ‘Heartbroken’ Watching Israel Adesanya Lose to Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle

    Francis Ngannou ‘Heartbroken’ Watching Israel Adesanya Lose to Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle

    Francis Ngannou was visibly distraught after watching his longtime friend Israel Adesanya suffer a second-round knockout defeat to Joe Pyfer in the UFC Seattle main event. The former heavyweight champion took to Instagram to share his emotional reaction to Adesanya’s fourth consecutive defeat.

    “Watching Izzy’s fight last night, [I] was heartbroken,” Ngannou posted on Instagram. “It reminds you how ungrateful this sport is.”

    Adesanya Started Strong Before Knockout Loss

    The former middleweight champion seemed to be finding his rhythm early in the fight against Pyfer. He showcased his trademark accuracy and power, landing clean shots on his opponent during the striking exchanges.

    However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Pyfer managed to drag the fight to the ground. After initially looking for a submission, Pyfer transitioned to ground-and-pound, flattening out Adesanya and unleashing a barrage of punches that forced the referee to stop the fight in the second round.

    Ngannou Reflects on Sport’s Unforgiving Nature

    Ngannou’s reaction highlights the harsh reality of mixed martial arts, where even former champions can quickly fall from grace. The Cameroonian fighter, who has experienced his own ups and downs in combat sports, understands the mental toll such losses can take.

    “He looked sharp. He looked very sharp,” Ngannou said afterwards. “After the first round, I’m like oh we get this, this is good, he’s back. But man, sometimes we plan but God has other plans. I can only imagine how tough Izzy is to come back out of it. To rebound.”

    Adesanya made no excuses following the defeat, but Ngannou admitted it was difficult to process his friend’s continued struggles. The loss marked Adesanya’s fourth straight defeat, a stark contrast from his days as the dominant middleweight king.

    The friendship between Ngannou and Adesanya has been well-documented, with both fighters supporting each other throughout their respective careers. Ngannou’s emotional response demonstrates the genuine bonds among fighters who understand the unique pressures of competing at the highest level.

  • Ilia Topuria Opens Up About Bullying, Tough Childhood That Made Him UFC Champion

    Ilia Topuria Opens Up About Bullying, Tough Childhood That Made Him UFC Champion

    UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria’s journey to UFC championship glory was forged through adversity, bullying, and the harsh realities of growing up in Georgia.

    ‘El Matador’ recently opened up about his difficult childhood and how it shaped him into one of the sport’s elite competitors. Topuria is one of only 11 fighters ever to win titles in two UFC weight classes.

    From Germany to Georgia: A Tough Transition

    Born in Germany to parents who were refugees from Georgia, Topuria moved back to his family’s home country when he was seven years old. The transition proved challenging for the future champion.

    “We lived in Georgia,” Topuria told Charlas Adictivas. “We studied at a school there, and anyone who knows the culture of our country knows that it’s tough. There’s a constant confrontation with the kids at school, and you have to stand up for yourself a lot of the time.”

    Learning to Fight Back

    The young Topuria faced regular bullying and confrontations at school, experiences that would prove formative in his development as both a fighter and a person.

    “When you’re little, you don’t know what’s right, what’s wrong, how to defend yourself, who to turn to, because since I was always a kid who didn’t like confrontation,” Topuria explained.

    These early struggles with bullying and the need to defend himself laid the groundwork for his future success in mixed martial arts. The constant need to stand up for himself in Georgia’s tough school environment taught him resilience and fighting spirit that would later translate to the octagon.

    From Bullied Kid to UFC Champion

    Topuria has transformed those difficult early experiences into championship success. His rise through the UFC ranks has been meteoric, establishing himself as one of the best fighters of his generation.

    The Georgian-born champion’s story serves as a powerful example of how adversity can forge champions. What began as a struggle to survive school confrontations eventually became the foundation for one of MMA’s most promising careers.

    Topuria’s willingness to share these personal struggles offers insight into the mindset that drives elite fighters and shows how childhood hardships can become the catalyst for greatness in professional sports.

    Topuria is set to make his return to the octagon on June 14th at UFC White House, where he defends his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje in the main event.

  • Kevin Holland Reveals Recovery Time From Brutal Low Blow Loss

    Kevin Holland Reveals Recovery Time From Brutal Low Blow Loss

    Kevin Holland knew he was severely injured after absorbing brutal low blows from Mike Malott at UFC Vancouver, and the welterweight has now revealed just how much the illegal strikes affected his performance in the unanimous decision loss.

    Holland was hit with a pair of low blows in the opening round against Malott, with the second shot putting him down on the canvas and requiring a full five-minute recovery period. Despite appearing momentarily unable to continue, Holland eventually got back to his feet and gave the go-ahead to restart the fight.

    Holland Details Lasting Impact

    Speaking to MMA Fighting, Holland acknowledged that the low blow had lingering effects throughout the remainder of the bout.

    “I mean it sucked,” Holland said. “In the moment, it sucked. I didn’t want to continue at all but I’m happy I did. A better man for it. Now in the gym, somebody gets kicked in the nuts, and I’m like we’re not deducting a point, get your ass up, keep sparring. I mean I guess you could say everyone has iron nuts now.”

    He added:

    “I went home, I couldn’t drive my tractor, I couldn’t ride the horse. Hell, the only thing that felt good was good old chewy from the fcking chew monster, other than that, that thing was hurting. It was one of those situations where it’s like I’m blessed I’ve already got two kids. Those type of things affect you. F** Malott but other than that, good to go.”

    Kevin Holland’s Recovery

    He was able to finish the fight, but Holland admitted that it actually took several weeks before he finally started feeling good again.

    “After like two weeks, I was back on the horse, rode real slow,” Holland said. “I was able to drive the tractor again. It hurt to do it but had to man up and do it because we had shit to do. By the time the fourth and sixth week came around, they felt about natural.

    “The trauma from getting hit in the nuts is still there. Any time anybody aims in that area, I’m like whoa, chill out! You guys remember back in the day in the [Joaquin] Buckley fight, he hit me in the nuts a couple of times, and I’m like bro, I’m trying to smack something after this. It never really affected me that much but for some reason that day, they were racking up.”

    The welterweight’s candid admission sheds light on how the illegal strikes may have contributed to his loss at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Holland was visibly compromised after the second low blow and spent the full recovery time on the ground before deciding to continue.

    Moving Forward After Setback

    Despite the disappointing result and circumstances, Holland appears to be taking a philosophical approach to the experience. His comments suggest he’s using the incident as motivation in training, pushing his sparring partners to show the same toughness he displayed in Vancouver.

    The loss marked another setback for Holland, who has experienced mixed results in recent outings. The veteran fighter’s willingness to continue despite being clearly compromised by the low blows demonstrated his warrior mentality, even as it may have cost him the fight.

  • Julio Arce Reflects on ‘Frustrating’ UFC Exit Ahead of PFL Debut

    Julio Arce Reflects on ‘Frustrating’ UFC Exit Ahead of PFL Debut

    Julio Arce is entering the PFL cage for the first time this Saturday in Pittsburgh to battle undefeated featherweight prospect Alexei Pergande, a challenge that comes almost exactly a couple of years after his tumultuous departure from the UFC.

    Arce finished his UFC contract with a second-round knockout over Herbert Burns after missing weight for a bout at UFC Atlantic City in March 2024. He then waited in uncertainty for many months, not knowing whether the promotion would offer him another deal.

    As it turns out, it didn’t.

    “It was like a seven to eight month wait so then you just don’t know what’s happening,” Arce told MMA Fighting. “I’m seeing fights play out and I’m like, ‘Alright, give me somebody.’ But again, you don’t really know. I don’t know how the negotiations go behind the scenes when your contract is up, if they want to give you a chance to match or whatever.”

    Mixed UFC Tenure Ends on Sour Note

    Arce won six of 10 bouts in the UFC against notable names such as Dan Ige and Julian Erosa. While he’s happy with his overall tenure in the promotion, he was left with a sour taste following his exit.

    “Honestly, that was the only little frustrating part because I know there’s, like, a whole wait period there,” Arce said. “If you could just be like, ‘Hey, we’re not going to re-sign you,’ then you could move on and start your next chapter.”

    Fresh Start with PFL

    Now, Arce gets that fresh start with the PFL, facing an undefeated prospect in Pergande at PFL Pittsburgh. The bout represents a new opportunity for the veteran fighter to showcase his skills on a different stage after nearly a decade competing at the sport’s highest level.

    The featherweight bout takes place this Saturday as part of the PFL’s latest event, giving Arce his first chance to compete under the organization’s unique tournament format and season structure.

  • Michael Chiesa Reveals One Career Regret Ahead of Final UFC Fight

    Michael Chiesa Reveals One Career Regret Ahead of Final UFC Fight

    Michael Chiesa has one major regret as he is gearing up for his final UFC appearance at UFC Seattle on Saturday night. The veteran welterweight recently revealed that a simple seating change cost him a potential title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018.

    Chiesa is set to face Niko Price at the Climate Pledge Arena in what marks his retirement bout after more than a decade in the octagon. The Washington native gets a fitting homecoming as he looks to end his career on his own terms.

    The Seat Swap That Changed Everything

    The regret stems from the chaotic UFC 223 fight week in April 2018. Chiesa was originally scheduled to face Anthony Pettis on that card, but the event became one of the most turbulent in UFC history.

    Max Holloway was initially set to challenge Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight title after stepping in for an injured Tony Ferguson. However, Holloway was later pulled from the fight, forcing the UFC to scramble for alternatives.

    As per Chiesa, he had an opportunity to face Nurmagomedov for the title but made a decision that ultimately cost him. Chiesa says swapping seats with Calvin Kattar prevented him from getting the late-notice title fight against “The Eagle.”

    “If there’s one thing I could change, I wish that I would have given Calvin Kattar that front seat because I would have fought Khabib and that’s literally what it boiled down to,” he told Full Send MMA. “Calvin Kattar was sitting in the front and I was getting on the bus looking kind of rough.

    “I was like five pounds over when I was cutting to 155 and Calvin’s like, ‘Oh, you can take my seat’ and I sat in the window and my coach sat next to me and then everything happened.”

    The UFC eventually settled on Al Iaquinta as Nurmagomedov’s opponent, with Iaquinta losing via unanimous decision. Nurmagomedov would go on to successfully defend the lightweight title multiple times before retiring undefeated.

    Final Fight Preparations

    Chiesa’s original opponent for UFC Seattle withdrew due to visa issues, putting his retirement fight in jeopardy. Price stepped in as a replacement, allowing Chiesa to compete in front of his hometown crowd.

    “I knew but I just wasn’t sure. I kind of wanted to wait for the UFC to announce it,” Chiesa told reporters on Wednesday. “With everything that we talked about with the Seattle curse for me, I’m just going to wait until they announce it so I don’t get ahead of myself.”

    The card carries additional significance as fellow UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney is also competing. Chiesa noted it had been eight days from when he learned Carlston Harris was out until Price was confirmed as his opponent.

    At 19-7 in his professional career, Chiesa has established himself as a consistent presence in the welterweight division. His retirement bout represents the end of an era for the “Maverick,” who has been a fixture in the UFC since his days on The Ultimate Fighter.

  • Israel Adesanya Says Coaches Have Ruined His Question Mark Kick

    Israel Adesanya Says Coaches Have Ruined His Question Mark Kick

    Israel Adesanya believes coaches have helped take away one of his best weapons ahead of his return to the Octagon at UFC Seattle.

    The former two-time middleweight champion headlines Saturday night’s card against rising contender Joe Pyfer at the Climate Pledge Arena in his first fight in over a year. Adesanya is coming off a three-fight losing streak, but he remains one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC.

    However, ‘The Last Stylebender’ admits he’s been forced to rearrange his striking arsenal due to opponents and their coaches studying his signature technique.

    Question Mark Kick No Longer Surprising Opponents

    Adesanya revealed that his question mark kick, once a devastating weapon in his arsenal, has lost its effectiveness as coaches have learned to prepare their fighters for the technique.

    “I do my thing but I also have to switch it up because my question mark kick isn’t landing the way it used to because all these c—- know when it’s coming. Their coaches warn them outside the cage,” Adesanya told UFC.com during fight week while doing a frustrated impression of his reaction to the coaches’ instructions.

    “I’ve switched up my game. I’ve tweaked things up and revised old moves.”

    The question mark kick has been a staple of Adesanya’s striking game throughout his UFC career, helping him become one of the most feared middleweights in the division. The deceptive technique starts as a leg kick before transitioning into a head kick, often catching opponents off guard.

    Adapting Game Plan for UFC Seattle

    Despite needing to adapt his approach, Adesanya has promised an aggressive performance against Pyfer. The former champion successfully made weight on Friday and appears confident that his recent losses won’t impact his mindset entering the fight.

    Adesanya has been honest about needing to tweak elements of his game following his championship losses. The Nigerian-born fighter last competed in September 2023, giving him over a year to analyze and adjust his fighting style.

    Pyfer enters the bout ranked No. 14 in the middleweight division with a 15-3 record, representing a significant step up in competition for the rising contender. A victory over the former champion would immediately thrust him into title contention.

    UFC Seattle takes place Saturday night at the Climate Pledge Arena, with Adesanya looking to halt his losing streak and re-establish himself as a force in the middleweight division.

  • Francis Ngannou Accuses UFC of Trying to ‘Destroy’ Him

    Francis Ngannou Accuses UFC of Trying to ‘Destroy’ Him

    Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou believes the UFC has actively worked to undermine him since he departed from the promotion in January 2023. ‘The Predator’ left the promotion after failed contract negotiations, walking away as the reigning titleholder.

    Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Ngannou addressed why more fighters don’t follow his path of leaving the UFC to pursue opportunities elsewhere. He pointed to the treatment he’s received since his exit as a cautionary tale.

    “Since I left, don’t you see what they try to do?” Ngannou said. “All this, blah, blah, blah. All the things, all the narratives they try to drive.”

    “The mission has always been to destroy Francis, to damage Francis,” he added. “Tell me about somebody who left, went out, and (could be) something. Basically as a champion. Nobody has left as a champion, so they want to close that door.”

    Ngannou’s Post-UFC Journey

    After leaving the UFC, Ngannou signed with the PFL in May 2023. He competed once under the PFL banner, defeating Renan Ferreira via TKO in October 2024 to win the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title.

    During his time with PFL, Ngannou also pursued boxing matches against Tyson Fury in October 2023 and Anthony Joshua in March 2024. He parted ways with PFL in early 2026.

    Ngannou has since signed with Most Valuable Promotions and is scheduled to face Philipe Lins in the co-main event of MVP’s debut MMA card on Netflix on May 16th, 2026, at Intuit Dome in California. The event is headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano.

    The Cameroonian fighter enters the bout on a seven-fight MMA winning streak with a professional record of 18-3.