MMA News

Author: Harry Kettle

  • Conor McGregor Fighting at the UFC White House Event is a “Done deal, signed, delivered”

    Conor McGregor Fighting at the UFC White House Event is a “Done deal, signed, delivered”

    UFC star Conor McGregor has claimed that a deal has been struck for him to make his return to the promotion at next summer’s White House event.

    For the longest time now, Conor McGregor has been teasing the idea of a return to professional mixed martial arts. While he still has plenty of fans around the world, his reputation has certainly taken a blow as a result of his many controversies outside of the cage. Alas, Dana White seems to be interested in getting him back, and the Irishman has his eyes set on next year’s blockbuster White House event.

    For Conor McGregor, it’s seemingly all about proving that he has what it takes to continue competing at an elite level. Even if he doesn’t, he has the kind of star power that is always going to bring in some casual fans, especially for when the UFC hits up the White House.

    In a recent interview, McGregor had the following to say about his return.

    Conor McGregor claims UFC White House is a done deal

    ā€œDone deal, signed, delivered. It ainā€™t a negotiation, itā€™s a done deal, signed, delivered. McGregor will compete in the White House for Americaā€™s 250th birthday.ā€

    ā€œMe and Dana are in constant communication, weā€™ve done incredible business together, Iā€™m the highest generating fighter of all time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Theyā€™ve just signed a breathtaking deal with Paramount where we go to cable TV, $7.7 billion that deal. Ready to rokc, baby. Bring in the big dog, the Mac, the Mac G.ā€

  • Did Jon Jones Forget Why He Asked for $40 Million to Fight Tom Aspinall?

    Did Jon Jones Forget Why He Asked for $40 Million to Fight Tom Aspinall?

    MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has an interesting theory regarding Jon Jones requesting $40 million to take on Tom Aspinall.

    Right now, Jon Jones is not the UFC heavyweight champion. He was, but he gave up that belt and decided to retire from mixed martial arts instead of fighting Tom Aspinall. However, after the promotion revealed that they’d be heading to the White House for an event next year, ‘Bones’ seemed to change his mind.

    Now, fans are left to wait and see whether or not Dana White will change his mind regarding Jon Jones taking part on that card. Either way, there’s a great deal of uncertainty in the air, and it’s clear that Jon will ask for a substantial amount of money in order to agree to the fight.

    After it was suggested that Jon Jones wanted $40 million to fight Aspinall, Sonnen felt the need to respond in a recent video.

    Chael Sonnenā€™s view on Jon Jonesā€™ financial request

    ā€œI was at the press conference right after Jon Jones beats Stipe Miocic and Jones to fight Tom Aspinall throws out the biggest number he could think of, and that was 40 million. Now, the reason that number happened to be on Jonā€™s brain is there was just a report that came out that a fight that happened the day before on Netflix, Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson, that Jake Paul was paid $40 million. 

    ā€œIt was not true. It was never trueā€¦ But when he was asked how much he was going to need to fight Aspinall, he yelled out the biggest number he could think of, which at that time was 40 million because he just read the article about Jake Paul. 

    ā€œBut when you get back home and itā€™s time to actually find a date in a venue and get this fight done, Jonā€™s locked in at $40 million. Jon had forgot why he said $40 million. Jon forgot that this was part of the show.ā€

  • Conor McGregor Accused of Being an Outright Liar: “Not one word of that it true”

    Conor McGregor Accused of Being an Outright Liar: “Not one word of that it true”

    MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has rejected the notion that Conor McGregor is negotiating directly with the US government regarding his return to the cage.

    Right now, UFC sensation Conor McGregor is making it clear that he is interested in a comeback fight – at the White House next summer. Alas, given the many controversies that he’s been involved in, there isn’t quite as much intrigue from the MMA fanbase as there once was when it comes to his mixed martial arts future.

    Still, this is Conor McGregor we’re talking about here. He is a global superstar and nobody can deny that, even though he may not be at the level that he once was. In a recent interview, the Irishman claimed that instead of communicating with the UFC, he was speaking directly with the US government ahead of the promotion’s first ever event at the White House next year.

    Chael Sonnen, however, doesn’t believe a word that Conor McGregor is saying.

    Chael Sonnenā€™s view on Conor McGregor

    ā€œItā€™s not a matter of, okay, hereā€™s the information that we got from Conor. If it was, I would just tell you not one word of that is true, and I would get up and walk out of the room. But thatā€™s not a very fun conversation. 

    ā€œHowever, thereā€™s not one word of that thatā€™s true. Conor is not negotiating with the United States government. And thereā€™s people that you can pull into your routine. Thereā€™s people that are willful participants, and when youā€™re doing a ruse with the media, that person becomes your tag team partner. Theyā€™ve got to be willing.ā€

  • Jiri Prochazka discusses dropping his iconic hairstyle ahead of UFC 320

    Jiri Prochazka discusses dropping his iconic hairstyle ahead of UFC 320

    UFC star Jiri Prochazka has discussed ditching his signature hair as he prepares for his return to the cage at UFC 320.

    On Saturday night, Jiri Prochazka will collide with Khalil Rountree Jr in what has the potential to be a thrilling encounter at UFC 320. While there are no guarantees, there’s every chance that the winner could earn a crack at the UFC light heavyweight championship. When you consider that Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira are battling for the belt in the main event, that makes UFC 320 a pretty important event for those at 205 pounds.

    Jiri Prochazka, as we know, has been a real force of nature since arriving in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He holds an impressive 5-2 record since his debut with the promotion, and the only two defeats that he’s suffered have come against Pereira.

    In a recent media scrum, Jiri Prochazka opened up on why he decided to depart with his samurai-style hair not so long ago.

    Jiri Prochazka discusses dropping his iconic hairstyle

    “Right now I’m on the point where I don’t need to have some special hair or some special visualize to show something in a cage. After my last fight, I said myself, man, I know who I am and I want I know why I’m going there and I know what I want to show there. This hair others like tattoos or whatever is just like other things. Everything I have here. So that’s what I’m going to show.”

  • Ben Askren Stunned to Wake Up With Two Brand New Lungs: “Doctor told my wife I wouldnā€™t make it”

    Ben Askren Stunned to Wake Up With Two Brand New Lungs: “Doctor told my wife I wouldnā€™t make it”

    Former UFC fighter Ben Askren has admitted that he couldn’t believe it when he was informed that he had received a double lung transplant.

    As we know, one of the biggest stories in mixed martial arts this year has been the incredible tale of Ben Askren. After a severe bout of staph infection which led to pneumonia, it seemed as if the former UFC and ONE Championship star was in a pretty bad way. Ultimately, though, he was able to fight back against his illness, to the point where he received a double lung transplant that quite literally saved his life.

    The MMA and wrestling community came out with as much support as they possibly could for Ben Askren during what were obviously very traumatic times. Now, though, he’s on the road to recovery, and while his life will look very different moving forward, he has been given a second chance that many don’t get.

    In a recent interview, Ben Askren spoke openly about what happened and his surprise to learn that he had two new lungs upon waking up.

    Ben Askren details medical situation

    ā€œWhen I woke up, I had two new lungs. They called it necrotizing pneumonia. Prior to going to the hospital, I felt fineā€”Iā€™d even worked out. It was shocking. One doctor told my wife I wouldnā€™t make it; another friend said my heart stopped for 20 seconds. I donā€™t remember it, but I was on so many machines to stay alive.ā€

    A true inspiration.

  • Alex Pereira Simply Does Not Care What Magomed Ankalaev Will Bring In The Octagon: “I never watch it”

    Alex Pereira Simply Does Not Care What Magomed Ankalaev Will Bring In The Octagon: “I never watch it”

    UFC star Alex Pereira isn’t too bothered about what Magomed Ankalaev brings to the cage when they collide once again at UFC 320.

    On Saturday night, Alex Pereira gets his chance at revenge when he locks horns with Magomed Ankalaev. The two men met earlier this year and in that instance, it was Ankalaev who was able to come out on top. As a result, he became the new UFC light heavyweight champion, sending Pereira back to the drawing board in the process.

    Now, Alex Pereira has the opportunity to really cement his position as one of the all-time greats by overcoming Ankalaev and winning the title for the second time. ‘Poatan’ isn’t immune to adversity and he’s been through a lot in his career already, but this time, it definitely feels like the stakes are high.

    In a recent media scrum, however, Alex Pereira made it known that he doesn’t put too much thought into what Ankalaev is doing.

    Alex Pereira isnā€™t interested when it comes to Magomed Ankalaev

    ā€œWhen I’m watching these videos that have me and him there, when it gets to his part, I skip forward. I swear by my children, I never watch it. I don’t want to see what he’s doing strategically. I never watch, truly, I never watch. 

    ā€œI watch my fight, but I don’t watch what he’s doing there. So when it gets to my part, it’s a 30-minute video, there’s 5 minutes of my part, I don’t even watch, I skip forward, my part ends, the video ends.”

  • Jiri Prochazka teases ‘deadly’ attacks during UFC 320 fight vs Khalil Rountree Jr

    Jiri Prochazka teases ‘deadly’ attacks during UFC 320 fight vs Khalil Rountree Jr

    Former UFC champion Jiri Prochazka is ready for war on Saturday night in his UFC 320 clash with Khalil Rountree Jr.

    For quite some time now, Jiri Prochazka has been recognized as one of the most entertaining fighters in all of mixed martial arts. Regardless of whether he wins or loses (he currently holds a 5-2 record in the UFC with his only losses coming to Alex Pereira), he puts on a show.

    This weekend, Jiri Prochazka will have to dig deep into his bag of tricks when he locks horns with Khalil Rountree Jr, another light heavyweight contender who has been on an absolute tear over the course of the last few years.

    With the winner hoping to earn another UFC title shot at 205 pounds, Jiri Prochazka has made it clear that he plans on leaving it all in the cage.

    Jiri Prochazka prepares for battle against Khalil Rountree Jr

    “I think he’s a dynamic, fast and a tough fighter. He knows how to go long rounds,” Prochazka told MMA Junkie and other reporters Monday at the UFC Performance Institute. “This is something that I needed, to have more patience in the fight and to not want to end it as soon as possible. 

    “I think that’s my strongest weapon and the other side is a little bit bad because I want to end it as soon as possible. So I’m going all the time. Every attack has to go through. That’s what I worked on. To work lightly, to be precise, and with that to have deadly attacks.”

    “I’m always excited to show my performance to show that I made a step-up since the last preparation in January, so that’s it,” Prochazka said. “I’m just excited to be here and finally to go back to the cage.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Khamzat Chimaev’s future: Merab Dvalishvili breaks down how to beat him

    Khamzat Chimaev’s future: Merab Dvalishvili breaks down how to beat him

    UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has given his thoughts on what a good strategy would be if you’re hoping to try and defeat Khamzat Chimaev.

    Right now, Merab Dvalishvili and Khamzat Chimaev are among two of the most exciting fighters in all of mixed martial arts. While Merab prepares to defend his strap for the third time at UFC 320 this weekend, Khamzat is still basking in the glory of his recent triumph over Dricus du Plessis that saw him become the new UFC middleweight champion.

    As we look ahead to the future, it certainly seems like Khamzat Chimaev has a good chance of holding onto the belt for a long time. With that being said, it all comes down to how his opponents approach their fights against him. ‘Borz’ is known for smothering his opponents and making them feel incredibly uncomfortable, specializing in a style that often helps him make it look easy when he takes on his foes.

    In a recent interview, Merab Dvalishvili gave his thoughts on what the key to victory might be for anyone who dares step into the cage to face Khamzat.

    Merab Dvalishviliā€™s view on Khamzat Chimaev

    “I donā€™t want to fight Khamzat. But if you want to fight Khamzat, you must know jiu-jitsu very well: escape positions, create space, bottom leg out, and get up. Also, when youā€™re standing, you have to do work. 

    “You should not just walk to Khamzat like Kevin Holland. You have to run away, keep distance, because Khamzat touches and shoots. You have to run, take your time, and know how to get up like Gilbert Burns did when escaping.”

  • Jorge Masvidal Calls Out Leon Edwards for UFC White House Showdown

    Jorge Masvidal Calls Out Leon Edwards for UFC White House Showdown

    Former UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal has called for a long-awaited showdown with Leon Edwards as part of the UFC White House card.

    As we know, Jorge Masvidal has had a problem with Leon Edwards for many years now. It goes back to the infamous incident backstage at UFC London, during which ‘Gamebred’ attacked ‘Rocky’ following a back and forth exchange between the two. While they’ve come close to colliding in the cage in the past, it’s never quite come to fruition.

    While both men are in a tricky spot in their respective careers, Leon Edwards was able to kick on and become UFC welterweight champion. Jorge Masvidal, meanwhile, is eyeing up a return to the UFC after a few years away.

    In a recent chat with Henry Cejudo, Jorge Masvidal made it crystal clear that he is still interested in competing against the Englishman.

    Jorge Masvidal wants Leon Edwards fight

    ā€œIf youā€™re watching this [Leon], Iā€™ll f***ing beat the f*** out of you at the White House. Leon, I will beat the f***ing dogs*** out of you, just to say America, kicked f***ing Englandā€™s ass for trying to take over our s***.

    ā€œWe had to send yā€™all back, Iā€™m gonna send you back in the same way. On a ship back home. 4th July, Americaā€™s birthday, brother. Let them make the mistake and send you as a representative for England. I will crash that party, brother. Iā€™ll go crazy on this motherf***er, bro. Iā€™ll get in shape for you Leon, donā€™t worry about it brotherā€

  • Why Dillon Danis vs Eddie Hall Must Happen According to UFC Veteran

    Why Dillon Danis vs Eddie Hall Must Happen According to UFC Veteran

    UFC veteran Chael Sonnen has explained why he wants to see a bizarre crossover fight take place between Dillon Danis and Eddie Hall.

    For the longest time now, Dillon Danis has been among the top 10 most hated fighters in mixed martial arts – and potentially combat sports as a whole. After an initially promising start to his MMA career, Danis seemed to fall back on his friendship with Conor McGregor. In addition to that, he opted to troll just about everyone he could on social media, which really became his ‘signature’ move.

    Nowadays, though, it seems as if Dillon Danis is working his way into a position of prominence in the influencer fighting scene. There have even been suggestions that he wants to square off with Eddie Hall who, for those who don’t know, is a former World’s Strongest Man. While that may seem like an absolutely insane idea, it’d likely be in a setting that would allow Dillon to utilize his jiu-jitsu skills.

    Either way, in the current landscape, Dillon Danis vs Eddie Hall is a fight that can actually happen – whether you love it or hate it. Chael Sonnen, who has had his fair share to say on the influencer scene, recently had the following thoughts on Danis vs Hall.

    Chael Sonnen wants to see Dillon Danis vs Eddie Hall

    “Big guy, game vs smaller guy with skills. Story told many times. Fascinating. Promoter would book it, audience there. Eddie Hall will do it, Dillon will too.”

    What a world we live in.

  • Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC Career Goal: Fight Until He’s 50

    Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC Career Goal: Fight Until He’s 50

    UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has said that he wants to continue competing in combat sports until the age of 50.

    Right now, Merab Dvalishvili is easily one of the best fighters in all of mixed martial arts. He is building quite the legacy for himself at 135 pounds, having already successfully defended the belt against Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean O’Malley. On Saturday night, he’ll attempt to defend the gold for the third straight time when he locks horns with Cory Sandhagen in the co-main event of UFC 320.

    At the age of 34, Merab Dvalishvili has already cemented his position as one of the greatest bantamweights of all time. With that being said, it’s clear to see that ‘The Machine’ has some pretty lofty ambitions for himself – and that much is an understatement.

    In a recent interview, Merab Dvalishvili declared that he wants to keep fighting for longer than the majority of professional MMA fighters ever have.

    Merab Dvalishvili wants to fight until 50

    “Yeah, I want to do my best. Uh so, um when I’m training, I do my best. When I’m fighting, I’m doing my best. But it’s MMA, you know, like it’s it always will come next guys, the best guys and whatever. Of course, plan is to keep in my belt long as possible, but I don’t think it’s realistic to me stay 16 more years champion. I may lose belt, I may win again, I may lose again, but I want to fight until 50. That’s the goal.”

  • Magomed Ankalaev receives huge praise from Khabib Nurmagomedov

    Magomed Ankalaev receives huge praise from Khabib Nurmagomedov

    UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has prasied Magomed Ankalaev as the latter attempts to successfully defend his UFC light heavyweight title this weekend.

    On Saturday night, Magomed Ankalaev will defend the belt for the first time against Alex Pereira. It’s a fight we all somewhat knew was coming in the wake of their first bout earlier this year, but this time around, it feels like most fans and pundits are backing Ankalaev to be the one who gets over the finish line and gets his hand rasied.

    Someone else from that part of the world who has also made a huge impact on mixed martial arts is Khabib Nurmagomedov. Khabib retired as one of the all-time greats and that’s an understatement, whereas Magomed Ankalaev has a lot of work to do before he can be considered in that class.

    At the weekend, Magomed Ankalaev will try and silence all of his doubters once and for all. One man who isn’t a hater, though, is the great Khabib Nurmagomedov.

    Khabib Nurmagomedov praises Magomed Ankalaev

    ā€œHe is one of the best to ever do it in Russia, already, and he keeps improving himself and keeps climbing on top to be the best to ever do it. I really believe he has the skills (to become the best Russian fighter ever),ā€ Khabib admitted.

    Quotes via Bloody Elbow

    He may not be in the GOAT conversation just yet, but if Ankalaev keeps winning, his legacy will soon speaks for itself as he continues to improve.

  • Jon Jones can’t expect Dana White to trust him after recent “games”, says UFC legend

    Jon Jones can’t expect Dana White to trust him after recent “games”, says UFC legend

    UFC legend Kamaru Usman has explained why he understands Dana White’s hesitation over booking Jon Jones for UFC White House.

    Next summer, the Ultimate Fighting Championship looks set to put on a blockbuster event at the White House. Conor McGregor is someone who is eager to make his return on that card, and the same can be said for Jon Jones. However, Dana White certainly seems to trust the Irishman a whole lot more than the American.

    Jon Jones vacated the UFC heavyweight title after seemingly not being interested in a fight against interim champion Tom Aspinall. With that being said, he quickly made it clear that he wants to come back after the promotion announced the aforementioned White House fight.

    In a recent podcast, Kamaru Usman weighed in on the whole debacle regarding Dana White and Jones.

    Kamaru Usmanā€™s view on Jon Jonesā€™ attitude

    ā€œYouā€™ve got Jon Jones,ā€ Usman said while listing the White House options. ā€œHe wants to come back and do it. Listen, I would love that for Jon Jones.

    ā€œBut Jon, you canā€™t play with the game the way heā€™s played with the game and expect Dana to still trust you and let you back in to do this. You canā€™t play with the game like that.ā€

    Quotes via Bloody Elbow

    ‘Bones’ doesn’t really have much of a leg to stand on here whereas Dana White needs to look at this objectively, understanding the constant risks that come with putting Jon in there against just about anyone.

  • Cory Sandhagen explains his recent comedic turn ahead of UFC 320

    Cory Sandhagen explains his recent comedic turn ahead of UFC 320

    UFC star Cory Sandhagen has explained why he’s decided to play a more comedic character on social media in the build-up to his title fight at UFC 320.

    On Saturday night, Cory Sandhagen will attempt to become the new UFC bantamweight champion. It’s a position that he’s been striving for ever since arriving in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and now, he’s just 25 minutes away from making it a reality. Of course, in order to do so, he first has to get through the seemingly unstoppable champion Merab Dvalishvili.

    While that may be quite daunting, Cory Sandhagen isn’t showing any signs of fear or trepidation. In fact, he’s actually opening up a whole lot more than we’re used to seeing, to the point where he’s even been posting amusing skits online.

    In a recent interview, Cory Sandhagen explained why he’s decided to lean into that side of his personality.

    Cory Sandhagen discusses his new comedic persona

    ā€œI always thought that I had a really quirky sense of humor, itā€™s really dry, too,ā€ Sandhagen told MMA Fighting. ā€œFor whatever reason, I donā€™t make a lot of facial expressions, and so itā€™s really hard to pick up sometimes when Iā€™m joking and when Iā€™m not, I always was just like, ā€˜Dude, youā€™re too weird to try to be funny, so, like, just donā€™t try it.

    ā€œBut then I was like, f*ck it. People are either going to get it or theyā€™re not going to get it, so Iā€™m just going to do my own version of being funny and doing silly skits and stuff. And yeah, it seems like people like them. I know that theyā€™re probably pretty weird for some people, but I think that theyā€™re really funny and I guess thatā€™s kind of what matters.ā€

    Quotes via MMA Fighting

  • “Old Kickboxer” Alex Pereira’s Striking Ability Insulted by Magomed Ankalaev’s Head Coach

    “Old Kickboxer” Alex Pereira’s Striking Ability Insulted by Magomed Ankalaev’s Head Coach

    Magomed Ankalaev’s coach has given his thoughts on Alex Pereira‘s striking, and it’s safe to say that he’s not overly impressed.

    In the main event of UFC 320, Magomed Ankalaev will defend his UFC light heavyweight championship against Alex Pereira. It’s the same pairing that led to Ankalaev winning the strap earlier this year, and he seems pretty confident that he can get the job done once again in the rematch on Saturday night.

    Alex Pereira will have different plans, but Ankalaev has improved a great deal over the course of the last few years, especially in the striking department. As we look ahead to this fight, it’ll be interesting to see how cautious both men are and whether or not they’ll really push for a finish.

    In the UFC 320 Countdown show, Magomed Ankalaev’s coach had the following to say about ‘Poatan’.

    Alex Pereira questioned by Magomed Ankalaevā€™s coach

    ā€œAlex will go for the clinch, wrestle. Why? Because in the stand-up nothing will work out for him. In the fight, the whole arena will be shouting, he hears only my voice.ā€

    ā€œAlex Pereira, thereā€™s nothing with which he can surprise us. Not with his work in the stand-up. In wrestling he definitely cannot surprise. He cannot surprise with anything.ā€

    ā€œHis technique is standard, his strikes are standard. Heā€™s an old kickboxer. He has no speed.ā€

    ā€œPowerful punch? Alex, he has a punch, but not the kind that can really knock you out.ā€

    ā€œI tell everyone, if Magomed opens up, heā€™ll surprise everyone, and can even outplay, in pure stand-up, a better striker than Alex Pereira.ā€

  • Conor McGregor Is Speaking Directly with the Trump Administration for White House Bout

    Conor McGregor Is Speaking Directly with the Trump Administration for White House Bout

    Conor McGregor has revealed that he is negotiating directly with the US government regarding his potential appearance at next year’s UFC White House card.

    As we know, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to host a blockbuster event at the White House in summer 2026. We also know that Conor McGregor is very interested in being part of that card, to the point where he is continually posting training videos implying that he’s going to make a comeback after almost five years away from the cage.

    For the longest time, Conor McGregor has been known as a pretty controversial figure in mixed martial arts. While some would argue that was also the case during his prime, things are different now. His popularity is nowhere near what it once was and given some of the things he’s been dealing with outside of MMA, it’s surprising that he’s still got such a big platform, in many ways.

    Despite that, Dana White wants him on the UFC White House card – with Conor McGregor providing the following update on how it’s all going during a brief interview.

    Conor McGregor provides UFC White House update

    ā€œYou know, Iā€™m not negotiating with the UFC on behalf of myself for this fight like usual. Iā€™m negotiating with the United States of America on behalf of Ireland for this fight. So itā€™s a peculiar one. But Trump and the administration have been fully supportive and backing, and I cannot wait to put on a show.ā€

    Buckle up, fight fans.

  • Lerone Murphy Responds To Possible Delay In Alexander Volkanovski Title Fight

    Lerone Murphy Responds To Possible Delay In Alexander Volkanovski Title Fight

    Lerone Murphy has responded to Alexander Volkanovski suggesting that there could be a delay in their planned December title fight.

    As we know, Alexander Volkanovski is the UFC featherweight champion. We also know that in the wake of his incredible knockout over Aaron Pico, Lerone Murphy is widely considered to be the number one contender. Volkanovski is interested in the fight, Murphy is interested in the fight, and December was being pinpointed as the perfect timeline for it to take place.

    However, in the words of Volk, a spanner may have been thrown in the works. It’s not clear exactly what that is, whether it be due to a niggling injury or the UFC opting to go in a different direction. Either way, though, some are concerned that Lerone Murphy won’t get the shot that the majority of fans believe he truly deserves.

    In a recent tweet, though, Lerone Murphy made it clear that he is ready for whenever the fight is booked.

    https://twitter.com/LeroneMurphy/status/1971601258906837336

    Lerone Murphy is still ready for Alexander Volkanovski

    ā€œHe didnā€™t say no to me. I think he is referring to the date. I will be ready whenever. Letā€™s wait and see!!ā€

    This is a highly anticipated fight and for good reason. These two men have very interesting styles and nobody really knows what’s going to happen when they match up with one another. What we do know, though, is that Murphy is a professional, and he’s proven that by suggesting that it won’t matter too much to him if it doesn’t go down in December.

  • Mateusz Gamrot Wants To Test Himself On The Ground Against Charles Oliveira At UFC Rio

    Mateusz Gamrot Wants To Test Himself On The Ground Against Charles Oliveira At UFC Rio

    UFC lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot has made it clear that he is ready to test himself in any department against Charles Oliveira.

    In the main event of UFC Rio, Mateusz Gamrot will battle former champion Charles Oliveira in a short notice contest. ‘Do Bronx’ was originally supposed to fight Rafael Fiziev, until he unfortunately had to withdraw from the bout. Now, the Polish sensation has stepped up to take the fight.

    While he may not have that much time to prepare, we all know what Mateusz Gamrot is capable of. He’s an incredibly impressive fighter and while he’s had his fair share of ups and downs, he’s still a viable threat to just about anyone in the division.

    In a recent interview, Mateusz Gamrot opened up on how fired up he is for this one.

    Mateusz Gamrot is ready for Charles Oliveira test

    “Jiu-jitsu and wrestling are my background,” Gamrot said on UFC Unfiltered. “This is in my heart. I feel it in my DNA. I can roll with him on the ground. I think this is going to be an epic fight on the ground, for sure, because I’m not afraid of his ground. I will go and take him down, and I’m going to try and roll with him on the ground. But this is going to be an all-rounder fight.

    “I’m going to exchange punches, exchange wrestling. I want to test myself against him on the ground. This is going to be nonstop action, for sure ā€“ five rounds nonstop action. But maybe we don’t need five rounds. Epic fight for sure ā€“ super excited.”

    “I go to his hometown to Brazil, all Brazil against me ā€“ give me this energy,” Gamrot said. “Give me this energy, because I grew up with this. Every boo will be power to me. And you know what? Wrestling is power ā€“ control, strength, conditioning, everything.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Merab Dvalishvili is ready for everything against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320

    Merab Dvalishvili is ready for everything against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320

    UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has made it clear that he’s ready for whatever Cory Sandhagen has to offer him at UFC 320.

    Next month, Merab Dvalishvili will defend his UFC title against Cory Sandhagen. While many believe that the champ is the clear favorite given how well he’s looked in his last few outings, Sandhagen is about as dangerous as they come at 135 pounds – especially in the striking department.

    As such, Merab Dvalishvili is doing everything he can to prepare for this challenge. Cory, meanwhile, will be doing the same, especially given the experience he’s had against wrestle-heavy fighters in the past.

    Despite this, Merab Dvalishvili has made it known that he is ready for anything when that cage door shuts.

    Merab Dvalishvili is prepared for Cory Sandhagen

    “He must know that I hit hard,” Dvalishvili told MMA Junkie and other reporters Friday after an open workout at Syndicate MMA. “He will see. … If Cory Sandhagen will stop my takedowns, I will knock him out.”

    “It’s not only one thing (that he’s good at),” Dvalishvili said. “Cory Sandhagen does lot of things. You see how he knocked out Frankie Edgar with a flying knee. That’s special. He knocked out Marlon Moraes with a spinning kick. He submitted Bautista. ā€¦ He’s tricky. He’s smart. He does a lot of things.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

    Merab has constantly said that he’s ready and willing to knock Sandhagen out if the opportunity presents itself, and it’ll be interesting to see whether or not he can follow through on that.

  • Khalil Rountree Jr is motivated to earn another UFC title shot

    Khalil Rountree Jr is motivated to earn another UFC title shot

    Khalil Rountree Jr is ready to try and make a statement when he battles Jiri Prochazka at UFC 320 next month.

    Over the course of the last few years, Khalil Rountree Jr has really established himself as a threat at 205 pounds. In addition to taking Alex Pereira to the limit in their title fight, he was also able to put on an absolute clinic against Jamahal Hill in his last outing.

    Now, at UFC 320, Khalil Rountree Jr will battle Jiri Prochazka, knowing that a decisive win could well lead to him earning another crack at the strap. In a recent media scrum, he spoke candidly about what it means to him to try and wear UFC gold.

    Khalil Rountree Jr looks to the future

    “The motivation is seeing the possibility, really seeing the possibility of being able to achieve the belt, being able to actually hold it,” Rountree told MMA Junkie and other reporters Friday following an open workout at Syndicate MMA. 

    “That possibility seems really, really close. That’s the motivation part. The discipline part is, being that close is a lot to have to… I’m almost there. The discipline part gets hard every single day, not having a social life, not doing anything really, not really having a normal life because I’m so focused on being close. That’s the hard part. Hey man, I could say a million words, I’m just feeling a lot for this fight.”

    “If you think about a puzzle, I’ve never really seen this puzzle in person,” Rountree said. “I’ve got to go crack it. If and when I do, it’s going to be very interesting to watch from a fighter and fan perspective. People who enjoy the strategy in fighting and stuff like that. Yeah, I think the fans will enjoy it. 

    “The two guys in there, we’re going to feel the pain. We’ve got to feel it. There’s excitement behind it. There are good feelings behind it, but at the end of the day, being in that experience and actually cracking the puzzle, it’ll feel good to get the job done and see it all together.”

    “The statement I need to make is, it should look like this, ‘This guy absolutely deserves the No. 1 contender shot, are you crazy? Did you just see that performance against Prochazka? Absolutely, this guy is undeniable,” Rountree said. “That’s kind of how I see it.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • Jack Della Maddalena can beat Islam Makhachev, says Alexander Volkanovski

    UFC legend Alexander Volkanovski believes that Jack Della Maddalena is capable of defeating Islam Makhachev.

    Later this year, Jack Della Maddalena will defend his UFC welterweight championship against Islam Makhachev. As we know, Islam is attempting to join a very exclusive group by becoming a two-weight world champion in the promotion. JDM, meanwhile, is attempting to prove himself as a legitimate force at 170 pounds.

    It won’t be easy, but Jack Della Maddalena certainly has the tools necessary to overcome the former lightweight king. His fellow countryman Alexander Volkanovski agrees with that assessment.

    Alexander Volkanovski believes in Jack Della Maddalena

    “You can’t doubt him. He’s a welterweight, and you’ve got Belal, who’s a grappler-wrestler. Look how he handled that,” Volkanovski told Submission Radio of Della Maddalena. “He’s a beast on the feet. I guarantee you from that fight, his confidence in grappling and takedown defense has just gone to a whole other level.

    “He’s going to be an absolute nightmare. I’m hoping to get some training in with him for this one, as well. We’ll tee something up, for sure. JDM ā€“ he’s a weapon. I know that Islam is not taking this one lightly, and he shouldn’t.”

    “JDM’s boxing and pressure that he can do, incredible,” Volkanovski said. “He can definitely get a finish. Islam’s great. Him moving up, I still think, is a nightmare for a lot of the people in the division. But I think JDM can do it.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

    Buckle up, fight fans.

  • Darren Till opens up about “cruel” UFC sponsorship situation

    Darren Till opens up about “cruel” UFC sponsorship situation

    Former UFC fighter Darren Till has spoken about the sponsorship deal regarding fighter kits that he believes was “cruel”.

    Nowadays, Darren Till is one of the most exciting influencer boxers out there in the space. There’s even been talk of him getting a big fight against someone like Jake Paul or Andrew Tate, but of course, that has yet to be confirmed – and it’d take a lot of work to make it happen.

    Alas, Darren Till is enjoying a pretty successful run post-UFC, most recently knocking out Luke Rockhold in pretty devastating fashion. During his UFC days, however, he had a strong career, even earning himself a shot at the UFC welterweight championship.

    In a recent interview, though, Darren Till spoke about the Reebok/Venum sponsorship deals that restricted what fighters could earn from their attire.

    Darren Tillā€™s view on UFCā€™s sponsorship complications

    ā€œI donā€™t like to slander Dana too much, he gets a lot of heat, but obviously I have to be a truthful guy as well. I always stand on business with what I believe in as well, but even when youā€™re in the UFC, itā€™s like, ā€˜Weā€™re going to take away your sponsorship now. Weā€™re going to put Venum in there or Reebok,ā€™ā€ Till said. 

    ā€œI was like, ā€˜What the f*cks going on now?ā€™ So now the fighters arenā€™t even making money outside of it. It was actually quite cruel, some of it. It was, it was cruel.

    ā€œThat sort of stuff, 10 plus 10, and then your fightā€™s set in stone, f*ck all that, that does notā€”For me now, I couldnā€™t be loving life more, Iā€™ll be honest. Iā€™ve just made a s**t-ton of money.ā€

    Quotes via MMA Fighting

  • Conor McGregor’s return: Daniel Cormier has questions regarding possible UFC comeback

    Conor McGregor’s return: Daniel Cormier has questions regarding possible UFC comeback

    UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has given his thoughts on the latest rumors regarding a potential return to the cage for Conor McGregor.

    At this point in his career, Conor McGregor is a pretty controversial figure. He’s been involved in many controversies and along the way, he seems to have lost a fair amount of his fans. With that being said, many would still be intrigued to see him step back inside the octagon, and it definitely feels like UFC’s White House event is when he wants to do that.

    Daniel Cormier, who has followed Conor McGregor’s career closely for many years, has the following to say on the matter.

    Daniel Cormierā€™s view on Conor McGregor

    ā€œHeā€™s told us time and time again that heā€™ll be there and he hasnā€™t shown up. I believe that this time, thereā€™s a stronger possibility because of all the time thatā€™s passed and I believe the White House is going be that big of a deal to him.ā€

    ā€œBut, I think the biggest factor in why Conor McGregor may fight is because no one believes him anymore and some of that shine is starting to wear off. 

    ā€œIt doesnā€™t matter how much money youā€™ve got Chael, when youā€™re a guy that develops the level of stardom that he reached, when youā€™re a guy that loves the attention and the adulation and it starts to fade, then you come back and you do what you did before.

    ā€œI think heā€™s coming back, but itā€™s not because he wants to compete,ā€ Cormier said. ā€œI think he understands now that people just arenā€™t in on the Conor McGregor business anymore.ā€

    Quotes via Bloody Elbow

  • Robbie Lawler remembers details behind iconic war with Rory MacDonald

    Robbie Lawler remembers details behind iconic war with Rory MacDonald

    UFC legend Robbie Lawler has taken a look back at his incredible rematch against Rory MacDonald from back at UFC 189.

    When it comes to absolute warriors, Robbie Lawler is up there with the best of them in the history of mixed martial arts. He has achieved some amazing things throughout the course of his career, and he’s been involved in some absolute wars. One of the most notable, of course, was his battle with Rory MacDonald at UFC 189.

    Robbie Lawler was at the top of his game as UFC world champion and while MacDonald was able to keep up with him for most of the fight, ‘Ruthless’ was just operating at a different level.

    In a recent interview, Robbie Lawler spoke openly about what went down in that encounter and in the immediate aftermath.

    Robbie Lawler looks back at Rory MacDonald rematch

    ā€œIt actually healed [his lip] pretty fast within, like, two weeks,ā€ Lawler said. ā€œI was like, ā€˜Man, this actually looks pretty freaking good.ā€™ Obviously, the UFC [had] everything lined up so food wasnā€™t falling out, water wasnā€™t falling out of my mouth, so it was good. I didnā€™t realize how bad it was when I was in the fight and Iā€™m talking to Dana and heā€™s, like, ā€˜Hey man, donā€™t talk.ā€™ I just started laughing.

    ā€œBecause really in my eyes, you ever seen the movie Predator? Itā€™s one of my favorite lines: ā€˜Hey, youā€™re bleeding.ā€™ ā€˜I donā€™t have time to bleed.ā€™ So thatā€™s kind of my mindset. Whatever, thereā€™s blood, itā€™s not a big deal, but I didnā€™t realize it was this lip.ā€

    ā€œAt that point in time, itā€™s funny, I was thinking, ā€˜Letā€™s go,ā€™ā€ Lawler said recalling the incident. ā€œI felt like he was running, but really it wasnā€™t, he was being strategic and I was like, ā€˜Letā€™s go, itā€™s freaking time,ā€™ is what I was thinking.ā€

    Quotes via MMA Fighting

  • Charles Oliveira vs Mateusz Gamrot: Michael Bisping expects fight to happen

    Charles Oliveira vs Mateusz Gamrot: Michael Bisping expects fight to happen

    UFC commentator Michael Bisping has explained why he believes Charles Oliveira will accept a fight against Mateusz Gamrot on short notice.

    As we know, Charles Oliveira is an absolute warrior and a true fan favorite in the world of mixed martial arts. However, after his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria, the Brazilian sensation decided to jump back on the horse by booking a fight at UFC Rio – not long after the KO defeat.

    Unfortunately, after his opponent Rafael Fiziev pulled out, Charles Oliveira has been left without an opponent. Mateusz Gamrot is someone who has been poking the bear and implying that he will take on ‘Do Bronx’ and in the eyes of Michael Bisping, that makes sense.

    Michael Bispingā€™s thoughts on Charles Oliveira vs Mateusz Gamrot

    ā€œI canā€™t imagine Charles Oliveira will turn this down,ā€ Bisping said on his YouTube channel. ā€œRemember, these are tweets on Sunday from Mateusz Gamrot. Iā€™m sure that when Charles Oliveira gets wind of this, Iā€™m sure the UFC would like to make this matchup. ā€¦ Mateusz Gamrot 100 percent wants the fight. I think thatā€™s the fight to make.ā€

    ā€œIā€™m sure Charles Oliveira is not worried about the style of Mateusz Gamrot,ā€ Bisping said. ā€œCharles Oliveira has stepped in there against the very best. Heā€™s not scared of anyone. Fighters at this level, they arenā€™t scared. The stylistic matchup that he has, the way that he goes forward, the way that he walks people down, the way that he strikes, heā€™s got knockout power. Heā€™s got finishing ability in every bloody fiber of his body.

    ā€œAnd Mateusz Gamrot, given his style, isnā€™t going to knock him out because heā€™s just not that guy. He tends to go forward, heā€™ll use a single-leg takedown, head on the outside, which is dangerous against Oliveira for the guillotines, but thatā€™s what he does. He takes people down and heā€™s got a really smothering style on the ground and, of course, a tremendous ground game, but itā€™s not the striking that heā€™s known for. 

    ā€œGiven the last fight [Oliveira] had against Ilia Topuria, the last thing you want to do is go up against someone with knockout power, which is what he was doing against Fiziev, and thatā€™s why I respected him taking that matchup. This truly is kind of a crazy wrinkle here from Mateusz Gamrot.ā€

    Quotes via MMA Fighting