MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • Diego Lopes And Yair Rodriguez Nearly Come To Blows At UFC 314 Press Conference

    Diego Lopes And Yair Rodriguez Nearly Come To Blows At UFC 314 Press Conference

    Diego Lopes and Yair Rodriguez aren’t booked to face each other at UFC 314, yet tensions flared between them in the lead-up to the event.

    Lopes is poised to fight former champion Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant featherweight title in the headlining bout of UFC’s pay-per-view event this Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Meanwhile, on the undercard, Rodriguez will welcome promotional newcomer Patricio Pitbull in a highly anticipated matchup.

    Ahead of this weekend’s matchups, all the main card fighters gathered on stage for the UFC 314 pre-fight press conference on Thursday, where the atmosphere remained relatively calm as only Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva traded barbs. However, around 25 minutes into the presser, things started to heat up between Lopes and Rodriguez.

    The tension began when a journalist inquired whether Lopes would be open to facing Rodriguez in the future, assuming he defeats Volkanovski. This came after “El Pantera” had earlier voiced his displeasure with Lopes representing Mexico, despite being born in Brazil.

    In his response, Lopes sharply reminded the former UFC interim featherweight champion of his consecutive stoppage losses, which led Rodriguez to spring to his feet. The situation escalated as Rodriguez yelled at Lopes, branding him a coward, and stirred up personal grievances involving fighters from both of their gyms.

    The fiery exchange raged on, with the fighters exchanging words in Spanish as security intervened, struggling to keep them apart and avoid an all-out brawl on stage. For a brief moment, it seemed like the situation had cooled.

    Initially, it appeared that the situation had been defused, but as the press conference wrapped up and the fighters prepared for their customary face-offs, Lopes and Rodriguez couldn’t help but continue their verbal sparring, reigniting the animosity once again before facing their respective UFC 314 opponents.

    This was a stark contrast to the camaraderie Lopes and Rodriguez displayed during the first UFC 314 pre-fight press conference in March, where the two were seen sharing a moment of mutual respect.

  • Diego Lopes Sees Multiple Paths To Victory Over Alexander Volkanovski At UFC 314

    Diego Lopes Sees Multiple Paths To Victory Over Alexander Volkanovski At UFC 314

    Diego Lopes believes his arsenal is simply too diverse and dangerous for Alexander Volkanovski to handle.

    Lopes is set to collide with Volkanovski for the vacant featherweight crown in the headlining bout of UFC 314, taking place this Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

    Although he came up short in his Octagon debut at UFC 288 in May 2023, Lopes has been on a meteoric rise ever since — stringing together five consecutive victories, three of which came during a relentless run of form over the past year. Now, the Brazilian is taking that confidence into the most significant fight of his career.

    During the UFC 314 media day on Wednesday, Diego Lopes made it clear he has the skill set to defeat “The Great,” claiming he’s capable of winning by knockout, submission, or on the judges’ scorecards, no matter where the fight goes.

    “I think whichever opportunity shows up first,” Lopes said through a translator. “I have heavy hands to put him down, and my jiu-jitsu is also dangerous – both on top and on bottom. We’ve seen that he obviously hasn’t been finished on the ground, he has really good ground defense, but guys have been able to lock submission on him. I think I just need one opportunity to finish.”

    Diego Lopes enters UFC 314 riding the momentum of a dominant unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega at UFC 306 this past September.

    Meanwhile, Volkanovski last competed at UFC 298 in February 2024, where his long-standing reign as featherweight king came to a sudden halt after suffering a second-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria. “The Great” has dropped three of his last four appearances.

  • GFL Nixes Debut Fight Cards, Founder Addresses Circumstances Behind It

    GFL Nixes Debut Fight Cards, Founder Addresses Circumstances Behind It

    The Global Fight League’s (GFL) debut has hit turbulence before takeoff.

    Last month, the newly launched MMA promotion announced its inaugural doubleheader, scheduled for May 24 and May 25 at the historic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.

    GFL, which boasts a roster of over 300 fighters including multiple former champions from elite organizations, had mapped out an ambitious slate of 31 fights featuring matchups between all six city-based teams.

    However, on Wednesday, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported that GFL’s highly anticipated debut events had been officially scrapped, citing confirmation from California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster.

    In a statement to Uncrowned, GFL founder Darren Owen explained that the cancellation stemmed from a missed financial commitment by one of the promotion’s key investors. Despite the setback, Owen expressed confidence in navigating the issue and hinted that California may no longer be the destination for their launch. He also revealed that the new target dates of June 15 and 16 are currently on the table as the promotion looks to regroup and move forward.

    GFL’s first two fight cards were stacked with star power, boasting marquee names like Tony Ferguson, Holly Holm, Urijah Faber, Renan Barao, Alexander Gustafsson, Dillon Danis, Chad Mendes, Gleison Tibau, Anthony Pettis, Benson Henderson, Paige VanZant, and Cat Zingano.

    Beyond the opening lineup, the promotion’s fighter pool is equally impressive, featuring veterans such as Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Yoel Romero, Douglas Lima, Ovince Saint Preux, Todd Duffee, Chris Weidman, and Luke Rockhold.

    Several fighters signed to GFL, including VanZant, have publicly praised the promotion’s generous offerings, highlighting perks such as full insurance coverage, a 50-50 revenue-sharing model, and even pension plans. While the benefits have turned heads across the MMA world, they’ve also sparked skepticism regarding how the promotion can sustain such a model over time.

  • Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer Rebooked For UFC 316 In Newark

    Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer Rebooked For UFC 316 In Newark

    Kelvin Gastelum and Joe Pyfer will look to settle unfinished business at UFC 316.

    The middleweight showdown was originally slated for UFC Mexico City on March 29, but the matchup was called off at the eleventh hour after Pyfer fell ill and was ruled unfit to compete. “Bodybagz” later went on a fiery rant directed at Mexico on social media, blaming the country for the bout-canceling illness and declaring he’d never step foot there for a fight again.

    On Monday, John Marquez, head coach of Pyfer, broke the news on MMA on SiriusXM that the rescheduled clash with Gastelum is now set for UFC 316, slated to take place on June 7 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

    Pyfer bounced back from his unanimous decision loss to Jack Hermansson with a first-round knockout of Marc-Andre Barriault at UFC 303 this past June. Before that setback, “Bodybagz” had been riding high on a wave of momentum, racking up three consecutive finishes inside the Octagon. He now boasts an impressive 4-1 record under the UFC banner.

    Meanwhile, Kelvin Gastelum last competed at UFC Saudi Arabia in June 2024, where he secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Daniel Rodriguez. A staple of the UFC roster since making his promotional debut in April 2013, the 33-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance but has often struggled to fully capitalize on his potential.

    Over the course of his UFC tenure, Gastelum has compiled a record of 13-9, and one no contest.

    The UFC 316 card will be headlined by a pair of high-profile title fights. In the main event, reigning bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will defend his title in a rematch against former champ Sean O’Malley.

    Meanwhile, the co-main event at UFC 316 will feature Julianna Peña putting her women’s bantamweight crown on the line against Kayla Harrison.

  • Cain Velasquez Could Be Eligible For Early Release From Prison

    Cain Velasquez Could Be Eligible For Early Release From Prison

    Cain Velasquez could potentially earn an early release from prison sooner than anticipated.

    Velasquez’s legal battle, which began in February 2022, was resolved last month when he was sentenced to five years in prison at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California, after pleading no contest to multiple charges, including attempted murder.

    According to a report by MMA Fighting on Monday, the UFC veteran has been temporarily relocated to Wasco State Prison — a reception center where inmates are evaluated before being assigned to a permanent long-term correctional facility.

    Wasco serves as an intake hub where new inmates are evaluated holistically to determine their appropriate security classification before being transferred to one of California’s main correctional institutions, such as San Quentin or Folsom State Prison.

    From the five-year prison sentence handed down to Cain Velasquez, over 42 months (1,283 days) were credited for time already served, including his stint in jail and several months under house arrest. He becomes eligible for parole in March 2026, though that timeline could be expedited based on his behavior in prison and participation in correctional programs aimed at reducing sentences.

    The 42-year-old Californian was convicted after being taken into custody for engaging in a high-speed chase carrying Harry Goularte, the idividual accused of sexually abusing Velasquez’s then-four-year-old son at a daycare run by his mother.

    Velasquez opened fire on the vehicle with a handgun during the pursuit. However, it was Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, who was struck and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The former WWE star was taken into custody without resistance in February 2022. Given the severity of the charges, he spent eight months behind bars before being granted bail in November, which was set at $1 million.

    Velasquez is set to appear in court again on April 16 for a restitution hearing, where the judge will determine the financial compensation owed to the victims. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, therapy costs, and other damages related to the case.

  • Alexandre Pantoja Credits Kyoji Horiguchi For His Success, Welcomes Future Title Clash

    Alexandre Pantoja Credits Kyoji Horiguchi For His Success, Welcomes Future Title Clash

    Alexandre Pantoja acknowledges Kyoji Horiguchi’s role in his success but remains open to a potential title clash if the opportunity arises.

    Last month, Horiguchi confirmed that he’ll be leaving RIZIN to return to the UFC after nine years. While the promotion has yet to officially announce the details of his comeback bout, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported that Horiguchi is expected to face Tagir Ulanbekov in June.

    The potential matchup could take place at a UFC Fight Night event, rumored to mark the promotion’s debut in Azerbaijan.

    “The Typhoon” fought under the UFC banner for nearly four years, amassing a 7-1 record. His only setback came during a flyweight championship bout at UFC 186 in April 2015, where he fell victim to a last-second submission by then-champion Demetrious Johnson.

    Horiguchi has voiced his ambition to make history as the first Japanese fighter to claim UFC gold. To achieve that milestone, he’ll likely have to go through his longtime American Top Team stablemate and reigning 125-pound champion Alexandre Pantoja — a challenge the Brazilian says he’s more than willing to embrace.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, “The Cannibal” showered Horiguchi with praise, extolling the Japanese veteran for playing a pivotal role in his growth throughout his MMA journey.

    “Kyoji Horiguchi helped me get this belt,” Alexandre Pantoja said. “If I don’t have Kyoji Horiguchi, I don’t know if I have the opportunity to fight for the belt, I don’t know if I have the to be a champion one day. But I have Kyoji Horiguchi here on my side all my camps. And that’s what I say, if Kyoji Horiguchi helped me to conquer that, he helped my family too.”

    Pantoja went on to say that, as a gesture of gratitude, he would gladly welcome a championship clash with “The Typhoon” should he put together a winning streak in the UFC.

    “And all the time I have the chance to say thank you to him, I say Kyoji, thank you for everything you did for me. And it’s gonna be a pleasure if I fight with him for the belt. Just for the belt. I don’t believe I’d fight with Kyoji without the belt, but for the belt, we are talking about that. And it’s gonna be like a gift, this opportunity to fight with Kyoji for the belt. I hope I can still hold this belt for so long and wait Kyoji for that.”

    “The Cannibal” last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 310 in December, where he delivered a commanding performance by submitting former RIZIN bantamweight champion Kai Asakura, marking his third successful title defense.

    Meanwhile, Horiguchi’s most recent outing came at RIZIN 49: Decade in December, where he secured a dominant unanimous decision win over Nkazimulo Zulu, extending his unbeaten run to six straight fights.

    He’s remained undefeated since April 2022, when he came up short in a unanimous decision against Patchy Mix at Bellator 279.

  • ‘Unbelievably Cold’ – Fans React As Another UFC Star Changes His Nickname After Ilia Topuria

    ‘Unbelievably Cold’ – Fans React As Another UFC Star Changes His Nickname After Ilia Topuria

    It seems like the UFC is going through a moniker-changing season.

    Last month, Ilia Topuria announced that he would be abandoning his longtime moniker, “El Matador,” in favor of “La Leyenda.” The shift comes as Topuria vacated his UFC featherweight title to pursue a new challenge in the lightweight division, as he sets his sights on becoming a two-division champion.

    However, the undefeated Spaniard isn’t the only UFC fighter to recently undergo a rebrand, as featherweight contender Nathaniel Wood has also opted for a fresh stage name.

    Following his dominant unanimous decision victory over Morgan Charrière at UFC London last month, Wood revealed that he’s retiring the nickname “The Prospect,” stating that he’s no longer an up-and-comer, but a bona fide contender.

    On Friday, the 31-year-old Brit took to social media to unveil his new identity for the final stretch of his career, revealing that he will now go by “The Last Kingsman,” a moniker seemingly inspired by the popular Kingsman film franchise.

    “16 years in this game, ‘The Prospect’ served me well. Time for a new chapter for the last few years of my career,” Wood wrote on X.

    Fans largely responded positively to Wood’s new nickname, with many praising the creativity behind the unique rebrand.

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    “The Last Kingsman” has been part of the UFC roster since June 2018, but has struggled to generate sustained momentum, never surpassing a three-fight win streak.

    Over that stretch, he’s compiled a respectable 9-3 record, with three of those victories coming by way of knockout.

  • Brandon Royval, Manel Kape Rebooked For Potential Flyweight Title Eliminator At UFC 317

    Brandon Royval, Manel Kape Rebooked For Potential Flyweight Title Eliminator At UFC 317

    The lineup for UFC International Fight Week 2025 is starting to take shape.

    On Thursday, a report from Laerte Viana stated that Brandon Royval and Manel Kape have been rebooked for a high-stakes flyweight bout at UFC 317, set to take place on June 28 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    With a potential title shot at stake, Royval and Kape were originally set to headline UFC Vegas 103 last month. However, “Raw Dawg” was forced to withdraw nearly a month before the fight after sustaining multiple concussions during training.

    Meanwhile, Kape remained on the card and earned a debated third-round TKO victory over short-notice replacement Asu Almabayev. The win added to the momentum he built with his dominant third-round knockout of Bruno Silva in December.

    “Starboy” was on a four-fight win streak, including finishes over Zhalgas Zhumagulov and Ode’ Osbourne. However, his surge came to a halt at UFC 304 in July 2024, where he fell short against Muhammad Mokaev via unanimous decision.

    On the other hand, Royval last competed in October, securing a hard-fought split decision victory over rising prospect Tatsuro Taira. Just earlier that year, he also edged out former champion Brandon Moreno in another split decision win in February 2024.

    “Raw Dawg” had previously challenged reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja for the 125-pound title at UFC 296 in December 2023. However, his bid for gold ended in disappointment as he suffered a one-sided unanimous decision defeat.

    As of now, no other fights have been officially confirmed for UFC 317. However, rumors suggest that a middleweight clash between former title challenger Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov, as well as a lightweight showdown featuring veteran Michael Johnson and rising prospect Daniel Zellhuber, are in the works.

  • Report: Derrick Lewis’ UFC Return To Come Against Undefeated Prospect Who Debuted With Brutal 35-Second KO

    Report: Derrick Lewis’ UFC Return To Come Against Undefeated Prospect Who Debuted With Brutal 35-Second KO

    The UFC is reportedly gearing up for a return to Nashville, Tennessee, with a Fight Night card featuring Derrick Lewis at the top of the lineup.

    On Wednesday, MMA journalist Laerte Viana reported on social media that Lewis is set to headline a non-pay-per-view event on July 12 against Tallison Teixeira, with the venue yet to be determined.

    “The Black Beast” will be returning to the Octagon for his comeback after more than a year away. His last appearance came in May 2024, when he delivered a third-round knockout victory over Rodrigo Nascimento.

    Lewis has struggled with consistency in the UFC, going 3-5 in his last eight outings. Among those setbacks is a lopsided knockout loss to Ciryl Gane in their interim heavyweight title clash at UFC 265 in August 2021. He holds a 19-10 record inside the Octagon, with a staggering 15 of those victories coming by knockout.

    Meanwhile, Teixeira, the tallest active fighter in the UFC at 6’8″, made his promotional debut at UFC 312 in February, where he secured a blistering 35-second knockout victory over Justin Tafa. “Xicao” earned his shot in the UFC with a first-round knockout of Arthur Lopes on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2024.

    The 25-year-old Brazilian has maintained a flawless professional record, securing all eight of his victories by stoppage — seven by knockout and one via submission.

  • UFC Announces Partnership With Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, Including Rankings Overhaul

    UFC Announces Partnership With Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, Including Rankings Overhaul

    The UFC and Meta are joining forces to deliver an innovative experience for fans.

    On Wednesday, UFC CEO Dana White announced a multiyear alliance with Mark Zuckerberg’s tech powerhouse, solidifying its role as the MMA promotion’s “official fan technology partner.” This collaboration aims to leverage cutting-edge innovations to enhance fan engagement.

    Through this partnership, the UFC will integrate Meta’s technology, including Meta AI, Meta Glasses, Meta Quest, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, to create a more immersive fan experience. Additionally, Meta will serve as the UFC’s official AI glasses partner, collaborating to showcase innovative uses of its smart glasses at fight events.

    White, who has repeatedly voiced his frustration with the current ranking system, has hinted at replacing it with AI-driven solutions. He teased on social media that the UFC’s official rankings are set for a major transformation, with Meta playing a key role in revolutionizing the process.

    “We’ve already started to work with Meta to create a new fighter rankings system that will debut later this year, thank God,” White said. “We’ll also be using Meta’s AI-powered glasses to capture UFC content and we’re going to do things with Meta that will blow UFC fans away. The next few years will be an absolute game-changer for fans of this sport.”

    The UFC’s current ranking system is determined by a panel of journalists and media representatives from various MMA publications. This system has remained unchanged since the UFC first introduced official rankings in February 2013.

    White and Zuckerberg have formed a close alliance over the years, with the billionaire tech mogul frequently attending UFC events. Their partnership took another step forward in January when White was appointed to Meta’s board of directors. However, the specifics of his role within the company remain unclear.

  • Ian Garry Gets First UFC Main Event Against Carlos Prates In Kansas City

    Ian Garry Gets First UFC Main Event Against Carlos Prates In Kansas City

    The UFC’s return to Kansas City now features an electrifying new main event.

    On Tuesday, the UFC confirmed a high-stakes welterweight showdown between Ian Garry and Carlos Prates as the headline bout for the Fight Night card set to take place on April 26 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

    The announcement comes in the wake of the previously scheduled main event between top-ranked light heavyweight Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. being scrapped for undisclosed reasons.

    “The Future” is set to make his comeback after suffering the first loss of his career, a hard-fought unanimous decision to undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 this past December. Prior to that, Garry had been riding the momentum of an eight-fight winning streak in the UFC, building on his flawless record through 15 professional bouts.

    Meanwhile, Prates was last seen in November, where he secured a first-round knockout over Neil Magny at a Fight Night event. “The Nightmare” is riding a wave of momentum, holding a perfect 4-0 record in the UFC. He enters this matchup on a ten-fight win streak, with every victory coming by knockout.

    The Brazilian was initially set to square off against Geoff Neal at UFC 314 on April 12, but “Handz of Steel” was forced to withdraw from the fight due to an injury.

    With the addition of this matchup, the UFC Kansas City lineup now includes:

    • Ian Machado Garry vs. Carlos Prates: welterweight
    • Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang: light heavyweight
    • Giga Chikadze vs. David Onama: featherweight
    • Michel Pereira vs. Abus Magomedov: middleweight
    • Ikram Aliskerov vs. Andre Muniz: middleweight
    • Randy Brown vs. Nicolas Dalby: welterweight
    • Jimmy Flick vs. Matt Schnell: flyweight
    • Evan Elder vs. Ahmad Hassanzada: lightweight
    • Jaqueline Amorim vs. Polyana Viana: strawweight
    • Cameron Saaiman vs. Malcolm Wellmaker: bantamweight
    • Chelsea Chandler vs. Joselyne Edwards: women’s bantamweight
  • BenoĂŽt Saint Denis Reportedly Returning To Face Explosive Finisher At UFC 315

    BenoĂŽt Saint Denis Reportedly Returning To Face Explosive Finisher At UFC 315

    The UFC 315 card just got even more stacked with the addition of a thrilling matchup featuring BenoĂŽt Saint Denis.

    On Monday, Saint Denis took to his YouTube channel to announce that he’ll be making his return at UFC 315, which is scheduled for May 10 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, though he refrained from naming his opponent.

    According to a recent report by MMA journalist Álvaro Colmenero, the 29-year-old Frenchman is set to square off against Joel Alvarez in a lightweight showdown.

    “God of War” is currently on a two-fight losing skid and was last in action at UFC Fight Night in Paris last September, where he endured a brutal second-round TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at the hands of Renato Moicano.

    Saint Denis was riding a five-fight finish streak before his momentum was halted by former interim 155-pound champion Dustin Poirier, who scored a second-round knockout in their March 2024 encounter. He now holds a 5-3 record in the UFC.

    Meanwhile, Alvarez is coming off a dominant first-round knockout victory over Drakkar Klose at a Fight Night event in Tampa this past December. “El Fenomeno” last experienced defeat in February 2022 against Arman Tsarukyan, but since then, he’s rebounded strongly with a three-fight win streak.

    The 32-year-old Spaniard has secured seven victories in his nine UFC bouts, with each win coming by way of either knockout or submission.

    The UFC 315 card will feature two championship bouts at the top of the lineup. In the main event, reigning UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will make his first title defense against Jack Della Maddalena. Meanwhile, in the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko will defend her flyweight title against Manon Fiorot.

    Here’s what the current UFC 315 lineup looks like:

    • Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena: welterweight title
    • Valentina Shevchenko vs. Manon Fiorot: women’s flyweight title
    • Alexa Grasso vs. Natalia Silva: women’s flyweight
    • Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales: welterweight
    • Benoit Saint Denis vs. Joel Alvarez: lightweight
    • Jose Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi: bantamweight
    • Brad Katona vs. Bekzat Almakhan: bantamweight
    • Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Bruno Silva: middleweight
    • Mike Malott vs. Charles Radtke: welterweight
    • Jessica Andrade vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius: women’s flyweight
    • Navajo Stirling vs. Ivan Erslan: light heavyweight
    • Modestas Bukauskas vs. Ion Cutelaba: light heavyweight
  • ‘He’s Pretty Focused On Boxing’ – PFL Official Believes Jake Paul Won’t Make MMA Debut

    ‘He’s Pretty Focused On Boxing’ – PFL Official Believes Jake Paul Won’t Make MMA Debut

    According to a PFL executive, Jake Paul has no intention of putting his boxing career on hold to transition into MMA.

    More than two years have passed since Paul inked an exclusive deal with the PFL in January 2023 to make his cage debut. In partnership with the New York-based MMA promotion, “The Problem Child” launched the PPV Super Fight division, a pay-per-view platform designed to give fighters a 50% share of event profits.

    Since then, the 28-year-old Ohio native has repeatedly teased his MMA debut, stirring the pot by calling out UFC superstars like Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, and other big-name fighters for a matchup in the cage.

    Despite assurances from PFL chairman Donn Davis that Jake Paul will make his SmartCage debut in 2025, there has been minimal movement in that direction. Instead, the YouTuber-turned-prizefighter has kept his attention firmly on his flourishing boxing career, stepping into the ring for six bouts between February 2023 and November 2024.

    And according to PFL Europe’s Head of Fighter Operations, Dan Hardy, it’s unlikely that anything will change for Paul anytime soon.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Hardy noted that it’s increasingly improbable that “The Problem Child” will hit pause on his boxing career to make the switch to MMA.

    “Do we ever see him in MMA? I don’t think so,” Hardy said. “I think he’s pretty focused on boxing. It’s a lot of work for him to cross over to mixed martial arts, and he’s not going to fight anybody that you’ve never heard of before. It’s going to have to be a decent name or otherwise people won’t watch it. Even old guys in MMA could still handle business, I think, with Jake Paul.”

    Paul was last seen in action in November, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over the legendary Mike Tyson. “The Problem Child” was also reportedly in talks for a high-profile showdown with multi-division champion Canelo Alvarez. However, those negotiations ultimately fell through when Alvarez signed a high-paying, exclusive contract under the Riyadh Season banner.

    Paul has now shifted his focus to a potential showdown with former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in 2026, even boldly predicting that he has what it takes to defeat him.

  • GFL Announces Debut Fight Cards Featuring Ferguson, Danis, Holm, Gustafsson, And More

    GFL Announces Debut Fight Cards Featuring Ferguson, Danis, Holm, Gustafsson, And More

    The Global Fight League (GFL) is set to launch with not one, but two inaugural events.

    On Monday, the GFL unveiled plans for its first two events, featuring seasoned veterans, both set to take place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. The action kicks off on May 24, with a second night of fights following on May 25 at the same venue, with broadcast details and ticket sales information set to be revealed in April.

    The newly launched MMA promotion, which has signed over 300 fighters, including several former champions from top organizations, has introduced a team-based format. The league will feature six city-based teams from around the world, competing in a structured season that culminates in playoffs to crown the ultimate champions.

    In the GFL’s unique team system, fighters earn points for their performances in every fight. A win by finish awards 4 points, a decision victory brings 3 points, a draw earns 2, and a decision loss gives 1 point. However, if a fighter is stopped, their team receives no points for that matchup.

    Fighters from all six GFL teams — Los Angeles, New York, London, Dubai, São Paulo, and Miami — will clash in a total of 31 bouts across two action-packed nights. Additionally, the May 24 event will feature a few highly anticipated trilogy fights.

    Here’s a look at the current lineups:

    GFL Day 1 – Saturday, May 24, Los Angeles

    • Urijah Faber (LA) vs. Renan Barao (SP): bantamweight
    • Anthony Pettis (MIA) vs. Benson Henderson (LON): lightweight
    • Holly Holm (NY) vs. Julia Budd (LON): women’s bantamweight
    • Chad Mendes (LA) vs. Maike Linhares (SP): featherweight
    • Derek Brunson (DUB) vs. Omari Akhmedov (DUB): middleweight
    • Sage Northcutt (LA) vs. Lucas Martins (SP): lightweight
    • Marlon Moraes (MIA) vs. Ray Borg (LA): bantamweight
    • Aspen Ladd (LA) vs. Alejandra Lara (SP): women’s bantamweight
    • Robelis Despaigne (MIA) vs. Todd Duffee (DUB): heavyweight
    • Cat Zingano (MIA) vs. Alexa Conners (DUB): women’s bantamweight
    • Neiman Gracie (NY) vs. Danny Roberts (LON): welterweight
    • Jessica Penne (LA) vs. Joice Mara (SP): atomweight
    • Charles Rosa (MIA) vs. Khumoyun Tukhtamuradov (DUB): featherweight
    • Marisa Messer-Belenchia (NY) vs. Kelly Staddon (LON): atomweight
    • Gleison Tibau (MIA) vs. Alex Oliveira (SP): welterweight

    GFL Day 2 – Sunday, May 25, Los Angeles

    • Tony Ferguson (LA) vs. Dillon Danis (NY): lightweight
    • Ovince Saint Preux (NY) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (LON): light heavyweight
    • Uriah Hall (LA) vs. Douglas Lima (SP): middleweight
    • Paige VanZant (MIA) vs. Randi Field (DUB): strawweight
    • Louis Glisman (LA) vs. Abubakar Nurmagomedov (DUB): lightweight
    • Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (LA) vs. Viviane Pereira (SP): strawweight
    • Alan Belcher (NY) vs. Stuart Austin (LON): heavyweight
    • Thiago Santos (MIA) vs. Devin Clark (NY): light heavyweight
    • Lorenz Larkin (LA) vs. Carlos Petruzzella (SP): welterweight
    • Jimmie Rivera (NY) vs. Cameron Else (LON): bantamweight
    • Natasha Kuziutina (MIA) vs. Jessica Aguilar (DUB): strawweight
    • Phil Hawes (NY) vs. Grant Neal (LA): middleweight
    • Kai Kamaka III (NY) vs. Mike Grundy (LON): featherweight
    • Da Woon Jung (LA) vs. Ronny Markes (DUB): light heavyweight
    • Miao Ding (NY) vs. Josefine Knutsson (LON): strawweight
  • Jorge Masvidal Targets ‘Fragile’ Leon Edwards For UFC Return Fight

    Jorge Masvidal Targets ‘Fragile’ Leon Edwards For UFC Return Fight

    It seems that Jorge Masvidal has never taken his eyes off of Leon Edwards.

    Masvidal hung up his MMA gloves in April 2023 after falling short against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. However, the former BMF champion has never truly closed the door on his fighting career, frequently hinting at a comeback and actively working toward a UFC return.

    During a recent interview with Submission Radio, “Gamebred” weighed in on a potential comeback, name-dropping Edwards as the ideal opponent. He emphasized that a victory over the former UFC welterweight champion could pave the way for his third and possibly final shot at gold.

    “If the UFC wants to make this happen, give me the Leon fight, and then after that, I’ll fight whoever has that damn belt,” Jorge Masvidal said. “I know Dana [White] is probably going to see this.”

    Masvidal doubled down on his confidence, claiming that he holds a clear skill advantage over “Rocky,” which he believes would be enough to hand Edwards a defeat.

    “I know for one thing, he can’t wrestle me for five rounds. So, I don’t have to worry about the takedowns, and I know on the feet, he’s fragile compared to me. The opponents we’ve faced, what he’s been able to do to them, what I’ve been able to do to them for the most part, besides [Kamaru] Usman, I’ve been able to put a lot of guys away that he fought and went to decision with. The way he takes shots and the way I take shots, he’s just fragile compared to me, and if we get in that cage, I’m willing to prove how fragile he is compared to me.”

    Masvidal and Edwards have a long-standing rivalry that traces back to March 2019, when the American ignited their feud by attacking “Rocky” backstage at UFC London. The two were set to settle their differences inside the Octagon at UFC 269 in December 2021, but the fight never came to fruition as Masvidal was forced to withdraw due to injury.

    Jorge Masvidal was last seen in action in July 2024, where he squared off against former UFC rival Nate Diaz in a professional boxing match. Despite a hard-fought battle, “Gamebred” fell short, losing via a close majority decision.

    Masvidal’s final run in the UFC before retiring was far from stellar, as he managed just three wins in his last nine trips to the Octagon. His rough stretch included two failed attempts at capturing the 170-pound title against Kamaru Usman.

    Meanwhile, Edwards is arguably experiencing the toughest stretch of his career, suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time. After losing his welterweight title to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, the Jamaican-born Brit looked to rebound at UFC London last weekend. However, his return went from bad to worse as Sean Brady outclassed him before securing a fourth-round submission.

  • Chael Sonnen Names 2 Champions Battling To Replace Conor McGregor As ‘Face Of The’ UFC

    Chael Sonnen Names 2 Champions Battling To Replace Conor McGregor As ‘Face Of The’ UFC

    Chael Sonnen identifies two reigning champions whom he believes have the potential to succeed Conor McGregor as the next global superstar of the UFC.

    Over the years, “The Notorious” has skyrocketed to a level of fame in the UFC that few, if any, fighters in combat sports history have ever matched, blending his iconic trash talk with a flashy fighting style, which earned him recognition as the promotion’s biggest superstar.

    However, some argue that the former two-division UFC champion’s star power has begun to fade due to his prolonged absence from the Octagon and ongoing legal battles, including multiple sexual assault allegations.

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Sonnen shared his thoughts on who could emerge as the UFC’s next marquee star. He acknowledged that former champions like Sean O’Malley and Israel Adesanya were once frontrunners in McGregor’s absence but have fallen short of achieving the same global superstardom.

    The former UFC title challenger-turned-analyst went on to highlight featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and interim heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall as the two fighters he believes are on the cusp of becoming the UFC’s next megastar.

    “O’Malley starts playing another game: to become the face of the company,” Sonnen said. “A game that Izzy [Adesanya] was already playing. In the absence of Conor McGregor, it’s a seat that needs to be taken. … Right now the battle is between Tom and Ilia. It’s a hard seat to get.”

    Sonnen further noted that the UFC’s top two pound-for-pound fighters, Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones, show little interest in becoming the promotion’s flagship attraction.

    “Jon Jones and Islam [Makhachev] aren’t playing the game. That’s not something either is interested in doing. So that seat is still available.”

    Aspinall remains on the sidelines, having waited over 500 days for Jones to accept his challenge for a heavyweight title unification bout. The Englishman last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 304 in July, where he delivered a swift victory over Curtis Blaydes to retain his interim belt.

    Meanwhile, “La Leyenda” relinquished his 145-pound title last month to commit to a full-time move to the lightweight division. Topuria has pushed for an immediate title shot against reigning champion Makhachev. However, reports suggest that the Dagestani standout has shown little enthusiasm for the potential showdown.

    Topuria is coming off a dominant third-round knockout victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October, marking his first — and ultimately only — title defense before vacating the belt.

  • Darren Till Believes Dillon Danis ‘Said No’ To Fighting Him After KSI Withdrawal

    Darren Till is claiming that Dillon Danis refused to fight him following the fallout of his bout with KSI.

    Till was scheduled to take on Darren Stewart in the co-main event of Misfits Boxing 21 on March 29 at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. The fight card was set to be headlined by a grudge match between KSI and Danis.

    However, last week, the YouTuber-turned-boxer revealed that a three-week struggle with illness had led to the entire event being postponed.

    Disheartened by the event’s postponement, “The Gorilla” voiced his frustration on social media, emphasizing that he was fully prepared for his fight. He even had a chance to salvage the card, but unfortunately, it didn’t come to fruition.

    During a recent interview with iFL TV, Till revealed that he was offered a chance to face Danis in a reworked main event. However, according to the UFC welterweight title challenger, “El Jefe” ultimately declined the fight.

    “Yeah, that was brought up, and I don’t know whether they said something like, they couldn’t do it for some political reasons, or I don’t know if he said no,” Darren Tll said. “I’m pretty certain that he [Danis] said no. I can’t imagine Dillon wanting to fight me in boxing. I tried to fight him, but obviously, that didn’t materialize. So I don’t know why. On my side, obviously, I said yeah, but who knows on their side.

    Darren Till returned to competition after a prolonged absence following his UFC departure, making his boxing debut under the Social Knockouts banner in June 2024. In an unexpected outcome, he claimed a TKO victory over Mohammad Mutie.

    “The Gorilla” later returned to the ring under the Misfits Boxing banner in January, competing in a professional bout where he secured a sixth-round knockout against Anthony Taylor.

    Meanwhile, as Danis awaits the rescheduling of his bout against KSI, he remains booked to compete under the newly launched Global Fight League (GFL). He is set to face former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson in a bout provisionally set for May.

  • One-Time UFC Headliner Released Amid Ongoing Four-Year Drug Suspension

    The UFC heavyweight division has just been reduced by one fighter on the roster.

    On Thursday, MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin reported on X that Walt Harris has been axed from the UFC lineup due to his ongoing four-year suspension for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

    Harris received a 48-month suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission in March 2024 after committing two separate violations of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy. He tested positive for drostanolone and its metabolite, as well as testosterone of exogenous origin, in samples collected in June and July 2023.

    Subsequently, urine and blood samples taken from “Big Ticket” in August 2023 tested positive for anastrozole, a newly detected banned substance that had not appeared in his previous samples. His suspension is retroactive, meaning the 41-year-old Alabama native will be eligible to return to competition in July 2027.

    Harris last competed at a Fight Night event in June 2021, where he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Marcin Tybura. He was set to make his comeback in July 2023 against Josh Parisian, but the bout was scrapped after he tested positive for banned substances.

    During his 16-fight run in the UFC, Harris had the opportunity to headline a Fight Night event in May 2020 against former heavyweight title challenger Alistair Overeem. However, the spotlight didn’t work in his favor, as he was stopped in the second round.

    Once regarded as a highly skilled power puncher, “Big Ticket” struggled to live up to his full potential inside the Octagon. His UFC tenure ended with a lackluster record of 6-9, along with one no contest.

  • Former Two-Division Bellator Champion ‘Amicably’ Parts Ways With PFL

    Amid a wave of discontent and high-profile departures from the PFL, a former two-division Bellator champion has chosen to sever ties with the promotion on cordial terms.

    On Thursday, combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani was the first to report on X that MMA veteran Ryan Bader has officially split from the PFL, walking away before fulfilling the final fight on his contract. Helwani also revealed that “Darth” and PFL executives amicably reached a mutual agreement to part ways, with both sides satisfied with the terms of the separation.

    Bader also took to Instagram to address his free agency, releasing a statement that confirmed Helwani’s report.

    “Just an update…officially a free agent. PFL and our team came up with terms we were both happy agreeing on with one fight remaining on contract. The Bellator run was one for the books. What a blast, and being surrounded by great people running that org. Im still open to different opportunities in the fight game,” he captioned.

    Bader was last seen in action at PFL vs. Bellator: Champions in February 2024, where he suffered a knockout loss to Renan Ferreira in just 21 seconds.

    Following the setback, the 41-year-old Nevada native revealed he would be stepping away from competition to join the cast of The Smashing Machine, a biopic about MMA legend Mark Kerr. The film, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, is set for release later this year.

    During his reign as Bellator’s heavyweight champion, “Darth” secured victories over notable contenders, including Valentin Moldavsky, Cheick Kongo, and the legendary Fedor Emelianenko.

    Following Bellator’s merger with the PFL, he wrapped up his tenure with the promotion at 9-3 with one no contest, bringing his overall career mark to 31-8.

  • Fighter Suspended For Betting Scandal Uses McGregor’s Gambling Posts To Call Out UFC ‘Double Standard’

    Conor McGregor has unexpectedly been dragged into the fallout of a former UFC fighter’s suspension over a betting scandal.

    On Tuesday, the Nevada Athletic Commission issued a three-year suspension to UFC flyweight Jeff Molina for his involvement in a high-profile betting scandal, which also implicated his coach, James Krause. Molina was found to have placed wagers on a bout featuring his teammate, Darrick Minner, during a Fight Night event in November 2022.

    After an unusual shift in betting odds was observed leading up to Minner’s first-round TKO loss to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke at a Fight Night event in November 2022, regulators launched an investigation into potential betting irregularities. The inquiry later revealed that Minner had knowingly concealed a pre-existing injury before stepping into the Octagon, leading to a 29-month suspension.

    “El Jefe” was found guilty of being aware of Minner’s injury, failing to report it, and even placing a bet on his fight. With his suspension applied retroactively, Molina will be eligible to return to competition on Nov. 5.

    Following his suspension, Molina aired his frustrations on X, responding to a fan in a series of posts. He stressed that he had placed bets across the entire fight card and that his wager on Minner’s bout was less than $500.

    However, he admit that his only wrongdoing was continuing to place bets on fights despite the UFC’s directive prohibiting it.

    “El Jefe” also argued that his three-year suspension was excessively harsh and disproportionate to the offense. He underscored the inconsistency in enforcement, noting that former two-division UFC champion McGregor frequently showcases his apparent bets on social media without facing any repercussions.

    “Getting a 3 year suspension for continuing to bet two weeks after getting an email that said to stop is insane. McGregor can post his million dollar bet slip every month on a main event as a fighter on the roster and no one blinks an eye. Definitely a double standard there,” Molina wrote on X.

    Molina last competed in June 2022, where he battled his way to a split decision victory over Zhalgas Zhumagulov, improving his undefeated UFC record to 3-0. The flyweight standout currently boasts a professional record of 11-2, with five of his wins coming by way of submission.

  • Former Alex Pereira Rival Explains Turning Down UFC Contract Despite DWCS Win

    Former Alex Pereira Rival Explains Turning Down UFC Contract Despite DWCS Win

    Earning a spot in the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) is a dream for many fighters, but one contract winner recently made the surprising decision to walk away from it.

    Former GLORY light heavyweight champion Artem Vakhitov punched his ticket to the UFC in October with a statement-making knockout victory over Islem Masraf during Season 8, Week 9 of DWCS.

    Vakhitov’s arrival in the UFC was highly anticipated, as he holds the distinction of being the last man to defeat former two-division titleholder Alex Pereira in a kickboxing contest back in September 2021 — just before “Poatan” made his full-time transition to MMA.

    However, on Tuesday, the 33-year-old Russian announced on The Ariel Helwani Show that he had decided to forgo the opportunity to sign with the UFC and will instead face reigning GLORY heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven in the main event of GLORY 100 on June 14.

    “Unfortunately, we couldn’t reach an agreement with UFC,” Vakhitov said through a translator. “Because they have their own protocol, but we still have good relations with them, so that’s it. Now we’re announcing a big fight against Rico Verhoeven. I think Rico doesn’t need to be [explained as an opponent] because he’s well known and, for sure, we wanted this fight a long time ago. For me, it’s a good opportunity to become a double champion, and it was in my mind a very long time ago.”

    Vakhitov further weighed in on his decision, revealing that his choice to decline a potential UFC run was largely influenced by dissatisfaction with the promotion’s financial structure and strict contractual obligations.

    “UFC always works off a standard contract after Dana White’s Contender Series. Unfortunately, we could not reach an agreement, or [there were] some things couldn’t agree [on]. When we got an offer [from GLORY] and we saw the news that all the Russian fighters are coming back to GLORY, we got an offer to fight against Rico and probably the possibility to become a double champion, we agreed very easily. And for sure, for good money, why not?”

    Reports suggest that a standard DWCS contract includes a clause granting the UFC the power to lock a chosen fighter into a 20-month commitment spanning four bouts.

    Vakhitov’s most recent kickboxing bout took place under the Muaythai Factory banner in February 2022, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Pascal TourĂŠ.

  • UFC Fighters Involved In Betting Scandal Handed Combined Suspension Of Over 5 Years

    UFC Fighters Involved In Betting Scandal Handed Combined Suspension Of Over 5 Years

    The two UFC fighters implicated in the betting scandal have now received their respective suspensions.

    On Tuesday, the Nevada Athletic Commission issued a 29-month suspension to former UFC featherweight fighter Darrick Minner due to his involvement in a betting scandal connected to his coach, James Krause.

    The probe into suspicious betting activity was triggered after Minner’s first-round TKO loss to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke at a Fight Night event in November 2022. It was later revealed that Minner had intentionally failed to disclose a pre-existing injury before the fight.

    Suspicion intensified when betting lines swung drastically in the lead-up to the event, with the 34-year-old Nebraska native becoming a massive underdog just before the fight commenced — only to be finished in just over a minute.

    Minner was originally suspended alongside Krause when the investigation first launched, a controversy that even led several major sportsbooks to stop accepting UFC wagers.

    However, he later reached an adjudication agreement with the Nevada State Attorney General and was ordered to pay $235.56 in prosecution fees. His suspension is retroactive, making him eligible to return to competition on Wednesday, March 26.

    Additionally, UFC flyweight Jeff Molina, who had been sidelined since January 2023 due to his alleged involvement in the betting scheme linked to Krause, has now been handed a three-year suspension.

    Molina was also fined $235.56 in prosecution fees for withholding information about his teammate Minner’s injury and deliberately placing a hefty bet on the fight.

    “El Jefe,” whose ban is set to expire on Nov. 5, was last seen in action in June 2022, where he secured a hard-fought split decision victory over Zhalgas Zhumagulov, extending his winning streak to three inside the Octagon.

    In the wake of the 2022 controversy, U.S. Integrity launched a formal investigation, leading several gaming commissions to prohibit betting on UFC fights. In response, the MMA promotion took decisive action, banning its fighters from training with Krause or at his Missouri-based gym, Glory MMA & Fitness.

  • Mother Of Alleged Child Molester Shot At By Cain Velasquez Slams Length Of Jail Sentence

    Mother Of Alleged Child Molester Shot At By Cain Velasquez Slams Length Of Jail Sentence

    The mother of the alleged molester feels that Cain Velasquez’s punishment is far too lenient.

    On Monday, Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose after pleading no contest in August to a series of offenses, most notably attempted murder. His sentencing comes nearly three years after his initial arrest in February 2022.

    Of the five-year sentence handed down to the former UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez received credit for 1,283 days — accounting for both his time in jail and his period on house arrest.

    His legal team had advocated for probation and time served, and with these credits factored in, Velasquez is now expected to spend less than two years behind bars.

    However, the prosecution, representing Harry Goularte — the man accused of molesting Cain Velasquez’s four-year-old son at the time at his mother’s daycare — had advocated for a 30-year-to-life sentence. Even so, Goularte’s mother remains dissatisfied with the ruling.

    Following the verdict, Patricia Bender, the mother of Goularte, voiced her frustration over the court’s decision. Speaking to the media, she claimed that Velasquez’s widespread fame unfairly influenced both the judges and public opinion, ultimately working in his favor.

    “The sentence is extremely disappointing,” Bender said. “It’s based on an alleged allegation that has no basis. It is unfounded. We are looking for the opportunity in Harry’s case to prove that, as we have an ample amount of evidence to do so. It is sad that the court system and the public can be influenced by simply somebody stating something with no facts.”

    Velasquez’s legal troubles erupted in 2022 when he was arrested following a high-speed pursuit of a vehicle carrying Goularte. The MMA veteran’s actions stemmed from allegations that Goularte, who faces separate child molestation charges, had abused his son. Despite the prosecution’s objections, the individual was controversially granted bond.

    Cain Velasquez fired multiple rounds from a .40-caliber handgun, but the bullets missed their intended target and instead struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm, causing non-life-threatening injuries.

    The pursuit ended when Velasquez was apprehended without resistance by local authorities. He was subsequently charged with felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapons-related offenses, resulting in an eight-month incarceration. It wasn’t until November 2022 that he was finally granted bail on a $1 million bond.

  • Team Usyk Open To Dana White ‘Partnership’ For Alex Pereira Fight

    Team Usyk Open To Dana White ‘Partnership’ For Alex Pereira Fight

    Dana White’s official foray into boxing could bridge the gap to making a potential blockbuster crossover fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Alex Pereira a reality.

    “The Cat” has hinted that he is nearing the final chapter of his boxing career, with just two fights left before calling it quits. His top priority is a rematch with Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title, as he sets his sights on reclaiming his status as the undisputed four-belt champion.

    Meanwhile, for his second bout, Usyk revealed last month that he’s open to facing former UFC light heavyweight champion Pereira — an idea that quickly caught “Poatan’s” interest as well. Sergey Lapin, a member of the undefeated Ukrainian champion’s team, suggests that booking the matchup may now be more feasible than it once was.

    During a recent discussion with OLBG, Lapin noted that the UFC CEO’s collaboration with Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority head Turki Alalshikh to launch a boxing league has significantly increased the likelihood of a crossover showdown between Usyk and Pereira.

    “We never say never about fighting the dangerous Alex Pereira, possibly partnered with Dana White,” Lapin said. “Dana’s move to boxing could open the door for more fights between boxers and current UFC stars.

    “Dana is a capable guy, and with Turki’s abilities, they would create a very interesting project. It will bring attention to our great sport, expand the fan base, attract new investment, and possibly increase the purses of the athletes.”

    Although White permitted former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor to face boxing icon Floyd Mayweather in August 2017, which became a historic event, he has traditionally opposed such crossover bouts. Whether the UFC top brass has had a change of heart remains to be seen.

    “The Cat” was last in action this past December, when he put on a masterful performance against Tyson Fury in their rematch. He successfully retained his WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision victory.

    Meanwhile, Alex Pereira’s reign as the 205-pound champion came to an end at UFC 313 earlier this month, as he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Magomed Ankalaev.

    “Poatan” has a deep-rooted history in boxing, boasting an extensive amateur background and even earning a professional victory in July 2017 with a TKO win over Marcelo de Souza Cruz.

  • Cain Velasquez Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison For Attempted Murder

    Cain Velasquez Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison For Attempted Murder

    Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in prison for charges stemming from a 2022 shooting.

    In August 2024, Velasquez entered a no-contest plea in a California court to charges including felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapons-related offenses. The plea deal not only aimed to reduce his sentence but also marked a step toward resolving the prolonged legal battle.

    Velasquez found himself at the center of an attempted murder trial following a February 2022 incident. He was alleged to have opened fire on Harry Goularte, who was accused of molesting his four-year-old son at the time. The retired mixed martial artist accidentally struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, after a high-speed chase ensued. He sustained injuries that were not considered severe.

    After a motions hearing for the former UFC heavyweight champion at the start of the year, his sentencing and probation hearing, which was already postponed in October 2024, was delayed further to March 24.

    With that, Velasquez learned his fate Monday, with NBC’s Ian Cull reporting news that the former fighter has been hit with a five-year prison sentence. The Deputy DA had asked for 30 years to life.

    A subsequent report by Mercury News noted that the sentence will be shortened by time already served.

    The 42-year-old Californian was apprehended by local authorities without resistance at the scene for allegedly firing several rounds from a .40-caliber handgun. In the following months, he faced a slew of charges that kept him behind bars for eight long months, until he was granted bail in November 2022 on a $1 million bond.

    “From what I can say as far as myself, the way that I handled things, that was not the way to do it,” Velasquez said prior to his sentencing during an appearance on The Kyle Kingsbury Podcast. “We cannot put the law in our own hands. … I already pled (no-contest) so I’m going to get a sentencing (on Monday).

    “I know what I did was very dangerous towards other people — not just to people involved, but to just innocent people. I understand what I did, and I’m willing to do everything I have to pay back that,” Velasquez continued. “So whatever the court feels correct for what I have to do, I’m going to do it with my head up and still be me, and not play the blame game. It was me that did that and reacted in that way.”

    Velasquez recently inked a deal with the newly launched MMA promotion, Global Fight League (GFL), taking on the role of team manager for Team Dubai alongside his longtime head coach, Javier Mendez.