MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • Diego Lopes vs. Yair RodrĂ­guez Among The Options For UFC Mexico Main Event In March

    Diego Lopes vs. Yair RodrĂ­guez Among The Options For UFC Mexico Main Event In March

    Diego Lopes could be finally getting his chance to headline a UFC event for the first time.

    The surging UFC featherweight sensation enjoyed a stellar run last year, racking up three consecutive victories inside the Octagon. His most recent outing was at UFC 306 in September, where he claimed a commanding unanimous decision victory over former title challenger Brian Ortega.

    After that victory, Lopes set his sights on high-profile matchups that could bring him one step closer to his first title shot. Among those he targeted was former kingpin Alexander Volkanovski for a potential title eliminator. However, “The Great” swiftly dismissed the challenge, revealing that he was instead focused on a rematch with the reigning champion, Ilia Topuria.

    It seems the 30-year-old Brazilian is already forging ahead with his journey, as he revealed in a social media post on Wednesday that he has officially begun training for his first fight of 2025. From the looks of it, he’s landed the big-name opponent he’s been aiming for.

    According to a recent report from Home of Fight’s Jake Noecker, Lopes is in line to face off against former interim 145-pound champion Yair RodrĂ­guez in the headlining bout at UFC Mexico City. The upcoming Fight Night event is slated for March 29 at the Arena CDMX in Mexico.

    Canadian reported Ariel Helwani later clarified the extent to which the bout is a done deal, noting that it’s one of the options for the main event in Mexico but is “far from set.”

    Rodriguez has been on the sidelines since his third-round submission loss to Ortega in February 2024. He’s now on a two-fight skid, with his slide beginning after a knockout defeat to Volkanovski in their title unification bout at UFC 290 in July 2023.

    “El Pantera” secured the interim title at UFC 284 in February 2023, delivering a dominant third-round submission victory over Josh Emmett.

  • Merab Dvalishvili Comments On Ex-Teammate Aiding Umar Nurmagomedov Ahead Of UFC 311

    Merab Dvalishvili Comments On Ex-Teammate Aiding Umar Nurmagomedov Ahead Of UFC 311

    Merab Dvalishvili harbors no ill will toward his former training partner, even though he has joined forces with his rival.

    “The Machine” is poised to put his bantamweight title on the line for the first time against Umar Nurmagomedov in the co-main event at UFC 311, taking place on Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    The buildup to this fight has been brimming with palpable tension, as Nurmagomedov has been vocal in his pursuit of a title shot for some time. While Dvalishvili initially seemed hesitant to accept the challenge, the matchup was ultimately confirmed.

    Interestingly, a recent social media post from Georgian journalist Giorgi Kokiashvili has injected even more drama into the upcoming matchup. Kokiashvili revealed that Magdi Amachov, the former teammate of the reigning 135-pound champion, is now lending his support to “The Young Eagle” in preparation for UFC 311.

    This comes after Dvalishvili had previously helped Amachov settle in the United States, even offering him accommodation.

    During a recent interview with The Schmo, Dvalishvili weighed in on the ongoing situation with Amachov, emphasizing that he holds no animosity towards his former training partner.

    “The Machine” explained that Amachov’s decision to join Nurmagomedov’s fight camp was motivated by a desire to support his Dagestani compatriot, rather than any personal conflict.

    “I love him and I did help him but I didn’t do it because I own him you know? He’s a big man and he can do whatever he wants,” Dvalishvili said. “He’s from Dagestan, and I know he loves Islam Makhachev, I know he loves Khabib Nurmagomedov, of course Umar Nurmagomedov. They call each other Muslim brothers, and I’m not surprised, of course. That’s his country, that’s his friends. I mean, I will not do that, but I will also not judge him. I love him, and I understand this, and I’m not mad at him. That’s OK.”

    Dvalishvili captured the bantamweight title with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 in September 2024. He is riding high on an 11-fight unbeaten streak.

    Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov is fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi in August 2024, extending his undefeated streak to six straight wins inside the Octagon.

  • UFC Insider: LA Wildfires Create Concern Over UFC 311 Venue, Vegas In Play

    UFC Insider: LA Wildfires Create Concern Over UFC 311 Venue, Vegas In Play

    With UFC 311 just a week away, uncertainty looms over the events venue as reports suggest the ongoing crisis in Los Angeles has thrown the event’s location into uncertainty.

    The UFC is set to open its 2025 pay-per-view slate with an action-packed fight lineup. Scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the card is topped by two high-profile title clashes.

    In the main event, UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev will defend his belt against Arman Tsarukyan, while the co-main event features Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili defending his title against Umar Nurmagomedov.

    However, one pressing challenge facing Dana White and Co. is the raging wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, which have sparked uncertainty within the MMA community about whether UFC 311 will proceed as planned at the Intuit Dome. The natural calamity has already claimed over 10,000 homes and taken at least 11 lives. The once-thriving Pacific Palisades area has been almost completely destroyed, and the fires have now spread to the iconic Hollywood Hills, just a mere 20 miles from the UFC 311 venue.

    According to veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, the UFC has been assessing the situation regarding UFC 311 next Saturday. As of now, the highly anticipated event is set to proceed at the Intuit Dome. However, the promotion is keeping a vigilant eye on the unfolding crisis and stands prepared to relocate the event if necessary.

    Helwani revealed that talks about postponing the card have not taken place. If a venue change is required, T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, is reportedly the leading contingency option, though the UFC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

    Numerous public events across Los Angeles County have already been called off for the weekend, as local resources are overwhelmed in an effort to control the growing damage. An official statement from the Intuit Dome confirmed that the two events slated for the arena have either been canceled or rescheduled.

  • Joe Rogan Retracts Claim Of Jon Jones’ Pay Demand For Tom Aspinall Fight: ‘Dana Contacted Me…’

    Joe Rogan Retracts Claim Of Jon Jones’ Pay Demand For Tom Aspinall Fight: ‘Dana Contacted Me…’

    Joe Rogan is backpedaling on his recent assertion regarding Jon Jones’ potential title fight against Tom Aspinall.

    Interim UFC Heavyweight champion Aspinall has been relentlessly campaigning for a title unification showdown with Jones for over a year now. However, “Bones” has repeatedly brushed off the challenge, though he hasn’t entirely shut the door — hinting that he’d consider stepping into the Octagon if the UFC presents him with the most lucrative payday of his career.

    Interestingly, Rogan claimed on his podcast that he had heard whispers of the reigning UFC Heavyweight champion demanding a staggering $30 million to face Aspinall. He even expressed optimism that the UFC might meet the hefty price tag to make the highly anticipated clash a reality.

    However, during a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, the seasoned UFC commentator shared that he received a call from UFC CEO Dana White, who refuted his earlier statements. Rogan admitted the particular episode was recorded roughly two weeks ago and confessed he couldn’t recall the source who mentioned Jones’ rumored $30 million demand.

    “We were talking about Jon Jones and I had heard a rumor that Jon Jones wanted $30 million to fight Tom Aspinall,” Rogan said. “And I did hear that rumor and I did hear that the UFC said yes. But it is not true, Dana contacted me and said that rumor is bullsh*t. So I felt obligated to tell everybody that was a fake rumor. I don’t even remember because we did that podcast two weeks ago, I don’t remember who told me that.”

    “Bones” was last seen in action at UFC 309 in November 2024, where he secured a dominant third-round knockout win over former champion Stipe Miocic in his first heavyweight title defense.

    Meanwhile, Aspinall has held the interim heavyweight title since knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November 2023. He further solidified his reign with another knockout win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July 2024.

  • Cain Velasquez Signs As Global Fight League Team Manager Weeks Before Sentencing For Attempted Murder Charge

    Cain Velasquez Signs As Global Fight League Team Manager Weeks Before Sentencing For Attempted Murder Charge

    Cain Velasquez is now set to channel his fighting spirit into a managerial role with one of the newest MMA organizations on the scene.

    On Friday, the Global Fight League (GFL) revealed in an official statement that former UFC heavyweight champion Velasquez has signed on with the promotion as a team manager. Accompanying him in this venture is his trusted associate, the esteemed American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez, who will take on the role of head coach for Velasquez’s team.

    This announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as Velasquez is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 24 for sentencing related to attempted murder charges. In August 2024, he entered a no-contest plea in a California court to charges including felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapons-related offenses arising from a February 2022 altercation.

    The 42-year-old Californian is facing allegations of firing several shots at Harry Goularte, who was allegedly involved in molesting Velasquez’s then-four-year-old son. In the chaos of the high-speed pursuit, Velasquez struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, instead.

    Velasquez was arrested without resistance by local authorities and, due to the severity of the charges, spent eight months in incarceration. He was eventually granted bail in November 2022, set at a $1 million bond.

    GFL is set to make its debut in April, though the exact date remains under wraps. Unlike traditional formats, GFL introduces a league-based structure with playoffs, offering a fresh approach by incorporating a team-oriented format, unlike the PFL’s individual-centric model.

    The promotion has already signed an impressive roster of over 300 fighters, many of whom are well-known names from major organizations like the UFC, Bellator, and PFL. Notable fighters such as Paige VanZant, Tyron Woodley, Luke Rockhold, and other prominent figures will headline the action.

  • Umar Nurmagomedov Accuses Merab Dvalishvili Of Seeking Easy Opponents Ahead Of UFC 311 Clash

    Umar Nurmagomedov Accuses Merab Dvalishvili Of Seeking Easy Opponents Ahead Of UFC 311 Clash

    Umar Nurmagomedov believes Merab Dvalishvili selectively targets opponents he deems less challenging.

    Nurmagomedov is gearing up to challenge reigning bantamweight champion Dvalishvili in the co-main event of UFC 311, scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    “The Young Eagle” has been on a relentless quest for his first title opportunity since his dominant unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi in August 2024. However, Dvalishvili has appeared hesitant to put his belt on the line against Nurmagomedov ever since claiming the championship at UFC 306.

    “The Machine” initially refuted claims that the undefeated Dagestani deserves a title shot, advocating instead for rematches with familiar foes like Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan. He even went further, suggesting that former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is a more deserving challenger for the 135-pound crown.

    This led to widespread speculation among fans and pundits, with many accusing Dvalishvili of avoiding Nurmagomedov out of fear. Now that the fight has been officially scheduled, “The Young Eagle” has dismissed these claims as unfounded.

    During a recent UFC interview (via MMA Fighting), Nurmagomedov accused Dvalishvili of cherry-picking low-risk opponents to safeguard his record and earn easy paydays. He emphasized that facing him would present an entirely different challenge.

    “I think he just wants to fight with a guy who [he] can beat,” Nurmagomedov said. “It does not mean I 100 percent go inside the cage and smash him. No. He knows, other guys, he will beat [them]. Me? It’s going to be hard. That’s why he tried to be champion a long time. He wants to fight with O’Malley or with Petr Yan or someone else because he knows these guys, easy money. Me? Not.

    “What I know, what I understand, he does not [want a] risky fight. He can beat me; it can happen. It’s not going to break me. I will be the same Umar. Fighting is fighting. Everybody can lose, everybody can win. We’re not talking about what’s going to happen in the fight. If we’re talking about scared, I think he just wants to take [less] risk.”

    Nurmagomedov is on an impressive six-fight win streak in the UFC since making his debut in January 2021.

    Meanwhile, “The Machine” extended his remarkable unbeaten run to 11 straight victories after claiming the bantamweight title with a dominant win over Sean O’Malley in September 2024.

  • Ali Abdelaziz Confident Islam Makhachev Could Finish Alex Pereira At Light Heavyweight

    Ali Abdelaziz Confident Islam Makhachev Could Finish Alex Pereira At Light Heavyweight

    Ali Abdelaziz boldly declared that Islam Makhachev is such a flawlessly versatile fighter that he could defeat anyone in the UFC, even someone three weight classes up like Alex Pereira.

    The reigning UFC lightweight champion stands as the promotion’s current pound-for-pound (P4P) No. 1, a status he’s earned by remaining undefeated since September 2016. With three successful title defenses under his belt, he’s on the brink of surpassing his close friend Khabib Nurmagomedov to solidify his legacy as the greatest 155-pound fighter of all time.

    Makhachev’s remarkable achievements, combined with his relentless, grappling-heavy fighting style, have more than convinced his manager, Abdelaziz, that the Dagestani is unquestionably deserves his place at the top of the P4P rankings.

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Abdelaziz even confidently proclaimed that Makhachev’s skills are so exceptional that he could finish any opponent from the UFC’s lightweight to middleweight divisions — going as far as defeating light heavyweight king Pereira.

    “I don’t think any man from 155 pounds to 185 pounds can beat Islam Makhachev,” Abdelaziz said. “It doesn’t exist. I believe 155, 170, 185, I think Islam can beat anybody at any given day. This is what I believe in because what he’s shown me, the development, the improvement. I think Islam will beat Alex Pereira at 205, I do. I swear to Allah. I think Islam Makhachev will beat Alex Pereira.”

    The Dominance MMA owner further conceded that “Poatan” holds a distinct edge in strength and physicality over Makhachev. However, he firmly believes that his client’s superior grappling skills are more than enough to neutralize and ultimately overcome that threat.

    “He’s just going to take him down and finish him. Submit him,” Abdelaziz said. “It’s the style [match up]. I think Alex Pereira can knock out anyone if he touches you. I think Islam is that good. But it is a fight, and anything could happen. Skill for skill, Islam is one of the most complete fighters we’ve ever seen.”

    Makhachev is gearing up for the fourth defense of his 155-pound title, facing former opponent Arman Tsarukyan in the headline bout of UFC 311, set for Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    The champ is coming off a gritty fifth-round submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June 2024.

  • Former UFC Champ Sees Weakness In Jiƙí ProchĂĄzka, Backs Jamahal Hill For UFC 311 Fight

    Former UFC Champ Sees Weakness In Jiƙí Procházka, Backs Jamahal Hill For UFC 311 Fight

    Jiƙí ProchĂĄzka doesn’t have what it takes to defeat Jamahal Hill in their upcoming bout, claims a former UFC middleweight champion.

    ProchĂĄzka and Hill are set to collide in a crucial matchup on the main card of UFC 311, scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    Both former UFC light heavyweight champions are coming off crushing knockout losses to reigning divisional kingpin Alex Pereira in their most recent Octagon appearances. In fact, “Denisa” experienced his first UFC defeat at the hands of Pereira when they fought for the then-vacant 205-pound title at UFC 295 in November 2023.

    Procházka’s unorthodox fighting style has made it difficult for his past opponents to decipher, but Luke Rockhold believes that this very uniqueness also exposes significant vulnerabilities — especially when facing someone like Hill.

    During a recent appearance on the JAXXON PODCAST, Rockhold lambasted ProchĂĄzka’s tactics in his rematch against “Poatan” this past June, asserting that the Czech fighter lacked any coherent strategy in the bout.

    “I didn’t like the way that Jiƙí fought his last time out versus Pereira,” Rockhold said. “He just didn’t look like he would follow the game plan. Like, what were you doing? I don’t know. To think you could stand with him and play this karate style, Kung Fu game. You can’t fight like that, a guy that he’s so dangerous, you can’t fight with your hands down and you got to go for takedowns. You identified his weakness, but you didn’t even try to exploit it.”

    The former UFC middleweight champion went on to assert that “Sweet Dreams” holds a distinct tactical advantage over ProchĂĄzka and is more than capable of getting the job done at UFC 311.

    “Jamahal Hill’s more dangerous. He’s got pop, he’s got power, he goes for the kill and Jamahal’s got funky — he’s weirdly athletic sometimes. He’s hard to take down. You’ve seen in the Glover [Teixeira] fight, he was able to get up and get his way and funks his way through a lot of things and he ends up finding his shot, the kill shot. But, like I said, this is a rebuilding process for both of them and you don’t know, but I don’t know. I might favor Jamahal in this one.”

  • Colby Covington Opens Up About Chael Sonnen’s Near Towel Throw At UFC Tampa

    Colby Covington Opens Up About Chael Sonnen’s Near Towel Throw At UFC Tampa

    Colby Covington fully acknowledges the gravity of Chael Sonnen’s revelation that he was moments away from throwing in the towel during UFC Tampa.

    Earlier this month, Covington stepped into the Octagon against Joaquin Buckley in the main event of the final UFC Fight Night of 2024. From the opening bell to the fight’s dramatic conclusion, “Chaos” found himself overwhelmed by Buckley’s relentless onslaught, resulting in a TKO (doctor stoppage) defeat.

    “New Mansa” unleashed brutal combinations that left Covington struggling to keep up. A vicious uppercut in the first round opened a deep gash above the former UFC interim welterweight champion’s eye, causing a torrent of blood that worsened with every subsequent strike.

    By the third round, referee Dan Miragliotta was compelled to halt the action, calling the Octagon-side doctor to assess the gruesome gash above Covington’s eye. After a brief evaluation, the doctor advised Miragliotta to stop the fight, deeming the injury too severe to continue.

    After the fight, Sonnen, who served as Covington’s cornerman, shared on his YouTube channel that, in light of the injury’s nature, he was prepared to throw in the towel himself — if the doctor or referee didn’t take action first.

    During a recent Twitch stream, “Chaos” reflected on Sonnen’s decision and expressed that he harbors no ill will toward his mentor. The 36-year-old Californian admitted that, while the moment was tough to swallow, he recognizes it as a well-judged call given the circumstances, no matter how challenging it may have been.

    “Chael cares about me. He’s a real one,” Covington said. “If he was throwing it in, it’s because he knows that I couldn’t see. He knows that where the cut was at, it was bleeding into my right eye and I couldn’t see. I was seeing three of four different people.

    “He knew that I couldn’t see. So if he’s going to do it, it’s because he cares about me and he knows that I couldn’t see and that was going to be tough to overcome. I thought I was coming on stronger, and I feel like they were going to have to throw in the towel for Buckley by the end of round five. So it sucks, it’s unfortunate.”

    Covington is currently navigating the most difficult stretch of his career, having posted a 2-4 record in his last six UFC bouts, which includes three defeats in high-stakes title fights.

  • Conor McGregor Reacts To Reports Of $250M Bout With Logan Paul At Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium

    Conor McGregor Reacts To Reports Of $250M Bout With Logan Paul At Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium

    Conor McGregor’s claims of boxing Logan Paul in India appear to be more than a fleeting notion.

    Earlier this month, “The Notorious” sent the combat sports world into a frenzy by asserting that he’s actively working toward an exhibition boxing match with Paul. McGregor boldly declared he is “in preliminary agreements” with the Indian billionaire Ambani family, who are eager to back the potential blockbuster event financially.

    Additionally, he hinted that this showdown could take place before his highly anticipated UFC return in 2025.

    What initially seemed like little more than a speculative social media stunt from the former two-division UFC champion, McGregor vs. Paul gained newfound credibility after veteran MMA reporter Ariel Helwani confirmed that both camps were indeed in talks about the fight. Now, an increasing number of signs point to the possibility that the Irishman may be serious about making it happen.

    A recent report by Emmett Glenn of Fightbook MMA revealed that the matchup is reportedly set to take place at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium as part of “Visit India” tourism initiative, with both boxers expected to earn a whopping $250 million each. What makes this even more intriguing is McGregor’s near-confirmation on X, where he responded to Glenn’s report with a telling pair of emojis.

    Moreover, the MMA superstar retweeted a post from his outlet, The Mac Life, reporting the aforementioned update.

    As of now, Paul has remained silent about the proposed fight. In addition, it was revealed last week that neither the UFC nor WWE, the organizations McGregor and Paul are each signed to, have been approached about the bout. However, with both promotions now under the TKO Group umbrella, organizing this potential showdown could be seamless.

    “The Notorious,” who hasn’t fought in over three years since suffering a leg break in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, was previously involved in a high-profile crossover boxing match against former multi-division champion Floyd Mayweather in August 2017. Despite his valiant efforts, McGregor ultimately succumbed to a TKO defeat in the 10th round.

  • Donald Cerrone Commits To UFC Comeback In 2025 With Return To The Drug-Testing Pool

    Donald Cerrone Commits To UFC Comeback In 2025 With Return To The Drug-Testing Pool

    Donald Cerrone seemingly meant serious business when he said he’s making his return to active competition to set new records.

    In October, Cerrone revealed his eagerness to step back into the UFC Octagon, aiming to achieve the impressive feat of 50 career bouts under the Zuffa banner — an accomplishment that already includes 48 combined fights in the UFC and WEC.

    However, one significant hurdle to Cerrone’s comeback was his candid admission of working with a company for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and using other steroids in recent years. But that obstacle is now behind him, as the 41-year-old from Colorado has officially rejoined the UFC’s anti-doping agency testing pool, Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD).

    “Cowboy” confirmed the update during his recent appearance on The Pacman Jones Show, revealing that once he’s cleared by the testing agency, he plans to pursue his goal of fighting just two more times — likely in the middleweight division.

    “I just re-entered the testing pool so I have to be six months clean,” Cerrone said. “Probably June or July we’ll make the comeback. I’m coming back for two more. Just two more. I want 50 fights [under the] UFC. I promised the wife no matter what happens, no matter the outcomes – two more and that’s it… I think it’ll be [at middleweight] is what I’m coming back at. We’ll see my weight as I start to pick up my training.”

    https://youtu.be/8R0RG5e7JQA?si=YRlodqjOt8a5v3iP

    Cerrone retired from active competition after a challenging run of six consecutive losses in the Octagon, with the ultimate setback being a second-round submission defeat to fellow veteran Jim Miller at UFC 276 in July 2022.

    Over the course of his storied career, “Cowboy” racked up an extraordinary 18 post-fight bonuses, ranking second in UFC history only behind Charles Oliveira. Moreover, he shares the spot for the second-most wins in UFC history with 23, tied with Andrei Arlovski, and holds the second-highest number of finishes, with 16.

  • Jiƙí ProchĂĄzka Shrugs Off Jamahal Hill’s Trash Talk Ahead Of UFC 311: ‘My Actions Will Talk’

    Jiƙí ProchĂĄzka Shrugs Off Jamahal Hill’s Trash Talk Ahead Of UFC 311: ‘My Actions Will Talk’

    Jiƙí Procházka doesn’t appear to be in the mood to entertain Jamahal Hill’s attempts at getting under his skin ahead of their upcoming bout.

    ProchĂĄzka is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown with Hill at UFC 311, scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    Both ProchĂĄzka and Hill are coming off devastating knockout defeats at the hands of reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira in their last Octagon appearances. Since their bout was booked, “Sweet Dreams” has made some bold comments about the Czech fighter’s style. Hill went so far as to compare their losses to Pereira, claiming that while he was caught accidentally at UFC 300, ProchĂĄzka was “done bad” at UFC 303.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, “Denisa” mentioned that he’s aware of Hill badmouthing him but has no intention of responding in kind to the American’s antics.

    “I don’t care what he’s saying because it’s not just primarily about me, it just shows what what is in his head,” ProchĂĄzka said. “Man, I don’t care about what other people say about me because when you know how this works, how to work the mental of the human body, so how people can speak about others and why they speak about others, especially when he don’t know me personally. He knows just my fighting style and in that, he’s totally out with his commentary.”

    ProchĂĄzka went on to explain why he chooses not to engage in trash talk, stressing that he’s more than willing to settle the score with Hill once the Octagon gates closes.

    “So that’s why I don’t care about these trash talks because. Do you know how the true confident man, a real man [looks] like? He don’t know. He don’t need to say some sh*t about others, to speak about his strong sides and about the weaknesses in his opponent because he’s self-confident too much to not do that… I’m going there, I will show my best, and I will show that to all the world that I’m the best, and that’s all. My actions will talk.”

    Prior to his latest defeat to Pereira in a short-notice title fight this past June, Procházka secured a second-round finish over Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 300.

    Meanwhile, Hill’s loss to “Poatan” marked his return to the Octagon after a memorable title win over Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 in January 2023. “Sweet Dreams” was forced to vacate his title in July 2023 due to an injury.

  • ‘Didn’t He Rob Ngannou In Saudi?’ – Fans React After Footage Emerges Of Tyson Fury Blaming Location For Oleksandr Usyk Loss

    ‘Didn’t He Rob Ngannou In Saudi?’ – Fans React After Footage Emerges Of Tyson Fury Blaming Location For Oleksandr Usyk Loss

    Tyson Fury seems to be having a hard time coming to terms with being outclassed by Oleksandr Usyk in both of their meetings.

    “The Gypsy King” challenged Usyk for his WBC, WBO, and WBA heavyweight titles in their rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this past Saturday. However, despite his best efforts, Fury fell short in his attempt to avenge his previous defeat to the undefeated Ukrainian.

    Although Fury had moments of success, he ultimately suffered a unanimous decision loss as “The Cat” showcased his exceptional footwork and perfectly timed punches, keeping the Englishman at a distance throughout most of the fight. Usyk’s dominance earned him a 116-112 score from all three judges.

    Fury wasted no time leaving the ring after his defeat, bypassing a post-fight interview. And during the post-event press conference, he adamantly stated that he believed he had won the fight convincingly, insisting that the judges had erred in giving the victory to Usyk.

    With “The Gypsy King” now facing back-to-back losses — the only two setbacks of his professional career — to Usyk within just seven months, he is claiming that the venue itself may have played a role in his setbacks.

    A video capturing Fury returning backstage, visibly agitated after his defeat, has surfaced on social media. In the footage, the former WBC heavyweight champion is heard asserting that many believed he was narrowly outpacing “The Cat.” Fury goes on to suggest that the location itself may have had something to do with the outcome of the fight.

    “[Got] robbed there, f**k ’em,” Fury said. “I swear to God I thought I won it by at least three rounds. I bossed the fight on the front foot all night and had that work put on him
 I’ll tell you what it is, you’re not getting nothing in these countries.”

    The combat sports world has responded with a variety of reactions to Fury’s insinuation that the fight taking place in Saudi Arabia played a role in his losses.

    Numerous observers have implied that the 36-year-old Brit is exhibiting a sense of resentment, struggling to reconcile with the reality of his defeat in both bouts.

    https://twitter.com/realSketchyNews/status/1871250077559210240
    https://twitter.com/NattyLightBurps/status/1871241863967195181

    Fury suffered the first loss of his illustrious career when he faced Usyk in their initial showdown this past May. After a hard-fought battle, “The Cat” emerged victorious via split decision.

    This triumph solidified Usyk’s legacy as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era, a distinction not seen since Lennox Lewis achieved the feat in 1999.

  • Conor McGregor Backs Mike Perry’s Challenge To Former UFC Champion For BKFC Return

    Conor McGregor Backs Mike Perry’s Challenge To Former UFC Champion For BKFC Return

    Mike Perry is seeking a high-profile retired fighter to face off against in his BKFC return in 2025, and Conor McGregor likes one of his options.

    At the BKFC Hollywood event in Florida this past weekend, Perry took the spotlight during an in-ring interview and was asked about his future plans. The 33-year-old quickly called out former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler, who was present in the crowd, as the opponent he’s eager to face next.

    “Who should face me next? I see Robbie Lawler in the crowd and I think he should take the gloves off, and he should step inside the square circle against ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry.”

    “Platinum” hasn’t stepped into the squared circle since his stunning knockout win over former UFC fighter Thiago Alves at BKFC Knucklemania IV in April. He further emphasized that Lawler is the ideal opponent to add to his flawless bare-knuckle record.

    “Listen, man, I’m the best to ever be up in this ring [with] no gloves. There’s nobody [that’s] ever done it like me, and I’m waiting for my chance to shine again. The world tried to take things from me. I’m ready for my next opportunity and it doesn’t seem like anybody [wants] to step up to the line. So what I thought is Robbie Lawler might just be tough enough to do it.”

    BKFC part-owner Conor McGregor, who had previously claimed to have fired Perry from the promotion, recently took to X to give an enthusiastic endorsement for the potential Perry vs. Lawler showdown.

    “What a show,” McGregor tweeted. “Perry vs. Lawler? Gimme.”

    https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1870664376329416732

    https://x.comff/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1870664376329416732

    “Platinum” was last seen in action in July, when he stepped in on short notice to face Jake Paul in a boxing match after an ulcer flare-up delayed Mike Tyson’s fight with Paul until November. Unfortunately for Perry, he was knocked out in the sixth round of the bout.

    Perry remains undefeated in BKFC with a perfect 5-0 record, boasting impressive knockout victories over former UFC champions Eddie Alvarez and Luke Rockhold.

    Meanwhile, Lawler called time on his fighting career after a decisive 38-second knockout victory over Niko Price at UFC 290 in July 2023. While “Ruthless” once commanded fear in the Octagon, his final stretch saw him struggle, posting a 3-6 record in his last nine appearances.

  • VIDEO: Oleksandr Usyk & Tyson Fury Have Tense 10-Minute Staredown Ahead Of Boxing Rematch

    VIDEO: Oleksandr Usyk & Tyson Fury Have Tense 10-Minute Staredown Ahead Of Boxing Rematch

    Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury seem to be laser-focused ahead of their upcoming rematch.

    Both boxing superstars are set to reignite their rivalry this Saturday at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where “The Cat” will put his WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight titles on the line against Fury.

    The pair first squared off in May when Usyk emerged victorious after a grueling split decision. With this win, the unbeaten Ukrainian cemented his status as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era since Lennox Lewis achieved the feat in 1999, while also handing “The Gypsy King” his first professional setback.

    As their eagerly awaited showdown approaches this weekend, Usyk and Fury took the stage for their final press conference on Thursday. The atmosphere was electric as the two engaged in a brief yet fiery exchange on the microphone.

    The intensity only escalated during the faceoff that followed, as the two rivals stared each other down for over 10 minutes. Tensions ran so high that officials had to step in and separate them just as they began trading insults.

    Following their May fight, “The Cat” was forced to give up his undisputed status when he had to vacate the IBF title, which was subsequently passed on to his former rival Daniel Dubois.

    Usyk holds a flawless professional record of 22-0, with 14 wins by knockout. Meanwhile, Fury boasts a near-perfect 34-1-1 record, with 24 of his victories coming by knockout.

  • Paul Hughes No Longer Interested In Conor McGregor Cornering For Nurmagomedov Fight: ‘With Things Going Down Now…’

    Paul Hughes No Longer Interested In Conor McGregor Cornering For Nurmagomedov Fight: ‘With Things Going Down Now…’

    Paul Hughes has done a complete about-face regarding his enthusiasm for having Conor McGregor in the corner for his upcoming fight.

    When Hughes triumphed over AJ McKee at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in October, he passionately floated the idea of enlisting his Irish compatriot, “The Notorious,” to join his corner for a potential title clash with reigning Bellator Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

    At the time, McGregor pledged his support, expressing interest in standing in Hughes’ corner. The opportunity to reignite his storied rivalry with UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov — Usman’s first cousin and an almost certain presence in his corner — added an intriguing layer to the matchup.

    “Big News” is now gearing up to face Nurmagomedov in the headline bout of the Road to Dubai Champions Series, set for Jan. 25 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, U.A.E. Surprisingly, though, he has decided to abandon his earlier plan of attempting to secure the former two-division UFC champion’s services for the biggest fight of his career to date.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Hughes said that he was simply toying with the idea and explained that he has no real plans to bring McGregor into his corner for the highly anticipated title clash.

    “Look, I mean the whole corner thing, that was the post-fight interview where things were just being thrown there,” Hughes said. “Other than, that just blew up and did the rounds on social media a couple of times. Other than that, I haven’t mentioned it or looked about anything to do that.”

    “Big News” further explained that, given McGregor’s involvement in a whirlwind of controversy following an Irish court ruling last month that he was liable for the assault of a woman who accused him of rape in 2018, it would be unwise to enlist the sport’s most iconic figure for his corner.

    “Obviously with things going down now, it’s not something I’m going to continue to pursue.”

    However, Hughes also mentioned that he would prefer to have another fellow Irishman, UFC welterweight sensation Ian Garry, in his corner.

    Interestingly, “The Future” had previously offered his support, suggesting the idea of returning the favor after Hughes cornered him in 2021 during his title fight under the Cage Warriors banner.

  • Tom Aspinall: Jon Jones’ Failed Drug Tests Disqualify Him As Greatest Fighter

    Tom Aspinall: Jon Jones’ Failed Drug Tests Disqualify Him As Greatest Fighter

    Tom Aspinall has shared a compelling argument for why Jon Jones might not be regarded as the greatest fighter of all time.

    For years, Jones’ name has been enshrined in conversations about the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, with his career achievements loudly affirming why he’s often seen as deserving of that title.

    “Bones” cemented his place in UFC history as the youngest champion ever, capturing the light heavyweight title at just 23 years old. With a remarkable career record of 28-1, his sole loss remains a hotly debated blemish. Furthermore, Jones holds an unbroken streak in 16 world title fights, underscoring his dominance in the sport.

    However, as the saying goes, nothing in this universe is flawless.

    Jones’ decorated career has not been without its blemishes, plagued by a string of high-profile controversies, including multiple notorious positive tests for banned substances. It’s this shadow over his legacy that fuels Aspinall’s belief that, despite Jones’ monumental achievements, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion falls short of earning the GOAT title.

    During a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Aspinall began by recognizing “Bones” for his impressive achievements but quickly shifted focus to the American’s failed drug tests, calling him a cheat. According to the Brit, those infractions gave Jones an unfair advantage over his opponents.

    “Let me first start by saying Jon is absolutely elite, and I completely agree with the notion that he’s one of the best fighters ever,” Aspinall said. “Potentially [the greatest], but the way that I look at is he has failed a couple of drug tests. To me, that rules you out of being the best of all-time. For me, personally.

    “If you’re on steroids or whatever — I don’t think he was on steroids, but he was on PEDs, performance-enhancing drugs. If you’re on PEDs and your opponent isn’t, that’s absolutely cheating in my book unless you’re both allowed to do it.”

    Jones made the first defense of his heavyweight title with a dominant third-round TKO victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Since then, speculation has been running rampant about who might be next in line to challenge him. As the interim heavyweight champion, Aspinall is widely regarded as the natural contender for a shot at the undisputed title.

    Despite Jones’ consistent lack of interest in facing Aspinall, UFC CEO Dana White has expressed a strong intention to make the highly anticipated title unification clash happen in the near future.

  • Ian Garry Outlines ‘Ideal Scenario’ For UFC 310 & Beyond: ‘Take Out Shavkat Early…’

    Ian Garry Outlines ‘Ideal Scenario’ For UFC 310 & Beyond: ‘Take Out Shavkat Early…’

    Ian Garry is setting his sights on a quick finish against Shavkat Rakhmonov in their upcoming showdown, with a strategy for making a lightning-fast return to the Octagon.

    Garry is slated to face Rakhmonov in a crucial five-round welterweight clash that s expected to determine the next title challenger. This highly anticipated showdown is set as the co-main event of UFC 310, taking place on Dec. 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    “The Future” was never part of the original lineup to co-headline the UFC’s final pay-per-view event of the year. Garry had been scheduled to face Joaquin Buckley at the UFC Fight Night in Tampa on Dec. 14. The Irishman stepped up on short notice when reigning 170-pound champion Belal Muhammad withdrew from his title defense against “Nomad” due to a bone infection.

    Consequently, Colby Covington was enlisted as an eleventh-hour substitute to fill the void left by Garry’s departure, stepping in to face Buckley in a reshuffled matchup.

    “Chaos” has been firmly on Garry’s radar for nearly a year, with both fighters sharing a simmering animosity that has only fueled their rivalry. This tension drives “The Future” to aim for a swift and injury-free victory over Rakhmonov this Saturday, paving the way for a hypothetical return the following weekend to finally settle the score with the former UFC interim champion.

    During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Garry said that, following a possible victory over Rakhmonov, he plans to approach the UFC’s top brass with a bold request.

    “Here is my ideal scenario,” Garry said. “I go out there Dec. 7 and I take out Shavkat early. I come out of there unscathed and uninjured. I get on the mic and say, ‘Hey, I could wait until next year when Belal Muhammad is back. Or… Dana [White], Hunter [Campbell], UFC, I could walk my ass all the way down to Florida, and I could beat the bollocks out of Colby Covington for 25 minutes, and I can prove how good I am next week.’

    “I would love to beat Shavkat, and the following week fight in the main event in Tampa and bury Colby Covington and leave him dead and done in the Octagon, never to be seen again.”

    Garry enters the UFC 310 bout on the heels of a dominant unanimous decision victory over Michael ‘Venom’ Page at UFC 303 this past June. The win marked his second triumph of the year and extended his impressive streak to eight consecutive victories inside the Octagon.

  • Charles Oliveira To Corner Ian Garry For UFC 310 Co-Main Event

    Charles Oliveira To Corner Ian Garry For UFC 310 Co-Main Event

    Ian Garry will be benefiting from Charles Oliveira’s expertise during his high-stakes bout on Saturday.

    “The Future” is set to clash with fellow unbeaten star Shavkat Rakhmonov in a welterweight battle that could determine the next title contender. The five-round showdown will take the spotlight as the co-main event of UFC 310 on Dec. 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    With title implications hanging in the balance, Garry is sparing no effort in preparing for what is arguably the biggest fight of his career. To bolster his chances, the rising Irishman will have former UFC lightweight champion Oliveira in his corner this weekend.

    During a recent Q&A video on his YouTube channel, “The Future” showered praise on “do Bronx,” his training partner at Brazil’s renowned Chute Boxe Academy. He also revealed that the Brazilian veteran will bring his wealth of knowledge to steer him through the highly anticipated bout against Rakhmonov.

    “Charles ‘Do Bronx’ — man’s never been in an unentertaining fight. He’s an absolute savage. I love him, and he’s going to be in my corner for this fight.”

    Garry was originally poised to headline the UFC Fight Night in Tampa on Dec. 14, taking on Joaquin Buckley. However, when reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad had to pull out of the UFC 310 main event due to a bone infection, “The Future” didn’t hesitate to step up and agreed to face Rakhmonov on short notice.

    UFC 310 will mark Garry’s third appearance in the Octagon this year. Fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303 in June, he enters the fight with an unblemished 8-0 promotional record.

  • Ian Garry Reveals Shavkat Rakhmonov’s High Praise Ahead Of UFC 310 Clash

    Ian Garry Reveals Shavkat Rakhmonov’s High Praise Ahead Of UFC 310 Clash

    Ian Garry is claiming that Shavkat Rakhmonov holds him in such high esteem that he recognizes championship potential within him.

    Both undefeated fighters are poised to collide in a five-round welterweight showdown, expected to determine the next title challenger. The high-stakes bout is set to serve as the co-main event for UFC 310 on Dec. 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    “The Future” was originally slated to headline the UFC Fight Night in Tampa on Dec. 14 against Joaquin Buckley. However, with reigning 170-pound champion Belal Muhammad withdrawing from the UFC 310 main event due to a bone infection, he swiftly answered the call to face Rakhmonov on short notice.

    Garry and Rakhmonov are no strangers to each other’s skills and strengths, having previously shared training sessions at the renowned Kill Cliff FC gym in Florida.

    During the UFC 310 Countdown show, Garry mentioned that Kill Cliff FC head coach Henri Hooft relayed Rakhmonov’s view that the Irishman possesses championship potential, though he made it clear it wouldn’t be at the cost of his own goals.

    “Me and Shavkat trained a lot together,” Garry said. “I think he’s a phenomenal fighter. Henri Hooft told me Shavkat Rakhmonov and him had a conversation, and he said ‘Shavkat knows you’re going to be the champion one day. But he says ‘Me first and him later.’ So. It’s unfortunate that one of us is going to have to lose. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that he’s not getting his hand raised.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCRcpPPERSA

    “The Future” is riding high after securing a commanding unanimous decision win over Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303 in June, pushing his perfect promotional record to 8-0.

    Meanwhile, “Nomad” boasts an unblemished 6-0 streak in the UFC, making his comeback after more than a year away from the Octagon. His last appearance was a submission victory over Stephen Thompson at UFC 296 in December 2023.

  • Ian Garry Predicts Joaquin Buckley Will ‘Starch’ Colby Covington

    Ian Garry Predicts Joaquin Buckley Will ‘Starch’ Colby Covington

    Ian Garry may have a bigger challenge looming ahead, but he’s far from pleased about Colby Covington’s decision to pass on a showdown with him.

    For nearly a year, Garry and Covington have been locked in a simmering rivalry, with both fighters eager to settle their score in the Octagon. The 27-year-old Irishman has been especially vocal about the prospect of facing Covington.

    “The Future” initially had his sights set on a grudge matchup against the former interim welterweight champion in the main event of the UFC Fight Night in Tampa on Dec. 14. However, he was ultimately matched up with Joaquin Buckley instead.

    But when reigning 170-pound champion Belal Muhammad was forced to withdraw from his UFC 310 headliner against Shavkat Rakhmonov due to a bone infection, Garry jumped at the chance to fill the void and salvage the matchup.

    Following the changes, “Chaos” was brought in as a last-minute replacement for Garry, stepping up to face Buckley in the newly adjusted lineup.

    During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Garry didn’t hold back, slamming Covington for attacking his personal life and calling the American a coward for supposedly avoiding a showdown with him.

    “The Future” went on to predict that Buckley will completely overpower Covington.

    “I believe he’s going to go out there and get absolutely steamrolled by Joaquin Buckley. I think Buckley starches him.”

    “Chaos” has been out of action since his unsuccessful attempt to capture the welterweight title in his third bid against Leon Edwards, a fight that ultimately saw him fall short of his championship aspirations.

  • Kamaru Usman Addresses Backlash For Skipping Short-Notice Shavkat Rakhmonov Fight At UFC 310

    Kamaru Usman Addresses Backlash For Skipping Short-Notice Shavkat Rakhmonov Fight At UFC 310

    Kamaru Usman isn’t holding back against the online criticism after choosing to pass on a short-notice clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310.

    Rakhmonov was originally slated to challenge reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in the headlining bout of the UFC’s final pay-per-view of the year on Dec. 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. However, the highly anticipated clash was derailed when Muhammad was sidelined by a bone infection in his foot, leaving “Nomad” without an opponent for the big night.

    “The Nigerian Nightmare” initially showed interest in stepping up for a last-minute showdown with Rakhmonov, even hinting that he was gearing up in case the opportunity came his way. However, the former UFC welterweight champion later reconsidered, admitting that the date would come too soon for him to be adequately prepared for such a high-stakes clash.

    As a result, Ian Garry seized the opportunity to step in and face Rakhmonov, relinquishing his previously scheduled main event spot against Joaquin Buckley at the UFC Fight Night in Tampa on Dec. 14.

    This decision sparked a wave of criticism aimed at Usman, with many accusing him of avoiding the undefeated Kazakh.

    During a recent episode of his Pound 4 Pound Podcast, Usman fired back at the fan backlash over his decision. The 37-year-old Nigerian-born American expressed his frustration, stating that fans were quick to judge without fully understanding the circumstances.

    “I’m seeing people online going, ‘Oh, you’re scared, you ducked him,’” Usman said. “When people who are your fans or fans of a fighter don’t get their desired wish, ‘That’s the fight I want,’ then it’s like, ‘Oh no, that guy must be scared because he didn’t take the fight.’ Like, guys, shut up.

    “World champion, defending belts time and time again, oh, he’s scared? Yeah, shut up. Just because you didn’t get what you wanted — guess what? It’s like your mom telling you, ‘No, you can’t have that toy today.’ You know, you can’t have that toy, so shut your mouth.”

    Usman was last seen in action at UFC 294 in October 2023, where he suffered a majority decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev in a short-notice middleweight bout.

    “The Nigerian Nightmare” is currently navigating the toughest stretch of his career, having lost his 170-pound title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 in August 2022. Since that defeat, he has struggled, posting an 0-2 record in his past two Octagon outings.

  • Olympic Champion Gable Steveson Eyes MMA Career After Training With Jon Jones

    Olympic Champion Gable Steveson Eyes MMA Career After Training With Jon Jones

    Jon Jones has had such a profound influence on Gable Steveson that it’s motivated him to pursue a career in MMA.

    The Olympic gold medalist wrestler played a pivotal role as a training partner, helping “Bones” prepare for his third-round TKO victory over former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, where he successfully defended his heavyweight title.

    After witnessing firsthand the craft of one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, Steveson has become more determined than ever to embrace the art of blending disciplines as he looks ahead to his future in combat sports.

    During an interview with MMA Fighting, the 24-year-old Indiana native shared that his time training alongside Jones gave him the confidence to envision himself thriving in the world of MMA.

    “As I put the gloves on, I really like the feeling of going out there and mixing everything together from wrestling to boxing to kickboxing to jiu-jitsu and putting all the pieces together in one,” Steveson said. “That definitely put a huge spark in me to do MMA, too. Wherever the path leads me after this wrestling season is going to be great regardless, but the MMA thing, when I tell you it, definitely lit a fire under me. Being in that camp definitely put a big, big gas light and lit it really hard and burned the fumes in me.”

    Steveson captured the Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Tokyo Games, besting Georgia’s Geno Petriashvili in the final.

    Not long after, he was offered a WWE contract and made his professional wrestling debut at SummerSlam 2021. However, his time with the promotion was short-lived, as he was reportedly released due to insufficient progress at the WWE’s Performance Center.

    Stepping into new territory, Steveson also dabbled in American football, joining the Buffalo Bills for the NFL pre-season. Unfortunately, his football venture didn’t pan out, leading to his release this past August.

  • Paddy Pimblett Confident He Can Beat Islam Makhachev In Future Fight

    Paddy Pimblett Confident He Can Beat Islam Makhachev In Future Fight

    Paddy Pimblett is boldly declaring that he has what it takes to dethrone Islam Makhachev if their paths ever cross in the Octagon.

    “The Baddy” is on a red-hot six-fight win streak in the UFC since his electrifying debut in September 2021. He is fresh off a dominant first-round submission victory over King Green at UFC 304 in July and is now waiting in the wings for his next showdown in the Octagon.

    Pimblett has demonstrated remarkable potential with a string of standout performances in the UFC. Now, brimming with self-assurance, as he believes his skills can conquer anything the division throws his way—even reigning UFC lightweight champion Makhachev.

    During a recent appearance on the StillTalkingShow, Pimblett acknowledged Makhachev’s undeniable skillset but remained steadfast in his belief that he could defeat the Dagestani powerhouse if they ever shared the Octagon.

    “Of course, people always say, ‘Do you think you’d beat Islam Makhachev?’” Pimblett said. “I’m like, ‘Obviously.’ You’ve got to. Do you think I’m going to sit here and just be like, ‘No, he’d beat me?’ Then I’m not a fighter. I’m a coward.

    “I respect Islam. He’s a great champion. People will probably laugh at me for saying this, but obviously, I think I’d beat him. I don’t think any man on this planet would beat me if we got in a cage, I think I’d beat everyone.”

    “The Baddy” further explained that his confidence in his abilities fuels his conviction that he can defeat anyone in the division, even Makhachev.

    “I always say, anyone in your division or anyone that you’re rivals with can beat you, you’re in the wrong sport. Go and do footy or rugby or cricket or basketball or hockey, where you’ve got a team, you can say, ‘It was fault, it was his fault.’ In a fight, it’s only going to be your fault, no one else’s fault.”

    Makhachev is riding an impressive 14-fight unbeaten streak, most recently securing his third successful title defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June.

    He claimed the 155-pound title with a dominant win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in June 2022 and followed that up with back-to-back defenses against former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski last year.

  • Proper No. Twelve Whiskey Ditches Conor McGregor Name In Light Of Sexual Assault Civil Case 

    Proper No. Twelve Whiskey Ditches Conor McGregor Name In Light Of Sexual Assault Civil Case 

    Conor McGregor’s legal turmoil continues to fuel a series of ongoing fallouts, and it seems there are no signs of it slowing down.

    “The Notorious” was found liable by a jury in a civil case at the Dublin High Court for the assault of a woman named Nikita Hand in December 2018. He was ordered to pay €248,000 (approximately $257,000) in damages to the victim.

    According to a recent report by the Irish Independent, Proximo Spirits has announced that it will no longer associate McGregor’s name or likeness with any promotional material for the renowned alcoholic brand Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. This decision follows the court ruling against the Irishman.

    The former two-division UFC champion launched his alcoholic beverage brand in September 2018, debuting in both Ireland and the United States. Named after the Crumlin neighborhood in Dublin 12, where he was raised, the brand quickly gained traction.

    In 2021, it was revealed that McGregor and his business partners sold their majority stake in the company to Proximo Spirits, which already held a 49% share. The deal was reportedly valued at an astonishing $600 million.

    Even after the takeover, Proximo Spirits continued to feature McGregor in their promotional materials on social media until today, when they severed ties.

    https://twitter.com/ProperWhiskey/status/1568673060257157120

    The fallout with Proximo Spirits dealt another significant setback to McGregor’s public image, coinciding with the announcement from several major European retail chains that they would no longer carry products linked to the UFC superstar in the wake of his assault conviction.

    IO Interactive, the developers behind the popular Hitman video game series, were the first to cut ties, revealing they would be halting their collaboration with McGregor. Despite his recent addition to the game, they confirmed they would be removing all content featuring the fighter in light of the civil case verdict.

    Meanwhile, other businesses connected to McGregor are reportedly facing mounting pressure to sever their ties with his products.