MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • Robert Whittaker Warns Khamzat Chimaev Could Be In Danger Against Dricus Du Plessis At UFC 319

    Robert Whittaker Warns Khamzat Chimaev Could Be In Danger Against Dricus Du Plessis At UFC 319

    Robert Whittaker doubts that Khamzat Chimaev has what it takes to endure a potentially grueling clash with Dricus Du Plessis.

    Chimaev is gearing up to take on reigning middleweight champion Du Plessis in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 319, set for August 16 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

    “Borz” enters the title fight riding an undefeated wave of dominance, fueled by high expectations to claim the 185-pound crown. However, Whittaker, having shared the Octagon with both Chimaev and Du Plessis, isn’t buying into the narrative so easily.

    Robert Whittaker Predicts Trouble For Khamzat Chimaev If He Fails To Ground Dricus Du Plessis

    With just over a month to go before his first title shot, Khamzat Chimaev is already being listed as the betting favorite for his UFC 319 showdown against Dricus Du Plessis. But not everyone, including Robert Whittaker, agrees with the oddsmakers.

    In a recent interview with FOX Sports Australia, “The Reaper” argued that it’s Du Plessis, not Chimaev, who deserves to be favored. Whittaker pointed to Chimaev’s patterm of fading in longer fights, referencing his decision wins over Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman. He questioned whether “Borz” can hold up if his grappling fails against Du Plessis and the fight extends beyond three rounds, especially against such an unpredictable opponent.

    “Honestly, I have to say Dricus would be a favorite,” Whittaker said. “I think I’m leaning towards Dricus. The whole thing can be summed up – Chimaev will take him down. It’s will he finish him before he gets back up? That’s the million-dollar question because if he doesn’t finish him on the ground, I think he loses.”

    Khamzat Chimaev last competed at UFC 308 in October, where he secured a dominant first-round submission victory over Whittaker. “Borz” boasts an undefeated 8-0 record inside the Octagon, with six of those wins coming by way of finish.

    Image: @khamzat_chimaev/Instagram

  • ‘I’ll Do Whatever I Want’: Ilia Topuria Dismisses Paddy Pimblett As Easy Work

    ‘I’ll Do Whatever I Want’: Ilia Topuria Dismisses Paddy Pimblett As Easy Work

    Ilia Topuria appears to view a potential clash with Paddy Pimblett as an effortless task.

    “El Matador” delivered a stunning first-round knockout of former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira to capture the vacant 155-pound belt in the main event of UFC 317 last weekend, firmly establishing himself as a two-division titleholder.

    Shortly after his dominant win, Topuria came face-to-face with Pimblett inside the Octagon, setting off a fiery exchange. Now, “The Baddy” appears to have surged ahead of contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje as the leading candidate to challenge the new champion in his first title defense.

    The potential title matchup carries added intrigue, as Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett share a long-standing history of bad blood dating back to March 2022. The tension between the two first boiled over in a heated altercation at the fighter hotel ahead of UFC London, where they nearly came to blows.

    What began as a verbal spat soon escalated into a heated rivalry, with both fighters consistently trading barbs in interviews and across social media platforms.

    Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett Is the Biggest Fight UFC Can Make Right Now Says Former UFC Champ
    Image: @theufcbaddy/Instagram

    Ilia Topuria Claims He Can Finish Paddy Pimblett Any Way He Wants

    In his last three outings, Ilia Topuria backed up his words with action, confidently predicting knockouts and following through with clinical precision inside the Octagon. Now, riding high on that streak of precision, “El Matador” has turned his attention to a potential clash with Paddy Pimblett. Speaking to TMZSports in a recent interview, the newly minted UFC lightweight champion made it clear that if the fight happens, the outcome will once again be on his terms.

    All the fans around the world, I think that they want to see that [Pimblett] fight,” Ilia Topuria said. “And at the same time, I have to be honest—I think it’s one of the easiest fights that I could have in the lightweight division, because I can do with him whatever I want to do, in reality. It’s a very exciting fight for the fans, where I’m going to enjoy the whole process a lot. And at the same time, it’s a fight where I’m going to be able to shine once again.”

  • UFC 318 Undercard Shaken As Veteran Fighter Pulls Out Due To Injury

    UFC 318 Undercard Shaken As Veteran Fighter Pulls Out Due To Injury

    UFC 318 has taken a hit, with a key fight being scrapped just two weeks ahead of the event.

    UFC 318 is scheduled for July 19 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event will feature a high-profile lightweight headliner, with BMF titleholder Max Holloway taking on former interim champion Dustin Poirier.

    The eighth pay-per-view of 2025 is set to showcase Patricio Pitbull’s sophomore Octagon outing, as the former Bellator featherweight champion takes on Dan Ige in the co-main event. Also featured on the main card is a middleweight showdown between former title challenger Paulo Costa and the surging Roman Kopylov, along with a lightweight clash pitting Michael Johnson against Daniel Zellhuber.

    Image: @ufc/X

    Gunnar Nelson Withdraws From UFC 318 Clash With Neil Magny Due To Hamstring Injury

    On Friday, Gunnar Nelson took to Instagram to announce his withdrawal from his scheduled UFC 318 bout against Neil Magny, citing multiple hamstring injuries. “Gunni” revealed that the damage includes both a muscle tear and a tendon rupture, rendering him unable to train effectively. The Icelandic veteran added that he’ll need at least eight weeks of recovery before returning to normal.

    “I won’t get into any crazy details about the injury but I’ll tell you it’s a two-part injury, so there is a tear in one of the muscles in the hamstring, which is a Grade 2b injury,” Nelson said. “It’s not too bad, so it’s possibly something that we could have worked with. However, the second injury is on the tendon inside the muscle, which is a full thickness tear, so a Grade 4c injury and that’s a more serious one. Basically, I’m absolutely useless when it comes to any type of grappling scenarios. I’m not able to wrestle or grapple or kick and apparently it will be another eight weeks at least until I can comfortably have any type of grappling training at full speed.”

    Nelson last competed at UFC London in March, where he dropped a unanimous decision to Kevin Holland, bringing an end to his two-fight win streak. “Gunni” has fought just 12 times over the past 11 years, during which he has compiled an even 6–6 record in the Ocatgon.

    As for Magny, it remains unclear whether a replacement opponent will be secured for UFC 318 or if his bout with Nelson will be rescheduled for a later date. “The Haitian Sensation” is currently riding a two-fight skid, both losses coming by knockout, with the most recent setback suffered at the hands of rising contender Carlos Prates in November 2024.

  • Julio Cesar Chavez Jr Arrested By ICE Days After Jake Paul Loss Over Cartel Allegations

    Julio Cesar Chavez Jr Arrested By ICE Days After Jake Paul Loss Over Cartel Allegations

    Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. may be staring down the barrel of serious legal fallout.

    On Thursday, reports emerged that Chavez Jr. had been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents near his residence in the upscale Studio City area of Los Angeles on Wednesday. The former WBC middleweight champion now faces possible deportation to Mexico over allegations of unlawful entry into the United States.

    The arrest comes just days after “La Leyenda Continua” stepped into the ring against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at Anaheim’s Honda Center on Saturday, where he dropped a unanimous decision.

    Image: @jakepaul/Instagram

    U.S. Homeland Security Links Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. To Sinaloa Cartel

    In an official news release, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is wanted in Mexico on an active arrest warrant and is under investigation for alleged involvement in organized crime, including the trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.

    The agency further claimed that “La Leyenda Continua” is believed to be affiliated with the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.

    “This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime and trafficking firearms, ammunitions and explosives,” read a post from the official DHS account on X.

    Chavez Jr. was taken into custody after overstaying his B2 tourist visa, which had expired in February 2024. He arrived in the U.S. in August 2023, but within the same year, immigration officials alerted ICE about the 39-year-old Mexican boxer, describing him as “an egregious public safety threat.”

    According to media reports, the exact location of Chávez Jr.’s detention remains undisclosed. However, he is expected to appear in court on Monday, where he will face the criminal charges levied against him.

    Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. had reportedly submitted an application for Lawful Permanent Resident status last year, citing his marriage to U.S. citizen Frida Munoz. However, the situation grew more complex when authorities accused Munoz of ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, allegedly stemming from a prior relationship with the now-deceased son of drug kingpin Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzman.

    Image:@fridamuro/Instagram
  • UFC 319: Exciting Welterweight Showdown Reportedly In Works

    UFC 319: Exciting Welterweight Showdown Reportedly In Works

    The UFC 319 card could be in for a welterweight barnburner, as the promotion is reportedly working to revive a previously scrapped showdown that had fans buzzing.

    UFC 319 is scheduled to light up the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 16. The ninth pay-per-view event of 2025 will be headlined by reigning UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, who puts his title on the line against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.

    The MMA promotion has already announced several matchups for the event, including a middleweight showdown between Jared Cannonier and Michael “Venom” Page, along with a lightweight clash featuring seasoned veterans Bobby “King” Green and Diego Ferreira.

    UFC 319 poster

    Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates Targeted For Rebooking At UFC 319

    According to a recent report from MMA journalist Laerte Viana, the UFC is working to rebook a welterweight showdown between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates for the upcoming UFC 319 event.

    The matchup was originally scheduled to take place at UFC 314 this past April, but plans were derailed when Neal was forced to withdraw due to injury, leading to the bout’s cancellation. As a result, Prates was rescheduled to headline UFC Kansas City just two weeks later, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Ian Machado Garry.

    “Handz of Steel” last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 308 in October 2024, where he scored a first-round knockout over former champion Rafael dos Anjos. The emphatic finish snapped a two-fight skid against Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov.

    Neal, who once rode a five-fight UFC win streak, has struggled to maintain that form, going 3-4 in his last seven Octagon appearances. The 34-year-old holds a 16-6 pro record, with 10 wins by knockout.

    Meanwhile, Prates tasted defeat for the first time in his UFC career in his most recent outing. “The Nightmare” had entered the bout riding a wave of momentum, having scored four consecutive knockout victories over notable names like Neil Magny and Li Jingliang. The 31-year-old Brazilian now holds a career record of 21-7, with 19 of those wins coming by way of finish.

  • Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett Is the Biggest Fight UFC Can Make Right Now Says Former UFC Champ

    Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett Is the Biggest Fight UFC Can Make Right Now Says Former UFC Champ

    A former UFC champion believes no matchup today carries more weight than a potential showdown between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett.

    Last weekend in the main event of UFC 317, Topuria made his dream a reality, stopping former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira with a brutal first-round knockout to capture the vacant 155-pound title and cement his status as a two-division UFC champion.

    Immediately after his emphatic victory, “El Matador” came face-to-face with Pimblett in a tense staredown inside the Octagon that quickly escalated into a heated exchange. The newly crowned champion punctuated the moment by shoving the Brit, adding fuel to what now seems like an unavoidable showdown in the making.

    Topuria and Pimblett’s rivalry traces back to March 2022, when the two nearly came to blows in a heated altercation at the fighter hotel ahead of UFC London. What began as bad blood quickly escalated into full-blown animosity, with tensions flaring again during a near brawl at the UFC 282 pre-fight press conference.

    Since then, both men have repeatedly taken shots at each other in interviews and on social media, keeping the feud very much alive. Now, with Ilia Topuria reigning as the new lightweight king, a long-awaited clash with “The Baddy” could be next on the horizon.

    Image: @ufc/X

    Michael Bisping Sees Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett As UFC’s Hottest Potential Matchup

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Michael Bisping shared his thoughts on who should be Ilia Topuria’s first title challenger. While the UFC Hall of Famer acknowledged that elite contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje are waiting in the wings, he argued that the promotion would be wise to cash in on the long-standing rivalry between Topuria and Paddy Pimblett.

    “The biggest fight they can put on right now, outside of Islam, is Ilia Topuria versus Paddy Pimblett,” Bisping said. “Saturday night, when they showed all the celebrities, when they showed the fighters in the crowd, Paddy Pimblett got the biggest pop by far… He resonates with the younger crowd and with everyone, because when they showed him on camera, the place went mental! He just beat Michael Chandler, he’s undefeated in the UFC, he’s got the history with Ilia—and that’s the fight they’ve got to make.”

    Bisping went on to explain that the deep-rooted animosity between Topuria and Pimblett adds a layer of intrigue and marketability.

    “We saw Ilia lose his cool for just a second—he pushed Paddy, allowed Paddy to get into his head. He had the two belts on his shoulder, gave him the push, the belts almost fell off his shoulders… It just shows Paddy’s ability to get under people’s skin. That fight sells itself—two people who genuinely dislike each other. You don’t really get that. We haven’t seen that since Khabib [Nurmagomedov] and [Conor] McGregor—two people who actually hate each other.”

  • Ilia Topuria’s Destruction Of Charles Oliveira At UFC 317 Leaves Sean O’Malley Grateful For Missed Fight

    Ilia Topuria’s Destruction Of Charles Oliveira At UFC 317 Leaves Sean O’Malley Grateful For Missed Fight

    Sean O’Malley wants no part of Ilia Topuria’s firepower.

    On Saturday night, Topuria turned his dream into reality, finishing Charles Oliveira with a vicious first-round knockout in the UFC 317 headliner to claim the lightweight title and cement his status as a two-division champion.

    “El Matador” handled Oliveira’s early grappling exchanges with composure before steering the fight back into his striking domain. He then uncorked a thunderous right hook that stunned Oliveira, followed by a pinpoint left hand that sealed the deal. The former lightweight champion collapsed to the canvas unconscious, prompting the referee to wave it off at 2:27 of the opening round.

    Before his lightweight triumph, Ilia Topuria had already left a trail of destruction in the featherweight division, first dethroning Alexander Volkanovski to claim the 145-pound title, then cementing his reign with a brutal knockout of Max Holloway in his first defense last year.

    Back when Topuria held the featherweight belt, former bantamweight titleholder O’Malley had campaigned for a champion vs. champion showdown. The bout never materialized, and after witnessing Topuria’s savage finish at UFC 317, “Suga” is more than thankful it stayed that way.

    Image: @ufc/X

    Sean O’Malley Feels Lucky UFC Passed On Ilia Topuria Matchup

    During a live reaction on his YouTube channel, Sean O’Malley had nothing but praise for Ilia Topuria following his stunning finish of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. Speaking candidly, “Suga” admitted that after witnessing Topuria notch three consecutive knockouts against elite competition, he now feels fortunate the UFC never followed through on his dream matchup with the newly crowned lightweight king.

    “Holy f**k,” O’Malley said. “Islam [Makhachev] vs. Topuria needs to happen. He’s up there with Jon Jones, man. Thank God he didn’t accept my callout. … After I beat ‘Chito’ [Marlon Vera], I called out Ilia and he got scared and ran to 155. No, I’m just kidding, thank God the UFC didn’t make that fight. Knocked out [Alexander Volkanovski], knocked out Max [Holloway], knocked out Charles. Islam next at 170 [pounds]? Holy f**k. Who would even fight Ilia at 155 next? Holy f**k”

  • Charles Oliveira On Mental Fortitude Ahead Of UFC 317: ‘Life Hit Me Harder Than Any Opponent Ever Could’

    Charles Oliveira is heading into UFC 317 radiating self-assurance.

    Oliveira is set to clash with former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria for the vacant lightweight title in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 317, taking place Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    The former UFC lightweight champion holds records for the most finishes (20), submissions (16), and performance bonuses (20) in promotional history. Yet despite his accolades, he enters UFC 317 as a significant betting underdog. Still, the stats and the doubt seem to have no impact on Charles Oliveira’s unwavering confidence or championship mindset.

    Image: @charlesdobronxs/Instagram

    Charles Oliveira Expresses Faith In His Skills Ahead Of UFC 317

    During a media scrum ahead of his UFC 317 title clash with Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira opened up about his mental resilience heading into the high-stakes showdown. “Do Bronx” made it clear that, even in the face of adversity and lingering doubt from critics, he’s on a mission to prove his hunger burns as strong as ever and that he’s still fully capable of reclaiming UFC gold.

    “I haven’t been worried about my opponent for a long time.” Oliveira said. “I’m focused on what I can bring to the cage. I want to be free, prepared, thirsty, aggressive, and daring. That’s how I feel. When I go in there, I feel dangerous, I feel daring, I can take the game up and always be aggressive… No one will ever hit me harder than life has hit me. So what these guys say, what they think, it doesn’t matter to me.”

    The 35-year-old Brazilian last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 309 this past November, where he delivered a commanding unanimous decision victory in a rematch against Michael Chandler. “Do Bronx” currently holds a UFC record of 23-10 (1 NC) and has suffered just two defeats in his last 15 outings.

  • Jake Paul Dismisses Allegations Of Rigged Fight With Mike Tyson: ‘People Just Can’t Hit Me – I’m Too Fast’

    Jake Paul isn’t entertaining any of the controversy surrounding his bout with Mike Tyson.

    Paul cruised to a dominant unanimous decision victory over heavyweight icon Tyson this past November, in an event that shattered viewership records and further cemented the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s status as a mainstream attraction. However, Tyson’s underwhelming performance raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the legitimacy of the contest.

    In the aftermath of the bout, accusations of a staged outcome quickly gained traction online, with a phony leaked script circulating widely and fueling further controversy. Though the script was swiftly debunked, speculation over the fight’s legitimacy has lingered.

    In response, Jake Paul and his team at Most Valuable Promotions issued a formal statement denying any wrongdoing. Yet, despite their efforts to set the record straight, whispers of doubt continue to shadow the event.

    Image: @jakepaul/Instagram

    Jake Paul Shuts Down Mike Tyson Fight Conspiracy

    During a recent appearance on the JAXXON Podcast, Jake Paul addressed the swirling speculation that his bout with Mike Tyson was fixed. “The Problem Child” brushed off the criticism, suggesting that skeptics simply refuse to acknowledge his evolving skill set.

    He emphasized that questions about the fight’s legitimacy stem from denial rather than evidence, and firmly stated that a legend like Tyson would never agree to a scripted showdown.

    “Listen, this is what people say about everything,” Jake Paul said. “It’s complete bullsh*t. Mike Tyson would never do that. People just can’t hit me, that’s the thing. I’m too fast. They’re not gonna overextend themselves when they feel my power coming. Did I get hit once in the face today with a former world champion and a guy who fought for a world title?”

    Jake Paul is set to make his 13th appearance in the squared circle tonight, taking on former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a cruiserweight showdown at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

    “The Problem Child” enters the bout riding a five-fight win streak and carrying an 11-1 record. His only setback came in February 2023, when he dropped a razor-thin split decision to Tommy Fury.

    Image: @mostvaluablepromotions/Instagram

  • ‘Blatant Cheating’ – Fans React As Ilia Topuria Experiences Minor Hiccup During UFC 317 Weigh-In

    ‘Blatant Cheating’ – Fans React As Ilia Topuria Experiences Minor Hiccup During UFC 317 Weigh-In

    Ilia Topuria faced a brief moment of uncertainty ahead of the biggest fight of his career.

    Topuria is set to headline UFC 317 this Saturday at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, where he’ll square off against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound title in a high-stakes showdown during International Fight Week.

    “El Matador” has exuded confidence leading up to UFC 317, not only in his conditioning but also in his belief that he’s on the brink of becoming a two-division UFC champion. That self-assurance was on full display during the official UFC 317 weigh-ins held Friday morning, where he was the first fighter to step on the scale.

    However, when Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Jeff Mullen called out Topuria’s weight, he initially announced it as 155.5 pounds, half a pound over the championship limit for a lightweight title bout.

    Initially, no one appeared to notice the discrepancy, and Topuria went ahead with posing for the cameras. Moments later, however, he was asked to remain on the scale. Mullen returned, adjusted it, and then corrected himself, announcing the official weight as 155 pounds.

    Fans React To Ilia Topuria’s Weigh-In Confusion At UFC 317

    Ilia Topuria’s brief weigh-in glitch during the UFC 317 proceedings sparked a wave of fan reactions online. While some called for the Nevada commission to retire the old-school mechanical scale in favor of digital equipment for more accurate readings, others used the moment as fuel for playful jabs and light-hearted trolling.

    “El Matador” captured the featherweight title with a stunning knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024, then cemented his dominance by finishing Max Holloway in emphatic fashion at UFC 308 that October. However, after establishing himself as the division’s top force, he chose to vacate the belt this past February to make a full-time move to lightweight.

    Ilia Topuria enters UFC 317 with a flawless 8-0 record inside the Octagon and a perfect 16-0 mark overall. Of those victories, eight have come by knockout and six via submission.

    Image: @ufc/Instagram
  • UFC 317 Bout Canceled As Fighter Gets Released After Missing Weight By 10 Pounds

    UFC 317 Bout Canceled As Fighter Gets Released After Missing Weight By 10 Pounds

    The UFC 317 weigh-ins weren’t short on drama.

    The UFC returns to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday for its next pay-per-view event, serving as the marquee showcase capping off this year’s International Fight Week.

    UFC 317 card features a high-stakes championship double-header, headlined by former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria taking on ex-lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound belt. In the co-main event, flyweight king Alexandre Pantoja makes his fourth title defense against Kai Kara-France.

    UFC 317 poster
    Image: @ufc/X

    Chris Ewert Released By Promotion Following Major Weight Miss At UFC 317

    All but one fighter successfully made weight during the weigh-ins for UFC 317 on Friday. The lone exception was Chris Ewert, who missed the middleweight limit for his scheduled bout against Jackson McVey.

    At the start of the official weigh-in show, UFC commentator Jon Anik announced that Ewert came in 10 pounds over the limit, leading to the immediate cancelation of his bout. In a surprising development, it was also revealed that the 31-year-old Chilean had been released from the promotion.

    Meanwhile, McVey still appeared at the official weigh-ins, hitting the 185-pound mark. The promotion is reportedly working to find a new opponent for “The Moose” in the near future.

    “El Tanke” was originally scheduled to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series on August 2 against Yuri Panferov. However, he accepted a short-notice fight against McVey at UFC 317 after Sedriques Dumas withdrew earlier this week due to restrictions tied to a court-ordered GPS ankle monitor.

    Ewert holds an undefeated professional record of 7-0, with five of those victories coming by knockout. He last competed at Fury FC 100 this past January, earning a dominant unanimous decision over Reese Watkins.

  • Top UFC Heavyweight Urges Tom Aspinall To Defend Undisputed Title After Jon Jones’ Retirement

    Tom Aspinall will have a growing line of contenders awaiting a chance to challenge him in his first undisputed title defense.

    The top tier of the UFC heavyweight division had been stuck in limbo for the past two years, with the promotion holding out hope for a long-awaited title unification clash between reigning champion Jon Jones and interim titleholder Aspinall. On paper, it had all the makings of a historic showdown. But the bout never came to fruition, as “Bones” repeatedly dismissed the matchup, arguing that a win over Aspinall wouldn’t meaningfully elevate his already legendary résumé.

    However, this past Saturday, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Jones has officially opted to retire from active competition. Consequently, Aspinall has now taken over as the undisputed heavyweight king. White added that the promotion will begin working with the Brit next week to book his first title defense.

    Tom Aspinall will soon look to defend his undisputed title, but identifying the most deserving challenger in the division’s chaotic landscape won’t be easy.

    Image: @UFCEurope/X

    Jailton Almeida Puts His Name In The Hat To Face Tom Aspinall Next

    Following the announcement of Tom Aspinall’s elevation to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Jailton Almeida took to X to declare himself the rightful top contender for the Brit’s first title defense.

    In his post, “Malhadinho” pitched himself as the most deserving contender and dismissed Ciryl Gane as unworthy of a title shot against Aspinall. He pointed out that the Frenchman had already fallen short in two previous championship bouts and argued that his recent win over Alexander Volkov was far from convincing.

    “Congrats champ. You deserve that.Now, let’s make the only fight that makes sense — Aspinall vs. Almeida for the undisputed heavyweight title of the world. Gane ducked you and me before, already fought for the belt and lost twice, and his last win was a robbery,” Jailton Almeida wrote on X.

    The 33-year-old Brazilian went a step further, listing fellow top contenders like Sergei Pavlovich, Curtis Blaydes, and Volkov while pointing out that nearly all of them have already faced Tom Aspinall and failed to get the job done.

    Almeida is riding the momentum of a two-fight win streak, with his most recent outing being a first-round knockout of Serghei Spivac at UFC 311 this past January. Before that, “Malhadinho” had compiled an impressive six-fight run in the Octagon, which was snapped by a TKO loss to Blaydes at UFC 299 in March 2024.

    Image: @malhadinho_ufc/Instagram
  • UFC Baku Weigh-In Results: No Misses, One Late Catchweight Adjustment

    UFC Baku Weigh-In Results: No Misses, One Late Catchweight Adjustment

    The countdown to UFC Baku is almost over. All fighters have stepped on the scale, and we’ve got the final weigh-in results right here at MMA News.

    The UFC is set to break new ground this Saturday, June 21, as it makes its debut in Azerbaijan, bringing a stacked Fight Night card to the Baku Crystal Hall.

    Image: @ufc/X

    UFC Baku will be headlined by a crucial showdown between top light heavyweight contenders Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. Originally scheduled to collide at UFC 303 in June 2024, their matchup was shelved after “The War Horse” was handed a suspension for testing positive for the banned anabolic steroid DHEA.

    The duo was rebooked to headline UFC Kansas City this past April, but the bout was once again postponed when Hill was forced to withdraw due to an undisclosed injury.

    Meanwhile, the co-main event features a compelling lightweight clash between Rafael Fiziev and rising prospect Ignacio Bahamondes. Elsewhere on the main card, former interim heavyweight title challenger Curtis Blaydes returns to welcome promotional newcomer Rizvan Kuniev.

    Ahead of UFC Baku, the official weigh-ins took place Friday morning at the UFC host hotel in Azerbaijan, where headliners Hill and Rountree Jr. successfully hit the non-title light heavyweight limit at 206 pounds. While Fiziev and Bahamondes each came in on point at 155.5 pounds, making their fight official without issue.

    However, the weigh-ins did feature a late change, as the scheduled lightweight bout between Myktybek Orolbai and Octagon debutant Tofiq Musayev was shifted to a catchweight of 165 pounds for undisclosed reasons. Musayev weighed in at 163 pounds, while Orolbai hit the agreed limit exactly at 165.

    UFC Baku Complete Weigh-In Results

    Main Card

    • Light heavyweight: Jamahal Hill (206) vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. (206)
    • Lightweight: Rafael Fiziev (155.5) vs. Ignacio Bahamondes (155.5)
    • Heavyweight: Curtis Blaydes (258) vs. Rizvan Kuniev (264.5)
    • Catchweight: Tofiq Musayev (163) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (165)
    • Lightweight: Nazim Sadykhov (155) vs. Nikolas Motta (155.5)
    • Featherweight: Muhammad Naimov (146) vs. Bogdan Grad (146)

    Preliminary Card

    • Welterweight: SeokHyeon Ko (169.5) vs. Oban Elliott (170.5)
    • Middleweight: Ismael Naurdiev (186) vs. JunYong Park (186)
    • Women’s bantamweight: Daria Zhelezniakova (136) vs. Melissa Mullins (136)
    • Women’s bantamweight: Irina Alekseeva (135.5) vs. Klaudia Sygula (135)
    • Flyweight: Tagir Ulanbekov (126) vs. Azat Maksum (126)
    • Heavyweight: Hamdy Abdelwahab (264.5) vs. Mohammed Usman (244.5)
  • UFC 319 Adds Key Undercard Bouts Ahead Of Promotion’s Chicago Return

    UFC 319 Adds Key Undercard Bouts Ahead Of Promotion’s Chicago Return

    UFC 319 just leveled up as fresh matchups join an already stacked lineup.

    The world’s premier MMA organization is gearing up for its return to the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 16. Marking the ninth pay-per-view event of 2025, the card will be headlined by reigning UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, who defends his title against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in a highly anticipated clash.

    Image: @ufc/X

    The UFC has already confirmed a thrilling co-main event featuring former 185-pound title challenger Jared Cannonier squaring off against striking specialist Michael “Venom” Page. Further building anticipation, the promotion recently announced a fresh slate of undercard matchups.

    King Green, Edson Barboza Among Notable Names Set To Compete At UFC 319

    King Green will aim to return to the win column at UFC 319 when he takes on fellow lightweight veteran Diego Ferreira. Green has endured an up-and-down stretch recently, going 3-3 over his past six appearances inside the Octagon. Ferreira, too, is looking to rebound, entering the bout off a loss and holding a 2-4 record in his last six fights.

    The card will also feature the return of Edson Barboza to the lightweight division after an extended stint at featherweight. “Junior” has endured a grueling run in recent years, posting a 5-8 record over his last 13 bouts. He now meets Drakkar Klose, who is looking to bounce back after a setback in his most recent outing halted what had been a promising four-fight win streak.

    The UFC 319 lineup will also feature an exciting welterweight clash between rising contenders Bryan Battle and Nursulton Ruziboev. “The Butcher” enters the bout riding a five-fight unbeaten streak, having most recently earned a unanimous decision win over Randy Brown in December. Meanwhile, Ruziboev carries solid momentum of his own, coming off consecutive victories as he looks to continue climbing the ranks.

    Additionally, the August card is set to showcase a women’s flyweight showdown between Karine Silva and JJ Aldrich. Also on tap is a strawweight bout, as former champion Jessica Andrade squares off against rising contender Loopy Godinez.

    Check out the officially confirmed lineup for UFC 319 so far:

    • Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev; middleweight title
    • Jared Cannonier vs. Michael “Venom” Page; middleweight
    • Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura; flyweight
    • King Green vs. Diego Ferreira; lightweight
    • Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose; lightweight
    • Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev; welterweight
    • Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez; lightweight
    • Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk; middleweight
    • Karine Silva vs. JJ Aldrich; women’s flyweight
    • Jessica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez; strawweight
    UFC Octagon
    Image: UFC/Zuffa LLC
  • Justin Gaethje Calls UFC 300 Bout An ‘Exhibition,’ Demands Title Shot Or Bigger Pay

    Justin Gaethje Calls UFC 300 Bout An ‘Exhibition,’ Demands Title Shot Or Bigger Pay

    Justin Gaethje is certainly not happy with being sidelined from the UFC lightweight contention.

    Gaethje returned to the win column with a convincing unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 this past March. Wasting no time, “The Highlight” made it clear he believed he’d earned the next crack at then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

    However, Makhachev vacated his title to pursue new challenges at welterweight. As a result, former featherweight king Ilia Topuria is now set to collide with Charles Oliveira in the UFC 317 headliner to determine the new lightweight king.

    Gaethje’s critics argue that a title shot would be undeserved, pointing to his dramatic, last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway in their BMF title clash at UFC 300 in April 2024 as a major blemish on his recent resume.

    Image: UFC.com

    Justin Gaethje Says UFC 300 Knockout Is Irrelevant To Title Contention

    During a recent appearance on The Makeshift Podcast, Justin Gaethje reflected on his UFC 300 clash with Max Holloway, describing it as more of a crowd-pleasing showcase for the fans and the promotion than a bout with any real implications for the lightweight division.

    “They owe me a championship fight,” Justin Gaethje said. “I’m 3-1 in my last four. They came to my house begging me to fight Max Holloway at UFC 300. I consider that an exhibition fight. I don’t mean that the loss is not on my record, it had nothing to do with the rankings in my [division at the time]. In the time that I did that, Dustin Poirier, who I had just beat, got a good win over [Benoit] Saint Denis and then fought for the belt.”

    “The Highlight” didn’t hold back as he aired his frustration over the current state of the 155-pound division, making it clear he has no intention of jeopardizing his position with any non-title bout—unless the UFC puts a massive paycheck on the table.

    “Since [I beat Fiziev], [Makhachev] had been saying he wants to fight me. They could’ve easily set that up, but they didn’t. Then he vacates, and then Oliveira is 2-2 in his last [four fights], already has a loss to Makhachev, and they bring a brand new guy in. And I get f**ked again.So I’m not going to fight any of these motherf**kers for fun unless they pay me so much more money… If I’m going to take a risky fight, if I lose, I’m going to be set up [financially], and if I win, I’m fighting for a belt — or I’m not doing it.”

    The former UFC interim lightweight champion has struggled to find consistent form in recent outings, managing a modest 4-3 record across his last seven trips to the Octagon.

    Justin Gaethje has fallen short in both of his previous attempts at undisputed UFC gold, suffering submission losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in October 2020 and Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 in May 2022.

    Image: @ufc/X

  • Joshua Van To Make Three-Week Turnaround To Replace Manel Kape Against Brandon Royval At UFC 317

    Joshua Van To Make Three-Week Turnaround To Replace Manel Kape Against Brandon Royval At UFC 317

    The much-anticipated UFC 317 lineup has undergone a notable shake-up.

    The UFC’s next pay-per-view event, scheduled for June 28 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, will mark the closing highlight of this year’s International Fight Week.

    On Monday, news emerged that Manel Kape had withdrawn from his scheduled bout against former flyweight title challenger Brandon Royval at UFC 317 for reasons unknown. Stepping up on less than three weeks’ notice, surging prospect Joshua Van has accepted the challenge to square off against Royval.

    Royval took to social media to announce the updated matchup, revealing that Kape had suffered an injury. He also lauded Van for answering the call on such short notice.

    “Manel Kape is out, Joshua Van is stepping in,” Royval said on Instagram. “I have zero idea of the extent of Manel Kape’s injuries but I do know I have the hottest prospect and probably the most exciting UFC flyweight in front of me. Really nothing changes for me as far as what’s in front of me. I’ve got a gangster that’s ready to take my head off and earn his name off of me.”

    “Raw Dawg” was originally set to face off against Kape in the headline bout of UFC Vegas 103 back in March. However, he was compelled to pull out nearly a month prior after suffering multiple concussions during training.

    Royval is riding a two-fight winning streak after falling short in his title challenge against reigning 125-pound champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 296 in December 2023. The 32-year-old Colorado native last competed in October, securing a gritty split decision victory over Tatsuro Taira.

    Van last seen in action this past Saturday at UFC 316, where he secured a last-minute finish over Bruno Silva. “The Fearless” enters UFC 317 on the back of a four-fight winning streak, which includes dominant decision victories over Rei Tsuruya and Cody Durden.

    The 23-year-old Burmese-American also took to X to officially confirm the bout against Royval.

    Image: @ufc/Instagram

    What Does The UFC 317 Lineup Look Like?

    UFC 317 will be headlined by a championship double-header. The main event features former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria facing former lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira in a battle for the vacant lightweight crown at 155 pounds. Meanwhile, the co-main event will see flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defend his title against Kai Kara-France.

    Here are the confirmed bouts for the UFC 317 card:

    • Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira; vacant lightweight championship
    • Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France: flyweight championship
    • Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov; middleweight bout
    • Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano; lightweight bout
    • Brandon Royval vs. Joshua Van; flyweight bout
    • Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues; middleweight bout
    • Viviane Araujo vs. Tracy Cortez; women’s flyweight bout
    • Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber; lightweight bout
    • Hyder Amil vs. Jose Delgado; featherweight bout
    • Jhonata Diniz vs. Justin Tafa; heavyweight bout
    UFC 317 poster
    Image: @ufc/X

  • Sean O’Malley’s UFC 316 Loss Has Aljamain Sterling Eyeing Redemption Bout At Featherweight

    Sean O’Malley’s UFC 316 Loss Has Aljamain Sterling Eyeing Redemption Bout At Featherweight

    Aljamain Sterling is open to welcoming Sean O’Malley to the featherweight division for a rematch after watching his former foe submit at UFC 316.

    O’Malley suffered a brutal third-round submission loss in his rematch against Sterling’s close friend, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, this past Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

    Although “Suga” displayed sharper takedown defense and more calculated striking, he was ultimately overwhelmed by Dvalishvili’s relentless onslaught of takedown attempts, which ended with a north-south choke.

    Sean O’Malley captured the bantamweight crown with a TKO victory over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in August 2023, a win many viewed as controversially stopped early by the referee. He then went on to defend his title once against Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC 299 in March 2024, only to see his reign come to an end against Dvalishvili at UFC 306 in September.

    Image: UFC.com

    Aljamain Sterling Open To Facing Sean O’Malley Again At 145

    Following Sean O’Malley’s defeat to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316, a fan on social media called for “Suga” to move up to the featherweight division and proposed a rematch against Aljamain Sterling.

    “Funk Master” warmly embraced the possibility of the showdown, saying he would jump at the chance to avenge his loss to O’Malley with a more polished, focused approach.

    “Let the former champ rest. But I would absolutely LOVE to show him what a healthy version of myself would do. He’s got great skills but I still know that was 50% version of myself,” Aljamain Sterling wrote on X.”

    After relinquishing his 135-pound crown to O’Malley, Sterling made the leap to the featherweight division and marked his debut with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Calvin Kattar at UFC 300 in April 2024.

    “Funk Master” most recently returned to action at UFC 310 in December, where he faced off against the undefeated Movsar Evloev. Despite a valiant effort, Sterling came up short on the judges’ scorecards in a closely contested bout.

  • ‘I Have More Tools In My Pocket’ — Merab Dvalishvili After Submitting Sean O’Malley At UFC 316

    ‘I Have More Tools In My Pocket’ — Merab Dvalishvili After Submitting Sean O’Malley At UFC 316

    Merab Dvalishvili’s rise shows no signs of slowing down.

    Dvalishvili successfully retained his bantamweight crown with a statement-making win over Sean O’Malley in their rematch, headlining UFC 316 this past Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

    https://x.com/UFCEurope/status/19315780739100713

    “The Machine” eventually cracked the code on O’Malley’s sharpened wrestling awareness, blending relentless pressure with pinpoint striking to overwhelm the former champion. While O’Malley entered with a more calculated approach, Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and suffocating grappling steadily wore him down.

    After drowning O’Malley in a wave of takedown pressure, Dvalishvili sealed the deal with a punishing north-south choke, earning his second win over “Suga”.

    Petr Yan Slams Sean O'Malley For UFC 316 Submission Loss To Merab Dvalishvili
    Image: @ufc/X

    Dvalishvili’s championship reign began at UFC 306 in September 2024, where he clinched a lopsided unanimous decision win over O’Malley.

    Merab Dvalishvili Highlights Preparation And Growth After UFC 316 Win

    After earning the first submission victory of his UFC career by finishing Sean O’Malley at UFC 316, Merab Dvalishvili reflected on the rematch during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.

    “The Machine” acknowledged O’Malley’s noticeable adjustments since their previous clash but emphasized that his own evolution hasn’t slowed—continually sharpening his arsenal and unveiling new weapons with each performance.

    “He was well trained, he was well prepared, and I knew that he was going to make changes because, Hey, every time I lost I made big changes and I learned from it,” Merab Dvalishvili said. “But I’m getting better and better. I wasn’t showing this technique [before] and I have more tools in my pocket I’m still working on, and then little by little I will show. Now it’s my time.”

    With this victory, Dvalishvili stretched his impressive winning streak to 13 consecutive fights. He kicked off his title defenses in dominant fashion against the previously unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January, where the Georgian secured a commanding unanimous decision to maintain his championship reign.

    “The Machine” boasts a 13-2 UFC record, featuring commanding victories over elite former champions such as Jose Aldo, Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan, and a host of other top-tier contenders.

  • Petr Yan Slams Sean O’Malley For UFC 316 Submission Loss To Merab Dvalishvili: ‘Back In Line, Buddy’

    Petr Yan Slams Sean O’Malley For UFC 316 Submission Loss To Merab Dvalishvili: ‘Back In Line, Buddy’

    Petr Yan believes the UFC’s decision to grant Sean O’Malley an immediate rematch against Merab Dvalishvili had more to do with hype than merit.

    O’Malley challenged reigning bantamweight champion Dvalishvili in the UFC 316 headliner at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, where he ultimately suffered the first submission loss of his professional career.

    “Suga” entered the octagon with a noticeably more measured and tactical approach, showcasing improved takedown defense by stuffing six of Dvalishvili’s first eight attempts. But true to form, the Georgian powerhouse marched forward with trademark relentlessness, blending calculated pressure with crisp, well-timed striking.

    By the third round, “The Machine” had drained O’Malley’s gas tank with an unrelenting barrage of takedown attempts. Sensing the opportunity, Dvalishvili locked in a vicious north-south choke, forcing his opponent to tap and successfully making his second title defense.

    Merab Dvalishvili first claimed the bantamweight title by decisively dethroning Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 last September with a dominant unanimous decision.

    Image: @ufc/X

    Petr Yan Calls Out Sean O’Malley for Getting Ahead Without Earning It

    Petr Yan didn’t hold back on social media following Sean O’Malley’s failed attempt to reclaim the bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316. The former champion took aim at his old rival, suggesting that O’Malley was gifted an unearned title shot.

    “This is what happens when you’re handed things you didn’t earn. Back in line, buddy @SugaSeanMMA,” Petr Yan wrote on X.

    The tension between O’Malley and Yan dates back to their razor-thin clash at UFC 280 in October 2022, where “No Mercy” suffered a highly controversial split decision loss — one that continues to stir debate to this day.

    With consecutive losses to Merab Dvalishvili, “Suga” now sits at 10-3 (1 NC) record in the UFC.

    Meanwhile, Yan, currently riding a two-fight win streak, is reportedly slated to face Marcus McGhee at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, set to take place at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates. “No Mercy” boasts a 10-4 record inside the Octagon and is aiming to reestablish himself in the title mix.

    Image: @petr_yan/Instagram
  • ‘BIG DECK ENERGY’ — Fans React As Dana White Introduces Pit-Style ‘Bowl’ Ahead of UFC BJJ Debut on June 25

    ‘BIG DECK ENERGY’ — Fans React As Dana White Introduces Pit-Style ‘Bowl’ Ahead of UFC BJJ Debut on June 25

    The UFC is rolling out its latest battleground in the combat sports arena.

    On Friday, the world’s leading MMA promotion officially launched its latest endeavor — UFC BJJ, a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition platform. The inaugural event, UFC BJJ 1, is set for June 25 during UFC International Fight Week and will feature three championship bouts to crown the first-ever bantamweight, lightweight, and welterweight titleholders.

    While the full lineup of participants remains under wraps for now, one high-profile matchup has been confirmed: multiple-time world champion Mikey Musumeci will face rising talent Rerisson Gabriel for the inaugural 135-pound title.

    Additionally, the newly launched grappling promotion will debut UFC BJJ: Road to the Title, a reality series inspired by The Ultimate Fighter. The eight-episode season, set to premiere on June 16, will feature Musumeci and Gabriel as rival coaches.

    UFC BJJ: Road to the Title
    Image: @ufcbjj/Instagram

    Ahead of its debut, UFC CEO Dana White unveiled the distinctive arena for UFC BJJ—an innovative enclosure dubbed “The Bowl.” Designed with sunken pit-like walls, the structure ensures continuous action by preventing athletes from spilling out of bounds during grappling contests.

    However, the exact dimensions and technical specifications have yet to be revealed.

    Fans Share Diverse Views On UFC BJJ Bowl Enclosure

    The UFC BJJ’s Bowl structure has drawn mixed reactions from combat sports fans. While many praised the innovative design and unique layout of the structure, others criticized it for resembling the setup used in Australian grappling star Craig Jones’ own promotion.

    https:/x.com/alimerry_/status/1931615184658837

    https://twitter.com/BigDeckSports/status/1931586984599814542

    The pit-like design isn’t a fresh concept in combat sports. Karate Combat has long utilized angled pit walls for their striking bouts, and they’ve recently expanded into grappling with their Pit Submission Series.

    Image: UFC.com
  • Francis Ngannou Fires Back After Jon Jones Reignites Superfight Talks

    Francis Ngannou Fires Back After Jon Jones Reignites Superfight Talks

    Francis Ngannou is calling on Jon Jones to finally settle the long-standing debate over who truly wears the crown as the undisputed baddest man in heavyweight MMA.

    The two heavyweight titans have long been linked to a potential showdown that many believe could have been one of the biggest fights in UFC history, ever since Jones moved up to heavyweight and Ngannou held the divisional title.

    Despite numerous efforts from both camps, the highly anticipated superfight never took shape. Frustrated by how he was treated during his reign as UFC heavyweight champion, “The Predator” chose to vacate his belt and sign with the PFL, sidelining the prospects of the the potential bout.

    However, Ngannou’s head coach, Eric Nicksick, recently expressed confidence that the Cameroonian powerhouse would “100 percent” consider a return to the UFC—especially to revitalize a division hampered by the inactivity of reigning champion Jon Jones and the sidelining of interim titleholder Tom Aspinall.

    Image: PFL MMA/YouTube.

    On Friday, “Bones” responded to Nicksick’s remarks on X, expressing his interest in fighting Ngannou if the stars align. He revealed that a potential bout with Ngannou would reignite his competitive fire, unlike a title unification fight against Aspinall.

    “I’m hearing Francis Ngannou is still interested… now we’re talking. That’s a real super fight. A clash of champions, not just hype. He held the UFC belt, I’ve defended mine for over a decade. Two kings from different roads. Not just one legend facing a mouth that’s hot right now, but two real legacies colliding. That’s the kind of fight that actually adds something special to my story. At least from my point of view,” Jon Jones wrote on X.

    Francis Ngannou Responds To Jon Jones Eager To Settle Heavyweight Rivalry

    On Saturday, Francis Ngannou took to X to respond to Jon Jones’ call for a potential showdown, urging “Bones” to secure the green light from the UFC while he focuses on his own commitments in the PFL. “The Predator” emphasized that their long-awaited clash would definitively determine who stands as the unquestioned heavyweight champion of the sport.

    “You take care of the UFC, I’ll take care of the PFL, and we’ll finally find out who’s the KING OF THE HEAVYWEIGHT,” Ngannou wrote on X.

    One of the key reasons the Jones vs. Ngannou showdown remained unrealized was UFC CEO Dana White’s claim that “Bones” demanded an astronomical payday to make the fight happen. White has also made it abundantly clear time and again that he has no interest in working with Ngannou again.

    However, several voices within the MMA community have long championed the idea of a cross-promotional collaboration between the UFC and PFL to finally bring this dream matchup to life. Yet, the chances remain slim, as White has consistently opposed such partnerships.

    Image: @francisngannou/Instagram
  • ‘Ilia Topuria Beats Islam Makhachev’: Top-Ranked UFC Star Makes Shock Prediction For Superfight At 155

    ‘Ilia Topuria Beats Islam Makhachev’: Top-Ranked UFC Star Makes Shock Prediction For Superfight At 155

    A top UFC bantamweight contender believes Ilia Topuria would hold the stylistic upper hand in a potential lightweight clash against Islam Makhachev.

    Topuria relinquished his UFC featherweight crown in February in an effort to secure an immediate superfight with reigning lightweight champion Makhachev, aiming to etch his name in history as a two-division titleholder. However, the Dagestani offered a lukewarm response to the proposed superfight.

    Instead, Makhachev is set to vacate his 155-pound belt as he shifts his focus to the welterweight division, where he plans to challenge current champion Jack Della Maddalena later this year. With the lightweight strap now up for grabs, “El Matador” is slated to square off against former champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant title in the headlining bout of UFC 317, scheduled for June 28.

    Although Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev appear to be headed down vastly different career trajectories, with little likelihood of their paths crossing inside the Octagon anytime soon, one former UFC interim bantamweight title challenger believes that if the stars were to align, the undefeated Spaniard has owns the style and sharpness to edge out a win.

    Former UFC featherweight Ilia Topuria.

    Cory Sandhagen Claims Ilia Topuria Has Tools To Trouble Islam Makhachev

    During a recent appearance on the Overdogs Podcast, Cory Sandhagen weighed in on a potential lightweight bout between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev. “Sandman” acknowledged Makhachev’s status as one of the sport’s premier grapplers but suggested that the former UFC featherweight champion’s elite takedown defense and striking prowess could tip the balance in his favor.

    “If Ilia and Islam fight at 155, I honestly think Ilia would win that fight,” Sandhagen said. “His stature is going to be hard to take down for Islam, and if those two are standing, I just think Ilia is a way, way more dangerous guy standing. I can’t really see Islam hurting him because his guard is real good.”

    “El Matador” was last seen in action at UFC 308 in October, where he successfully defended his featherweight title with a third-round knockout of former champion Max Holloway. Meanwhile, Makhachev’s latest outing came at UFC 311 in January, where he successfully defended his lightweight belt with a first-round submission victory over Renato Moicano. 

    Dustin Poirier Backs Ilia Topuria For Immediate Lightweight Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev
    Images: @iliatopuria/@islam_makhachev/Instagram
  • Petr Yan Returns At UFC Abu Dhabi On July 26 To Face Budding Bantamweight Contender

    Petr Yan Returns At UFC Abu Dhabi On July 26 To Face Budding Bantamweight Contender

    Petr Yan is reportedly staying active in his quest to reclaim the UFC bantamweight crown.

    According to a recent report from Cageside Press, Yan is set to return to the Octagon on July 26 at UFC Abu Dhabi, where he’ll face rising bantamweight contender Marcus McGhee at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates.

    “No Mercy” last stepped into the Octagon at UFC Macau in November, where he secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, marking his second straight win following a strong performance against Song Yadong at UFC 299.

    The back-to-back triumphs marked a crucial turnaround for the former 135-pound champion, who had previously endured a three-fight skid, including a split decision loss in his title rematch with Aljamain Sterling at UFC 273 in April 2022. Yan boasts a 10-4 record inside the Octagon, with four of those victories earned by knockout.

    Meanwhile, McGhee is riding a wave of momentum after a commanding unanimous decision victory over Jonathan Martinez at UFC 309 last November. Since making his promotional debut in April 2023, “The Maniac” has been unstoppable, boasting an impressive four-fight winning streak, with three of those wins coming by finishes.

    Images: @petr_yan/@maniac_mcgheemma/Instagram

    What Does the UFC Abu Dhabi Lineup Currently Look Like?

    UFC Abu Dhabi will be headlined by a pivotal middleweight showdown as former champion Robert Whittaker is set to square off against fast-rising contender Reinier de Ridder.

    Here are the officially confirmed matchups for the upcoming Fight Night event:

    • Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder; middleweight
    • Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-Andre Barriault; middleweight
    • Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee; bantamweight
    • Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov; light heavyweight
    • Asu Almabayev vs. Ramazan Temirov; flyweight
    • Ibo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana; light heavyweight
  • Pressure Mounts As Over 80,000 Fans Demand UFC Strip Jon Jones Of Heavyweight Title, “Bones” Remains Unfazed

    Pressure Mounts As Over 80,000 Fans Demand UFC Strip Jon Jones Of Heavyweight Title, “Bones” Remains Unfazed

    Jon Jones appears entirely indifferent by the growing calls from the MMA community for him to be stripped of his UFC heavyweight title.

    Jones clinched the UFC heavyweight title with a first-round submission win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. However, more than two years have passed since that moment, and he has defended his title only once during that span.

    “Bones” has spent the bulk of his heavyweight reign on the sidelines after suffering a serious torn pectoral injury ahead of his first title defense against former champ Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November 2023. Following his injury-induced exit, Tom Aspinall captured the interim heavyweight title and emerged as the division’s new force.

    However, rather than facing Aspinall in a highly anticipated title unification clash, Jon Jones chose a different path upon his return to the Octagon — opting instead to defend his heavyweight belt against Miocic at UFC 309 this past November.

    Although the British standout has relentlessly campaigned for a potential showdown with Jones, “Bones” has expressed minimal interest in the matchup. He has repeatedly suggested that only a massive payday could entice him into the Octagon with Aspinall — otherwise, he seems more inclined to retire. Jones’ stance has remained largely noncommittal, casting serious doubt over whether the fight will ever materialize.

    Jon Jones Responds To Fan-Led Petition To Strip His UFC Heavyweight Belt

    Frustrated by Jon Jones’ seemingly nonchalant attitude toward a potential heavyweight title unification bout with Tom Aspinall, fans launched a petition on Change.org two weeks ago, urging UFC CEO Dana White to take action and strip “Bones” of his title over his ongoing unwillingness to face the interim champion.

    The petition has surprisingly gained momentum, amassing over 82,000 verified signatures at the time of writing.

    The surge of fan backlash has not gone unnoticed by Jones, who addressed the petition on social media by taking a pointed jab at his naysayers.

    “The equivalent to pico grams,” Jon Jones wrote on Instagram.

    Jones’ jab carried a not-so-subtle reference to one of the most controversial moments of his UFC career. The joke traced back to UFC 232 in December 2018, when “Bones” made his return from a 15-month suspension after testing positive for an anabolic steroid, stepping in to rematch Alexander Gustafsson.

    However, just a week before the fight, Jones once again tested positive, this time for trace amounts measured in picograms of the same steroid that had previously led to his suspension. Years later, USADA revised its regulations, clarifying that levels below 100 picograms no longer constitute a violation.

    Image: @jonnybones/Instagram

  • ‘I’m Going To Be Beating Up Everyone’: Ian Garry Weighs In On New Era In UFC Welterweight Division

    ‘I’m Going To Be Beating Up Everyone’: Ian Garry Weighs In On New Era In UFC Welterweight Division

    Ian Garry is embracing the rise of a new generation of fighters making waves in the UFC’s welterweight division.

    The UFC’s 170-pound division has long stood as one of the most talent-rich and historically significant weight classes in the sport. Renowned for its legacy, it has consistently featured elite competition, boasting five UFC Hall of Famers, including legends like Georges St-Pierre and Robbie Lawler.

    With many of the welterweight division’s iconic names now retired or well past their prime, a new generation of fighters bringing fresh styles and evolved skill sets has risen to prominence at 170 pounds. In today’s landscape, the division is wide open, with nearly every contender in the top eight posing a legitimate threat to newly crowned champion Jack Della Maddalena.

    Ian Garry Says The UFC Welterweight Division Has Never Been More Exciting

    During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Ian Garry shared his thoughts on the evolving welterweight division. “The Future” spoke with enthusiasm about the influx of rising talent in the weight class, while boldly asserting that he’s not just part of this new wave—he plans to lead it.

    “When you look at the welterweight division right now and the way it’s evolved, I’d argue it’s the most exciting it’s ever been,” Garry said. “You look at the names—people under 30 in that division that are just on a tear. You’ve got Shavkat, you’ve got Jack, you’ve got me, you’ve got [Michael] Morales, you’ve got loads of us that are just young and hungry and have stuff to prove.”

    “That’s exciting. When you’ve got that energy mixed with sheer talent—that’s impressive. The answer is always going to be yes. And I’m going to fight them at some point in time, because when I’m the champion, I’m going to be beating up everyone—that’s the next contender, the next best guy.”

    Garry last stepped into the Octagon at UFC Kansas City in April, where he delivered a dominant performance to secure a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Prates. The win marked a strong comeback for the Irish standout, who rebounded impressively from the first defeat of his professional career—a loss to the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December.

    Ian Garry currently boasts a UFC record of 9-1, featuring notable victories over elite competitors such as Michael Page, Geoff Neal, and Neil Magny.