MMA News

Author: Harvey Leonard

  • UFC Matchmaking Bulletin: Ranked Welterweight Added To UFC 316

    MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring all the additions to upcoming fight cards.

    With events being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week.

    Between Monday, April 14, and Sunday, April 20, a number of fights were made official by the UFC or reported as being in the works by reputable sources.

    For those matchups, including the next bout for top 15 welterweight Vicente Luque, check out the list below:

    There was also an adjustment to one already scheduled bout:

  • Khamzat Chimaev Fuels Talk Of Dricus Du Plessis Injury With Frustrated Social Media Post

    Khamzat Chimaev Fuels Talk Of Dricus Du Plessis Injury With Frustrated Social Media Post

    It would seem that middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev will be waiting a little longer than planned for his first UFC title shot.

    Having successfully defended his belt against Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, the reign of Dricus Du Plessis was expected to meet its tallest hurdle to date this summer.

    “Stillknocks” appeared likely to face the challenge of Chimaev, an undefeated phenom who most recently steamrolled Robert Whittaker by way of a teeth-breaking face crank submission last October.

    But though their bout was targeted for International Fight Week, a recent report from Kevin Iole has suggested that an injury to the champ has forced him out.

    And Chimaev further corroborated that news Sunday with a frustrated post on social media.

    “This guy biggest bullsh*t,” Chimaev wrote on X.

    The apparent injury to the middleweight kinkpin seems to have boosted the chances of Islam Makhachev headlining UFC 317 in defense of his lightweight crown.

  • Chael Sonnen Says Fans Are ‘Pretending’ They Want Amanda Nunes To Make UFC Return

    Chael Sonnen Says Fans Are ‘Pretending’ They Want Amanda Nunes To Make UFC Return

    Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen isn’t buying the apparent enthusiasm over a return to active competition for Amanda Nunes.

    Nunes laid down her two titles and gloves in the Octagon following a successful bantamweight defense against Irena Aldana in 2023. Their showdown at UFC 289 in Canada came about on short-notice following the withdrawal of Julianna Peña through injury.

    Close by cageside on the night was “The Venezuelan Vixen,” who expected to set up a rearranged trilogy fight with the “Lioness.” Instead, the Brazilian announced a surprise retirement.

    But that got thrown into doubt after Nunes questioned Kayla Harrison’s decision not to call her out following a successful Octagon debut at UFC 300. Since then, talk of a comeback has only intensified.

    Most recently, Nunes suggested a return is on the cards while in attendance for the UFC 316 press conference, which saw champ Peña and upcoming opponent Harrison go back and forth.

    During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen addressed the likely comeback, claiming any excitement in the fanbase is not genuine.

    “It’s very polite to pretend that you want Amanda Nunes to come back, it’s very polite, but I’m just not really sure why you’re doing it,” Sonnen said. “You didn’t get excited when she was here the first time. You didn’t come out, you didn’t buy a T-shirt, you wouldn’t watch the show because, you wouldn’t buy the pay-per-view because, and now you’re pretending that you want her to come back.

    “She’s the greatest of all time…a really, really nice human being in addition to that,” Sonnen continued. “It’s not a commentary on that. You don’t want to see her fight, and you never did. So I struggle with this newfound curiosity of ‘will she come back?’”

  • Ilia Topuria Will ‘Sit’ And Wait For Islam Makhachev Title Fight

    Ilia Topuria Will ‘Sit’ And Wait For Islam Makhachev Title Fight

    Ilia Topuria is sticking to his guns.

    Topuria is set to embark on a new pursuit of gold this year after choosing to vacate the featherweight title after just one defense.

    While a rematch with the man from whom he took the gold last February, Alexander Volkanovski, was expected to await him following a knockout of Max Holloway, a desire to bid farewell to the grueling weight cut has resulted in Topuria committing to a permanent move up.

    By all accounts, the Spaniard is hoping to immediately challenge the lightweight reign of Islam Makhachev. But recent speculation has suggested the Dagestani is looking to have “El Matador” fight a contender first.

    During a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Topuria responded to that suggestion, insisting that he’ll only settle for an immediate title fight later this year.

    “I don’t care if Islam decides he doesn’t want to fight me. I’ll sit until you’re gonna have to fight me,” Ilia Topuria said. “I’m here. You can’t keep avoiding me.”

  • Michael Chandler Says The ‘Future Is Still Bright’ In Latest Statement On Devastating UFC 314 Loss

    Michael Chandler Says The ‘Future Is Still Bright’ In Latest Statement On Devastating UFC 314 Loss

    After breaking his silence earlier this week, UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler has released a lengthier statement addressing his latest crushing loss.

    Chandler’s struggles inside the Octagon continued at last Saturday’s UFC 314 pay-per-view, which he co-headlined opposite the rising Paddy Pimblett inside Miami’s Kaseya Center.

    The former three-time Bellator champion was soundly defeated en route to a TKO stoppage in round three. The result has left “Iron Mike” without a victory in three years since 2022 and with a less than ideal 2-5 record in the UFC.

    With that in mind, the 38-year-old is unsurprisingly licking his wounds after another tough night at the office. And after a brief statement Monday, Chandler issued some more detailed thoughts on the setback on Instagram Wednesday.

    “There are really no words to describe the pain and disappointment you feel…you just live in it…let it take its lot and leave you with what is left. From there you rebuild.

    “The best you can do is move forward with confident expectancy and pride in the attempt. One thing is certain, I can rest in knowing that I prepared the best I could and I alone was responsible for my shortcomings in that octagon. My team prepared me. The UFC gave me the opportunity. I stepped into the ultimate proving grounds, ready.

    “Bested, but never beaten. Never out of the fight. Still in pursuit.

    “And this picture sums up how I feel and what truly matters. Bruised, bloodied and heartbroken, yet I have my soulmate by my side and 3 little hands to hold.

    “Future is still bright.

    “Walk On.

    “See you at the top! #ufc314“

  • Ian Garry Finds Evidence Of ‘Quit’ In Carlos Prates Ahead Of UFC Kansas City Main Event

    Ian Garry Finds Evidence Of ‘Quit’ In Carlos Prates Ahead Of UFC Kansas City Main Event

    Ian Garry’s confidence ahead of UFC Kansas City has only risen after watching one of opponent Carlos Prates’ past losses.

    The promotion’s trip to Missouri to stage a UFC Fight Night inside T-Mobile Center on April 26 was originally set to feature a main event between hard-hitting light heavyweights Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree.

    But following speculation of an injury to the former champion, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed at the start of this month that a new matchup will top the lineup.

    The stakes will be similarly high, though, with both Ian Garry and Carlos Prates looking to ascend into the championship conversation at each other’s expense.

    And when it comes to his chances of doing so, the Irishman seemingly got a boost in self-belief after seeing the manner with which Prates once suffered defeat on the regional scene.

    “Here, look at this. This is a video of Carlos Prates and his true fighting spirit,” Ian Garry said. “It’s called being a quitter. He had just been beaten up all the rounds prior, puts his hand up, shakes his head, says, ‘I’m done,’ and then just drops to the ground. … Deep down he knows, he’s not a fighter.”

    While the April 26 headliner marks Garry’s first outing since a narrow defeat to Shavkat Rakhmonov last December, Prates will enter it with his undefeated UFC record still intact, having most recently moved to 4-0 in the Octagon with a knockout of Neil Magny.

  • Alexander Volkanovski Wants To Fight Movsar Evloev ‘For The Legacy’

    Alexander Volkanovski Wants To Fight Movsar Evloev ‘For The Legacy’

    UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski has expanded on why he’d like to face the challenge of Movsar Evloev next time out.

    Volkanovski returned to the throne at this past weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view, commencing a second reign at 145 pounds with a convincing five-round victory over Diego Lopes.

    It hasn’t taken long for talk to turn from his performance in Miami to his next opponent, and while some have pushed back on Evloev getting a shot due to his fight style, the champ wants to test himself against the undefeated Russian.

    During an interview with Fox Sports upon touching down back in Australia, Volkanovski explained why he’d choose Evloev to be the first hurdle in his newly begun featherweight rule.

    “I did mention Movsar. He is undefeated. I like the fact that he’s undefeated,” Volkanovski said. “And still one of the younger generation. … I think for the legacy, that would still mean so much.

    “But is that what the fans want? Is that what the UFC wants? I don’t know. I’m going to need to talk to them and we’ll see what happens,” Volkanovski added.

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov Praises ‘Underrated Aspect’ Of Belal Muhammad’s Game

    Khabib Nurmagomedov Praises ‘Underrated Aspect’ Of Belal Muhammad’s Game

    UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has pinpointed one area of Belal Muhammad’s arsenal that he believes puts the reigning welterweight champion above his peers.

    Muhammad has consistently proved his detractors wrong in recent years, mounting an impressive 11-fight unbeaten run en route to the championship at 170 pounds.

    Among the helping hands along the way in “Remember the Name’s” corner was Khabib, who has regularly welcomed the Palestinian-American into his team.

    During a recent interview with Adam Zubayraev, Khabib laid heavy praise on Muhammad while questioning who has what it takes to unseat him from the welterweight throne.

    “I believe it will be very hard to beat Belal,” Khabib said. “If (Della) Maddalena or Shavkat don’t finish him early, Belal is just going to keep pressing. … His endurance is really good. In fact, I think it’s the most underrated aspect in MMA today. Belal’s cardio is the best in this division for sure, and maybe even in all of UFC.”

    Jack Della Maddalena will have the first chance to make Muhammad’s reign a short-lived one. Due to an injury to Shavkat Rakhmonov, the Australian has been brought in to challenge the champ at UFC 315 in Montreal next month.

  • Patricio Pitbull Polls Fans On Second UFC Opponent Following Unsuccessful Debut At UFC 314

    Patricio Pitbull Polls Fans On Second UFC Opponent Following Unsuccessful Debut At UFC 314

    Mixed martial arts legend Patricio Pitbull wants the fans’ input when it comes to his second matchup in the UFC.

    Pitbull, a former multi-time champion in Bellator, made the walk to the Octagon for the first time at this past weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view inside Miami’s Kaseya Center.

    The veteran Brazilian received a stern test in his first foray into the cage as a UFC fighter against ex-interim champ Yair Rodriguez. The Mexican utilized his famed striking arsenal to provide an immediate blow to Pitbull’s ambitions.

    After 15 minutes of action in Florida, which included a knockdown for Rodriguez, the UFC debutant suffered a defeat on the scorecards.

    But Patricio Pitbull has not appeared too disheartened by the result and is already turning his attention to what could await him down the line.

    With that in mind, the 37-year-old recently put his choice of next opponent down to the fans, asking them to vote between Diego Lopes, Dan Ige, Josh Emmett, and Aljamain Sterling.

    As of this writing, Ige leads the poll with just over 38 percent of north of 1,000 votes.

    Interestingly, the least favored option is Lopes, who fell short of the featherweight title against Alexander Volkanovski in Saturday’s UFC 314 main event.

  • Islam Makhachev’s Coach Says Paddy Pimblett ‘Worthy’ Of Next UFC Lightweight Title Shot

    Islam Makhachev’s Coach Says Paddy Pimblett ‘Worthy’ Of Next UFC Lightweight Title Shot

    Should the UFC grant Paddy Pimblett a surprise title shot following his latest triumph, the coach of champion Islam Makhachev would seemingly be supportive of the decision.

    Pimblett continued to build momentum in his quest to reach the mountaintop on MMA’s biggest stage, decimating Michael Chandler in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 314 pay-per-view.

    “The Baddy” exited Miami’s Kaseya Center with his undefeated promotional record intact, and he’s since risen to #8 in the official lightweight rankings.

    While that’s left plenty of prominent names still ahead of him in the pecking order, the Scouser has been touted for a potential shot at gold next.

    During the latest episode of his podcast, the Javier & Mo Show, coach Javier Mendez was asked about the prospect of Makhachev defending his belt against Pimblett sooner rather than later.

    “Paddy’s ready to face anybody,” Mendez said. “What he’s done already, his credentials, his winning record in the UFC — and his hype, what he can do, how he can motivate people — if they give him the next title shot, he deserves it. … Is he worthy? Yes. He’s very interesting, and he’s got all of England behind him. … I’m a fan.”

  • Alexander Volkanovski’s Coach Assesses Movsar Evloev’s Chances In Potential UFC Title Fight

    Alexander Volkanovski’s Coach Assesses Movsar Evloev’s Chances In Potential UFC Title Fight

    The coach of Alexander Volkanovski doesn’t believe Movsar Evloev would be able to deal with the newly crowned UFC featherweight champion’s strength.

    Evloev has been staking his claim for the next title shot following Volkanovski’s return to the throne at this past weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view.

    The Australian veteran got the better of Diego Lopes across five rounds to bounce back from consecutive knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, beginning a second reign at 145 pounds in the process.

    Attention has already turned to the first defense of his new divisional rule, and Evloev is widely being branded the most deserving of the opportunity.

    During a recent appearance on Submission Radio, coach Joe Lopez assessed the Russian’s game and how it stacks up against the strengths of the champ.

    “I think he is a good wrestler, but he’s not a – what would you call him? He’s good at getting people down, but he doesn’t really do much with it once he gets them down. And that’s what I guess makes him boring,” Lopez said. “So he just hangs on to them, and I don’t think he’s going to be able to hang onto Volk. Volk is just so strong, and his scrambling skills, and his jiu-jitsu and wrestling are another level. Volk just picks things up, if you look at the the beginning of the camp, when we break things down, and we see what each person’s really good at.

    “So we’ve got Diego. Diego’s got a pretty good guard. The way he switches from armbars to triangles to sweeps, he’s very good at. He’s got a really good repertoire there, and at the beginning with the guys that we had, Volk was getting stuck in there. (But) by the end of the camp, Volk was not having any problems at all in those positions, and I think that’s what Diego felt when Alex took him down – that it’s not a place he wants to be with Alex on top of him because like I said, Alex’s pressure when he’s on top, he feels like a heavyweight on top of you, and then he just doesn’t hang onto you. He’s just looking to land some bombs or an elbow or something on you. So, you don’t want to be on the bottom when Alex is on top.”

  • Dustin Poirier Pitches Next Opponent For ‘Real Deal’ Paddy Pimblett After UFC 314

    Dustin Poirier Pitches Next Opponent For ‘Real Deal’ Paddy Pimblett After UFC 314

    UFC lightweight veteran Dustin Poirier has an idea in mind for Paddy Pimblett’s next test inside the Octagon.

    Pimblett continued his charge up the 155-pound ladder at this past weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view, which he co-headlined against Michael Chandler inside Miami’s Kaseya Center.

    “The Baddy” made a statement by laying a devastating beating on “Iron Mike” in the third round to secure a TKO stoppage, extending his undefeated UFC record in the process.

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Poirier praised Paddy Pimblett’s performance in “The Magic City” and pondered what could come next for him in the stacked lightweight division.

    “He’s legit,” Poirier said. “How can I deny him any more? Chandler’s a tough guy. I don’t think Chandler looked great. … I definitely think Chandler didn’t look great, but not taking away from Paddy’s performance. Paddy went out there, dropped the first round, came out confident and hit Chandler with good shots. Then he took him down. Who would’ve have had that on their bingo card that Paddy is going to take down Chandler to the mat like that and get on top of him and dominate him like that. Paddy’s the real deal.

    “The guy was a prospect. Now he’s a contender,” Poirier continued. “You have to take him for real now. Not that Chandler wasn’t a big fight, but his next fight has to be a really big one. Like a (Mateusz) Gamrot, Arman (Tsarukyan), (Charles) Oliveira. … For me as a fan, put him in there with Dan Hooker. That would be an incredible fight. That’s a fun fight. The build up is going to be fun. Dan is going to stand and trade with him. Dan has good takedown defense, on the ground. That’s the fight, I think.”

    Dan Hooker is coming off a split decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot in Australia last September. He was scheduled to battle Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 last month but had to withdraw due to injury.

  • UFC Rankings Report: Bryce Mitchell Ousted From Top 15 After UFC 314 Loss

    UFC Rankings Report: Bryce Mitchell Ousted From Top 15 After UFC 314 Loss

    The latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the UFC rankings toward contention and others fall away.

    And in the aftermath of Saturday’s UFC 314 pay-per-view, MMA News has you covered with this week’s complete updates.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Alexander Volkanovski’s return to the featherweight throne has seen him move back up the P4P list. The Australian has climbed two positions to #9, leaving him above Alexandre Pantoja (#10) and Tom Aspinall (#11).

    Women’s Pound-for-Pound: Virna Jandiroba advanced her strawweight title ambitions by defeating Yan Xiaonan at UFC 314. She’s now four places better off on the female P4P list at #8. The defeated Chinese contender, meanwhile, has fallen two spots to #12.

    Women’s Strawweight: More importantly for Jandiroba, she is now officially the #1 contender in the 115-pound UFC rankings. Xiaonan has lost that status, slipping two places to #3.

    Women’s Flyweight: No changes.

    Women’s Bantamweight: No changes.

    Flyweight: No changes.

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: After vacating the title, Ilia Topuria has dropped to #3 in the featherweight UFC rankings. With Volkanovski back on top, Max Holloway is now the #1-ranked contender.

    Of note is the arrival of Jean Silva, who has debuted at #11 following his submission win over Bryce Mitchell. “Thug Nasty,” meanwhile, is out of the top 15 entirely.

    Lightweight: Among the standout winners at UFC 314 was Paddy Pimblett, whose domination of Michael Chandler has seen him rise by four positions to #8 at 155 pounds. “Iron Mike’s” fall to a 2-5 Octagon record has resulted in him slipping five spots down the pecking order to #12.

    Further down, Joel Alvarez has replaced Ignacio Bahamondes at #15.

    Welterweight: No changes.

    Middleweight: No changes.

    Light Heavyweight: Dominick Reyes continued his career resurgence on April 12 by knocking out April 12. With that, he’s three places better off in the UFC rankings at #8. His defeated Russian opponent, on the other hand, has dropped two places to #10.

    Heavyweight: No changes.

    You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.

  • Michael Chandler Breaks Silence On Crushing UFC 314 Loss To Paddy Pimblett

    Michael Chandler Breaks Silence On Crushing UFC 314 Loss To Paddy Pimblett

    Michael Chandler has spoken publicly for the first time since a devastating defeat at the hands of Paddy Pimblett.

    The pair of lightweight contenders co-headlined this past weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view inside Miami’s Kaseya Center, setting the stage for Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes’ featherweight title clash.

    Chandler had hoped to insert his name back into the championship conversation at 155 pounds months on from a defeat to Charles Oliveira that left him 2-4 in the UFC.

    Unfortunately for the ex-Bellator kingpin, Pimblett proved to be a hurdle too tall. The American was soundly beaten en route to a TKO stoppage in round three.

    Now, days later, Chandler has addressed the brutal setback on social media, commenting on an image posted by his wife in the aftermath of his latest defeat on MMA’s biggest stage.

    “Never out of the fight,” Michael Chandler wrote. “This picture sums it all up. As long as I’ve got these heartbeats and hands to hold, I’ve already won.”

    It remains to be seen what comes next for the 38-year-old, who is now winless since a 2022 knockout of Tony Ferguson.

  • Dominick Reyes ‘Hurt’ By Bonus Snub After First-Round Knockout At UFC 314

    Dominick Reyes ‘Hurt’ By Bonus Snub After First-Round Knockout At UFC 314

    UFC light heavyweight contender Dominick Reyes enjoyed a fruitful trip to Miami last week, but not quite as much so as he feels was merited.

    Reyes was tasked with opening the main card of Saturday’s UFC 314 pay-per-view inside Miami’s Kaseya Center opposite longtime top 10 contender Nikita Krylov.

    “The Devastator” continued his impressive career resurgence with a third straight victory, which came by way of a brutal knockout in the opening round that drew comparisons to Conor McGregor’s title-winning finish of Jose Aldo.

    During an appearance on Monday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Reyes reflected on his victory at UFC 314 and addressed the fact that it did not earn him a $50K performance bonus from the promotion.

    “It’s definitely upsetting (not to get a bonus),” Dominick Reyes said. “Number 11 vs. number eight. I knocked him out in the first round to jump off the main card of the best card of the year.

    “It definitely hurt, but it is what it is. Bottom line, I’m winning, man, we’re moving forward,” Reyes concluded.

  • New UFC Signing Aaron Pico Backs Jean Silva For Next Title Shot Over Movsar Evloev

    New UFC Signing Aaron Pico Backs Jean Silva For Next Title Shot Over Movsar Evloev

    According to UFC newcomer Aaron Pico, Jean Silva’s destruction of Bryce Mitchell is enough to warrant a title shot.

    The featherweight gold returned to Alexander Volkanovski at this past weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view, which was headlined by a clash for the belt vacated by Ilia Topuria.

    To begin a fresh reign on the 145-pound throne, Volkanovski got the better of charging contender Diego Lopes across five rounds in Miami. And though the Australian’s victory is just days old, it hasn’t taken long for focus to turn to what could await him next.

    For many, that should be a showdown with the undefeated Movsar Evloev, who has beaten Lopes, Arnold Allen, and Aljamain Sterling consecutively to stake his claim.

    During a recent appearance on Submission Radio, however, Pico pointed to another figure in the featherweight top 15 as a more “exciting” option for the UFC and “Alexander the Great.”

    “Honestly, I think Jean Silva,” Pico said. “He’s 5-0 in the UFC with five finishes. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got the title shot. He put on a great performance (at UFC 314). The crowd loved him and he’s starting to get a lot of fans. And I think he’s very exciting.

    “Movsar is a great fighter, of course. But I think to the fans, it’s very, very boring,” Pico added.

    Silva continued his surge up the ladder on MMA’s biggest stage at UFC 314 by choking out the controversial Mitchell on the main card.

    With significant hype behind his name, perhaps “Lord” could be in for a shock rise to title challenger next time out.

  • Belal Muhammad Pinpoints Diego Lopes’ Mistake In UFC 314 Title Fight Loss

    Belal Muhammad Pinpoints Diego Lopes’ Mistake In UFC 314 Title Fight Loss

    UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad has given his take on Diego Lopes’ approach to his first title shot.

    Lopes competed with gold on the line for the first time in this past weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view main event, challenging for the vacant featherweight title.

    In the Brazilian’s way of a title crowning was Alexander Volkanovski, a legendary former champ looking to regain his place on the throne following back-to-back knockouts at the hands of Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.

    “Alexander the Great” ultimately proved to be a hurdle too tall for Lopes, who fell to a convincing defeat on the scorecards following five rounds of action.

    The bout wasn’t without moments of success for Lopes, however. The 30-year-old scored a knockdown in round two before finishing the fight with a late flurry.

    And his pedal to the metal approach to the final minute in Miami is exactly how Muhammad thinks the Brazilian should have fought from the start.

    “Diego Should’ve fought the whole fight like he did that last minute,” Muhammad wrote on X.

    Diego Lopes will now look to bounce back following his disappointing night in Miami to ensure his name stays in the championship mix at 145 pounds.

    For now, the only other man to defeat him in the UFC, undefeated Russian contender Movsar Evloev, will push for his first title opportunity in the UFC.

  • Dana White Reacts To Michael Chandler’s UFC 314 Loss: ‘He’s Always In The Fight’

    Dana White Reacts To Michael Chandler’s UFC 314 Loss: ‘He’s Always In The Fight’

    Win or lose, UFC CEO Dana White maintains that Michael Chandler is an always-entertaining and competitive fighter.

    Chandler’s woes on MMA’s biggest stage continued at this past weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view, which he co-headlined opposite the rising Paddy Pimblett.

    “Iron Mike” was badly beaten en route to a TKO stoppage in round three. The result has ensured he’s remained winless since 2022 and pushed the former Bellator champion’s UFC record to a disappointing 2-5.

    During his appearance at the post-fight press conference, White reacted to Chandler’s latest setback. The UFC chief insisted that regardless of the result, Chandler is in nothing but great fights.

    “(Chandler’s) always in the fight,” White said. “Tonight was a big night for Paddy Pimblett. people have been doubting Paddy Pimblett every single fight he fights in. He’s undefeated in the UFC.

    “Every time that guy (Chandler) goes in, you know you’re in for a good fight, you know it’s going to be a war, and you don’t know if he’s going to win or lose,” White added.

    Michael Chandler will no doubt hope that he can put on a good fight while also having his hand raised when he returns to the cage.

    A return date remains up in the air for the former title challenger, who appeared to sustain significant damage at the hands of Pimblett and swiftly returned to the backstage area before the result was read out at UFC 314.

  • Renato Moicano Changes Tune On Paddy Pimblett After Destruction Of Michael Chandler At UFC 314

    Renato Moicano Changes Tune On Paddy Pimblett After Destruction Of Michael Chandler At UFC 314

    UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano has acknowledged the impressive nature of longtime rival Paddy Pimblett’s latest triumph inside the cage.

    Pimblett recorded the biggest win of his Octagon career to date at this past weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view, which he co-headlined inside Miami’s Kaseya Center.

    To keep his undefeated UFC record intact and further climb the ladder toward title contention, “The Baddy” was tasked with adding to the woes of a Michael Chandler who entered the event without a win since 2022.

    And “Iron Mike” was unable to rectify that and improve his negative record in the promotion. Instead, he was battered by Pimblett en route to a TKO stoppage midway through round three.

    The ex-Cage Warriors champion has been collecting plenty of plaudits in the aftermath of his performance in “The Magic City,” and that includes from one man whom he’s frequently gone back and forth with.

    “Paddy pimblett 2024: EASY MONEY…Paddy pimblett 2025: NOT SO EASY,” Moicano wrote on X.

    Moicano and Pimblett have long traded barbs regarding a possible clash inside the Octagon. But with “The Baddy” likely to land above the Brazilian in the rankings this week, he’s now targeting the likes of Justin Gaethje as the Scouser looks to secure a first title opportunity.

  • What’s Next After UFC 314? Full Confirmed UFC 315 Main Card For Montreal On May 10

    What’s Next After UFC 314? Full Confirmed UFC 315 Main Card For Montreal On May 10

    UFC 314 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering, UFC 315 in Montreal.

    The promotion was in Miami last week, where the Kaseya Center played host to a number of intriguing matchups for its fourth numbered event of the year. Of note were headline wins for Alexander Volkanovski and Paddy Pimblett, as well as important victories for Yair Rodriguez, Jean Silva, and Dominick Reyes.

    While the aftermath of the April 12 card is currently the talk of the town, it won’t be long until focus sways to the next PPV, and from the featherweight title picture to the welterweight championship conversation.

    At UFC 315, set for the Bell Centre on May 10, reigning kingpin Belal Muhammad will open his account for the year in defense of his 170-pound gold. After his crowning against Leon Edwards last July, the first challenge to the Palestinian-American’s reign will come from Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena.

    Stakes will also be high in the co-headliner, as two-time flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko looks to defend her belt for the first time since winning it back at the expense of Alexa Grasso in 2024. In her way of a continued reign will be the charging Manon Fiorot.

    Aldo, Grasso, Saint Denis Set The Stage For Title Headliners At UFC 315

    Before Muhammad and Shevchenko make the walk to put their championships on the line, a number of notable names will take to the Octagon looking to make the most of their position on the major UFC 315 card.

    That includes mixed martial arts legend Jose Aldo. After having his record since returning from retirement leveled at 1-1 courtesy of Mario Bautista’s efforts last October, the Brazilian former champ will look to avoid falling to a losing skid by snapping the winning run of home favorite Aiemann Zahabi.

    Prior to that, another ex-titleholder in Grasso will be in action. After being thrust off the 125-pound throne by Shevchenko in their trilogy inside the Sphere seven months ago, the Mexican will look to stake her claim for a shot at regaining the gold by handing surging contender Natalia Silva her first defeat in the UFC.

    And opening the UFC 315 main card will be “God of War” Benoit Saint Denis. After a difficult 2024 in which he suffered crushing defeats to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano, the Frenchman must now defend his spot in the lightweight top 15 opposite Spain’s Joel Alvarez.

    Those pairings have currently gotten the nod to feature on the main card over the likes of Canada’s own Mike Malott and former strawweight queen Jessica Andrade, who are slated to feature on the prelims.

    See below for the UFC 315 lineup, as it stands.

    Main Card:

    • Welterweight Championship: Belal Muhammad (C) vs. Jack Della Maddalena
    • Women’s Flyweight Championship: Valentina Shevchenko (C) vs. Manon Fiorot
    • Bantamweight: Jose Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi
    • Women’s Flyweight: Alexa Grasso vs. Natalia Silva
    • Lightweight: Benoit Saint Denis vs. Joel Alvarez

    Preliminary Card (bout order TBA):

    • Welterweight: Mike Malott vs. Charles Radtke
    • Women’s Flyweight: Jessica Andrade vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
    • Light Heavyweight: Modestas Bukauskas vs. Ion Cutelaba
    • Bantamweight: Brad Katona vs. Bekzat Almakhan
    • Middleweight: Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Bruno Silva
    • Light Heavyweight: Navajo Stirling vs. Ivan Erslan
    Jose Aldo
    Image: Alexandre Loureiro/Zuffa LLC
  • Diego Lopes Speaks Publicly For First Time Since Failed Title Bid At UFC 314

    Diego Lopes Speaks Publicly For First Time Since Failed Title Bid At UFC 314

    UFC featherweight contender Diego Lopes has vowed to come back stronger after falling short in his first title opportunity.

    Having won all five of his subsequent Octagon appearances following a competitive debut defeat to the undefeated Movsar Evloev in 2023, Lopes had his first chance to reach the mountaintop at UFC 314.

    But while the Brazilian found moments of success against Alexander Volkanovski in Saturday’s pay-per-view main event, he was ultimately unable to do enough to earn victory on the scorecards.

    Though no doubt disappointed to be leaving Miami without the featherweight gold in his possession, Lopes doesn’t appear too disheartened and is optimistic about what the future holds for him.

    “Always with my head held high, a smile on my face,” Diego Lopes wrote on X. “I fell short last night, I failed in a few things. I’ll get back to work, improve, correct the mistakes, and move forward. Thank you all for your support. As I always say, ‘NOTHING HAPPENS.’”

    While Lopes looks ahead to his attempt at immediately returning to the winner’s circle, Volkanovski’s second reign is underway. Many have been quick to call for his first defense to come against Evloev later this year.

  • Islam Makhachev Reacts To Former Opponent Alexander Volkanovski’s UFC 314 Title Win

    UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev was a keen observer as two-time opponent Alexander Volkanovski returned to winning ways.

    Many had already deemed Volkanovski’s days as a champ and top competitor on MMA’s biggest stage to have been over following consecutive knockout losses to Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.

    But in the main event of Saturday’s UFC 314 pay-per-view in Miami, “Alexander the Great” proved his detractors wrong with a vintage display to get the better of Diego Lopes and capture the vacant 145-pound gold.

    Volkanovski has been getting plenty of plaudits in the aftermath of his first win since mid-2023, and among the most prominent to lay praise on the Australian was the lightweight king.

    “Congrats @alexvolkanovski great comeback! Real champ in sport and life,” Makhachev wrote on X.

    Prior to knocking the newly crowned two-time featherweight champ out in their short-notice rematch, Makhachev narrowly emerged victorious from a memorable five-round battle with the Aussie veteran in Perth.

  • Dominick Reyes Names Three Options For His Next Fight After UFC 314 Knockout

    Dominick Reyes Names Three Options For His Next Fight After UFC 314 Knockout

    UFC light heavyweight contender Dominick Reyes has some big fights in mind following the latest triumph in his career resurgence this weekend.

    Since four straight losses sent Reyes tumbling down the pecking order, the man who pushed Jon Jones to the limit in 2019 has bounced back in a big way.

    Following consecutive triumphs over Dustin Jacoby and Anthony Smith, “The Devastator” put his name back into contention at 205 pounds starching Nikita Krylov at this weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view.

    During a backstage interview with Full Send MMA, Reyes assessed what could lie in his future following a standout performance in Miami.

    “(Aleksandar) Rakic would be a great fight,” Dominick Reyes said. “The winner of Khalil (Rountree) and Jamahal Hill. And who doesn’t want to see me rematch Jiri Prochazka? You know, fight one of them, get the title, and then I’ll fight all of them.”

    Reyes’ 2021 main event with Prochazka served as the third setback on his losing skid. Their back and forth war at the Apex came to an end when a brutal spinning back elbow rendered the American unconscious.

  • UFC Matchmaking Bulletin: Two Main Events Announced

    MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring all the additions to upcoming fight cards.

    With events being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week.

    Between Monday, April 7, and Sunday, April 13, a number of fights were made official by the UFC or reported as being in the works by reputable sources.

    For those matchups, including main events for the Apex on May 17 and Baku on June 21, check out the list below:

  • Patricio Pitbull Issues First Statement On Debut Defeat To Yair Rodriguez At UFC 314

    Patricio Pitbull Issues First Statement On Debut Defeat To Yair Rodriguez At UFC 314

    Mixed martial arts legend Patricio Pitbull is keeping his head up after a less than ideal start to life in the UFC.

    Pitbull, a former champion under the Bellator MMA banner, entered the Octagon for the first time at Saturday’s UFC 314 pay-per-view in Miami, Florida.

    The Brazilian great jumped into the deep end against ex-interim titleholder Yair Rodriguez, and the Mexican’s renowned striking game ultimately proved too much for Pitbull on the night.

    Following three rounds of action, which included a knockdown for “El Pantera,” the UFC newcomer fell to a defeat on the scorecards.

    While Pitbull would appear to have limited time to reach his championship ambitions on MMA’s biggest stage given he’s joined at the age of 37, he remained positive about his goals while making his first public post-fight statement on social media.

    “Congratulations to @panteraufc, we’ll see each other again. I’m injury free and ready to go at any time @ufc,” Pitbull wrote. “Thank you to all the fans, I’ll make you all proud, you can count on that. #UFC314“