MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • Alex Pereira Told That UFC 313 Loss Is Evidence His ‘Lifestyle Is Catching Up To Him’

    Alex Pereira Told That UFC 313 Loss Is Evidence His ‘Lifestyle Is Catching Up To Him’

    A former two-division UFC champion suggests that Alex Pereira’s life outside the Octagon may be affecting his performance.

    Pereiraā€™s tenure as the light heavyweight champion concluded this past Saturday when he put his title on the line against Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC 313 main event.

    “Poatan” came out strong, battering his opponent with his signature calf kicks. However, as the fight progressed into the middle rounds, his momentum began to wane. While he couldnā€™t mount much offense, he showcased impressive takedown defense.

    In the final round, Pereira regained his momentum and pushed the pace, but it wasnā€™t enough to sway the judges, who awarded Ankalaev a unanimous decision victory.

    In the buildup to UFC 313, Alex Pereira faced heavy skepticism from UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, who joined some others in doubting his commitment to preparation. “DC” pointed to Pereiraā€™s leisure trips and laid-back social media presence as signs that he wasnā€™t fully focused on his title defense.

    Although the Brazilian fiercely rejected these claims before the fight, insisting he was fully prepared and aware of the challenge, his performance against Ankalaev still lacked the signature explosiveness fans have come to expect.

    He appeared uncharacteristically off, and former two-division champion Henry Cejudo believes he knows exactly what may have caused it.

    During a recent episode of his Pound 4 Pound Podcast, Cejudo shared his thoughts on the Pereira vs. Ankalaev showdown. He suggested that “Poatanā€™s” extravagant way of living, among other factors, may have finally caught up with him.

    “I think Alex Pereiraā€™s lifestyle is finally kind of catching up to him, it’s finally catching up to him,ā€ Cejudo said. ā€œThe travel, the ā€˜chamaā€™, the lot of the skits and a lot of stuff that he’s actually doing, it’s really not doing him any service. His body looked a little different, dude. He looked a little pudgier, he looked a little thicker in the face going in, but then we have to credit Magomed Ankalaev.ā€

    Alex Pereira enjoyed a stellar run in 2024, successfully defending his UFC light heavyweight title three times ā€” all by knockout.

    The former champion had previously suffered a setback against Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 in April 2023 but rebounded in dominant fashion, moving up a division and racking up an impressive five-fight winning streak.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Surpasses Makhachev, Dvalishvili For UFC Social Media Record In 2025

    Magomed Ankalaev Surpasses Makhachev, Dvalishvili For UFC Social Media Record In 2025

    Magomed Ankalaev outshined several reigning UFC champions in a key statistic following his latest Octagon appearance.

    Ankalaev realized his lifelong dream of becoming a UFC titleholder this past Saturday, toppling long-reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira with a unanimous decision victory in the UFC 313 main event.

    The Dagestani stepped into the fight with a calculated game plan, but despite his high-level wrestling credentials, he failed to take Pereira down. Instead, he maintained steady aggression and strategically timed his strikes, ultimately convincing the judges to rule in his favor.

    Despite widespread criticism of his fighting style as “boring,” Ankalaevā€™s social media popularity skyrocketed, gaining massive traction across platforms.

    Recently, a sharp-eyed MMA fan on X compiled snippets from the UFCā€™s Instagram, showcasing every champion having their belt wrapped around their waist after the first three pay-per-views of the year. To many fans’ surprise, Magomed Ankalaev topped the list with a staggering 26.8 million views.

    Trailing behind him was reigning lightweight champ Islam Makhachev, who racked up 19.1 million views, followed by bantamweight king Merab Dvalishvili with 17 million. Middleweight titleholder Dricus Du Plessis secured 11.8 million, while strawweight queen Zhang Weili rounded out the list with 4.3 million views.

    At the time of writing, the video capturing Ankalaevā€™s crowning moment has amassed over 46.2 million views and garnered an impressive 1.4 million likes.

    Ankalaev previously vied for the 205-pound title at UFC 282 in December 2022, facing Jan Błachowicz. After an intense back-and-forth battle, the contest ended in a draw.

    With his win at UFC 313, the 32-year-old Russian extended his unbeaten streak to 14 fights. Remarkably, the only blemish on his professional record dates back to March 2018, when he fell to Paul Craig via submission in the final seconds of their bout.

  • Alex Pereira Joined Conor McGregor And Jon Jones In Exclusive Club At UFC 313

    Alex Pereira Joined Conor McGregor And Jon Jones In Exclusive Club At UFC 313

    Alex Pereira recently entered an elite UFC club, becoming only the third fighter in history to achieve this rare milestone.

    Pereira’s lightning-fast ascent in the UFC has been remarkable, establishing him as one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes. In just seven fights over a span of two years, “Poatan” defied the odds, securing championship gold in two different weight divisions.

    Within the last year, Pereira dominated the UFC light heavyweight division, defending his title three times ā€” all via knockouts. His rĆ©sumĆ© boasts finishes over former champions like Israel Adesanya, Jan Błachowicz, and JiÅ™Ć­ ProchĆ”zka (twice), to name a few.

    Pereira put his 205-pound title on the line for the fourth time this past weekend, facing Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313. However, the outcome didnā€™t go his way, as he suffered a debated unanimous decision loss.

    Ahead of the opening bell, Alex Pereira received some notable recognition, joining a prestigious group that includes only Conor McGregor and Jon Jones.

    The legendary voice of the Octagon, Bruce Buffer, acknowledged Pereiraā€™s status by introducing him as “The One, The Only” ā€” a distinguished title reserved for the sportā€™s most iconic figures.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ-w2cB2Zbw

    Buffer first bestowed this accolade upon “The Notorious” when he made his much-anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 246 in January 2020 against Donald Cerrone. McGregor delivered a knockout victory in just 40 seconds.

    At UFC 285 in March 2023, Buffer honored “Bones” with the same iconic introduction as he made his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane. Jones secured a first-round submission victory to claim the title.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Baffled By ‘Boring’ Label After UFC 313

    Magomed Ankalaev Baffled By ‘Boring’ Label After UFC 313

    Magomed Ankalaev appears indifferent to the widespread criticism from MMA fans who perceived his recent performance as lackluster.

    Ankalaev claimed the UFC light heavyweight throne this past weekend, narrowly defeating Alex Pereira via unanimous decision in the headlining matchup at UFC 313 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    The fight remained tightly contested from start to finish. “Poatan” set the tone with a sharp opening round, but Ankalaev responded in the second, finding his rhythm and rocking Pereira with a thunderous left hand ā€” arguably the biggest moment of the fight.

    Despite his reputation as the superior wrestler, the Dagestani struggled to secure a takedown, failing on all his attempts. However, he compensated by relentlessly pressing forward, dictating the tempo, and trapping Pereira against the cage for extended stretches in the later stages of the fight.

    Two judges scored the bout 48-47, while the third had it 49-46, all siding with Ankalaev. However, with several rounds feeling razor-close in real-time, many in the MMA community argued that while the newly crowned champ’s approach proved successful against Pereira, it often results in uneventful fights that lack excitement.

    At the UFC 313 post-fight press conference, the newly minted UFC 205-pound champion addressed criticism of his fighting style, expressing confusion over why many label it as boring.

    Instead, he shifted the blame toward “Poatan,” suggesting that the Brazilianā€™s cautious approach was the real reason for the lack of action.

    “I don’t understand why people think that my fights are boring,” Magomed Ankalaev said. “Everybody thought that Alex Pereira, coming into this fight, was the most exciting striker in the division, and then you saw the way he fought against me. It seems as though when people come out and fight against me, they all become boring. You saw what he did, so it’s not just dependent on me ā€” it also depends on the dance partner, on the opponent that I’m fighting.”

    With his victory over Alex Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev extended his unbeaten streak to 14 fights ā€” the third-longest active run in the UFC. Along the way, he has claimed wins over top contenders like Aleksandar Rakić, Thiago Santos, and Anthony Smith.

  • Belal Muhammad Gets Palestine Flag Added To UFC Profile After Dana White Steps In

    Belal Muhammad Gets Palestine Flag Added To UFC Profile After Dana White Steps In

    Belal Muhammadā€™s grievance reached Dana White, who wasted no time setting things right.

    Muhammad will make his first welterweight title defense at UFC 315 on May 10, headlining against Jack Della Maddalena at the Bell Centre, in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC fighters usually have their national flags displayed on their profiles on the promotionā€™s official website, but “Remember the Name”, who represents Palestine, was the only one among the 22 fighters on the UFC 315 lineup without one.

    The Chicago-born reigning UFC 170-pound champion has never wavered in his pride for his Palestinian heritage. Throughout his UFC career, he has made it a point to represent his roots, always carrying the Palestinian flag as a symbol of his identity.

    After noticing his flag was missing, Muhammad took to social media on Thursday, urging the UFC CEO to take action on the matter. Now, it appears his message has been acknowledged.

    “Remember the Name” recently turned to X to announce that his profile now features the Palestinian flag. He expressed gratitude to White for taking prompt repsonse and commended the UFC for allowing fighters to express themselves freely.

    “I just want to give a quick shoutout to Dana,ā€ Belal Muhammad said. I talked to him, he said the flagā€™s back up tonight. [He] apologized, and thatā€™s why I love the UFC. I love this company, and thatā€™s why Danaā€™s the man. The only organization that lets you be yourself. And true to his word, and doesnā€™t let other people sway his attitude or what heā€™s going to do. So, shout out to Dana. Shout out to the UFC. Flag is back, baby.ā€

    As of now, the once-absent Palestinian flag has been restored to Muhammadā€™s profile on the UFCā€™s official website.

    Belal Muhammad is set to return to action after a 10-month hiatus. He last fought at UFC 304 in July, where he earned a dominant unanimous decision victory over Leon Edwards to clinch the welterweight title.

    The 36-year-old American was originally set to defend his championship against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December. However, a leg infection forced Muhammad to withdraw, leading to the boutā€™s cancellation.

     

  • Max Holloway: Justin Gaethje Will ‘Make A Statement’ At UFC 313

    Max Holloway: Justin Gaethje Will ‘Make A Statement’ At UFC 313

    Max Holloway is backing Justin Gaethje to deliver in his next outing inside the Octagon.

    Gaethje is set to run it back with Rafael Fiziev in a highly anticipated rematch, serving as the co-main event of UFC 313 Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    “The Highlight” is looking to rebound after suffering a buzzer-beater knockout loss to Holloway at UFC 300 this past April, where he lost his BMF title. The former UFC featherweight champion is surprised to see Gaethje labeled as the underdog against Fiziev but believes heā€™s poised for a strong comeback.

    In a recent video on his YouTube channel, “Blessed” weighed in on the UFC 313 co-main event, rallying behind Gaethje to replicate his past triumph over “Ataman”.

    “This is going to be a fight man,” Holloway said. “With Gaethje coming in as the underdog, this is easy picking for me. You need to roll with Gaethje, especially coming off of his last fight. He wants to erase that last loss with something huge, so Iā€™m calling this right now. Iā€™m picking Justin Gaethje, and Iā€™m going with his nickname man, heā€™s going to have a highlight this fight.

    “(I) think itā€™s going to be huge. Itā€™s going to be big. I think heā€™s going to make a statement. He also knows that the 155-pound division with contenders is super up in the air. Whoever can make that statement win can just jump in there and get a title shot, and I think he goes out there and he does that. They call him ‘The Highlight’ for a reason, and what a better dance partner to do that with than Fiziev because you know Fiziev is going to come and fight.”

    The former UFC interim lightweight champion was originally set to clash with Dan Hooker in a five-round showdown at UFC 313. However, “The Hangman” was forced to pull out due to a hand injury, leading to Fiziev stepping in as a short-notice replacement.

    “The Highlight” narrowly defeated Fiziev in their first encounter at UFC 286 in March 2023, earning a majority decision victory. Since then, Gaethje has picked up one win and suffered one defeat.

    Meanwhile, “Ataman” last competed in a Fight Night event in September 2023, where an untimely knee injury derailed him midway through the second round against Mateusz Gamrot, leading to a TKO loss.

  • Eric Nicksick Reveals Text From Sean Strickland ‘Immediately’ After Public Criticism

    Eric Nicksick Reveals Text From Sean Strickland ‘Immediately’ After Public Criticism

    Eric Nicksick is insisting that all is well between him and Sean Strickland despite their recent disagreement.

    Last month at UFC 312, Strickland suffered a one-sided unanimous decision loss in his rematch against reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis.

    Following the defeat, his head coach, Nicksick, didnā€™t hold back, openly voicing his disappointment over the outspoken Californianā€™s seemingly uncompetitive performance and casting doubt on his fighterā€™s drive moving forward.

    Reacting to the comments, “Tarzan” revealed that while they will remain friends, the Xtreme Couture coach will no longer be in his corner from now on. This revelation sparked speculation within the MMA community about a possible rift between the longtime fighter-coach duo.

    However, Nicksick maintains that any tension with Strickland, if it ever existed, has now been put to rest.

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Nicksick admitted that while he doesnā€™t completely second-guess his comments about Strickland, he wishes he had waited longer before speaking out. He emphasized that his words came from a place of genuine care.

    “The timing was wrong on my part, and the wording wasnā€™t as crystal clear as what I should have gotten out,ā€ Nicksick said. ā€œEveryone in the gym that knows me, Sean included, knew where my heart was and knew where my head was and the point that I was trying to get across.”

    Nicksick further shared that after his remarks gained traction, Sean Strickland reached out via text and later met with him in person, ultimately acknowledging the criticism.

    “Sean said that to me immediately via text. He was like, ‘Hey man, I know exactly what you mean.’ I saw him in person that same Thursday. We hugged, high-fived. ‘Iā€™m going out snowboarding.’ We had a good conversation,ā€ Nicksick continued. “So as far as I’m concerned, everythingā€™s good on our end.ā€

    Following his recent setback, “Tarzan” now holds a 4-4 record in his last eight Octagon outings. This stretch includes the pinnacle of his career ā€” dethroning Israel Adesanya to claim the 185-pound title at UFC 293 ā€” only to have his reign cut short by Du Plessis at UFC 297.

  • Belal Muhammad Reminds Dana White Of ‘Free Speech’ Claim Amid Flag Controversy

    Belal Muhammad Reminds Dana White Of ‘Free Speech’ Claim Amid Flag Controversy

    Belal Muhammad is calling on Dana White to step in and fix an issue with his profile on the official UFC website.

    Although hailing from Chicago, Muhammad has never shied away from his Palestinian roots. He has proudly showcased his identity throughout his UFC career, whether by proudly displaying the Palestinian flag in victory or using his platform to be a vocal advocate for the Palestinian people on social media.

    On the UFCā€™s official website, fighters customarily have their national flags displayed beside their names. However, recently, “Remember the Name” was notably left without one. This omission did not go unnoticed, drawing criticism from fans online and fueling speculation about the reason behind the blank space.

    On Thursday, the reigning UFC welterweight champion took to X, urging White to uphold the very free speech he often advocates. Muhammad also pressed the UFC CEO to acknowledge and resolve the issue regarding his missing flag.

    “People keep asking me, ā€˜Whereā€™s your flag?ā€™ I kept getting multiple messages from it, and I was assuming it was a mistake, but itā€™s still not addressed,ā€ Muhammad said. “So Iā€™ll address it and hope that Dana addresses it as well and fixes it, because Dana said heā€™s all about free speech. Heā€™s all about people supporting who they want to support and not muting or silencing anybody. Iā€™m hoping that the UFC fixes this issue and puts my flag next to my name so the people that I represent, the people that I fight for, and the people that I train for, will see their flag.”

    Belal Muhammad is set to put his 170-pound title on the line for the first time when he squares off against Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 315, scheduled for May 10 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

    The 36-year-old American last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 304 in July, where he dethroned Leon Edwards to claim the welterweight title via unanimous decision.

  • Ilia Topuria Teases Huge Announcement Fans ‘Won’t Believe’

    Ilia Topuria Teases Huge Announcement Fans ‘Won’t Believe’

    Ilia Topuria appears to have secured a high-profile showdown for his next Octagon outing.

    Last month, Topuria shocked the MMA world by vacating his UFC featherweight title, opting to test himself in the lightweight division in pursuit of becoming a two-division champion.

    As a result, former champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to face Diego Lopes for the vacant title in the UFC 314 main event on April 12 at Miamiā€™s Kaseya Center.

    UFC CEO Dana White announced that “El Matador” opted to compete in a higher weight class, believing he had already dominated the featherweight division while also facing the relentless challenge of cutting down to 145 pounds.

    Despite Topuria’s persistent desire to challenge reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, his first opponent in the division has yet to be revealed. However, the undefeated Spaniard publicly addressed his fans on Thursday for the first time since vacating his championship and teased that he has an announcement in the works, one he believes will leave his fans utterly amazed.

    “When we announce it, you won’t believe it. Get ready,” Ilia Topuria wrote on X.

    “El Matador” was last seen in action at UFC 308 last October, where he made history as the first fighter to ever knock out Max Holloway, successfully defending his featherweight title in the process. Prior to that, he knocked out Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024 to capture the championship.

    Ilia Topuria currently sports an unblemished 8-0 record in the UFC and an overall perfect 16-0 mark, including six knockout victories and eight submission triumphs.

  • MMA Fighter Who Competed In Jorge Masvidal’s Promotion Killed After Alleged Break-In

    MMA Fighter Who Competed In Jorge Masvidal’s Promotion Killed After Alleged Break-In

    A former MMA fighter who once competed under Jorge Masvidal’s promotion tragically lost his life after an alleged home invasion turned deadly.

    According to a report from News4JAX, a 31-year-old man was shot and killed on Tuesday night in what authorities are calling an act of self-defense. The fatal incident occurred on SW Leslie Glen in Lake City, Florida, after the man allegedly attempted to break into the residence of his ex-wife.

    The individual was later identified as professional mixed martial artist Langston Sykes. Reports indicate that Sykes forcibly entered the home, where he was met with gunfire. Authorities revealed that an adult inside the residence had an active protection order against him.

    UFC bantamweight fighter Ramon Taveras took to Facebook on Thursday to mourn the untimely passing of Sykes.

    “Didnā€™t really know Lanko Sykes but we shared the mats together a few times. Sad to see this happen man, cause this could have been me last year. I just want to say this, to anybody whoā€™s chasing a dream donā€™t lose it over something or somebody. IT IS NOT WORTH IT!! The UFC has shown me things I thought Iā€™d never see, brought me to places I never been, introduced me to some of the best people I have ever met!! It is so much more out there to life for you to explore than what you see on the daily basis,” Tavares wrote.

    Sykes last stepped into the cage at Island Fights 84 last August, where he secured a first-round knockout victory over Anson Swindle.

    Sykes began his professional MMA journey at Jorge Masvidal’s iKON FC 4 in August 2022, but his debut was far from ideal, as he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Malcolm Wellmaker. He struggled to find consistency in the cage and held a 1-4 record.

  • Dana White Makes One Thing Crystal Clear About New Boxing Promotion

    Dana White Makes One Thing Crystal Clear About New Boxing Promotion

    Dana White is adamant about one thing he absolutely doesn’t want to include in his newly launched boxing promotion.

    On Tuesday, the UFC CEO, alongside Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority chief Turki Alalshikh, announced a historic collaboration to establish a new boxing league under the TKO banner. WWE president Nick Khan is also set to play a pivotal role on the promotionā€™s executive board.

    According to a press release, the new promotion will introduce a systematic framework aimed at nurturing rising talent from around the world. Additionally, boxers will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art UFC Performance Institutes, while TKO will take charge of all event production, ensuring top-tier experiences for both live audiences and broadcasts.

    Further insights into the new venture are expected to be revealed in the coming months. However, following the initial announcement, speculation has already begun to swirl, with various rumors circulating about the direction of the league.

    During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, White was asked if the new TKO boxing promotion could ever feature UFC fighters stepping into the boxing ring to face boxers in a future crossover event.

    In response, the UFC head honcho, known for his skepticism toward crossover events, swiftly shut down the notion. However, he did acknowledge that there are several MMA fighters within the organization who are eager to test their skills in the boxing ring.

    “No, never,” White said. “Iā€™m sure there are guys that want to box, but I literally donā€™t want to see any of that. We’ll keep the boxers in the boxing and the MMA guys in the MMA.”

    White has also rejected the idea of any potential crossover between the UFC and WWE, even after the two combat sports organizations unified financials to create TKO in September 2023.

    Historically, White has been vocal in criticizing boxing promotions for focusing too much on star-studded main events while neglecting to build compelling undercards ā€” something heā€™s always considered a hallmark of the UFC’s success.Ā He has also voiced frustration with the fragmented and disjointed nature of boxing’s title systemsĀ .

  • Diego Lopes Gives Surprising Props To Bitter UFC Rival

    Diego Lopes Gives Surprising Props To Bitter UFC Rival

    Diego Lopes seems to be giving credit where it’s due, even if it involves praising one of his former fierce rivals.

    Following Ilia Topuria’s vacating of the UFC featherweight title, Lopes has been lined up to challenge former champion Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant 145-pound crown. The highly anticipated bout will headline UFC 314 on April 12 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

    Although Lopes’ fight is still over a month away ā€” and against what could be one of his toughest opponents yet ā€” the Brazilian fan favorite is already contemplating who he’ll defend his title against once he emerges victorious.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Lopes mentioned former opponent Movsar Evloev as a potential future title challenger. Surprisingly, Lopes offered high praise for Evloev, with whom he has engaged in multiple intense social media confrontations, commending the Russian’s undefeated record and his dominant presence in the division.

    “We have to be fair, and also we canā€™t hide what heā€™s done in the division,” Lopes said. “Itā€™s nine wins [in a row]. Even though itā€™s all by decision, the guy is undefeated in the division. Heā€™s No. 4 in the division. Like it or not, he also defeated me. And if I win the belt, I definitely think the UFC will put him next on the line.ā€

    Lopes faced Evloev in a short-notice bout at UFC 288 in May 2023, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss. Since then, the former Lux Fighting Championship champion has mounted a five-fight win streak, with his latest victory being a dominant win over former title challenger Brian Ortega at UFC 306 in September.

    Meanwhile, Evloev was last seen in action at UFC 310 in December, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. He also boasts dominant wins over top contenders such as Arnold Allen, Dan Ige, and Hakeem Dawodu, among others.

  • Turki Alalshikh, Dana White Hint At Date For New Boxing Promotion’s Debut

    Turki Alalshikh, Dana White Hint At Date For New Boxing Promotion’s Debut

    Dana White and Turki Alalshikh may already have a target date in mind for the highly anticipated debut of their newly launched joint venture.

    On Tuesday, UFC CEO White and Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority chief Alalshikh officially unveiled a groundbreaking multi-year partnership to launch a new boxing league under the TKO banner.

    According to a press release, WWE president Nick Khan will serve as a key figure on the promotionā€™s executive board. Saudi entertainment giant Sela has joined the venture as a major partner. The company has been instrumental in organizing high-profile boxing events featuring superstars like Anthony Joshua and Terence Crawford.

    During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Turki Alalshikh and Dana White delved into their partnership. Amid their conversation, the Riyadh Season chief subtly hinted that the debut event for their new boxing promotion could be set for September, with Sept. 12 likely being the target date.

    However, White remained tight-lipped about a specific date for the promotionā€™s first event. The 55-year-old UFC boss teased that they have a blockbuster fight in the works.

    “When itā€™s time to announce, we have a massive fight ā€“ and this is literally exactly what Iā€™m talking about ā€“ a massive fight that only this guy [Alalshikh] could make happen,” White said. “Only this guy could make a fight like this happen. We will announce it when weā€™re ready to. This is the guy whoā€™s literally brought boxing back.”

    Sept. 12 could very well mark the debut of the newly launched boxing promotion, as it falls within Mexican Independence Week ā€” a time traditionally reserved for major boxing events. Around this time almost each year, boxing icon Canelo Ɓlvarez typically steps into the ring, and this year he’s expected to clash with Crawford in a superfight on Sept. 13.

    The new promotion will implement a comprehensive system designed to cultivate emerging talent from across the globe, featuring athlete combines and dedicated academies.

    Boxers will have access to the world-class UFC Performance Institutes, while TKO will oversee all aspects of event production, both for broadcast and live arena experiences.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Reveals Break From Ramadan Fasting For UFC 313

    Magomed Ankalaev Reveals Break From Ramadan Fasting For UFC 313

    Magomed Ankalaev is putting performance first by pausing his Ramadan fast to be in peak shape for his title fight.

    Ankalaev is set to headline UFC 313 this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where he’ll challenge reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira for the throne.

    The 32-year-old Dagestani fighter, a committed Muslim, received widespread praise when his fight was announced in January. The bout was set during Ramadan, a month of deep spiritual commitment in which Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours for 30 days.

    Ankalaev shared that he has strictly followed Ramadan fasting since its start on Feb. 28. In the UFC 313 Countdown episode, he even suggested that the challenge of abstaining from food has, in fact, made him feel even stronger.

    However, during a recent interview with Ag. Fight, Ankalaev admitted that with fight night fast approaching and a grueling weight cut ahead, he has eased up on his Ramadan fasting to maintain optimal performance.

    “I have been following the fast strictly except for this week, where I will have to break it a few times because I need to make sure I drink water to have a successful weight cut,” Ankalaev said. “But apart from that, I started with Ramadan. I have been fasting. And after the fight, I will obviously also follow the rules of religion as it has to be.”

    Interestingly, Ankalaevā€™s remarks came just a day after “Poatan” accused him of leveraging his Ramadan fast for attention ā€” suggesting that his opponent might be laying the groundwork for an excuse if he comes up short this weekend.

    Ankalaev heads into UFC 313 riding the momentum of a dominant unanimous decision victory over Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 308 last October, pushing his unbeaten streak to 13 fights. This will be his second crack at UFC gold, having fought Jan Blachowicz to a draw in his first title bid at UFC 282 in December 2022.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Criticizes Alex Pereira’s Charity Bet Proposal: ‘You Know Betting Is Forbidden In Islam’

    Magomed Ankalaev Criticizes Alex Pereira’s Charity Bet Proposal: ‘You Know Betting Is Forbidden In Islam’

    Magomed Ankalaev appears dismissive of Alex Pereiraā€™s charity wager ahead of their title showdown.

    Ankalaev is set to challenge reigning light heavyweight champion Pereira in the main event of UFC 313 this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    The 32-year-old Dagestani has long campaigned for his shot at gold, and the prolonged booking has only added fuel to the fire. Bad blood has been brewing, with both fighters engaging in heated social media exchanges, openly dismissing each other in the lead-up to their showdown.

    On Sunday, “Poatan” threw down a challenge to Ankalaev and his manager Ali Abdelaziz on social media, urging him to back up his words with action. He proposed a high-stakes wager, stating that the victor should contribute $200,000 to a charity selected by the opponent.

    “Since you are so confident you will win, $200,000 to the winners charity of choice. Win or lose this will help those in need. Itā€™s in your hands,” Pereira wrote on X.

    Ankalaev, a devout Muslim, scoffed at Pereira’s challenge, emphasizing that betting is strictly forbidden in Islam. He further stated that if he were to make any charitable donations, he would do so privately rather than seeking publicity.

    “As a Muslim you know betting is forbidden in Islam, and also as a Muslim every year I have to give 2.5% of my wealth to charity this is one of the five pillars of Islam. Many kids around the world are in need and we can do things after the fight but we donā€™t have to publicize it,” Ankalaev responded.

    Ankalaev then advised Pereira to leave the matter in the hands of their managers.

    “Your manager and my manager have a good relationship and we can let them handle that, see you soon. Ramadan Mubarak.”

    Ankalaev enters the bout riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak. He last competed at UFC 308 in October, where he secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over Aleksandar Rakic. The former WFCA champion previously competed for the 205-pound title against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282 in December 2022, with the bout ending in a majority draw.

    Meanwhile, UFC 313 will mark “Poatanā€™s” fourth light heavyweight title defense. He last defended his crown in October at UFC 307, where he secured a dominant fourth-round knockout victory over Khalil Rountree Jr.

  • Surging UFC Heavyweight Stakes Claim For Tom Aspinall Fight If Jon Jones Turns It Down: ‘Forget Gane, He Ducked You!’

    Surging UFC Heavyweight Stakes Claim For Tom Aspinall Fight If Jon Jones Turns It Down: ‘Forget Gane, He Ducked You!’

    A rising heavyweight contender is ready to make his mark and test Tom Aspinall if uncertainty continues to cloud the top of the division.

    Aspinall has been waiting in the wings and remains hopeful that Jon Jones will eventually step up to unify the UFC heavyweight championship. Having held the interim belt for nearly 16 months, he even defended it last August at UFC 304 with a first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes.

    Meanwhile, “Bones” returned in November after a prolonged injury layoff, successfully defending his title against former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 ā€” his first defense since claiming the heavyweight crown in March 2023.

    Aspinallā€™s patience appears to be wearing thin, as he recently shared a video on his YouTube channel discussing his vision for 2025. He revealed that heā€™s still waiting on the UFCā€™s efforts to bring Jones to the table for a title unification bout.

    However, the Englishman made it clear ā€” he’s open to facing any top-10 heavyweight he hasnā€™t already fought, including Jones, Ciryl Gane, and Jailton Almeida, but only if the fight is for the undisputed gold.

    In his video, Aspinall showered Almeida with praise, recognizing him as a formidable contender and expressing interest in a potential clash down the line. The admiration didnā€™t go unnoticed, as the Brazilian quickly responded on X, throwing his name into the mix as the leading candidate for Aspinallā€™s next fight.

    “If the fight against Jones doesn’t work, LETS GO Champ! Forget Gane, he ducked you before, he is ducking me now, besides that, he already lost 2-times in title fights and his last win was a robbery, lets make ASPINALL VS ALMEIDA for undisputed title,” Almeida wrote.

    “Malhadinho” boasts an 8-1 UFC record, having earned his spot in the promotion through Dana Whiteā€™s Contender Series in September 2021. He stormed through the competition with seven victories ā€” most by finish ā€” before suffering his first setback, a knockout loss to Blaydes at UFC 299 in March 2024.

    However, Almeida rebounded in spectacular fashion, securing a submission victory over Alexandr Romanov at UFC 302. He last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 311 in January, where he delivered a dominant first-round knockout against Serghei Spivac.

  • Alex Pereira Says HW Move Would Require ‘Very Little’ Change After Peaking At 235 Pounds In UFC 313 Camp

    Alex Pereira Says HW Move Would Require ‘Very Little’ Change After Peaking At 235 Pounds In UFC 313 Camp

    Alex Pereira is certainly keeping the door open for a potential move up a division in the near future.

    Pereira is poised to make his fourth light heavyweight title defense as he headlines UFC 313 against Magomed Ankalaev. The highly anticipated showdown takes place this weekend at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    “Poatan” made his UFC debut in 2021, and in just seven fights, he etched his name in the history books by capturing titles in two weight classes. The Brazilian powerhouse has openly expressed his ambition to claim championship gold in a third division.

    During a recent interview with New York Post Sports, Pereira revealed that once he takes care of business against Ankalaev at UFC 313, the landscape at 205 pounds remains uncertain, but he already has plans brewing for his future.

    “I’m not really sure who would be next in my division,” Pereira said through a translator. “So we could definitely start looking at, you know, maybe moving up to heavyweight, or who knows, maybe even going and doing a boxing match.”

    The reigning UFC light heavyweight champion further explained that a potential move up in weight wouldnā€™t require major adjustments. He noted that he wouldnā€™t need to bulk up significantly, as he was already walking around at 235 pounds during his training camp for UFC 313

    “Iā€™d have to change very little,ā€ Pereira said. ā€œA couple weeks ago, I was weighing about 235 pounds, and thatā€™s really heavy for me. Iā€™m usually around 229, 230, but I think that would be a good weight for me to move up. Itā€™s natural; the body, you get heavier and you get bigger as you age, so thatā€™s what I see thatā€™s been happening.”

    On Sunday, “Poatan” posted a video on social media revealing that he weighed 227.5 pounds. With his title defense looming, he must shed 22.5 pounds to make the 205-pound limit by Friday morning.

    Pereira most recently competed at UFC 307 last October, where he secured a fourth-round TKO victory over Khalil Rountree Jr., successfully defending his title.

    He is currently on a five-fight win streak and has not lost a bout since transitioning to the light heavyweight division after dropping his middleweight title to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 in April 2023.

  • Tony Ferguson’s First Post-UFC Fight Set As GFL Announces ‘Legendary’ Dillon Danis Clash

    Tony Ferguson’s First Post-UFC Fight Set As GFL Announces ‘Legendary’ Dillon Danis Clash

    Tony Ferguson is preparing to compete for the first time in 14 years under a banner other than the UFC.

    Last month, Ferguson inked a deal with the newly launched MMA promotion, Global Fight League (GFL), after parting ways with the UFC. His departure came on the heels of a historic eight-fight losing streak that spanned over four years.

    On Friday, the GFL, which will feature a unique team-based format, announced that “El Cucuy” will represent Team Los Angeles, led by UFC Hall of Famer Wanderlei Silva, in an upcoming lightweight showdown against the polarizing Dillon Danis of Team New York.

    However, key details such as the fight date, venue, and other specifics have yet to be revealed.

    Ferguson last stepped into the Octagon at UFC Abu Dhabi last August, where he suffered a first-round submission loss to welterweight veteran Michael Chiesa.

    The 41-year-old Californian once rode the wave of a dominant 12-fight win streak and held the UFC interim 155-pound title. However, his trajectory took a sharp downturn after a grueling war with Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 in May 2020.

    Meanwhile, “El Jefe” has made more headlines for controversies than actual fights inside the cage. Despite being signed with Bellator, Danis only competed twice under the promotionā€™s banner, securing first-round submission victories in both outings. His last MMA appearance dates back to June 2019 at Bellator 222, where he made quick work of Max Humphrey.

    Danis last stepped into combat sports action in a boxing match against YouTuber-turned-WWE star Logan Paul at MF & DAZN: X Series 10 ā€“ PRIME Card in October 2023. The fight took a wild turn when the 31-year-old New Jersey native attempted to lock “The Maverick” in a chokehold, resulting in his disqualification in the sixth round.

    “El Jefe” is lined up to face KSI in a 185-pound showdown, headlining Misfits Boxing 21 on March 29 at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. The matchup was previously canceled in January 2023 after Danis withdrew just a week before fight night without providing a specific reason.

  • Watch ONE Championship Fighter Put Opponent Out Cold With Scary 53-Second KO

    Watch ONE Championship Fighter Put Opponent Out Cold With Scary 53-Second KO

    ONE Championship continues to be a force in combat sports, consistently delivering some of the most eye-catching knockouts fans have ever seen.

    The premier Asian combat sports promotion hosted its 10th event of the year, ONE Friday Fights 98, on Friday night at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The action-packed lineup was headlined by a strawweight Muay Thai showdown between Chartpayak Saksatoon and Kongchai Chanaidonmuang.

    On the undercard, ONE newcomer Nongbia LaoLaneXang made a spectacular debut, securing a highlight-reel knockout victory over Marvin Dittrich in their atomweight Muay Thai showdown.

    After a measured start filled with calculated kicks and punches, LaoLaneXang methodically backed his opponent against the ropes, all while Dittrich maintained a tight guard.

    The opportunity finally arose when the German fighter dropped his hands for a split second ā€” just enough time for the Laotian striker to unleash a thunderous right hand. The devastating shot instantly shut Dittrichā€™s lights out, sending him crashing to the canvas in a dramatic knockout just 53 seconds into the first round.

    For his highlight-reel finish, LaoLaneXang was rewarded with a $10,000 performance bonus.

  • Former Opponent Says Ilia Topuria Enters ‘GOAT Conversation’ With Win Over Islam Makhachev

    Former Opponent Says Ilia Topuria Enters ‘GOAT Conversation’ With Win Over Islam Makhachev

    Ilia Topuria’s former opponent believes that if the stars align perfectly in his favor, “El Matador” has the potential to enter the greatest of all time (GOAT) discussion.

    Last week, Topuria took a daring leap, vacating his UFC featherweight title to chase greatness in the lightweight division, with hopes of etching his name in history as a two-division champion.

    UFC CEO Dana White revealed that the undefeated Spaniard chose to move up in weight, convinced that he had already conquered the featherweight division while also struggling with the ever-demanding cut to 145 pounds.

    Though Topuria has long voiced his desire to challenge reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, there is currently no official word on who his first opponent in the division will be.

    However, Youssef Zalal, who suffered defeat against “El Matador” in their clash back in October 2020, believes that a showdown between Makhachev and Topuria is the fight to make ā€” one in which he sees his former opponent having a real shot at victory.

    “I’m gonna go with Ilia. I think I’ll stick with Ilia on this one,ā€ Zalal said in a recent interview with Sportskeeda MMA.

    “The Moroccan Devil” further suggested that if Ilia Topuria strategically utilizes his wrestling skills and somehow dethrones UFC’s pound-for-pound No. 1, Makhachev, he could carve out a legacy among the sportā€™s all-time greats.

    “You beat Islam, you’re in the greatest (of all time) conversation. Like, you’re one of the [fighters in the] GOAT conversation. So to go do thatā€¦and I’m telling you, man, I feel like they’re sleeping on his wrestling and I think his attribute is that, obviously, his gas tank, they can say this and that, but also Islam’s gas tank is a little bit this and that. But man, [beating] Islam, broā€¦for me, that’s the greatest of all time.”

    Topuria remains undefeated in his professional career, boasting a flawless 8-0 record in the UFC. He claimed the featherweight title with a dominant finish over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 before solidifying his reign with another statement-making knockout against Max Holloway at UFC 308 last year.

  • Ryan Garcia Set To Headline Historic Boxing Event At Times Square

    Ryan Garcia Set To Headline Historic Boxing Event At Times Square

    Ryan Garcia is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring at one of the most iconic locations in the world.

    On Friday, The Ring Magazine, owned by Saudi’s Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalsheikh, announced that Garcia will headline a boxing event dubbed “Fatal Fury: City of The Wolves” at Times Square in Manhattan, New York City on May 2, where he will face Rolando Romero in a showdown for the WBA welterweight title.

    The star-studded event at the historic venue will also see “KingRyā€™s” last opponent, Devin Haney, move up a division to take on former unified junior welterweight champion Jose Ramirez. Meanwhile, reigning WBO welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez will clash with interim titleholder Arnold Barboza in a high-stakes unification bout.

    Both Garcia and Haney will be stepping into the ring for the first time since their highly polarizing clash. The two last met in April 2024, when the former WBC interim lightweight champion dropped Haney three times on his way to a majority decision victory.

    However, weeks after the fight, “KingRy” tested positive for the banned substance ostarine both in and out of competition. This led to a one-year suspension after he reached a settlement with the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) in June, ultimately overturning his victory into a no-contest.

    According to the announcement, the Times Square bound event is set to air live on pay-per-view, though the official broadcasters have yet to be revealed.

  • Alex Pereira Reassures Critics Of His Pre-UFC 313 Traveling: ‘I’ve Done This A Million Times’

    Alex Pereira Reassures Critics Of His Pre-UFC 313 Traveling: ‘I’ve Done This A Million Times’

    Alex Pereira is not even remotely concerned about naysayers claiming heā€™s not training hard enough for his upcoming UFC return.

    Pereira is set to put his light heavyweight title on the line for the fourth time as he faces Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313, taking place on March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    In the lead-up to his fight, “Poatan” has faced intense scrutiny from the MMA community, particularly from UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, who has questioned his commitment to training. Cormier and others argue that Pereira isnā€™t taking his upcoming bout seriously, citing his recent travels through Australia and seemingly carefree social media posts as signs of inadequate preparation.

    Earlier this month at UFC 312, the Brazilian champion traveled to Sydney to corner Sean Strickland in his title fight against middleweight king Dricus Du Plessis. However, Pereira maintains that his trip to the “Land Down Under” is not a distraction but a commitment he had made well in advance.

    In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, “Poatan” reassured his skeptics that his team traveled with him to Sydney, ensuring he stayed on track with his fight camp. He drew parallels to a similar situation last year when he successfully took a short-notice rematch against JiÅ™Ć­ ProchĆ”zka at UFC 303.

    “What I can say to Cormier and a bunch of the other specialists that have been saying that I shouldnā€™t have gone out there: Iā€™ve been in this situation before,” Pereira said through a translator. “Itā€™s actually been worse before when I was in Australia and had signed up to fight, and didnā€™t even know I was going to fight. But this time it was all very planned out. I knew what I wanted to do, I took basically my whole team down there. There were eight people in Australia with me, so we knew exactly what we were doing, and we planned it all.”

    Pereira also reflected on his grueling travel schedule leading up to his 2016 kickboxing clash against Israel Adesanya in China, emphasizing that despite the demanding journey, it had no impact on his performance.

    “A lot of people are talking about the traveling and all of the trips. Maybe itā€™s not the ideal situation. But I feel like Iā€™m very experienced with that, and Iā€™ve done this a million times, to be honest.”

    Pereira is riding a five-fight win streak and was last seen in action at UFC 307 this past October, where he successfully defended his title with a dominant fourth-round TKO victory over Khalil Rountree Jr.

  • Kash Patel Said To Be Considering UFC-FBI Partnership To Train Agents In Martial Arts

    Kash Patel Said To Be Considering UFC-FBI Partnership To Train Agents In Martial Arts

    Kash Patel appears to have an intriguing vision ā€” one that could potentially lead to a collaboration between the FBI and the UFC.

    Last week, Patel was officially sworn in as the ninth director of the FBI following Republican leader Donald Trumpā€™s re-election this past month as the 47th President of the United States.

    Per a recent Reuters report, Patel is exploring the idea of enlisting UFC trainers to enhance the martial arts and self-defense skills of American law enforcement agents. The initiative was reportedly outlined during a call this week with FBI field offices.

    Itā€™s not just Trump ā€” an avid MMA enthusiast and close friend of UFC CEO Dana Whiten ā€” who has a passion for the sport. Patel also appears to be a fan, often sharing UFC-related posts on social media.

    According to the report, Patel revealed that Republican podcaster Dan Bongino, whom Trump appointed as the FBI’s deputy director, is also a passionate UFC fan. He shared that Bongino inspired him to try the training himself. Now, the Indian-American lawyer is seriously considering a potential partnership between the FBI and the UFC.

    Although the UFC doesnā€™t directly provide combat training to its contracted fighters, it boasts state-of-the-art Performance Institutes in major cities worldwide, including Las Vegas, Shanghai, and Mexico City, serving as elite hubs for athletic development and recovery.

  • UFC Lightweight Bitter After Missing Out On Justin Gaethje Fight: ‘Strikers Have Always Feared Wrestlers!’

    UFC Lightweight Bitter After Missing Out On Justin Gaethje Fight: ‘Strikers Have Always Feared Wrestlers!’

    A UFC lightweight contender seems to be fuming after being passed over for the opportunity to square off against Justin Gaethje next.

    Gaethje was initially scheduled to face Dan Hooker in a highly anticipated five-round co-main event at UFC 313 on March 8, set for the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, in a sudden twist on Tuesday, “The Highlight” found himself without a dance partner after Hooker was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a hand injury.

    The UFCā€™s top brass allegedly reached out to several elite 155-pound contenders, including Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and Dustin Poirier, in a bid to find a last-minute replacement for “The Hangman.” The promotion ultimately shifted its focus to Gaethjeā€™s former foe, Rafael Fiziev, who stepped up and accepted the fight on short notice.

    Mateusz Gamrot, one of the many fighters eagerly campaigning for a shot at Gaethje, is seemingly unimpressed with the UFCā€™s decision to book Fiziev for the rematch. Following the fight announcement, Gamrot took to X to throw shade at Gaethje, calling him out for accepting the bout.

    He claimed that the only reason the former UFC interim lightweight champion agreed to the fight was because “Ataman” presents a stylistically favorable matchup for him.

    “Easier choice stylistically. Strikers have always feared wrestlers. I keep in great shape and I’m ready for anyone!” Gamrot wrote on X.

    “The Highlight” is set to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon after a hiatus of nearly a year. His last outing saw him suffer a buzzer-beater knockout loss to Max Holloway in their BMF title showdown at UFC 300 this past April.

    Meanwhile, Fiziev last stepped into the Octagon in September 2023, headlining a UFC Fight Night clash against “Gamer.” Unfortunately, his night was cut short after suffering a torn ACL in the second round, forcing a TKO defeat.

    Gaethje already holds a majority decision victory over Fiziev from their showdown at UFC 286 in March 2023.

  • ONE Championship Reveals Date And Venue For Third United States Show, Featuring Stamp Fairtex Title Fight

    ONE Championship Reveals Date And Venue For Third United States Show, Featuring Stamp Fairtex Title Fight

    ONE Championship is gearing up for another touchdown on United States soil this summer.

    The Asian martial arts powerhouse announced Thursday that it is set to make its third appearance in its familiar battleground, the “Mile High City,” with ONE 173: Denver on Aug. 1 at Ball Arena in Colorado.

    Reigning ONE Womenā€™s Atomweight MMA Champion Stamp Fairtex will feature, taking on interim titleholder Denice Zamboanga in a unification clash.

    The news was first reported by MMA Knockout‘s Drew BeauprĆ©.

    Stamp is set to make her long-awaited comeback after nearly two years away from competition. Her last appearance dates back to September 2023 at ONE Fight Night 14, where she secured a dominant third-round TKO victory over Seo Hee Ham. Riding an impressive four-fight winning streak, the reigning atomweight queen hasnā€™t tasted defeat since March 2022 when she succumbed to a submission against Angela Lee.

    Meanwhile, Denice Zamboanga is riding high after capturing the interim 115-pound title with a dominant second-round TKO victory over Alyona Rassohyna at ONE Fight Night 27 last month. “The Menace’ has strung together a four-fight win streak, bouncing back from back-to-back losses to Hee Ham.

    ONE Fight Night 10 marked the promotionā€™s first-ever event in the US, taking place at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado, in May 2023. The event was headlined by a highly anticipated trilogy showdown for the ONE flyweight MMA championship, featuring legendary Demetrious Johnson and former titleholder Adriano Moraes.

    ONE Championship made its sophomore appearance in the U.S. with the ONE 168 card this past September. The promotion initially planned to follow up with ONE 169 in Atlanta, Georgia, but the event was later relocated to Bangkok, Thailand.