MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • UFC 319 Fight Card Hit By Unforeseen Change As Planned Bout Falls Through

    UFC 319 Fight Card Hit By Unforeseen Change As Planned Bout Falls Through

    The UFC 319 lineup has undergone a slight shake-up just a couple of weeks out from fight night.

    According to a recent report from Ag. Fight, JJ Aldrich has withdrawn from her scheduled women’s flyweight bout against Karine Silva due to undisclosed issues. Stepping in on short notice, Dione Barbosa will now face Silva at UFC 319.

    Silva was last in action at UFC 309 this past November, where she suffered her first promotional loss via unanimous decision to Viviane Araujo. The 31-year-old Brazilian earned her UFC contract with a second-round submission victory over Yan Qihui on Dana White’s Contender Series in October 2021.

    “Killer” has secured four wins in five UFC outings, with three coming by submission against the likes of Ketlen Souza and Maryna Moroz. She holds a professional record of 18-5, with an impressive 17 of those victories earned via stoppage.

    Meanwhile, Barbosa most recently competed at UFC Vegas 105 this past April, where she secured a first-round submission win over Diana Belbita, bouncing back from a unanimous decision loss to Miranda Maverick in July 2024.

    “The Witch” punched her ticket to the UFC with a submission win over Rainn Guerrero on DWCS in September 2023. The former Olympic judoka holds a professional MMA record of 8-3, with four of those victories coming by submission.

    Interestingly, UFC 319 won’t be the first time Silva and Barbosa share the cage. The pair previously met in May 2019 at Katana Fight 9, where “The Witch” claimed a unanimous decision victory.

    Karine Silva to fight former foe Dione Barbosa at UFC 319
    Images: @karine_killer_ufc/@dionebarbosamma/Instagram

    How Does The UFC 319 Fight Card Look?

    UFC 319 is slated to light up the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on August 16. The ninth UFC pay-per-view event of 2025 will be headlined by reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, who will make his third title defense in a long-anticipated clash with Khamzat Chimaev. Meanwhile, the co-main event features Aaron Pico making his Octagon debut against undefeated featherweight contender Lerone Murphy.

    The main card of UFC 319 will also showcase a welterweight clash between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates. Additionally, a middleweight showdown between Jared Cannonier and Michael Page is set to potentially bring fireworks, along with a flyweight bout pitting Tim Elliott against Kai Asakura.

    Here’s the confirmed lineup for UFC 319:

    Main Card

    • Dricus du Plessis (c) vs. Khamzat Chimaev; middleweight title
    • Lerone Murphy vs, Aaron Pico; featherweight
    • Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates; welterweight
    • Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page; middleweight
    • Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura; flyweight

    Preliminary Card

    • King Green vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira; lightweight
    • Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk; middleweight
    • Jéssica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez; strawweight
    • Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez; lightweight
    • Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose; lightweight
    • Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev; middleweight
    • Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa; women’s flyweight

  • Reinier De Ridder Declares Title Ambitions After Beating Robert Whittaker At UFC Abu Dhabi

    Reinier De Ridder Declares Title Ambitions After Beating Robert Whittaker At UFC Abu Dhabi

    Reinier De Ridder now has his eyes tentatively set on a UFC middleweight title shot.

    Last weekend, De Ridder extended his undefeated UFC run with a hard-fought win over former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi, held at the Etihad Arena in United Arab Emirates.

    “RDR” overcame adversity after being dropped by a massive right hand and absorbing punishing ground-and-pound in round three. He used sharp clinch work and punishing knees to Whittaker’s body to shift the momentum. The former two-division ONE champion’s control of range proved crucial, earning him a split decision on the scorecards.

    Reinier De Ridder Eyes Title Shot After UFC Abu Dhabi Victory

    Following his victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi, Reinier De Ridder reflected on the bout during a backstage interview with the UFC. The 34-year-old Dutch native acknowledged the rapid rise he has experienced since making his Octagon debut in November 2024.

    “Four fights, almost four finishes,” Reinier De Ridder said. “It’s been a crazy year so far, and I think I’ll be able to get one more [fight] before the year’s over.”

    “RDR” has now extended his unbeaten UFC streak to 4-0, and with his latest triumph over Whittaker, he’s climbed to the No. 5 spot in the middleweight rankings. De Ridder believes he’s firmly entered the conversation for a future title shot.

    I’m a Top 5 fighter in the world — that’s a crazy thing to say. We’ll see where everything lands in the division over the next couple of months, but I’m ready to challenge for a title.”

    The UFC middleweight division is heating up with several high-stakes matchups slated for the coming months. First, Roman Dolidze is set to square off against Anthony Hernandez at UFC Vegas 109 on August 9. Just a week later, reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis will put his title on the line against Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319. Then, tNassourdine Imavov will clash with Caio Borralho at UFC Paris in what could serve as a No. 1 contender showdown.

    UFC 319 poster
  • ‘Dude Is Going Through A Midlife Crisis’ – Fans Have A Field Day As Conor McGregor Rocks Surprising New Haircut

    ‘Dude Is Going Through A Midlife Crisis’ – Fans Have A Field Day As Conor McGregor Rocks Surprising New Haircut

    Conor McGregor is flaunting a brand-new hairdo.

    McGregor has long stood as one of the most iconic and influential figures in MMA. But these days, it’s not just his achievements inside the Octagon that keep him in the spotlight. The former two-division UFC champion is arguably even more renowned for his high-profile antics and ventures outside the cage.

    Over the course of his UFC career, “The Notorious” has showcased a wide array of distinctive hairstyles, though he’s most often opted for clean-cut looks like buzz cuts and faded styles.

    However, on Monday, Conor McGregor took to Instagram to share a video of himself grooving to the classic War Pigs by legendary English heavy metal band Black Sabbath. In the clip, “The Notorious” flaunted a bold new mohawk in a nostalgic nod to the look he sported during his UFC debut against Marcus Brimage in April 2013.

    Conor McGregor’s New Mohawk Haircut Sparks Fan Frenzy

    Conor McGregor’s revamped look instantly caught the eye of MMA fans across social media, sparking a flurry of reactions. While most humorously lampooned his bold new hairstyle, others couldn’t help but draw comparisons to the iconic mohawk once sported by former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell.

    https://twitter.com/liltestmoretren/status/1949861149865836902

    McGregor has remained sidelined since suffering a devastating leg break in his trilogy showdown with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. “The Notorious” was slated to make his highly anticipated return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024. However, just two weeks before the event, the Irishman was forced to withdraw due to a toe injury.

    The UFC megastar has shown serious interest in making his long-awaited return at the proposed UFC event on the White House lawn in July 2026, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump to mark the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebration. McGregor has also revealed that he’s re-entered the UFC’s drug testing pool.

    Chael Sonnen Names 2 Champions Battling To Replace Conor McGregor As 'Face Of The' UFC
    Image: @thenotoriousmma/Instagram


  • UFC Vegas 108 Main Event Altered As Tatsuro Taira Gets Short Notice Undefeated Opponent

    UFC Vegas 108 Main Event Altered As Tatsuro Taira Gets Short Notice Undefeated Opponent

    UFC Vegas 108 will now feature a newly confirmed main event.

    UFC Vegas 108, set for this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, was initially slated to feature a crucial flyweight headliner between Amir Albazi and Tatsuro Taira. However, reports on Sunday revealed the bout has been called off just days ahead of event.

    On Monday, the UFC officially announced that Albazi is out of the upcoming Fight Night main event, with Road to UFC 125-pound tournament winner Hyun Sung Park stepping in on just six days’ notice to face Taira. While the promotion confirmed the change, no explanation was given for Albazi’s withdrawal.

    Taira enters UFC Vegas 108 looking to rebound from the first loss of his professional career, a narrow split decision defeat to former flyweight title challenger Brandon Royval at UFC Vegas 98 in October 2024. The 25-year-old Japanese standout holds a 6-1 record in the UFC and a 16-1 overall professional mark, with 12 of those victories coming by way of finish.

    Meanwhile, Park is riding high off a first-round submission victory over Carlos Hernandez at UFC Vegas 106 this past May. “Peace of Mind” has secured finishes in all three of his UFC outings and currently boasts a flawless 10-0 professional record, with nine of those wins coming inside the distance.

    Tatsuro-Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park set for UFC Vegas 108 main event
    Images: @t.tatsurooo6/@hsp_mma/Instagram

    What’s The Full Lineup for UFC Vegas 108?

    The latest UFC Vegas 108 card currently features the following matchups:

    Main Card

    • Tatsuro Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park; flyweight
    • Chris Duncan vs. Mateusz Rebecki; lightweight
    • Elves Brener vs. Esteban Ribovics; lightweight
    • Karol Rosa vs. Nora Cornolle; women’s bantamweight
    • Neil Magny vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos; welterweight
    • Danny Silva vs. Kevin Vallejos: featherweight

    Preliminary Card

    • Rinya Nakamura vs. Nathan Fletcher; bantamweight
    • Rodolfo Vieira vs. Tresean Gore; middleweight
    • Nick Klein vs. Andrey Pulyaev; middleweight
    • Piera Rodriguez vs. Ketlen Souza; strawweight
    • Rafael Estevam vs. Felipe Bunes; flyweight

    Fight lineup and scheduling details are tentative and may change prior to the event.

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 14: during the Power Slap event at UFC Apex on December 14, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Sciaffo LLC)
  • UFC Vegas 108 Main Event Between Amir Albazi And Tatsuro Taira Reportedly Scrapped

    UFC Vegas 108 Main Event Between Amir Albazi And Tatsuro Taira Reportedly Scrapped

    UFC Vegas 108 appears to have taken a major hit, with its main event reportedly falling through just days ahead of the event.

    UFC Vegas 108 is set to go down on Saturday, August 2, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a pivotal flyweight showdown between Amir Albazi and Tatsuro Taira slated to headline the card.

    However, according to a recent report from Daniel Levi (@BestFightPicks on X), the main event has reportedly been pulled due to unknown circumstances. He also noted that the upcoming Fight Night will feature an entirely new headlining bout.

    It remains unclear whether the issue stems from Albazi or Taira’s camp. “The Prince” was set to return to action for the first time since suffering a unanimous decision loss to former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno at UFC Edmonton last November.

    On the other hand, Taira was most recently seen at UFC Vegas 98 in October 2024, where he dropped a closely contested split decision to Brandon Royval.

    Which Fights Are Booked For UFC Vegas 108?

    The UFC Vegas 108 lineup includes a pair of lightweight matchups, as Mateusz Rębecki takes on Chris Duncan and Elves Brener squares off against Esteban Ribovics. The event will also feature a women’s bantamweight bout between Karol Rosa and Nora Cornolle, along with a welterweight showdown between veterans Neil Magny and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.

    Here is the current lineup for UFC Vegas 108:

    Main Card

    • Mateusz Rębecki vs. Chris Duncan; lightweight
    • Elves Brener vs. Esteban Ribovics; lightweight
    • Karol Rosa vs. Nora Cornolle; women’s bantamweight
    • Neil Magny vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos; welterweight
    • Danny Silva vs. Kevin Vallejos: featherweight

    Preliminary Card

    • Rinya Nakamura vs. Nathan Fletcher; bantamweight
    • Rodolfo Vieira vs. Tresean Gore; middleweight
    • Nick Klein vs. Andrey Pulyaev; middleweight
    • Piera Rodriguez vs. Ketlen Souza; strawweight
    • Rafael Estevam vs. Felipe Bunes; flyweight
    • Azamat Bekoev vs. Yousri Belgaroui; middleweight

    The fight card, bout order, and number of matchups are all subject to change.

  • Bryce Mitchell Trolls Said Nurmagomedov After UFC Abu Dhabi Win – ‘Send Him 2-3 Years Arkansas And Forget’

    Bryce Mitchell took a jab at Said Nurmagomedov with a playful spin on a viral catchphrase.

    On Saturday, Mitchell made a successful return to the bantamweight division, earning a dominant unanimous decision win over Nurmagomedov on the UFC Abu Dhabi preliminary card at Etihad Arena.

    “Thug Nasty” opened aggressively but paid for it early, eating sharp counters and suffering a knockdown. Nurmagomedov followed up with a massive flying knee that floored him again, but Mitchell managed to recover and survive the onslaught.

    In the second and third rounds, Mitchell leaned heavily on his wrestling, scoring timely takedowns and controlling key positions. He ended the final round in back control, sealing the deal with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28 in his favor.

    Image: @UFCNews/X

    Bryce Mitchell Uses Islam Makhachev’s Viral Catchphrase To Taunt Said Nurmagomedov

    On Sunday, Bryce Mitchell took to Instagram and posted a story where he fired shots at Said Nurmagomedov, repurposing Islam Makhachev’s infamous catchphrase to mock his Dagestani opponent after a grappling-centric showdown.

    “Thug Nasty” borrowed a page from the former UFC lightweight champion’s playbook, flipping the iconic “Send him 2-3 years Dagestan and forget” into his own hilarious twist: “Send him to Arkansas, 2-3 years and forget about it.”

    In a past interview with UFC Hall of Famer and former training partner Daniel Cormier, Islam Makhachev jokingly suggested that if parents wanted their child to become an elite wrestler, they should “send them to Dagestan for two to three years and forget.” The tongue-in-cheek remark has since taken on a life of its own, becoming a widely recognized meme within the MMA community.

    Bryce Mitchell entered UFC Abu Dhabi looking to rebound from a tough second-round submission loss to Jean Silva at UFC 314, a setback which led the Arkansas native to make the cut down to bantamweight. Before securing his win over Nurmagomedov, “Thug Nasty” had dropped three of his last five UFC outings, with each of those defeats coming via stoppage.

    UFC Insider Predicts Serious Repercussions For Bryce Mitchell’s Hitler-Sympathizing Remarks
    Image: @thugnasty_ufc/Instagram

  • Reinier de Ridder Slams ‘Completely Wrong’ Judge After Split Decision Win Over Robert Whittaker At UFC Abu Dhabi

    Reinier de Ridder got the win, but he wasn’t pleased with how the judges saw it.

    On Saturday, de Ridder battled his way to a gritty split decision victory over former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker in the UFC Abu Dhabi headliner at Etihad Arena.

    Despite getting floored by a heavy shot in the third round, “RDR” rallied with poise and determination, using sharp clinch work and brutal knees to Whittaker’s midsection to seize control. His command of distance and pace proved pivotal, ultimately convincing two of the three judges to score the bout in his favor.

    Although the outcome sparked intense debate among fans online, the fight ultimately hinged on a closely contested fourth round, where the judges were split in their assessment. Mike Bell gave rounds 1, 3, and 4 to Whittaker, scoring it 48-47 in his favor. In contrast, Ben Cartlidge and David Lethaby awarded those same rounds to de Ridder, handing him the edge with identical 48-47 scorecards.

    Image: @UFCNews/X

    Reinier de Ridder Unhappy With Scorecard Despite Beating Robert Whittaker At UFC Abu Dhabi

    At the UFC Abu Dhabi post-fight press conference, de Ridder made it clear he felt he had done more than enough to earn a unanimous decision over Whittaker. Instead, he was left frustrated by judge Mike Bell’s scorecard, which denied him a clean sweep.

    “I was surprised one judge scored it completely wrong,”de Ridder said. “I thought I had three rounds, at least. But it is what it is. I hope to finish him, and I didn’t. You never know what the judges make of it, but I’ll make sure to finish the next guy.”

    With the win, “RDR” has firmly established himself as a top contender in the middleweight division, extending his flawless UFC record to 4-0 since debuting in November 2024. His run includes impressive finishes over Bo Nickal and Kevin Holland. De Ridder boasts a professional record of 21-2, with an impressive 18 of those victories coming via stoppage.

    Image: @ufc/X
  • Umar Nurmagomedov Reportedly Targeted For Return Against Surging Contender On 8 Fight Win Streak

    Umar Nurmagomedov Reportedly Targeted For Return Against Surging Contender On 8 Fight Win Streak

    Umar Nurmagomedov is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to the Octagon.

    According to a recent update from popular MMA source MagicM on X, Umar Nurmagomedov is reportedly close to finalizing a showdown with No. 8 ranked bantamweight contender Mario Bautista. While the bout has yet to be officially confirmed, it appears all but set, with the date and venue still to be determined.

    The news comes on the heels of a tease from Nurmagomedov’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who hinted earlier this week that “The Young Eagle” has a fight lined up, with an official announcement expected soon.

    Khabib Confirms Umar Nurmagomedov’s Return Will Be In Five Round Headliner

    While details surrounding the potential clash between Umar Nurmagomedov and Mario Bautista remain under wraps, the 29-year-old Dagestani’s cousin and UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov recently revealed on social media that Umar’s next bout is set to headline a card as a five-round main event.

    “Umar Nurmagomedov, main event of the evening. Five rounds. It’s time to make your comeback, Jr,” Khabib wrote on Instagram Stories.

    Image: @khabib_nurmagomedov/Instagram

    Umar was last seen in action at UFC 311 this past January, where he challenged reigning bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili for the title. The high-stakes matchup resulted in the first loss of his professional career, as he fell short via unanimous decision.

    Prior to the setback, “The Young Eagle” had compiled a six-fight win streak inside the Octagon, notching victories over notable opponents such as Cory Sandhagen, Bekzat Almakhan, and Raoni Barcelos. Nurmagomedov currently boasts a professional record of 18-1, with seven of those wins coming by submission.

    Meanwhile, Bautista is riding a remarkable eight-fight win streak in the UFC. The 32-year-old American was last seen in action at UFC 316 this past June, where he dominated former Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix en route to a lopsided unanimous decision victory.

    Bautista’s last defeat came in March 2021 at UFC 259, where he fell to a second-round knockout at the hands of Trevin Jones. He now holds a professional record of 16-2, with nine of those victories coming by way of stoppage.

    Umar & Khabib Nurmagomedov
    Image: Mike Roach/UFC/Zuffa LLC
  • Chris Barnett To Make Octagon Return At UFC 321 On October 25

    Chris Barnett To Make Octagon Return At UFC 321 On October 25

    Chris Barnett is set to step back into the Octagon.

    As per a recent report from MMA journalist Marcel Dorff, Barnett is slated to face Hamdy Abdelwahab in a heavyweight clash at UFC 321, set for October 25 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

    Earlier this week, the MMA promotion officially confirmed that UFC 321 will be headlined by reigning heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who will make his first undisputed title defense against former title challenger Ciryl Gane. The Abu Dhabi card will also feature another high-stakes heavyweight showdown, as top contenders Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida square off in a pivotal clash.

    UFC 321 will also showcase a light heavyweight bout between Aleksandar Rakic and undefeated Azamat Murzakanov. In the flyweight division, Azat Maksum takes on Mitch Raposo, while Ikram Aliskerov meets Junyong Park in a middleweight matchup.

    Image: @ufc/Instagram

    How Do Chris Barnett And Hamdy Abdelwahab Compare On Paper?

    Chris Barnett is set to make his return after spending a year on the sidelines. The fan-favorite heavyweight was last seen at UFC 308 in October 2024, where he endured a first-round knockout loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu.

    “Beastboy” has been a member of the UFC roster since May 2021, compiling a 2-3 record across five appearances, alternating between wins and losses. His most recent victory came at UFC 279 in September 2022, where he delivered a memorable second-round knockout against Jake Collier. Chris Barnett boasts a professional record of 23-9, with an impressive 18 of those victories coming by way of knockout

    Meanwhile, Hamdy Abdelwahab last competed at UFC Baku earlier this month, where he suffered the first defeat of his professional career after dropping a unanimous decision to Mohammed Usman in a hard-fought contest.

    “The Hammer” made his promotional debut at UFC 277 in July 2022, where he initially secured a split-decision victory over Don’Tale Mayes. However, the result was later overturned to a no contest after Abdelwahab tested positive twice for the banned anabolic agent methenolone and its metabolites in February 2023. As a result, he was handed a two-year suspension.

    The 32-year-old Egyptian earned his most recent victory at UFC Saudi Arabia in February, edging out Jamal Pogues via split decision. Abdelwahab currently holds a professional record of 6-1 with one no contest.

    UFC
    Photo By Tim Wheaton
  • Dillon Danis Set To Make MMA Return After Six Years Under Misfits Banner On August 30

    Dillon Danis Set To Make MMA Return After Six Years Under Misfits Banner On August 30

    Dillon Danis will be stepping back into the MMA cage for the first time in six years.

    On Sunday, Misfits Boxing announced its first-ever professional MMA bout, featuring the polarizing Danis taking on influencer-turned-fighter Warren Spencer. The two will clash for the inaugural MF MMA light heavyweight title at Misfits Boxing 22: ‘Ring of Thrones’, set to take place on August 30 at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.

    The Misfits Boxing 22 card is set to be headlined by a MFB bridgerweight title clash between former UFC stars Darren Till and Luke Rockhold. Meanwhile, the co-main event will feature Tony Ferguson making his influencer boxing debut against Salt Papi (real name Nathaniel Bustamante) in a showdown for the interim MFB middleweight championship.

    Image: @MisfitsBoxing/X

    What Is Dillon Danis’ Pro MMA Record?

    Dillon Danis has just two professional MMA bouts to his name, both of which took place under the Bellator banner. “El Jefe” made his debut at Bellator 198 in April 2018, securing a first-round submission win over Kyle Walker. He followed it up with another dominant performance at Bellator 222 in June 2019, submitting Max Humphrey in the opening round once again.

    Danis was last seen in combat sports action in October 2023, when he took on Logan Paul in a boxing match at MF & DAZN: X Series 10. The 31-year-old New Jersey native was disqualified in the sixth round after attempting to lock “The Maverick” in a chokehold.

    “El Jefe” was initially scheduled to headline Misfits Boxing 21 on March 29 against KSI. However, the highly anticipated bout was cancelled after the celebrity boxer withdrew due to illness. Shortly after, Dillon Danis signed with the Global Fight League for a lightweight showdown against Tony Ferguson. Unfortunately, the promotion folded before ever staging its debut event.

    Image: @dillondanis/Instagram

    Meanwhile, Warren Spencer is gearing up to make his MMA debut, though he enters the cage with a solid foundation in boxing. “The Mechanic” holds a 3-2 record in the ring, having shared it with names like Ben Williams and Aaron Chalmers. He last competed this past April, earning a first-round TKO victory over Muganzi Hakim.

  • Dustin Poirier Explains Why He Clinched Instead Of Brawling With Max Holloway In Closing Moments Of UFC 318

    Dustin Poirier says he wasn’t willing to gamble everything in the closing seconds of his fight with Max Holloway.

    Poirier officially brought the curtain down on his legendary career this past Saturday, headlining UFC 318 in front of a hometown crowd in New Orleans, Louisiana, in a highly anticipated trilogy bout against reigning BMF champion Max Holloway.

    “The Diamond” delivered another instant classic, going toe-to-toe with Holloway in a five-round battle where both men scored knockdowns. But it was “Blessed” who looked sharper overall, dictating the action with his trademark pace and relentless pressure to take control of the fight.

    Although the former interim lightweight champion found pockets of success, Poirier couldn’t quite shift the momentum in his favor. Holloway spoiled his farewell by halting the trilogy sweep, earning the nod on all three scorecards in a hard-fought war.

    Image: @ufc/X

    In the final moments, Max Holloway flashed his signature point-down gesture, inviting a wild brawl in the center of the Octagon. Dustin Poirier obliged, but after absorbing a couple of heavy shots, he wisely switched gears and closed the distance with a clinch. The two veterans remained tied up until the final bell.

    Dustin Poirier Felt Max Holloway’s Power And Chose To Clinch In UFC 318’s Final Exchange

    At the UFC 318 post-fight press conference, Dustin Poirier shed light on the dramatic closing seconds of his farewell bout against Max Holloway. When “Blessed” signaled for a final firefight, Poirier was game at first. But after absorbing a few stinging shots, “The Diamond” opted for caution over chaos, initiating a clinch to ride out the final seconds and avoid a potentially dangerous exchange.

    “I wanted to do it [the point-down scrap], you know,” Dustin Poirier said. “That’s why I looked up at the clock like ‘when are we doing this’. You saw me looking at the clock a few times and saying ‘that’s 25 seconds left? Not time yet’. Then he pointed down and I said ‘yeah, I’ll oblige’ and he hit me with a few shots. So I said ‘okay, we’re going to wrestle a little bit, let me clinch up’. There’s only eight seconds left.”

    Holloway delivered a last-second knockout against Justin Gaethje after prompting a chaotic slugfest with his signature point-down taunt at UFC 300 in April 2024. It’s likely that “The Diamond” had that highlight in mind and with his own retirement on the line, he wasn’t about to risk going out the same way.

    Max Holloway
    Image: @ufc/X
  • ‘Disappointed’ Jon Jones Breaks Silence After Dana White Calls Him A ‘Risk’ For UFC White House Event

    ‘Disappointed’ Jon Jones Breaks Silence After Dana White Calls Him A ‘Risk’ For UFC White House Event

    Jon Jones isn’t exactly pleased with Dana White’s dismissal of his UFC White House return plans.

    Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day with a major UFC event on the White House lawn in July 2026.

    The news quickly caught the attention of Jones, who had retired just weeks earlier. The former two-division UFC champion announced his plans to make a comeback and revealed he had re-entered the promotion’s drug testing pool, intent on competing on the historic card.

    Image: @jonnybones/Instagram

    However, during the UFC 318 post-fight press conference on Saturday, White was asked if he would consider “Bones” for the proposed White House event. The UFC CEO promptly shut down the idea, citing Jon Jones’ troubled past as the reason he couldn’t be trusted to headline such a high-profile occasion.

    “It’s not even about him winning the belt,” White said. “You know how I felt about him. I just can’t risk putting him in big positions in a big spot and have something go wrong, especially the White House card.”

    Jon Jones Reacts After Dana White Rules Him Out Of UFC White House Event

    In the wake of Dana White’s decision to dismiss the possibility of his return for the proposed UFC White House event, Jon Jones took to social media on Sunday to respond.

    “Bones” voiced his disappointment in the UFC CEO’s doubts about his dependability, but affirmed that he’s continuing to train and preparing for any opportunity that comes his way.

    “I heard the comments made at last night’s press conference,” Jones Jones wrote on X. “While I was a little disappointed, I’m still in the UFC’s drug-testing pool, staying sharp, and continuing to train like a professional. I’ll be ready for whatever comes next.

    “In a recent interview, I shared that the opportunity to fight at the White House gave me something deeper to fight for, a ‘why’ that goes beyond paychecks or belts. Fighting for my country gives me a greater purpose!

    “The silver lining in all this is knowing the fans see my heart. They see, I am ready and willing to take on anyone, to represent my country on a historic stage. For me, it’s never been just about the opponent. I’m chasing legacy, something timeless, something bigger than the moment.

    “So for now, I’ll keep grinding, stay patient, and stay faithful. I’m ready to fight on July 4th.”

    Jon Jones last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 309 in November 2024, where he successfully defended his heavyweight title for the first time with a third-round knockout of former champion Stipe Miocic.

    “Bones” was locked in a heated rivalry with Tom Aspinall, with fans eagerly calling for a title unification bout. However, the matchup never materialized, as Jones repeatedly questioned Aspinall’s legitimacy as a worthy challenger.

    Jon Jones
    Image: Jon Jones on Instagram
  • Dustin Poirier Reacts To Joe Rogan Missing His Retirement Fight At UFC 318

    Dustin Poirier Reacts To Joe Rogan Missing His Retirement Fight At UFC 318

    Dustin Poirier thinks it would’ve meant a lot to have Joe Rogan on commentary for his final UFC fight.

    “The Diamond” is set to make his final walk to the Octagon this Saturday in the main event of UFC 318, where he’ll cap off his storied career with a trilogy showdown against reigning BMF titleholder Max Holloway. The farewell will take place in front of his hometown crowd at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

    Rogan has been the voice behind countless iconic UFC moments over the years, and his absence from Dustin Poirier’s swan song at UFC 318 feels like a notable omission. Breaking from his usual routine, especially for a U.S.-based pay-per-view, Rogan is not on commentary duty tonight.

    While no official reason has been given for his absence, the veteran broadcaster has been replaced by former UFC lightweight Paul Felder, who joins longtime play-by-play man Jon Anik and UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier to complete the broadcast team.

    Image: UFC/YouTube

    Dustin Poirier Grateful To Have Fellow Louisianan Daniel Cormier Calling UFC 318 In Joe Rogan’s Absence

    Speaking to reporters ahead of UFC 318, Dustin Poirier addressed Joe Rogan’s absence from the broadcast. The former interim lightweight champion admitted it would’ve been special to have Rogan call his final bout but expressed gratitude that fellow Lafayette native Daniel Cormier will be part of the commentary team on such a meaningful night.

    “Closing it out with Rogan would be cool, but also, DC, the legend he is, and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer he is, just everything he brings is awesome to be able to talk to him when it’s all said and done,” Dustin Poirier said. “[He’s] another Louisiana boy in New Orleans so, it’s special.”

    “The Diamond” is slated for his second shot at the BMF title, hoping to rewrite the narrative after a brutal setback in his first attempt. That opportunity came at UFC 291 in July 2023, where Poirier fell to a crushing head kick knockout delivered by Justin Gaethje.

    Poirier will aim to complete a clean sweep in his trilogy with Max Holloway, having already bested the Hawaiian twice before. Their first meeting at UFC 143 in February 2012 ended with Poirier securing a submission win, while their rematch at UFC 236 in April 2019 saw “The Diamond” emerge victorious once again, this time after a five-round battle to capture the interim lightweight championship.

    Image: @ufc/X
  • Oleksandr Usyk Makes History Again With Round 5 KO Of Daniel Dubois To Reclaim Heavyweight Undisputed Status

    Oleksandr Usyk Makes History Again With Round 5 KO Of Daniel Dubois To Reclaim Heavyweight Undisputed Status

    Oleksandr Usyk left no room for doubt in his rematch against Daniel Dubois.

    On Saturday night at London’s Wembley Stadium, Usyk reclaimed his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion with a dominant fifth-round knockout of former foe Dubois.

    From the opening bell, “The Cat” took control with a sharp jab and pinpoint counter-punching. While Dubois came forward with intent, he struggled to land anything meaningful against the defensively sound Usyk, who showcased superior speed and movement throughout.

    As the bout wore on, Usyk gradually pulled away, exposing the technical gulf between them. His masterful use of timing and angles left “Dynamite” swinging at air. In the fourth round, a brief low-blow controversy added tension, but the undefeated Ukrainian quickly regained control with fluid combinations. By the fifth, “The Cat” ramped up the pressure, first wobbling Dubois with a counter right before landing a devastating left hand that sent the IBF titleholder crashing to the canvas.

    Though Dubois beat the count, a second knockdown moments later brought the fight to a halt, sealing a commanding victory for Oleksandr Usyk and cementing his place in history as the first fighter to hold undisputed heavyweight status twice.

    Why Did Oleksandr Usyk’s First Win Over Daniel Dubois Stir So Much Controversy?

    Oleksandr Usyk first faced Daniel Dubois in August 2023 in a closely contested showdown. While both men traded momentum throughout the bout, it was “The Cat” who ultimately prevailed, securing a ninth-round stoppage to retain his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.

    The fight, however, was marred by controversy in the fifth round when Dubois landed a punch that dropped Usyk to the canvas. The referee ruled the shot a low blow, sparking debate among fans and pundits.

    Although Oleksandr Usyk signaled he was ready to continue shortly after, the official advised him to use the allotted recovery time. The Ukrainian ultimately took three minutes and forty-five seconds before action resumed. Regaining control, Usyk went on to force Dubois to take a knee in the eighth round and sealed the win with another knockdown in the ninth, leading to a definitive stoppage.

    The aftermath of the bout sparked intense debate, with the fifth-round incident becoming the focal point of controversy. Many observers argued that the punch “Dynamite” landed, which was deemed a low blow, was in fact a legal body shot. Had it been ruled as such, they contended it could have led to a stunning knockout win for Dubois.

  • Paulo Costa Vows To Call Out ‘Coward’ Khamzat Chimaev After UFC 318 – ‘I Want To Hurt Him’

    Paulo Costa Vows To Call Out ‘Coward’ Khamzat Chimaev After UFC 318 – ‘I Want To Hurt Him’

    Paulo Costa has no plans to let his heated rivalry with Khamzat Chimaev cool off anytime soon.

    The two fighters share a well-documented grudge that dates back years. They were slated to settle their differences at UFC 294 in October 2023, but the matchup was scrapped just under two weeks out when Costa withdrew due to surgery. Despite the cancellation, tensions never eased as the duo continued to take shots at each other through relentless social media exchanges.

    Now, after spending over a year on the sidelines, Paulo Costa is set to make his return to the Octagon this Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 318, where he’ll take on Roman Kopylov at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. However, “Borrachinha” already has his eyes set on what comes next, with a potential grudge match against Chimaev firmly on his radar.

    Paulo Costa Says Khamzat Chimaev Must Pay For DMing His Girlfriend

    Speaking to media during UFC 318 fight week, Paulo Costa addressed his ongoing feud with Khamzat Chimaev. The former middleweight title challenger made it clear he’s locked in ahead of his bout with Roman Kopylov, aiming to deliver a statement win before calling out “Borz” to finally settle their long-standing feud inside the Octagon. “Borrachinha” emphasized that he doesn’t care whether the undefeated Russian wins or loses against reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 — the fight between them needs to happen regardless.

    The Brazilian powerhouse revealed that his feud with Chimaev has become intensely personal after the “Borz” allegedly sent unsolicited messages to his girlfriend following the cancellation of their scheduled bout.

    “I want to fight [Chimaev] very badly,” Paulo Costa said. “I want to hurt him. It doesn’t matter if he won that fight or not. It doesn’t matter. We need to fight. He talk very bad things about me, in my girl’s Instagram DMs, so this is totally personal. I feel angry just to hear his name, so we need to fight. We are young, we’re going to be on line, so I’m going to do my best Saturday… I’m pretty sure I’m going to get the victory and I’m going to call his name, it doesn’t matter whether he wins or not. This fight just will not happen if he retires.”

    Costa didn’t hold back, accusing Chimaev of lacking character for sending direct messages to his partner rather than confronting him directly.

    “Not the kind of things a real man, confident man would do. Why he message her? Why he didn’t message me instead of her? Coward. He is a coward.”

    “Borrachinha” last competed at UFC 302 in June 2024, where he dropped a hard-fought split decision to former champion Sean Strickland. The loss marked another setback in what has been a challenging stretch for Costa, who has now gone just 1-4 in his last five appearances inside the Octagon.

    Paulo Costa UFC 318 callout
    Image: @borrachinhamma/Instagram
  • UFC Veteran Diego Sanchez Arrested After Alleged Gunfire On New Mexico Highway

    UFC Veteran Diego Sanchez Arrested After Alleged Gunfire On New Mexico Highway

    Diego Sanchez now finds himself caught up in a serious legal mess.

    According to KRQE News, Sanchez was arrested in Albuquerque on Thursday after allegedly firing a gun from a moving vehicle as it drove past the scene of a highway crash in New Mexico.

    Police intercepted the Jeep Gladiator shortly after the incident and confirmed that the former UFC lightweight title challenger was riding in the passenger seat. While he was taken into custody, the driver was not charged.

    Although Sanchez initially denied firing the weapon, he did tell officers there was a gun in the backseat on the driver’s side. However, when police searched the vehicle, they found three rounds near the passenger seat and a black handgun stuffed into the back pocket of the driver’s seat.

    The driver, who said he was simply giving the MMA veteran a ride home, told police that Sanchez fired the gun out of the window from the passenger seat and noted that the 43-year-old Albuquerque native began laughing during the incident.

    Diego Sanchez is now facing two criminal charges: a fourth-degree felony for allegedly shooting at or from a motor vehicle without causing bodily harm, and a misdemeanor count for the negligent discharge of a deadly weapon.

    Image courtesy: MMA Fighting

    When Did Diego Sanchez Last Fight In The UFC?

    Diego Sanchez secured his UFC contract in April 2005 by stopping Kenny Florian via TKO to become the inaugural middleweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 1. “Nightmare” quickly earned a reputation as one of the promotion’s most relentless fighters. His impressive run eventually led to his first UFC title shot against then-lightweight champion B.J. Penn at UFC 107 in December 2009, where he suffered a TKO loss.

    After an up-and-down run across multiple weight classes, Sanchez made his final Octagon appearance at UFC 253 in September 2020, where he dropped a unanimous decision to Jake Matthews.

    “Nightmare’s” last outing in combat sports came nearly three years later at BKFC: Knuckle Mania 3 in April 2023, where he suffered a loss to veteran boxer and future bare-knuckle champion Austin Trout.

    Diego Sanchez
    Image: UFC.com
  • Tony Ferguson To Compete In Boxing Match Featured On Darren Till vs. Luke Rockhold Misfits 22 Card

    Tony Ferguson To Compete In Boxing Match Featured On Darren Till vs. Luke Rockhold Misfits 22 Card

    At 41, Tony Ferguson is set to pen the next chapter of his combat sports journey.

    Ferguson is scheduled to make his influencer boxing debut on August 30 at the AO Arena in Manchester, England where he’ll square off against Salt Papi (real name Nathaniel Bustamante) for the MFB interim middleweight title, Misfits Boxing announced Wednesday.

    The matchup will serve as the co-main attraction of Misfits Boxing 22: ‘Ring of Thrones,’ headlined by a showdown between former UFC standouts Darren Till and Luke Rockhold for the MFB bridgerweight title.

    Till is gearing up for his third outing under the Misfits Boxing banner. Earlier this year, “The Gorilla” picked up back-to-back wins over Anthony Taylor and Darren Stewart. Since parting ways with the UFC in February 2023, where he held a 6-5-1 record, the former welterweight title challenger has focused fully on boxing.

    Meanwhile, Rockhold is set to make his gloved boxing debut after testing the waters in bare-knuckle competition with BKFC in April 2023. He most recently competed at Karate Combat 45 in April 2024, where he earned a TKO victory over Joe Schilling. The former UFC middleweight champion parted ways with the promotion following a unanimous decision loss to Paulo Costa at UFC 278 in August 2022.

    When Was Tony Ferguson’s Most Recent Bout?

    Tony Ferguson was once regarded as one of the most feared fighters in the UFC, having captured the interim lightweight title during a dominant 12-fight winning streak that solidified his place among the elite. However, the tide eventually turned, and he found himself on the wrong side of history, enduring a tough eight-fight skid.

    “El Cucuy” suffered a first-round submission loss to Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi in August 2024, marking his final appearance under the UFC banner. Despite the setback, Tony Ferguson never seriously considered retirement. He initially signed with the Global Fight League for a bout against Dillon Danis, but the promotion folded before hosting its inaugural event.

    Tony Ferguson
    Image: UFC.com

    Meanwhile, Salt Papi is a standout in the influencer boxing world, having burst onto the scene with a pair of highlight-reel knockouts. The Filipino-born content creator holds a respectable 6-2 record.

  • UFC 321 Reportedly Targeting High-Stakes Heavyweight Clash For Oct. 25

    UFC 321 Reportedly Targeting High-Stakes Heavyweight Clash For Oct. 25

    The UFC 321 lineup could include a marquee heavyweight showdown that’s currently in the works.

    The premier MMA promotion is slated to return to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on October 25 for UFC 321, marking its 11th pay-per-view event of the year.

    The event will mark the UFC’s 22nd overall trip to Abu Dhabi and its second visit in 2025, following an upcoming Fight Night card on July 26, headlined by former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder.

    Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida In Works For UFC 321

    According to a recent report by MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz, heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida have verbally agreed to square off at UFC 321 in a matchup that could have major implications for the title picture.

    Both Volkov and Almeida had set their sights on a title shot against newly crowned undisputed champion Tom Aspinall following Jon Jones’ official retirement last month. However, the two are now expected to battle each other for a prime spot in the heavyweight pecking order

    Volkov’s four-fight winning streak, which included stoppage victories over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alexandr Romanov, and Tai Tuivasa, along with a lopsided decision victory against Sergei Pavlovich, came to an end at UFC 310 this past December when he dropped a highly debated split decision to former interim champion Ciryl Gane. “Drago” currently holds a 12-5 record inside the UFC, with seven of those victories coming by way of stoppage.

    Meanwhile, Almeida last competed at UFC 311 this past January, where he secured a first-round knockout win over Serghei Spivac. “Malhadinho” previously built a decent six-fight winning streak in the Octagon, which was snapped by a TKO loss to Curtis Blaydes at UFC 299 in March 2024. He now holds a UFC record of 8-1, with seven of those victories earned via finish.

    Image: @volkov_alex/@malhadinho_ufc/Instagram

  • ‘Lmfao! Well Played’ – Fans React After UFC Veteran Recreates Conor McGregor’s NSFW Leak With Message To Laura Sanko

    ‘Lmfao! Well Played’ – Fans React After UFC Veteran Recreates Conor McGregor’s NSFW Leak With Message To Laura Sanko

    Conor McGregor is often credited with setting trends in the MMA world, though a recent move by a female UFC veteran likely wasn’t the kind of influence anyone expected.

    By now, it’s no secret that McGregor has a knack for landing himself in controversy, and his 36th birthday was no exception. Just as headlines picked up steam over footage of “The Notorious” kissing an unidentified woman on a Florida beach, things took a sharper turn.

    American rapper Azealia Banks took to X to blast McGregor, sharing a series of explicit images he allegedly sent her in direct messages. She followed up with a scathing tirade aimed at the former two-division UFC champion’s ambitions to run for president of Ireland.

    UFC strawweight veteran Angela Hill recently put a comedic twist on Conor McGregor’s NSFW controversy involving Azealia Banks. Turning to X, “Overkill” shared a tongue-in-cheek screenshot of a direct message she sent to UFC broadcaster Laura Sanko — featuring an image of herself holding a kettlebell between her legs, accompanied by a message that read, “Lifting weights.” The post was a playful parody of the now-viral images Banks claimed McGregor sent her.

    Fans React to Angela Hill’s Hilarious Take on Conor McGregor’s Viral DM Scandal

    Angela Hill’s playful parody of the explicit exchange between Azealia Banks and Conor McGregor quickly drew a wave of fan reactions, with many applauding “Overkill” for her clever humor and spot-on execution.

    https://twitter.com/eliseblago/status/1944856339160994151

    Hill is set to face Iasmin Lucindo in a strawweight bout at UFC Vegas 109, scheduled for Aug. 9 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Overkill” was last seen in action this past February, where she edged out Ketlen Souza via split decision to snap her losing skid and return to the win column. She currently holds a 13–14 record in the UFC.

  • Movsar Evloev Reportedly Withdraws From UFC Abu Dhabi Bout Against Aaron Pico

    Movsar Evloev Reportedly Withdraws From UFC Abu Dhabi Bout Against Aaron Pico

    Movsar Evloev’s anticipated return to the Octagon is reportedly in jeopardy.

    According to a report from Red Corner MMA, Movsar Evloev has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled matchup against promotional newcomer Aaron Pico at the UFC Abu Dhabi event on July 26.

    The undefeated Russian reportedly pulled out due to an undisclosed injury or health issue sustained during his training camp in Thailand, resulting in the bout’s cancellation less than two weeks out from Fight Night event at the Etihad Arena.

    As of now, it remains unclear whether Pico will remain on the fight card with a short-notice replacement or if the matchup will be rescheduled for a later date altogether.

    The UFC Abu Dhabi event is set to be headlined by a pivotal middleweight clash between former champion Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder. The main card also features the return of former bantamweight titleholder Petr Yan, who takes on rising contender Marcus McGhee, while Shara Magomedov is slated to meet Marc-André Barriault in a middleweight showdown.

    Image: @ufc/Instagram

    When Was Movsar Evloev’s Last UFC Appearance?

    Movsar Evloev was last seen in action at UFC 310 this past December, where he earned a unanimous decision victory over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. The win improved his UFC record to a perfect 9-0 and extended his overall unbeaten streak to 19-0.

    Evloev was widely regarded as a potential title challenger to reigning UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, but instead of waiting for a shot at gold, he opted to stay active by accepting a matchup against Aaron Pico, a bout that has now unfortunately been called off.

    Image: @ufc/X
  • Gervonta Davis Arrested For Alleged Domestic Violence Against Ex-Girlfriend In Florida

    Gervonta Davis Arrested For Alleged Domestic Violence Against Ex-Girlfriend In Florida

    Gervonta Davis has once again found himself entangled in legal turmoil.

    On Friday morning, WPLG Local 10 was first to report that the reigning WBA lightweight champion had been arrested in Miami, Florida on a battery charge tied to accusations of physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend of four years.

    According to the report, Davis was taken into custody and brought to the Doral Police Department in connection with an incident that reportedly occurred outside the alleged victim’s residence last month.

    “Tank” and his former partner, with whom he shares custody of two children, reportedly got into an argument when Davis arrived to pick them up on Father’s Day. What began as a verbal dispute quickly escalated into a physical altercation. The 30-year-old boxer from Baltimore allegedly struck the woman on the back of the head and then slapped her across the face as she leaned into his car, causing a minor cut to her lip.

    This is the third time Gervonta Davis has been accused of assaulting a woman. He was previously charged with domestic battery in both February 2020 and December 2022.

    When Was Gervonta Davis’ Last Appearance In the Ring?

    Gervonta Davis most recently competed in March, when he defended his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr. in a bout that nearly cost him both his belt and his undefeated record.

    “Tank” was outclassed for much of the fight and controversially took a knee in the ninth round. He later claimed it was to clear grease from his eyes due to a recent hair treatment, and the sequence was not ruled a knockdown. The fight was ended in a majority draw, allowing Davis to retain his title.

    Davis currently holds an undefeated professional record of 30-0-1, with 28 of those wins coming by knockout.

    Image: @oneof1x/Instagram

  • Visibly Frail Ben Askren Speaks Out From Hospital Bed After Life-Saving Lung Transplant

    Visibly Frail Ben Askren Speaks Out From Hospital Bed After Life-Saving Lung Transplant

    Ben Askren may have come dangerously close to the edge, but now he’s recovering.

    Askren was hospitalized in Wisconsin last month with severe pneumonia, which ultimately required him to be placed on a ventilator. Throughout the health scare, his wife, Amy, kept fans updated with consistent posts on social media.

    By June 17, Askren had been sedated and placed on a ventilator, and just two weeks later, on June 30, it was revealed that the former Bellator and ONE welterweight champion had undergone a double lung transplant.

    For the first time since his hospitalization, “Funky” addressed fans directly on Wednesday, posting a heartfelt video on social media to share an update on his condition and reflect on his recovery journey.

    Ben Askren Details Near-Death Experience And Dramatic Weight Loss After Transplant

    In his video message, Ben Askren revealed that he has no memory of the past month and had no idea he had been hospitalized with pneumonia, only learning what had happened through a journal kept by his wife during his time in critical care.

    “I haven’t given you an update in a while and figure you deserve one,” Askren said on Instagram. “Whenever this is all the way over. I just read through my wife’s journal because I don’t remember anything from May 28 to July 2. I have no recollection. No idea. No idea what happened. We’ll kind of go through it all. I just kind of read through my wife’s journal. It’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous.”

    Appearing drastically weakened, “Funky” spoke with a shaky voice as he reflected on how close he came to death during his recent health crisis and revealed that he has lost nearly 50 pounds over the past 45 days.

    “I only died four times where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That’s not ideal. You guys know that. But I got a double lung transplant. I made it out to the other side of it, gaining quite a bit of strength, learning to use everything again. I was actually on the scale yesterday, 147 pounds. I haven’t been 147 pounds since I was 15 years old. I lost 50 pounds in a 45-day period. So, man. That was a battle. Obviously, I don’t remember most of it.”

    After retiring from MMA with a professional record of 19-2 in November 2019, Ben Askren returned to combat sports one final time in April 2021, stepping into the boxing ring against Jake Paul. The bout ended quickly, with “Funky” suffering a first-round TKO loss.

  • UFC Expands Middle East Footprint With First Qatar Event On Nov. 22

    UFC Expands Middle East Footprint With First Qatar Event On Nov. 22

    The UFC is set to break new ground in its global expansion later this year with its first-ever event in Qatar.

    On Wednesday morning, the MMA leader officially announced a partnership with Visit Qatar to bring a Fight Night to Doha’s ABHA Arena on November 22.

    The upcoming event will mark the UFC’s third stop in Asia this year, with two additional Fight Nights already scheduled for Abu Dhabi, UAE on July 26 and Shanghai, China on August 23. Earlier this year, speculation circulated about a potential event in Qatar on May 17, but those plans were ultimately redirected to the Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    UFC Octagon
    Image: UFC/Zuffa LLC

    ‘We’re Going Everywhere’ – Dana White Explains UFC’s Move To Qatar

    During a press conference (via MMA Fighting) in New York on Wednesday, UFC CEO Dana White addressed the promotion’s upcoming debut in Qatar, attributing the move to UFC’s ongoing global expansion, particularly its growing footprint across the Middle East.

    White emphasized that the success in nearby regions like Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia played a key role in paving the way for the promotion’s first-ever event in Doha.

    “We’re going everywhere,” White said. “We’re been in Abu Dhabi for a long time and we’re starting to move around. Qatar is something we’ve been working on for a couple of years now, and we finally got something done. The UFC has been a staple in Abu Dhabi for a long time and I think they’ve looked at Abu Dhabi and seen the success that they’ve had there and then Saudi [Arabia] and Azerbaijan. I’ve been wanting to go to Qatar for a long time and I’m looking forward to it.”

    UFC CEO Dana White
    Image: UFC/YouTube
  • Gilbert Burns Says Charles Oliveira’s Title Run Is Over After UFC 317, Suggests BMF Clash With Max Holloway

    Gilbert Burns Says Charles Oliveira’s Title Run Is Over After UFC 317, Suggests BMF Clash With Max Holloway

    Gilbert Burns believes Charles Oliveira’s days as a UFC title contender are behind him.

    At UFC 317 last month, “Do Bronx” endured a devastating first-round knockout at the hands of Ilia Topuria in their clash for the vacant lightweight title. The loss marked Oliveira’s second unsuccessful bid to reclaim the belt.

    Charles Oliveira, who once tore through the division with an 11-fight win streak and a successful title defense, has struggled to maintain that form. He’s gone 2-3 in his last five outings. Burns believes his fellow Brazilian should take a step back, recharge, and set his sights on the UFC’s symbolic BMF title instead of chasing championship gold.

    Image: @charlesdobronxs/Instagram

    Gilbert Burns Calls For Charles Oliveira vs. Max Holloway Rematch

    During a recent episode of the Show Me the Money podcast, Gilbert Burns offered his take on Charles Oliveira’s career tarjectory. The former welterweight title challenger believes “Do Bronx” should set his sights on a high-stakes showdown with Max Holloway — regardless of whether Holloway retains the BMF title in his upcoming trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier, which headlines UFC 318 on July 19.

    “Charles, I think he’s got to take six months off, Burns said.” One thousand percent, call Sean Shelby and tell him that I told him that he’s got to fight Max Holloway. After Max Holloway’s fight with Dustin, Dustin is out, Dustin’s retired. Max, rest a little bit because next month, this guy is fighting in December, January. Make it BMF for Charles.”

    “Durinho” suggested that both Oliveira and Holloway are likely entering the twilight of their storied careers, making now the ideal moment for the UFC to book a rematch between the fan favorites with the BMF title on the line to raise the stakes.

    “I think Charles [beats Holloway]. I like this fight, two legends. I don’t think they’re going to make another run for a title, but make it for BMF, it’s a good fight.”

    Oliveira and Holloway previously shared the Octagon back in August 2015, during their time in the featherweight division. The bout ended abruptly in the first round after the Brazilian suffered a rare esophagus injury, handing “Blessed” the win via TKO.

  • MMA Legend Backs Arman Tsarukyan As ‘Rightful’ Next Challenger For Ilia Topuria

    MMA Legend Backs Arman Tsarukyan As ‘Rightful’ Next Challenger For Ilia Topuria

    Arman Tsarukyan, not Paddy Pimblett, deserves the next shot at Ilia Topuria — or so says one MMA legend urging the UFC to honor the rankings.

    Following Islam Makhachev’s decision to vacate the lightweight title and move up to welterweight, Topuria claimed the vacant throne with a brutal knockout of former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

    Following his emphatic victory, “El Matador” shared a fiery face-off with Pimblett inside the Octagon. Since then, “The Baddy” has seemingly jumped ahead of leading contenders like Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje in the race to challenge Topuria for his first title defense, largely because it’s the matchup many fans want to see next, even though the UFC has yet to make anything official.

    However, former UFC and ONE champion Demetrious Johnson isn’t sold on that matchup. Instead, the MMA legend throws his weight behind “Ahalkalakets” and believes Tsarukyan should be the one fighting for the 155-pound title next.

    Demetrious Johnson Says Arman Tsarukyan More Worthy Of Title Shot Over Paddy Pimblett

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Demetrious Johnson weighed in on the evolving UFC lightweight title picture following Ilia Topuria’s championship win. While he acknowledged that a showdown between Topuria and Paddy Pimblett might generate more revenue and fan interest, “Mighty Mouse” emphasized that the UFC should stick to merit-based matchmaking.

    Johnson argued that Arman Tsarukyan, who holds a significantly higher ranking than “The Baddy”, is the deserving challenger for the next title shot.

    “It needs to be him, Arman Tsarukyan,” Johnson said. “This is why I say [UFC] it’s a reality TV show. It’s like, obviously Arman Tsarukyan is the number one contender. He’s ranked number one… Whatever you guys wanna go by the rankings, but they’re force in this fight with Paddy Pimblett versus Ilia Topuria just because it’s probably gonna sell more. But I think the rightful person who should be getting the next title shot at lightweight is Arman Tsarukyan.”

    “Ahalkalakets” last competed at UFC 300 in April 2024, where he earned a hard-fought split decision victory over Charles Oliveira. The win secured Tsarukyan a title shot against then-lightweight king Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January. However, the 28-year-old Armenian was forced to withdraw just hours before the weigh-ins due to an undisclosed health scare.

    Tsarukyan served as the backup fighter for UFC 317, successfully making weight in case he was needed. Since then, he’s publicly called out Topuria for a title opportunity. However, despite his readiness, UFC CEO Dana White has yet to confirm him as the next challenger.

    Image: @arm_011/Instagram