MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • Bryan Battle Takes Accountability For ‘Justified’ UFC Release – ‘That’s A Result Of My Own Actions’

    Bryan Battle Takes Accountability For ‘Justified’ UFC Release – ‘That’s A Result Of My Own Actions’

    Bryan Battle knew missing weight in the UFC would come at a cost.

    Battle was set to face Nursulton Ruziboev in a middleweight bout at UFC 319 earlier this month, but things unraveled on the scale. Coming in four pounds over the 186-pound limit, the American missed weight for the second fight in a row, forcing the matchup to be scrapped before it could even begin.

    “The Butcher” racked up three weight misses during his UFC run, and just a week after his most recent fight was scrapped, the promotion decided to part ways with him.

    Battle secured his UFC contract with a second-round submission of Andre Petroski in the middleweight semifinals of The Ultimate Fighter 29 back in August 2021. From there, “The Butcher” carved out a solid run inside the Octagon, compiling a 7-1 record with one no contest, highlighted by five stoppage victories and a pair of Performance of the Night bonuses.

    Bryan Battle Lands Opponent With 3-9 MMA Record For Dirty Boxing Debut After Being Cut From UFC
    Image: UFC.com

    Bryan Battle Opens Up About UFC Release

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Bryan Battle opened up about his release from the UFC. The 30-year-old North Carolina native admitted that while he expected repercussions, he still held out hope for another shot with the promotion. However, he accepted full responsibility for how things unfolded.

    “So I definitely knew that it was a possibility, you know what I’m saying?,” Battle said. “I definitely thought it was something that could happen and it was justified. It’s not something that I’m going to bitch and moan about at all, but I’m not going to lie, I did think that they weren’t going to cut me, you know what I’m saying? I didn’t think that that was going to happen, but that’s what happened. That’s a result of my own actions.”

    After parting ways with the UFC, “The Butcher” has found a new home in hybrid combat sports promotion Dirty Boxing. Bryan Battle is slated to make his debut this Friday, August 29, at DBX 3, where he’ll collide with Derik de Freitas in a middleweight showdown at The Hangar in Miami, Florida.

    UFC welterweight Bryan Battle
    Image: UFC.com
  • UFC 322 Will See Tracy Cortez And Erin Blanchfield Settle Unfinished Business After Six Years

    UFC 322 Will See Tracy Cortez And Erin Blanchfield Settle Unfinished Business After Six Years

    Tracy Cortez and Erin Blanchfield are set to run it back in a rematch.

    On Tuesday, MMA Junkie’s Nolan King first reported that Tracy Cortez and Erin Blanchfield are booked for a flyweight clash with possible title implications at UFC 322 on November 15. Although the promotion has yet to finalize the venue for its 12th pay-per-view event of 2025, history suggests it will likely land at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    The UFC 322 headliner is heavily rumored to feature former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev moving up in weight to challenge reigning welterweight king Jack Della Maddalena. However, the potential showdown has yet to be made official.

    When Did Tracy Cortez and Erin Blanchfield First Face Off?

    UFC 322 is set to host a rematch six years in the making, as Tracy Cortez and Erin Blanchfield run it back following their first encounter at Invicta FC 34 in 2019. On that night, Cortez edged out Blanchfield via razor-close split decision, handing her the first loss of her professional career.

    Image: Invicta Fighting Championships/Facebook

    Erin Blanchfield last competed at UFC Edmonton in November 2024, where she rebounded from her first loss in the Octagon to Manon Fiorot by outclassing former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas in a unanimous decision. “Cold Blooded” currently holds a 7-1 record in the UFC, with notable victories over Taila Santos, Jessica Andrade, and Molly McCann.

    Blanchfield was slated to headline UFC Vegas 107 against Maycee Barber in May. However, moments before her walkout, “The Future” experienced a medical issue, forcing the fight to be canceled immediately.

    Meanwhile, Tracy Cortez is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Viviane Araujo at UFC 317 in June. The 31-year-old’s five-fight UFC win streak was previously snapped by Rose Namajunas in July 2024. Since making her promotional debut in November 2019, Cortez has compiled a 6-1 UFC record, earning wins over Jasmine Jasudavicius and Melissa Gatto.

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov: Ilia Topuria Doesn’t Stand A Chance Against Arman Tsarukyan’s Wrestling & Ground Game

    Khabib Nurmagomedov: Ilia Topuria Doesn’t Stand A Chance Against Arman Tsarukyan’s Wrestling & Ground Game

    Khabib Nurmagomedov doubts Ilia Topuria has what it takes to overcome Arman Tsarukyan.

    After Islam Makhachev opted to vacate the lightweight title and move up to welterweight, Topuria claimed the vacant belt with a devastating first-round knockout of former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 this past June.

    “El Matador” has a stacked lineup of challengers for his first title defense, including Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, with Tsarukyan currently leading as the No. 1 contender. That said, the undefeated champion has yet to reveal a preferred matchup.

    Nurmagomedov sees “Ahalkalakets” as the rightful contender and capable of cutting Ilia Topuria’s reign short.

    MMA Legend Backs Arman Tsarukyan As 'Rightful' Next Challenger For Ilia Topuria
    Images: @arm_011/@ufc/Instagram

    Khabib Believes Arman Tsarukyan Holds ’80-20′ Edge Over Ilia Topuria

    During a recent interview with Kamil Gadzhiyev (via Championship Rounds), Khabib Nurmagomedov shared his thoughts on a potential title clash between reigning UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. The UFC Hall of Famer highlighted “Ahalkalakets” as the more skilled fighter, warning that he could pose a significant threat to Topuria.

    “I don’t see a chance for Topuria,” Nurmagomedov said. “A big punch is a [not going to work]. Arman fights with strikers from a distance too much. He keeps his distance well, works better with his legs, and now Arman is too good… I think right now, the best lightweight is [Tsarukyan].”

    Nurmagomedov added that Tsarukyan offers a perfect counter to “El Matador’s” striking-heavy style, using relentless chain wrestling and takedown attempts to shut down any offensive opportunities.

    “Arman can take him down. He has good elbows on the ground. Very good elbows. He can wrestle, armbar, take the back. But he simply won’t fight at this dangerous distance with Topuria. There are too many fights already he can watch, study. If at the beginning they somehow fought, maybe he would have a chance.

    “I’d say it’s 80-20 in Arman’s favor. … Wrestling has always ruled, especially in such fights. We all know the level of wrestling that Holloway and Charles Oliveira had. It’s practically nonexistent. … He’s only fought strikers.”

    Arman Tsarukyan last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 300 in April 2024, securing a hard-fought split decision victory over Charles Oliveira. He is riding a four-fight win streak and boasts a UFC record of 9-2, including knockouts against Beneil Dariush and Joaquim Silva.

    Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria remains unbeaten in his professional career, boasting a 17-0 record overall and 9-0 in the UFC, with finishes over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Bryce Mitchell.

    UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
    Image: @iliatopuria/Instagram
  • Raja Jackson’s Attack On Pro Wrestler Syko Stu Prompts Sean Strickland To Advocate ‘Rehabilitation Over Prison’

    Raja Jackson’s Attack On Pro Wrestler Syko Stu Prompts Sean Strickland To Advocate ‘Rehabilitation Over Prison’

    Sean Strickland shared an opinion on Raja Jackson’s incident that some may find shocking.

    Last Saturday in Los Angeles, Jackson attended a KnokX Pro Wrestling event while live-streaming it on his KICK channel, where he had a tense backstage confrontation with wrestler Stuart Smith, AKA Syko Stu. He then got the go-ahead from the promotion to perform a staged double-leg takedown and simulate an assault on Stu as a response to the earlier altercation.

    However, as the match started, a scripted storyline meant to mix fiction with reality, common in pro wrestling, quickly spiraled out of control. Jackson carried his backstage tension into the ring and, seemingly provoked by his stream viewers, slammed Stu onto the canvas and unleashed a flurry of heavy, unanswered punches before other wrestlers stepped in to pull him off.

    Stu’s brother, Andrew Smith, has been keeping fans informed through Facebook posts, sharing on Monday that the U.S. Army veteran turned wrestler is now conscious and retains some memory of the events from the day of the attack.

    Meanwhile, Raja Jackson has drawn widespread criticism from the combat sports community and the public for his shocking actions, yet Strickland has offered a polarizing perspective.

    Sean Strickland Believes Jail Isn’t The Answer For Raja Jackson After Brutal Attack

    Amid media reports that the Los Angeles Police Department is investigating Raja Jackson’s attack on Syko Stu, Sean Strickland took to social media to weigh in. The former UFC middleweight champion suggested that while Jackson should face consequences, but the best course of action would be rehabilitation rather than prison.

    Drawing from his own experiences, Strickland argued that prison often hardens people instead of rehabilitating them and suggested that MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s son should be offered an opportunity for reform.

    “Jackson’s kid [Raja Jackson] shouldn’t go to jail. Prison should always be a last resort. I was arrested at 19 for two felonies, a GBI. I would have spent 5 to 6 years in prison if the DA had its way. After 6 years in a cell, coming out with nothing, being indoctrinated with gangs and violence, I guarantee I would have killed someone. There was one guy telling me about how he picked up a murder charge, and I remembered being impressed by him. That would have been my future.

    “Instead, I pled and took 100 days in jail or work release, a ton of anger management, and a decent amount of victim restitution after a miserable two years of court. Luckily, a lawyer took my case for free because I didn’t have a dollar to my name. Bottom line is, it’s not about the person in prison it’s about who they become when they’re out of prison, and I believe if I wasn’t offered that deal, I would be dead today and more than likely would have resulted in someone else’s death as well. My two cents… Rehabilitation over prison always,” Strickland wrote on X.

  • Sean O’Malley Confesses He Tried Too Hard to Mirror Conor McGregor And Lost Touch With Himself Before UFC 306

    Sean O’Malley Confesses He Tried Too Hard to Mirror Conor McGregor And Lost Touch With Himself Before UFC 306

    Sean O’Malley admits that walking in Conor McGregor’s shoes was both his inspiration and his misstep.

    O’Malley has repeatedly voiced his reverence for McGregor, crediting not just the former two-division champion’s fighting style, but even more so the larger-than-life aura that made him a global icon.

    At the same time, “Suga” never hesitated to measure his own rising stardom against McGregor’s, even believing he was on the verge of reaching the Irishman’s global fame.

    The former UFC bantamweight champion has always looked up to “The Notorious,” yet things took a strange turn last year when McGregor mocked him over his 2019 ostarine suspension. Still holding admiration for the Irishman, Sean O’Malley was left disappointed by the jab, sparking a brief exchange of shots on social media.

    Image: @sugasean/Instagram

    Sean O’Malley Admits Chasing Conor McGregor’s Persona Backfired

    During a recent appearance on Between Rounds, Sean O’Malley reflected on his respect for Conor McGregor’s accomplishments in combat sports. “Suga” admitted that in trying too hard to emulate McGregor’s persona both inside and outside the cage, he drifted away from his true self, a mistake he now sees as a factor in his struggles.

    “One hundred percent [I saw McGregor as a role model],” Sean O’Malley said. “The way he carried himself into fights, the confidence to say what he thought was going to happen – ‘I’m going to knock this dude out in Round 2.’ I got a lot out of that. I was like, ‘OK, I can be confident like that.’ I feel like I got lost, almost, in a sense, where I wanted to be like Conor too much instead of being like myself.”

    O’Malley admitted that mimicking “The Notorious” brought him some success early on, but the illusion faded ahead of UFC 306. In what became a turning point, the 30-year-old Montana native fell short against Merab Dvalishvili, surrendering his bantamweight crown in a one-sided unanimous decision.

    “That was my second title defense, and I was like, ‘I want this to be big.’ I didn’t feel like it was big. I didn’t feel like Merab was a big name. I had to force it. It was at The Sphere. I felt like I had to create something and I didn’t like how that made me feel, in a sense, because I didn’t hate Merab. I would have loved to knock him out. … I feel like I made that one too personal, and I didn’t like that – but that kind of the only time I really forced anything. The ‘Chito’ beef I felt was real. I didn’t like that. That was a real one, but the Merab one I feel like I forced a little bit.”

    “Suga” last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 316 this past June, where his bid to reclaim the bantamweight throne fell short in a rematch with reigning champion Dvalishvili. O’Malley now holds a promotional record of 10-3 with one no contest, boasting six knockouts among his victories.

    Sean O'Malley
    Image: UFC/Zuffa LLC
  • Johnny Walker Shares Honest Reflection On Sluggish Start Dominant Finish Over Zhang Mingyang At UFC Shanghai

    Johnny Walker Shares Honest Reflection On Sluggish Start Dominant Finish Over Zhang Mingyang At UFC Shanghai

    Johnny Walker admitted Octagon rust affected his performance in his recent fight.

    Last Saturday in Shanghai, China, Walker secured a brutal second-round TKO over Zhang Mingyang in the UFC Shanghai main event, bouncing back with a much-needed victory.

    Walker got off to a rocky start, taking some heavy shots on both the feet and the ground while struggling to mount any offense in the first round. But the second round told a different story. A pair of sharp calf kicks left Mingyang limping, and moments later he crumpled to the mat.

    Walker followed him to the ground, unleashing a relentless barrage of punches and elbows that steadily broke down the “Mountain Tiger”. The referee finally stepped in as Zhang rolled to his side, defenseless, ending the fight while Walker’s assault continued.

    Image: @ufc/X

    Johnny Walker Reveals Why He Looked Off His Game Early Against Zhang Mingyang At UFC Shanghai

    During the UFC Shanghai post-fight show (via MMA Junkie), Johnny Walker reflected on his win over Zhang Mingyang. The Brazilian striker, returning after a year-long layoff, admitted that Octagon rust left him tentative and off-rhythm in the opening round.

    However, once the second round began, Walker started finding his groove, connecting with his strikes more confidently and ultimately taking control to secure the victory.

    “I feel very good,” Johnny Walker said. “I just need a little bit more time to use my full game. It’s a long time with no fights. One year, no? I got just a little bit shy and not very trusting. That’s why I hug him when I put him down. My takedown was not very effective. Long time, no fight. I lost a little bit of timing with everything.

    “When the second round started to wind me up a little better. I started to move a little bit better. I started to feel the fight OK. I said, ‘OK, now it’s time to go moving forward.’ He took good shots on me, and I took my time to recover. I took three or five seconds to recover from the shots. Good, clean shots. I have a chin, motherf*ckers. This is the job. I love it.”

    UFC Shanghai gave Johnny Walker his first victory since defeating former title challenger Anthony Smith via unanimous decision at UFC Charlotte in May 2023. He now boasts a UFC record of 8-6 with 1 no contest, highlighted by stoppage wins over Paul Craig and Khalil Rountree Jr.

    Image: @UFC_Asia/X
  • Aljamain Sterling Opens Up About Elbow Injury That Nearly Shifted His Fight Against Brian Ortega At UFC Shanghai

    Aljamain Sterling Opens Up About Elbow Injury That Nearly Shifted His Fight Against Brian Ortega At UFC Shanghai

    Aljamain Sterling admitted his fight with Brian Ortega nearly slipped away.

    Last Saturday in Shanghai, China, Sterling secured a commanding unanimous decision over Ortega in the five-round co-main event of UFC Shanghai.

    “Funk Master” dominated Ortega in a largely stand-up battle, dictating the pace with sharp strikes and powerful kicks that steadily wore down the two-time featherweight title challenger.

    Sterling didn’t pursue a takedown until the latter half of the fight, but once the action hit the mat in rounds four and five, the former UFC bantamweight champion cemented his victory with dominant top control and punishing ground-and-pound. When the fight ended, Sterling had left no doubt, earning a unanimous 50-45 decision from all three judges.

    Image: @ufc/X

    Aljamain Sterling Says Elbow Trouble Had Him Worried in UFC Shanghai Victory

    During the UFC Shanghai post-fight show (via MMA Fighting), Aljamain Sterling opened up about his hard-fought victory over Brian Ortega. “Funk Master” revealed he had been dealing with some issues leading into the fight and then suffered a significant elbow injury in the fourth round while attempting a spinning back elbow, which left him momentarily worried his opponent might mount a comeback.

    Despite the scare, Sterling managed to stay composed, relying on his grappling to regain control and secure the win. The 36-year-old New Yorker admitted the moment was tense, but his poise and technique ultimately allowed him to dictate the fight and close it out successfully.

    “That last elbow I landed in round four, I really couldn’t even keep my arm up to defend myself,” Aljamain Sterling said. “When he came after me, I was like this is like a living nightmare right now. Because I can’t even do anything other than circle, and hopefully he makes a mistake, which he did and allowed me to take his back and get him down.”

    After the fight, Sterling took to social media to post a video showing his swollen, injured left elbow, earning praise from fans for maintaining his composure despite the setback.

    “Funk Master” responded to one comment, explaining that he had to mask the injury, knowing Ortega could have taken advantage if he showed any weakness.

    With the victory, Sterling improves to 2-1 since his move to the featherweight division in April 2024. He made the jump after relinquishing his bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292 in August 2023.

    Image: @ufc/X
  • Bryan Battle Lands Opponent With 3-9 MMA Record For Dirty Boxing Debut After Being Cut From UFC

    Bryan Battle Lands Opponent With 3-9 MMA Record For Dirty Boxing Debut After Being Cut From UFC

    Bryan Battle has booked his first fight since his UFC release.

    Battle was cut by the UFC after failing to make weight for his middleweight showdown with Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC 319 earlier this month. The North Carolina fighter came in four pounds over the 186-pound limit, leading to the bout being canceled.

    However, just last week, “The Butcher” signed with Dirty Boxing, the hybrid combat sports promotion co-owned by Mike Perry and Jon Jones, and is set to make his promotional debut at DBX 3 on August 29 at The Hangar in Miami, Florida. On Monday, it was confirmed that Battle will face Derik de Freitas in a middleweight bout.

    DBX 3 will be headlined by the inaugural heavyweight title clash between former UFC contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Rakim Cleveland. The card also features former UFC women’s bantamweight Jessica-Rose Clark taking on Claudia Zamora.

    DBX3 fight card
    Image: @DirtyBoxing_/X

    How Do Bryan Battle And Derik de Freitas’ Records Stack Up?

    Bryan Battle enters Dirty Boxing boasting a professional MMA record of 13-2 with 1 no contest. “The Butcher” was last seen in action at UFC 310 in December 2024, where he narrowly defeated Randy Brown via split decision.

    Battle wrapped up his UFC run with a 7-1 record and 1 no contest, featuring five stoppage wins and earning two Performance of the Night bonuses along the way.

    Meanwhile, Derik de Freitas steps into Dirty Boxing following a two-fight losing skid. His most recent victory came in November 2023, when he submitted Marcos Oliveira in the first round under the Avalanche Fight Championship banner. The 34-year-old Brazilian holds a professional MMA record of 3-9.

    Images: @byranbattle68/@derikdefreitasmma
  • Anthony Hernandez Calls Reinier de Ridder ‘Just Another Fight’ Following UFC Vancouver Main Event Announcement

    Anthony Hernandez Calls Reinier de Ridder ‘Just Another Fight’ Following UFC Vancouver Main Event Announcement

    Anthony Hernandez seems unfazed by the threats Reinier de Ridder could present when they meet in the Octagon.

    Last week, UFC CEO Dana White revealed that Hernandez will face surging contender Reinier de Ridder in a high-stakes clash with major title implications headlining UFC Vancouver on October 18 at the Rogers Center in British Columbia, Canada.

    “Fluffy” holds the distinction of owning the longest winning streak in UFC middleweight history without yet receiving a title shot. While his sights are firmly set on newly crowned champion Khamzat Chimaev, Hernandez has accepted a fight with “RDR” to stay active and continue building his case for a title opportunity.

    Image: @ilovebamf/Instagram

    Anthony Hernandez On Facing Reinier de Ridder: ‘Big, Dangerous… But Just Another Fight’

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Anthony Hernandez shared his thoughts on his upcoming main event clash with Reinier de Ridder at UFC Vancouver. While he acknowledged de Ridder’s proven instincts inside the cage, “Fluffy” made it clear that he’s ready to adapt to anything the former ONE Championship two-division titleholder brings on fight night.

    “I think he’s big and he’s dangerous.” Hernandez said. “That’s about it. The rest of the homework my coaches will have for me. I’ll watch it with them when the time comes, but I don’t know, man, it’s just another fight the way I see it.”

    The 31-year-old Californian further exuded confidence, insisting he has the tools to nullify Khamzat Chimaev’s relentless wrestling, but emphasized that his sole focus remains on “RDR” for now.

    “There’s levels to this sh*t, man. There’s levels to this sh*t and I think I’m on that level. So eventually, when the fight comes, I’ll be ready for it. But it’s one fight at a time for me. Next in line is de Ridder, so it’s to strategize against him and just keep climbing the rankings.”

    Anthony Hernandez last competed at UFC Vegas 109 earlier this month, where he secured a fourth-round submission victory over Roman Dolidze, pushing his unbeaten streak to eight straight wins.

    “Fluffy” hasn’t tasted defeat since his setback against Kevin Holland in May 2020, racking up impressive finishes over the likes of Michel Pereira, Roman Kopylov, and Edmen Shahbazyan along the way.

    Anthony Fluffy Hernandez
    Image: UFC.com
  • Dricus Du Plessis Breaks Silence After Losing His Middleweight Title To Khamzat Chimaev At UFC 319, Promises Comeback Will Be ‘Unimaginable’

    Dricus Du Plessis Breaks Silence After Losing His Middleweight Title To Khamzat Chimaev At UFC 319, Promises Comeback Will Be ‘Unimaginable’

    For Dricus Du Plessis, the setback is only a spark for greater things ahead.

    Earlier this month, Du Plessis saw his reign as middleweight champion come to a halt after suffering a lopsided unanimous decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319.

    “Stillknocks” had no solution for Chimaev’s relentless wrestling, as the undefeated Russian imposed his will with repeated takedowns and smothering top control across five rounds, leaving Du Plessis with virtually no room to mount offense.

    Although the defending champion showed brief flashes in the fifth round, landing a few crisp strikes, the momentum had long slipped away. Chimaev’s suffocating ground game left no doubt, as the judges scored it 50-44 to crown “Borz” the new UFC middleweight champion.

    Dricus Du Plessis may be gutted by the defeat, but the setback has ignited a renewed fire within him.

    Khamzat Chimaev dethrone Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319
    Image: @ufc/X

    Dricus Du Plessis Calls UFC 319 Loss A Lesson Not A Setback

    On Monday, Dricus Du Plessis took to social media to share his first statement since losing the middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. The South African admitted the pain of defeat but vowed to use it as fuel for an even greater return, while also showing respect to “Borz” for his performance.

    “It’s been just over a week and I have spent some time with my family and friends, those closest to me who will be with me win or lose. I embrace this loss with open arms, because believe me as much as I hate losing, it’s as much part of life as part of our game- and I believe it’s necessary in my pursuit of greatness. ‘Without the bitter, the sweet wouldn’t be as sweet.’

    “Make no mistake I’m not a good loser, because a good loser becomes a frequent one. I am however- an avid learner of the arts and of life itself. This loss has exploded a desire in me that will have the consequence of an onslaught bigger than the original domination- my return to glory and pursuit of greatness will be unimaginable for the average minded.

    “I have absolutely no excuses for my performance, I was beaten by a better fighter on the night, congratulations to my opponent and thank you for the honour of sharing the octagon with you. Thank you for all the love and support from fans all over the world, and my sponsors that has always and will in the future play a critical role in my success.

    “AND SINCERELY thank you to all those who enjoyed to see me fall, because I will return the favour, like I always have. I believe in the plan of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for He knows best and I can’t wait to see what He has planned for me going forward,” Du Plessis wrote on Instagram.

    Before the loss, Dricus Du Plessis had enjoyed an unbeaten run in the UFC, racking up nine consecutive wins that included statement finishes over former champions Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya.

    “Stillknocks” captured the middleweight crown by defeating Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024 and went on to successfully defend it twice.

    Dricus Du Plessis
    Image: UFC/YouTube
  • Bryan Battle Signs With Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing After UFC Release, Debut Confirmed For Aug. 29 In Miami

    Bryan Battle Signs With Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing After UFC Release, Debut Confirmed For Aug. 29 In Miami

    Bryan Battle has found a new home for his fighting career.

    It’s been a turbulent few days for Battle. As he was slated to face Nursulton Ruziboev in a middleweight bout at UFC 319 last Saturday, the fight was scrapped after the North Carolina native came in four pounds over the 186-pound limit.

    Just days later, “The Butcher” was released from the UFC roster following his third weight miss during his promotional run.

    However, on Friday, Mike Perry’s hybrid combat sports promotion Dirty Boxing announced the signing of Bryan Battle. The Ultimate Fighter Season 29 winner is slated to make his promotional debut at DBX 3 on August 29 at The Hangar in Miami, Florida, in a 185-pound bout with an opponent yet to be determined.

    DBX 3 is slated to be headlined by former UFC heavyweight fighter Jairzinho Rozenstruik, who awaits a new opponent after Rob Perez withdrew from the promotion’s inaugural heavyweight title bout.

    What Is Bryan Battle’s MMA Record?

    Bryan Battle arrives at Dirty Boxing with a professional MMA record of 13-2, 1 NC. His most recent outing came at UFC 310 in December 2024, where he edged Randy Brown via split decision.

    “The Butcher” closed out his UFC tenure with a solid 7-1, 1 NC record, highlighted by five stoppage victories and two Performance of the Night bonuses.

    Bryan Battle to make Dirty Boxing debut on Aug 29
    Image: @bryanbattle68/Instagram
  • Road To UFC Season 4 Semifinals Results & Highlights: Bruna Brasil Ruins Shi Ming’s UFC Debut

    Road To UFC Season 4 Semifinals Results & Highlights: Bruna Brasil Ruins Shi Ming’s UFC Debut

    The Road to UFC Season 4 tournament took place on Friday, August 22, at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium in China. The event brought together the Asia-Pacific region’s top MMA prospects, who battled for a spot in the finals and the chance to secure a coveted UFC deal, alongside a slate of thrilling featured bouts.

    Headlining the card, Road to UFC Season 3 strawweight winner Shi Ming made her long-awaited UFC debut against Dana White’s Contender Series standout Bruna Brasil. In the co-main event, flyweight action heats up as Nyamjargal Tumendemberel squared off with American prospect Terrance Saeteurn.

    Road to UFC Season 4 Episode 5 Results

    • Flyweight Tournament Semifinal: Namsrai Batbayar def. Agulali via submission (rear-naked choke) (R1, 4:45)
    • Featherweight Tournament Semifinal: Sebastian Szalay def. ChangMin Yoon via TKO (R1, 0:47)
    • Bantamweight Tournament Semifinal: Lawrence Lui def. Ngheim Van Y via TKO (R2, 1:48)
    • Flyweight Tournament Semifinal: Aaron Tau def. Yin Shuai via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
    • Welterweight: Kitt Campbell def. Jang Yun-seong via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

    Aaron Tau vs. Yin Shuai

    Lawrence Lui vs. Ngheim Van Y

    Sebastian Szalay vs. ChangMin Yoon

    Namsrai Batbayar vs. Agulali

    Road to UFC Season 4 Episode 6 Results

    • Lightweight Tournament Semifinal: Dom Mar Fan def. JaeHyun Park via unanimous decision (30-27 x2)
    • Bantamweight Tournament Semifinal: Sulangrangbo def. Sim Kai Xiong via unanimous decision (30-27 x2)
    • Lightweight Tournament Semifinal: SangWook Kim def. Ren Yawei via submission (rear-naked choke) (R2, 3:42)
    • Featherweight Tournament Semifinal: Keiichiro Nakamura def. Kaiwen via unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 28-27)
    • Co-main Event – UFC Flyweight Bout: Nyamjargal Tumendemberel def. Terrance Saeteurn via submission (anaconda choke) (R1, 2:53)
    • Main Event – UFC Strawweight Bout: Bruna Brasil def. Shi Ming via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    SangWook Kim vs. Ren Yawei

    Nyamjargal Tumendemberel vs. Terrance Saeteurn

    Shi Ming vs. Bruna Brasil

  • Sean Strickland Agrees To Anger Management In Bid To Reduce Suspension From June 28 Altercation

    Sean Strickland Agrees To Anger Management In Bid To Reduce Suspension From June 28 Altercation

    Sean Strickland is ready to work with the commission in hopes of cutting down his suspension time.

    On Thursday, the Nevada Athletic Commission hit Strickland with a six-month suspension and a $5,000 fine for storming the cage and attacking a fighter at the June 28 Tuff-N-Uff event in Nevada.

    The drama erupted when Strickland and fellow UFC fighter Chris Curtis were cornering teammate Miles Hunsinger in his bout against Luis Hernandez at Tuff-N-Uff. After Hernandez sealed the win with a second-round submission, he mocked Hunsinger’s corner with a provocative crotch-chop celebration.

    The taunt instantly set Strickland and Curtis off, prompting both to storm the cage, with the former UFC middleweight champ even managing to land a punch on Hernandez in the melee.

    Strickland’s suspension is scheduled to run until December 29, but it could be shortened to just 4.5 months, clearing him by mid-October, if he completes a commission-approved anger management course. Judging by his recent stance, the polarizing MMA fighter seems ready to take that route.

    Sean Strickland ready to take anger management
    Image: @stricklandmma/Instagram

    Sean Strickland Eyes Early Return By Agreeing To Anger Management Training

    After receiving a six-month suspension, Sean Strickland took to social media to announce his plans to complete the required anger management program, which could shave his punishment down to 4.5 months and make him eligible to fight again on November 14.

    Although it’s still uncertain what specific program Strickland must complete to meet the commission’s requirements, the 34-year-old Californian has doubled down on his resolve to make a swift return to the Octagon, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on newly crowned UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.

    “Well! Ready to put this to bed and get back in the cage,” Sean Strickland wrote on Instagram. Can’t have a terrorist as a champion, sadly I think Im the only one to change that. Appreciate the commission for getting this done.. Anger management here I come…”

    Sean Strickland last competed at UFC 312 in February, where he came up short in his bid to reclaim the middleweight crown, dropping a one-sided unanimous decision to then-champion Dricus Du Plessis. Over his past eight Octagon outings, Strickland has gone 4-4.

    Sean Strickland
    Image: UFC/YouTube
  • Baisangur Susurkaev Pledges To Claim Middleweight Title Within Two Years Following UFC 319 Win

    Baisangur Susurkaev Pledges To Claim Middleweight Title Within Two Years Following UFC 319 Win

    Baisangur Susurkaev envisions his path to UFC gold with the same pace he set this past week.

    Susurkaev has enjoyed a whirlwind few days. On Tuesday at Dana White’s Contender Series, he scored a first-round knockout over Murtaza Talha to secure his UFC contract. Buoyed by his victory, “Hunter” approached UFC CEO Dana White to be added to the UFC 319 undercard alongside his countryman Khamzat Chimaev, and the promotion head honcho granted his wish.

    After stepping into his DWCS bout on just four days’ notice, Susurkaev was booked for his UFC debut with the same short turnaround to face fellow newcomer Eric Nolan, and he certainly didn’t disappoint.

    The undefeated Russian weathered a late flurry from Nolan in the first round that nearly rocked him, but he stayed composed and maintained relentless pressure. In the second round, he secured a takedown and repeatedly dragged the fight back to the canvas.

    Gradually working his way to Nolan’s back, he unleashed a series of punches to create an opening. With a perfectly locked-in rear-naked choke, Susurkaev forced “Night Time” to tap at 2:01.

    After scoring back-to-back wins in just four days, “Hunter” is riding a wave of unstoppable confidence.

    Image: @dwcs/Instagram

    Baisangur Susurkaev Confident He Will Be UFC Middleweight Champion Within Two Years

    During the UFC 319 post-fight press conference on Saturday, Baisangur Susurkaev recapped his incredible week and confirmed he intends to keep the momentum going, aiming for one, and possibly two, more fights before the year ends.

    “I’m hoping for New York [in November],” Susurkaev said. “I really would like to fight in September, but I do feel like I have an injury in my foot, so I don’t know if I’ll be ready in time.”

    “Hunter” firmly stated that while he isn’t in a hurry for his first UFC title shot, he expects to capture the middleweight championship within just two years.

    “In two more years, I’m going to be champion. I don’t need it fast. One month, two months to get ready for the next fight, and I’m ready. I’m going to be champion.”

    Baisangur Susurkaev boasts an unblemished professional record of 10-0, with nine of those victories coming via finishes within the second round.

    Image: @realhuntermma/Instagram

  • Marc Goddard Receives Herb Dean’s Backing After UFC 319 Main Event Intervention Controversy – ‘I’m Okay With Those Standups’

    Marc Goddard Receives Herb Dean’s Backing After UFC 319 Main Event Intervention Controversy – ‘I’m Okay With Those Standups’

    Marc Goddard finds support from a fellow community member in the wake of the recent fight dispute.

    Last week, in the UFC 319 main event, Khamzat Chimaev overpowered Dricus Du Plessis to claim the middleweight title with a one-sided unanimous decision.

    “Borz” overwhelmed Du Plessis throughout the fight, dictating the action with constant chain wrestling and suffocating top control. He landed 12 takedowns, repeatedly trapping the defending champion in crucifix positions and keeping him on the defensive for most of the bout.

    Khamzat Chimaev dethrone Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319
    Image: @ufc/X

    Late in the fourth round, referee Goddard stepped in to separate Chimaev from “Stillknocks,” seemingly due to a stalemate. The 51-year-old official made a second stand-up late in the final frame, a decision that has ignited widespread debate within the MMA community, drawing criticism from former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and other pundits.

    Herb Dean Defends Marc Goddard Amid Debate Over UFC 319 Headliner Intervention

    During a recent interview with MMA journalist Helen Yee, veteran referee Herb Dean weighed in on Marc Goddard’s decision to separate Khamzat Chimaev from Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319. While Dean acknowledged that “Borz” was clearly dominating, he defended his fellow official, noting that MMA should not reward fighters who simply hold dominant positions without actively pursuing a finish.

    According to Dean, stand-ups in such scenarios are appropriate to keep the action flowing and preserve the excitement of the sport.

    “I don’t think anything was wrong with his [Marc Goddard] standups, Dean said. “Khamzat dominated the fight round. This is an ongoing conversation that stakeholders and everyone in the sport has, but what do we want this sport to look like? Do we want people to achieve a dominant position, which, if you’re not using it to beat your opponent, could almost be looked at as a hiding place, as a place to burn time? And I’m never gonna accuse Khamzat of hiding because, I mean, the man’s a savage.

    “But if you get a position, we can break that one down, the crucifix chest-to-chest position, not a lot of height, very difficult to get to a place where you can punch your opponent. Sometimes he’s able to get elbows, and you want to reward people. But we can talk about 10-8 [round], and at the same time you want to reward someone with a 10-8 for trying to finish their opponent, for taking a risk… I’m okay with those standups that Marc Goddard did.”

    Goddard, with over two decades of officiating experience, has established himself as one of MMA’s most respected referees, having overseen hundreds of high-profile bouts in the UFC and other major promotions.

    MMA referee Marc Goddard
    Image: @marcgoddard_uk/Instagram
  • Bryan Battle Axed From UFC Roster Days After Missing Weight At UFC 319

    Bryan Battle Axed From UFC Roster Days After Missing Weight At UFC 319

    Bryan Battle’s struggle to make weight appears to have come with serious consequences.

    Battle was scheduled to face Nursulton Ruziboev in a middleweight clash at UFC 319 this past weekend at Chicago’s United Center. However, the fight was called off just a day before the event after the 30-year-old American tipped the scales four pounds over the 186-pound limit.

    As confirmed by MMA journalist Damon Martin on X Wednesday, “The Butcher” has been cut from the UFC only days after failing to make weight for his UFC 319 matchup.

    Battle last competed at UFC 310 this past December, securing a hard-fought split decision victory over Randy Brown to extend his unbeaten streak to five fights. He made his promotional debut at UFC Vegas 35 in August 2021 and quickly built a decent record of 7-1 with one no contest, including five wins by stoppage.

    His sole setback in the Octagon came at UFC 66 in December, where he fell to a unanimous decision loss against Rinat Fakhretdinov.

    UFC welterweight Bryan Battle
    Image: UFC.com

    How Many Weight Misses Has Bryan Battle Had In The UFC?

    Bryan Battle earned his UFC spot by submitting Andre Petroski in the second round of The Ultimate Fighter 29 semifinal at middleweight in August 2021. After entering the promotion, “The Butcher” moved down to the welterweight division, where he struggled to make weight, missing the limit on two separate occasions.

    Battle’s first weight miss occurred at UFC Charlotte in May 2023, where he came in over the limit for a bout against Gabe Green, which he ultimately won via knockout. His second miss came in his most recent fight against Randy Brown at UFC 310. With the latest incident at UFC 319, “The Butcher” has now failed to make weight three times over his four-year UFC career.

    Bryan Battle Axed From UFC Roster Days After Missing Weight At UFC 319
    Image: UFC.com
  • Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr Announced For Noche UFC Co-Main Event On September 13

    Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr Announced For Noche UFC Co-Main Event On September 13

    The Noche UFC card now officially has a co-main event.

    This year’s Noche UFC will be the third annual event celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day, set for September 13 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. The card was initially planned for Guadalajara, Mexico, as UFC 320, but delays in the construction of Arena Guadalajara forced the promotion to relocate the event to U.S. soil and rebrand it as a Fight Night.

    On Wednesday, the promotion confirmed that seasoned bantamweight contender Rob Font will square off against rising prospect Raul Rosas Jr. in the co-main event of Noche UFC.

    Font is set for his second Octagon appearance of the year after edging out Jean Matsumoto by split decision at UFC Seattle in February. The 38-year-old veteran enters on a two-fight win streak, though his form has been uneven in recent years, going 3-4 across his last seven outings. The American striker carries a 12-7 UFC record, with seven of those victories coming by way of stoppage.

    Meanwhile, Rosas Jr. enters the bout on a four-fight winning streak, most recently outpointing Vince Morales by unanimous decision at UFC Mexico City in March. ‘El Niño Problema’ carries just one blemish on his professional record, a decision loss to Christian Rodriguez at UFC 287 in April 2023. The 20-year-old Mexican standout has already compiled a 5-1 record in the UFC since debuting in December 2022.

    Raul Rosas Jr.
    Image: UFC/Zuffa LLC

    Who Is Set To Headline Noche UFC This Year?

    Noche UFC will be headlined by a pivotal featherweight showdown, as ex-title challenger Diego Lopes squares off against surging knockout artist Jean Silva. The card also features a high-stakes strawweight clash between former title challengers Tatiana Suarez and Amanda Lemos.

    Here is the confirmed lineup:

    • Featherweight: Diego Lopes vs. Jean Silva
    • Bantamweight: Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr.
    • Strawweight: Tatiana Suarez vs. Amanda Lemos
    • Welterweight: Rodrigo Sezinando vs. Daniil Donchenko
    • Lightweight: Jared Gordon vs. Rafa García
    • Flyweight: Jesus Aguilar vs. Luis Gurule
    • Women’s bantamweight: Alice Pereira vs. Montserrat Rendon
    • Lightweight: Claudio Puelles vs. Joaquim Silva
    • Middleweight: José Medina vs. Duško Todorović
    • Middleweight: Zach Reese vs. Sedriques Dumas
    • Flyweight: Alessandro Costa vs. Alden Coria
    • Bantamweight: Quang Le vs. David Martinez
    Image: UFC.com

  • Jake Paul Set To Face Gervonta Davis In An Exhibition Bout On Nov. 14 As Anthony Joshua Negotiations Reportedly Crumble

    Jake Paul Set To Face Gervonta Davis In An Exhibition Bout On Nov. 14 As Anthony Joshua Negotiations Reportedly Crumble

    Jake Paul appears to have secured yet another marquee name to add to his growing list of opponents.

    In recent years, “The Problem Child” has carved out a unique lane in combat sports, headlining a series of crossover showdowns, many against former UFC standouts. Though his matchmaking has largely leaned on star power and spectacle, the YouTuber-turned-boxer has consistently maintained that his ultimate goal is to capture a recognized world title.

    Paul had long campaigned for a showdown with multi-division champion Canelo Alvarez, but those hopes were dashed after the Mexican superstar signed a lucrative four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, which includes his September 13 clash against undisputed titleholder Terence Crawford.

    With that door closed, the former Disney star shifted his sights to a potential clash with former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, eyeing either late this year or sometime in 2026. Yet with recent developments, it seems that ship has already sailed, though Jake Paul has now landed a fight against a long-coveted opponent.

    Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis on Nov. 15
    Image: @jakepaul/Instagram

    Jake Paul To Fight Gervonta Davis In An Exhibition On Nov. 14

    According to a recent report from boxing insider Mike Coppinger, negotiations for a potential Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua super fight have officially fallen through, with broadcasting conflicts cited as the key stumbling block given “AJ’s” exclusive deal with DAZN.

    In the aftermath, “The Problem Child” has secured an exhibition showdown with reigning WBC lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, scheduled for November 15 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, and set to stream live on Netflix.

    The fight features a major weight gap, with “Tank” competing at lightweight, where the limit is 135 pounds. Paul, on the other hand, came in at 200 pounds for his last bout and usually fights in the cruiserweight division.

    Jake Paul last stepped into the ring in June, earning a unanimous decision victory over former WBC middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. He now holds a record of 11-1, with seven of those wins coming by knockout.

    Meanwhile, Davis last competed in March, battling Lamont Roach Jr. to a hard-fought majority draw. “Tank” currently boasts an unbeaten professional record of 30-0-1, with an astounding 28 victories coming by knockout.

    Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis on Nov. 15
    Images: @jakepaul/@gervontaa/Instagram
  • Khamzat Chimaev Critics Labeled ‘Casuals’ By Former Champ After Commanding UFC 319 Victory

    Khamzat Chimaev Critics Labeled ‘Casuals’ By Former Champ After Commanding UFC 319 Victory

    Fans slamming Khamzat Chimaev’s latest performance might just be showing they don’t truly understand MMA, at least in the eyes of a former champion.

    Last weekend, in the main event of UFC 319 at Chicago’s United Center, Chimaev fulfilled his long-awaited dream of becoming UFC middleweight champion, dominating Dricus du Plessis en route to a unanimous decision victory.

    Right out of the gate, “Borz” wasted no time dragging Du Plessis to the canvas, where he smothered him with unrelenting pressure for nearly the entire contest. Chimaev dictated the pace with chain wrestling and suffocating top control, converting 12 of 17 takedown attempts and racking up an astonishing 529 total strikes that left the defending champion stuck on the defensive.

    Despite his dominance, the undefeated Russian rarely threatened a finish, with most of his offense coming as steady ground strikes rather than fight-ending blows. Even so, the sheer volume and control left “Stillknocks” little chance to respond, and by the end of five lopsided rounds, the judges awarded Khamzat Chimaev a 50-44 unanimous decision.

    Though a segment of fight fans dismissed the matchup as dull instead of the thrilling spectacle it was hyped to be, Robert Whittaker holds a decidedly different view.

    Khamzat Chimaev defeats Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319
    Image: @ufc/X

    Robert Whittaker Slams Fans Who Dismissed Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC 319 Performance

    During a recent episode of the MMArcade Podcast, Robert Whittaker weighed in on Khamzat Chimaev’s authoritative performance against Dricus Du Plessis, which crowned him the new middleweight champion at UFC 319.

    The former UFC 185-pound titleholder voiced strong disapproval of fans who dismissed Chimaev’s grappling-heavy approach, insisting that anyone who downplays “Borz’s” ability to dominate a fighter of Du Plessis’ caliber for the full 25 minutes simply doesn’t understand the magnitude of his control.

    “Anyone that says it’s a boring fight is a casual,” Whittaker said. “If you’re a fan of the sport and you’re not fascinated by Chimaev’s ability to control someone as dogged as Dricus, who’s gotten out of things time and time again, who physically never gasses, super strong, has cardio for days, if you’re not fascinated by such one-sided domination, then you have to be a casual. You never see this level at a championship fight, this level of control. We just saw someone get crucifixed for 15 minutes. How can you be a fan of the sport and not think, ‘wow, that’s crazy?‘”

    With this victory, Khamzat Chimaev has extended his undefeated streak to 15, including notable wins over the likes of Whittaker, Kamaru Usman, and Gilbert Burns.

    Joe Rogan Names Potential Threat To Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC Middleweight Reign
    Image: @ufc/X
  • Aaron Pico Issues First Statement On Crushing KO Loss To Lerone Murphy At UFC 319, Vows Redemption

    Aaron Pico Issues First Statement On Crushing KO Loss To Lerone Murphy At UFC 319, Vows Redemption

    Aaron Pico has already set his sights beyond the sting of his devastating defeat.

    This past Saturday at the United Center in Chicago, Pico’s Octagon debut was derailed in brutal fashion, as undefeated featherweight Lerone Murphy sealed a stunning first-round knockout in the UFC 319 co-main event.

    Pico came out aggressive from the opening bell, pressing Murphy with sharp punches and heavy pressure. He mixed in a clinch and even tested his wrestling, but Murphy stayed composed, breaking free and firing back with clean shots, including a sharp knee to the body.

    Moments later, “The Miracle” unleashed a thunderous spinning elbow that crashed flush on Pico’s chin, instantly folding the UFC newcomer. As the 28-year-old Californian hit the canvas motionless, Murphy added a single follow-up strike before the referee intervened, sealing one of the night’s most spectacular finishes.

    Image: @ufc/X

    Aaron Pico Promises Bounce Back After UFC 319 Knockout Loss

    Aaron Pico entered 2025 as one of the UFC’s most hyped newcomers, but his dream debut ended abruptly when Lerone Murphy floored him with a highlight-reel knockout.

    The featherweight hopeful addressed the setback on social media on Sunday, assuring fans of his health while promising that the lessons learned from defeat would fuel his return as a stronger, more prepared fighter.

    “Last night wasn’t my night, that’s the fight game,” Aaron Pico posted on Instagram. “I’m grateful for my team, my family, and everyone who continues to support me. The supporters that have been there from day one and my new supporters, I see you! Thank you.

    “Wins and losses both teach lessons and I’ll come back sharper, stronger, and better prepared. Thank you all who have sent messages and checked in, my health is well. Thanks for riding with me. My story is not over.”

    he defeat drops Pico to 13-5 in his professional career, with 11 of those victories coming by way of finish, all secured during his run under the Bellator MMA banner.

    Image: @aaronpicousa/Instagram

  • ‘It Ain’t Boxing Lil Bro’ – MMA Fans Tear Into Ryan Garcia For Seemingly Branding UFC 319 Headliner ‘Boring’

    ‘It Ain’t Boxing Lil Bro’ – MMA Fans Tear Into Ryan Garcia For Seemingly Branding UFC 319 Headliner ‘Boring’

    Ryan Garcia appears less than impressed with the action at UFC 319.

    UFC 319, one of the year’s most anticipated pay-per-view cards, went down this past Saturday at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The event delivered fireworks, with three main card finishes, including back-to-back first-round spinning back elbow knockouts.

    First, Carlos Prates flattened Geoff Neal in highlight-reel fashion, before Lerone Murphy derailed Aaron Pico’s Octagon debut in the very next fight.

    The main event saw Khamzat Chimaev dethrone middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision in what was arguably one of the most dominant title fight performances in recent memory.

    “Borz” racked up over 21 minutes of control time, landed 12 takedowns, and piled on 529 total strikes. However, the win elicited a divided response from fans, as Chimaev’s dominance lacked the threat of a finish or any truly fight-ending offense.

    Khamzat Chimaev defeats Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319
    Image: @ufc/X

    Garcia seemed to be among those left underwhelmed by the UFC 319 headliner, suggesting it failed to live up to the hype. The former interim WBC lightweight champion took to social media, where he did not specify the bout but implied his disappointment with the card, with many assuming he was referring to the main event.

    “UFC lowkey boring, at least this fight,” Garcia wrote on X.

    MMA Fans Rip Ryan Garcia For Hinting UFC 319 Main Event Lacked Excitement

    Ryan Garcia’s post suggesting he found the UFC 319 main event dull quickly drew the ire of MMA fans, who wasted no time firing back at “KingRy”.

    Many pointed to his own underwhelming performance against Rolando Romero, while others reignited the age-old debate of MMA’s superiority over boxing when it comes to delivering excitement.

    https://twitter.com/twrecks155/status/1957123445394976842
    https://twitter.com/notZIDEN/status/1957091340950671832
    https://twitter.com/DKD2421/status/1957044111296319664
    https://twitter.com/HonestCombatFan/status/1957032883371020289
    https://twitter.com/ogdaddychill/status/1957126315372314655
    Image: @ufc/X
  • Joe Rogan Names Potential Threat To Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC Middleweight Reign

    Joe Rogan Names Potential Threat To Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC Middleweight Reign

    Joe Rogan has a contender in mind he believes could pose a serious challenge to Khamzat Chimaev’s title reign.

    On Saturday night at Chicago’s United Center, Chimaev extended his undefeated streak with a commanding performance, claiming the UFC middleweight title by defeating Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision in the UFC 319 main event.

    From the opening bell, “Borz” took control, swiftly bringing Du Plessis to the mat and keeping him there throughout the majority of the bout. That relentless pressure set the tone for the fight, as Chimaev dominated “Stillknocks” across all five rounds, converting 12 of 17 takedown attempts and leaving his opponent virtually powerless to launch any offense.

    While Chimaev controlled the bout from start to finish, he seldom threatened Du Plessis with a fight-ending finish. His ground strikes, though not overly damaging, kept Du Plessis from mounting any meaningful offense. Still, it hardly mattered, as Chimaev’s total domination and superior grappling were enough to convince all three judges, who scored the bout 50-44 in favor of the undefeated Russian.

    Khamzat Chimaev is arguably one of the most dominant fighters in modern UFC, but Rogan believes there’s someone in the 185-pound division who could challenge his supremacy.

    Image: @UFCEurope/X

    Joe Rogan Suggests Reinier de Ridder Could Test Khamzat Chimaev

    Following the UFC 319 main event, Joe Rogan, alongside fellow commentators Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik, analyzed Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant performance and his looming reign over the division. Rogan highlighted rising contender Reinier de Ridder as a complete fighter who could potentially pose a serious challenge to “Borz”.

    “Reinier de Ridder in particular, given his ability to grapple on the ground and also his ability to land shots standing,” Rogan said. “His toughness, his experience. He throws those combinations with that long lead-in knee. He’s interesting.”

    “RDR” is coming off a split-decision victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi last month. The former two-division ONE Fighting champion remains undefeated in the UFC with a 4-0 record, including impressive finishes over Kevin Holland and Bo Nickal.

    Meanwhile, Chimaev has stretched his perfect record to 15-0, including a 9-0 mark in the UFC, with 12 of those victories coming by stoppage.

    Joe Rogan Names Potential Threat To Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC Middleweight Reign
    Image: @ufc/X
  • Dricus Du Plessis’ Fiancée Reacts With Heartfelt Post After “Stillknocks” Drops Middleweight Title To Khamzat Chimaev At UFC 319

    Dricus Du Plessis’ Fiancée Reacts With Heartfelt Post After “Stillknocks” Drops Middleweight Title To Khamzat Chimaev At UFC 319

    Dricus Du Plessis receives an encouraging message from his fiancée after his recent loss.

    On Saturday night at Chicago’s United Center, Du Plessis dropped his middleweight title after a lopsided unanimous decision defeat to Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC 319 main event.

    The fight unfolded as expected, with Chimaev immediately asserting his dominance by taking Du Plessis down and keeping him grounded throughout the first round. That approach defined the bout, as “Borz” repeatedly controlled the South African on the canvas over five rounds, landing 12 of 17 takedowns and leaving Du Plessis little room to mount any offense.

    On the ground, Chimaev moved Du Plessis across the Octagon at will, landing ground strikes that, while not heavily damaging, prevented any meaningful counterattack. It wasn’t until the fifth round that “Stillknocks” found a brief spark with his striking, landing some clean shots, but it was too late to turn the tide. The judges unanimously scored the fight 50-44, handing Chimaev a dominant win and crowning him the new UFC middleweight champion.

    In the wake of his loss, Dricus Du Plessis finds comfort and encouragement from his closest loved ones.

    Khamzat Chimaev defeats Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319
    Image: @ufc/X

    Vasti Spiller Pens Supportive Message After Dricus Du Plessis’ Title Loss At UFC 319

    After his tough defeat at UFC 319, Dricus Du Plessis’ fiancée, Vasti Spiller, turned to social media to send an uplifting message to “Stillknocks,” proving she remains a constant pillar of support in his life.

    “My world. This is just the beginning,” Spiller posted on Instagram.

    This defeat marked Du Plessis’ first loss in the UFC since his debut in October 2020. Before that, “Stillknocks” hadn’t experienced defeat since October 2018 at KSW 45, where he suffered a third-round TKO at the hands of Roberto Soldić.

    The 31-year-old South African captured the UFC middleweight title in January 2024, defeating Sean Strickland via split decision at UFC 297. He then successfully defended his belt twice, first against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 and later in a rematch with Strickland at UFC 312.

    Dricus Du Plessis
    Image: UFC.com
  • Dricus Du Plessis’ Coach Labels Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC 319 Face-Off Antics ‘Weakness’

    Dricus Du Plessis’ Coach Labels Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC 319 Face-Off Antics ‘Weakness’

    Dricus Du Plessis’ coach has an unexpected takeaway from the face-off with Khamzat Chimaev.

    Du Plessis is set to put his middleweight crown on the line for the third time tonight, squaring off against Chimaev in the UFC 319 main event at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

    The lead-up to this eagerly awaited clash has been fraught with tension, fueled by fiery exchanges between the fighters on social media. Interestingly, fight week began on a different note, as Du Plessis and Chimaev showed mutual respect and initially steered clear of the usual trash talk.

    However, that initial courtesy quickly evaporated during Thursday’s pre-fight press conference, when both fighters officially faced off for the first time. The intensity spiked, particularly from “Borz”, who fired a barrage of words at the reigning UFC middleweight champion.

    Chimaev turned up the heat physically during the final staredown on Friday at the ceremonial weigh-ins, shoving ‘Stillknocks’ before being pulled apart by UFC CEO Dana White and on-stage security. Dricus Du Plessis, however, appeared completely unfazed by the incident.

    Dricus Du Plessis faces off with Khamzat Chimaev
    Image: @ufc/X

    Morne Visser Believes Dricus Du Plessis Gained Mental Edge Over Khamzat Chimaev Before UFC 319

    During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Dricus Du Plessis’ longtime coach, Morne Visser, broke down the UFC 319 face-off between ‘Stillknocks’ and Khamzat Chimaev. Visser pointed out that Du Plessis demonstrated control by holding his hands higher than ‘Borz’ and effectively got inside his opponent’s head.

    “You’ll see Khamzat has got his hands close to his chest, and Dricus has got his hands over Khamzat’s arm,” Visser said. “Not a lot of people look at that, but that shows dominance. If you look at that face-off, you know when there are two guys fighting in the street and one guy gets pulled away and his buddies kind of save him. Dana came in between and he pushed them apart, and only then did Khamzat make a big noise.

    “Why wasn’t he so arrogant when he was standing right in front of Dricus? That’s just weird for me. That just shows a little bit of weakness. If you want to be tough, be tough in front of the guy, don’t walk away and then shout stupid things.”

    Dricus Du Plessis last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 312 this past February, where he secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev in their rematch. ‘Stillknocks’ remains undefeated in the UFC with a perfect 9-0 record, including six wins by stoppage.

    Dricus Du Plessis custom shorts
    Image: @dricusduplessis/Instagram
  • ‘Bloody Hell He’s The One’ – Fans React To Moses Itauma Stopping Dillian Whyte With Explosive Round 1 KO

    ‘Bloody Hell He’s The One’ – Fans React To Moses Itauma Stopping Dillian Whyte With Explosive Round 1 KO

    Moses Itauma just issued a stark warning to the heavyweight division with his performance.

    On Saturday night at the anb Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Itauma secured the biggest victory of his career to date, demolishing former interim WBC heavyweight champion Dillian Whyte with a vicious first-round knockout.

    The 20-year-old Slovakian-born Brit wasted no time asserting himself, storming forward from the opening exchange. Whyte struggled to settle in before a blistering flurry rattled him and drove him into the corner. A clean shot upstairs left “The Villain” stumbling, his balance deserting him as he tried to fight back.

    Moses Itauma smelled the finish and unleashed another merciless onslaught, his punches crashing through until Whyte collapsed under the weight of the assault. Though he attempted to rise, his legs betrayed him, forcing the referee to step in and wave off the bout before the round’s second minute expired.

    Moses Itauma Stops Dillian Whyte With Explosive Round 1 KO
    Image: Dazn Boxing

    Fans Erupt Over Moses Itauma’s First Round KO Of Dillian Whyte

    Boxing fans were left in awe as Moses Itauma dismantled Dillian Whyte with a commanding knockout, flooding social media with reactions. Many praised the 20-year-old prodigy’s performance and celebrated what they believe is the dawn of a bright future for the rising heavyweight star.

    With his emphatic win over Whyte, Itauma pushed his flawless professional record to 13-0, boasting 11 knockouts along the way. The young phenom has already dispatched seasoned names such as Mike Balogun, Demsey McKean, and others, further cementing his reputation as one of boxing’s most dangerous rising forces.

    Moses Itauma
    Image: @m.itauma/Instagram