Author: Pranav Pandey

  • ‘Let Me Enjoy Cake, Lad’: Paddy Pimblett Responds To Critics Of His Off-Season Look

    Paddy Pimblett wants his naysayers to stop obsessing over his out-of-competition physique.

    Pimblett has made a name for himself with his action-packed performances inside the Octagon, but outside of it, he’s just as well known for abruptly ballooning in weight after his fights.

    It’s no secret that “The Baddy” is a passionate foodie, often indulging in post-fight feasts that lead to dramatic weight gains — something fans have become all too familiar with, thanks to the puffed-up photos and videos he regularly shares on social media.

    However, Pimblett consistently steps into the cage in peak condition with a shredded physique, prompting many to question how he’s able to undergo such drastic weight fluctuations between fights — and even sparking debate among critics about his approach to managing his body.

    Images: @theufcbaddy/Instagram

    Paddy Pimblett Defends Weight Fluctuations

    During a recent interview with TNT Sports, Paddy Pimblett weighed in on the ongoing criticism surrounding his weight fluctuations, brushing off the exaggerated public perception. He explained that he naturally carries more weight outside of fight week, and that appearances can be misleading when it comes to judging his physique.

    “It’s funny, innit? People think I put like 30 pounds on, or like 40 pounds on, like my face goes a bit chubby,” Paddy said. “But I weigh in at 156, and yet people are like, ‘Oh, he’s put 40 pounds on.’ I haven’t, because I walk in the cage the next day like 185. So I put like 10, 15 pounds on from what I actually walk in the cage. Like, it’s mad.”

    “The Baddy” made his most recent Octagon appearance at UFC 314 last month, where he secured a statement third-round knockout victory over former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler. The win elevated Pimblett’s flawless UFC record to 7-0, with five of those victories coming by way of stoppage.

  • Michael Morales Breaks His Silence After Statement Win: ‘I’m Here, And I’m Coming For That Belt’

    Michael Morales is radiating confidence in the wake of his latest Octagon outing.

    Morales secured the biggest win of his career to date last Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where he delivered a thunderous first-round knockout of former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns in the UFC Vegas 106 main event.

    The undefeated Ecuadorian wasted no time asserting his dominance, dismantling “Durinho” with calculated aggression from the very first exchange. Morales kept the pressure relentless, landing heavy shots that visibly shook Burns early on.

    Burns made a last-ditch effort to shift the momentum, reaching for a leg in an attempt to initiate a grappling exchange — but Morales swiftly broke free and continued to press forward with punishing strikes. After the Brazilian went down for the second time, referee Herb Dean stepped in to call a halt to the contest at 3:39 into the bout.

    Michael Morales Sets Sights On Title Contention Following Knockout Win Over Gilbert Burns

    With his victory over Gilbert Burns, Michael Morales has taken a significant step forward in his career, positioning himself as a serious presence in the UFC’s talent-rich welterweight division.

    During a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Morales reflected on his rising stature in the weight class and asserted that his latest performance has sent a clear message to every contender vying for the title.

    “I said I was moving up in the rankings quietly and calmly, but I think now everyone has realized that I’m here, lurking for the belt, Michael Morales said. “That’s what I’m going to keep doing-everyone’s on notice now after this performance.”

    Morales punched his ticket to the UFC with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Nikolay Veretennikov on Dana White’s Contender Series back in September 2021. Since then, he’s remained undefeated inside the Octagon, amassing a perfect 6-0 record, with four of those wins coming by way of knockout.

    In his post-fight press conference, Morales expressed interest in a potential clash with Ian Garry, calling for the bout to take place at the upcoming Noche UFC event in Guadalajara, Mexico, scheduled for Sept. 13.

  • Former UFC Star Darren Till Laughs At Tommy Fury’s Boxing Career ‘Nobody cares. No one’s asked’

    Former UFC Star Darren Till Laughs At Tommy Fury’s Boxing Career ‘Nobody cares. No one’s asked’

    Darren Till seems so unimpressed by Tommy Fury’s career that the idea of fighting him doesn’t even register as a serious option.

    The two were originally set to throw down this past January, but the bout fell apart when Fury pulled out, seemingly shaken by Till’s threat to turn the boxing match into a brawl by kicking him. The warning rang out during the pre-fight press conference, leaving “TNT” apparently unwilling to gamble with the former UFC welterweight title challenger’s MMA roots.

    As a result, “The Gorilla” faced late replacement Anthony Taylor and went on to score a sixth-round TKO victory. Meanwhile, Fury returned to the ring last Friday after nearly two years away, earning a unanimous decision win over Kenan Hanjalic in Budapest, Hungary.

    With the victory, “TNT” extended his unbeaten pro record to 11-0, with the highlight of his career so far being his wins over YouTuber-turned-boxers Jake Paul and KSI in 2023.

    Image: @tommyfury/Instagram

    Darren Till Mocks The Direction Of Tommy Fury’s Boxing Career

    During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Darren Till pulled no punches when discussing Tommy Fury’s boxing career after being asked about the fallout from their canceled fight. He emphasized that there’s still a score to settle with his fellow countryman but added that he’s definitely unfazed if the fight never materializes.

    “The Gorilla” further confidently claimed he’s now a bigger draw in boxing and mocked Fury for headlining in a modest venue in Hungary.

    “Let’s just get it straight out here, please: I don’t give a f**k if I fight Tommy or Jake Paul,” Darren Till said. “Do I want to fight them? Yes, it’s a lot of money. But have you ever seen me begging for a fight with Jake Paul? No, I just don’t do that sh*t. I’m not gonna certainly beg for a fight with Tommy. So you can go off and fight in Hungary. Why are you even fighting in Hungary? Like, I’m still on Misfits, I’m still fighting on the big shows. He’s fighting in Hungary. No, nobody cares. Nobody cares. No one’s asked.”

    Darren Till secured a dominant unanimous decision victory in his sophomore boxing appearance, defeating Darren Stewart in the main event of Misfits Boxing 21 on Friday night in Derby.

    The matchup was originally scheduled for March 29 on the undercard of the KSI vs. Dillon Danis showdown. However, when the main event between the British YouTuber and Danis was scrapped, the entire card was thrown into uncertainty, delaying Till’s bout as well.

    Image: @darrentill2.0/Instagram

  • Ilia Topuria Issues First Words After UFC 317 Main Event Announcement: ‘My Apologies In Advance’

    Ilia Topuria Issues First Words After UFC 317 Main Event Announcement: ‘My Apologies In Advance’

    Ilia Topuria is brimming with confidence ahead of his permanent move to the UFC lightweight division.

    Topuria willingly vacated his UFC featherweight title in February, setting his sights on an immediate superfight with reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in pursuit of two-division glory.

    However, Makhachev’s team remained largely dismissive of the idea of facing the undefeated Spaniard, prompting the UFC to pivot and pursue alternative paths. On Tuesday, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the Dagestani has officially relinquished the 155-pound crown as he eyes a potential clash with newly minted welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena.

    As a result, “El Matador” will now face former champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the UFC 317 main event, set for June 28 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas during International Fight Week.

    Ilia Topuria Throws Shade At Charles Oliveira And Islam Makhachev

    After the announcement of his UFC 317 showdown, Ilia Topuria took to social media, confidently declaring that he would defeat Charles Oliveira and fulfill his dream of becoming a two-division champion. In his post, “El Matador” also threw a sly jab at Islam Makhachev, suggesting the Dagestani vacated the lightweight division out of fear of facing him.

    “On June 28, another dream will come true. I’ll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance… I’m just fighting for my dreams. It’s unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0,” Ilia Topuria wrote on X.

    Topuria claimed the 145-pound title with a knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024. He then solidified his reign with a dominant knockout win over Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October, successfully defending his belt.

    “El Matador” boasts an unbeaten 8-0 record in the UFC and an impressive 16-0 overall, with eight of those victories coming by knockout and six by submission.

    UFC 317
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XOsAPgWVCE
  • Ilia Topuria To Headline UFC 317 Against Charles Oliveira For Vacant Lightweight Belt

    Ilia Topuria To Headline UFC 317 Against Charles Oliveira For Vacant Lightweight Belt

    After much anticipation, UFC 317 has its main event locked in.

    UFC 317

    On Tuesday, UFC CEO Dana White revealed that Ilia Topuria will square off against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the main event of UFC 317 on June 28 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, capping off the promotion’s annual International Fight Week.

    The UFC lightweight throne is now vacant as reigning champion Islam Makhachev sets his sights on welterweight gold, targeting a high-profile clash with newly crowned titleholder Jack Della Maddalena, with their potential showdown expected to take place later this year.

    Topuria vacated his featherweight title ahead of UFC 314 to make a permanent move up to lightweight, with the goal of becoming a two-division champion. “El Matador” last graced the Octagon at UFC 308 in October, where he delivered a stunning knockout victory over Max Holloway, further extending his undefeated promotional record to 8-0.

    Meanwhile, Oliveira will be pursuing the undisputed 155-pound title for the third time, riding high on a dominant unanimous decision victory over Michael Chandler in their November rematch at UFC 309. “Do Bronx” claimed the lightweight crown at UFC 262 with a dominant win over Chandler. The Brazilian then successfully defended his title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 269.

    However, after missing weight for his second defense, the Brazilian was stripped of the belt, only to bounce back with a submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 274. Oliveira had another shot at the vacant title at UFC 280, but was soundly outclassed by Makhachev.

  • ‘Disheartened’ Alex Pereira Sparks Retirement Rumors Amid UFC Rift, Later Clarifies X Was Hacked

    ‘Disheartened’ Alex Pereira Sparks Retirement Rumors Amid UFC Rift, Later Clarifies X Was Hacked

    What initially appeared to be a sign of tension between Alex Pereira and the UFC may have been a misunderstanding.

    In just a few years, Pereira has ascended to become one of the UFC’s most celebrated and consistent stars, etching his name among the sport’s elite. In only seven fights across two years, the Brazilian powerhouse exceeded expectations and claimed championship titles in two weight classes.

    In 2024, “Poatan” became the UFC’s ultimate backup plan, stepping in on short notice to save two of the promotion’s most high-profile events. First, he rose to the challenge at UFC 300 in April, facing Jamahal Hill, and then again at UFC 303 during International Fight Week against Jiří Procházka. On both occasions, the former two division champion not only delivered but triumphed.

    On Wednesday, a confusing post from Pereira’s official X account surfaced, hinting at a potential fallout with the UFC and suggesting he might be considering retirement. The post stirred widespread speculation among fans and media alike.

    “I always answered the UFC’s calls, but if they want to play with me, we can do that. I’ve never spoken poorly of the UFC but with what I’ve just heard I’m disheartened. I’ve already had thoughts of not fighting anymore, and after what was just relayed to me this may be the start.”

    https://twitter.com/AlexPereiraUFC/status/1920175533708456134

    The post sparked widespread speculation within the MMA community about what might have specifically triggered Pereira’s frustration with the UFC — whether it was opponent selection, fight timing, contract negotiations, or another underlying issue.

    However, “Poatan” recently took to Instagram to deny making the statement, claiming that his account had been compromised.

    “I’ve received a ton of messages, getting messages from everyone, who saw a post from my Twitter,” Alex Pereira said in Portuguese. I didn’t even know about it, I was hacked. It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, you guys see. But I was hacked and I’ll resolve it. I don’t even know what’s going on. I have a great relationship with UFC. People like to do bad things. That’s that. Chama.”

    Pereira’s most recent appearance came at UFC 313 in March, where he was unable to defend his light heavyweight title, losing a closely contested unanimous decision to Magomed Ankalaev. With that setback, his UFC record now stands at 9-2, including seven knockout wins.

  • UFC 315 Suffers Major Blow With Key Fight Scrapped Last Minute

    UFC 315 Suffers Major Blow With Key Fight Scrapped Last Minute

    The UFC 315 main card has suffered a major setback just days before the event.

    The MMA leader is preparing for its return to Canada with the fifth pay-per-view event of the year, scheduled for May 10 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.

    On Saturday, French media outlet La Sueur first reported that the lightweight clash between Benoît Saint-Denis and Joel Álvarez has been removed from the UFC 315 lineup.

    “El Fenomeno” has reportedly withdrawn from the bout for undisclosed reasons, leaving Saint-Denis without an opponent just a week before fight night. Currently, it remains unclear whether a short-notice replacement will be found.

    Álvarez last competed in the Octagon at UFC Tampa this past December, where he delivered a first-round knockout of Drakkar Klose. The impressive finish improved his promotional record to 7-2 and marked his third consecutive victory.

    “El Fenómeno” last tasted defeat at UFC Vegas 49 in February 2022, where he succumbed to a second-round TKO against Arman Tsarukyan.

    Meanwhile, Saint-Denis has been sidelined since his lopsided TKO (doctor stoppage) defeat to Renato Moicano at UFC Paris last September. “God of War” is currently on a two-fight losing streak, which stands in stark contrast to his previous run of five consecutive victories, all secured by stoppage.

    UFC 315 will feature a championship double-header at the top of the card. In the main event, welterweight champion Belal Muhammad defends his title against the surging Jack Della Maddalena. In the co-main event, flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko puts her belt on the line against Manon Fiorot.

  • Ryan Garcia Reflects on Surreal Times Square Experience: ‘It Felt Like A Sparring Match’

    Ryan Garcia Reflects on Surreal Times Square Experience: ‘It Felt Like A Sparring Match’

    Ryan Garcia suggests the unusual fight venue may have contributed to his underwhelming performance.

    On Friday night, Garcia headlined a fight card titled “Fatal Fury: City of Wolves” at the iconic Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, where he faced off against Rolando Romero.

    “KingRy” struggled to find his rhythm from the opening bell and was knocked down by Romero in the second round. Throughout the bout, Garcia was consistently outboxed in a contest that lacked sustained action. Ultimately, “Rolly” impressed the judges with his technical precision, earning a unanimous decision victory.

    During the post-fight press conference, Garcia acknowledged falling short of expectations while praising Romero for his dominant performance in the squared circle. Many fans and analysts speculated that Garcia’s year-long hiatus might have contributed to his disappointing showing.

    However, another factor to consider is the venue itself. The high-profile event was held in a secluded section of Times Square with sparse fan attendance, and New York’s notorious traffic added to the challenge.

    The former WBC interim champion specifically cited the unusual venue as a possible factor in his lackluster performance.

    “I really wasn’t a fan of that at all,” Garcia said. “It felt like a sparring match, and it felt like you could hear everybody. It just didn’t feel authentic to me. But no excuses. It is what it is. It was just so weird because usually once you step in the ring, everything fades away. This time I went in the ring and I could hear everything… Everybody just screaming stuff. I don’t know why I didn’t zone it out. It just felt like a weird fever dream. It was so awkward. Usually fights don’t feel that way.”

  • Arman Tsarukyan Defeats Team Khabib Fighter, Eyes Islam Makhachev Next

    Arman Tsarukyan Defeats Team Khabib Fighter, Eyes Islam Makhachev Next

    Arman Tsarukyan recently returned to competition after a year-long absence—but not inside the UFC Octagon.

    On Friday night, Tsarukyan stepped into the grappling pit for a 175-pound showdown with Dagestani wrestler Makasharip Zaynukov at Karate Combat 54 in Dubai. “Ahalkalakets” opened aggressively with a single-leg attempt in the corner, but Zaynukov defended well.

    The rest of the bout featured limited grappling success from both fighters, with neither securing a clear takedown across two closely contested five-minute rounds. However, the UFC lightweight contender’s activity and control earned him a unanimous decision from all three judges, making a third round unnecessary.

    In his post-fight interview, Tsarukyan reflected on his performance and explained his motivation for entering the grappling match.

    “It feels great,” Arman Tsarukyan said. “I haven’t fought in one year, so that’s why I came and wrestled today. My opponent is a very tough guy. No one knows him a lot because he fights in Russia, but he’s from a very strong team. He didn’t want to wrestle too much. I like offense, and he was trying to escape from me for 10 minutes.”

    Tsarukyan’s last UFC appearance came at UFC 300 in April 2024, where he secured a hard-fought split decision victory over former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a title eliminator. “Ahalkalakets” was then slated to challenge reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January, but was forced to withdraw just hours before weigh-ins due to health issues.

    The 28-year-old Armenian has expressed his desire to reschedule a rematch with Makhachev as his next fight.

    “Can’t wait for next one. I need one more guy from Khabib’s team [Makhachev]. Let’s do this again.”

    Tsarukyan first faced Makhachev at a UFC Fight Night event in April 2019, where he delivered a gritty performance in his Octagon debut. Despite his resilience, he was ultimately outclassed and lost to the Dagestani by unanimous decision.

    Currently riding a four-fight win streak, Tsarukyan holds a 9-2 record in the UFC, with four of those victories coming by knockout.

  • Former UFC Title Challenger Faces Six-Month Ban After Positive Drug Test

    Former UFC Title Challenger Faces Six-Month Ban After Positive Drug Test

    A former UFC women’s title challenger has seen her career continue on a downward trajectory.

    On Wednesday, USADA announced that PFL women’s flyweight Taila Santos has accepted a six-month suspension for violating the promotion’s Anti-Doping Policy. The drug-testing agency revealed that the 31-year-old Brazilian tested positive for banned substances, including oxandrolone and its metabolites, as well as clenbuterol, following an out-of-competition sample collected on March 21.

    The suspension is effective for six months, with Santos’ ineligibility retroactively beginning from the date her sample was collected. She will be eligible to return to competition on September 21.

    As a result of the failed drug test, Santos was removed from her scheduled fight against Juliana Velasquez at the April 12 PFL World Tournament event.

    Santos’ most recent appearance came at the 2024 PFL World Championship in November, where she was stopped in the second round by reigning flyweight champion Dakota Ditcheva. The defeat marked her first loss in four PFL appearances.

    https://twitter.com/espnmma/status/1862600002956071029

    Santos parted ways with the UFC in November 2023, leaving the promotion with a 4-3 record. Her exit followed back-to-back losses, including a narrow split decision defeat to Valentina Shevchenko in a UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship bout at UFC 275 in July 2022.

  • Francis Ngannou Addresses Motorcycle Accident That Claimed Woman’s Life In Cameroon

    Francis Ngannou Addresses Motorcycle Accident That Claimed Woman’s Life In Cameroon

    Francis Ngannou is expressing deep sorrow over his involvement in a recent motorcycle accident that ended in tragedy.

    Last month, multiple Cameroonian media outlets reported that Ngannou was involved in a motorcycle accident in Yaoundé, where he allegedly struck a young woman identified as Ntsama Brigitte Manuella.

    According to reports, “The Predator” personally transported Manuella to the General Hospital of Yaoundé following the incident. Although doctors performed emergency surgery in an attempt to save her severely injured leg and arm, she tragically did not survive.

    https://twitter.com/nathanhovde/status/1917022881630064651

    Days after the tragic incident, Ngannou broke his silence, issuing a heartfelt statement to TMZ Sports. The former UFC heavyweight champion said his “heart is shattered” over the “devastating loss of life” and emphasized that he has remained in close contact with the victim’s family, offering ongoing support and solace during their time of grief.

    “From the very beginning, I have been by the family’s side, offering support, comfort, and deepest condolences during this time,” Francis Ngannou said. “I’ve met with them privately to share in their grief, and I will continue to stand with them every step of the way.”

    “The Predator” went on to explain that he couldn’t provide further details about the accident, as the investigation is still underway. However, he made it clear that he continues to carry the emotional weight of the tragedy.

    “I carry their pain with me, and my unwavering thoughts and support remain with them as they face this heartbreaking loss.”

    Ngannou last competed at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in October, where he delivered a dominant first-round TKO victory over Renan Ferreira, clinching the PFL Super Heavyweight Championship.

    Before making his PFL debut, the 38-year-old Cameroonian transitioned to professional boxing, where he suffered back-to-back losses against former heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

  • Manny Pacquiao To End Four Year Layoff With WBC Title Shot In July

    Manny Pacquiao To End Four Year Layoff With WBC Title Shot In July

    Manny Pacquiao appears set to come out of retirement and lace up the gloves once more for a highly anticipated return to the boxing ring.

    On Friday, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced that Pacquiao is expected to return to active competition after a four-year hiatus, with plans to face reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. The bout is rumored to take place on July 19 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    https://twitter.com/OnTheRecordBox/status/1918277882146623660

    Sulaiman explained that under WBC rules, a former champion of Pacquiao’s caliber is allowed to come out of retirement and immediately compete for a title. He further revealed that the 46-year-old Filipino boxing legend has already received medical clearance from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

    “Pac Man” was last seen in the ring in August 2021, where he endured a grueling unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás in their WBA super welterweight title bout. His most recent victory came in July 2019, when he edged out Keith Thurman via split decision in a hard-fought battle nearly six years ago.

    Pacquiao assumed office as a senator in June 2016, following a successful campaign in that year’s national elections. He held the position until 2022, stepping away from legislative duties to launch a presidential bid in the Philippines.

    The former multi-division world champion boasts a storied professional record of 62-8-2, with 39 of those wins coming by knockout. “Pac Man” is also set to receive one of boxing’s highest honors when he is officially inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this June in Canastota, New York.

    Meanwhile, Barrios was elevated to WBC welterweight champion in 2023 after Terence Crawford vacated the belt to move up in weight. “El Azteca” last competed in November, appearing on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event. In his first title defense, the 29-year-old American went the distance with Abel Ramos, earning a tightly contested draw that allowed him to retain the championship.

    Barrios is currently riding a four-fight win streak, with a professional record of 29-2-1 and 18 wins by knockout.

  • Ilia Topuria Confirms Bombshell Return Announcement For UFC 317

    Ilia Topuria Confirms Bombshell Return Announcement For UFC 317

    Ilia Topuria finally has a date circled on the calendar for his long-awaited return to the Octagon.

    Topuria has been itching to get back into action ever since voluntarily relinquishing the UFC Featherweight Championship in February, aiming to fast-track a showdown with reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev.

    But despite his ambitions, Makhachev’s camp has shown little to no interest in entertaining a title shot for the undefeated Spaniard—at least not in the immediate future.

    Last month, reports surfaced suggesting that “La Leyenda” could be in line for a lightweight title opportunity —either against Makhachev or for a vacant belt, with June as a potential target. The buzz intensified when Topuria took to social media, revealing that he had already kicked off training camp in preparation for the highly anticipated bout.

    On Friday, Topuria officially confirmed his next fight will take place at UFC 317 on June 28, as part of UFC International Fight Week at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada—though he left fans guessing by not yet revealing his opponent.

    The former UFC Featherweight Champion dropped the announcement through Spanish media shortly after receiving the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of the Second of May from the Community of Madrid.

    “I would like to thank the Community of Madrid and its president for this recognition by the Grand Cross of the Order Dos de Mayo,” Ilia Topuria said. “I am very sorry for not being able to be there with you. But I’ve got training ahead of me, and I hope to make you all happy again on June 28.”

    “La Leyenda” was last seen at UFC 308 in October, where he delivered a stunning knockout of Max Holloway in his first title defense. That dominant performance followed his breakout showing at UFC 298 in February 2024, where he dethroned Alexander Volkanovski to capture the UFC Featherweight title.

    Ilia Topuria remains unbeaten in the UFC, boasting a flawless 8-0 record, with six of those victories coming by way of finish.

  • UFC Veteran Claims Colby Covington ‘Fumbled’ Main Event Opportunity

    UFC Veteran Claims Colby Covington ‘Fumbled’ Main Event Opportunity

    A UFC veteran claims Colby Covington passed on a clear opportunity to fight him.

    Covington was last seen in action at UFC Tampa in December, where he suffered a lopsided third-round TKO loss via doctor’s stoppage at the hands of Joaquin Buckley. The setback added to his recent struggles, as “Chaos” has now lost four of his last six fights since 2019.

    Since then, the former interim UFC welterweight champion appears to have shifted his focus toward his live streaming venture on KICK and has shown minimal intent to resume his fighting career anytime soon.

    However, according to Michael Chiesa, Covington had a clear chance to face him following their stint as rival assistant coaches on Season 33 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). The prospect of a showdown between the two began to gain traction, especially after head coaches Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen publicly backed the matchup once filming wrapped.

    In a video posted to his YouTube channel this March, Covington dismissed the idea of facing “Maverick” and bluntly stated he had no interest in fighting someone who isn’t ranked in the top 15.

    During a recent interview with MMA on SiriusXM, Chiesa revealed that while filming TUF, Covington had personally agreed to fight him next—but later backed out.

    The 37-year-old Colorado native didn’t hold back, criticizing Covington for his lack of commitment to the sport. Chiesa went on to assert that Covington’s focus on fighting only top-tier opponents will ultimately lead to his downfall.

    “At the end of the day, I think that he screwed up a really good opportunity,” Chiesa said. “I’m hearing the stories of how he handles his fighting career at this point in time. He has said it himself, streamers make more money than fighters. I think he’s aspiring to be a streamer more than he is a fighter. I know that he doesn’t train the way he used to because I’m talking to people that train at MMA Masters, and it’s like you want to fight for the title, you only want to fight ranked guys. Buddy, if you’re training the way that I’m hearing you’re training, it’s only going to get worse. So why didn’t you take the opportunity to fight me, in a main event, against a guy who worst-case scenario is just going to snatch your neck and choke you? Now Colby just fumbled a situation where he’s probably going to have to fight a Michael Morales, he’s going to have to fight a guy that’s going to do what Joaquin Buckley did to him. So to me, he fumbled a great opportunity for us to do a fight for The Ultimate Fighter, for these fighters.”

    “Maverick” last competed at UFC 310 in December, where he secured a dominant third-round submission victory over Max Griffin, extending his winning streak to two. Chiesa is set to face Court McGee at UFC Atlanta on June 14, with the showdown scheduled to take place at State Farm Arena in Georgia.

  • Francis Ngannou Reportedly Involved In Fatal Motorcycle Accident In Cameroon

    Francis Ngannou Reportedly Involved In Fatal Motorcycle Accident In Cameroon

    Francis Ngannou’s name has reportedly become embroiled in a deeply troubling incident.

    On Monday, several reports surfaced on social media claiming that Francis Ngannou was involved in a motorcycle accident in which he struck a young woman in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon.

    According to a report from Le Bled Parle, a girl named Ntsama Brigitte Manuella was struck by “The Predator’s” motorcycle while returning home. The former UFC heavyweight champion is said to have rushed her to the General Hospital of Yaoundé in a desperate attempt to save her life.

    However, despite undergoing emergency surgery for severe injuries to her leg and arm, Manuella tragically passed away.

    As of now, there has been no official word from Ngannou or his team on the matter, and it is still unclear if any legal consequences will be taken against the combat sports superstar.

    “The Predator” was most recently in action in the main event of PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in October, where he secured a dominant first-round TKO victory over Renan Ferreira, capturing the promotion’s coveted Super heavyweight championship.

    Before returning to MMA, Ngannou ventured into the world of professional boxing, making his debut in October 2023 against former lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Despite a stunning performance that shocked many, he suffered a razor-thin split decision loss.

    The 38-year-old Cameroonian stepped into the ring again in March 2024 to face Anthony Joshua, but this time suffered a devastating second-round knockout.

  • Carlos Prates Breaks Silence On First UFC Loss To Ian Garry in Kansas City

    Carlos Prates Breaks Silence On First UFC Loss To Ian Garry in Kansas City

    Carlos Prates is promising to bounce back stronger after tasting defeat for the first time in the UFC.

    Prates collided with Ian Garry in the UFC Kansas City headliner this past Saturday at T-Mobile Center in Missouri. Over five rounds, the Brazilian was largely on the back foot, as Garry’s exceptional footwork and high-volume striking kept him guessing and a step behind.

    “The Nightmare” had difficulty establishing his game plan throughout the fight, as he repeatedly faced takedown attempts from the Irishman. It wasn’t until the final round that Prates seemed to find a burst of energy, landing some powerful shots, including a vicious ground and pound.

    However, his late push wasn’t enough to turn the tide, as Prates couldn’t sway the judges, who scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, awarding “The Future” the unanimous decision victory.

    Gutted by the defeat, Prates turned to Instagram Stories to concisely share his disappointment about not being able to finish the fight the way he had envisioned.

    “Unfortunately I couldn’t end the fight and that wasn’t enough. Sorry family, I’ll come back stronger!,” Carlos Prates wrote.

    With his defeat at UFC Kansas City, “The Nightmare” saw his impressive four-fight win streak inside the Octagon come to a halt. Prates’ professional record now stands at 21-7, with 16 of those victories coming by knockout.

    Meanwhile, Garry has rebounded from the first loss of his professional career, which came at the hands of Shavkat Rakhmonov in a title eliminator at UFC 310 this past December. “The Future” has since improved his record to 16-1, including seven knockout wins.

  • Kamaru Usman To Headline UFC Atlanta On June 14 Against Surging Contender

    Kamaru Usman To Headline UFC Atlanta On June 14 Against Surging Contender

    Kamaru Usman is finally set to make his long-anticipated return to the UFC.

    On Friday, the MMA promotion announced that Usman will headline UFC Atlanta against emerging contender Joaquin Buckley in a crucial welterweight showdown. The upcoming Fight Night event is poised to take place on June 14 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Usman will be making his comeback to active competition after nearly a two-year hiatus. The former welterweight champion was last seen in action at UFC 294 in October 2024, where he suffered a majority decision loss in a short-notice middleweight clash against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.

    “The Nigerian Nightmare” is currently enduring the most challenging stretch of his UFC career, having suffered three consecutive losses. The tough run began when he lost his long-held 170-pound title at UFC 278 in August 2022, falling to a dramatic last-round knockout from Leon Edwards.

    Usman’s bid to reclaim the title in a trilogy bout against “Rocky” at UFC 286 in March 2023 also ended in disappointment with a decision loss.

    Meanwhile, Buckley’s long-desired wish to face Usman is finally coming true. He has relentlessly called out “The Nigerian Nightmare” ever since stopping (doctor’s stoppage) multi-time title challenger Colby Covington at UFC Tampa in December.

    “New Mansa” has been unstoppable since making his return to welterweight in May 2023, currently riding a six-fight win streak. This impressive run includes dominant victories over seasoned veterans such as Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, and Alex Morono.

    Here’s what the UFC Atlanta lineup looks like with the addition of Usman vs. Buckley:

    • Joaquin Buckley vs. Kamaru Usman: welterweight
    • Miranda Maverick vs. Rose Namajunas: women’s flyweight
    • Alonzo Menifield vs. Oumar Sy: light heavyweight
    • Tereza Bleda vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth:women’s flyweight
    • Andre Petroski vs. Edmen Shahbazyan: middleweight
    • Cody Durden vs. Jose Ochoa: flyweight
    • Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Cody Brundage: middleweight
  • Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois Rematch Pushed To New July Date

    Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois Rematch Pushed To New July Date

    Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois now have a new date locked in to reignite their rivalry.

    According to a recent report by Ring Magazine, the rematch between Usyk and Dubois, originally scheduled for July 12 at Wembley Stadium in London, England, has now been pushed back to July 19.

    The reshuffling was prompted to prevent a scheduling conflict with the newly announced Ring Magazine event, which will be headlined by reigning WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson as he defends his title against the undefeated William Zepeda.

    The two fighters first met on August 23, when Usyk emerged victorious over the up-and-coming Englishman with a dominant ninth-round TKO. However, the outcome was marred by controversy after Dubois landed a body shot in the fifth round that dropped Usyk, with the punch being ruled a low blow.

    Usyk enters this rematch on the back of two dominant decision victories over Tyson Fury last year. The undefeated Ukrainian made history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era after his monumental victory over “The Gypsy King” in May.

    However, to secure the highly anticipated rematch with Fury, “The Cat” was forced to vacate his IBF title, which Dubois claimed after defeating Filip Hrgovic in June 2024. Usyk currently holds an undefeated professional record of 23-0, including 14 knockout wins.

    Meanwhile, “Dynamite” is riding the momentum of a three-fight win streak and is coming off a fifth-round knockout victory over Anthony Joshua in September to retain his title. Dubois was initially slated to defend his IBF title against Joseph Parker in February, but had to pull out just two days before the bout due to illness.

    The 27-year-old London native currently impressive professional record of 22-2, with a staggering 21 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

  • Former Manchester United Captain Set To Make Shocking PFL Debut On May 23

    Former Manchester United Captain Set To Make Shocking PFL Debut On May 23

    The PFL SmartCage is set to welcome a former French footballer in a surprise crossover bout.

    On Friday, the PFL officially announced that former Manchester United captain Patrice Evra has signed with the promotion and will be making his MMA debut at the upcoming PFL Europe event on May 23 at the Accor Arena in Paris, France.

    Evra is expected to compete in a welterweight showcase bout — though his opponent remains under wraps.

    The 43-year-old Senegal-born Frenchman has been training alongside fellow countryman and PFL standout Cédric Doumbé.

    “You guys should know by now, I love this game too! I’ve performed on the world’s biggest stages, won every major trophy in football, but PFL Europe Paris will be an incredibly special night for me,” Evra said in a statement released by the promotion.” I’ve been training alongside the best in the world for years, and they’ll also tell you I’m ready for this. I’m going to put on a show at the Accor Arena on 23 May, so come watch the spectacle.”

    Following the announcement, Evra took to social media and cheekily suggested he would like to make his promotional debut against his longtime Premier League rival, Luis Suárez, inside the cage.

    “BREAKING: I’m officially training for my first fight with @PFLEurope. They will pick my opponent… They asked who I wanna face. I said:
    Luis Suárez. I’ll pay out of pocket. He can even bite me, Evra wrote on X.

    Following a brief stint with West Ham United, Evra hung up his boots for good in July 2019. His illustrious playing career was highlighted by a commanding decade at Manchester United from 2005 to 2014, during which he made 273 appearances.

    The upcoming PFL Europe event is set to be headlined by a lightweight showdown between Mansour Barnaoui and Archie Colgan. The card also features another 155-pound clash between Patrick Habirora and Nicolas Di Franco, as well as a bantamweight battle in which promotional debutant Taylor Lapilus will face off against Ali Taleb.

  • Jake Paul Returns Against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. On June 28 In California

    Jake Paul Returns Against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. On June 28 In California

    Jake Paul will be returning to action this summer to kick off his 2025 campaign.

    On Friday, Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger first reported that Paul is slated to face former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a cruiserweight showdown.

    Later in the evening, “The Problem Child” himself confirmed the news, officially announcing that the bout is scheduled for June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

    Before finalizing his bout with Chavez Jr., Paul was deep in talks for a superfight with Canelo Alvarez, targeting a May date. However, those plans fell through when Alvarez opted to sign a lucrative deal with Riyadh Season promotion.

    The YouTuber-turned-boxer even took aim at the Mexican superstar on social media, mocking Canelo’s unanimous decision win over Chavez Jr. from May 2017.

    “I just defeated the baddest man on the planet and broke multiple records, and now I’m going against a former world champion with 54 wins who Canelo could barely beat,” Jake Paul wrote on X.

    “The Problem Child” last stepped into the ring in November, earning a unanimous decision win over former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. The 28-year-old Ohio native is riding a five-fight winning streak and boasts a professional record of 11-1. His lone defeat came in February 2023, when he suffered a narrow split decision loss to Tommy Fury.

    Meanwhile, Chavez Jr. was last seen on the undercard of Paul’s bout with Mike Perry this past July, scoring a unanimous decision victory over former UFC standout Uriah Hall. The win marked his first appearance in the squared circle following a three-year layoff.

    “La Leyenda Continua” reigned as the WBC middleweight champion from 2011 to 2012, successfully defending the title three times before dropping it to Sergio Martínez in September 2012. The seasoned Mexican veteran boasts a professional record of 54-6-1 with one no contest, and 34 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

  • Conor McGregor vs. KSI ‘Was A Done Deal,’ Says Misfits Boxing’s Mams Taylor

    Conor McGregor vs. KSI ‘Was A Done Deal,’ Says Misfits Boxing’s Mams Taylor

    Conor McGregor was supposedly in advanced negotiations for potential showdowns against top influencer boxers.

    McGregor has remained sidelined since suffering a brutal leg break in his trilogy clash with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 back in July 2021. Despite years of relentless teases and bold declarations about a comeback, the Irishman’s long-awaited return to the Octagon has remained nothing more than talk.

    Back in December, “The Notorious” revealed he was actively plotting a high-profile exhibition bout against Logan Paul in India, aiming for a summer showdown before making his UFC return. But as it turns out, Paul wasn’t the only YouTuber-turned-part-time boxer on McGregor’s radar.

    During a recent episode of Misfits News on YouTube, promoter Mams Taylor revealed that McGregor was on the verge of finalizing a crossover boxing match against KSI. The bout, reportedly orchestrated by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh, was set to take place on Alcatraz Island in June.

    However, at the last moment, just before the fight could be officially announced, the former UFC two-division champion reportedly withdrew.

    “The Conor McGregor one, we thought it was a done deal,” Taylor said. “We were told it was a done deal. I don’t know exactly [what happened] because I wasn’t part of the negotiations with Conor, but I think Conor made a statement recently about that and addressed it subtly so just refer back to that. He wants to be a politician and who knows? I think that’s a very exciting fight, I think it’s a wonderful fight, it would be massive. That got KSI more excited than I’ve ever seen him and I’ve seen him go through ups, downs, all kinds of crazy stuff we’ve been through together.”

    Taylor’s assertions seem to be corroborated by a statement made by “The Notorious” last month, where McGregor confessed to turning down an opportunity to fight on Alcatraz. He explained that his focus was instead directed toward his ambitious presidential campaign in Ireland.

    Meanwhile, KSI was initially set to face McGregor’s close friend Dillon Danis in the headline matchup at Misfits Boxing 21 on March 29. However, the British YouTuber withdrew from the fight, citing an alleged illness.

    While the bout was reportedly postponed with hopes of rescheduling, it now seems increasingly unlikely that the fight will ever be rebooked.

  • Marvin Vettori Mourns Loss Of His Younger Brother Due To Devastating House Fire

    Marvin Vettori Mourns Loss Of His Younger Brother Due To Devastating House Fire

    Marvin Vettori has recently endured an unimaginable loss.

    On Tuesday morning, reports emerged in Italian media revealing the heartbreaking news that Patrick Vettori, the younger brother of former UFC middleweight title challenger Marvin Vettori, sadly passed away in a house fire at his residence in Mezzocorona, Italy.

    The fire is believed to have started after Patrick accidentally left a pan on the stove and fell asleep on the couch. Although emergency services were alerted by neighbors, police, and firefighters arrived at scene too late — he had already succumbed to smoke inhalation.

    “The Italian Dream” took to Instagram to confirm the unfortunate demise of his 30-year-old brother. In a deeply emotional tribute, Vettori shared a series of poignant childhood photos and penned a heartfelt message for Patrick.

    “You were and always will be No. 1 my little brother! You left us leaving an unfillable void, I will love you until my last breath. I don’t think I’ll be the same after today because maybe I never told you but you’ve always been my strength. You were the smartest and smartest of the 2, you were creating a wonderful future for yourself and I can’t get over it.”

    “It is said that Jesus calls back the most beautiful souls prematurely to have them with him in heaven and then I hope that you are there with him looking and watching over us with that goodness that has always set you apart. I love you my brother, and even though it won’t be easy to continue life without you, it gives me heart to know that one day I’ll be buried next to you.”

    While details about Patrick Vettori’s personal life remain limited, his Instagram profile offers a glimpse into his professional ventures. He was the owner of a real estate firm called Vettori Homes and the co-founder of Padel Hall, a paddle tennis facility based in Trento.

  • Bryce Mitchell On UFC 314 Loss To Jean Silva: ‘He Put Me To Sleep, I Had Nothing Left’

    Bryce Mitchell On UFC 314 Loss To Jean Silva: ‘He Put Me To Sleep, I Had Nothing Left’

    Bryce Mitchell made no excuses for tapping out to Jean Silva this past weekend.

    At UFC 314 in Miami’s Kaseya Center, Mitchell was completely outmatched by Silva, who controlled the fight throughout before submitting him with a brutal ninja choke in the second round.

    Before securing the finish, “Lord” displayed sharp striking and showcased a clear grappling edge, neutralizing the American in nearly every exchange en route to locking in the submission win.

    After suffering his second submission defeat in the UFC, “Thug Nasty” took to Instagram to reflect on the loss, admitting he was heartbroken by the outcome but stood by the fact that he left everything he had in the Octagon.

    “Thank God, he protected me, Bryce Mitchell said. “I didn’t lose my teeth. I don’t got no broken bones. So I feel good about that. I fought as hard as I possibly could. I couldn’t have fought any harder. I could have fought smarter. I’m going to go make some adjustments but I mean he put me to sleep. I had nothing left to give. I’m happy about that, knowing that I tried my best. But I’ve got to get better. That’s just the lesson learned here, I’ve got to get better.

    “I really thought that I was going to win the fight. 100 percent believed it. Because I just never had a fight that big before and I was like wow out of nowhere, this fight just got this much hype. God’s chosen me to win this fight but that wasn’t the case… I’m just going to keep fighting. That’s all I can do,” Mitchell said. “That’s all we can all do. Any time you take a loss, just learn from it and keep fighting. That’s what I’m going to do.”

    “Thug Nasty” finds himself on uneven footing, going 2-3 in his last five appearances—each of the three losses coming by way of stoppage. His most recent win came at UFC 310 in December, when he scored a third-round knockout over Kron Gracie amidst an inconsistent run.

  • Jake Paul Claims He Was Close To Booking Gervonta Davis Superfight

    Jake Paul Claims He Was Close To Booking Gervonta Davis Superfight

    Jake Paul continues to chase marquee names in his quest for boxing legitimacy.

    Over the past few years, Paul has headlined a string of crossover bouts, often squaring off against ex-UFC stars. While his fight card has leaned heavily on name value and entertainment, Paul insists his long-term ambition is to capture a recognized title. His confidence only grew after defeating 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson last November.

    “The Problem Child” was eyeing a blockbuster clash with multi-division champion Canelo Alvarez, with the two camps allegedly deep in discussions. However, the potential superfight quickly fizzled out as the Mexican superstar dismissed the bout entirely, opting instead to sign a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. However, that wasn’t the only high-profile opportunity that slipped through Paul’s fingers this year.

    In a recent interview with iFL TV, Jake Paul stated that a mega-fight with Gervonta Davis was all but finalized, with talks advancing to the brink of an official announcement. However, the deal ultimately fell through as the reigning WBA lightweight champion chose to prioritize on his rematch against Lamont Roach Jr.

    “Yeah, it was highly talked about and in negotiations, and almost ready to make happen,” Paul said. “But he has to do his rematch with Lamont and get that W. Then we’ll be able to run it back. But me and Gervonta were scheduled to fight, for sure.”

    Even if the deal had gone through, the matchup would have raised eyebrows due to the extreme weight difference as “Tank” fights at lightweight, where the limit is 135 pounds. In stark contrast, Paul weighed in at a bulky 227 pounds for his recent heavyweight showdown with Tyson and typically competes in the cruiserweight division.

    With potential bouts against Alvarez and Davis no longer in play, “The Problem Child” has now set his sights on former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, eyeing a blockbuster clash sometime in early 2026. Jake Paul boasts a boxing record of 11-1, with seven of those victories coming by way of knockout.

    Meanwhile, Davis is fresh off a gritty majority draw against Roach Jr. last month. “Tank” remains unbeaten in his professional career, holding a 30-0-1 record with 28 wins by knockout.

  • Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Rebooked To Headline UFC’s Debut In Azerbaijan

    Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Rebooked To Headline UFC’s Debut In Azerbaijan

    The UFC is set to venture into brand-new territory this summer with its promotional debut in Azerbaijan.

    On Friday, the UFC announced a collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan and the Baku City Circuit Operations Company to bring a Fight Night event to the Baku Crystal Hall on June 21.

    The upcoming event will be headlined by a high-stakes clash between top-ranked light heavyweight contenders Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree.

    The pair were originally slated to meet in the main event of UFC Kansas City on April 26, but the bout was scrapped last week after Hill withdrew due to an undisclosed injury.

    “Sweet Dreams” last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 311 this past January, where he was stopped by former champion Jiří Procházka via a third-round knockout. That defeat came on the heels of another setback at UFC 300 in April 2024, where Hill’s bid to reclaim the 205-pound crown ended in a first-round finish at the hands of Alex Pereira.

    Meanwhile, Rountree Jr. is also looking to rebound from a knockout loss at UFC 307 last October, where he challenged “Poatan” for the light heavyweight title. Prior to that bout, “The War Horse” was riding a five-fight winning streak.

    Hill and Rountree Jr. were initially slated to square off at UFC 303 in June 2024, but the matchup was called off after “The War Horse” tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid DHEA, resulting in a 4.5-month suspension.

    UFC Baku will see the long-awaited return of former RIZIN double champ Kyoji Horiguchi, nearly nine years after his last UFC appearance. “The Typhoon” is set to face No. 10-ranked flyweight contender Tagir Ulanbekov.

    The Azerbaijan event now features the following confirmed fights:

    • Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree: light heavyweight
    • Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Tagir Ulanbekov: flyweight
    • Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev: heavyweight
    • Ismail Naurdiev vs. JunYong Park: middleweight
    • Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Mohammed Usman: heavyweight
    • Irina Alekseeva vs. Klaudia Sygula: women’s bantamweight
    • Daria Zhelezniakova vs. Melissa Mullins: women’s bantamweight