MMA News

Author: Harry Kettle

  • Michael Morales’ future: Dominick Cruz is interested in contender facing Islam Makhachev

    Michael Morales’ future: Dominick Cruz is interested in contender facing Islam Makhachev

    UFC legend Dominick Cruz has expressed his interest in seeing Michael Morales challenge for the UFC welterweight championship.

    As we know, Michael Morales is one of the most exciting prospects in all of mixed martial arts. In his most recent outing, he surprised many by knocking out Sean Brady, firmly establishing himself as a top guy at 170 pounds.

    Islam Makhachev, meanwhile, is in need of an opponent. The likes of Ian Machado Garry, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Kamaru Usman and even Ilia Topuria have been mentioned, but despite his big win, Michael Morales isn’t getting spoken about all too much.

    In a recent interview, Dominick Cruz explained why Michael Morales fighting for the belt would be pretty interesting.

    Dominick Cruz’s view on Michael Morales’ future

    “You could give Morales a title shot,” Cruz told MMA Junkie. “I’ve seen that guy in the gym, and there’s things about him that don’t make sense. The way that he moves, I’m telling you. He’s a freak gymnast. He can do the craziest things. He can really challenge the strength of Makhachev differently than anybody. Now, the technique is what has not been tested with Morales.

    “I would love to see any of those fights,” Cruz said. “I’ve been loving watching Morales fight. To me, he’s just been really fun to watch because he has such an unconventional style, to me. He’s just a brute. He’s just the guy who comes over to you and hits you on top of the head and it’s like, ‘How is he doing this?’ It doesn’t look super technical all the time, but he always gets it done, and he’s so powerful. 

    “He covers distance so much, he kind of reminds me how Yoel Romero used to cover so much distance with power and explosiveness. He kind of has that athleticism and feel to me, but without the wrestling background obviously. He’s got very strong hips. He’s hard to take down. It would be very interesting to see how he does against Makhachev. But against any of those guys (in the top five) would be awesome to watch.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan: Sean O’Malley can’t see UFC booking fight

    Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan: Sean O’Malley can’t see UFC booking fight

    UFC star Sean O’Malley has explained why he can’t picture the promotion booking Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan.

    Right now, Ilia Topuria is one of the biggest names in all of mixed martial arts – and perhaps combat sports as a whole. He has been able to tear through the likes of Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, all via knockout. He’s also the reigning UFC lightweight champion, meaning there are plenty of potential contenders just waiting to get their shot at the gold.

    Right now, the likes of Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje are considered to be among the frontrunners – but in addition to that, Arman Tsarukyan threw his name into the hat with a dominant victory over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last weekend. Ilia Topuria, meanwhile, isn’t all too interested in the Arman fight, or that’s the way it seems.

    In a recent video on his channel, Sean O’Malley had the following to say about a potential Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan showdown.

    Sean O’Malley can’t picture Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan happening

    “Arman is no f*cking joke,” O’Malley said on his YouTube channel. “Arman vs. Ilia is an interesting matchup. I do not think the UFC will make Arman vs. Ilia because I think they love Ilia as a champion. He’s a great champion, and I don’t think they really want Arman to become champion. He has a f*cking legitimate chance of beating Ilia. Can’t believe I said it. I think Ilia might knock him out, but if anyone has a chance at beating Ilia at 155, it’s Arman.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Ian Machado Garry is scolded by Darren Till over Khamzat Chimaev altercation

    Ian Machado Garry is scolded by Darren Till over Khamzat Chimaev altercation

    Former UFC star Darren Till has hit out at Ian Machado Garry over his altercation with Khamzat Chimaev.

    As we know, Ian Machado Garry picked up a really nice win over Belal Muhammad in the co-main event of UFC Qatar last weekend. After that, however, in the wake of him calling out Islam Makhachev, the Irishman got into an altercation with Khamzat Chimaev backstage that initially seemed to be quite harmless.

    Both men have had their say on it, and Ian Machado Garry certainly didn’t have the nicest of things to say about ‘Borz’ and how everything unfolded.

    In a recent tweet, Chimaev’s good friend Darren Till had the following to say about Ian Machado Garry.

    Darren Till rips into Ian Machado Garry

    “Ian Garry is such a good fighter man…But by god is he possibly the fakest human on earth, fake beyond all beliefs. It’s so hard to like him.

    “I’ve literally sat in my bedroom with my own little demons in my head telling me to force myself to like him. He’s calling Khamzat a child. He was being fake. That whole interaction was fake. And when Ian turned you could see he was scared. Khamzat is like me. That’s why we were best mates. 

    “If you chat s**t when we see you what is… Ian is a really good fighter but he’s just such so unlikeable. So so so… unlikeable. Even hating on Leon’s performance the way he did. Garry got kicked out of that gym as he did of others cos he’s a wanker at the end of the day.

    “As much as he’s a good fighter and I’ve tried to support Ian Garry is just a proper proper wanker… A fake wanker at that…”

  • Ian Machado Garry reacts to Carlos Prates being ranked above him at welterweight

    Ian Machado Garry reacts to Carlos Prates being ranked above him at welterweight

    UFC star Ian Machado Garry has given his thoughts on Carlos Prates being ranked above him at welterweight.

    This weekend, Ian Machado Garry will battle former UFC champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar. If he’s able to pick up the win, and do so convincingly, he could well put himself in position for a shot at the current king Islam Makhachev.

    Islam won the belt by defeating Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 322 last weekend. On the same card, Carlos Prates, who Ian Machado Garry has previously defeated, also secured a big victory – as did Michael Morales.

    With Morales and Prates now both ranked above him, Ian Machado Garry was asked in a recent interview about his feelings towards the rankings.

    Ian Machado Garry’s view on Carlos Prates being ranked above him

    “They’re kind of irrelevant in my mind to a certain extent because the guys that won should be above me now,” Machado Garry told MMA Junkie on the UFC welterweight rankings. “I understand that. Prates being above me, silly, but I understand it. He did knock out whatever Leon (Edwards) was in the world, No. 4, whatever it was, and Morales did knock out No. 2 in the world, so they should be there.

    “I think I’ve been like No. 7 for like the last four fights – it’s ridiculous. They just don’t want to move me up because they know the star power is there, and they’re trying to kind of hone it. I think they’re having a little Conor McGregor (situation): We can’t let this guy disappear. We know what they can do.”

    “Come this weekend, when I knock Belal out, I shall take that No. 1 spot. I’m fighting for the No. 1 contender fight. When I win this weekend, this entire welterweight division revolves around me.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Merab Dvalishvili’s rise: Daniel Cormier praises his career trajectory

    Merab Dvalishvili’s rise: Daniel Cormier praises his career trajectory

    UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has praised the career progression and evolution of Merab Dvalishvili.

    Next month, Merab Dvalishvili will defend his UFC bantamweight championship against Petr Yan in the main event of UFC 323. If he’s able to win, he will go 4-0 in the year 2025, and in doing so, will establish himself as the greatest bantamweight of all time – as if he doesn’t hold that title already.

    Merab Dvalishvili is called ‘The Machine’ and there are plenty of reasons why, and as we look ahead to the future, it certainly feels as if he has the potential to take his game to an entirely new level.

    In a recent interview, Daniel Cormier couldn’t help but praise Merab Dvalishvili for what he has been able to achieve in mixed martial arts – and the UFC especially.

    Daniel Cormier praises Merab Dvalishvili

    “He went from being a guy that nobody really paid attention to, to a guy that’s almost universally loved,” Cormier told MMA Junkie Radio. “That was only because he’s ever present, always doing stuff to make sure people care. It’s Merab for me.”

    “Oh my God, Merab is making his own way,” Cormier said. “So many people do things, so many guys and girls have been champions, but this guy is doing it in a way that nobody has done it before. That’s what I like. I like that Merab is just, you know, ‘I’m just going to fight, I feel good enough.’ 

    “And what’s most impressive is that this dude has hard weight cuts, and he just fights and fights and fights. If we didn’t cut as much weight, if the weight management wasn’t as hard, we would’ve been more active. Merab has those weight cuts, and he’s still fighting four times in one calendar year. Merab, man.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Kamaru Usman’s future: Ian Machado Garry slams idea of former champion getting title shot

    Kamaru Usman’s future: Ian Machado Garry slams idea of former champion getting title shot

    Ian Machado Garry has explained why he doesn’t believe Kamaru Usman deserves a shot at the UFC welterweight championship.

    Since before Islam Makhachev even won at UFC 322, Kamaru Usman has made it clear that he believes he should get a shot at the belt. It comes in the wake of a nice win over Joaquin Buckley, which helped him snap a three-fight losing streak that he had been on.

    Ian Machado Garry, meanwhile, is preparing to take on Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar, believing that a win could vault him into championship contention.

    In a recent scrum, Machado Garry explained why he doesn’t think Kamaru Usman should get a crack at Makhachev.

    Ian Machado Garry slams Kamaru Usman

    “Do I think the champion of the world, one of the pound-for-pound best in the world should fight a has-been, someone who used to be great but isn’t great anymore? No,” Machado Garry said during Wednesday’s media day. 

    “Where is he now in the rankings? Eight or nine? The last fight he had was against a guy who had like seven losses in the UFC? No. Islam Makhachev is a phenomenal fighter, and he needs to fight one of the young, up-and-coming contenders, not a has-been who has no knees.”

    “If I was Islam, I would want to fight Kamaru Usman, too because it’s an easy paycheck, it’s an easy win, it’s an easy way for me to get my first title defense at welterweight,” Machado Garry continued. “But when you’ve got the likes of me – if you look at the four main contenders right now: Shavkat (Rakhmonov), me, (Carlos) Prates, (Michael) Morales. What do we all have in common?

    “Long, tall, rangy, powerful, and full of youth. Way more dangerous than the guy who used to be the greatest. Not in a million years, that to me is a cop-out. You need to fight one of the up-and-comers. One of the guys that are hungry, that have that passion, that have not felt what it feels like to be a champion, that are driven to achieve their dreams.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Islam Makhachev’s future: Javier Mendez considers possible opponents

    Islam Makhachev’s future: Javier Mendez considers possible opponents

    Javier Mendez has given his thoughts on who Islam Makhachev could face if he manages to win the UFC welterweight championship tomorrow night.

    In the main event of UFC 322, Islam Makhachev will challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight title. If he’s able to get the job done, he will join an exclusive club of fighters who have been able to win world titles in two weight classes in the promotion.

    Of course, Islam Makhachev can’t afford to look past JDM given how dangerous the champion is. With that being said, you would have to imagine that there are plenty of fighters who would be willing to challenge Islam for the belt if he does, in fact, leave Madison Square Garden with the strap.

    In a recent interview, Javier Mendez listed a few names that Islam Makhachev could defend the belt against if that happens.

    Javier Mendez’s view on Islam Makhachev’s future

    “The one guy I think probably deserves it more than everybody, based on his title run when he was the champ, is Kamaru Usman,” Mendez told Submission Radio. “Look what he just did with (Joaquin) Buckley. He stopped the hype train, and did it in impressive fashion. So I would think that his hat has got to be in there as a contender for that title. His title run, being the greatest welterweight of all time, in my opinion, has got to be in there, too.

    “For us, it would suck because we care a lot about the guy, but it’s a business, and whatever is going to happen is going to happen. Even Belal (Muhammad), it is what it is. We didn’t want to fight Belal, but what if Belal wins and we win, and all of a sudden we get offered a fight with him? It’s going to be up to the fighters to decide, but it’s going to suck for us on both of those, if any of those happen.”

    “If you’re asking me what the fans are going to want to see, I’m going to have to go with Topuria,” Mendez said. “If we manage to get the win like we’re expecting and wanting to, I would think that Dana (White) is all about creating the most, biggest buzz, and I think the biggest buzz is Topuria if he goes up in weight – if that’s what happens. So right now, I can see so many different scenarios happening, but those two are the top of the list, in my opinion.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Leon Edwards teases Ian Machado Garry as feud intensifies

    Leon Edwards teases Ian Machado Garry as feud intensifies

    Former UFC champion Leon Edwards has thrown a shot back at Ian Machado Garry as the two continue to go back and forth at one another.

    On Saturday night, Leon Edwards faces a big challenge in the form of a clash with Carlos Prates. ‘Rocky’ is coming off the back of consecutive losses at the hands of Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady, and if he’s serious about climbing back into welterweight title contention, this is an absolute must-win for him.

    One man who doesn’t seem to be a big fan of Leon Edwards is none other than Ian Machado Garry. After the controversies surrounding them training together, the Irishman has made no secret of the fact that he believes Leon is on the decline.

    In a pre-fight interview with Ariel Helwani, Leon Edwards had the following to say about Machado Garry.

    Leon Edwards hits back at Ian Machado Garry

    “Ian’s biggest achievement right now in the sport is losing to Shavkat, and that’s facts,” Edwards said on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “That’s his greatest achievement, that he can brag that he didn’t get finished and that he lost to Shavkat. If it comes, it comes. iIf it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

    Edwards has had to deal with a lot of adversity in his life and career, and although Machado Garry would serve as a really dangerous opponent if the two ever fought, we can’t imagine that he would shy away from this challenge. If anything, he would embrace it.

  • Jack Della Maddalena will finish Islam Makhachev, says Israel Adesanya

    Former UFC champion Israel Adesanya believes Jack Della Maddalena will knock Islam Makhachev out in the main event of UFC 322.

    On Saturday night, Jack Della Maddalena will defend his UFC welterweight championship against Islam Makhachev. While Islam is considered to be the favorite by many, JDM has been on an incredible run in the last few years, culminating in him defeating Belal Muhammad to become the new champion at 170 pounds.

    Of course, Jack Della Maddalena himself will likely admit that this is one of the toughest tests available in the welterweight division, and that he will have to be at the top of his game if he’s going to come out with the victory.

    In a recent video, Israel Adesanya backed Jack Della Maddalena to get the job done in New York City.

    Israel Adesanya’s prediction for Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev

    “I’m not trying to count Islam out, but I just know Jack. I know that when Jack keeps getting up, it’s going to be a problem,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “Islam’s going to be forced to strike, and when he’s forced to strike with Jack, he’s going to get hurt. I think Islam’s the best of the Dagestanis, one of the best fighters in history, one of the most efficient, but even Dustin was able to get up and stop his submissions, and Dustin’s a f*cking gun.

    “I’ve seen it live what Volkanovski can do with Islam when they were in Perth. That’s why I know he’s going to hurt Islam. Jack Della, I don’t see him getting hurt, I’ve never seen him get stopped. …I do think Islam will be able to get him down, but for how long? Not for long. He’s going to get stuffed from the beginning, in the middle, until Jack ends it.”

    “I really think Jack Della Maddalena has the skills to stifle Islam’s game and just put it on the feet, and knock him out,” Adesanya said. “Might be second round, might be third, but we’ll see.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Kamaru Usman calls for a shot at UFC 322 main event winner

    Kamaru Usman calls for a shot at UFC 322 main event winner

    Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has made it known that he is interested in fighting the winner of the UFC 322 main event.

    On Saturday night, Jack Della Maddalena will defend his UFC welterweight championship against Islam Makhachev. While it’s hard to look past that huge main event clash, Kamaru Usman is already looking to the future.

    The former champ defeated Joaquin Buckley in his last outing and in doing so, proved to many that he still has what it takes to be a real player at 170 pounds.

    In a recent interview, Kamaru Usman declared his interest in fighting the winner for the belt at some point next year.

    Kamaru Usman wants title shot after UFC 322

    “A lot of people had a lot of questions: ‘Can he still fight? Is he still this guy? Is he still this way?’ I hope I proved that to everyone (against Buckley),” Usman told MMA Junkie on Monday. “I have my eye on this weekend. We’ll see who comes out victorious (Della Maddalena or Makhachev). I think it’s a big fight, it’s a good fight, it’s a tough fight for both guys. I’m sitting here looking at the winner like, ‘All right, let’s run it.’”

    He continued, “I’m in a position now to where I want the biggest, most challenging fights out there, because I understand that I don’t have another 20 fights left in the company. Anything could happen, so if you can get that next one and it could be that fight, then that’s what I want.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov opens up on the passing of his father and the impact it had on his MMA career

    Khabib Nurmagomedov opens up on the passing of his father and the impact it had on his MMA career

    UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has opened up on how the passing of his father back in 2020 impacted his mixed martial arts career.

    As we know, Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely considered to be one of the greatest fighters of all time. He retired with an incredible 29-0 record in the sport, and along the way, he defeated legends like Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier and Rafael dos Anjos.

    However, following his win over Gaethje, Khabib Nurmagomedov made the decision to retire in the aftermath of his father’s passing.

    In a recent interview, Khabib Nurmagomedov went into more detail about the process of him deciding to fight one more time before eventually walking away.

    Khabib Nurmagomedov discusses his father’s passing

    “It was not only mother, it was all situation that happened, everything coming together,” Nurmagomedov said. “I saw a lot of rumors why I retired, because of that, because of this, and I think if my father still alive, he would make me fight a little bit longer, because I just turned 32 when I finished.

    “But he passed away and it was a very honest and good conversation with [my mother]. It’s hard to explain. Everything happened so fast. 

    “Everything was happening so fast, even when father passed away, I don’t even have time to think what I have to do because they make interim title, Justin Gaethje-Tony Ferguson, father passed away, and UFC told me, ‘We’re going to give you one month off. After one month, come back to us with what you’re going to do.’

    “It was a very difficult situation. From one side, it was all world waiting for this fight. On the other side, I had this deal, what happened with me and father and mother on the other side, and I chose what mother wished. ”

    Quotes via MMA Fighting

  • Leon Edwards vs Carlos Prates: Belal Muhammad says ‘Rocky’ is in a tough spot

    Leon Edwards vs Carlos Prates: Belal Muhammad says ‘Rocky’ is in a tough spot

    Belal Muhammad has given his thoughts on the upcoming fight between Leon Edwards and Carlos Prates at UFC 322.

    As we know, Leon Edwards is on a poor run of form as of late. He lost his UFC welterweight championship to Belal Muhammad and then in his next outing, he was beaten pretty comprehensively by Sean Brady.

    At this point, Leon Edwards needs to go out there and prove that he’s still as good as he has always been – or, at the very least, showcase that he’s far more competent against natural strikers as opposed to wrestlers.

    In a recent video, his former foe Belal Muhammad gave his thoughts on this bout.

    Belal Muhammad’s view on Leon Edwards vs Carlos Prates

    “Leon, coming off of two losses in a row, is in a very tough spot,” Muhammad said on his YouTube channel. “You never want to be in a spot where you’re on two losses in a row because we’re going to see how bad he wants it. You don’t get any easier fights when you’re the champ. 

    “Every fight after that is still a tough fight. Every fight after that is still one shot, one win away from getting to a title fight. You’re not getting an easy one with Prates. Prates is very long, he’s a southpaw, he has great power, and he’s very confident coming off of that spinning elbow.”

    “So for Leon, you just need to get back on your rhythm,” Muhammad said. “Your last fight, you got taken down by Sean Brady. Before that, you got taken down by me. Now you’re going against a striker, so this is more of your world. But I do think you need to implement striking. 

    “You need to go with kind of the game plan Ian Garry used of lateral movements, staying out of his power, staying out of his reach, using your kicks. He’s going to be longer than you, and when he overextends, you take him down. We’ve seen you shoot, we’ve seen you wrestle, and we’ve seen you wrestle stupidly with Sean Brady. But with this one, you shoot a bad shot on Prates, he’s not going to make you pay for it.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Chris Weidman teases possible return to MMA in the future

    Chris Weidman teases possible return to MMA in the future

    Former UFC world champion Chris Weidman has refused to rule out a return to mixed martial arts at some point in the future.

    As we know, Chris Weidman was once the best middleweight on the planet. His two victories over Anderson Silva, as strange as they may have been, cemented him in that spot – before he went on to successfully defend the championship multiple times.

    Now, there are multiple rumors when it comes to what Chris Weidman will do next, whether it be a boxing match against Silva or a run in the GFL, if it actually gets up and running again.

    In a recent interview, Weidman spoke candidly about the possibility of him heading back into the cage.

    Chris Weidman discusses MMA future

    “I can’t see MMA happening if I’m looking at the landscape of MMA right now outside of the UFC,” Weidman told MMA Fighting. “I don’t know if I’d be able to get paid the type of money I’d want to get paid to put my body through that again. It would have to be the right fighter, you know guys that I have history with like a Luke Rockhold or something like that.

    “It would have be really good money. I don’t know MMA is there right now at point to do something like that.”

    “I think boxing probably has the best chances of delivering those types of purses and stuff,” Weidman said. “MMA, listen if I get the right call with the right kind of money and the right opponent — I love the game, I love to compete. I’m still in the gym all the time. I love training. I think I’m still really good so why not?”

    Quotes via MMA Fighting

  • Jon Jones calls Tom Aspinall a “one-trick pony” following no contest at UFC 321

    Jon Jones calls Tom Aspinall a “one-trick pony” following no contest at UFC 321

    Controversial UFC legend Jon Jones has called Tom Aspinall a one-trick pony in the wake of his no contest against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.

    As we know, Jon Jones isn’t interested in the idea of fighting Tom Aspinall – or, at least, he certainly hasn’t been for the last couple of years. There’s a chance that his attitude may change after Aspinall’s no contest against Gane in the main event of UFC 321, which ended due to a nasty double eye poke from the Frenchman.

    Jon Jones has already said that he wants to break his retirement and return to the UFC at some point next year, likely in time for the UFC White House event. While he wants to take on Alex Pereira in a superfight, you would have to think he is interested in trying to become a two-time UFC heavyweight champion.

    In a recent interview, Jon Jones spoke candidly when discussing Tom’s abilities and how the fight with Gane was playing out.

    Jon Jones questions Tom Aspinall

    “Tom’s a great athlete, but I do feel like he’s a one-trick pony,” Jones said on “NoScripts Podcast.” “I believe that his wrestling and jiu-jitsu is incredibly overrated. He has a beautiful 1-2. I got to learn a lot about his patterns in his last fight. That’s really about it. That’s the one thing that he’s setting up real nice.”

    “He couldn’t touch Ciryl Gane at all, that’s the way I felt,” Jones said. “I felt Gane was just getting warmed up. Gane’s hands was down, he was shaking his shoulders, bouncing around, touching him – he was so comfortable.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Will Dana White Ever Retire? The UFC President Reveals His Plans

    Will Dana White Ever Retire? The UFC President Reveals His Plans

    UFC boss Dana White has given his thoughts on the possibility of him retiring at some point in the future.

    As we know, Dana White is one of the hardest workers in all of combat sports. While he has certainly made more than a few enemies over the years, he’s also been instrumental in building the Ultimate Fighting Championship into the juggernaut that it is today. There are always going to be critics, but in terms of business success and financial gain, he has been able to achieve some great things throughout the course of his career.

    As is the case with many figures in positions of power for this long, people constantly wonder about what life will be like once Dana White steps away from the limelight. In recent times he has suggested that he wants to keep going for as long as he possibly can, which isn’t surprising given the work ethic that he has consistently shown.

    In a recent workout video with Luke Elsman, Dana White spoke about those who have previously said to him that he could have retired a long time ago.

    Dana White discusses his future plans

    “When I was younger, older people used to say, ‘When I retire, I’ll be drinking Mai Tais on the beach,’ etc.

    “I go on great vacations — after 10 days, I’m sick of drinking, I’m sick of all this sh*t, and I’m ready to get back to the grind.

    “I’m always thinking about how to make the business bigger and bigger every day.”

    Quotes via Home of Fight

  • Former UFC Champ Jiri Prochazka Eyeing a Move to Middleweight

    Former UFC Champ Jiri Prochazka Eyeing a Move to Middleweight

    UFC middleweight champion Jiri Prochazka has revealed that he is legitimately considering the possibility of a move to 185 pounds, depending on how things play out at light heavyweight.

    As we know, Jiri Prochazka is an absolute warrior. He has been able to tear through everyone he has faced in the light heavyweight division, outside of one man – Alex Pereira. It seems as if a third fight between them is feasible, but at the same time, ‘Poatan’ has made his intentions clear to face Jon Jones at heavyweight at next year’s UFC White House event.

    Of course, Jiri Prochazka has his heart set on avenging his two losses at the hands of Pereira, but he won’t be able to do that if Alex follows through on his promise to take on Jones at heavyweight next summer.

    In a recent interview, Jiri Prochazka was asked about the middleweight idea and gave an honest assessment of it all.

    Jiri Prochazka considers middleweight switch

    “For me to cut to 93 kg (205 lbs.), is not a problem. I think to 84 kg, like middleweight, will be really, really something,” Prochazka told Cageside Press backstage at Oktagon 79. “I believe I can make it with my body, because I know my body. So, I believe I can make it, but it depends. I really first want to bring the title to Czech Republic, light heavyweight.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

    Everyone loves Jiri and regardless of weight class, there’s a lot of potential left for him in terms of future UFC matchups.

  • Brendan Allen Says The Ending of His Reinier de Ridder Bout Was Just “Weird”

    Brendan Allen Says The Ending of His Reinier de Ridder Bout Was Just “Weird”

    UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen has given his thoughts on the conclusion of his UFC Vancouver main event against Reinier de Ridder.

    Heading into his short notice showdown with Reinier de Ridder, Brendan Allen was considered to be a fairly big underdog. In the end, though, not only did he win, but he also forced RDR to quit on the stool between rounds.

    While it was a huge moment for Brendan Allen, more fans focused on the fact that de Ridder fell short when he was so close to securing a UFC middleweight title shot. Either way, Allen marches forward in the middleweight division, whereas RDR needs to go back to the drawing board.

    In a recent interview, Allen spoke openly about the moments leading up to the stoppage and how he felt about it in the immediate aftermath.

    Brendan Allen discusses ending of Reinier de Ridder fight

    “I said I would break him going into the fight, and I’ve broke guys before they just kind of like, just let things kind of happen, but never have I went with someone that they didn’t answer the bell. So, yeah, man. It’s very weird.”

    “I was listening to my corner still when I saw his like, like out of my peripheral. I saw his corner uh you know like wave it off and then I saw him throw the towel. By the time they threw the towel I knew it was, it was over. So I was shocked but I also kind of expected in that moment because leading up to that moment my corner was like look he can’t even get off the ground like he’s still sitting there. Uh, so I kind of expected it.”

  • Paddy Pimblett SNAPS at Ilia Topuria: “He’s so fake”

    Paddy Pimblett SNAPS at Ilia Topuria: “He’s so fake”

    UFC star Paddy Pimblett has once again lashed out at UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria as rumors continue to circulate regarding a fight between the two.

    For the longest time now, Paddy Pimblett has not been a big fan of Ilia Topuria – and you’d best believe that the feeling is mutual. ‘The Baddy’ is one of the most interesting fighters in the recent history of the promotion and that much goes without saying, but in terms of overall success, Topuria is head and shoulders above the Liverpudlian as a result of the two world titles he’s captured in the UFC.

    Alas, following his win over Michael Chandler, many believed that Paddy Pimblett deserved to be the next challenger for Ilia Topuria. Alas, Justin Gaethje also seems to be in the running to get the call, but there’s been no official confirmation from the UFC either way. Whatever happens, it definitely feels like Topuria will serve as the headliner for UFC’s first big Paramount show in the new year.

    In a recent interview, Pimblett once again poked fun at Topuria as the feud continues to gather momentum.

    Paddy Pimblett hits out at Ilia Topuria

    “No one would know Ilia Topuria if it wasn’t for me. He made himself famous off the back of my name…

    “He’s so fake, like half of his followers. It’s been proven half his followers on Instagram are bots. He’s just a McGregor copycat and I’m getting sick of him.

    “He’s a German. He’s not even Spanish, he’s not even Georgian. He was born in Germany, he’s German.”

  • Tom Aspinall: “I’m the champion. I fight the number one contender”

    Tom Aspinall: “I’m the champion. I fight the number one contender”

    In case anyone doubted it, Tom Aspinall is as motivated as he’s ever been heading into UFC 321.

    On Saturday night, Tom Aspinall will defend his UFC heavyweight championship against Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 321. In the eyes of many, Gane’s striking poses an interesting threat for Tom to deal with – but in equal measure, the speed and precision of Aspinall makes him one of the most dangerous heavyweights we’ve seen in the recent history of mixed martial arts.

    Given how long he’s been away from the cage, some have questioned whether or not Tom Aspinall is still as driven as he once was to be world champion. After the Jon Jones fight fell through, it took some time before we got confirmation as to what his immediate future looked like – but the man himself insists that he’s been in the gym training and getting better this entire time.

    In a recent interview, Aspinall gave his point of view on what it means to be a champion at the elite level.

    Tom Aspinall is ready to defend his champion status

    “I’m the champion. I fight the number one contender. That’s how, in my opinion, that’s how champions are supposed to work. It’s like, you’re the guy, you fight the next guy. Prove you the best. And, uh, you rinse and repeat that for as long as possible.”

    Aspinall is ready, and based on recent evidence, the same can be said for his challenger Ciryl Gane.

  • Virna Jandiroba: Dreaming is Good, but Fulfillment is Better

    Virna Jandiroba: Dreaming is Good, but Fulfillment is Better

    UFC star Virna Jandiroba is ready to make her dreams come true in the co-main event of UFC 321 this weekend.

    On Saturday night, Virna Jandiroba will go head to head with Mackenzie Dern for the UFC strawweight championship. In their first meeting five years ago, it was Dern who managed to come out on top – but this time around, the stakes are much higher, and Jandiroba is well aware of that.

    The Brazilian sensation has slowly but surely been churning her way up through the rankings and now, at the age of 37, she’s ready to finally achieve the goal that she’s been shooting for ever since entering the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Of course, it’ll be easier said than done, but she is prepared for whatever Dern can throw her way.

    Virna Jandiroba is ready to live out her dream

    “It’s very good, you know? And dreaming, dreaming is very good. But achieving is even better. So seeing everything happen and living this moment for me is a tremendous fulfillment and that’s it. 

    “I think it is a huge personal and professional achievement. I’m very happy to be here. Dream of winning… do better. You know, we’ve been on this journey for a long time and finally on Saturday we’re going to be able to finally do it. And that’s a thing. It was a long road but now I’m finally here. I’m here to take the belt on Saturday.”

    Get ready, fight fans, because Jandiroba is coming to take it all.

  • Jon Jones Delivers Dedication of Late Brother Arthur Jones

    Jon Jones Delivers Dedication of Late Brother Arthur Jones

    UFC legend Jon Jones has paid tribute to his brother Arthur Jones who passed away this month at the age of 39.

    As we know, the Jones family has quite a legacy in the sports world. In addition to Jon Jones being one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, his brothers Arthur and Chandler both competed in the National Football League – with both winning a Super Bowl during their careers.

    Unfortunately, as previously stated, Jon Jones’ brother Arthur passed away on October 3rd. In the following post, Jon paid tribute to his brother with a lovely message.

    Jon Jones pays tribute to Arthur Jones

    “In Loving Memory of Arthur W. Jones lll

    Arthur was not just a Super Bowl champion but a father, spouse, son, brother, everyone’s best friend, a gentle giant whose kindness and generosity knew no bounds. 

    “He had a love for the outdoors, whether it was duck hunting, fishing, or riding four wheelers with his family, he brought pure joy, warmth and laughter to every moment spent around him. Arthur’s generosity extended far beyond his friends and family. He was alway involved in local charities and gave back to the students and the community with an open heart.

    “His legacy inspires me every day. Our dad Arthur Jones Jr, me, Chandler, Arthur Jones IV,  and the rest of the family are committed to moving forward striving to be the best versions of ourselves, just as he would have wanted.

    “King Arthur will truly be missed, he’s gone way too soon, but his spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Rest easy, big bro, you deserve it, you did amazing.”

  • Tom Aspinall disagrees with fans doubting Ciryl Gane’s ability

    Tom Aspinall disagrees with fans doubting Ciryl Gane’s ability

    UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall disagrees with fans and media members who are downplaying Ciryl Gane’s abilities ahead of UFC 321.

    On Saturday night, Tom Aspinall will defend his heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. While many believe that the Englishman is the obvious favorite to leave with the championship wrapped around his waist, others think that Gane serves as a pretty interesting underdog in this fight.

    Either way, it’s a fight that has been brewing for quite some time now with both guys long since being viewed as the next generation of heavyweight stars. If Gane wins, a rematch seems likely down the line – but even if he doesn’t, this first fight is bound to answer a lot of questions about where both guys are at in their respective careers.

    In a recent interview, Tom Aspinall made it clear that those who don’t believe Ciryl Gane deserves to be here are wrong.

    Tom Aspinall praises Ciryl Gane

    “I think there’s this notion with the media and maybe the fans that Ciryl is not very good, which is just complete bullsh*t,” Aspinall told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “I think that he’s really, really good. He’s super talented, he’s been at the top of the division for a number of years, which is not easy to do.

    “He’s been an interim champion himself. He’s obviously had two title shots for the undisputed title, as well, so I think the guy is really good. I’ve took him extremely, extremely seriously. The fact that people expect it to be an easy fight, I don’t read into that at all. I’m prepared for a really hard fight.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Max Holloway goes after “stupid” bare-knuckle boxing and slap fighting

    Max Holloway goes after “stupid” bare-knuckle boxing and slap fighting

    UFC legend Max Holloway has made his feelings known when it comes to bare-knuckle boxing and slap fighting.

    One thing we all know to be true is that Max Holloway is an absolute icon in the world of mixed martial arts. Throughout the course of his incredible career, he has been able to accomplish some incredible things. Along the way, he’s also fought some of the best to ever do it, which tells you a lot about the kind of warrior mentality he has.

    Of course, there are limits to what a fighter is willing to do. Alongside mixed martial arts and boxing, there’s recently been a surge in interest with regards to bare-knuckle boxing and slap fighting, with the latter being something that UFC boss Dana White is heavily involved in.

    During a recent stream, Max Holloway made his feelings pretty clear on both of these forms of combat.

    Max Holloway gives his thoughts on bare-knuckle and slap fighting

    “I ain’t ever going to bare-knuckle fighting. That’s the most stupidest thing ever in the world,” Holloway said on a recent live stream (h/t Championship Rounds). “When I’m retired, I’m retired. I’ll maybe do a boxing match but not a bare-knuckle one. That’s f*cking ridiculous. 

    “People that do that, it’s next level. People that do slap, bare-knuckle, bro, you guys are crazy. You guys are actually crazy. Like, the slap one is so nuts. Like, why would I want to stay there and just be like, ‘Yeah, you can slap me, I slap you.’ That’s f*cking crazy.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Ciryl Gane Does Not Care If Tom Aspinall Puts His Hand on His Shoulder “It means nothing”

    Ciryl Gane Does Not Care If Tom Aspinall Puts His Hand on His Shoulder “It means nothing”

    UFC star Ciryl Gane has said he won’t be bothered if Tom Aspinall decides to put his hand on his shoulder ahead of their fight this weekend.

    On Saturday night, Tom Aspinall will defend the UFC heavyweight championship against Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 321. It serves as a big moment for both men as Tom attempts to further prove the hype is real, whereas Gane wants to break his 0-2 record in world title fights in the UFC.

    Of course, both men are known for being great strikers, and we expect to see that on full display in this encounter. In one of his previous big fights, Aspinall put his hand on the shoulder of his opponent Sergei Pavlovich right before the fight began, which some saw as a strange move at the time, and others saw as a sign of respect.

    In a recent interview, Ciryl Gane made it clear that he doesn’t mind it Aspinall does the same thing to him.

    Ciryl Gane’s view on Tom Aspinall’s pre-fight Pavlovich move

    “I saw the talk about Tom putting his hand on opponents’ shoulders. For me, I’m going to let him do this — it means nothing. Maybe that didn’t come from him, maybe it came from people around him. But me, I don’t take that kind of thing personally. It’s not smart to play mind games.”

    Regardless of what happens before the fight, the actual bout itself is what looks set to be one of the most intriguing features of the MMA calendar this year.

  • Bo Nickal Backtracks on Khamzat Chimaev Comments: “Was about Wrestling, not MMA”

    UFC star Bo Nickal has explained his previous comments regarding his ability to “ragdoll” Khamzat Chimaev if they ever fought.

    While Bo Nickal had an incredibly bright start to his mixed martial arts career in the wake of his sensational run in amateur wrestling, many weren’t big fans of how confident or ‘cocky’ he was being in the media. Then, when he was beaten decisively by Reinier de Ridder, there were even more questions regarding his long term future in the sport.

    Of course, Bo Nickal is a champion at heart and he wants to go out there and prove he can hang with the very best. Bo has plenty of experience when it comes to dealing with adversity and when he battles Rodolfo Vieira at UFC 322, he’ll be hoping that he can showcase what he’s been able to learn ever since his loss to RDR earlier this year.

    Once upon a time, Bo Nickal suggested that he would ragdoll Khamzat Chimaev if they ever met in a competitive environment, which certainly raised a few eyebrows. In a recent interview, he decided to clarify exactly what he meant by that.

    Bo Nickal backtracks on Khamzat Chimaev comments

    “All the stuff I said about ragdolling him — that was about wrestling, not an MMA fight. In a straight-up freestyle or collegiate match, it’s not competitive. I’m a three-time national champ, a world champion — I’ve beaten the best in the world. But in MMA, that’s a war. That’s a scrap. I’ve got to win fights first, but one day that matchup would be incredible.”