MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • Watch Fury FC Fighter Land KO With ‘One Of The Most Vicious Uppercuts’ Ever

    Watch Fury FC Fighter Land KO With ‘One Of The Most Vicious Uppercuts’ Ever

    Lower-profile MMA promotions often produce some of the most jaw-dropping moments, and Houston-based Fury FC recently delivered in spectacular fashion.

    On Sunday night at Imagen Venues Escapade in Houston, Texas, Marcus Nash secured a stunning knockout victory over Felipe Rocha in their middleweight showdown at Fury FC 103.

    After a closely contested opening round, Nash came out aggressive in the second, immediately putting Rocha on the defensive. Sensing an opportunity, “The Bounty Hunter” unleashed a trio of heavy strikes, missing the mark at first.

    However, his persistence paid off when he finally connected with a thunderous right uppercut, snapping Rocha’s head back and rendering him unconscious as he collapsed face-first onto the canvas. The referee swiftly stepped in to stop the fight.

    Nash’s knockout of Rocha gained significant attention on social media, drawing a strong reaction from fans.

    With this win, “The Bounty Hunter” improved his professional record to 2-1. He initially debuted under the United Fight League in April 2024, where he split his first two fights, going 1-1.

    Meanwhile, Rocha experienced his first professional defeat, bringing his record to 2-1. Prior to this setback, he had built momentum with back-to-back submission victories last year in Fury FC.

  • Watch Cage Warriors Fighter Land Historic 4-Second KO With ‘Cheap Shot’ During Glove Touch

    Watch Cage Warriors Fighter Land Historic 4-Second KO With ‘Cheap Shot’ During Glove Touch

    The combat sports world witnessed a lightning-fast finish at Cage Warriors 186.

    On Friday night at Indigo at The O2 in London, England, Yannick Bahati etched his name in history, delivering a jaw-dropping four-second knockout against Charles Joyner in their light heavyweight rematch at Cage Warriors 186.

    Bahati took control of Joyner’s lead hand before unleashing a devastating right backhand, flooring his opponent in an instant. As Joyner lay motionless on the canvas, the referee swiftly stepped in, preventing any follow-up strikes.

    However, the record-setting knockout was shadowed by dispute, as outraged MMA enthusiasts took to social media, refusing to applaud Bahati’s victory, believing he lured Joyner into a glove touch before grabbing his hand and landing the knockout blow.

    Numerous fans condemned his tactics, branding the knockout a “cheap shot.”

    Bahati and Joyner had previously crossed paths at Cage Warriors 181 in November, battling to a razor-close split draw.

    With this victory, “Black Mamba” improved his underwhelming professional record to 10-7-1 with one no contest. Prior to this bout, Bahati had struggled, going 1-5 in his last six outings, with two of those losses coming under the Bellator banner.

  • Dillon Danis Thinks He Knows What Caused KSI Illness That’s Postponed Their Fight

    Dillon Danis Thinks He Knows What Caused KSI Illness That’s Postponed Their Fight

    Dillon Danis is speculating on the cause of KSI’s illness that led to the fight’s postponement.

    Danis and KSI were set to settle their rivalry in a 185-pound grudge match, headlining Misfits Boxing 21 on March 29 at Manchester’s AO Arena. However, on Friday, the influencer boxing promotion announced that “The Nightmare” had fallen ill, forcing the entire event to be postponed. A new date is expected to be revealed next week.

    KSI took to social media to reveal that he has been battling an illness for the past three weeks but remains determined to reschedule the fight.

    “I tried my hardest, but my body has legit just given up,” KSI said. “I’m currently in bed, taking antibiotics, trying to recover, but I’m struggling. I’m coughing up greenish, yellowish sh*t all the time… I tried sparring and training, but my body feels weak. My stamina is just falling off a cliff… I want to move the fight to another day because I still want to knock out Dillon Danis.”

    However, the YouTuber-turned-occasional-boxer’s reasoning failed to convince “El Jefe,” who flooded X with scathing posts ridiculing his would-be opponent for withdrawing. The exchange quickly escalated into a fiery war of words between the two.

    In one of his many posts, Dillon Danis shared a screenshot listing symptoms of anabolic steroid withdrawal, several of which aligned with those KSI mentioned in his video. He implied that the 31-year-old Londoner’s illness could be a result of it.

    The two were initially scheduled to clash in January 2023, but just a week before the showdown, the ever-controversial MMA fighter withdrew without providing a clear reason. Both last stepped into the ring at MF & DAZN: X Series 10 – PRIME Card in October 2023, where Danis fell to Logan Paul, while KSI suffered a loss to Tommy Fury.

  • Jon Jones Becomes Co-Owner Of Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing Championship

    Jon Jones Becomes Co-Owner Of Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing Championship

    Jon Jones has now officially stepped into the world of fight promotion.

    On Friday, Jones expanded his footprint in combat sports by securing co-ownership of Dirty Boxing Championship, a striking-based promotion founded by BKFC standout Mike Perry. The venture is also co-owned by his longtime managers, Malki and Abe Kawa.

    “Platinum” launched Dirty Boxing Championship in July, introducing a unique hybrid ruleset that blends elements of boxing with MMA-style striking. Fighters compete in an 18-foot ring while wearing five-ounce gloves.

    The promotion permits all hand strikes, including elbows, and introduces a distinct ground-and-pound element — fighters who score a knockdown can follow up with punches, but they must remain standing while doing so.

    The promotion made its debut in November with an exclusive, invite-only event, where former UFC middleweight title challenger Yoel Romero clinched a first-round knockout victory over Duane Crespo in the headlining bout.

    Dirty Boxing Championship is set to return this Saturday with DBX1, its first sanctioned event, taking place at The Hangar in Miami, where “Bones” is expected to be in attendance. The card features a stacked lineup, headlined by Yoel Romero, with former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski competing in the co-main event.

    Jon Jones last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 309 last November, where he delivered a dominant third-round knockout victory over former champion Stipe Miocic to successfully defend his UFC heavyweight title.

    “Bones” has long been expected to face interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in a highly anticipated title unification bout. However, despite Aspinall’s persistent callouts, Jones has shown little interest in the matchup.

  • DWCS Contract Winner Handed Two-Year Suspension Before Making UFC Debut

    DWCS Contract Winner Handed Two-Year Suspension Before Making UFC Debut

    A rising heavyweight hopeful recently got himself into a world of trouble before making his UFC debut.

    On Thursday, the UFC announced via press release that Danylo Voievodkin had been handed a 24-month suspension by the Combat Sports Anti-Doping Commission (CSAD), which began on Nov. 10, 2024, after breaching the promotion’s anti-doping policy.

    Voievodkin’s October 2024 sample tested positive for Meldonium, a banned substance classified under Hormone and Metabolic Modulators. Recognized for its ability to boost cardiovascular function and endurance, the drug provides an unfair competitive edge.

    The 24-year-old undefeated Ukrainian competed on the seventh week of Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) last September, securing a first-round submission victory over Bailey Schoenfelder to earn his UFC contract. However, following the violation, the MMA promotion abruptly terminated his deal.

    Now serving a two-year suspension, Voievodkin faces a chancy road ahead in his professional career.

    Recently, he took to his Instagram Stories to voice his frustration, asserting that a later test came back negative. He also blamed his management’s negligence, claiming he had been unfairly framed in the doping scandal.

    “Many questions about this. I’ll say the test taken a month and a half later was negative. Meldonium is taken for almost a year. They offered me to confess, and then they would cut it to half a year. I stood my ground. But my management did nothing in this situation. I understand that a manager you haven’t seen in your life doesn’t care about you as a fighter. I’ll come to a conclusion: you only need to work with people you trust with everything,” Voievodkin wrote.

    Voievodkin boasts a flawless 7-0 professional record, with all his victories ending in the first round — five by knockout and two by submission.

  • Possible Challenger For Pantoja Emerges As UFC ‘Close’ To Re-Signing Ex-Opponent Of Demetrious Johnson’s

    Possible Challenger For Pantoja Emerges As UFC ‘Close’ To Re-Signing Ex-Opponent Of Demetrious Johnson’s

    Alexandre Pantoja could soon have a new challenger for his UFC flyweight title, as the promotion is reportedly on the verge of re-signing a former contender to shake up the division.

    Pantoja defended his 125-pound title at UFC 310 last December, securing a dominant second-round submission win over promotional debutant and former RIZIN FF bantamweight champion Kai Asakura.

    According to veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, the UFC is now reportedly “very close” to finalizing a deal to bring back Kyoji Horiguchi, marking his return to the promotion after nine years.

    Helwani reported that the UFC is in active discussions to schedule Horiguchi vs. Tagir Ulanbekov for a potential June clash, possibly at a Fight Night event that could mark the promotion’s historic debut in Azerbaijan.

    “The Typhoon” spent nearly four years on the UFC roster, compiling a decent 7-1 record. His lone defeat in the Octagon came at UFC 186 in April 2015, where he challenged MMA legend Demetrious Johnson for the flyweight title, only to suffer a last-second submission loss.

    The 34-year-old Japanese powerhouse left the UFC on a three-fight win streak before signing with RIZIN FF, where he first captured the bantamweight title. He then had a brief stint in Bellator MMA, securing championship gold there as well. Upon returning to RIZIN, he cemented his legacy by claiming the flyweight belt.

    While it remains uncertain whether Horiguchi will need multiple fights or earn an immediate shot at the UFC flyweight title in his potential return, one thing is clear: he’s no stranger to the reigning champion. As a longtime training partner of ” The Cannibal’s” at American Top Team, Horiguchi is already well-versed in the champion’s skill set.

    “The Typhoon” last stepped into the ring at RIZIN 49: Decade in December, where he showcased his elite skills with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Nkazimulo Zulu

    Horiguchi boasts a impressive professional record of 35-5, with 15 wins by knockout and five by submission. Currently riding a six-fight unbeaten streak, the Japanese standout hasn’t tasted defeat since April 2022, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Patchy Mix at Bellator 279.

  • Jake Paul Thinks He’d ‘Beat Anthony Joshua’s Ass’ In Boxing

    Jake Paul Thinks He’d ‘Beat Anthony Joshua’s Ass’ In Boxing

    Some fans may believe Jake Paul is taking on more than he can handle, but his ambitions for his boxing career are bolder than ever.

    Over the years, Paul has stepped into the ring for several high-profile celebrity boxing bouts, frequently facing former UFC fighters. He maintains that he’s taking his career seriously, with his ultimate goal being championship gold in the near future — especially after his victory over 58-year-old former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson last November.

    “The Problem Child” had his eyes on a mega showdown with multi-weight champion Canelo Alvarez. However, the bout failed to come to fruition, with Alvarez outright rejecting the matchup and asserting that he only wanted to face “real fighters.” Instead, the Mexican superstar secured a hefty four-fight deal with Riyadh Season.

    But now, Paul has his sights set on a new potential opponent — one who could present an even greater challenge than Alvarez.

    During a recent episode of BS w/ Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer challenged former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, boldly claiming he could edge out “AJ” in a fight.

    “I know my boundaries; I want to fight Anthony Joshua, because I know I will f**king beat Anthony Joshua’s ass,” Jake Paul said. “He doesn’t have a chin, and he has no skill and he’s stiff. I love you Anthony, we’e friends, all this sh*t but I want to fight you.”

    “The Problem Child” also took to X, posting a photo of what appeared to be a phone call with Joshua. Teasing a potential showdown, he captioned it: “Look who called. 2026 @anthonyjoshua.”

    The 35-year-old Brit also took to his Instagram Stories, posting a screenshot of his five-minute-plus phone call with Paul.

    Jake Paul boasts an 11-1 record and is riding a five-fight win streak. His only setback came in February 2023, when he suffered a split-decision loss to Tommy Fury.

    Meanwhile, “AJ” holds a professional record of 28-4 and was last seen in action this past September, where he endured a brutal fifth-round knockout loss to reigning IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.

  • Weight Class Isn’t The Only Thing Ilia Topuria Is Changing For His Next UFC Fight

    Weight Class Isn’t The Only Thing Ilia Topuria Is Changing For His Next UFC Fight

    Ilia Topuria is set to unveil an entirely new version of himself the next time he steps into the Octagon.

    Topuria’s four-year journey in the UFC has been nothing short of spectacular. With an undefeated record and an ever-expanding highlight reel, he has cemented himself as one of the brightest stars in the MMA world.

    The Spaniard knocked out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024 to claim the featherweight throne. He then solidified his reign at UFC 308 in October, making history as the first fighter to ever knock out Max Holloway while successfully defending his championship.

    However, last month, “El Matador” vacated his 145-pound title, setting his sights on the lightweight division in pursuit of becoming a two-division UFC champion. UFC CEO Dana White stated that Topuria chose to take this step after asserting that he had nothing left to prove at featherweight. Additionally, the growing challenge of cutting down to 145 pounds played a key role in his decision to move up a division.

    But it appears that Ilia Topuria’s transformation goes beyond just a change in weight class.

    Taking to X on Thursday, “El Matador” announced that he would be dropping his moniker — which translates to “The Killer” — and completely reinventing his identity for his next Octagon appearance.

    “‘El Matador’ has been my ally in every fight. But next time, I’ll step into the octagon with a new identity. #NewEra,” Topuria wrote.

    Ilia Topuria has been relentless in his pursuit of a title fight against reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. He even teased a major announcement, claiming fans “won’t believe it.”

    However, Makhachev’s camp has reportedly hinted that the Dagestani champion is not ready to grant Topuria a title shot just yet. Instead, they believe he must first prove himself in a title eliminator bout against a top contender.

  • BKFC Ice Wars Set To Debut In June With Hockey-Style Fights

    BKFC Ice Wars Set To Debut In June With Hockey-Style Fights

    The combat sports world has witnessed its fair share of wild innovations, but BKFC’s latest venture is a whole new frontier.

    On Wednesday, the bare-knuckle fighting promotion announced its partnership with an existing firm known as Ice Wars to form BKFC Ice Wars, a new league founded by company executive Charlie Nama. The league will feature fighters from around the world competing on a sheet of ice in regulated hockey-style fights.

    According to a press release from the promotion, BKFC founder David Feldman announced that the bouts will be “legal, sanctioned, and regulated hockey fights” held in a unique setting called “The Ice Box,” a 900-square-foot enclosure built specifically for ice combat.

    The inaugural BKFC Ice Wars event, titled “Battle of the Borders,” will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, on June 14, featuring a clash between U.S. and Canadian fighters. A second event is set for June 28 at River Cree Casino & Resort in Enoch, Alberta, Canada.

    The ice-fighting league plans to launch with at least six events in 2025, with ambitions to expand to as many as 24 by 2026.

    BKFC Ice Wars has established its own set of rules and regulations, with each bout consisting of a minimum of three rounds and a maximum of five. Each round will last no more than 90 seconds, with fighters getting a one-minute rest period between rounds.

    Additionally, two referees will oversee each fight, with one serving as the lead referee and sole arbiter. If the bout goes the distance, three judges will score it based on the overall performance rather than a round-by-round system.

    The scoring system will follow a structure similar to MMA, with judges evaluating fights based on three key criteria: effective striking (Plan A), effective aggressiveness (Plan B), and control of the fighting area (Plan C). Plan B and Plan C will only come into play if the judges deem Plan A to be even.

    Effective striking is assessed by the impact and effectiveness of legal strikes landed. Effective aggressiveness refers to a fighter’s ability to actively push for a finish, while control of the fighting area is determined by who dictates the pace, positioning, and overall flow of the bout.

    BKFC Ice Wars will feature four standard weight divisions: heavyweight (over 200 lbs.), cruiserweight (175–200 lbs.), middleweight (150–175 lbs.), and lightweight (under 150 lbs.). Fighters will compete wearing four-ounce MMA gloves along with traditional hockey jerseys and protective gear.

  • Reinier de Ridder Dares Bo Nickal To Wrestle In Their UFC Des Moines Clash

    Reinier de Ridder Dares Bo Nickal To Wrestle In Their UFC Des Moines Clash

    Reinier de Ridder wants Bo Nickal to bring his best weapon to the Octagon when they face off.

    De Ridder is set to clash with Nickal in the co-main event of a UFC Fight Night on May 3, taking place at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

    “RDR” targeted a high-profile opponent, even calling out top contenders like Khamzat Chimaev after securing back-to-back submission wins early in his UFC tenure. Though he didn’t land the matchup he hoped for, he’s content with the direction his career is taking.

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, De Ridder admitted that Nickal wasn’t his first choice for an opponent, as he had his eyes set on a top-five ranked fighter. However, the former two-division ONE Championship champion acknowledged the significance of a victory over the undefeated prospect.

    “I’m happy with the fight,” Reinier De Ridder said. “It’s a good one. It’s not what I asked for. I asked for a top-five guy, but I think he’s a top-five name, right? He’s a very popular guy here in the States, and yeah, I’m happy with the matchup. See if we can make him grapple a bit, see if we can make him wrestle a bit. I think whatever happens, I might steal the spotlight in this one.”

    Bo Nickal is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Paul Craig at UFC 309 last November. Despite his elite wrestling background, the American opted to forgo takedowns and relied entirely on his striking.

    Now, De Ridder is eager to see Nickal fully utilize his most dangerous asset in their upcoming matchup.

    “I feel my wrestling is pretty decent, as well. I really want to make him wrestle this time. Last fight he was just sticking and moving, throwing that wild overhand of his, and trying to make sure he didn’t wrestle at all. But let’s make it a wrestling match this time, see if we can get him to shoot a couple of times, see if I can get his neck.”

    “RDR” is fresh off a dominant first-round submission victory over Kevin Holland at UFC 311 in January. After leaving ONE Championship, De Ridder made his UFC debut last year, securing a submission win against Gerald Meerschaert at a Fight Night event in November.

  • Pay Structure For Dana White, Turki Alalshikh’s Boxing Promotion Reportedly Leaked

    Pay Structure For Dana White, Turki Alalshikh’s Boxing Promotion Reportedly Leaked

    Fresh details have emerged about Dana White’s venture into the boxing world through his collaboration with Turki Alalshikh.

    Earlier this month, UFC CEO White and Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority chief Alalshikh joined forces to launch a major new boxing league under the TKO banner. The venture will also see WWE president Nick Khan take on a key role in the promotion’s executive board.

    The newly established promotion is set to revolutionize the boxing landscape with a structured system that claims to develop rising boxers from around the world by design. These athletes will also gain exclusive access to world-class training at the UFC Performance Institutes. Meanwhile, TKO will oversee all aspects of event production, aiming to deliver a premium spectacle for both live audiences and global broadcasts.

    While many details about the boxing promotion remain under wraps, anticipation continues to build within the combat sports community, sparking widespread speculation about its operations. Now, a crucial piece of information has now come to light.

    According to a recent report from Boxing Scene, key details about the pay structure for White’s upcoming boxing league have surfaced through a leaked contract.

    The document outlines purse distributions based on a boxer’s status within the yet-to-be-named promotion. As per the report, athletes will be classified into five distinct tiers, with pay scales varying between rising prospects and mid-level competitors.

    Boxer PurseBoxer’s level
    $20,00010 rounds. Unranked boxer.
    $50,000No. 5 – No. 10 ranked boxer as determined by the promotion.
    $125,000No. 3 – No. 4 ranked boxer as determined by the promotion.
    $375,000For the promotion’s title challengers.
    $750,000For the promotion’s reigning champions.

    The figures mentioned are not part of official contracts but provide clear insight into the pay structure White and co. plan to implement. The model closely mirrors the UFC’s promotional guidelines compliance pay, which follows a tiered system based on the number of fights a competitor has had within the organization.

    The report also disclosed that boxers who sign with the organization will receive an immediate $5,000 payment within three days of their contract signing. Fighters are required to commit to a three-year term beginning with their debut match and must remain under contract for at least two years from the “effective date” outlined in the agreement.

    Alalshikh, who owns The Ring Magazine, has previously emphasized that the new league’s ranking system will be separate from the publication’s traditional weight-class rankings.

    As for weight divisions, the UFC supremo has hinted at a streamlined approach, likely maintaining a select number of traditional categories similar to those in MMA. The league is expected to feature classic divisions such as flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight.

  • Former Foe Endorses Ilia Topuria’s Immediate Shot At LW Title: ‘He Sort Of Deserves It’

    Former Foe Endorses Ilia Topuria’s Immediate Shot At LW Title: ‘He Sort Of Deserves It’

    A former opponent of Ilia Topuria’s believes ‘El Matador’ has proven himself worthy and has rightfully earned an immediate shot at the UFC lightweight title.

    Last month, Topuria gave up his UFC featherweight championship to chase 155-pound gold and potentially secure his place as the promotion’s 10th two-division titleholder. Consequently, former champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to face the fast-rising Diego Lopes for the vacant 145-pound title at UFC 314 on April 12.

    UFC CEO Dana White previously mentioned that Ilia Topuria’s decision to move up a weight class was driven by his belief that he had already accomplished enough in the featherweight division, along with the increasing difficulty of making the weight limit.

    While the undefeated Spaniard has made it clear that he’s eager to face reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, it’s still uncertain whether he’ll be granted an instant title shot.

    Rumors are also circulating that the Dagestani champion is unwilling to defend his belt until Topuria first proves himself in a title eliminator matchup against a top contender. However, Volkanovski is confident that “El Matador” has earned the opportunity to face Makhachev.

    During a recent appearance on the Believe You Me podcast, ‘The Great’ voiced his support for Ilia Topuria’s shot at the 155-pound title, commending his former foe for not clinging to his featherweight title or chasing simultaneous championships across two divisions.

    “Put it this way, if he was trying to hang on to both belts, I don’t think that was going to happen,” Volkanovski said. “The fact that he’s vacated and the lightweight division’s in a position where, I don’t know, there’s no real clear No. 1, I think it’s fair. The fact that he vacated, I think that that’s fair.

    “If he wanted to hang on and do the double champ thing, I think he needed to do more work, but the fact that he’s like, ‘Look, I’m going to let this one go. Let that division move on. I want to commit to lightweight. I think that’s big. I think that’s fair, so I think he sort of deserves it.”

    Topuria secured the 145-pound title for the first time at UFC 298 in February 2024, delivering a stunning knockout of Volkanovski. He successfully defended his belt at UFC 308 in October, securing another knockout, this time against Max Holloway.

  • ‘Trump Just Agreed To A 700% Tariff On Dagestan’ – Fans React To Conor McGregor’s White House Visit

    ‘Trump Just Agreed To A 700% Tariff On Dagestan’ – Fans React To Conor McGregor’s White House Visit

    Conor McGregor made a notable appearance at the White House in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

    On Monday, McGregor, along with his partner Dee Devlin and their four children, was called upon by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, at the Oval Office in Washington, D.C.. He also had a meeting with X CEO Elon Musk and other prominent officials.

    During his time at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the former two-division UFC champion spoke to the press and once again voiced his concerns about the polarizing issue of illegal immigration in his homeland of Ireland, a topic he has long been outspoken about.

    Fans had a mixed reaction to Conor McGregor’s unexpected visit to the White House to meet Trump, with many referencing “The Notorious” in various creative ways.

    https://twitter.com/baio39273418/status/1901968656835502496
    https://twitter.com/TommyRazan/status/1901715534372302872

    Conor McGregor’s visit to Washington, paired with his outspoken stance on Ireland’s immigration policies, did not go without controversy, as it sparked backlash from the country’s leadership.

    Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin strongly rebuked his statements, while Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris was quick to clarify that the 36-year-old UFC star was not in the White House as a representative of Ireland.

    “The Notorious” has been out of action since suffering a brutal leg fracture in his trilogy bout against longtime rival Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

    After years on the sidelines, McGregor was finally set to make his highly anticipated return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, following their stint as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter Season 31 in 2023.

    However, just two weeks before fight night, the Irishman withdrew due to a broken toe, leaving fans uncertain about if or when he will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon.

  • Bryce Mitchell Blames Jean Silva For ‘Demonic Dreams’ Since UFC 314 Press Conference

    Bryce Mitchell Blames Jean Silva For ‘Demonic Dreams’ Since UFC 314 Press Conference

    Bryce Mitchell is convinced that he and Jean Silva have been under the influence of a supernatural curse ever since their first encounter.

    Mitchell is set to clash with Silva in a high-stakes featherweight showdown at UFC 314 on April 12, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The two fighters came face-to-face at the UFC 314 press conference earlier this month, where they exchanged fiery verbal jabs.

    Silva, in particular, seized every opportunity to mock “Thug Nasty” for his outspoken belief in conspiracy theories.

    Bryce Mitchell, infamous for his outlandish statements and far-fetched conspiracy theories, has once again sparked intrigue with his latest claims.

    On Monday, the 30-year-old Arkansas native took to Instagram, claiming that he has been struggling with sleepless nights as he battles what he believes to be a test of his character by the devil and his demons.

    With his showdown against “Lord” fast approaching, Mitchell made an appeal to fellow Christians, asking for their prayers and spiritual support.

    “Good morning, y’all. I need all my Christian warriors to pray for me that I will have peaceful sleep, Bryce Mitchell said. “Every single night since the day before the press conference, I’ve had demonic dreams. Legions of demons are attacking me every single time I sleep, and not one time have I seen any peaceful sleep since that day.

    “These demons surround me, and they try to fight me and provoke me to anger, and then the dream will switch, and they’ll send beautiful women, and they’re trying to get me to lust, to cheat on my wife. Satan’s using two of my weaknesses to try to expose the evil in my own heart, which is anger and lust. However, where I am weak, the Lord is strong.”

    “Thug Nasty” went on to assert that the very demons tormenting him have also possessed Silva, and he vowed to knock the evil out of his opponent when they clash on April 12.

    “I’m not just fighting a man on April 12. I’m fighting a man possessed by a legion of demons. When I simply said the name Jesus, he was provoked to maliciousness, and he started barking like a dog and chanting ‘F**k you, f**k you, f**k you.’ Remember guys, the days of fighting for myself are long gone.

    “I now fight for the name of the Lord and the devil, he ain’t gonna waste his time trying to plauge a loser. He knows that a victory for the Lord is at hand. I will win this fight in the name of Jesus Christ. The man’s demons will be casted out of my presence and he will fall before me just as Goliath fell before King David.”

    Many have called for Bryce Mitchell to be axed from the UFC roster in January after sparking outrage with antisemitic comments, where he shockingly referred to Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler as a “good guy.”

  • UFC Fighter Who Overcame Addiction Speculates Cause Of Worrying BJ Penn Videos

    UFC Fighter Who Overcame Addiction Speculates Cause Of Worrying BJ Penn Videos

    A UFC lightweight fighter thinks he understands the cause of BJ Penn’s erratic social media videos.

    Penn has never shied away from sharing outlandish conspiracy theories, but his most recent claims has truly turned heads and sparked widespread concern.

    Last week, “The Prodigy” took to Instagram, posting a series of unsettling videos in which he shockingly claimed he no longer recognized his mother, Lorraine Shin. Penn went as far as to allege that she had been murdered and replaced by an imposter.

    In one of the videos, Penn unleashed a profanity-filled rant aimed at someone named Paul Abiley. The clip’s caption contained an explosive allegation, claiming that Abiley and Carlos Riveira had conspired with the government to murder his mother and brother.

    The footage then cut to BJ Penn’s mother casually cooking in a kitchen and walking a dog, as he continued elaborating on his shocking theory. Amid his ramblings, he also admitted to having thoughts of resorting to physical violence.

    During a recent interview with Home of Fight, Jared Gordon, who has overcome heroin addiction, weighed in on BJ Penn’s bizarre claims.

    ‘Flash’ asserted that he has insight into the former UFC two-division champion’s past struggles with methamphetamine use and suspects it may once again be fueling his behavior.

    “What I’ve heard in the past, from rumors and things that I have heard, he had methamphetamine abuse disorder,” Gordon said. “I’m sure he drinks and does other [things], smokes weed probably — he’s in Hawaii — but meth is huge out there, and the way he’s acting — the paranoia, the delusion — it just screams meth. So I had made a comment, ‘sounds like meth,’ and it got a lot of people’s attention.”

    Gordon also speculated that Penn’s condition might stem from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), attributing it to the extensive head trauma he endured throughout his fighting career.

    “As we’ve seen in the past with football players and wrestlers, it’s head trauma — ‘CTE’… So can I say it’s CTE? No. But do I think that his history of concussions and brain trauma are also contributing to this? Yes. But drug abuse also plays a major role in extreme paranoia, especially what he was displaying. It just showed that something is seriously off, and it’s probably drug abuse mixed with other mental or physical health issues.”

  • Watch Conor McGregor Address Reporters At The White House Ahead Of Trump Meeting

    Watch Conor McGregor Address Reporters At The White House Ahead Of Trump Meeting

    Conor McGregor is set to visit the Oval Office today for a high-profile meeting with Donald Trump.

    On Monday, the former UFC two-division champion made a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room, where he was introduced by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who announced that he would be meeting with the President of the United States and other key administration officials as part of his St. Patrick’s Day visit to Washington, D.C.

    “The Notorious” also briefed reporters and stated that his visit to Washington is “to raise the issues the people of Ireland face.”

    “Ireland and America, we are siblings. We consider America our big sibling, Conor McGregor said. “So it’s important for Ireland to be a peaceful, prosperous country for 40 million Irish Americans to have a place to visit, [to] come back to their home. So we wish for our relationship with the United States to continue, and we wish to be taken care of by the big bro. The United States should look after its little bro. And that’s how we feel.”

    McGregor and Trump share a strong mutual admiration, a connection underscored when the 47th U.S. president personally invited the UFC superstar to his inauguration ceremony in January after being re-elected this past November. 

    Last week, during a bilateral meeting with Ireland’s Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, Trump praised Conor McGregor, admiring his tattoos, fighting style, and larger-than-life presence. He attributed the 36-year-old Irishman’s success to the toughness of the Irish people.

    “The Notorious” hasn’t stepped into the Octagon since suffering a brutal leg fracture during his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2023. He was set to make his long-awaited return at UFC 303 last June in a welterweight bout against Michael Chandler, but the showdown was scrapped just weeks before fight night after McGregor was forced to withdraw due to a toe injury.

    Conor McGregor has since been entangled in multiple legal battles, with one of the most significant coming in November when a jury in the Dublin High Court found him liable for assaulting Nikita Hand, who had accused the former UFC lightweight champion of sexually assaulting her in December 2018.

    McGregor is also embroiled in another civil lawsuit, with an anonymous woman accusing him of sexual assault during the Heat vs. Celtics NBA Finals game in June 2023.

  • Darren Till Targets ‘Mega PPV’ Clash With ‘Legitimate Boxer’ Jake Paul

    Darren Till Targets ‘Mega PPV’ Clash With ‘Legitimate Boxer’ Jake Paul

    Jake Paul is undeniably one of the most talked-about figures in crossover boxing, drawing constant callouts from fighters across the combat sports world. This time, it’s Darren Till eyeing a showdown.

    Till ended his two-year hiatus after parting ways with the UFC and making his squared circle debut under the Social Knockouts banner, securing an unusual TKO victory over Mohammad Mutie.

    “The Gorilla” stepped back into action under the Misfits Boxing banner in January, this time in a professional capacity, securing a sixth-round knockout victory over Anthony Taylor. It seem that the former UFC welterweight title challenger is now fully committed to his boxing career.

    Till is now preparing to face Darren Stewart in the co-main event of Misfits Boxing 21 on March 29 at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. However, he’s already setting his sights on several potential future opponents.

    At the top of the 32-year-old Scouser’s hit list is “The Problem Child,” a fight he is eager to take on home turf in England.

    During a recent interview with Genting Casino, “The Gorilla” had glowing praise for Paul and firmly vouched for his legitimacy as a true boxer.

    “I think Jake is a legitimate boxer,” Darren Till said. “I think he puts real work, real hours in. He’s got a fully functional 24-hour team at hand because he’s got the money, obviously, to have this. So Jake’s a pro boxer now. Obviously, every fight I see him, he gets better. He improves. [He’s] a little bit slow, you can still see he lacks in certain areas. But by no means is he an influencer boxer that everyone was saying. For me, he’s a proper, proper boxer.”

    Till further revealed that he has had his sights set on a showdown with Paul for quite some time. He also acknowledged the massive influence the YouTuber-turned-boxer wields in the combat sports world.

    “He’s on my radar–am I on his? Who knows? He’s the big guy, I’m the little guy. He’s the big guy. As funny as it sounds as I’m from the UFC [but] he’s the big guy, I’m the little guy. I know what’s what. If you put an orange in front of me, it’s an orange. I just know that Jake Paul’s the big guy, I’m the little guy. I’m not gonna sit here and go, ‘I’m Darren Till from the UFC.’ He’s the big guy. I’m the little guy. So call it for what it is. That [me v Jake Paul] would be a mega pay-per-view. Not in America, in England, especially bringing in the whole Logan, Jake, KSI, me.”

    “The Problem Child” last stepped into the ring in November, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over boxing legend Mike Tyson in a highly controversial heavyweight showdown.

    Paul had his sights set on a high-profile showdown with Canelo Alvarez, but the fight ultimately fell through when the Mexican boxing superstar dismissed the idea, stating he was only interested in facing “real fighters.” Instead, Alvarez opted for a lucrative four-fight deal with Riyadh Season.

  • UFC Fighter ‘Pissed Off’ After Debuting Light Heavyweight Misses Weight By Almost 5 Pounds

    UFC Fighter ‘Pissed Off’ After Debuting Light Heavyweight Misses Weight By Almost 5 Pounds

    Missing weight is arguably one of the biggest setbacks a UFC fighter can face, and venting frustration over it is understandable — even when it’s another fighter who comes in heavy.

    The MMA powerhouse is set to make its return to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, this Saturday with a Fight Night card headlined by a middleweight rematch between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze. Ahead of the event, the official weigh-ins took place on Friday, where two fighters failed to make weight.

    UFC debutant Diyar Nurgozhay, set to face Brendson Ribeiro in a light heavyweight clash, badly missed weight, coming in at a staggering 210.5 pounds, 4.5 pounds over the 206-pound limit. For coming in overweight, Nurgozhay was forced to forfeit 25% of his purse to his opponent, but the fight will move forward as planned.

    As if the backlash from fans on social media wasn’t enough, the undefeated Kazakh prospect found himself under fire from fellow UFC newcomer Julius Walker, who took a shot at him on X.

    In his post, “Juice Box” didn’t hold back, calling out Nurgozhay for missing weight. He drew a sharp comparison to his own situation, claiming he had to cut nearly 32 pounds in just nine days for his short-notice fight against Alonzo Menifield at UFC Seattle last month.

    “I cut from 237 to 205 in 9 days for Alonzo. Was never an option in my head to miss weight. UFC provides all the resources to make it an easy process. Almost pisses me off to see a guy miss weight like that on a full camp,” Walker wrote on X.

    Nurgozhay secured his UFC contract with a second-round knockout victory over Bartosz Szewczyk at Dana White’s Contender Series last October. The 27-year-old holds a flawless 10-0 record with six of those wins coming by way of knockout.

  • Paul Hughes Hits Back At ‘Trend’ Of Hating On PFL

    Paul Hughes Hits Back At ‘Trend’ Of Hating On PFL

    Paul Hughes is going all out in standing his ground and defending the promotion he represents, the PFL.

    Since acquiring Bellator MMA in November 2023, PFL has faced frequent criticism. Many fighters, including high-profile names like Patchy Mix, have expressed frustration, claiming they have been sidelined and given limited chances since the merger. Patricio Pitbull was also among those seeking an exit, with his release recently granted.

    The budding MMA promotion has also faced allegations of trimming its roster while pressuring fighters into accepting significant pay cuts, despite its structured pay system.

    The latest to launch a scathing critique is former UFC fighter and Bellator veteran Josh Thomson, who called out PFL and its top brass, Donn Davis and Pete Murray. He accused them of neglecting the organization’s brand development and failing to establish a clear vision for its future.

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, “The Punk” didn’t hold back, slamming PFL as mismanaged and urging them to “get their sh*t together.” However, the New York-based MMA promotion’s current biggest star sees things differently.

    On Friday, Hughes took to X to respond to Thomson’s criticism of PFL, calling out the growing trend of negativity toward the promotion. He passionately defended the organization, highlighting its positive aspects and expressing deep gratitude for the profound impact it has had on his career.

    “The PFL MMA have provided me the platform to completely change my life and my career in 9 months. The staff have been absolutely amazing to deal with the entire time. I find it disappointing that it has become a trend to hate on them. They are the UNDERDOGS, fighting to make a CHANGE in an industry where the athletes are under served and underpaid. MOST of us fighters end up leaving the game with no money (and a lot of brain damage). This will only change if organisations like PFL continue to succeed. Thankyou PFL MMA” Paul Hughes wrote on X.

    “Big News” signed with PFL last May. In just three fights under its banner, the 27-year-old Irishman has already become a fan favorite and one of the promotion’s biggest draws.

    Paul Hughes was last seen in competition at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai in January, where he fell just short in his quest for the title, suffering a majority decision loss to reigning lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

    “Big News” is now set to return to action in the headlining bout of PFL Europe’s first event of the year, where he will face Bruno Miranda on May 10 at The SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Receives Dagestan’s ‘Highest Reward’ After UFC 313 Title Win

    Magomed Ankalaev Receives Dagestan’s ‘Highest Reward’ After UFC 313 Title Win

    Magomed Ankalaev is the man of the hour in his home region of Dagestan right now.

    Ankalaev put an end to Alex Pereira’s dominant reign as the light heavyweight champion, securing a unanimous decision victory in the headlining bout of UFC 313 last weekend.

    Earlier this week, the newly crowned UFC 205-pound champion received a grand reception in Dagestan. Now, as of Friday, Magomed Ankalaev has earned a prestigious accolade in his homeland, joining the ranks of his compatriot and reigning UFC lightweight titleholder, Islam Makhachev.

    With his victory over “Poatan,” Ankalaev has solidified his place as a national hero, being bestowed with Dagestan’s highest medal of honor by the Head of the Republic, Sergey Alimovich Melikov.

    Magomed Ankalaev recently took to Instagram to share his thoughts on this prestigious honor and revealed that receiving the recognition was an unexpected yet deeply rewarding surprise.

    “At the invitation of the Head of the Republic of Dagestan, my coaches and I visited the government, where a pleasant surprise awaited me – Sergey Alimovich Melikov presented me with the highest award of the republic. During the meeting, we heard many kind words and important instructions, which inspired us to work even harder and represent the country with dignity on the international stage. Thank you, Sergey Alimovich, for your support and attention to athletes!” Anakalev posted on Instagram.

    The Dagestani had his first shot at the light heavyweight title against former champion Jan Błachowicz at UFC 282 in December 2022, but after five rounds of back-and-forth action, the fight ended in a draw.

    Ankalaev has now pushed his unbeaten streak to 14 fights and hinted that he is already in talks with the UFC for a rematch against Pereira — a claim the Brazilian has also confirmed.

  • ‘He Must Be An Idiot’ – Paddy Pimblett Blasts Dustin Poirier Over Retirement Plan

    ‘He Must Be An Idiot’ – Paddy Pimblett Blasts Dustin Poirier Over Retirement Plan

    Paddy Pimblett can’t even fathom why Dustin Poirier has announced his plans to retire.

    Poirier has been weighing the idea of retirement for a while, and now, after falling short in his third attempt at undisputed lightweight gold against reigning champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 last June, he seems fully committed to calling it a career.

    However, “The Diamond” has made it clear he won’t hang up his gloves without a proper send-off. He’s spent the past several months pushing the UFC to grant him a farewell fight in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana.

    The former UFC interim lightweight champion has shut down any possibility of facing rising contender Pimblett in his farewell fight, declaring that only a fellow “legend” is worthy of his final showdown.

    “The Baddy” is now set for a high-stakes showdown against former title challenger Michael Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 314 on April 12, taking place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

    During a recent conversation with ESPN Deportes, Paddy Pimblett insisted that Dustin Poirier still has plenty left in the tank and shouldn’t even be considering retirement. Moreover, he’s confident that if they ever shared the Octagon, he’d have the upper hand.

    “He said something about me the other day didn’t he? Saying it’s legends only and he thinks Chandler will beat me,” Pimblett said. “I think he should have more than one fight (before he retires). He looked good in his last fight. I don’t understand why you’d retire when you look good, but you know, he must be an idiot. I think I beat Dustin Poirier so, I’d love to fight him.”

    There’s still no official confirmation on who “The Diamond” will face in his final fight. However, earlier this month, fellow lightweight contender Beneil Dariush speculated that Poirier could run it back with former foe and reigning BMF titleholder Max Holloway.

    Poirier and Holloway first met inside the Octagon at UFC 143 in February 2012, where the Louisiana native secured a first-round submission victory in their featherweight clash.

    Their paths crossed once again at UFC 236 in April 2019, this time with interim lightweight gold on the line. Poirier secured the victory by unanimous decision.

  • Manel Kape Fires Back At Eye Poke Controversy: ‘People Want To Find An Excuse’

    Manel Kape Fires Back At Eye Poke Controversy: ‘People Want To Find An Excuse’

    Manel Kape is shrugging off the debate surrounding his knockout victory against Asu Almabayev.

    Earlier this month at UFC Vegas 103, Kape put on a striking clinic, overwhelming Almabayev with speed and aggression before sealing the deal with a third-round TKO in the main event at UFC APEX.

    However, in the aftermath of the fight, controversy swirled as broadcast replays revealed “Starboy” scraping Almabayev’s eye not once but twice — first in the second round, then again in the third. Despite the apparent foul, referee Mike Beltran didn’t catch the infraction in real time, allowing the action to continue.

    Days after the bout, “Zulfikar” took to social media and shared a shocking image of his reddened, swollen eye, alleging it was the result of the uncalled foul. However, the outspoken Portuguese striker refuses to take the blame.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Manel Kape dismissed the criticism, insisting that Almabayev’s eye was already compromised from the very first punch he landed — not from what he describes as an accidental strike.

    “Against Asu, his eye became like that, it was the first punch,” Kape said. “It was the first punch that hit him. If you guys watch the fight very carefully and watch the first round, when I got the punch, immediately his eye was already destroyed.”

    Aside from the eye poke controversy, Kape dominated the fight, effortlessly shutting down Almabayev’s takedown attempts. “Starboy” also voiced his frustration, stating that some fans are fixating on the foul in an attempt to discredit his victory, but he refuses to let it shake him.

    “It was not an eye poke that made the fight, that finished the fight,” Manel Kape said. “I was beating him. People go and find excuses because it was me. People want to find an excuse. There’s a type of fighters that get a lot of hate. This is a special fighters, the champions, they always talk about them and they want to criticize them. I know I’m one of the people that get a lot of hate but when you’re winning, when you become a champion, they want to be on your side.”

    With his victory over “Zulfikar,” Kape has improved his UFC record to 6-3, boasting four knockout wins along the way. His last setback came at UFC 304 this past July, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Muhammad Mokaev.

  • Stipe Miocic Names 2 ‘Most Satisfying’ Knockouts From His UFC Career

    Stipe Miocic Names 2 ‘Most Satisfying’ Knockouts From His UFC Career

    Stipe Miocic recently named the knockout wins he took the most pride in during his UFC career.

    Miocic is widely considered the greatest heavyweight in UFC history, holding the division’s records for consecutive (three) and total (four) title defenses — each earned against top-tier competition.

    The 42-year-old Ohio native fell short in his quest for a third heavyweight title reign, suffering a decisive knockout loss to champion Jon Jones at UFC 309 last November. Following the defeat, he officially announced his retirement from the sport.

    Although the UFC veteran didn’t deliver his best performance in his final fight, his legacy in the heavyweight division remains undeniable. With victories over elite names like Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos, and Francis Ngannou, Miocic built a résumé that speaks for itself.

    He retired with an impressive 20-5 record, including 14 knockouts — yet two stand out as his personal favorites.

    During a recent interview with BIGPLAY Sports Network, Stipe Miocic was asked about the “most satisfying” knockouts of his career. While he holds all of his finishes in high regard, the former UFC heavyweight champion said that his first-round KO to dethrone Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198 in May 2016, in front of a hostile Brazilian crowd, was one of the greatest moments of his career.

    “When I won the title in Brazil,” Stipe Miocic said. “Because there were, you know, like 45,000 people in there, and 44,990 were Brazilians speaking Portuguese, telling me I’m going to die. I had 15 family and friends there, and then I hit him, and he went out. I was hearing, ‘Yay, a new champion,’ and it was so annoying because, like, it was quiet, it was awkward, but it was great.”

    Stipe Miocic also called his first-round knockout of Overeem at UFC 203 in September 2016 one of his most iconic moments, as he defended his title in front of a roaring hometown crowd in Cleveland.

    “Of course, the one here in Cleveland was awesome too… It’s funny, I talk about anxiety — I don’t get anxiety much — and during that fight, walking out with everyone screaming your name, it was surreal. People dream about that stuff, and I get goosebumps thinking about it now. I couldn’t catch my breath. I was fighting, and I thought, ‘This is not good. What do I do?’ Then [Overeem] popped me and dropped me, and I was like, ‘I’m good now. Reset, let’s do this.’ Then I got on top and finished him off, and I was like, ‘Thank God, it could have been way worse.’”

  • Justin Gaethje Demands Title Shot From Dana White After UFC 313

    Justin Gaethje Demands Title Shot From Dana White After UFC 313

    Justin Gaethje is campaigning for what could be his final shot at the undisputed UFC lightweight title.

    After nearly a year away from the Octagon, Gaethje made his highly anticipated return last Saturday, accepting a short-notice rematch against Rafael Fiziev in the UFC 313 co-main event. He battled through adversity to earn a unanimous decision victory over “Ataman.”

    Back in the win column, “The Highlight” rebounded from his heartbreaking last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 300 in April. The former interim UFC 155-pound champion confidently maintained that defeating Fiziev could put him right back in the title conversation.

    On Tuesday, Gaethje took to social media to make his case for a third crack at the undisputed gold, urging UFC CEO Dana White to grant him the opportunity. He argued that his setback to “Blessed” shouldn’t stand in the way of his championship ambitions.

    “I won 3 out of my last 4, only losing in an exhibition fight. I have to fight for the belt. @danawhite I am ready,” Justin Gaethje wrote.

    The 36-year-old Arizona native has come up short in two previous title bids, falling to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in October 2020 and Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 in May 2022. Undeterred, Justin Gaethje has long set his sights on a showdown with reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

    Interestingly, at the UFC 313 post-fight press conference, White subtly signaled his approval of “The Highlight” jumping ahead of Arman Tsarukyan and Oliveira in the race for a potential clash with Makhachev.

  • KSI Warns Tony Ferguson: Danis Fight Will Be ‘Dead’ After Damage From Boxing Match

    KSI Warns Tony Ferguson: Danis Fight Will Be ‘Dead’ After Damage From Boxing Match

    KSI warns that by the time he’s done with Dillon Danis, there won’t be much left of him for Tony Ferguson to fight.

    For context, KSI is set to square off against Danis in a 185-pound grudge match in the main event of Misfits Boxing 21 on March 29 at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.

    However, following his sophomore appearance in the boxing ring, “El Jefe” is booked to compete against former UFC interim lightweight champion Ferguson under the banner of the newly launched MMA promotion, Global Fight League (GFL), with the bout tentatively scheduled for May 11.

    On Tuesday, the YouTuber-turned-influencer boxer, who has a long-standing feud with Danis, took to X to issue a chilling message just two weeks ahead of their showdown. His words weren’t just aimed at Danis as they also carried a veiled shot at Ferguson, with “The Nightmare” vowing to punish Danis so brutally that his anticipated MMA return would become an afterthought.

    “I don’t think people understand what I’m about to do to Danis. His fight with Ferguson will be dead. His UFC dreams will be dead. His career in combat sports will finally be dead,” KSI wrote on X.

    KSI and Danis were originally set to face off in January 2023, but “El Jefe” pulled out just a week before fight night without offering a clear explanation. His last-minute withdrawal only added fuel to their already heated rivalry, as they have traded barbs on social media on several occasions.

    “The Nightmare” was last seen in action in October 2023, headlining the MF & DAZN: X Series 10 – PRIME Card against Tommy Fury, where he suffered a controversial unanimous decision loss.

    Meanwhile, Danis made his boxing debut on the same card, taking on KSI’s former adversary and now collaborator, Logan Paul. But the bout took a wild turn when the outspoken MMA fighter attempted to lock “The Maverick” in a chokehold, resulting in his disqualification in the sixth round.