MMA News

Author: Curtis Calhoun

  • Diego Sanchez “Happy And Healthy” After Lengthy Hospital Stay

    Former UFC fighter Diego Sanchez has provided a positive update on his health after a multiple-week stay in the hospital.

    Sanchez had been fighting for his life after a combination of pneumonia and COVID-19 left him in a hospital bed. The illnesses also allegedly caused Sanchez to develop clots in both of his legs as a result of the diagnosis.

    Late last month, Sanchez had posted a detailed tweet in which he described his experience with COVID-19. After fighters such as Colby Covington downplayed the virus, Sanchez described it as “evil” as he fought for his life in the hospital.

    Diego Sanchez’s Health Has Turned Around After Recent Scare

    Things turned around for Sanchez over the weekend as he posted a brief, albeit encouraging update to his Twitter followers.

    “Happy and healthy. Thanks be to God,” Sanchez said.

    Sanchez has had quite the wild ride in 2021. After withdrawing from a UFC fight against fellow fan-favorite Donald Cerrone, he entered a feud between his then-manager, Joshua Fabia, and the UFC brass. The promotion opted to cut ties with Sanchez after a tenure in the UFC that stemmed from his win on Season 1 of The Ultimate Fighter.

    Sanchez is widely regarded as a major pioneer in UFC history, helping grow the sport of MMA, especially during the 2000s. He’s currently a free agent and has allegedly been in talks with promotions such as Bare Knuckle FC and Eagle FC for his services.

    Where would you eventually like Diego Sanchez to end up in the next chapter of his MMA career?

  • Jorge Masvidal Involved In Scuffle With Teen At Paul/Woodley 2

    UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal was allegedly pushed by a teenage fan at Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley 2 over the weekend in a now-viral video.

    Masvidal was just hours removed from hosting the latest event with his Gamebred FC promotion when he decided to attend the boxing match in Tampa. He was ringside when one fan decided to push him from behind, nearly sparking an all-out brawl.

    The fan immediately regretted the decision and allegedly screamed “I’m 17! Please, I’m 17!” to Masvidal following the push. Masvidal’s manager, Ibrahim Kawa would later explain what happened on his Twitter page.

    It’s unclear if the fan in question was escorted out of the arena or if he was allowed to remain in attendance.

    Jorge Masvidal Would Later Engage In Banter With Jake Paul

    Jake Paul, Jorge Masvidal
    Jake Paul, Jorge Masvidal

    Masvidal would later watch as Paul viciously knocked out Woodley in the sixth round to remain undefeated. Masvidal and Paul have had their fair share of back-and-forths in the media over the past few months.

    Masvidal posted a cryptic warning to Paul on his Twitter page following the fights, calling him out for a bout in the UFC. The BMF champion has previously hinted at a move to boxing down the line, although it’s unclear if that will come to fruition.

    Paul used his post-fight ring interview to indirectly call out Nate Diaz and Masvidal for future bouts. The two UFC stars allegedly left the arena immediately after the knockout.

    Masvidal was originally slated to face Leon Edwards at UFC 269 before withdrawing due to an injury. He’s anticipating a return to the Octagon sometime in 2022.

    What’s your reaction to this Jorge Masvidal clip?

  • Marlon Moraes Targeted To Return Against Song Yadong In March

    Former UFC bantamweight title challenger Marlon Moraes will look to get back in the win column against Song Yadong at a March 12 event.

    MMA Junkie was among the first to report news of the targeted matchup.

    Moraes most recently fell to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 266 via second-round TKO. After nearly finishing the fight in the first round, Moraes appeared gassed, and Dvalishvili took advantage of it with a barrage on the feet and ground.

    Moraes has had a tough recent run of fights inside the Octagon. After losing the title fight against Henry Cejudo at UFC 238, he squeaked out a split-decision win against José Aldo before losing three straight. Before the loss to Cejudo, Moraes had been considered one of the most dangerous bantamweight contenders in the world.

    Moraes has also suffered tough losses to top contenders such as Rob Font and Cory Sandhagen, both of whom are in the upper echelon of the division.

    With the bantamweight division being as stacked as it is in many eyes, Moraes desperately needs a win to remain in the conversation at 135 pounds.

    Marlon Moraes Faces A Tough Task In Song Yadong

    Another Turning Point For Song Yadong | UFC
    Song Yadong. Image Credit: UFC.com

    Moraes will face a rising prospect in Yadong, a 24-year-old juggernaut who has won back-to-back fights against Julio Arce and Casey Kenney. He is widely regarded as one of the top prospects to watch in 2022 and beyond.

    Yadong made his UFC debut in 2017 against Bharat Khandare, earning a first-round submission before winning four straight bouts. He’s earned wins over the likes of Vince Morales and Marlon Vera during his run in the promotion.

    Moraes and Yadong are both fiery strikers who could provide a potential Fight of the Year matchup in the first quarter of 2022. The winner could get back into title contention at bantamweight.

    What is your early prediction for Marlon Moraes vs. Song Yadong?

  • Dana White Says Khabib Will “Learn The Hard Way” About Promoting

    UFC President Dana White is open to being an advisor to fellow promoter Khabib Nurmagomedov but thinks he’ll learn just how difficult it is for himself.

    Nurmagomedov, a former UFC lightweight champion and arguably one of the greatest fighters ever, is the promoter of Eagle FC. The promotion has been in the headlines recently, as they signed former UFC interim lightweight title challenger Kevin Lee and UFC Hall of Famer Rashad Evans.

    Nurmagomedov is off to an active start in this new career venture after retiring from MMA in 2020. However, White believes that sooner rather than later, Nurmagomedov will be confronted with the various challenges of being in the fight business.

    “No, I haven’t talked to Khabib about his promotion at all, but he’s gonna find out what it’s like to be on the other side, and it’s not as fun as it seems,” White said at the UFC Vegas 45 post-fight press conference. “He’s gonna learn. If he doesn’t know, he’s gonna know.”

    White was then asked if he would be open to helping Nurmagomedov ride the waves that come with fight promotion.

    “Listen, if he calls me and wants some advice, I would absolutely give him advice,” White said. “But yeah, he’s gonna learn the hard way. [Chuckles]”

    Eagle FC will host its first U.S. event next month in Miami, FL. The card will be headlined by kickboxing legend Tyrone Spong taking on Sergei Kharitonov.

    White has been one of the most prominent personalities in MMA since he began his reign as the UFC headman in the early 2000s. While White and Nurmagomedov are now technically competitors, it sounds like the two could be in communications sooner rather than later regarding promoter life.

    What are your thoughts on Dana White’s remarks about Khabib ‘learning the hard way’ about promoting?

  • MMA Fighter Gets KO’d & Engaged To Roxanne Modafferi In Same Cage

    MMA fighter Chris Roman experienced the highs and lows of the fight game—and life— at Titan FC 73 on Friday night.

    Roman was looking to win a third-straight fight when pitted against Asa Ten Pow in a featherweight bout on the card. But just seconds into the fight, Pow landed an illegal knee that knocked Roman unconscious, ending the bout immediately.

    The bout was later ruled a no-contest, as Pow’s knee was clearly to a grounded Roman.

    Check out a clip of the exchange below.

    https://twitter.com/justantherburn/status/1472025907665641477?s=20

    Chris Roman Turns Illegal Knockout Into A Memorable Night

    After lying unconscious for a considerable amount of time, Roman managed to get back up to his feet and find his longtime girlfriend, UFC flyweight Roxanne Modafferi. Roman and Modafferi managed to turn the night around when Roman proposed to her in the middle of the Titan FC cage.

    https://twitter.com/AlexBehunin/status/1472027651095220224?s=20

    Following the incredible moment, Modafferi took to her Instagram to talk about her and Roman’s moment at Titan FC.

    “My boyfriend took an illegal knee at 21 seconds into the fight and it got called a no-contest,” Modafferi said of Roman. “I’m sad for Chris that he didn’t get as much fight time, but then he proposed!

    “I love you for the rest of our lives, Chris Roman!! The fight result sucked but it was kinda epic you proposed on a national broadcast.”

    Roman has a 3-3 professional record in MMA and appears to be doing just fine despite the unfortunate ending to his fight at Titan FC 73. Modafferi will face Casey O’Neill in the last fight of her career at UFC 271 before retiring and moving on to the next chapter of her life with Roman.

    What are your thoughts on Chris Roman’s wild Friday night?

  • Jorge Masvidal Claps Back At Jake Paul After Post-Fight Callout

    UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal has responded to Jake Paul after the polarizing YouTuber turned boxer called him out.

    Masvidal is currently recovering from an injury he suffered during training camp in preparation for a fight at UFC 269 against Leon Edwards. He ended up withdrawing from the bout on short notice, and it’s unclear when he’s targeted to return to the Octagon.

    After hosting the latest event in his Gamebred FC event, he took the time to sit ringside to watch Paul’s rematch with former UFC champion Tyron Woodley. Paul would go on to earn a vicious sixth-round knockout over Woodley that stunned the combat sports community.

    During his post-fight interview, Paul took the time to call out Masvidal and Nate Diaz, implying that the original BMF contenders were afraid to face him in the boxing ring. Shortly afterward, Masvidal posted a video response on his Twitter page.

    https://twitter.com/GamebredFighter/status/1472466516356608004?s=20

    “Shoutout to Frank Gore, shoutout to Tyron Woodley. Now to address that lil b***h,” Masvidal said. “Listen, you can’t afford me. The names that you mentioned, you can’t afford. I know what you pay. You talk a big game, and it’s bulls**t. You’re giving out free tickets to the fights. I fight for money, or to fight the best in the world. You’re neither. If you want to come to the UFC, sign a one-fight deal, I’ll break your jaw in front of the whole world. None of that boxing s**t where I can’t slam you on your spinal cord. If you want it, it’s here.”

    The Jorge Masvidal/Jake Paul Feud Continues

    Masvidal and Paul, once appearing to be cordial with one another, have developed quite the animosity over the past few months. Masvidal even helped Paul get ready for his fight against Ben Askren earlier this year.

    It all started when Masvidal picked Woodley to beat Paul not once but twice this year. Paul has made it clear that he wants a fight with Masvidal as one of his next boxing challenges.

    Masvidal is arguably one of the best boxers in the UFC, as evidenced by his fights against Nate Diaz and Darren Till. While he hasn’t committed to an eventual transition to boxing, he’s previously stated that he would consider it for the right price tag.

    It appears that the Paul/Masvidal hostility is beginning to heat up, and it could only be a matter of time until the two sides settle their differences in a fight environment.

    Do you think we’ll ever see Jorge Masvidal vs. Jake Paul?

  • Nunes Issues Strong Response To Peña’s “Mom Champ” Comments

    Former UFC bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes has responded to Julianna Pena’s controversial “mom champ” remarks.

    Nunes fell to Peña in one of the most shocking UFC moments of 2021, submitting to a rear-naked choke in the second round. Nunes appeared winded early in the fight and arguably didn’t look like her usual dominant self.

    After her historic win, Peña claimed that she, not Nunes, is the first “mom champ” in the UFC. Nunes and her wife Nina welcomed their first child in late 2020.

    “The UFC absolutely needs to create a new belt for me It needs to be ‘The Baddest Mom on the Planet,’ Peña said during the UFC 269 post-fight press conference. “And you know, I’m not trying to take away anything from Amanda. She’s a wonderful mother. But I gave birth to my daughter, and I know that I feel like, for giving birth, I am the first mom champ. And that, to me, is also a little feather in the cap.”

    The MMA community has been divided on Pena’s controversial statements, and Pena has recently come out and claimed that she didn’t mean any ill-will with the comments and acknowledged Nunes is a great mother and a true “mom champ.”

    During a recent Instagram post, Nunes addressed the controversy and aimed her statement directly at Peña.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXrHuk1Pcfb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    “I may not have birthed my Daughter. If I wanted to I could have,” Nunes said. “I chose to watch from the outside. After going through the IVF procedure with Nina. It was truly heartbreaking to see many women break down in the waiting room knowing they would never be able to carry their own and have to take another direction. This doesn’t not make these women any less of a MOM than Nina or I. As a MOM champion as well, I feel this needed to be said, [Julianna Pena].”

    The “Mom Champ” Controversy Could Fuel Nunes/Pena Rematch

    Many of Nunes’ fans commented with messages of support on the post. Peña has yet to respond to Nunes’ post as of this writing.

    Nunes and Peña are expected to run it back sometime in 2022, with both women publically agreeing to an immediate rematch. Nunes has hinted at taking some time off, and it’s unclear when she’s targeting her return.

    The Peña vs. Nunes rivalry appears to just be getting started, and this out-of-competition turmoil could fuel the fire between these two women going forward. Whenever they end up fighting again, it’s almost certain that Peña’s comments will continue to be addressed publically.

    What are your thoughts on the Amanda Nunes/Julianna Peña “Mom Champ” controversy?

  • PFL Fighter Jordan Young Found Dead At 27

    PFL light heavyweight prospect Jordan Young has died at the age of 27, as announced by his gym American Top Team on Sunday.

    Young’s cause of death is currently unclear.

    Young was a former Bellator fighter that had recently seemed to find his footing with the PFL.

    ATT posted a brief statement on their Twitter page to pay tribute to Young and offer condolences to his family and friends.

    “It’s with a heavy heart, we have learned about the passing of our teammate Jordan Young,” the gym shared in a statement. “Our team is shocked and deeply saddened by this news. A great teammate, he will be deeply missed by all of us. Thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP to this warrior.”

    Jordan Young Recently Pulled Off An Incredible Comeback

    Young accumulated a record of 12-2 during his professional MMA career, but many fans will remember him for how his last fight played out. Young most recently earned a miraculous knockout win over former UFC fighter Omari Akhmedov at the 2021 PFL Championships in October.

    After getting smothered and dominated over the first two rounds, Young earned arguably one of the best comeback wins of the year.

    Young was widely expected to be a real factor in the league for the 2022 season and beyond. The investigation into his death is ongoing.

    How will you remember Jordan Young?

  • Veteran UFC Ring Girl Brittney Palmer Talks Future With Promotion

    Tonight, UFC Octagon ring girl Brittney Palmer will complete another year with the promotion, and she doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

    The 34-year-old Palmer made her debut in the Octagon back in 2005 and has been a key element of UFC cards ever since. She most recently earned the award of “Ringcard Girl of the Year” at the 2021 World MMA Awards.

    Palmer is also a prominent presence with many different brands around the world, including Reebok and W Hotels.

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Palmer spoke about her future with the UFC and how long she plans on working events.

    Five Things You Didnt Know About UFC Ring Girl Brittney Palmer
    Brittney Palmer

    “Dana’s gonna have to drag me by my hair,” Palmer said. “Who knows? I just kind of live today, and today I’m working for UFC. So we’ll see.”

    Palmer, along with ring girls such as Arianny Celeste and Brookliyn Wren, has been an important part of the entertainment aspect of MMA. Palmer has also garnered quite the following on social media, with over a million Instagram followers on her page. She also has a degree in Art History from UCLA and has showcased her artwork in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City.

    Palmer will be present at the UFC Vegas 45 card tonight, which features a main event between heavyweight contenders Derrick Lewis and Chris Daukaus. Continuity is never a given when it comes to combat sports, but Palmer has proven to be one of the most continuous aspects of the UFC.

  • Islam Makhachev Gets His Wish In The UFC 269 Main Event

    UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev’s hope for a matchup with Charles Oliveira is still alive following the champ’s win at UFC 269.

    Makhachev paid close attention to Oliveira’s win over Dustin Poirier in the UFC 269 main event. After a rough start to the fight, Oliveira found his groove with his grappling and would eventually earn the submission win.

    Charles Oliveira
    USA Today

    Islam Makhachev has catapulted to the lightweight title picture after a run of dominant performances. His most recent win over Dan Hooker at UFC 267 was arguably the most impressive of his career.

    Makhachev is mostly known for his Dagestan-style wrestling prowess in the Octagon, while Oliveira is known to have some of the most elite jiu-jitsu in UFC history. Leading up to UFC 269, Makhachev picked Poirier to beat Oliveira but was still hopeful for a grappling showcase against the defending champion.

    “I have Dustin in favor tonight, but want Oliveira to be there when I’m fighting for the title. Sambo vs. Jiu-Jitsu,” Makhachev tweeted pre-UFC 269.

    After Oliveira got the win, Makhachev congratulated the champion and teased a potential future matchup between the two lightweights.

    “Congrats [Charles Oliveira] just hold in there for me,” Makhachev said.

    Makhachev is likely just one win away from a lightweight title shot after winning nine in a row. He’s slated to face Beneil Dariush at a UFC Fight Night main event on Feb. 26.

    Both Makhachev and Oliveira have managed to go on dominant runs through the lightweight division, making a fight between the two elite lightweights almost inevitable. While Oliveira is expected to face Justin Gaethje next, Makhachev is waiting in the wings for a shot at the belt.

    Who do you think would win a fight between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira?

  • Cub Swanson Says Inner Circle Wants Him To Stop Fighting In The UFC

    UFC veteran Cub Swanson may have had many struggles in recent years, but he feels he still has a lot to prove in the Octagon ahead of UFC Vegas 45.

    Swanson is slated to face Darren Elkins tomorrow night at UFC Vegas 45 and will look to get back in the win column after falling to Giga Chikadze earlier this year. While Swanson has been a mainstay in the featherweight division, he’s taken a lot of damage in losing five of his last seven bouts.

    Despite the recent struggles and being arguably past his physical prime at 38 years old, Swanson still feels he provides challenges for many up-and-coming 145-pound prospects.

    During a recent interview with the Desert Sun, Swanson addressed his UFC future and what motivates him at this point in his career.

    “It’s my decision, and it’s not like I’m washed up. It’s kind of annoying,” Swanson said when asked about people telling him to stop fighting. “I’m getting the feeling that people don’t want me to fight anymore. I take that into consideration because of my fans. So every fight, I’m trying to have the best performance to prove that I’m doing the right thing.

    “I still feel like I’m getting better.”

    Swanson made his UFC debut back in 2011 against Ricardo Lamas, losing via second-round submission. He would go on quite the run with six-straight wins before losing to top contenders Frankie Edgar and Max Holloway.

    When Swanson has ended up on the losing side of things, it’s usually against a high level of competition. His most recent loss to Chikadze showed how the current generation of featherweight prospects is arguably passing the veterans in the division.

    Swanson will have the opportunity to calm the critics this weekend at UFC Vegas 45 and prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in the promotion.

    What are your thoughts on Cub Swanson’s UFC career?

  • Khamzat Chimaev Responds To Vicente Luque’s ‘Say My Name’ Remarks

    UFC welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev isn’t sure why he doesn’t have an opponent for his next fight but is willing to take on all challengers.

    Chimaev has remained active on social media since dismantling Li Jingliang at UFC 267. He’s called for fights with some of the biggest names in the sport, including Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor.

    Rising contender Vicente Luque also recently threw his name in the hat of possible opponents for Chimaev, indicating that Chimaev just needs to say his name for the fight to happen.

    After getting word of Luque’s comments, Chimaev responded profoundly on his Twitter page.

    “If I say I want to fight everybody it means everybody,” Chimaev said. “I don’t have to call every single fighter by their names. BMF belt is mine, UFC belt is mine too. I’ve heard there is gonna be [an event on March 5] in Vegas. And I don’t understand why I still don’t have an opponent.”

    Khamzat Chimaev Has Sights Set On Welterweight Title

    Khamzat Chimaev
    Khamzat Chimaev (Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa)

    Khamzat Chimaev has taken the UFC by storm since joining the promotion in 2020. He remains undefeated in his professional career, with all 10 of his wins coming by way of knockout or submission.

    Chimaev has made it clear that he wants a shot at welterweight champion Kamaru Usman sooner rather than later. Luque is also vying for a title shot after four straight wins over the likes of Tyron Woodley and Michael Chiesa.

    A fight between Chimaev and Luque could make sense in the meantime, but it’s unclear what the promotion has planned for both welterweights. There were previous reports of Chimaev being paired with Burns, but those talks may have fizzled out.

    Chimaev and Luque both likely need at least one more strong performance to make a valid case for a title shot. If they want to impress the champion, a highlight win against the other could do the trick.

    Who would you like to see Khamzat Chimaev fight next?

  • Tyron Woodley Confirms Jake Paul Rematch Clause, Hints At Trilogy

    If Tyron Woodley can get revenge against Jake Paul this weekend, plans are already in place for a trilogy between the polarizing boxers.

    Woodley is set to face Paul in a rematch a few months in the making and will fill in on short notice for the injured Tommy Fury. Just days before the fight, Fury announced he had pulled out of the bout due to a bacterial chest infection suffered in camp.

    Woodley is planning on making the most of his opportunity in a rematch with Paul after Paul passed him up on a rematch in favor of a fight with Fury. After losing to Paul earlier this year, Woodley agreed to get the infamous “I love Jake Paul” tattoo if Paul promised to run it back.

    During a recent interview with TMZ, Woodley talked about a potential trilogy in the future with Paul and his plans for the rematch this weekend.

    “I felt like I won the fight, but when I go back out there and beat his ass and win this fight and win by knockout and go onto a trilogy and do it again and leave no doubt, that’s the real ‘leave no doubt’. I like how they have the headlines down,” Woodley said. “To me, there was no doubt the first time. I watched the fight last night. How do you lose [rounds] 4, 5, 6, 7, 8?

    “So this is the nail in the coffin, this is just basically what I should have done the first time. The third time will be no doubt.”

    Tyron Woodley Seems Keen On New Boxing Career Chapter

    Woodley had allegedly already been focusing on a potential boxing return in January against a to-be-determined opponent, although rumors of a fight with former UFC fighter Dan Hardy were rampant. He has recently teased an active 2022, featuring multiple boxing fights and a potential return to MMA.

    If Woodley can get revenge against Paul in their rematch, it would set up arguably one of the most unusual trilogies in combat sports history. There’s undoubtedly a lot on the line this weekend for both boxers as they complete another chapter in their rivalry.

    What is your prediction for Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley 2?

  • Nate Diaz Reminds Jorge Masvidal Of Usman KO In Brutal Tweet

    Nate Diaz blasted Jorge Masvidal with a subtle, albeit savage tweet after Masvidal called him out for dissing Dustin Poirier.

    Diaz and Poirier have gone back and forth on social media for months, especially after Poirier’s loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 269. Masvidal, an American Top Team teammate of Poirier, wasn’t happy with Diaz’s latest jabs at the two-time lightweight title challenger.

    Masvidal aimed at Diaz’s inability to defend kicks, which he has been criticized for throughout his career. After getting word of Masvidal’s tweet, Diaz took the time to hit back with an image from Masvidal’s knockout loss to Kamaru Usman at UFC 261.

    “I just came across this,” Diaz tweeted along with the image.

    Nate Diaz & Jorge Masvidal Have Had Beef Since Their BMF Bout

    Jorge Masvidal Nate Diaz
    Image Credit: Michael Owens/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

    At one point, there appeared to be a large amount of mutual respect between Diaz and Masvidal heading into their BMF matchup at UFC 244. After Masvidal earned the win via doctor’s stoppage and an immediate rematch wasn’t granted, Diaz has grown hostile towards Masvidal.

    Diaz is coming off his UFC 263 loss to Leon Edwards earlier this year, a fellow rival of Masvidal’s. Both men are awaiting their next opponents in the Octagon as the UFC turns its attention to 2022.

    Diaz had been recently linked to a possible matchup with Khamzat Chimaev, although Diaz emphatically rejected that pairing. Diaz and Conor McGregor have also gone back-and-forth on social media, and a trilogy between them could also be imminent.

    Diaz and Poirier could potentially be on a collision course after Poirier hinted at a move to welterweight. If that fight doesn’t come to fruition, we could see a second BMF matchup with quite the buildup leading up to it.

    Do you think we’ll ever see a BMF rematch between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal?

  • McGregor Again Mocks Dagestan In Response To Makhachev

    UFC lightweight contenders Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev are it again on Twitter, this time regarding McGregor’s planned title shot.

    McGregor and Makhachev, to the surprise of no one, are not exactly the best of friends. McGregor has had arguably one of the most intense beefs in UFC history with Makhachev’s teammate, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

    But things turned up a notch in light of McGregor’s recent claims that he’s going to get an immediate title shot upon his Octagon return. He’s still recovering from a leg injury he suffered against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 and is planning a return bout for some time in 2022.

    McGregor has called out lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in recent days, with the champion responding that he could be ready to go as soon as this weekend. Makhachev, who is arguably just one win away from a title shot in his own right, blasted McGregor for attempting to cut the line.

    “Your fight is on February 30th,” Makhachev said.

    In a since-deleted tweet, McGregor turned it up to 11 by once again accusing Makhachev’s home nation of Dagestan of promoting a culture of inbreeding.

    @TheNotoriousMMA on Twitter (Screenshot)

    Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev Could Be On Collision Course in 2022

    McGregor remains adamant that he’s in the thick of things in the UFC lightweight title picture, despite losing back-to-back fights to Poirier. He is currently listed as the No. 9 UFC lightweight in the latest rankings.

    Makhachev, at No. 4, is slated to face Beneil Dariush in a lightweight showcase in February. He has won nine fights in a row and is coming off of arguably the best performance of his career against Dan Hooker at UFC 267.

    A UFC pay-per-view featuring McGregor and Makhachev could potentially happen sooner rather than later, and will certainly stoke the flames of McGregor’s hostility towards Dagestanis. Depending on who the promotion opts to match McGregor up with in his return, he could face Makhachev shortly.

    Who do you want to see Conor McGregor fight next in his return?

  • Watch: MMA Fighter’s Post-Fight Challenge Turns Into An Unhinged Riot

    Chaos ensued at a World Ertaymash Federation (WEF) event in Moscow, RU this past weekend, as an all-out brawl broke out between two teams after an MMA fighter’s post-fight challenge.

    The WEF event was a tournament where fighters from both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan competed for a spot in the league.

    It all started after Usbek MMA fighter Namazan Samiev earned a dominant win over his Kyrgyz opponent and called for another fight with someone at the event. A promotional stare-down turned violent after Samiev attacked the challenger with a knee to the head.

    Seconds after, representatives from both teams flew into the cage with more than 50 people getting involved in the altercation.

    Check out a clip of the chaotic scene below.

    Security at the event was able to deescalate tensions and separate the two sides.

    What is your reaction to the brawl at this World Ertaymash Federation event?

  • Watch: Charles Oliveira Has Glasses Stolen Shortly After UFC 269 Win

    One UFC fan didn’t want Charles Oliveira to have adequate vision for his victory celebration after defeating Dustin Poirier at UFC 269.

    Oliveira survived an early barrage from Poirier in the first round to eventually earn another submission victory inside the Octagon. He gassed Poirier out in Round 3 and sunk in a nasty standing rear-naked choke to successfully defend his lightweight title.

    The moments after a UFC win are some of the most satisfying that an MMA fighter can have. Unfortunately, Oliveira’s moment of triumph quickly turned into a panic after one UFC fan in the crowd stole his glasses as he was making his way out of T-Mobile Arena.

    Charles Oliveira Has Glasses Snatched During Celebration

    Luckily, UFC security was right there and ready to get the glasses returned to their rightful owner.

    During his UFC 269 post-fight press conference, Oliveira explained the viral incident.

    “He stole it, he wanted to take it and wear it,” Oliveira said. “We got it back. The security guys from the UFC took it back.”

    Oliveira can now see clearly into the future, where he looks ahead to a potential lightweight showdown with Justin Gaethje in 2022. While the UFC hasn’t formally announced that Oliveira vs. Gaethje will happen next, UFC President Dana White has agreed that it’s the fight to make at 155 pounds.

    Who would you like to see Charles Oliveira fight next?

  • Francis Ngannou Not Buying Jon Jones’ Planned UFC Return

    UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou is moving on from the idea of a Jon Jones fight happening anytime in the near future.

    Ngannou was widely expected to make his first title defense against Jones earlier this year, but contract negotiations never materialized as Jones remained at odds with the UFC brass. After months of speculation as to who Ngannou would fight next, the UFC opted to make an interim title bout between Ciryl Gane and Derrick Lewis, in which Gane was the victor.

    Ngannou will face Gane in a heavyweight title unification bout at UFC 270, but that hasn’t calmed talks of a potential bout with Jones. During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Ngannou appeared to dismiss Jones’ targeted return for as soon as April.

    “Personally I don’t really care about that anymore,” Ngannou said. “There is a lot of talk about Jon Jones. He says a lot of things, yet we are still here. I wasn’t even expecting to fight someone other than Jon Jones after the Stipe (Miocic) fight, but here I am. It’s almost 10 months away, I’m going to fight Ciryl Gane which wasn’t in the picture, in the landscape at that moment at all.”

    Jon Jones Could Face The Ciryl Gane/Francis Ngannou Winner

    UFC president Dana White has been relatively vague about Jones’ plan to return, stating that he isn’t even thinking about the former light heavyweight champion until 2022. After the long hiatus, Jones could still get an immediate title shot against either Ngannou or Gane.

    One caveat in the mix is Jones’ ongoing legal issues stemming from his recent arrest in Las Vegas. He was arrested on battery domestic violence and vehicle tampering charges after allegedly assaulting his fiance at a casino. It’s unclear if this will impact his fighting future.

    Ngannou’s latest chapter in his heavyweight career will begin nearly a year after he knocked out Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 for the belt. If he’s able to get past Gane, a matchup with Jones could be back in the mix.

    Do you think we’ll ever see Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones?

  • Report: Nate Diaz Has Current UFC Contract Extended

    UFC fans could see more of Nate Diaz in the coming year after MMA reporter Ariel Helwani reported that the Stockton native’s contract has been extended.

    Diaz hasn’t fought since his unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 263 earlier this year. He previously had one more fight left on his contract, but it appears that more fights may have been added to his deal for the same price tag.

    Diaz hasn’t signed any new deal yet for more money, but that could be in the works in the coming months. Helwani reported the news via a post on his Substack page.

    “Sounds like the UFC is moving on from Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nathan Diaz fight and, as a result, have extended Diaz’s contract,” Helwani said. “I think they knew that would happen and were hoping to buy time for when Conor McGregor is ready to return later this year,” the report states.

    “Diaz hasn’t signed any new deal yet, so that, too, is a fascinating story to watch next year.”

    Nate Diaz Has Called For Fights Against Top Contenders

    Diaz and the UFC have been at a bit of a crossroads in terms of his potential next opponent. It had been speculated that Diaz would fight rising welterweight Vicente Luque next, but negotiations didn’t move forward.

    Diaz has also hinted at a potential fight with Tony Ferguson, although it’s unclear what Ferguson’s plans for his return are. Ferguson last fought against Beneil Dariush at UFC 262 and has lost three straight bouts.

    The UFC also offered Diaz a fight with Khamzat Chimaev, which he turned down and called Chimaev a “rookie”. Diaz’s extension could also potentially open the door to a trilogy with Conor McGregor as soon as next year.

    Diaz has blossomed into a UFC pay-per-view star and could return to the Octagon sooner rather than later.

    Who would you like to see Nate Diaz fight next in the UFC after having his contract extended?

  • Israel Adesanya Goes Nuts Watching Kai Kara-France’s UFC 269 Win

    UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya loved watching his teammate, Kai Kara-France score a violent knockout at UFC 269.

    Kara-France welcomed former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt to the UFC flyweight division in brutal fashion, overwhelming him on the feet and dropping him early for the finish.

    City Kickboxing continues to be arguably one of the best gyms in the world, and Adesanya was hyped watching his teammate score an incredible win.

    Watch Israel Adesanya’s Live Reaction To Kai Kara-France’s Win

    Kara-France’s win over Garbrandt propels him into the flyweight title picture, as he has now won back-to-back fights after a brief losing skid. He could potentially serve as the backup to Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo 3 next month at UFC 270.

    As for Adesanya, he appears set to defend his middleweight title against the man who he took it from, Robert Whittaker. The rematch between Adesanya and Whittaker appears has been announced for UFC 271 in February.

    Adesanya has become arguably just as big of a star outside of the Octagon as he is inside of it. He has a YouTube channel, Freestylebender with over 600,000 subscribers, and has also amassed over 5.5 million followers on Instagram.

    Adesanya has developed into one of the most prominent personalities in combat sports today, and Kara-France may not be too far behind him following his wild knockout at UFC 269. Both men are names to watch in 2022.

    Who would you like to see Kai Kara-France fight next? What’s your prediction for Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker 2?

  • PFL Announces “Challenger Series” To Scout Up-And-Coming Talent

    The PFL has announced a Dana White’s Contender Series-like show that will begin in 2022 and give MMA prospects an opportunity at a contract.

    The PFL Challenger Series will debut on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, and will stream on Friday nights exclusively on FuboTV. Prospects will have the chance to duke it out and impress a guest panel that will change from week to week and will feature celebrities such as NFL stars Ray Lewis and Todd Gurley, and boxing legends such as Mike Tyson.

    The celebrity guest panel will not decide the official outcomes of the fights themselves but will play a significant role in determining which fighters will earn PFL contracts. Fans will also have the opportunity to voice their opinions during the broadcasts regarding fight decisions and who should get an opportunity in the league.

    Contract winners will be entered in the league’s 2022 tournament for a chance at $1 million.

    The PFL Continues To Change The MMA Landscape

    “PFL Challenger Series is not your father’s contender series,” PFL Founder and Chairman Donn Davis said in a statement. “The winner of the PFL Challenger Series can become a real-world Rocky story, going from an unknown pro to World Champion holding a $1 million check in the same year.”

    The PFL has added multiple new elements to how the sport of MMA is viewed, and with the level of competition it has added over the past few years. Big names such as Kayla Harrison, former UFC standout Antonio Carlos Jr. and others have made their mark on the league.

    The new Challenger Series will add another angle to the league’s future and send the message that the PFL is here to stay for many years to come. It’ll be interesting to see the level of talent they’ll add through this program.

    What are your thoughts on the PFL Challenger Series?

  • Michael Bisping Thinks Amanda Nunes Wins Julianna Peña Rematch

    Michael Bisping likes former UFC bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes’ chances in an immediate rematch against Julianna Peña.

    Nunes’ loss to Peña was arguably one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history. After some brief success early on in the fight, Nunes looked gassed in Round 2 and let Peña dictate the pace on the feet. Peña would then secure a big takedown and eventually lock in the submission for the win.

    Nunes’ loss to Peña snapped an incredible run in the UFC in which she won titles at both bantamweight and featherweight. The defeat snapped a 12-fight winning streak and was her first loss since UFC 178 against Cat Zingano.

    During a recent segment on his YouTube channel, Bisping broke down his thoughts on a Nunes/Peña rematch and what went wrong for Nunes at UFC 269.

    “I think she’ll come back and I think she’ll fight Julianna Peña and I think she beats Julianna in a rematch,” Bisping said. “In that first round, she outclassed Julianna. She was the better person, she put her down twice, she controlled her in the clinch, she controlled her on the ground. It was a good round for Nunes but she got tired. She got tired, you could clearly see it. And also she showed a little naivety, she showed a little lack of experience, she showed a little – she didn’t show the best fight I.Q.

    “When you’re in a fight – and I’ve been there many times – when you’re in a fight, you’re in the UFC, you go in there and it’s a big fight, a main event or whatever, there’s thousands of people and you’re the f*cking star and things don’t go your way and BANG you get caught with a shot and you’re rocked, what we saw Nunes do – and it’s commendable and the crowd loved it and they’re all screaming and cheering – she just stood there swinging back and forth,” Bisping continued. “What Nunes should have done was be a little bit more crafty. She should have got on her bike, use her footwork to be a little bit more elusive, dance around the octagon a little bit, get your equilibrium back…

    “Nunes probably beats her in the rematch. I’m not taking away from what she did. I honestly believe Nunes will beat her in the rematch.”

    Amanda Nunes Seems Focused On Julianna Peña Rematch

    Just days after her loss to Peña at UFC 269, Nunes took to Instagram to formally accept Dana White’s offer of an immediate rematch.

    While Peña stated that she’s certainly interested in a Nunes rematch, she’s also voiced his desire to avenge previous losses to Valentina Shevchenko and Germaine de Randamie.

    White has all but confirmed an immediate rematch between Nunes and Peña, and it’s expected to be what’s next in the bantamweight title picture. It’s unclear when it’ll happen, but it seems like a Nunes/Peñarematch is inevitable.

    How do you think Julianna Peña vs. Amanda Nunes 2 would play out?

  • Dana White Teases Big Pay Raise For Sean O’Malley After UFC 269

    UFC President Dana White has big plans for bantamweight prospect, Sean O’Malley, following his latest finish over Raulian Paiva at UFC 269.

    O’Malley found his range with his striking just minutes into the fight and pressured Paiva against the fence right away. After throwing a barrage of combinations, O’Malley landed a hard right hand that dropped Paiva to the canvas, ending the fight.

    White, like many around UFC circles, has been impressed with O’Malley’s recent run of knockouts inside the Octagon. During his UFC 269 post-fight press conference, White hinted at a potential pay raise for O’Malley and a step up in competition.

    “When you talk to him, two things: He wants to get paid and he wants to fight higher-level competition,” White said. “Looks like we’re going to have to pay him, get him some fights.”

    Sean O’Malley Is A Potential Bantamweight Superstar

    It didn’t take long for O’Malley to garner the attention of White following his incredible first-round knockout over Alfred Khashakyan on Season 1 of Dana White’s Contender Series. He’s looked dominant ever since, with the lone blemish on his record coming against Marlon Vera at UFC 252.

    O’Malley has rebounded nicely since his first professional loss, earning three-straight wins over Paiva, Kris Moutinho, and Thomas Almeida. While the UFC has appeared cautious in their plans for O’Malley’s gradual rise in competition, he’s remained vocal in his desires to compete against the best but has stated that should come with a pay raise, as White alluded to.

    Leading up to his fight against Paiva, O’Malley called out top bantamweight contenders like Dominick Cruz and Petr Yan.

    O’Malley hasn’t debuted in the bantamweight rankings yet but has managed to land on three-straight main cards in the UFC. It’s clear that the promotion thinks O’Malley can be a pay-per-view star for years to come, but it’s unclear how fast his potential rise to the title will be.

    Who would you like to see Sean O’Malley fight next?

  • Amanda Nunes Accepts Rematch Against Julianna Peña

    Former UFC bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes is all-in on an immediate rematch against Julianna Peña following UFC 269.

    Nunes had early success against Peña in their showdown at UFC 269. However, this was short-lived as Peña was the more aggressive fighter in round 2. After landing a series of devastating strikes, Peña changed levels and secured a rear-naked choke for arguably the greatest upset in UFC history.

    Almost immediately after Peña’s win, many around the UFC community already began to speculate about an immediate rematch with Nunes. UFC president Dana White said in his UFC 269 post-fight press conference that if Nunes wanted it, she’ll get an immediate second chance against Pena.

    After getting word of White’s comments, Nunes responded via an Instagram post just days after the event.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXbl4W_PS62/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    “You think I’m going to go out unbalanced,” Nunes said. “I undoubtedly accept the rematch. Give me a little time to get my shit together and I will be back better than ever.”

    Amanda Nunes Isn’t The Only Name On Julianna Peña’s Radar

    Shortly after her win over Nunes at UFC 269, Pena was already looking ahead to what could be next in her title reign. While she iterated that she’s open to a rematch with Nunes, she’s also interested in avenging previous losses to Germaine de Randamie and Valentina Shevchenko.

    Shevchenko had previously hinted at a trilogy with Nunes after two close losses, but that appears to be on the back burner for now. A bantamweight showdown with Peña could be a very intriguing fight for the fans and both women.

    It’s unclear how much time off Nunes will need as she works her way back to the Octagon. In the meantime, it wouldn’t be surprising if the promotion looks at booking Peña against either Shevchenko or De Randamie next.

    How do you think a Julianna Peña vs. Amanda Nunes rematch plays out?

  • Sean O’Malley Live Reacts To Cody Garbrandt’s UFC 269 KO Loss

    UFC bantamweight prospect Sean O’Malley was in the middle of an interview when he saw Cody Garbrandt get knocked out in his flyweight debut.

    O’Malley and Garbrandt went at it earlier during UFC 269 fight week at the pre-fight press conference, as the two went back-and-forth on the mic and also nearly brawled on stage. O’Malley and Garbrandt were rumored to potentially fight last year, but negotiations never materialized.

    Many felt that Garbrandt was the more confident trash talker during the press conference, but O’Malley ended up getting the last laugh after Garbrandt suffered a brutal knockout against Kai Kara-France.

    Check out O’Malley’s reaction to Garbrandt’s loss below.

    “Oh, Cody. Cody just got knocked out. Sucks for him, deuces,” O’Malley said. “Some people just aren’t built for this.”

    Sean O’Malley Later Changed His Tone On Cody Garbrandt

    O’Malley and Garbrandt clearly have some disdain for each other, but O’Malley appeared to reverse course during his post-fight press conference. When asked if he saw Garbrandt’s fight, O’Malley took the chance to praise him just minutes after roasting him in an earlier interview.

    “Cody’s also a legend in his own right,” O’Malley said. “And I’m not gonna sit up here and say anything negative about him. He’s probably gonna have a rough couple days, couple weeks, whatever it’s gonna be.”

    O’Malley remains with only one defeat in his professional career after knocking out Raulian Paiva at UFC 269. It was arguably the toughest test of his UFC tenure, which he passed with flying colors.

    O’Malley has been criticized for the level of competition he’s faced so far at bantamweight. He has yet to crack the bantamweight rankings, as UFC president Dana White recently said he isn’t ready for top-level opponents.

    As for Garbrandt, his UFC future remains unclear. His flyweight debut obviously didn’t meet his expectations and he’s suffered a series of brutal knockouts in four of his last six fights.

    O’Malley and Garbrandt had once been considered two of the top bantamweight prospects, but it appears the two of them might be heading on different paths in the UFC. O’Malley could earn a spot soon in the bantamweight rankings while Garbrandt is still looking to get back on the winning side of things in the UFC.

    What do you think is next for Sean O’Malley and Cody Garbrandt?