MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • Was Rico Verhoeven Robbed Against Oleksandr Usyk? Breaking Down The Controversial Stoppage At Glory In Giza

    Oleksandr Usyk walked away with his undefeated record intact, but his latest victory over Rico Verhoeven has sparked heavy debate following a controversial finish in Egypt.

    Fighting in front of the Pyramids of Giza for the WBC heavyweight title, “The Cat” secured a technical knockout at 2:59 of Round 11. However, the timing of the stoppage has quickly become the biggest talking point of the night.

    Verhoeven, competing in just his second professional boxing bout, delivered a surprisingly competitive performance against one of the sport’s most accomplished champions. With constant movement, size, and physical pressure, the Dutchman troubled Usyk for long stretches of the fight.

    In fact, heading into the championship rounds, many observers believed “King of Kickboxing” was either ahead or well within reach on the scorecards. Open scoring only added to the intrigue, as all three judges had the fight deadlocked at 76-76 after eight rounds.

    The challenger’s approach was clear. He targeted the body consistently, used his weight advantage in close exchanges, and disrupted Usyk’s rhythm with an awkward, mobile style. While Usyk had his moments, including a sharp uppercut in Round 4, Verhoeven repeatedly answered back and built momentum in the middle rounds.

    That momentum appeared to carry into the later stages until Round 11 changed everything.

    With less than 30 seconds remaining, Usyk landed a clean uppercut that sent Verhoeven to the canvas. The former kickboxing champion beat the count and got back to his feet, visibly shaken but still responsive. As the action resumed, Usyk pressed forward with a flurry of punches.

    Here’s where the controversy erupted.

    Despite “King of Kickboxing” remaining upright, with his guard partially intact and attempting to defend himself, the referee stepped in and waved off the fight with just one second left in the round. The abrupt stoppage immediately drew protests from Verhoeven and his corner, who believed he was denied the chance to survive the final moments and recover between rounds.

    Given how close the fight appeared to be, the decision left many questioning whether Verhoeven was unfairly robbed of a potential historic upset.

    “The Cat” improves to 25-0 with the victory, further cementing his legacy as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Verhoeven, now 1-1 in boxing, exits with his stock arguably rising despite the loss.

    In the aftermath, talk of a rematch has already surfaced, with interest building in giving Verhoeven another opportunity following a performance that exceeded nearly all expectations, even if it ended under a cloud of controversy.

  • Mizuki Hiruta Shuts Down Mai Soliman To Defend Titles At Glory In Giza

    Mizuki Hiruta successfully defended her WBO and Ring Magazine super flyweight titles with a composed and calculated performance against Mai Soliman at the “Glory in Giza” event.

    Fighting in front of a high-profile crowd in Egypt, Hiruta showcased her technical edge over the hard-hitting challenger, earning a unanimous decision victory with scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice. The win marked her seventh successful title defense and kept her undefeated record intact at 11-0.

    From the opening round, the contrast in styles was clear. Hiruta relied on speed, movement, and volume, while Soliman looked to make her presence felt with power shots. Although the Egyptian-born Australian landed some eye-catching right hands early, Hiruta’s activity and precision allowed her to dictate the pace.

    As the fight progressed, Hiruta’s control became more pronounced. Using sharp footwork, she consistently moved in and out of range, stringing together combinations that kept Soliman on the back foot. While Soliman continued to search for openings, her opportunities grew increasingly limited against the champion’s disciplined approach.

    The challenger had her most effective stretch in the later rounds, particularly in the eighth, where she connected with several clean punches that briefly put Hiruta on the defensive. She attempted to build on that momentum heading into the ninth, again finding success with straight right hands.

    However, Hiruta weathered the pressure and quickly re-established control, closing out the fight with smart boxing to secure the decision.

    For Soliman, who entered the bout riding a six-fight winning streak with multiple stoppage victories, it was a tough but valuable experience against one of the division’s most refined operators. Her record now stands at 10-2, while Hiruta continues to strengthen her position as one of the leading names in the super flyweight division.

  • Rico Verhoeven Explains Why He Snubbed UFC For Massive Fight Against Oleksandr Usyk

    Rico Verhoeven had no shortage of options when he decided to walk away from GLORY as its long-reigning heavyweight champion. After more than a decade of dominance and an unbeaten run that made him one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, the Dutch star found himself at a crossroads.

    With his contract nearing its end, “King of Kickboxing” began exploring new opportunities, and interest came quickly. The UFC was among the promotions that showed serious intent, especially given his training experience alongside Tom Aspinall.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Verhoeven explained how the decision ultimately played out.

    “It’s been one hell of a ride, I can tell you that,” Verhoeven said. “I really felt like my GLORY contract was coming to an end, and I was like, we did it all. Kickboxing, it was just played out. From there on, we just started looking around and seeing what other opportunities were there.”

    Both MMA and boxing were legitimate paths at the time.

    “We were looking at UFC, we were looking at a big crossover in boxing, and both options were on the table,” he continued. “The boxing opportunity looked more interesting, so that’s the road we took.”

    That choice now leads “King of Kickboxing” to one of the most unique settings in combat sports. Verhoeven is scheduled to face Oleksandr Usyk this Saturday in Egypt, with the fight taking place in front of the Pyramids of Giza. The bout will see him challenge for Usyk’s WBC heavyweight title.

    Usyk enters the contest with an unblemished 24-0 professional record and is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of his era.

  • Ilia Topuria Trashes UFC 329 Main Event As ‘Sh*t Fight’ But Wants Conor McGregor To Win For One Big Reason

    Ilia Topuria may not be impressed by the matchup itself, but he knows exactly what’s at stake when Conor McGregor returns to face Max Holloway at UFC 329.

    Set for July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the highly anticipated rematch marks McGregor’s first appearance in the Octagon since 2021.

    While the bout has generated massive buzz, the reigning lightweight champion isn’t sold on its competitive appeal.

    “Wow, it’s a sh*t fight,” Topuria said in an interview with ESPN Deportes. “Conor, I think this is good for the sport. I personally think that he’s good for the sport because many people want to see him fight, and want to see one of the real stars of the UFC.”

    Topuria acknowledged McGregor’s drawing power but questioned where the real benefit lies.

    “I consider Conor one of the biggest stars in the UFC, but it’s one of those things that has its pros and cons,” he explained. “He’s on a downward slide, and the only one who really stands to gain anything from this fight isn’t UFC anymore, it’s him.”

    From a stylistic standpoint, Topuria expects a striking-heavy affair between the two former featherweight standouts.

    “It’s going to be a stand-up fight, I think, purely striking,” he said. “We’re not going to see any wrestling or ground game. Don’t think Conor’s much worse than Max. They’ll probably just go at it like two kittens, just touching hands and feeling each other out.”

    Despite his criticism, Topuria is backing McGregor to come out on top, pointing to their first meeting back in 2013, where the Irishman secured a unanimous decision victory.

    “I think Conor is going to win. They already fought once and Conor won,” Topuria said. “This time around, he could beat him, he should beat him.”

    His reasoning, however, isn’t entirely neutral.

    “In fact, if you ask me who I want to win, and what winner is best for me, it’s Conor,” Topuria admitted. “Because if he wins, and he takes one more fight, maybe we could end up fighting each other.”

    For now, Topuria remains focused on his own upcoming clash with Justin Gaethje, but he’s clearly keeping one eye on UFC 329 and what it could mean for his future.

  • VIDEO: Bodybuilder Larry Wheels Gets Reality Check As Undersized UFC Star Merab Dvalishvili Submits Him Multiple Times In Seconds

    A recent livestream crossover between MMA and the fitness world delivered a quick reality check.

    Merab Dvalishvili shared the mat with bodybuilding influencer Larry Wheels during a livestream on Kick, and the result was as decisive as it was fast.

    Wheels, who had previously rolled with the former UFC bantamweight champion in an earlier clip, appeared better prepared this time around after putting in some wrestling work. That added preparation showed early, as he managed to hold his ground for a brief stretch once the exchange began.

    But against a fighter known for relentless pace and suffocating grappling, that window didn’t last long.

    Once “The Machine” secured control, the gap in experience became obvious. Wheels’ resistance faded quickly as the pressure mounted, and within moments, the sequence ended with a submission.

    The entire exchange lasted under a minute, with Wheels forced to tap multiple times despite his significant size and strength advantage.

    Check out the video below:

  • WATCH: PFL Brussels Faceoff Turns Ugly As Fighters And Teams Brawl While Dan Hardy Gets Caught In Wild Crossfire

    Tensions boiled over ahead of PFL Brussels as a scheduled bout nearly erupted a day early during the ceremonial weigh-ins.

    What was supposed to be a routine faceoff between Khamzat Abaev and Luca Poclit quickly spiraled into chaos when both fighters brought unexpected intensity to the stage. Poclit stepped forward aggressively with his guard raised, prompting an immediate reaction from Abaev.

    The situation escalated within seconds. Abaev responded with a shove and even swung a kick in close quarters, forcing officials to step in. However, attempts to calm things down only made matters worse, as members of both camps got involved and punches began flying behind them.

    In the middle of it all was Dan Hardy, who was overseeing the faceoffs. The former UFC fighter found himself caught in the chaos, nearly getting struck during the exchange as he tried to keep the fighters separated.

    Despite Hardy’s efforts, the situation briefly spiraled out of control before security intervened and restored order. No serious injuries were reported, but the incident added unexpected drama to the event’s buildup.

    Ironically, the altercation came ahead of a preliminary card welterweight bout, not the main event. The card itself is set to take place at ING Arena in Brussels, with Benson Henderson headlining against Patrick Habirora.

    After Friday’s explosive scenes, all eyes will now be on Abaev and Poclit to see if they carry that same intensity into the cage when they officially meet on Saturday night.

  • Floyd Mayweather Files $175 Million Bombshell Lawsuit Alleging Massive Fraud By Former Associate

    Floyd Mayweather Jr. is at the center of another major legal battle, this time alleging he was the victim of a long-running financial scheme that cost him a staggering $175 million.

    According to reports, including details obtained by TMZ Sports, Mayweather has filed a lawsuit in New York accusing former associate Jona Rechnitz, along with Ayal Frist, Frist Apex Ventures, and attorney Alexander Seligson, of orchestrating a complex fraud operation over several years.

    In the filing, “Money” claims Rechnitz gained his trust before effectively taking control of key financial dealings, including investments, banking activity, and real estate transactions. The lawsuit outlines multiple instances where large sums of money were allegedly diverted without his authorization.

    Among the claims, the undefeated boxing legend says he wired $7.5 million into an investment that never materialized, while another $15 million tied to a real estate settlement was transferred without his approval. He also alleges that more than $8.8 million from a $16.4 million loan involving four properties was redirected, with only $2.5 million reaching his promotional company.

    The suit further states that $2.1 million from an $8.2 million refinance of a Las Vegas property was sent to outside accounts without his consent. In another instance, a $1 million deposit intended for a New York property purchase was allegedly rerouted, causing the deal to collapse.

    One of the most striking accusations involves Mayweather’s jewelry collection. He claims nearly $100 million worth of pieces were handed over to jewelers for just $13 million, with a significant portion of the assets still unaccounted for.

    The lawsuit also raises questions about the fate of his private jet. The 49-year-old American alleges he unknowingly signed documents transferring ownership of his 1996 Gulfstream IV aircraft without a listed buyer and has no clarity on where the proceeds ended up.

    Through his legal team, “Money” is seeking at least $175 million in damages, along with a full financial accounting of the alleged transactions.

  • UFC Owners Buy Into $9.9 Billion Las Vegas Raiders With Minority Ownership

    The influence of combat sports is stretching further into mainstream American sports, with key figures behind the UFC now securing a foothold in the NFL.

    TKO Group Holdings executives Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro have officially been approved as minority investors in the Las Vegas Raiders, marking a notable crossover between the UFC’s parent company and one of the NFL’s most valuable franchises.

    Emanuel, who serves as CEO of TKO, has acquired a 1.4% stake in the team, while Shapiro, the company’s president and COO, has taken a 0.6% share. Their entry comes as part of a broader ownership reshuffle that has significantly boosted the Raiders’ valuation to around $9.9 billion.

    Despite the influx of new investors, controlling owner Mark Davis retains authority over the franchise, holding roughly a third of the team, which is the minimum required by league rules for a primary owner.

    One of the biggest shifts within the ownership structure involves Silver Lake executive Egon Durban, who has increased his stake to 22%, making him a central figure in the team’s long-term future. Durban is already deeply connected to TKO and Endeavor, serving as a major investor and board member, and is widely viewed as the leading candidate to take control of the Raiders should Davis ever decide to sell.

    The move also reflects a broader strategy tying TKO closer to Las Vegas. The city has long served as the home base for the UFC, while recent large-scale events, including WWE’s WrestleMania and major boxing cards, have further strengthened the company’s footprint in the market.

  • Ilia Topuria Takes Brutal Shot at Arman Tsarukyan, Claims His Rich Lifestyle Is Fake – ‘He’s A Loser’

    Ilia Topuria is preparing for one of the biggest fights of his career, but that hasn’t stopped him from taking aim at a top contender waiting in the wings.

    As “El Matador” gears up to face Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification bout at the UFC White House event on June 14, he has turned his attention toward Arman Tsarukyan, who is set to serve as the official backup for the main event.

    Tsarukyan has built an online reputation for showcasing a lavish lifestyle, frequently posting photos of luxury cars, expensive watches, and high-end experiences. But Topuria isn’t convinced any of it reflects reality.

    Speaking in an interview with Alvaro Colmenero, the reigning UFC lightweight champion didn’t hold back.

    “He has the mind of a little kid,” Topuria said. “He’s a man-child who is playing a game. I think he’s playing the rich guy game. He’s neither rich nor is his father, I’m telling you. He’s just not.”

    Topuria doubled down by comparing Tsarukyan’s behavior to people he considers genuinely wealthy.

    “I know a huge amount of rich people, none of them, none, like not a single one of them is like that,” he said. “He’s playing a game of buying a car and sending it to Russia to resell it. And I think he’s not even rich, I’m telling you. He’s a loser.”

    Despite the harsh criticism, Tsarukyan’s performances inside the cage continue to speak for themselves. The 29-year-old Armenian has been on a strong run, stacking multiple wins and positioning himself near the top of the division.

    Still, “El Matador” appears skeptical that Tsarukyan is eager to face him if the opportunity arises, even with his role as the designated backup for the June 14 headliner.

  • Floyd Mayweather Hit With $1M Child Support After Being Declared Father Of Strip Club Dancer’s Child

    Floyd Mayweather Jr. is facing a significant legal and financial ruling after being declared the father of a young child in a case that has been unfolding for several years.

    According to a report from TMZ Sports, a Nevada judge ruled in March 2026 that Mayweather is the legal father of a four-year-old girl, bringing clarity to a paternity dispute that dates back to 2023. The child’s mother, Paige Moorehead, had filed a petition seeking official recognition, alleging a long-term relationship with the boxing legend.

    Court documents indicate that “Money” was served multiple times and ordered to undergo DNA testing, but failed to comply. As a result, the judge issued a default judgment establishing paternity.

    The ruling comes with substantial financial obligations. Mayweather has been ordered to pay approximately $933,050 in back child support, along with ongoing monthly payments of $32,850. Reports state that he has only paid a portion of the amount so far, prompting the court to allow Moorehead to place a lien of up to $2 million on certain properties to secure the remaining balance.

    Moorehead claims she was involved with “Money” for several years before becoming pregnant in 2021, with the child later born in December of that year. She also alleged that their relationship ended shortly after she informed him about the pregnancy.

    The development adds to a growing list of legal matters surrounding the former world champion, who has remained active in the public eye despite retiring from professional competition years ago.

  • Alistair Overeem Issues Strong Warning To Rico Verhoeven About One Fighter He Should Never Face in MMA – ‘Stay Away From That’

    Alistair Overeem doesn’t believe a potential clash between Rico Verhoeven and Francis Ngannou would be competitive — and he’s urging the kickboxing star to stay far away from that matchup.

    Speaking during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the former UFC title challenger explained why Verhoeven’s skillset wouldn’t translate well into mixed martial arts against someone like Ngannou.

    “I think against Francis, he would not stand much of a chance,” Overeem said. “Just basically because he’s missing the wrestling and the submissions. He’s just not training that.”

    Overeem emphasized that the gap isn’t something that can be closed quickly, no matter how elite Verhoeven’s striking may be.

    “It takes years to develop that, and it shouldn’t be underestimated,” he continued. “You’re just not gonna catch up with those years of experience just like that in a training camp.”

    While Verhoeven has dominated kickboxing for years, Overeem believes stepping into the cage against a well-rounded heavyweight like Ngannou would be a completely different challenge.

    “Francis Ngannou is totally a no-go area,” Overeem added. “Stay away from that. Francis is clever. He’s just going to win the fight — and it would not even be a difficult fight.”

    Instead of pursuing MMA, Verhoeven has opted to test himself in boxing, where he is set to face Oleksandr Usyk at the “Glory in Giza” event in Egypt. The bout represents a massive opportunity for the longtime kickboxing champion to elevate his profile on a global stage.

    “The Predator”, meanwhile, has already shown his ability to transition between sports, recently returning to MMA competition on MVP’s debut event after a stint in boxing.

  • Mike Tyson Injury Throws Floyd Mayweather Exhibition Fight Plans Into Uncertain Territory

    Mike Tyson Injury Throws Floyd Mayweather Exhibition Fight Plans Into Uncertain Territory

    Plans for a crossover exhibition between Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have been pushed back after an unexpected setback in training.

    The bout, which had originally been targeted for the spring with dates like April 25 and May 30 previously floated, is now expected to take place later this year. Promoters confirmed that the delay comes after Tyson suffered a hand injury while preparing for the contest.

    The former heavyweight champion had been seen wearing a cast on his right arm earlier this year, initially downplaying the issue as a minor problem.

    “Training, punching stuff. Just a little sprain, I have to go hard, it’s the only way I’ve got to go,” Tyson said during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show.

    However, it has since been clarified that the injury was more serious than first suggested, ultimately forcing organizers to postpone the event until the fall. While no official date or venue has been locked in yet, promoters have indicated that updated details will be announced soon.

    The exhibition itself has already experienced a complicated build, with shifting locations and timelines since it was first revealed. At one point, the fight was linked to a card in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, though those plans never materialized.

    Adding another layer of uncertainty is Mayweather’s own schedule. The undefeated boxing legend is currently expected to face Manny Pacquiao in a professional rematch later this year in Las Vegas, which could impact the eventual timing of the exhibition.

  • Ilia Topuria And Ryan Garcia Engage In Explosive War Of Words After Bold Boxing Callout

    Ilia Topuria and Ryan Garcia recently traded a series of heated messages after the reigning UFC lightweight champion floated the idea of stepping into the boxing ring in the future.

    Topuria, who is preparing to defend his title against Justin Gaethje at the UFC White House event on June 14, made it clear he believes he could compete at a high level in boxing right away.

    “I’d be very comfortable,” Topuria said in an interview when asked about facing Garcia. “I think I would break him before it gets to the judges’ decision.”

    That confidence quickly drew a sharp response from Garcia.

    “You are a damn good striker for MMA that’s it,” Garcia fired back on social media. “You wouldn’t be sipping on tea after our fight you would be eating through a straw after our fight. Stay in your lane. I’ll gladly stay in mine.”

    “El Matador” didn’t hold back in his reply.

    “You built your name on hype,” he wrote. “I built mine by putting legends to sleep. I would give you a boxing lesson. We are not on the same level. Bring the guy that you fight in September. I would beat both of you in the same ring.”

    Garcia doubled down, dismissing the undefeated Spaniard’s chances in a pure boxing setting.

    “I built my name sleeping guys that are way better boxers then you will ever be,” Garcia responded. “You’ve seen many MMA fighters try and you’ll just be another UFC hype job cashing out by getting knocked out by a boxer.”

    The exchange escalated further when Topuria referenced a controversial chapter in “KingRy’s” career.

    “The biggest win of your career came with steroids,” Topuria wrote. “So that’s where your confidence comes from? Interesting.”

  • UFC Legend Khabib Nurmagomedov Rubbishes Dana White’s Claim About His MMA Retirement – ‘Piece Of Garbage’

    Khabib Nurmagomedov has pushed back strongly against past comments made by Dana White regarding the reasons behind his retirement from mixed martial arts.

    “The Eagle” walked away from the sport in October 2020, immediately after submitting Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. That victory not only marked his third successful title defense but also sealed a flawless professional record of 29-0, making him one of the few fighters to retire undefeated at the highest level.

    The former UFC lightweight champion’s decision at the time was deeply personal. Following the passing of his father and longtime coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov earlier that year, he revealed that he had promised his mother he would not continue fighting without him.

    However, during an interview on the Prince St. Pizza YouTube channel last year, White suggested that financial success may have also influenced the decision, claiming the Dagestani star earned substantial money during appearances across Muslim-majority countries after his win over Conor McGregor.

    Those remarks did not sit well with Nurmagomedov.

    “These are the kinds of headlines I sometimes read online. Of course, I’m not someone who likes to comment on every piece of garbage on the internet, but when Dana says things like this, it spreads everywhere,” he wrote on social media.

    “I’ll say this: I swear by Allah, this is an absolute lie. Nobody ever gave me those millions, and what they’re writing, that I left the sport because I made a lot of money, is also not true. The whole world knows the real truth.

    “I’ve already spoken about this more than once, and there’s no need to repeat it.”

  • Who Is Mai Soliman? Everything To Know About Egyptian-Born Boxer’s Record Ahead Of Historic Glory In Giza Fight

    Mai Soliman is set to compete on one of the most unique fight cards in recent memory, stepping into the ring at the Pyramids of Giza on May 23.

    The Egyptian-born Australian will challenge Mizuki Hiruta for the WBO and The Ring super-flyweight titles as part of the “Glory in Giza” event, headlined by Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven.

    For Soliman, the setting adds another layer. She was born just outside Cairo before moving abroad at a young age, and now returns to fight for her first world title on one of boxing’s most historic stages.

    Who Is Mai Soliman?

    Soliman is a 28-year-old super-flyweight boxer representing Australia, though her roots trace back to Egypt. She has built most of her professional career fighting on the Australian circuit, often competing at the Revesby Workers’ Club, far removed from the global spotlight she is about to step into.

    She enters this bout with an impressive 10-1 professional record, including six knockout victories.

    Her most recent outing came in November 2025, where she picked up a win over Jasmine Parr to extend her momentum heading into her first world title opportunity.

    The only setback in Soliman’s career came in September 2022, when she suffered a loss to Bec Moss. Since then, she has responded with a consistent run of wins to put herself in position for a world title shot.

  • Ex-PFL Fighter Arrested After Alleged Sexual Assault Outside Nightclub In Florida

    A professional MMA fighter has been arrested in Florida on a serious felony charge following an alleged incident in Key West.

    The 33-year-old welterweight was taken into custody in the early hours of May 18 and booked into Monroe County jail on one count of sexual battery. He was later released after posting a $50,000 bond.

    The fighter has been identified as Logan Storley. According to police reports, the situation began at a bar on Duval Street, where he allegedly made repeated advances toward a woman who attempted to avoid him. Investigators claim the encounter escalated after both individuals left the venue, with the alleged assault taking place in a nearby alley.

    Witnesses from a neighboring establishment reportedly saw the incident unfold and intervened. Authorities say “Storm” attempted to leave the scene but was stopped by a staff member and held until officers arrived. The woman was transported to a medical facility for examination.

    Police also noted the presence of alcohol, and the South Dakota native declined to speak with investigators without an attorney after being read his rights.

    The arrest comes just weeks after his most recent fight. “Storm” competed on May 2, earning a unanimous decision win over Florim Zendeli at PFL Sioux Falls. He is no longer part of the PFL roster, with reports indicating the separation occurred prior to the incident.

    A former Bellator standout and accomplished collegiate wrestler, Storley holds a professional record of 19-4. His arraignment is expected in early June as the legal process moves forward.

  • Did Rousey vs Carano Just Break All-Time U.S. MMA Viewership Record? Numbers Might Surprise You

    Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano delivered massive numbers for its debut on Netflix, rewriting the record books in the United States.

    According to figures released by Most Valuable Promotions, the event averaged 9.3 million viewers in the U.S., with a peak of 11.6 million during the main event. That officially surpasses the long-standing benchmark set by Cain Velasquez vs Junior dos Santos on FOX in 2011, which drew 8.8 million viewers.

    Globally, the numbers were even more impressive. The card pulled in 12.4 million live viewers worldwide, with peak viewership reaching nearly 17 million as Ronda Rousey secured a quick submission victory over Gina Carano in just 17 seconds.

    Beyond viewership, the event also generated a $2.2 million gate and reportedly produced over one billion impressions across Netflix’s global platforms, signaling strong engagement beyond the broadcast itself.

    The card featured several notable names alongside the headline bout. Francis Ngannou made his return to MMA, while Mike Perry picked up a stoppage win over Nate Diaz, helping maintain momentum throughout the night.

    While the event did not reach the same scale as some of Netflix’s biggest boxing broadcasts, it still marked a significant step forward for MMA on the platform. Previous combat sports events featuring names like Anthony Joshua and Canelo Álvarez have posted larger figures, but few MMA cards outside the UFC ecosystem have approached this level of reach.

  • MVP Drops Hammer On Claressa Shields After Physical Altercation With Alycia Baumgardner At Rousey vs. Carano Event

    Claressa Shields has been barred from attending future events hosted by Most Valuable Promotions following a heated altercation with Alycia Baumgardner during last weekend’s high-profile fight card in California.

    The incident took place at the Rousey vs. Carano event at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, which marked MVP’s first MMA show in partnership with Netflix. According to multiple reports and video clips circulating online, tensions between the two champions escalated in a VIP area, where Shields appeared to make physical contact with Baumgardner during a verbal exchange.

    In response, MVP released a firm statement confirming disciplinary action against Shields.

    “Most Valuable Promotions is aware of the incident… involving physical contact by Claressa Shields toward Alycia Baumgardner,” the statement read. “MVP maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for hostile, threatening, or aggressive behavior… Physical altercations outside the ring or cage are unacceptable.”

    The promotion went on to confirm that Shields is now banned from all future MVP events until further notice, emphasizing that her actions did not align with the standards they aim to uphold.

    “There is a time and a place for fighter tension and banter, but to physically attack a fellow athlete while there as a guest… is unacceptable,” the statement continued, while also acknowledging venue security for quickly stepping in and preventing further escalation.

    The rivalry between the two fighters had already been brewing on social media in the days leading up to the event, making their in-person confrontation unsurprising, though the situation quickly crossed a line.

    Shields later addressed the incident online, defending her actions and claiming she had been provoked, while Baumgardner responded with a brief but pointed message: “Checkmate.”

  • Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano Goes No. 1 On Netflix Across North America As UFC Vegas 117 Records Lowest Numbers Of Paramount Era

    Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano Goes No. 1 On Netflix Across North America As UFC Vegas 117 Records Lowest Numbers Of Paramount Era

    It was a rare weekend where the UFC found itself sharing the spotlight, and the results turned out to be surprisingly one-sided.

    While the promotion staged UFC Vegas 117 at the Apex, a new player entered the scene with its debut event on Netflix. Headlined by Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano, the MVP MMA card drew significant attention across North America.

    Despite some criticism around matchmaking, the event still managed to generate strong viewership. According to analyst Dave Meltzer, the broadcast climbed to the No. 1 spot on Netflix in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Interestingly, the event was categorized under “movies” rather than sports or television, yet still performed well globally, even breaking into the top rankings worldwide.

    The timing makes the achievement more notable. The main event aired late on the East Coast, yet still attracted a wide audience, outperforming other major programming in the same category.

    The prelims, streamed for free on YouTube, also gained traction, reportedly reaching over 400,000 concurrent viewers at one stage. While exact figures remain unclear, the early signs suggest strong engagement for a first-time promotion.

    In contrast, the UFC’s offering that night struggled to gain similar momentum. UFC Vegas 117 reportedly delivered the lowest viewership of the promotion’s Paramount+ era, falling significantly below its usual benchmarks.

    Adding to the buzz, the MVP card featured recognizable names beyond its headline bout, including Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz, helping drive curiosity among a broader audience.

  • MVP MMA: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Attendance Revealed, And It’s Not What Fans Thought

    The numbers are in for the first-ever MVP MMA event on Netflix, and they tell a very different story from what some viewers believed during the broadcast.

    The card, headlined by Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano, took place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. While social media chatter suggested the arena looked sparse on TV, early attendance figures paint a much stronger picture.

    According to industry analyst Dave Meltzer, the event drew 15,795 fans inside the venue. The Intuit Dome typically holds over 18,000 spectators for combat sports events, meaning the show fell short of a sellout but still filled a significant portion of the building.

    “The idea that the building was empty was ludicrous, but it was not sold out,” Meltzer wrote, pushing back against claims that the turnout was disappointing.

    The perception of empty sections may have been influenced by the arena’s layout, which some fans say does not always translate well on camera. Despite that, the turnout stands as a notable achievement, especially for a promotion outside the UFC banner.

    For context, recent UFC events at the same venue have drawn similar paid attendance figures, highlighting that MVP MMA’s debut effort managed to compete in a space typically dominated by the sport’s biggest promotion.

  • UFC 329: Full Fight Card, Date, Time And Everything To Know About Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2

    UFC 329 is shaping up to be one of the biggest cards of the year, headlined by a long-awaited rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.

    More than a decade after their first meeting, the two former champions will collide again, this time in a welterweight main event during International Fight Week.

    UFC 329: Date, Venue, And Start Time In The U.S.

    UFC 329 takes place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    The event will be broadcast on Paramount+, with the early prelims kicking off at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the prelims at 7 p.m. ET. The main card is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET.

    McGregor vs. Holloway 2 Headlines a Stacked Card

    The UFC 329 main event sees Conor McGregor return after a long layoff to face Max Holloway. Their first meeting took place on August 17, 2013, when “The Notorious” secured a unanimous decision win early in his UFC run.

    The co-main event features Paddy Pimblett taking on Benoit Saint Denis in a crucial lightweight clash. Elsewhere on the card, Robert Whittaker makes his light heavyweight debut against Nikita Krylov. The event also features the highly anticipated UFC debut of Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, who faces Elisha Ellison in a heavyweight bout.

    UFC 329 Main Card

    • Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway (Welterweight)
    • Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint Denis (Lightweight)
    • Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista (Bantamweight)
    • Brandon Royval vs. Lone’er Kavanaugh (Flyweight)
    • Gable Steveson vs. Elisha Ellison (Heavyweight)

    UFC 329 Preliminary Card

    • Robert Whittaker vs. Nikita Krylov (Light Heavyweight)
    • Luke Riley vs. Kai Kamaka III (Featherweight)
    • Damian Pinas vs. Cesar Almeida (Middleweight)
    • Cody Garbrandt vs. Adrian Yanez (Bantamweight)

    UFC 329 Early Prelims

    • Tracy Cortez vs. Wang Cong (Women’s Flyweight)
    • Ode Osbourne vs. Cody Durden (Flyweight)
    • Ryan Gandra vs. Zach Reese (Middleweight)

  • UFC 329 Announcement Triggers Instant Beef Between Conor McGregor And Max Holloway

    Conor McGregor is officially back, and he is wasting no time reigniting old rivalries.

    The former two-division champion is set to face Max Holloway in a long-awaited rematch at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas. The bout, which will take place at welterweight, marks McGregor’s first appearance since 2021, when he suffered a devastating leg injury against Dustin Poirier.

    Shortly after the fight was announced, “The Notorious” jumped straight into promotion mode with a familiar dose of trash talk.

    “I’m going to son you, child. Again,” McGregor wrote on social media. “You’re going to put respect on my motherf*cking name.”

    The two first met back in 2013, when McGregor was just beginning his UFC journey. Despite suffering a torn ACL during the fight, the Irishman secured a unanimous decision victory over Holloway, who was also dealing with a significant ankle injury at the time.

    While the Irishman went on to become the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion, Holloway carved out his own legacy with a dominant run at featherweight, including a lengthy winning streak and multiple title defenses.

    Now, more than a decade later, “Blessed” is confident the outcome will be different.

    “Nah, big dog, you gonna put some respect on my name,” Holloway fired back. “We’re gonna find out Saturday night.”

  • Rising MMA Fighter Arrested In Texas Over Serious Child Sexual Assault Charge

    A promising professional MMA fighter has been recently arrested in Houston, Texas, on a serious criminal charge, according to official court records.

    The individual was taken into custody by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office earlier this month and is now facing one count of sexual assault of a child. The arrest took place on May 8, 2026, in Texas, with records listing the location as W. Davis Street.

    The fighter has since been identified as Lester Batres Jr. Booking details show a bond set at $50,000, with the case filed under Montgomery County court records. The charge is listed as “sexual assault of a child,” and the case is currently tied to court designation D359.

    Image: montgomerycountypolicereporter.com

    Following news of the arrest, Renzo Gracie Lake Houston, the renowned gym previously associated with Batres, issued a public statement on Facebook distancing itself from the situation.

    “We are aware of the recent arrest and serious allegations involving former employee and former member Lester Batres Jr.,” the statement read. “As soon as we became aware of the allegations months ago, Lester was immediately terminated from all involvement and permanently banned from our academy.”

    The gym further emphasized that Batres had not been affiliated with their team since that time and reiterated that the safety of their members remains their top priority.

    Batres holds a 7-1 professional record, with all of his fights taking place under the Fury FC banner. His last outing came in November 2025, where he earned a first-round submission victory over Dumar Roa at Fury FC 111. He was later scheduled to fight Nate Jennerman in February, but withdrew from the matchup.

  • UFC Star Arman Tsarukyan Jumps Barrier To Confront Namo Fazil After Heated Feud At Rousey vs Carano Card

    Arman Tsarukyan found himself at the center of controversy once again, this time during the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card in Los Angeles.

    The incident unfolded after Namo Fazil secured a submission victory over Jake Babian in the final preliminary bout. During his post-fight interview, Fazil used the moment to call out “Ahalkalakets”, signaling that tensions between the two had been building throughout fight week.

    Moments later, Tsarukyan, who was in attendance, reacted from the stands. Video circulating online shows the top UFC lightweight contender attempting to climb over the barrier before being stopped. He later made his way backstage, where he confronted Fazil again as both fighters exchanged heated words before security intervened.

    The bad blood stems from earlier comments Tsarukyan made during a livestream, where remarks about the Kurdish community sparked backlash. Fazil, who represents Kurdistan, responded publicly during the week, warning that the comments would not go unanswered.

    Despite the confrontation, the situation did not escalate into a physical altercation, with multiple people separating both camps.

    Tsarukyan’s actions have once again drawn attention away from his in-cage accomplishments. The No. 1 lightweight contender has not fought since his win over Dan Hooker in late 2025 and is still awaiting his next UFC booking.

    The 29-year-old Armenian is also set to serve as the backup fighter for the UFC Freedom 250 main event between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje on June 14.

  • Heroic MMA Fighter Dies After Saving Drowning Teens In Tragic Lake Incident

    Heroic MMA Fighter Dies After Saving Drowning Teens In Tragic Lake Incident

    A tragic incident in Kyrgyzstan has claimed the life of a young MMA fighter who died while saving others.

    Medet Zheenaliev, a 30-year-old welterweight with a professional record of 2-2, lost his life on May 12 at Lake Issyk-Kul in the tourist village of Baktuu-Dolonotu. The Kyrgyz-born fighter, who competed out of Russia, was reportedly spending time with friends when he noticed a group of teenage girls struggling in the water.

    According to local authorities, four girls had entered the lake when strong waves began pulling one of them under. Seeing the situation unfold, Zheenaliev and a friend rushed in to help. Together, they managed to bring all the girls safely back to shore.

    However, during the rescue, Zheenaliev disappeared beneath the water.

    Emergency services were called to the scene, and divers from the Ministry of Emergency Situations conducted a search operation. His body was recovered the following day, May 13. Officials later confirmed that the cause of death was drowning during the rescue attempt.