MMA News

Author: Harvey Leonard

  • Julianna Peña Slams Champ Raquel Pennington’s Promotional Efforts: ‘She Said No To Embedded!’

    Julianna Peña Slams Champ Raquel Pennington’s Promotional Efforts: ‘She Said No To Embedded!’

    UFC women’s bantamweight contender Julianna Peña continues to be unimpressed by Raquel Pennington’s efforts as champion.

    Nine months on from winning the vacant belt at the expense of Mayra Bueno Silva in Canada, Pennington will return for her first title defense in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 307 pay-per-view.

    Opposite “Rocky” in Salt Lake City, Utah will be a familiar face in the form of Peña, whom she featured with on the cast of The Ultimate Fighter 18 in 2013.

    Animosity exists between the pair dating back to the show, and that’s led to plenty of back and forth in the lead-up to their collision inside the Octagon at the Delta Center this weekend.

    Peña: Pennington Not A ‘Good Representation’ Of The Division

    During her appearance at UFC 307 media day on Wednesday, Peña assessed how Pennington has fit into the role of champion following her crowning in Toronto this past January.

    The former bantamweight queen unsurprisingly had a critical take, taking aim at Pennington’s failure to promote herself and their fight adequately.

    “Raquel has not been a good representation of the women’s bantamweight division,” Peña said. “She has not promoted. She has said no to Embedded. She has constantly done everything that she can to avoid being the face of women’s MMA and not being that big face who wants to promote and be that big representation of women’s MMA.

    “That, to me, is you’re showing me nothing, but you’re telling me everything by not being that person that is letting everyone know that you’re fighting,” Peña continued. “I want to be that person. That’s my role, and I can do it better, and that’s why I believe I am going to be able to seal the deal on Saturday night and get that gold again.”

    While Peña is hoping and evidently expecting to invigorate the division with a second reign, one which she hopes draws Amanda Nunes back from retirement to complete their trilogy, Pennington no doubt has other plans.

    And should “Rocky” have her hand raised in the “Beehive State,” she’d have achieved a feat that “The Venezuelan Vixen” failed when she held the gold — recording a successful title defense.

  • Report: Carlos Prates’ Return In The Works For UFC 309 On Nov. 16

    Report: Carlos Prates’ Return In The Works For UFC 309 On Nov. 16

    Surging UFC welterweight prospect Carlos Prates looks set to have the chance to make a splash on yet another big stage next month.

    Prates (20-6) has put the 170-pound division on notice in three fights since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. The Fighting Nerds standout announced his arrival with knockouts of Trevin Giles and Charles Radtke.

    “The Nightmare” delivered most impressive performance to date last time out at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, where he put a beating on formerly ranked contender Li Jingliang en route to a brutal KO.

    It appears that Prates will have the opportunity to keep his ball rolling at an even bigger pay-per-view event in a few weeks’ time, with Ag. Fight reporting that he’s verbally agreed to share the cage with Randy Brown (19-5) at UFC 309 on November 16.

    The numbered event is set to take place inside the prestigious surroundings of Madison Square Garden in New York City. Headlining will be a long-planned heavyweight showdown between champion Jon Jones and legend Stipe Miocic.

    While Prates looks to make a statement on the undercard, his veteran opponent will have an upset in mind. “Rude Boy” has won three straight since being submitted by Jack Della Maddalena, most recently outpointing Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC 302 this past June.

    With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at the New York-held UFC 309 event on Nov. 16 are as follows:

    • Jon Jones (C) vs. Stipe Miocic (heavyweight championship main event)
    • Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler (lightweight co-main event)
    • Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig (middleweight)
    • Nikita Krylov vs. Azamat Murzakanov (light heavyweight)
    • Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders (middleweight)
    • Carlos Prates vs. Randy Brown (welterweight)
    • Viviane Araújo vs. Karine Silva (women’s flyweight)
    • Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee (bantamweight)
    • Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj (welterweight)
    • Karine Silva vs. Viviane Araújo (women’s flyweight)
    • Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura (women’s flyweight)
  • Raquel Pennington Points Out Key ‘Mistake’ Julianna Peña Has Made Ahead Of UFC 307

    Raquel Pennington Points Out Key ‘Mistake’ Julianna Peña Has Made Ahead Of UFC 307

    UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Raquel Pennington believes upcoming challenger Julianna Peña may see the error of her ways soon enough.

    Pennington is set to make her first defense of the 135-pound title in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 307 pay-per-view, which comes nine months on from her capturing of the vacant belt in Canada to kick off 2024.

    Having achieved her championship ambitions, “Rocky” has the chance to solidify her status as divisional queen by stalling the two-time goals of ex-champ Peña.

    Their contest and many other notable bouts will go down at the high altitude of Salt Lake City, Utah this weekend. But when it comes to the effect that has, the two co-headliners see things very differently…

    Pennington Rejects Peña’s Altitude Claim Ahead Of Utah-Held UFC 307

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Pennington reacted to some recent remarks regarding the impact of altitude from her opponent on October 5.

    Peña opted against heading to Salt Lake City early to acclimate, branding such a move “unnecessary” when she’s in good shape. The champ sees that decision as a “mistake.”

    “Just being born and raised in altitude, yeah, I would say that’s a mistake,” Pennington said. “Altitude is not a joke. It really does affect people. You know how many people come here to visit and are like, ‘Oh my gosh, we don’t understand why we’re feeling this or we’re feeling that and we’re just standing here.’ It’s the altitude, and then when you’re pushing your body to the limit, it plays a part.

    “I notice a big difference when I go anywhere else. Sometimes I have to really slow down and control my breathing because I feel like I’m actually getting too much air, and I kind of hyperventilate a little bit, so I have to train my breathing a little different,” Pennington continued. “It’s something that I think every athlete should take into consideration, especially if you’re going to go push yourself to the limit.”

    “The Venezuelan Vixen” will look to prove that assessment wrong by making good on her prediction of recapturing the bantamweight championship after a fight-week arrival in the “Beehive State.”

  • Dana White Not Keen On Alex Pereira’s Boxing Talk: ‘I Want Everybody To Stay In Their Own Lane’ 

    Dana White Not Keen On Alex Pereira’s Boxing Talk: ‘I Want Everybody To Stay In Their Own Lane’ 

    Alex Pereira may have risen to star status in the UFC, but he’s still not at the level to convince Dana White that a crossover boxing match would be a good idea.

    Pereira is currently in Utah gearing up for his latest defense of the light heavyweight title, which headlines the UFC 307 pay-per-view at Salt Lake City’s Delta Center this Saturday night.

    But while his reign and dominance in the cage continues, the former middleweight kingpin has also had his eyes elsewhere in recent times.

    During an interview with Kevin Iole, “Poatan” commented on White’s recent revelation regarding a move into the boxing realm. The UFC CEO warned the sport that he’s coming in “guns blazing,” and it sounds like Pereira wants to be on the front lines.

    “Honestly, man, I feel very good about this (White’s boxing venture),” Pereira said. “I like boxing. I’ve wanted to fight boxing and I’ve been saying this for a while. In the next few days, I’m going to release video footage of me sparring the best heavyweight boxer in Brazil, it was a few years ago but I believe I am much better now.”

    He later reiterated that sentiment while speaking to The Schmo.

    “Absolutely I want to express my will to go boxing one day,” Pereira stated. “I think that this partnership of the UFC and boxing is a very good thing going for the sport.”

    Unfortunately for the Brazilian, it would appear that White is not convinced…

    White Once Again Shares ‘Hatred’ For Crossover Fights Amid Pereira’s Boxing Tease

    During a recent interview with Kevin Iole, White was asked for his take on Pereira’s ambitions in the ring and whether his planned entry into boxing promotion could lead to the Brazilian having his wish granted.

    “I don’t know. I mean, when you look at where he’s at right now in his career, he’s at the top of this game, he’s about to break (Ronda Rousey’s) record if he wins the fight on Saturday night, and God knows what other records he could break here,” White said. “He’s 38 years old, which is even more impressive when you add that on top of anything else.

    “I don’t know (about boxing). I’m not even thinking about that kind of stuff,” White continued. “I’m not thinking about crossover fights. I hate crossover fights. I respect the fact that he wants to do it. I know there’s tons of other fighters that probably want to do it. But I want everybody to stay in their own lane.”

    For now, Pereira has business to attend to inside the Octagon.

    And should he extend his reign beyond the threat of Rountree this weekend, a possible middleweight return to challenge Dricus du Plessis has been teased. Meanwhile, the likes of Magomed Ankalaev continue to push for a shot at his 205-pound gold, leaving “Poatan” with plenty of options in MMA.

  • UFC Vet ‘Feels Bad’ For Those Sharing A Division With Kayla Harrison: ‘I Don’t Think Anybody Has A Chance’

    UFC Vet ‘Feels Bad’ For Those Sharing A Division With Kayla Harrison: ‘I Don’t Think Anybody Has A Chance’

    A longtime UFC fan favorite is high on Kayla Harrison, so much so that he doesn’t see anybody in the bantamweight division being able to beat her.

    Harrison, a two-time title winner under the PFL banner, will feature on the main card of this weekend’s UFC 307 pay-per-view in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she’s set to make her second outing inside the Octagon.

    After establishing herself as a dominant force outside MMA’s leading promotion, Harrison got her pursuit of gold in the UFC underway in strong fashion this past April with a submission win over former champ Holly Holm.

    To secure a likely title shot down the line, the 34-year-old former judoka is next tasked with getting the better of #2-ranked contender Ketlen Vieira in the “Beehive State.”

    And by the sounds of things, recently retired UFC veteran Matt Brown has little doubt about who will have their hand raised in that matchup…

    Brown On Harrison Joining BW Division: ‘If I’m The Champion, I’m Retiring’

    During the latest episode of MMA Fighting’s The Fighter vs. The Writer, Brown discussed Harrison’s successful arrival into the UFC women’s bantamweight division earlier this year.

    Having seen the manner with which the Ohio native dispatched Holm, “The Immortal” doesn’t see anybody on the roster at 135 pounds capable of halting Harrison’s charge.

    “I feel bad for the girls in that division. If I’m the champion, I’m retiring. If I’m Raquel Pennington or I’m Julianna Peña and I win the fight, I’m out. I’m pulling an Eddie Bravo here. Win the big one and I’m done,” Brown said. “I wasn’t quite as big of a believer until the way I watched her beat Holly Holm. Because I just didn’t know about the weight cut, and how she was going to perform (after) the weight cut, and sometimes people change when they come to the UFC. They’re just not what we thought they were when they were in a different organization.

    “I think she answered every question very clearly. She’s going to come in, and I don’t think anybody has a chance against her,” Brown continued. “We’re on the way to the Kayla Harrison era. I think she wrecks everybody in that division, including Amanda if she comes back. I don’t think anybody stands a chance against Kayla. I think she is a major problem for everybody in there. … She is an absolute terror for this division.”

    Harrison will look to prove Brown right come fight night in Salt Lake City this weekend, when she shares the card with another “terror” in UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira.

    The pair recently got familiar with one another on the mats, with Harrison teaching “Poatan” some judo moves. Her ability to take the Brazilian down is perhaps strong evidence for Brown’s prediction of dominance for the two-time Olympic gold medalist at 135 pounds.

  • VIDEO: PFL Releases Destructive Trailer For Francis Ngannou’s MMA Return

    VIDEO: PFL Releases Destructive Trailer For Francis Ngannou’s MMA Return

    The build-up toward Francis Ngannou’s MMA return and Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut has picked up with the official trailer for the upcoming pay-per-view event.

    For the first time since January 2022, Ngannou will make the walk for a mixed martial arts contest on October 19 in Saudi Arabia. There, the former UFC champion will collide with Renan Ferreira in the main event of the “Battle of the Giants” card.

    Since defending the UFC gold against Ciryl Gane over two years ago, Ngannou’s combat sports outings have come inside the ring, where he threw down with two heavyweight greats in Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

    While he took “The Gypsy King” to the limit, he was brutally knocked out by “AJ” earlier this year, and his sights are now back on the cage for the time being.

    PFL Releases ‘Official Trailer’ For Ngannou vs. Ferreira

    Ahead of Ngannou’s debut in the SmartCage, which comes 17 months on from his signing with the PFL, an “official trailer” has been released.

    The cinematic video has a Godzilla vs. Kong look to it, with Ngannou and Ferreira taking out a city amid their “Battle of the Giants.”

    While all eyes will be on “The Predator” as he returns to MMA action in the main event, a number of intriguing bouts are set for the undercard.

    That includes another major debut, with Bellator Women’s Featherweight Champion Cris Cyborg colliding with two-weight PFL title winner Larissa Pacheco in the co-headliner.

    Gold will also be on the line on the main card, as Bellator Middleweight Champion Johnny Eblen and Fabian Edwards run it back following the postponement of their scheduled rematch in London last month.

  • Chael Sonnen: Khalil Rountree Won’t ‘Wilt’ To ‘Mike Tyson-esque Fear Factor’ Alex Pereira Has

    Chael Sonnen: Khalil Rountree Won’t ‘Wilt’ To ‘Mike Tyson-esque Fear Factor’ Alex Pereira Has

    Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen doesn’t think Khalil Rountree will be buying into the reputation that precedes Alex Pereira whenever he enters the Octagon.

    Rountree is days away from the biggest fight of his career to date, as he gears up to headline a pay-per-view and compete with gold on the line for the very first time at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    If “The War Horse” is to continue his winning form all the way to the light heavyweight throne, he’ll have to unseat Pereira. That’s a task that former champions Jamahal Hill and Jiří Procházka have both failed to achieve in 2024.

    Destructive performances against “Sweet Dreams” and “BJP” have only enhanced Pereira’s status as one of the promotion’s most feared knockout artists.

    But when it comes to how opponents handle such a reputation, Sonnen doesn’t expect Rountree to be one who “wilts” come fight night…

    Sonnen: Rountree A ‘Real Problem’ For Pereira

    During the latest episode of his Good Guy / Bad Guy show alongside Daniel Cormier on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel, Sonnen reiterated his belief that an upset could be brewing in Salt Lake City.

    In part, that’s down to the mindset of Rountree. According to “The American Gangster,” the challenger won’t crumble to the “fear factor” Pereira has developed in the way that others in the division would.

    “I’m telling you, Daniel, every upset has a couple of commonalities. This fight, you’ve got to keep your eyes on it,” Sonnen said. “Number one battle Khalil’s got is to show up and fight. Pereira’s gonna get to a point where guys don’t do that.

    “Pereira is entering that Mike Tyson-esque fear factor, where guys are going to wilt in the back. I just don’t believe that’s Khalil,” Sonnen continued. “I think Khalil’s got one more good one in him. I think he can overcome this, and I think he is a real problem for Pereira.”

    Rountree’s history of violent knockouts may also have created a “fear factor” behind his own striking game. And that might especially be the case for kickboxing standouts given “The War Horse’s” habit of stalling their charges inside the cage.

    It remains to be seen whether history will repeat itself in that regard this Saturday.

  • Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 8 Highlights As 5 Prospects Secure Contracts

    Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 8 Highlights As 5 Prospects Secure Contracts

    The latest season of Dana White’s Contender Series continued with some memorable highlights on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

    DWCS, the inaugural season of which took place back in 2017, sees some of the top prospects in mixed martial arts enter the cage in front of White and the matchmakers, looking to put in a performance worthy of a place on the UFC roster.

    Last year’s edition saw 46 fighters bag a deal with the sport’s premier promotion across 10 events, up on the 43 from 2022. Through seven episodes of season eight, 29 prospects moved a step closer to their title dreams on MMA’s biggest stage.

    And the eighth added another five talents to the UFC roster. That included Kazakhstan’s Diyar Nurgozhay, who delivered the highlight of the night by knocking out Bartosz Szewczyk in the final fight.

    There were three other finishes on the card, all of which earned the victors contracts. Torrez Finney secured his at the third time of trying after stopping Abdellah Er-Ramy with strikes in round one. While Jacobe Smith delivered a similar TKO to open the card, the highly touted Alberto Montes locked in an anaconda choke to put Carlos Calderon away by way of submission.

    David Martinez’s win came in the only bout that required the scorecards, but that didn’t stop him from joining sister Melissa Martinez on the UFC roster.

    With that in mind, see below for the moments that landed five athletes contracts with the UFC.

    Jacobe Smith Def. Christien Savoie Via TKO (Strikes): R2, 2:55

    Torrez Finney Def. Abdellah Er-Ramy Via TKO (Punches): R1, 4:10

    David Martinez Def. Xavier Franklin Via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

    Alberto Montes Def. Carlos Calderon Via Submission (Anaconda Choke): R2, 2:38

    Diyar Nurgozhay Def. Bartosz Szewczyk Via KO (Head Kick): R2, 3:32

  • Alex Pereira On Difference Between Past Fights & UFC 307: ‘Now I Understand This Game’ 

    Alex Pereira On Difference Between Past Fights & UFC 307: ‘Now I Understand This Game’ 

    He may have already achieved champion status in two UFC divisions and continues to rule over the light heavyweight class through two successful defenses, but Alex Pereira insists he is still continuing to evolve as a mixed martial artist.

    Since a brief reign at middleweight, Pereira has emphatically conquered some of the top names at 205 pounds. In four fights, “Poatan” has defeated three former champions in Jan Błachowicz, Jiří Procházka, and Jamahal Hill.

    And after successfully retaining possession of the belt on two occasions this year thus far, Pereira will return for his third defense at UFC 307 in Utah this weekend, where the challenge of Khalil Rountree awaits him.

    Having held titles in two weight classes and established himself as a top name toward the top of the pound-for-pound ladder, some would be forgiven for forgetting that Pereira is just 13 fights and four committed years into his MMA career.

    With that in mind, the Brazilian’s success has come alongside his continued growth in the sport. And as he approaches his latest outing in the cage, a further evolved “Poatan” is feeling better than ever.

    Pereira Touts ‘Significant Strides’ In UFC 307 Camp

    During episode one of the UFC 307 Embedded: Vlog Series, Pereira looked ahead to his third Octagon outing in quick succession.

    While he’s not had much time to breathe between defenses in 2024, the Brazilian kickboxing specialist and his team have still spoken highly about the progress made behind the scenes.

    And in that regard, “Poatan” has seemingly had his best camp to date.

    “This camp I’ve made significant strides in my overall progress and my preparation,” Pereira said. “Like I said to Glover, ‘Now I understand this game.’ And he replied, ‘I can see that.’ So it seems like something has clicked. I feel very confident and great.

    Pereira will look to show those improvements come fight night in the “Beehive State” this weekend, where yet another successful title defense in 2024 could leave his case for Fighter of the Year undeniable.

  • Renato Moicano Plans To Prove He’s The Best UFC Lightweight: ‘Even If Khabib Comes Back…’ 

    Renato Moicano Plans To Prove He’s The Best UFC Lightweight: ‘Even If Khabib Comes Back…’ 

    UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano wants to make his case to be the best fighter at 155 pounds undeniable.

    Moicano advanced his ambitions on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage with a strong performance in Paris, France this past weekend, where he headlined in enemy territory opposite Benoît Saint Denis.

    The Brazilian got out the blocks fast, taking “God of War” down and inflicting a brutal beatdown on the Frenchman. While Saint Denis was able to enjoy a better second frame, the damage he sustained in round one was ultimately too much and led to the doctor’s stoppage.

    That result marked the latest triumph in a strong year for Moicano, who has defeated Drew Dober, Jalin Turner, and now Saint Denis since returning from injury.

    And with a title to win and a new house to pay for, the 35-year-old says not even a comeback from the division’s greatest could stall his surge…

    Moicano ‘Coming For The Gold’ After UFC Paris

    While appearing on ESPN MMA’s UFC Fight Night Post Show in Paris, Moicano reflected on his victory inside the Accor Arena and looked ahead to what could lie ahead of him at 155 pounds.

    The confident Brazilian reiterated his belief that his recent improvements have given him superiority over the entire division. And with his motivations branching beyond just a planned championship crowning, Moicano says he can’t be stopped.

    “I was expecting a complete beatdown like I did. … I don’t want to sound too cocky. But I have been training for that,” Moicano said. “You guys, be ready. ‘Money’ Moicano is coming for the gold. … Right now, I am the best 155er in the division. I just have to prove it.

    “I cannot afford to lose. I have a house to pay. … I want to see my kid grow in a great backyard with a pool,” Moicano continued. “Until the house is paid, until my debt is paid, I cannot afford to lose. It doesn’t matter even if Khabib will come back. I will beat Khabib.”

    It remains to be seen what will come next for Moicano, who hasn’t been rewarded with the kind of rank rise he expected as a result of his recent win.

    Despite remaining at #11 in the pecking order, though, the Brazilian believes he’s done enough to earn a potential title eliminator when he returns to action.

  • Julianna Peña Gives Defiant Reaction To Underdog Status At UFC 307

    Given her history of upsetting the odds, former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña is welcoming the underdog status attached to her this week.

    For the third straight fight in her career, gold will be on the line when Peña makes the walk at Saturday’s UFC 307 pay-per-view, set for the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    “The Venezuelan Vixen” is set to co-headline the event in competition for Raquel Pennington’s 135-pound title. Peña previously won the belt and subsequently lost it in a two-fight series with Amanda Nunes.

    Having not competed since her rematch with the “Lioness” in June 2022, the former champ is being counted out by some. That’s reflected in the odds, with her line currently at +136 on DraftKings.

    But Peña has absolutely no qualms about entering her title challenge as the underdog…

    Peña Doesn’t Feel Like The Underdog At UFC 307

    During a recent interview with Kevin Iole, Peña looked ahead to her first outing in over two years and chance to regain the title at 135 pounds.

    While Pennington is favored to retain possession of the championship by the oddsmakers, “The Venezuelan Vixen” is more than ready to prove her doubters wrong — again.

    “It doesn’t (surprise me). I think I was an 11-1 underdog at one point when I was fighting Amanda,” Peña said. “If you go back to the majority of my fights, I am always the underdog. In fact, right off the top of my head, I can’t even think of a time when I was the favorite.

    “It’s just kind of like, I am that underdog role. I always have been,” Peña continued. “At the end of the day, it’s what I believe in my heart. I don’t feel like I’m the underdog. I’m very confident in what I am able to do. So you can call me an underdog, you can call me a favorite, you can call me whatever you want. Just remember that I am Julianna Peña, and I’m going to go in there and get my hand raised at any and all cost.”

    While it wouldn’t mark the kind of shock win she achieved back in December 2021, Peña will be hoping to upset the odds once again en route to the women’s bantamweight throne this weekend.

  • Chael Sonnen Explains Why Upset Could Be ‘Brewing’ In Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree At UFC 307

    Chael Sonnen Explains Why Upset Could Be ‘Brewing’ In Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree At UFC 307

    According to Chael Sonnen, all boxes needed for a major upset are being ticked ahead of the UFC 307 main event.

    Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is back in Utah this week to stage its latest pay-per-view from Salt Lake City’s Delta Center. Two championship clashes are set to headline, with light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira closing the show.

    Having defended his gold successfully against both Jamahal Hill and Jiří Procházka thus far this year, “Poatan’s” reign will next meet the threat of a surprise challenger in the #8-ranked Khalil Rountree.

    Many questioned the booking, suggesting the UFC avoided giving Magomed Ankalaev a deserved shot in order to keep Pereira’s ball rolling with another striking matchup.

    But for Sonnen, that line of thinking is among many reasons why he thinks an upset is “brewing” at UFC 307…

    Sonnen: Pereira vs. Rountree Has All The Makings Of An Upset

    During the latest episode of his Good Guy / Bad Guy show alongside Daniel Cormier on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel, Sonnen looked ahead to the upcoming PPV main event in Utah.

    While Pereira will enter as a heavy favorite given his winning form in 2024 to date, “The American Gangster” suggested that some differences in the narratives leading up to his latest defense could present a major threat to his reign.

    “This fight card has the potential to be the one. You wanna know why, Daniel? It is brewing for an upset,” Sonnen said. “I’m not giving you a prediction, but I’m telling you now, everything that could be wrong for Pereira in terms of the commonalities that everyone that’s ever been upset has faced — finding yourself in a match that’s harder than the audience knows, finding yourself in a match that’s more dangerous than you’re aware, finding yourself in a match where this guy’s gonna play your game.

    “I’m not arguing that Khalil is cleaner or more talented of a kickboxer than Pereira,” Sonnen continued. “But I will argue for you, Pereira can hit you one time and put you down, Khalil only has to hit him one time and Khalil will put him down.”

    Rountree will be hoping that Sonnen is correct and those apparent pre-fight factors pave the way for his shock crowning in Salt Lake City this weekend.

  • Nassourdine Imavov Sees ‘No Danger’ For Him In The Middleweight Division After UFC Paris Win

    Nassourdine Imavov Sees ‘No Danger’ For Him In The Middleweight Division After UFC Paris Win

    UFC middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov is seemingly expecting a smooth sailing all the way to port championship down the line.

    Imavov further advanced his ambitions of a title crowning this past weekend in Paris, where the Frenchman recorded a crucial victory in front of his home fans at the Accor Arena.

    Tasked with defending his top-five spot opposite Brendan Allen, things got off to a difficult start for “The Sniper.” But after dropping round one, Imavov rallied to take frames two and three to secure the decision triumph in his own backyard.

    Having now won three straight fights, all over names inside the top 10, Imavov has placed himself well in the championship picture and could be in line for a title eliminator next time out.

    And be it in that bout or a future shot at the gold, the rising 29-year-old sees no opponent who can pose a real “danger” to his plans…

    Imavov Confident Of Superiority Over Entire UFC Middleweight Roster

    During his appearance at the post-fight press conference on Saturday night, Imavov reflected on his successful outing on home soil and looked ahead to his continued path toward the middleweight mountaintop.

    When asked to pinpoint the biggest threat to his goals in the division, the confident Frenchman stated that he sees little challenge when it comes to sharing the cage with the top names at 185 pounds.

    “There’s no danger in this division,” Imavov said. “I showed once again that I’m a very well-rounded fighter. I can fight striking, I can fight grappling, I can fight wrestling. I can do it all.”

    For now, Imavov will have his eyes on some other big fights in the division. First comes Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev’s rescheduled clash in Abu Dhabi later this month, the winner of which could be next in line.

    That would seemingly be behind Sean Strickland, who is expected to be granted his rematch against current champ Dricus Du Plessis, potentially by the end of this year.

  • UFC Rankings Report: Renato Moicano Gets No Reward For Paris Beatdown

    UFC Rankings Report: Renato Moicano Gets No Reward For Paris Beatdown

    As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder toward contention and others fall away.

    And in the aftermath of UFC Fight Night: Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: No changes.

    Women’s Pound-for-Pound: No changes.

    Women’s Strawweight: No changes.

    Women’s Flyweight: No changes.

    Women’s Bantamweight: Ailín Pérez secured one of the standout wins on Saturday’s preliminary card, submitting Russia’s Darya Zheleznyakova to make it four victories on the bounce. While she did miss weight for the contest, the Argentine has still received a small boost in the rankings, jumping one place above Chelsea Chandler (#15) to #14.

    Flyweight: No changes.

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: Brian Ortega has slipped out of the top five at 145 pounds a couple of weeks on from his defeat at Noche UFC. “T-City” has found himself at #6, with Movsar Evloev getting boosted to #5 a few months out from his return against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310.

    Lightweight: There was no movement at 155 pounds this week, and that’s despite Moicano’s headline win in Paris. His beatdown on Saint Denis was evidently not enough to warrant him a spot in the top 10 in the eyes of the rankings panel, who have kept the Brazilian unmoved at #11.

    Welterweight: No changes.

    Middleweight: No changes.

    Light Heavyweight: No changes.

    Heavyweight: No changes.

    You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.

  • Glover Teixeira Explains Addition Of Sean Strickland To Alex Pereira’s UFC 307 Camp 

    Glover Teixeira Explains Addition Of Sean Strickland To Alex Pereira’s UFC 307 Camp 

    UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira has been getting help from an ex-opponent and fellow former middleweight titleholder while in Utah for his upcoming defense.

    Pereira has returned to the “Beehive State” for the first time since his debut at 205 pounds in July 2023, which saw him get the better of Jan Błachowicz on the scorecards.

    Since then, “Poatan” has achieved two-division champ status and successfully defended the light heavyweight crown twice. And having violently stopped Jamahal Hill and Jiří Procházka this year, Pereira’s third assignment of 2024 headlines UFC 307 this weekend.

    The Brazilian looks set for another striking showdown, this time opposite a fellow knockout artist in Khalil Rountree. And to boost his chances of another victory, Pereira and his team have turned to Sean Strickland.

    Teixeira Touts Strickland’s Ability To Hang With Pereira In Training

    During a recent interview with The Schmo, Glover Teixeira was asked about the impact Strickland’s presence has as Pereira’s camp for UFC 307 comes to a close in Salt Lake City.

    While the American was emphatically flattened by Pereira when they shared the Octagon in 2022, Teixeira suggested that “Tarzan” is one of few who can go toe-to-toe with the former GLORY Kickboxing champ in sparring.

    “Sean is, you know, incredibly tough. He’s good everywhere. He’s a great mixed martial artist,” Teixeira said. “He knows how to train well, you know? And he’s a guy that can, to be honest, hang with Alex. Alex can push his pace a little more. We love that Sean (came) over here today and helped Alex.”

    Pereira will hope that his work with Strickland and the others who’ve been a part of his latest fight camp pays dividends on Saturday night, when “The War Horse” will have a monumental upset over the Brazilian standout in his sights.

  • VIDEO: UFC 307 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree & Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña

    VIDEO: UFC 307 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree & Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña

    Fight week for the UFC 307 pay-per-view this Saturday night has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode.

    Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree and the co-main event between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña.

    Saturday’s lineup is topped by an intriguing championship clash, with light heavyweight kingpin Pereira (11-2) looking to add a third successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a victory over Jiří Procházka at UFC 295 in November 2023. He’s since retained possession of the belt by getting the better of Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 this past April and Procházka in their short-notice UFC 303 rematch.

    If “Poatan” is to continue his rule atop the 205-pound mountain, he must record a victory over Rountree (13-5, 1 NC). “The War Horse” will ride a five-fight win streak into his first title shot on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, most notably getting the better of former championship challenger Anthony Smith in brutal fashion last time out.

    Before those two run it back in the main event at Salt Lake City’s Delta Center, one of three women’s titles in the UFC will be at stake.

    The women’s bantamweight gold will be contested by current champ Pennington (16-8) and former divisional queen Peña (11-5), as they settle a rivalry that began to brew during their time on The Ultimate Fighter season 18 in 2013. While “Rocky” will return eight months on from her capturing of the then-vacant strap, “The Venezuelan Vixen” is set to make the walk for the first time since losing the title in her rematch with Amanda Nunes over two years ago.

    Ahead of those two contests in Utah, fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 307 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.

    UFC 307 Countdown: Full Episode

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sETTkhCsqKI
  • Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals Date For Islam Makhachev’s Next UFC Title Defense

    Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals Date For Islam Makhachev’s Next UFC Title Defense

    Khabib Nurmagomedov has seemingly confirmed when reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev will return to action.

    Makhachev has had just one outing in 2024 — a hard-fought submission win over Dustin Poirier at the Newark-held UFC 302 event to record his second defense of the 155-pound title.

    For the third straight year, the Russian was then being lined up to headline the promotion’s annual October pay-per-view in Abu Dhabi. But an injury that required surgery scuppered those plans and ruled Makhachev out for the remainder of 2024.

    Talk quickly arose of a possible interim title fight for top contender Arman Tsarukyan. But after UFC CEO Dana White was quick to dismiss that notion and insist plans were coming together for the champ’s return, the next lightweight title fight may have now had its date leaked…

    Khabib Leaks January UFC Title Defense For Makhachev

    During a recent interview (via Ushatayka), Khabib provided an update on Makhachev’s return after injury stalled plans for a second assignment in 2024.

    While he stayed short of confirming a location or opponent, “The Eagle” did reveal that his protégé has accepted a bout offer from the UFC for an event in January 2025, likely UFC 311.

    “UFC offered us a fight already, in January. We accepted it,” Nurmagomedov said. “UFC will announce very soon where it will take place and who will be Islam’s opponent. I will not make an announcement myself, but I can say that we are focused on January.”

    Although his name wasn’t mentioned, there’s little doubt about Tsarukyan’s status as next in line for a shot at title glory following his decision win over former champ Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 this past April.

  • Paddy Pimblett Gives 3-Word Reaction To Renato Moicano’s Callout At UFC Paris

    Paddy Pimblett Gives 3-Word Reaction To Renato Moicano’s Callout At UFC Paris

    It appears that the only light yet to be confirmed as green for a possible Renato Moicano vs. Paddy Pimblett lightweight clash is the UFC’s.

    Moicano made a statement in this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night main event, which saw him make the walk in enemy territory to face Benoît Saint Denis in his backyard of Paris, France.

    While “God of War” was hoping to bounce back from his knockout loss to Dustin Poirier in front of his home fans, Moicano had other plans. The Brazilian landed a takedown early and proceeded to put a brutal beating on Saint Denis.

    The Frenchman was left badly bleeding and swollen after just one round, and the damage ultimately led to the doctor calling off the fight before the start of the third frame.

    Moicano was his usual charismatic and unpredictable self on the microphone post-fight. But an aspect that perhaps could have been foreseen was his callouts, one of which saw the continuation of his back and forth with a rising name…

    Pimblett Gives Short & Sweet Response To Moicano

    During Pimblett’s surge up the lightweight ladder, Moicano has frequently dismissed his credentials and vowed to blemish his UFC record should they be placed opposite one another inside the cage.

    And with “The Baddy” now ranked following his submission of Bobby Green at UFC 304 in Manchester this past July, the fight certainly makes more sense than ever.

    Moicano evidently thinks so, as he named Pimblett alongside Dan Hooker as his potential opponents following a destructive beatdown of Saint Denis in Paris.

    The Liverpool native was quick to respond on social media, unsurprisingly welcoming the chance to quieten the Brazilian and forge a path into the top 10 at 155 pounds.

    “Let’s do this,” Pimblett wrote.

    Pimblett’s win over Green marked his sixth since signing with the UFC in 2021. The former Cage Warriors champion had previously gotten the better of notable names like Tony Ferguson and Jared Gordon.

    Moicano, meanwhile, is now riding a four-fight winning run inside the Octagon. After a lengthy injury layoff followed a quick submission victory over Brad Riddell in late 2022, the Brazilian has returned this year in style by reeling off three triumphs over Drew Dober, Jalin Turner, and Saint Denis.

  • Ailín Pérez Defends Celebration After She ‘Khabib’d The Russian’ At UFC Paris

    Ailín Pérez Defends Celebration After She ‘Khabib’d The Russian’ At UFC Paris

    UFC women’s bantamweight contender Ailín Pérez insists she was well within her rights to celebrate in the way she did this past weekend.

    The Argentine fighter featured on the preliminary portion of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card in Paris, France. She was hoping to extend her winning run to five at the expense of Darya Zheleznyakova.

    Pérez did just that, once again showing her grappling superiority. This time, however, she didn’t require the scorecards, forcing a tap from her Russian opponent with an arm-triangle choke inside the first round.

    Rather than the performance, though, the main talking point seemingly came in the aftermath, which saw “Fiona” celebrate by twerking in the face of her opponent moments after the submission.

    Pérez Rejects ‘Disrespectful’ Claims After Twerking In Defeated Opponent’s Face

    Pérez’s celebration split opinion in the community, with some branding it a disrespectful move on the part of the Buenos Aires native.

    But the Argentine was quick to dismiss that notion, instead claiming to have been subjected to disrespect from her opponent pre-fight.

    “My friend @arielhelwani, Darya said some very disrespectful things about me before the fight so I had to do it,” Pérez wrote. “I would love to tell you more about it on your NEW show #AilinNurmagomedov“

    And that wasn’t the only post-fight tweet that saw a Nurmagomedov theme.

    In another, the victorious Argentine claimed to have “Khabib’d the Russian” inside the Octagon at Accor Arena.

    “I Khabib’d the Russian and then twerken on her #UFCParis#AilinNurmagomedov“

    Plenty of Pérez’s other posts saw her targeting flyweight contender Tracy Cortez, who got her own back following “Fiona’s” weight miss after previously being branded unprofessional by the Argentine for needing to cut her hair off to make the limit.

    It remains to be seen what will come next for Pérez, but she certainly has her sights set high.

    Prior to missing weight, the rising bantamweight suggested she’d call for UFC CEO Dana White to place her in a main event for the first time following the Paris card, preferably against Kayla Harrison.

  • Alex Pereira Rejects Blame For Magomed Ankalaev’s Title Wait: ‘Such A Boring Style Of Fighting…’

    Alex Pereira Rejects Blame For Magomed Ankalaev’s Title Wait: ‘Such A Boring Style Of Fighting…’

    When it comes to the promotion’s decision not to grant Magomed Ankalaev a title shot, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira thinks the Russian only has himself to blame.

    Pereira is currently in Utah ahead of his third defense of the 205-pound belt, which he captured last November to secure a rapid rise to double-champ status on MMA’s biggest stage.

    Following knockout wins over Jamahal Hill and Jiří Procházka this year, many expected “Poatan’s” next assignment to be dealing with a new kind of threat — the grappling strength of Ankalaev.

    But despite the Makhachkala native sitting at #2 in the rankings and going unbeaten across his last 12 fights, the promotion went in a different direction. At UFC 307 this Saturday night, it will be the #8-ranked Khalil Rountree having his shot at unseating Pereira.

    Pereira: Title Shot Snub Entirely Down To Ankalaev

    During a recent interview with Kevin Iole, Pereira looked ahead to his third outing in quick succession, which headlines this weekend’s pay-per-view inside Salt Lake City’s Delta Center.

    One of the main topics entering fight week remains the promotion’s choice of opposition for the Brazilian ex-kickboxer. “Poatan,” however, believes Ankalaev’s pursuit of blame can go no further than his own doorstep.

    “Honestly, it’s not my fault that Ankalaev have such a boring style of fighting that nobody wants to watch, that the guys don’t want to put him in,” Pereira said. “I’m ready to fight the guy. He’s ready to fight me, so whenever they put that fight. People talk about my ground (game), so there’s a good chance I’m going to show everybody.”

    Talk of a supposed lackluster style has long been used against Ankalaev during his rise. But having brutally knocked out Johnny Walker this past January, the Dagestani will hope to further dismiss that narrative when he shares the Octagon with Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi late next month.

    Pereira, meanwhile, has frequently expressed a willingness to meet the challenge of Ankalaev. Before potentially focusing on that next, he must avoid the power shots of “The War Horse” on Oct. 5.

  • UFC Matchmaking Bulletin: Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling Gets New Date

    UFC Matchmaking Bulletin: Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling Gets New Date

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

    With UFC 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, September 23, and Sunday, September 29, a few notable fights were made official by the UFC or reported by reputable sources. For more information on those matchups, check out the links below:

    A number of lower-profile matchups also came together. For those, check out this week’s quick hits:

    But it wasn’t all positive, with two fights being adjusted. For those, see below:

  • 2024 PFL Europe 3: Playoffs Results & Highlights: Stevie Ray Lands ‘Scottish Twister’

    2024 PFL Europe 3: Playoffs Results & Highlights: Stevie Ray Lands ‘Scottish Twister’

    The 2024 PFL Europe Playoffs took place on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action!

    Having broken onto the scene with its regular season and playoff format in North America, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has begun its pursuit of further prominence around the globe.

    In 2023, that took sizable step forward with the maiden PFL Europe season. And the sophomore campaign moved closer to its lucrative conclusion in Lyon, France today when the playoff bouts went down inside the OVO Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland.

    After the season bouts all eyes were on local favorite and former PFL global lightweight finalist Stevie Ray as he returned from retirement to headline on home soil.

    “Braveheart” thrilled his home crowd by notching his self-created submission, the Scottish twister, for the second time in his career to submit Lewis Long in the very first round.

    While the event was broadcast on DAZN for select countries, it was unfortunately not available to audiences in the United States. However, MMA News has you covered below with the full results and all the highlights below.

    2024 PFL Europe Playoffs Results & Highlights

    Main Card:

    • Welterweight Main Event: Stevie Ray def. Lewis Long via submission (Scottish twister): R1, 4:21
    • Catchweight (150lbs) Co-Main Event: Rob Whiteford def. Roger Huerta via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Lightweight: Mark Ewen def. Yassin Chtatou via submission (D’arce choke): R1, 2:30
    • Bantamweight Playoff: Lewis McGrillen def. Dean Garnett via KO (left hook): R3, 1:45
    • Bantamweight Playoff: Alexander Luster def. Julian Lopez via submission (rear-naked choke): R1, 1:15
    • Welterweight Playoff: Florim Zendeli def. Jack Grant via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
    • Welterweight Playoff Bout: Daniele Miceli def. Ibrahima Mané via TKO (uppercut & punches): R1, 1:26

    Preliminary Card:

    • Lightweight Playoff: Jakub Kaszuba def. Daniele Scatizzi via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Lightweight Playoff: Connor Hughes def. Ignacio Capella via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Women’s Flyweight Playoff: Shanelle Dyer def. Valentina Scatizzi via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
    • Women’s Flyweight Playoff: Paulina Wiśniewska def. Karolina Wójcik via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
    • Lightweight Showcase: Lorenzo Parente def. Stefano Catacoli via submission (armbar): R1, 1:45
    • Bantamweight Showcase Bout: Matiss Zaharovs def. Brian Hyslop via submission (rear-naked choke): R2, 4:18
    • Women’s Flyweight Showcase: Gemma Auld def. Weronika Pietruszka via TKO (punches): R1, 4:50

    Gemma Auld Def. Weronika Pietruszka

    Matiss Zaharovs Def. Brian Hyslop

    Lorenzo Parente Def. Stefano Catacoli

    Paulina Wiśniewska Def. Karolina Wójcik

    Shanelle Dyer Def. Valentina Scatizzi

    Jakub Kaszuba Def. Daniele Scatizzi

    Daniele Miceli Def. Ibrahima Mané

    Florim Zendeli Def. Jack Grant

    Alexander Luster Def. Julian Lopez

    Lewis McGrillen Def. Dean Garnett

    Mark Ewen Def. Yassin Chtatou

    Rob Whiteford Def. Roger Huerta

    Stevie Ray Def. Lewis Long

  • UFC Fight Night: Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

    UFC Fight Night: Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

    UFC Fight Night: Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins!

    After staging its latest numbered event inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere earlier this month for Noche UFC, MMA’s leading promotion has gone back on the road for a card inside the Accor Arena in Paris, France.

    In a first, heavyweight standout Ciryl Gane won’t be topping the lineup. Instead, the Sept. 28 event sees Benoît Saint Denis as the main attraction for the French crowd as he does battle with Renato Moicano.

    Nassourdine Imavov can also expect a good reception for the co-main event. The top-five middleweight contender will look to advance his title ambitions on home soil by ending the winning run of Brendan Allen.

    Ahead of the event, 27 out of the 28 fighters successfully made weight, with Ailín Pérez’s 0.5-pound miss of the bantamweight limit marking the sole indiscretion on the scale.

    Nevertheless, every fight is intact, and all that remains on Friday is for the athletes to face off one final time at the UFC Fight Night Paris ceremonial weigh-ins!

    Check out a live stream via the official UFC YouTube channel below, commencing at 12 PM ET.

    UFC Fight Night Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

  • UFC Fight Night: Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis Weigh-In Results

    UFC Fight Night: Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis Weigh-In Results

    UFC Fight Night: Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results!

    Following a successful maiden event inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere earlier this month, the mixed martial arts leader returns to action across the Atlantic.

    This weekend sees the Octagon in Paris, France for the third time. While the previous two UFC Fight Nights in the country’s capital have been headlined by Ciryl Gane, the Sept. 28 event presents the opportunity for another French standout to make a splash.

    In the main event, exciting lightweights Benoît Saint Denis and Renato Moicano go to battle. Stakes will also be high in the co-headliner, as top-five middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov defends his spot opposite the in-form Brendan Allen.

    UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis Weigh-In Results

    UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis takes place on Saturday, September 28, at the Accor Arena in Paris, France. The main card begins at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT, with the preliminary card starting at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

    With that said, you can check out the full weigh-in results below!

    Main Card:

    • Lightweight Main Event: Renato Moicano (156lbs) vs. Benoît Saint Denis (156lbs)
    • Middleweight Co-Main Event: Nassourdine Imavov (186lbs) vs. Brendan Allen (186lbs)
    • Featherweight: William Gomis (146kbs) vs. Joanderson Brito (146lbs)
    • Welterweight: Kevin Jousset (169lbs) vs. Bryan Battle (170lbs)
    • Featherweight: Morgan Charriere (146lbs) vs. Gabriel Miranda (146lbs)
    • Lightweight: Farès Ziam (156lbs) vs. Matt Frevola (156lbs)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Light Heavyweight: Ion Cuțelaba (205lbs) vs. Ivan Erslan (206lbs)
    • Light Heavyweight: Oumar Sy (205lbs) vs. Da Woon Jung (205lbs)
    • Lightweight: L’udovit Klein (155lbs) vs. Roosevelt Roberts (155lbs)
    • Bantamweight: Taylor Lapilus (136lbs) vs. Vince Morales (135lbs)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Ailín Pérez (136.5lbs)* vs. Dariya Zheleznykova (135lbs)
    • Flyweight: Daniel Barez (125lbs) vs. Victor Altamirano (126lbs)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Nora Cornolle (136lbs) vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti (135lbs)
    • Lightweight: Bolaji Oki (156lbs) vs. Chris Duncan (156lbs)

    *Ailín Pérez missed the bantamweight limit by half-a-pound, forfeits 20 percent of her purse

  • Ailín Pérez Plans To Ask ‘Friend Dana White’ For Main Event vs. Kayla Harrison After UFC Paris 

    Ailín Pérez Plans To Ask ‘Friend Dana White’ For Main Event vs. Kayla Harrison After UFC Paris 

    UFC women’s bantamweight Ailín Pérez is hoping for big things to be in her future should she have her hand raised in the French capital this weekend.

    Pérez lost her UFC debut at the promotion’s very first event in Paris two years ago, falling via submission to Stephanie Egger in the second round. Since then, the Argentine has reeled off three straight wins to enter the rankings at 135 pounds.

    Now, she’ll return to France in pursuit of righting the wrong from 2022 and further advancing her ambitions on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

    To achieve victory inside the Accor Arena at the second time of trying, Pérez must stall the surge of Dariya Zheleznyakova, a 9-1 bantamweight who boasts history competing on French soil owing to her days under the Ares FC banner.

    Despite that, “Fiona” expects an easy night at the office come fight night on Saturday. And after making a statement, she plans to put her crosshairs on a big name in the division…

    Pérez Targeting Harrison Clash: ‘That’s The Fight I Need To Prove I’m Worthy!’

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Pérez predicted a comfortable victory in Paris and reiterated her desire to hand Kayla Harrison the first defeat of her UFC career.

    “Fiona” outlined her intention to request a maiden main event from CEO Dana White following this weekend’s event, and be it Harrison or another of the division’s high-ranked names, the 29-year-old wants to stake her claim for a title shot.

    “After finishing Darya, I’m going to ask my friend Dana White for a main event fight, preferably against Kayla Harrison,” Perez said in Spanish (translation by Danny Segura). “We’re still insisting on that fight because that’s the fight I need to prove I’m worthy of fighting for a belt.

    “If not, Norma (Dumont) if she stops running from me. She only wants to fight with people above her in the rankings, and that’s OK, but part of the reason why she’s in the rankings is that she hasn’t fought and lost to me. So Dumont or Julianna Peña, who’s a punching bag.”

    For now, Harrison has another assignment to focus on ahead of an expected title shot down the line.

    After dominating Holly Holm on debut at UFC 300, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time PFL title winner will meet Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 early next month. The winner is expected to challenge whomever emerges from the championship co-main event between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña with the title.

    With that in mind, Pérez may be a few wins away from earning a crack at Harrison. But should she defend her spot in the top 15 against her Russian foe on Sept. 28, a bigger assignment would no doubt await her next time out.