MMA News

Author: Harvey Leonard

  • Torrez Finney On Lackluster UFC Debut: ‘I’d Rather Have An Ugly W Than Good L’

    Torrez Finney On Lackluster UFC Debut: ‘I’d Rather Have An Ugly W Than Good L’

    Despite some backlash to his performance, Torrez Finney insists he accomplished the most important thing in his UFC debut — win.

    The arrival of Finney was one of the most intriguing storylines heading into this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night inside the Apex. That was owing to the manner in which the undefeated middleweight secured a contract.

    “The Punisher” required an unprecedented three victories on Dana White’s Contender Series to finally forge a path onto MMA’s biggest stage. His performances evidently didn’t impress the UFC CEO, who even predicted that Finney would get “decimated” in the Octagon.

    While the 26-year-old avoided that fate Saturday night, he likely didn’t boost his stock in the eyes of White or the seemingly the fanbase after grinding out a low-activity, grappling control-heavy decision win over Robert Valentin.

    During his appearance at the UFC Vegas 105 post-fight press conference, Finney addressed the criticism of his debut display.

    “I’d rather have an ugly ‘W’ than a good ‘L,’” Torrez Finney said. “One, we were really confident in my area, obviously, getting it to the ground. I felt like I was the better grappler, no question. He did some things better in situations than I expected, but also, there was a lot of missed opportunities for me on the ground, and I didn’t take advantage of it.

    “There’s a lot of things I got to grow on. I think I gave him too much confidence in areas, and I didn’t execute,” Finney concluded.

  • Report: Aaron Pico To Make UFC Debut At The Apex Against Undefeated Contender

    Report: Aaron Pico To Make UFC Debut At The Apex Against Undefeated Contender

    Former Bellator standout Aaron Pico appears set to be thrown into the deep end on MMA’s biggest stage.

    Pico quickly made a name for himself as an all-out entertainer after debuting as a professional at Bellator 180 in 2017. The Californian went on to compete 16 times for the promotion before it was acquired by the PFL, defeating the likes of Leandro Higo and Pedro Carvalho.

    The 28-year-old fought once post-PFL purchase, defeating Henry Corrales on the PFL vs. Bellator card in February 2024. After a lengthy stint on the sidelines, Pico joined the likes of Patricio Pitbull and Patchy Mix in publicly criticizing the PFL and requesting their release.

    Pico ultimately got his wish at the start of this year and soon made his way to the UFC, where a tough test seemingly awaits him on debut.

    According to Red Corner MMA, the former freestyle wrestler will enter the Octagon for the first time to do battle with the undefeated Movsar Evloev, the current #4-ranked featherweight in the UFC.

    Much to the dismay of fans and pundits alike, the report also puts Aaron Pico’s debut on the UFC Fight Night card set for the low-capacity Apex venue on May 17.

    Reactions to the news has varied, with some focusing on the opportunity ahead of Pico and others slamming the UFC for putting him on an Apex card.

  • UFC Fighter Says Concussion That Postponed Main Event Was So Severe He Couldn’t ‘Formulate Sentences’

    UFC Fighter Says Concussion That Postponed Main Event Was So Severe He Couldn’t ‘Formulate Sentences’

    UFC flyweight contender Brandon Royval has expanded on the postponement of his clash with Manel Kape this year.

    2024 was a successful year for the #1-ranked Royval, who entered it off the back of a disappointing performance in his title challenge against Alexandre Pantoja in December 2023.

    First, a short-notice opportunity to run it back with Brandon Moreno in Mexico arose, and “Raw Dawg” made the most of it by outpointing the former champion. Eight months later, Royval returned to a win streak by turning away the charge of Japan’s Tatsuro Taira.

    With that, the 32-year-old is firmly back within the championship conversation at 125 pounds. And to earn another chance at the gold, Royval must now get past Manel Kape.

    The pair were originally announced as the headliners for the March 1 UFC Fight Night at the Apex in Las Vegas, but Royval was forced to withdraw after suffering a concussion in training.

    Following confirmation that the pair will give their bout a second go at reaching the cage at UFC 317 on June 28, Royval further delved into the health issue that prevented a clash with Kape early last month during a recent interview with Inside Fighting.

    “I believe that there’s levels of concussion…that’s just facts,” Royval said. “You can get minor headaches, all that stuff. My concussion was so severe that like, originally I wasn’t formulating sentences well. I wasn’t like, recalling — me and you would be having a conversation, I’d start to talk, and I would forget what I was saying mid-sentence. That was the first week.

    “My eyes weren’t tracking. That was the weirdest thing of all,” Royval continued. “If I was bouncing my eyes between things…I would have a hard time finding (what I was trying to look at). … Being a flyweight, being in the UFC, being in any sport, my eyes need to be bouncing. I need to be seeing everything.”

  • VIDEO: UFC 314 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Volkanovski vs. Lopes, Chandler vs. Pimblett

    VIDEO: UFC 314 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Volkanovski vs. Lopes, Chandler vs. Pimblett

    Ahead of fight week for the UFC 314 pay-per-view this Saturday, the promotion’s latest Countdown episode has been released.

    Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes and the co-main event between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett.

    Saturday’s UFC 314 lineup is topped by a championship clash, with former featherweight kingpin Volkanovski (26-4) looking to become a two-time titleholder at 145 pounds.

    If the Australian is to begin a new rule atop the featherweight mountain, he must stall the title ambitions of a rising name in Lopes (26-6). Since impressing in a short-notice debut against Movsar Evloev, the Mexico-based Brazilian has won five straight to earn a first shot at gold.

    Before those two collide in the main event at Miami’s Kaseya Center, there will be high stakes in the division above.

    Setting the stage for UFC 314’s title bout will be a key lightweight contest between Chandler (23-9) and Pimblett (22-3). While “Iron” will return five months on from a second defeat to Charles Oliveira that has left him 2-4 in the UFC, the surging Scouser will look to carry the momentum from his quick submission of King Green last July en route to a place in the 155-pound title picture.

    Ahead of those two contests in “The Magic City,” fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 314 Countdown on the promotion’s official YouTube channel.

    UFC 314 Countdown: Full Episode

  • UFC Addresses Spanish Broadcast Appearing To Leak Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Return Fight

    UFC Addresses Spanish Broadcast Appearing To Leak Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Return Fight

    The UFC has clarified speculation regarding Ilia Topuria’s next fight after the Spanish broadcast for Saturday’s event appeared to announce the matchup.

    Topuria has set his sights on achieving two-division glory after choosing to vacate the featherweight gold this year following just one defense. He went 2-0 in 2024, dethroning Alexander Volkanovski before becoming the first to knock out Max Holloway.

    Due to an apparent struggle to make the 145-pound weight limit, the Spaniard will move forward as a permanent fixture at 155 pounds. And given his success below, Topuria has seemingly been expecting an immediate showdown with Islam Makhachev.

    If not the reigning champ, “La Leyenda” has pointed to a title eliminator opposite Charles Oliveira. And the chances of that being officially announced seemed to receive a boost during the broadcast of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night.

    But while the Spanish broadcast on ESPN was caught displaying an announcement for Oliveira vs. Topuria, the UFC told MMA Mania’s Alex Behunin that the news is “not true” and was put up by “mistake.”

    Whether that simply means a delay in that matchup coming to fruition or that a different bout entirely is on the way for Ilia Topuria remains to be seen.

  • Lerone Murphy Insists ‘Real MMA Fans’ Appreciated His Win Over Josh Emmett

    Lerone Murphy Insists ‘Real MMA Fans’ Appreciated His Win Over Josh Emmett

    UFC featherweight contender Lerone Murphy isn’t entertaining any criticism of his headline victory on Saturday night.

    Murphy remained undefeated as a professional at this weekend’s UFC Fight Night inside the Apex. The Mancunian recorded his biggest win to date in the main event by outpointing longtime top 10 mainstay Josh Emmett.

    With the result, “The Miracle” has notched consecutive victories over Emmett, Dan Ige, and Edson Barboza. With that, he’s no doubt expecting a climb further up the 145-pound ladder come next week’s rankings update.

    But when it comes to his desired push into the title picture, some have suggested that the manner of his wins and lack of finishes will slow down Murphy’s surge toward the gold.

    The man himself, though, doesn’t appear worried, believing that “real MMA fans” will have appreciated the technical display he put on in Las Vegas.

    “Clinic! Real MMA fans will appreciate the technicality of that fight,” Lerone Murphy wrote on X. “That’s fight IQ. Punishing elbows in close, body kicks, neat footwork. Had him hurt a few times. Why would I stay in the pocket with a power puncher. Float like a butterfly sting like a (bee) baby”

    It remains to be seen what comes next for Lerone Murphy. He did have a name in mind post-fight, calling out former two-time title challenger Brian Ortega.

  • UFC Matchmaking Bulletin: New Fights For O’Malley, Garry, Kape, And More

    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, March 31, and Sunday, April 6, a number of fights were made official by the UFC or reported as being in the works by reputable sources.

    For those matchups, check out the list below:

    There was also an adjustment to one already scheduled bout:

  • UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Lerone Murphy Outpoints Josh Emmett

    UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Lerone Murphy Outpoints Josh Emmett

    The latest UFC Fight Night took place Saturday in Las Vegas, and MMA News has you covered with all of the action!

    Before turning its attention to pay-per-view fights in Miami next weekend, mixed martial arts’ leading promotion had one final piece of business to attend to at the Apex.

    And headlining inside the low-capacity venue on April 5 were a pair of top 10 featherweight contenders in Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy, the latter of whom advanced his title ambitions with a main event triumph.

    With tonight’s event concluded, see below for the live results, followed by all the highlights as they come.

    UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Murphy Results & Highlights

    Main Card):

    • Featherweight Main Event: Lerone Murphy def. Josh Emmett via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
    • Featherweight: Pat Sabatini def. Joanderson Brito (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
    • Bantamweight: ChangHo Lee def. Cortavious Romious via TKO (punches): R2, 3:48
    • Middleweight: Brad Tavares def. Gerald Meerschaert via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Flyweight: Ode’ Osbourne def. Luis Gurule via TKO (punches): R2, 1:54
    • Middleweight: Torrez Finney def. Robert Valentin via unanimous decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Women’s Flyweight: Dione Barbosa def. Diane Belbiţă via submission (triangle choke): R1, 4:13
    • Welterweight: Rhys McKee def. Daniel Frunza via TKO (doctor’s stoppage): R1, 5:00
    • Women’s Strawweight: Loma Lookboonmee def. Istela Nunes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Bantamweight: Victor Henry def. Pedro Falcao via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Heavyweight: Martin Buday def. Uran Satybaldiev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Talita Alencar def. Vanessa Demopoulos via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Watch Ex-UFC Heavyweight Aleksei Oleinik, 47, Suffer Sickening KO In BKFC Debut

    Watch Ex-UFC Heavyweight Aleksei Oleinik, 47, Suffer Sickening KO In BKFC Debut

    Things didn’t go to plan for Aleksei Oleinik in his first taste of BKFC action.

    Oleinik, a veteran of 80 professional MMA fights, switched to a new combat sport Friday in Dubai, competing in bare-knuckle boxing under the prominent banner of BKFC.

    The company, which is co-owned by Conor McGregor, received some flak for signing 47-year-old Oleinik, who is known for his submission skills and has recorded just eight knockouts across his lengthy MMA career.

    And the fears of many came true at BKFC 71 when “The Boa Constrictor” was rendered unconscious by a brutal right hand from opponent Gerônimo dos Santos.

    Interestingly, while he’s signed to compete for BKFC, Oleinik also this year signed with the Global Fight League, a new MMA league set to launch next month. He was drafted by Team New York City and remains without a debut fight in the calendar.

    Judging by the sickening nature of his KO on Friday, it would stand to reason that the Russian won’t be returning anytime soon.

  • UFC Vegas 105 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy Card

    UFC Vegas 105 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy Card

    UFC Vegas 105 is almost upon us, and MMA News is here to keep you updated with the current odds for this weekend’s lineup.

    The upcoming event takes place Saturday, April 5, at the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT.

    Topping the lineup will be a pair of top 10 featherweight contenders in powerhouse Josh Emmett and the undefeated Lerone Murphy.

    And also making the walk on Saturday will be the likes of Joanderson Brito, Brad Tavares, Torrez Finney, Davey Grant, and Rhys McKee.

    UFC Vegas 105: Emmett vs. Murphy Betting Odds

    Listed below are the latest betting odds for UFC Vegas 105 (as of 4/4), courtesy of DraftKings.

    Main Card:

    • Josh Emmett (+260) vs. Lerone Murphy (-325)
    • Pat Sabatini (+190) vs. Joanderson Brito (-230)
    • Cortavious Romious (+110) vs. ChangHo Lee (-130)
    • Brad Tavares (-198) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (+164)
    • Ode’ Osbourne (+200) vs. Luis Gurule (-245)
    • Torrez Finney (-298) vs. Robert Valentin (+240)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Davey Grant (+120) vs. Daniel Santos (-142)
    • Diane Belbiţă (+650) vs. Dione Barbosa (-1000)
    • Rhys McKee (+130) vs. Daniel Frunza (-155)
    • Loma Lookboonmee (-700) vs. Istela Nunes (+500)
    • Victor Henry (-205) vs. Pedro Falcao (+170)
    • Martin Buday vs. Uran Satybaldiev
    • Vanessa Demopoulos (-108) vs. Talita Alencar (-112)
  • Daniel Cormier Tells Islam Makhachev Who He Should Push For As Next UFC Opponent

    Daniel Cormier Tells Islam Makhachev Who He Should Push For As Next UFC Opponent

    Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier is confident he knows who will be placed opposite lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev next time out.

    Makhachev is awaiting his second matchup of 2025, having retained possession of the 155-pound gold courtesy of a submission victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 this past January.

    Because of Arman Tsarukyan’s weight miss prior to that event, resulting in Moicano’s late-notice opportunity, the Armenian is seemingly out of the running.

    That’s left featherweight champ Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira as two leading candidates. But while both have pushed for the shot publicly, “DC” thinks it will go to another high-profile name.

    During the latest episode of his Funky and the Champ podcast alongside Ben Askren, Cormier predicted that ex-interim titleholder Justin Gaethje will get the shot on the strength of his recent victory over Rafael Fiziev.

    “I honestly believe that’s who is going to fight for the belt. I believe it’s going to be Gaethje,” Cormier said. “If I’m team Makhachev, I’m asking for Justin Gaethje because that’s a big-name fight. It’s the guy that carries a lot of name recognition. I think that’s going to be the fight if I’m being honest with you.”

    Gaethje, 36, has previously fallen short of the undisputed crown on two occasions. He was submitted by both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.

  • Lerone Murphy Expects To Follow Ilia Topuria’s Path To UFC Featherweight Title Shot

    Lerone Murphy Expects To Follow Ilia Topuria’s Path To UFC Featherweight Title Shot

    UFC featherweight contender Lerone Murphy is confident that a statement performance at the expense of Josh Emmett this weekend will net him a first shot at gold on MMA’s biggest stage.

    After an undefeated start to life in the UFC and recent wins over Edson Barboza and Dan Ige, Murphy has cracked the divisional top 10.

    Next, as he continues to pursue a climb up the ranks toward the title picture, “The Miracle” is tasked with getting the better of arguably the most powerful man at 145 pounds, knockout artist Emmett.

    The 40-year-old is no stranger to meeting unbeaten up-and-comers, having headline a Jacksonville event opposite then-future champion Ilia Topuria in mid-2023. After battering the American, Topuria went on to challenge and defeat Alexander Volkanovski to claim the belt.

    With that in mind, Murphy expects the same opportunity to await him should he avoid the dynamite in Emmett’s hands this Saturday night.

    “I’ve got a big job in front of me, a big task in front of me,” Murphy told talkSPORT. “But obviously we know with a win, I’ll be asking for a title shot for sure.

    “Ilia Topuria done it and I’ll be 16-0. So I feel like if I go out there and put on a good, solid performance and look championship worthy, then I think the UFC will give it to me,” Murphy added.

    And should that be the case, the Brit is also hoping for the same man who Topuria unseated last February to return to the throne.

    “I would say Volkanovski (is the preferred championship opponent), just because of the name value,” Lerone Murphy explained. “He’s a legend, and I think if you have Volkanovski on your record, like when you look back on your career, for me, it’s not really about money. It’s about status and what I can tell my kids and what I can look back on.

    “When you get old, all you’ve got is memories, and you’re looking back on what you’ve done. To be able to say, ‘I fought Volkanovski,’ would be a big one. I think he gets the job done next weekend,” Lerone Murphy continued. “So hopefully it’s me versus Volk. But like you said, he’s got a tough matchup. I’ve got a tough matchup. Let’s see what happens.”

    It’s evident that Lerone Murphy will have his eyes on next month’s UFC 314 main event for the vacant featherweight title between Volkanovski and Diego Lopes.

    First things first, though, the Manchester native must stall the late-career ambitions of Emmett, who is returning for the first time since a sickening KO of Bryce Mitchell 16 months ago.

  • Jack Della Maddalena Compares Belal Muhammad’s ‘Boring Style’ To GSP’s

    Jack Della Maddalena Compares Belal Muhammad’s ‘Boring Style’ To GSP’s

    UFC welterweight title challenger Jack Della Maddalena sees similarities between reigning champion Belal Muhammad and legend Georges St-Pierre’s approach to fighting.

    Della Maddalena has received a surprise opportunity this year owing to an injury to original top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov.

    As a result, the Australian was pulled from his scheduled London main event against Leon Edwards and thrust into a title clash with Muhammad at UFC 315 in Canada next month.

    With his preparation ongoing, Della Maddalena has been analysing the man he’ll need to beat to bring UFC gold back Down Under. And like plenty of the champ’s detractors, he had one word in mine during a recent interview on Fox Sports Australia’s mainevent — “boring.”

    “It’s no question he’s got a boring fight style,” Della Maddalena said of Belal Muhammad. “He’s good at holding people down and getting victories. GSP (Georges St-Pierre) got flak back in the day for being a boring style. I definitely think it’s a boring style, but winning is obviously his number one goal, and fair play to him. But I feel like I can beat him.”

    Muhammad has aspirations of reaching and surpassing the legacy of the great St-Pierre, who achieved title glory in two divisions and cemented his place in the GOAT debate despite a fight style widely branded less than entertaining.

  • Josh Emmett Sends Advice To Fans After Seeing Betting Odds For UFC Vegas 105 Main Event

    Josh Emmett Sends Advice To Fans After Seeing Betting Odds For UFC Vegas 105 Main Event

    UFC featherweight contender Josh Emmett is expecting to make a mockery of his underdog status in this weekend’s main event.

    Emmett is set to return from a 16-month layoff at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night inside the Apex, having not competed since his sickening knockout of Bryce Mitchell in December 2023.

    In his bid to regain momentum after that memorable result, the 40-year-old is tasked with stalling the rise of undefeated up-and-comer Lerone Murphy in the headline spot on April 5.

    Successfully doing so would see Emmett upset the odds. As pointed out to him at UFC Vegas 105 media day on Wednesday, the betting line currently has the veteran at +275.

    “The people that are betting, they love it when I’m a huge underdog,” Josh Emmett said. “What, +275? Bet the house.”

    The root of Emmett’s confidence? The belief that his already obscene power has only increased during his time away.

    “Over the last 14 months, we’ve been working on my power,” he said. “I promise you I’m so much more powerful than I was, so wait till that right hand connects.”

    The addition of even more power to Emmett’s dynamite hands is a scary prospect for the featherweight division and, in particular, Murphy.

    “The Miracle” has climbed into the 145-pound top 10 with a 7-0-1 record. He most recently got the better of the always game Dan Ige in Abu Dhabi last October.

  • Sean O’Malley Says He’ll Be ’70 Percent’ Better For Merab Dvalishvili Rematch

    Sean O’Malley Says He’ll Be ’70 Percent’ Better For Merab Dvalishvili Rematch

    Sean O’Malley will soon have his shot at redemption, and he’s promised UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili that he’ll be facing an entirely different beast come fight night.

    UFC CEO Dana White announced a few high-profile bouts this week, including the title rematch between Dvalishvili and O’Malley following their five-round battle inside the Sphere last September.

    The decision has caused debate in the MMA community, with some questioning why “Suga” has been granted an immediate opportunity in his return from injury given his short reign and one-sided defeat to “The Machine.”

    But during the latest episode of his TimboSugarShow alongside coach Tim Welch, O’Malley expressed confidence in delivering a much better performance second time around, having overcome the injury he fought through in Las Vegas seven months ago.

    “Dude, I am so excited for this fight. My body, my body has not felt like this since I fought Petr Yan. Since I fought Petr, my body hasn’t felt this good since 2022. It’s 2025 now. I fought Aljo (Aljamain Sterling), I fought ‘Chito’ (Marlon Vera), I fought Merab, just dealing with little (injuries)…and I’m not saying I’m the only one. Every fighter’s dealing with something, but I haven’t felt this good.

    “I’m going to be 70 percent better than I was in that first fight,” Sean O’Malley said. “I’m going to be significantly more mobile, agile, better shape. I’m gonna fight at my full potential.”

  • Henry Cejudo Thinks He’s Cracked The Case Of Who Dustin Poirier Will Face In Retirement Fight

    Henry Cejudo Thinks He’s Cracked The Case Of Who Dustin Poirier Will Face In Retirement Fight

    Dustin Poirier is set to have one final UFC fight this year, and former two-division champion Henry Cejudo thinks he might have worked out who will be tasked with sending him into retirement.

    Poirier is planning to make his farewell in 2025. He committed to one more Octagon outing soon after his latest failed shot at the undisputed lightweight title last June in Newark, where he was submitted in round five of the UFC 302 main event by Islam Makhachev.

    While an opponent and event is yet to be announced, “The Diamond” is targeting fellow “legends” of the sport for a showdown close to home in New Orleans this summer.

    And that exact description has left one fellow fighter sharing a possible theory…

    “I can see Ilia Topuria vs. Dustin Poirier,” Cejudo said on episode 26 of The Bohnfire podcast, hosted by MMA Junkie reporter Mike Bohn. “Of course, if I think about it, Dustin Poirier did say he’s only fighting legends for his retirement fight and Ilia Topuria just changed his name to ‘The Legend.’ … We’re probably on to something.”

    Topuria, who is set to vacate the featherweight title and move permanently to the lightweight division, caused a stir last month when he announced the end of his “El Matador” nickname.

    As he begins a pursuit of championship glory in a new weight class, the Spaniard will go by the moniker of “La Leyenda,” meaning “The Legend.”

  • Report: Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida In The Works For UFC Atlanta

    Report: Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida In The Works For UFC Atlanta

    An important clash between top heavyweights is reportedly targeted for UFC Atlanta on June 14.

    Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is heading back to Georgia to stage a UFC Fight Night from the State Farm Arena in a few months’ time, and the lineup is beginning to come together.

    Following news that Rose Namajunas will make her return at the event, journalist Léo Guimaraes is reporting that a heavyweight collision between the #3-ranked Alexander Volkov and #6-ranked Jailton Almeida is also in the works.

    Volkov (38-11) surged into the title picture with a victory over his fellow countryman Sergei Pavlovich in Saudi Arabia last June, a result that extended his winning streak to four. But his momentum took a hit at UFC 310 six months later when he controversially fell on the wrong side of a split decision opposite Ciryl Gane.

    Almeida (22-3), meanwhile, has won two on the bounce since Curtis Blaydes handed him his first UFC setback 13 months ago. After rebounding with a submission of Alexandr Romanov, “Malhadinho” most recently battered Serghei Spivac en route to a TKO at UFC 311 this past January.

    With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at UFC Atlanta on June 14 are as follows:

    • Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida (heavyweight)
    • Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick (women’s flyweight)
    • Alonzo Menifield vs. Oumar Sy (light heavyweight)

  • UFC Fighter Who Hasn’t Fought In 6 Years Since Loss To Charles Oliveira Hints At Sudden Comeback

    A forgotten face in the UFC may soon be returning to the Octagon.

    Entering 2019, David Teymur was among the most promising prospects out of Europe. A perfect run of five straight wins in the UFC left him 8-1 as a professional and with an opportunity to impress in hostile territory against then-future champion Charles Oliveira.

    But following strong performances opposite Lando Vannata, Drakkar Klose, and Nik Lentz, the Swedish lightweight was submitted for the first time in his career by “Do Bronx” in their Fortaleza clash.

    Teymur notably suffered a broken orbital bone in that bout, but little did anyone know that other injuries would potentially prevent him from ever entering the cage again.

    Six years on, during a recent interview with MMANYTT, Teymur finally addressed his layoff and the prospects of an unlikely UFC comeback.

    “I was injured. If I wasn’t, that match would’ve looked very different,” Teymur said of his loss to Oliveira, before suggesting a neck injury has since kept him out of action. “If you’ve ever had neck problems, you understand. Wrestling on your neck, striking…it’s not worth it if it’s not healed.

    “I’m still in the UFC. I’ve got a contract. I’m not closing any doors,” Teymur added.

    At 35 years of age — the same as Oliveira and younger than the likes of Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler — perhaps Teymur still has time to make somewhat of a splash on MMA’s biggest stage, should he choose to resume his career.

  • Ian Garry Reacts To Short-Notice UFC Main Event Against Carlos Prates: ‘I’m A Real Fighter!’

    Ian Garry Reacts To Short-Notice UFC Main Event Against Carlos Prates: ‘I’m A Real Fighter!’

    A late switch-up means UFC welterweight contenders Ian Garry and Carlos Prates will headline in Missouri later this month.

    The promotion’s trip to Kansas City 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 Tuesday that a new matchup will now top the lineup.

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

    An excited Garry expressed as much while giving his first public reaction to the news on social media. “The Future” encouraged his supporters to attend the event and vowed to put on a show.

    “It’s official…me versus Carlos Prates, April 26. I’m excited,” Ian Garry said. “The UFC go, ‘Ah, we need someone. Who do we need? Who do we call?’ You call me. Why? ‘Cause I’m a real fighter who wants to fight the best in the world.

    “I’m going to show everybody how good I am,” Garry continued. “Carlos Prates is awesome, but this is my world. I love to fight! There’s nothing more I love in this world than fighting. … Ireland, get your tickets, get your flights. Brazil, get your tickets, get your flights.”

    The Irishman most recently fell short in another late-notice contest opposite Shavkat Rakhmonov last December. The result marked his first defeat in the UFC and professional MMA as a whole.

    Prates, meanwhile, has been on a charge since breaking through on MMA’s biggest stage. The Brazilian Fighting Nerds standout has won four straight, most recently knocking out Neil Magny.

  • Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2, Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison Title Fights Headline UFC 316

    Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2, Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison Title Fights Headline UFC 316

    Plenty of gold will be on the line when the mixed martial arts leader returns to Newark for UFC 316.

    The UFC heads back to the Prudential Center to stage a numbered event on June 7, marking the venue’s first time hosting the Octagon since Islam Makhachev successfully fended off the threat of Dustin Poirier to retain his grip on the lightweight title in mid-2024.

    This year, a pair of championship bouts at 135 pounds will top the UFC 316 lineup, with Merab Dvalishvili and Julianna Peña defending their belts against Sean O’Malley and Kayla Harrison, respectively.

    UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the news Tuesday on social media.

    This news confirms that O’Malley will receive an immediate rematch with Dvalishvili in his return from injury. “Sugar” hasn’t competed since being unseated by the Georgian at Noche UFC inside the Sphere last September, after which he underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum.

    Harrison, meanwhile, earned the right to challenge for UFC gold by making it two wins from two in the Octagon last October. On the same night that she outpointed Ketlen Vieira, Peña controversially got the better of Raquel Pennington on the scorecards to become a two-time bantamweight champ.

  • Former UFC Title Challenger Ends Retirement, Signs With BKFC

    Former UFC Title Challenger Ends Retirement, Signs With BKFC

    A veteran of the UFC is returning from a combat sports retirement, but not to re-commence her career inside the Octagon.

    Jessica Eye competed 16 times on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage after signing in 2013, recording victories over the likes of Katlyn Cerminara and Viviane Araújo.

    Her peak came in 2019 when she challenged Valentina Shevchenko for the women’s flyweight title. Eye ultimately ended up securing a spot on “Bullet’s” highlight reel after being knocked out by a brutal head kick at UFC 238.

    A four-fight losing skid soon followed, and after a decision setback to Maycee Barber in mid-2022, “Evil” Eye called time on her career.

    Three years later, the now 38-year-old is set to resume her stint in combat sports under a new banner — Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.

    During an appearance on Tuesday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Eye announced her new venture while taking a dig at the UFC, who she said did not ‘take care’ of her.

    “After a long time of negotiation, I am signing with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship,” Eye said. “I started out boxing… They finally came financially correct and motivated me enough to be like, you know what? Maybe these guys will take care of me in a way that I wasn’t taken care of in my UFC fights and that’s financially rewarding.”

    With that, Eye marks the latest in a slew of notable UFC names to cross over to the world of bare-knuckle boxing. Prominent MMA figures like Mike Perry, Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez, Ben Rothwell, Chad Mendes, and Paige VanZant have also appeared in the BKFC ring.

  • Muhammad Mokaev Torches Joe Pyfer For Mexico Rant: ‘If You Signed, STFU!’

    Muhammad Mokaev Torches Joe Pyfer For Mexico Rant: ‘If You Signed, STFU!’

    Former UFC flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev has weighed in on Joe Pyfer’s comments after a last-second withdrawal from Saturday’s event in Mexico.

    Pyfer has caused a stir in recent days following the cancellation of his planned clash with Kelvin Gastelum on this past weekend’s card inside Arena CDMX. “Bodybagz” pulled out on the day of the fight citing illness.

    In the aftermath, the American released a video on social media explaining the situation. Pyfer detailed his sickness and placed blame on the location, branding Mexico a “sh*thole” during a rant that was quickly criticized by many in the MMA community.

    “I don’t care if it’s offensive to you, I will never go back to that country,” Joe Pyfer said. “I did everything right. I slept in a tent. I did all this work to still get sick. Some people are saying it wasn’t the food, saying I got altitude sickness. I’m not a f*cking geographic f*cking, you know, elevation f*cking scientist, but I was told as long as I acclimated, which I did for two months, slept in a tent on the f*cking floor – you know, I did everything that I could to prepare.

    “If that’s what altitude and elevation is, f*ck that country. I will never fight there again. Sh*thole. Not going back. Don’t care if that’s offensive to you. You’re not the one fighting. Suck my balls. Literally,” Pyfer concluded.

    Among those to call Pyfer out for his remarks were a number of fighters, one being Mokaev.

    Responding to the video on social media, “The Punisher” insisted that Pyfer accepted the risks of fighting overseas once he signed on for the matchup.

    “TBF every country is challenge and you gotta go out there and adapt,” Mokaev wrote on X. “It’s your own risk when you sign the contract but if you signed (then) stfu”

    The scenario has marked a blow to Pyfer’s surge up the ladder, which got back on track last summer with a brutal knockout of Marc-André Barriault. While the 28-year-old’s journey to the Octagon birthed the “be Joe Pyfer” tagline, his reputation would appear to have taken a blow as a result of his comments on Mexico.

    In addition to “don’t be Joe Pyfer” posts online, the American’s Wikipedia page has also been altered to change his moniker to “El Kakas,” loosely translated to ‘excrement’ in English.

  • Backup Fighter Seemingly Revealed For Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett At UFC 314

    Backup Fighter Seemingly Revealed For Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett At UFC 314

    Should anything happen to either Michael Chandler or Paddy Pimblett, one top lightweight says he’s first in line to fill in at UFC 314.

    Chandler and Pimblett are on a collision course for Miami, with the pair set to headline next weekend’s pay-per-view event inside the Kaseya Center. They’re tasked with setting the stage for a featherweight championship clash between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes.

    While the bout is highly anticipated given the potential connotations for the high-ranked veteran and the rising, charismatic prospect, fans know better than to assume both men will make it to the cage.

    UFC 314 has already been hit by the withdrawal curse in 2025. After two fight-day cancellations at the last numbered event, an intriguing welterweight bout between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates has already fallen through for April 12.

    Should something happen that sees Chandler vs. Pimblett follow suit, the promotion seemingly has contingency plans in place.

    Adrian Szymański recently shared a report from Polish outlet Super Express on X, which revealed comments from Mateusz Gamrot regarding a potential backup role for the UFC 314 co-main event.

    “Mateusz Gamrot revealed that he received an assurance from the UFC that he would be the first replacement in case Michael Chandler or Paddy Pimblett were to drop out of the fight at UFC 314 in Miami,” the post reads, translated from Polish.

    Gamrot recently attempted to secure a short-notice opportunity to impress following Dan Hooker’s withdrawal from UFC 313. The vacant spot opposite Justin Gaethje ultimately went the way of Rafael Fiziev instead.

    “Gamer” hasn’t competed since his showdown with Hooker in Australia last August, which he narrowly lost via split decision.

  • Shara Magomedov Told To Avoid Verbal Exchanges With ‘Brutal’ Trash-Talker Dricus Du Plessis 

    Shara Magomedov Told To Avoid Verbal Exchanges With ‘Brutal’ Trash-Talker Dricus Du Plessis 

    UFC middleweight prospect Shara Magomedov has been warned against verbally sparring with his division’s champion, Dricus Du Plessis.

    Magomedov recently had his charge up the 185-pound ladder stalled by Michael “Venom” Page, but that hasn’t stopped him from sharing some firm words on Du Plessis’ status as kingpin.

    “Bullet” recently expressed bemusement at the South African’s ability to become champ, outlining his desire to see Khamzat Chimaev unseat him soon.

    It didn’t take long for Du Plessis to take notice of the remarks. “Stillknocks” fired back with multiple jabs at Magomedov’s compromised vision.

    “Somebody get my guy some eye drop,” one of the South African’s posts read.

    During a recent episode of his Weighing In podcast alongside Josh Thomson, “Big” John McCarthy advised Magomedov against responding, stating that a war of words with Du Plessis won’t go well for the Dagestani.

    “I’m gonna say this, DDP lives in a place where there’s all kinds of things going on there and don’t get into a verbal confrontation with him. [Du Plessis’ trash-talking game], it’s f**king next level, exactly,” McCarthy said. “He is on point, he is brutal, he will freaking pull sh*t out of the f**king thin air and just absolutely hammer you.”

  • Report: Paulo Costa’s First Fight Since Sean Strickland Dud Targeted For UFC 317

    Should current plans come to fruition, UFC middleweight contender Paulo Costa will bring to an end a one-year layoff at this year’s edition of International Fight Week.

    Costa (14-4) went 0-2 last year after returning to action for the first time since a 2022 win over Luke Rockhold. After playing his part in a memorable three-round battle with Robert Whittaker, “Borrachinha” figured in the opposite versus Sean Strickland.

    While he also lost via the scorecards to the American former champ, their five-round affair at UFC 302 last June was widely criticized and branded lackluster.

    In the aftermath, Costa vowed to return to the all-out aggression that he formerly displayed inside the Octagon. And a recent report suggests he’ll have the chance to do so on June 28.

    According to Benny P — an Australian insider who has frequently broken news regarding the likes of Jack Della Maddalena and Robert Whittaker — a clash between Costa and the #15-ranked Roman Kopylov (14-3) is in the works for UFC 317.

    Kopylov opened his account for 2025 by stopping Chris Curtis with a last-second head kick at the Apex in January. Having previously outpointed Cesar Almeida, the Russian has now won two straight since Anthony Hernandez handed him his only loss across the past seven fights.

    There are currently no confirmed fights for UFC 317 on June 28. But with it set to mark the conclusion of International Fight Week this year, a stacked lineup is expected to take shape.