MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • Robert Whittaker Shares Shocking Details Of Dental Surgery After UFC 308 Loss To Khamzat Chimaev

    Robert Whittaker Shares Shocking Details Of Dental Surgery After UFC 308 Loss To Khamzat Chimaev

    Robert Whittaker’s dental surgery, prompted by the injury from his last trip to the Octagon, uncovered a startling underlying issue.

    Whittaker endured his first submission loss in the UFC. He suffered a crushing setback that also left him with severe dental damage — a brutal souvenir from Khamzat Chimaev’s relentless face crank in the opening round of UFC 308 last month.

    In the aftermath of the fight, photos emerged showing “The Reaper’s” mouth in disarray, his bottom teeth visibly misaligned. This fueled speculation within the sporting community, with many believing his jaw had been fractured in multiple places.

    However, the Aussie clarified that wasn’t the case. Instead, the injury, which had developed cumulatively since his younger years, affected the lower bone supporting his teeth, causing it to snap and be displaced — steering clear of a full jaw fracture but resulting in considerable damage.

    During a recent episode of his MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker opened up about the longstanding oral issues that have plagued him over the years. The former UFC middleweight champion revealed that his struggles with lower teeth problems resurfaced during his last few fights.

    Although he managed to temporarily address them, the situation progressively worsened, ultimately reaching a breaking point after his latest outing.

    “I’ve always kind of had bad bottom teeth because I’ve had missing teeth here for like 10 years plus,” Whittaker said. “So they’ve always kind of been shot because they’re not stable — they’re not a full circuit; they’re like half… But they kinda got pushed in a little bit when I fought Dricus [Du Plessis]. I had to cast them in there, let them settle, yada yada yada, move on. Then, when I fought Ikram [Aliskerov], I had all the infections. Had to get four root canals, and I think the teeth had just had it, mate.”

    “The Reaper” went on to reveal that his dental problems eventually led to the removal of his entire bottom row of teeth. During the procedure, doctors found a large abscess in his gums, which could have worsened his condition if left untreated.

    “I’ve never been able to bite down on an apple since I was 19. [My teeth] have always been bad, and I should’ve dealt with them much sooner. They’re gone [now], don’t need them, my life is much better without them. Fun fact though, when they took them out, they found a massive cyst in my jaw, and they think that might have been where infections were coming from for the teeth, so everything happens for a reason.”

    Before UFC 308, Whittaker was gaining momentum for a potential third title shot, having strung together two impressive wins over Ikram Aliskerov and Paulo Costa earlier this year. However, after his setback against Chimaev, those championship aspirations have been momentarily sidelined.

  • Mikey Musumeci Considers MMA Transition Following Exclusive UFC Deal

    Mikey Musumeci Considers MMA Transition Following Exclusive UFC Deal

    Mikey Musumeci is charting a course toward an MMA career, but not before conquering the grappling world under the UFC’s spotlight.

    The former ONE flyweight grappling champion signed an exclusive deal with the UFC earlier this month, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both him and the promotion.

    Musumeci is tasked with making his promotional debut against Felipe Machado on Dec. 5 in Las Vegas at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 9.

    As a highly accomplished grappler, “Darth Rigatoni” has long been thrilled by the idea of blending disciplines in MMA. Now, with his association with the UFC, that ambition seems well within his grasp.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Musumeci shared his enthusiasm about joining the UFC, highlighting how it will allow him to refine the nuances of MMA under the guidance of the sport’s top professionals. He also affirmed that a transition to MMA is inevitable in his future.

    “I have the desire to maybe do MMA again in the future,” Musumeci said. “I’m young, my body is very young. I’ve never taken steroids, so my body is like 20, 21, actually. I can have many more years of competition still. Being in the UFC now, I’ll have the opportunity to train with a lot more people that I wouldn’t in the past, and learn from them on the feet, takedowns, wrestling. The first thing I loved in life was MMA. If I can have the opportunity to fight MMA in the UFC, that’s going to be a dream, too.”

    The 28-year-old New Jersey native is undeniably hyped about what lies ahead in his career, but he made it clear that his journey into MMA will only come after he’s contributed to elevating jiu-jitsu within the UFC and inspiring the next generation of fighters.

    “I want to do MMA, but the gift God has given me was jiu-jitsu, so I have to grow our sport first. I can’t leave our sport before helping it grow to a place where other people, other kids can have an organization to compete at in the future.”

    Musumeci made his mark under the ONE Championship umbrella, where he began competing in October 2022 and maintained an impressive 7-0 undefeated streak. “Darth Rigatoni” was slated to defend his flyweight title against IBJJF world champion Carlos Oliveira on short notice in the co-main event of ONE 168 this past September.

    Unfortunately, Musumeci was unable to make the 135-pound weight limit and failed a hydration test at the last minute, which resulted in him being stripped of his title.

    Adding to the setback, he was hospitalized with pneumomediastinum, forcing him to withdraw from the fight entirely. Not long after these challenges, Musumeci severed ties with the promotion.

  • Conor McGregor Reacts To Jury’s Verdict In Sexual Assault Case: ‘I Will Be Appealing’

    Conor McGregor Reacts To Jury’s Verdict In Sexual Assault Case: ‘I Will Be Appealing’

    Conor McGregor plans to challenge the ruling of a civil lawsuit in Ireland, where he was held liable for sexual assault.

    On Friday, a jury ruled in favor of Nikita Hand, who accused former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor of sexually assaulting her in December 2018. The Dublin high court found McGregor culpable for the offense and ordered him to pay €248,000 (roughly $257,000) in damages to the complainant.

    While “The Notorious” chose to remain silent as he left the court after the verdict, he later took to X to announce his intention to contest the ruling. He claimed that the jury had been denied crucial evidence that had been previously reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    “I will be appealing today’s decision,” McGregor wrote in a now-deleted tweet. “The judge’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed. I am with my family now, focused on my future. Thank you for all my support worldwide.”

    Last week, McGregor vehemently denied the allegations against him in his testimony at the high court, where he was accused of sexually assaulting Hand in a penthouse suite at the Beacon Hotel in Sandyford, Dublin, on December 9, 2018.

    Hand sought compensation across multiple categories, including general, special, aggravated, and punitive damages, citing both the incident itself and her inability to work due to the mental health toll it took.

    She claimed that McGregor held her down on a bed, leaving her unable to defend herself. Meanwhile, the Irishman’s defense team steadfastly argued throughout the trial that Hand was attempting to manipulate the situation, benefiting from a skewed and false portrayal of what had transpired.

  • Conor McGregor Found Liable For Assault By Jury In Sexual Assault Civil Court Case

    Conor McGregor Found Liable For Assault By Jury In Sexual Assault Civil Court Case

    A woman who accused Conor McGregor of sexually assaulting her in 2018 has won her civil case against the UFC fighter in court.

    “The Notorious” has been at the center of a serious sexual assault case in recent weeks, with accusations from Dublin-based hairdresser Nikita Hand, who also implicated a person named James Lawrence in the ordeal.

    A jury at Dublin’s High Court found that McGregor had assaulted Hand on Friday. The Irishman made no comment as he quickly exited the court following the verdict.

    https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1860008568835236006

    Hand, meanwhile, did address the media in the aftermath, describing her ordeal in the years leading up to the court win this week.

    “I would like to start off by saying I’m overwhelmed and touched by the support I have received from everybody,” she said. “I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be: Speak up, you have a voice and keep on fighting for justice.”

    McGregor testified at the High Court in Dublin last Wednesday, addressing a civil lawsuit in which he was accused by Hand of raping her in a penthouse suite at the Beacon Hotel in Sandyford, Dublin on Dec. 9, 2018.

    For the first time during the trial, the former two-division UFC champion took the stand and testified that his encounter with Hand was entirely consensual, following prior online conversations, and firmly denied ever coercing anyone into an act against their will.

    “Your client is full of lies,” McGregor said to Hand’s lawyer. “Everything is a lie.”

    McGregor also categorically rejected any claims of inflicting bruising on Hand. The UFC icon was accused of restraining her on the bed, with the alleged victim unable to fight back. However, the Irishman’s defense team consistently argued that the accuser was attempting to exploit the situation and profit from a distorted version of events.

    Hand claimed that on the evening in dispute, she was with McGregor and that his behavior grew progressively aggressive after they went to the hotel room following a Christmas party. She stated that she and a woman named Danielle had consumed drugs and alcohol offered by the UFC fighter.

    The allegations in question first emerged in December 2018, but no charges were brought against McGregor until January 2021, following a two-year investigation by Irish authorities. Despite the lengthy probe, McGregor was not prosecuted.

    A personal injury lawsuit was filed in the same month, and in October 2023, a civil trial date was set, with Hand seeking and now being awarded damages amounting to €248,603 (£206,000).

  • UFC Veteran: Stipe Miocic ‘Didn’t Really Want To Be There’ Against Jon Jones

    UFC Veteran: Stipe Miocic ‘Didn’t Really Want To Be There’ Against Jon Jones

    Matt Brown believes Stipe Miocic seemed devoid of drive during his clash with Jon Jones.

    Miocic challenged reigning heavyweight champion Jones in the main event of UFC 309 last Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The former longtime titleholder endured a dominant opening round, finding himself on his back as “Bones” rained down heavy shots from the top position.

    Unfortunately for Miocic, the subsequent rounds provided no relief. He failed to mount any offense and ultimately fell victim to a devastating spinning back kick to the body in the third frame, marking the fight’s decisive conclusion.

    Miocic appeared to grapple with significant Octagon rust, returning to competition after a prolonged hiatus following his knockout loss to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in March 2021. At 42 years old, the Ohio native’s age also seemed to play a role, with his movements noticeably lacking the sharpness and agility he once showcased.

    During a recent episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer on MMA Fighting, “The Immortal” weighed in on Miocic’s performance against Jones, remarking that the former champion appeared far beyond his years and looked athletically diminished at UFC 309.

    “As bad as he looked athletically — he looked his age, also — I say he looked past his age, to be honest,” Brown said. “Straight legs, no hate on Stipe. It just looked like he didn’t have it at this point, and why should he? He came to challenge himself at the highest level with the greatest ever and didn’t pass the challenge.”

    Brown further expressed that Miocic, in his eyes, seemed visibly disinterested and was lacking urgency.

    “Stipe, to me, looked like he didn’t really want to be there. He’s there for the challenge and maybe the money. I don’t know what his motivations were exactly. But it didn’t look to me like he really wanted to be there.”

    After his defeat, Miocic officially announced his retirement from active competition, bringing an end to a storied career. He concluded his tenure in the cage with a 20-5 record, with 14 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

  • Michael Chandler Describes Charles Oliveira Rematch As His ‘Most Painful’ Fight Yet

    Michael Chandler Describes Charles Oliveira Rematch As His ‘Most Painful’ Fight Yet

    Michael Chandler’s latest appearance in the Octagon turned out to be one of the most punishing of his career.

    Chandler ran it back with his former foe Charles Oliveira in the co-main event of UFC 309 last Saturday, only to fall short in a brutal five-round battle. “Do Bronx” surged out of the gates, dominating the first four rounds with his striking and then smothering Chandler on the ground.

    It seemed like Oliveira was on cruise control toward victory but “Iron” found a second wind in the final round, landing heavy shots that stunned the Brazilian. However, Chandler’s late rally wasn’t enough.

    During a recent appearance on Bussin’ With The Boys, “Iron” revealed that his rematch with Oliveira left him with the most severe damage he’s ever experienced in a fight.

    The injuries sustained were the worst of his career, bringing with them intense pain, swelling, and a host of other physical setbacks.

    “My body, the most pain I’ve ever been in my entire life,” Chandler said. “The most injuries I’ve had in a fight, for sure. Peed blood, inflammation all over, my whole body is swollen… The first [blood in my urine] was very light, which was in my drug test… It had a light tint, and the second one was beet-looking juice. It was dark.”

    “Iron” and Oliveira first collided at UFC 262 in May 2021, where the vacant 155-pound title was on the line. On that night, “Do Bronx” proved to be too much for Chandler and secured a stunning second-round knockout to claim the belt.

    At UFC 309, Chandler made his long-awaited return to the Octagon after a two-year hiatus, during which he patiently waited for a high-profile matchup against Conor McGregor.

    The former Bellator champion was initially booked to face “The Notorious” at UFC 303 in June, but the fight was ultimately called off after McGregor suffered an injury less than a month before the scheduled bout.

  • Rashad Evans & Rampage Jackson Eye Boxing Match In 2025

    Rashad Evans & Rampage Jackson Eye Boxing Match In 2025

    Rashad Evans and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson are seemingly set to reignite their storied rivalry — this time under the bright lights of the squared circle.

    The two former UFC light heavyweight champions first collided at UFC 114 in May 2010 following their fiery stint as opposition coaches on Season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). That night, “Suga” emerged victorious, earning a dominant unanimous decision.

    Whispers of a boxing showdown between Evans and Jackson began swirling months ago, with ONE Championship even showing interest in bringing the fight to life. Although those plans never materialized, the tides have shifted. Now, 15 years after their first clash, the former rivals are closer than ever to stepping into the ring for a long-awaited rematch.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, “Suga” revealed that he has already kicked off his training camp for the prospective bout, tentatively slated for February 2025, likely in Florida. The New Yorker also expressed his enthusiasm about rekindling his rivalry with “Rampage.”

    “Boxing is something I’m a huge fan of and there’s nothing better than getting another chance to fight Rampage,” Evans said. “Rampage is in pretty good shape right now. He was getting ready for Shannon ‘The Cannon’ [Briggs] so he’s in pretty good shape. I want to get a chance to do it again with it.”

    Evans emphasized that while the bad blood between him and Jackson is a thing of the past, their upcoming boxing showdown promises to be fiercely competitive — albeit with a friendly edge.

    “With this fight, it’s fun because there’s not that anger-animosity, but at the same time, it’s still competitive. It’s still competitive like if he sees me looking a certain kind of way [he’ll say] ‘Hey, I see you getting ready, you’re looking pretty good’ and I’ll see him hitting the mitts or something like that and I’m like okay, he’s getting ready. It’s still the friendly competition and as the fight gets closer, all the sh*t talking’s going to come back. So it’s going to be fun.”

    Evans has made only one return to competition since leaving the UFC in June 2018, claiming a commanding unanimous decision victory over Gabriel Checco at an Eagle FC event in January 2022.

    Meanwhile, “Rampage” has remained inactive since December 2019, when he endured a tough loss to Fedor Emelianenko at Bellator 237.

  • Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Sets $18M Gate Record, Shatters Streaming Benchmarks

    The high profile Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson clash has set new benchmarks, even as it faced relentless scrutiny from critics.

    Last Friday, “The Problem Child” squared off against the legendary heavyweight boxer in an eight-round showdown at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The event proved to be a staggering success, boasting a record-breaking gate and reportedly becoming the most-watched combat sports spectacle of 2024.

    The main event, where Paul secured a unanimous decision victory over the 58-year-old Tyson, paired with a historic co-main event that saw Katie Taylor narrowly defeat Amanda Serrano in a contentious split decision, now holds the record for the largest revenue-generating fight night outside Las Vegas in U.S. history.

    As per Most Valuable Promotions, over 72,300 fans packed the arena for the Paul vs. Tyson showdown, generating a staggering $18,117,072 in total revenue. This impressive feat secured its place as the ninth-highest combat sports gate of all time and set a new benchmark as the highest-grossing event at AT&T Stadium.

    On Tuesday, Netflix announced that the Paul vs. Tyson showdown attracted over 108 million viewers on the streaming platform, despite encountering significant technical disruptions. Meanwhile, the co-main event became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in U.S. history, with an average minute audience of 47 million and an estimated 74 million live viewers worldwide.

    The main event reached a peak of 65 million simultaneous streams, setting a new record for the most-streamed sports event worldwide, with 38 million of those streams coming from the U.S. alone.

    The YouTuber-turned-boxer repeatedly emphasized the immense draw of his showdown with the return of “Iron Mike,” especially after Netflix came on board as the exclusive streaming partner for the event.

    Breaking away from the traditional pay-per-view model, the fight card was made available to Netflix subscribers at no additional cost.

  • VIDEO: John Fury Goes Back & Forth With Darren Till, Sparks Near-Brawl At Misfits Boxing Press Conference

    VIDEO: John Fury Goes Back & Forth With Darren Till, Sparks Near-Brawl At Misfits Boxing Press Conference

    By now, it’s crystal clear — John Fury and public events are a recipe for chaos every time.

    On Tuesday, Fury Sr. joined his son, Tommy Fury, and former UFC star Darren Till on stage at the kickoff press conference for their Misfits Boxing showdown, scheduled for January 2025 in Manchester.

    The atmosphere at the presser intensified when “The Gorilla” fired a barb at John’s other son, Tyson Fury, mocking his first career loss to Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed heavyweight title bout this past May.

    Fury Sr. didn’t take the jab lightly and, consumed by rage, flung a bottle of water at Till, triggering a chaotic, melee-like scene. Security quickly intervened to disperse the escalating tension while Till aggressively pushed forward to confront the Furys.

    https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1858929134568706296

    Fury and Till are set to face off in an eight-round heavyweight showdown, headlining Misfits Boxing 20 on Jan. 18 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

    “TNT” is coming off a dominant unanimous decision victory over social media sensation KSI at the MF & DAZN: X Series 10 event in October 2023, which came on the heels of his narrow split decision win against Jake Paul. Fury remains undefeated, boasting a perfect 10-0 professional record, with four of those victories coming by knockout.

    Meanwhile, “The Gorilla” made his squared circle debut at Social Knockouts 3 in July, facing off in a chaotic bout against Mohammad Mutie that escalated into a takedown and an all-out brawl inside the ring.

  • BKFC KnuckleMania 5 To Feature Eddie Alvarez vs. Jeremy Stephens

    BKFC KnuckleMania 5 To Feature Eddie Alvarez vs. Jeremy Stephens

    BKFC is headed to Philadelphia this January for its first event in the historic “Quaker City.”

    On Tuesday, BKFC announced that the fifth installment of KnuckleMania will showcase a showdown between UFC veterans Eddie Alvarez and Jeremy Stephens. The highly anticipated bout is scheduled for Jan. 25 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    “The Underground King” made a strong entrance into the world of bare-knuckle fighting with a victory over fellow UFC veteran Chad Mendes at BKFC 41 in April 2023. However, his momentum faltered in his second outing, suffering a TKO loss to BKFC’s marquee star Mike Perry in December.

    Now, Alvarez is gearing up for a homecoming, aiming to deliver a memorable performance in front of his hometown crowd in Philadelphia. This marks his first fight in the city in over 14 years, with his last appearance dating back to October 2010 when he secured a TKO win against Roger Huerta at Bellator 33.

    Meanwhile, Stephens remains unbeaten in his bare-knuckle career, having made a stunning debut with a third-round TKO victory over Jimmie Rivera at BKFC 56. “Lil Heathen” is riding high off a dominant unanimous decision win over Bobby Taylor at BKFC 65 this past September.

    The bare-knuckle promotion is making its long-awaited debut in Pennsylvania, following the state’s athletic commission granting official sanctioning for gloveless boxing in 2023.

  • Dominick Cruz Eyes Final Fight To Cap 20-Year MMA Legacy

    Dominick Cruz Eyes Final Fight To Cap 20-Year MMA Legacy

    Dominick Cruz says he has one last fight left in him before hanging up his gloves for good.

    The former two-time UFC bantamweight champion has likely seen it all during his storied MMA career. From winning the WEC and UFC titles to becoming a staple of UFC broadcasts as a color commentator and ESPN analyst, Cruz’s legacy extends far beyond the Octagon.

    “The Dominator’s” career has been plagued by persistent injuries that have sidelined him for extended periods. Since losing his title to Cody Garbrandt at UFC 207 in December 2016, Cruz has stepped into the Octagon only four times, a stark contrast to his earlier activity.

    The 39-year-old Californian has been a professional fighter since January 2005, with his 20th anniversary in combat sports fast approaching. As the milestone nears, Cruz believes he still has the fire to make his final walk to the Octagon, aiming to close out his career in a fitting style.

    During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, “The Dominator” opened up about how he envisions closing the chapter on his career. He revealed that he’s been training for his final fight at the UFC Performance Institute in Mexico City and feels confident in his readiness.

    “I think I got a last dance. I got one last dance in me, just to go out there and have fun,” Cruz said. “And when I say ‘fun,’ I mean ‘fight to the bitter death and see what I have in me.’ The fun comes months after that, and that’s where it gets to set in. Okay, that was fun.

    “But I’m ready to walk into the fire again and see what life and death really look like. And one more go at that would be a pleasure. So, I’m building myself up. I’m at altitude, and I’m out here in Mexico City [at the UFC Performance Institute]. Some of the best training I’ve ever had in my whole career.”

    Cruz’s second attempt at reclaiming the 135-pound title came to a crashing halt with a second-round knockout at the hands of Henry Cejudo at UFC 249 in May 2019.

    He made a strong comeback in 2021, securing back-to-back victories over Casey Kenney and Pedro Munhoz. However, his most recent Octagon appearance ended in a devastating fourth-round head-kick knockout by Marlon Vera in August 2022.

  • Sean Strickland & Dricus Du Plessis Team Up To Blast ‘Clown’ Jake Paul Over Mike Tyson Clash

    Sean Strickland & Dricus Du Plessis Team Up To Blast ‘Clown’ Jake Paul Over Mike Tyson Clash

    UFC rivals Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis unexpectedly united to slam Jake Paul for fighting Mike Tyson.

    Paul is primed to collide with Tyson in an eight-round heavyweight bout scheduled for Friday at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

    The highly debated boxing showdown has dominated headlines since its announcement, though not for the most favorable of reasons. The focal point has been the jaw-dropping 31-year age gap between the YouTuber-turned-boxer and the former undisputed heavyweight champion, a record-breaking divide that has sparked widespread skepticism about the competitiveness of the matchup.

    Among the many critics of the Paul vs. Tyson bout, Strickland, who is no stranger to bashing “The Problem Child,” has joined the chorus. The former UFC middleweight champion recently took to X and lashed out at Paul over his matchup with the boxing legend in a series of tweets.

    “@jakepaul [Jake Paul] is a clown,” Strickland tweeted. “Your ability to make money off stupid people is impressive, but being rich won’t buy you dignity. You’re fighting a 60-year-old man who is just trying to make a dollar by risking his life.. scum bag.”

    Strickland then reacted to the Netflix promotional video for the fight, taking issue with the “All it takes is one punch” tagline.

    “You’re fighting a 60-year-old… are you a f**king idiot?? This should be illegal… The man had a medical emergency a month before this because he’s too f**king old. F**king clown.”

    Surprisingly, reigning UFC 185-pound champion Du Plessis chimed into the conversation, backing Strickland’s criticism of “The Problem Child”.

    “I don’t always agree with you, but I second that,” Du Plessis wrote. “Still, believe Iron Mike KO’s him.”

    “Iron Mike” hung up his gloves after a loss to Kevin McBride in June 2005. However, Tyson made a comeback to the ring for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020, a bout that ultimately ended in a draw.

    The Paul vs. Tyson fight was originally scheduled for July 20 but was delayed to November after Tyson experienced an ulcer flare-up during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles in May.

  • Stipe Miocic Shrugs Off Critics Ahead Of Jon Jones Fight At UFC 309

    Stipe Miocic Shrugs Off Critics Ahead Of Jon Jones Fight At UFC 309

    Stipe Miocic seems indifferent to criticism leading up to his title showdown with Jon Jones at UFC 309.

    Miocic is gearing up to challenge reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jones in his bid for a third title shot, with the bout set to take place on Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    In the lead-up to this highly anticipated bout, the former UFC heavyweight champion has faced a barrage of scrutiny for securing a fight against “Bones” after a lengthy hiatus of over three years. Meanwhile, interim titleholder Tom Aspinall remains on the sidelines, waiting for his opportunity at a championship unification clash.

    During an interview with MMA Fighting, Miocic responded to the criticism surrounding his UFC 309 return, emphasizing that fight bookings ultimately rest with the UFC and are entirely out of his hands.

    The 42-year-old Ohio native acknowledged that a Jones vs. Aspinall matchup would be huge, yet he believes his own showdown with Jones is the fight fans truly wanted to see.

    “It wasn’t my choice,” Miocic said. “It’s a fight I wanted, and the UFC gave it to me. They didn’t have to. They gave it to me. I believe so [there’s a reason why it’s happening]. I believe people want to see that. I think a lot more people want to see the fight than him fight Aspinall. [Aspinall is] tough. He hits hard. Big boy. It’s what people want, he knocks people out.”

    Miocic further shared that there was a time when the noise from naysayers might have gotten under his skin, but now he brushes it off without a second thought.

    “I don’t listen to anything on the outside. I used to when I was younger, when I started I was like why would you say that? How dare you? I was real sensitive. I literally stopped caring anymore. I don’t care what anyone says. I really don’t care.”

    Miocic has been out of action since his title loss to Francis Ngannou, who defeated him with a second-round knockout at UFC 260 in March 2021.

    Originally slated for a comeback at UFC 295 in November 2023, Miocic’s return was delayed when Jones sustained a torn pectoral tendon just weeks before the anticipated showdown, leading to the bout’s postponement.

  • Daniel Cormier Defends Jon Jones Against Claims Of Ducking Tom Aspinall

    Daniel Cormier Defends Jon Jones Against Claims Of Ducking Tom Aspinall

    Jon Jones’ most vocal critic, Daniel Cormier, is standing by him against accusations that “Bones” is dodging a showdown with Tom Aspinall.

    Jones is set to make his first heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic in the UFC 309 main event, taking place this Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    The buildup to this highly anticipated matchup has been overshadowed by widespread accusations within the MMA community, with many claiming that Jones is intentionally sidestepping a title unification bout against interim champion Aspinall. The New Yorker stirred up controversy once again last week, expressing little enthusiasm for the fight.

    Jones claims that Aspinall’s performances inside the Octagon have failed to spark any real excitement for a potential matchup. He further stated that, unless he retires after UFC 309, the only fight that piques his interest at this stage is a showdown with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

    Jones’ remarks have once again provoked insinuations that he’s avoiding a showdown with Aspinall, supposedly fearing a loss as his career nears its twilight. However, Cormier firmly rejects this idea, even though he doesn’t fully endorse the reasoning of his former fierce rival.

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, “DC” recognized the legendary career of Jones and emphasized that the former UFC light heavyweight champion harbors no fear of Aspinall or any other competitor.

    “Look, Jon Jones isn’t afraid of Tom Aspinall,” Cormier said. “I wish people would stop saying that. He is not afraid of that guy. He is not afraid of anyone. He is not afraid to fight this guy. He’s not. I think he’s trying to be more strategic. He’s trying to make sure his legacy stands. I don’t know it could ever be faded. I know we have short memories, but could you ever forget what he did? I don’t think him fighting Tom Aspinall with the potential he would lose is a bad thing.

    “But most would expect him to win the fight. But at the end of the day, the old guard has to get passed through for the new guard to go. Unless you don’t play the sport by the way that everyone else does it. Everyone else does it that way. Maybe Jones will be different.”

  • UFC 309: Custom Shorts Revealed For Stipe Miocic, Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler

    UFC 309: Custom Shorts Revealed For Stipe Miocic, Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler

    The UFC appears to be continuing its trend of designing tailored fight kits for its top athletes, with Stipe Miocic, Charles Oliveira, and Michael Chandler next in line to enjoy this stylish touch for their highly anticipated matchups at UFC 309.

    The penultimate UFC pay-per-view event of the year is set to electrify Madison Square Garden in New York City this weekend. In the headliner, Miocic will challenge reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones, while the co-main event of UFC 309 features a high-stakes, five-round rematch between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler.

    As Miocic gears up for his first Octagon appearance in over there years, the former longtime heavyweight champion will debut custom fight shorts from Venum, the UFC’s official fight kit provider. Designed to honor his Croatian heritage, Miocic’s shorts showcase a checkered pattern on one side and the Croatian coat of arms on the other, drawing inspiration directly from Croatia’s flag.

    The 42-year-old Ohio native last competed at UFC 260 in March 2021, where he succumbed to a second-round knockout by Francis Ngannou, forfeiting his heavyweight title in the process.

    Meanwhile, Oliveira, coming off a split decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in April, will step into the Octagon wearing abstract, multicolored shorts with his moniker, “Do Bronx,” emblazoned on one side. The inspiration behind this striking design remains unknown.

    On the flip side, Chandler will don black shorts accented with gray straps and stars at UFC 309, a tribute to the American flag. “Iron” is making his long-awaited return after a two-year hiatus, following his submission loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022.

    The custom shorts for the fighters featured at UFC 309 add to the already revealed gear for “Bones,” which showcases two fierce red lions along with Philippians 4:13, the Bible verse Jones has inked on his chest.

  • Max Holloway To Be Subject Of New Documentary Following His Life & UFC Career In 2025

    Max Holloway To Be Subject Of New Documentary Following His Life & UFC Career In 2025

    Max Holloway is reportedly set to be the focus of an upcoming documentary, which will offer an in-depth look at both his personal journey and professional career.

    According to a recent report by Deadline, Dream Bay Entertainment and Hamblin Imagery have partnered to produce an untitled film about “Blessed” in 2025. Touted as the ultimate documentary on his life, the project promises to offer an unparalleled look into the journey of the former UFC featherweight champion.

    Peter Hamblin is set to direct the project and serve as an executive producer, with Dream Bay founder Thomas Drachkovitch also joining as an executive producer

    The documentary will chronicle “Blessed” as he steps into what promises to be the most significant year of his life, both inside and outside the Octagon. It will trace Holloway’s ascent to UFC stardom, his enduring legacy as one of the sport’s most resilient and captivating fighters, and his journey as a devoted father and proud native of Hawaii.

    The film will feature exclusive interviews, rare archival footage, and behind-the-scenes access, offering a deep dive into his grueling training camps as he gears up for career-defining showdowns in 2025.

    Holloway is coming off the first knockout defeat of his career, having been floored by reigning 145-pound champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 308, marking a tough setback in his third attempt at regaining the title.

    The 32-year-old Hawaiian fighter secured the BMF title with a dramatic last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje in a lightweight clash at UFC 300 this past April.

    Following his recent loss to Topuria, Holloway has openly stated his intention to leave the featherweight division behind and concentrate on pursuing success at 155 pounds.

  • Bo Nickal Insists He Could Beat Shara Magomedov In ’90 Seconds’

    Bo Nickal Insists He Could Beat Shara Magomedov In ’90 Seconds’

    Bo Nickal radiates confidence, asserting he could handle Shara Magomedov with ease if they were ever to meet in the Octagon.

    Magomedov recently boosted his record to 4-0 in the Octagon and an impressive 15-0 overall, delivering a jaw-dropping double backfist knockout against Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308 last month.

    “Bullet’s” distinctive finish has certainly caught Nickal’s attention, yet he believes the undefeated Russian’s style would make for a straightforward challenge.

    During a recent episode of the Nickals and Dimes podcast, Nickal exuded confidence in his abilities, stating he could effortlessly dominate Magomedov. Eager to make this matchup happen, he’s even willing to step into enemy territory for the showdown.

    “I would like to fight him, but it’s not a tough fight, and I would have to go to Abu Dhabi,” Nickal said. “I would have to go to Saudi (Arabia), which – I would do it, but I think it’s not a tough fight. And also, the UFC probably doesn’t want that right now. Maybe they would. Maybe they don’t give a crap: go over to Saudi, make a quick check, 90 seconds, call it a day, fly back.”

    “Bullet” has consistently appeared on Middle Eastern fight cards, as strict regulations from the American Athletic Commission prevent a one-eyed fighter from being cleared to compete in the United States.

    Nickal is set to face Paul Craig in a middleweight clash at UFC 309, slated for Nov. 16 at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden. This highly anticipated bout will mark the wrestling sensation’s return to the Octagon following his impressive second-round submission victory over Cody Brundage at UFC 300 this past April.

  • Jon Jones Shrugs Off ‘Ducking’ Aspinall Accusations: ‘Oh No, My World Is Over’

    Jon Jones Shrugs Off ‘Ducking’ Aspinall Accusations: ‘Oh No, My World Is Over’

    Jon Jones seems in no mood to entertain claims that he’s dodging a potential clash with Tom Aspinall.

    Jones is locked in to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 309, set for Nov. 16 at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    During a recent interview with MMA journalist Kevin Iole, “Bones” decisively dismissed the notion of facing interim champion Aspinall next, should he triumph over Miocic at UFC 309. He argued that, despite Aspinall’s persistent calls for a title unification fight, the Brit has yet to prove himself worthy of sharing the Octagon with him.

    Instead, Jones hinted that the fight he’s truly eyeing after next weekend is a high-stakes showdown with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, a bout that would solidify his legacy for good.

    Jones has faced fierce backlash from a segment of the MMA community, with accusations swirling that he’s “ducking” a showdown with Aspinall. The drama recently spilled onto social media once again, where “Bones” fired back at his critics in a post that has since been deleted.

    “I’m going to hide in my mansion and not come outside, people are calling me a duck come oh no my world is over” Jones tweeted. “What is this high school? lol”

    Soon after, the longtime former UFC light heavyweight champion posted a more introspective reply, emphasizing that his actions are driven by purpose and that he remains unfazed by external criticism.

    “As at this point in my career, every decision is rooted in purpose,” Jones posted. “My journey isn’t dictated by hype or outside opinions—it’s about crafting a legacy that speaks for itself, one step at a time. I’m here to do what’s right for my career and my legacy, with a vision that’s clear and unshakable. Focused, driven, and in complete control of myself. The story continues, and it’s unfolding exactly as I’ve envisioned.”

    UFC 309 will mark Jones’ long-awaited return to the Octagon after more than a year on the sidelines since claiming the heavyweight title with a victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023.

    He was initially slated to defend his title against Miocic at UFC 295, but the New Yorker was forced to withdraw just two weeks before the fight due to a torn pectoral muscle.

  • Dana White & Jon Jones Can’t Agree On Potential Aspinall Fight After UFC 309

    Dana White & Jon Jones Can’t Agree On Potential Aspinall Fight After UFC 309

    Dana White and Jon Jones recently offered starkly different opinions on whether the much-anticipated fight with Tom Aspinall will come to fruition following UFC 309.

    Jones is set to make the first defense of his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic on Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The two were originally scheduled to face off at UFC 295 in November 2023, but the fight was scrapped at the last minute after “Bones” suffered a torn pectoral muscle.

    As a result, Aspinall stepped in to claim the interim heavyweight title with a stunning knockout of Sergei Pavlovich. Since then, the Brit has been outspoken about his desire to face Jones in a title unification bout. However, the former light heavyweight champion has repeatedly brushed off the idea, with the UFC CEO also firmly asserting that Jones’ next challenge will remain Miocic.

    Both Jones and Miocic have repeatedly suggested that their upcoming bout could mark the end of their careers. Despite that, in a recent interview with TNT Sports, White expressed his belief that the winner of UFC 309 would likely face Aspinall next.

    https://youtu.be/aUhZ8UG2cNQ?si=OtrHvO53p7RzjvC4

    But during an interview with MMA reporter Kevin Iole, “Bones” outright rejected the notion of facing Aspinall next should he emerge victorious against Miocic next weekend.

    Jones argued that the interim heavyweight champion has yet to prove himself worthy of facing him in the Octagon.

    “I feel like Tom Aspinall is — I don’t want to say nobody, but he just hasn’t proven anything; he hasn’t done anything. And I understand that, I mean, he won his belt against Sergei, but Sergei just got slaughtered by someone else. So it’s just like, I’m not here to gamble with someone else making a name off of me.”

    Jones went on to say that he’s primarily focused on competing against high-profile opponents, those capable of elevating his already storied career. At the moment, reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira is the opponent who piques his interest the most.

    “If there were to be a fight with a guy that’s still on our UFC roster that would be not only financially worth it but legacy-worthy, it would be Alex Pereira. Alex Pereira and I are both 37 years old right now. I weigh about 235 [pounds]; I’m an incredibly light heavyweight. I think Pereira walks around at 240, and I think that fight would add much more to my legacy than a young man who’s cool today and maybe gone tomorrow.”

    • Read More: Tom Aspinall Explains How Stipe Miocic Can Beat Jon Jones At UFC 309
  • Colby Covington On Why He’s Backing Miocic At UFC 309: ‘A Real American With Morals & Values’

    Colby Covington On Why He’s Backing Miocic At UFC 309: ‘A Real American With Morals & Values’

    Colby Covington is throwing his support behind Stipe Miocic to beat Jon Jones in their upcoming title fight.

    Jones is set to defend his heavyweight belt against Miocic in the main event of UFC 309, slated for Nov. 16 at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden.

    “Bones” enters the fight as a heavy favorite, with many MMA analysts predicting he’ll dominate the former champion with ease. However, Covington has offered a contrasting view, believing that Miocic is poised to deliver a stunning upset.

    During a recent interview with Submission Radio, “Chaos” was asked to predict the UFC 309 headliner. The former interim welterweight champion commended Miocic’s relentless work ethic while casting aspersions on Jones, pointing to his turbulent past as a reason he believes “Bones” is unworthy of the victory.

    “Stipe is a great American; he’s a patriot,” Covington said. “He’s a first responder, and the guy’s a hard worker. He’s managed being a firefighter while being a UFC champion. I mean, to have a double life like that is just so impressive, and I can only imagine his work ethic. So I’m really rooting for a real American, a guy that has morals and values — something that Jon lacks.

    “He [Jones] has no morals and values; he’s a terrible person. He’s beaten his wife, he’s had multiple drug challenges, terrible steroid charges, so he’s not a good person. He doesn’t deserve to win, so I’m rooting for Stipe, and I hope he gets it done.”

    Jones and Miocic were originally scheduled to clash at UFC 295 in November 2023. The fight was unexpectedly called off when the reigning champion sustained a torn pectoral muscle just weeks before the event.

    The New Yorker claimed the heavyweight title with a first-round submission victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. Meanwhile, Miocic has been out of action for over three years. His last appearance came at UFC 260 in March 2021, where he was knocked out by Francis Ngannou, costing him the championship.

    • Read More: CSAC Director Supports Overturning Jon Jones’ Controversial Loss
  • CSAC Director Supports Overturning Jon Jones’ Controversial Loss

    CSAC Director Supports Overturning Jon Jones’ Controversial Loss

    Jon Jones might finally see the sole blemish on his otherwise flawless record erased, with California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster voicing his backing for this change.

    “Bones” one loss in his 29-fight MMA career came against Matt Hamill at The Ultimate Fighter Season 10 Finale in December 2009. Despite overwhelming Hamill throughout the first round, Jones was disqualified for delivering a then-illegal 12-6 elbow.

    Jones, with longstanding support from UFC CEO Dana White, has made numerous attempts over the years to overturn his disputed loss, though each effort has fallen short. Recently, however, the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports lifted the ban on 12-6 elbow strikes, with the revised rules taking effect last weekend at UFC Fight Night in Edmonton.

    A faint ray of hope appears to be emerging for the UFC heavyweight champion as Foster, one of the key advocates behind the legalization of the once-banned strike, has now stepped forward to support Jones in his quest to have the loss overturned.

    During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the Athletic Commission director expressed his dissatisfaction with how the ruling was handled at the time, suggesting that the outcome could have been changed to a no contest rather than a DQ.

    “The rule is what it was then; it’s different now. It would be hard to go back…I’d be actually supportive of getting rid of [his loss], but it’s not my decision. … I didn’t like the way it was enforced back then, but that was 14 years ago,” Foster said. “I think there were — look, we’re talking about 14 years later. At the time, I thought there were other ways you could handle that situation rather than flat giving the guy a loss.”

    Although Foster is a staunch supporter of “Bones” having his loss overturned, the final decision rests with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. However, they have consistently declined to make any changes since 2009.

    After a hiatus of over a year, Jones is preparing for his return to the Octagon, where he will defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic in the headliner of UFC 309. The eagerly anticipated clash is scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Nov. 16.

  • Kamaru Usman Discusses Fighting Shavkat Rakhmonov On Short Notice At UFC 310: ‘The UFC Knows Who To Call’

    Kamaru Usman Discusses Fighting Shavkat Rakhmonov On Short Notice At UFC 310: ‘The UFC Knows Who To Call’

    Kamaru Usman seems ready to step up on short notice to face Shavkat Rakhmonov and keep the UFC 310 main event intact.

    The headliner for the final UFC pay-per-view event between reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and Rakhmonov was called off last month after “Remember the Name” disclosed he had to pull out due to a bone infection in his foot.

    Since then, “Nomad” has voiced his desire to remain on the card, even campaigning for an interim title showdown, ideally against former longtime champion Usman. Rakhmonov’s manager, Sayat Abdrakhmanov, confirmed that the UFC is currently in talks and has proposed “The Nigerian Nightmare” as a possible opponent for the matchup.

    During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman discussed the possibility of stepping in on just a month’s notice to face Rakhmonov at UFC 310. He stated that the UFC would reach out to a fighter primed to challenge the undefeated Kazakhstani, and should the promotion come calling, he would unquestionably accept.

    “I’m still in that gym, you know,” Usman said. “If the UFC is going to call who they think is going to be legit tough enough and man enough to step in there on this crazy enough to step in there on short notice and go out there and possibly shock the world, definitely the UFC knows who to call when that situation happens. And if they do give me a call, I’m going to answer the call. We get a couple of things straight, and if we have to do it, I don’t shy away from any of that.”

    “The Nigerian Nightmare” is no stranger to stepping in on short notice to face undefeated fighters. Usman took on the challenge of fighting Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 in October 2023 with less than two weeks’ notice, ultimately suffering a majority decision loss.

    Usman is currently enduring the most challenging phase of his career, having lost his 170-pound title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 in August 2022. Since then, he has gone 0-2 in his last two Octagon appearances.

  • UFC 309 Card Shaken As Exciting Bout Pulled Last Minute

    UFC 309 Card Shaken As Exciting Bout Pulled Last Minute

    UFC 309 has reportedly encountered an unforeseen disruption, with a scheduled matchup being scrapped just 10 days before the event.

    According to a recent report by MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz, Lucas Almeida has been pulled from his scheduled featherweight clash with David Onama due to unspecified reasons. With only a week’s notice, the UFC is now scrambling to find a replacement to take on the “Silent Assassin.”

    Onama is coming off consecutive victories over Gabriel Santos and, most recently, Jonathan Pearce this past April — though he did miss weight for that bout. The 30-year-old Ugandan fighter currently boasts a solid Octagon record of 4-2.

    Meanwhile, Almeida is fresh off a dominant unanimous decision victory over Timmy Cuamba in July, a much-needed rebound after suffering back-to-back losses to Andre Fili and Pat Sabatini last year.

    The 33-year-old Brazilian signed a new contract with the UFC in August, but unfortunately, he will have to wait a bit longer before making his return. Currently, he holds a UFC record of two wins and as many losses.

    UFC 309 is set to take place on Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with reigning heavyweight champion Jon Jones defending his title against Stipe Miocic in a highly anticipated main event.

    • Read More: Mauricio Ruffy Gets New Opponent For UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic Prelim
  • UFC Vet Pushes Back On Shavkat Rakhmonov’s Interim Talk: ‘Belal Has The F*cking Title’

    UFC Vet Pushes Back On Shavkat Rakhmonov’s Interim Talk: ‘Belal Has The F*cking Title’

    Shavkat Rakhmonov is campaigning for an interim title fight after Belal Muhammad withdrew from their scheduled UFC 310 clash, but a UFC veteran has a contrasting viewpoint.

    Rakhmonov was slated to challenge reigning welterweight champion Muhammad in the headline fight of the final UFC pay-per-view event of 2024, set for Dec. 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    However, just last week, “Remember the Name” revealed that he had been forced to withdraw from the bout due to a bone infection in his foot.

    In light of this regrettable circumstance, Rakhmonov recently turned to social media to advocate for an interim title fight, proposing former champion Kamaru Usman as the ideal opponent to rescue the UFC 310 main event.

    While the prospect of an interim title fight has sparked considerable intrigue within a significant portion of the MMA community, Muhammad was quick to dismiss the idea. Having only claimed the welterweight title four months ago, he believes an interim title would be premature — and Matt Brown shares the same sentiment.

    During a recent episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast (via MMA Fighting), “The Immortal” recognized the necessity of addressing the void created by Muhammad’s absence but firmly expressed that, from his perspective, an interim title is unnecessary at this juncture.

    “I think we all know at least it’s not a title,” Brown said. “Belal has the f**king title. He’ll be back soon. He’s going to fight the winner. This is a title contender match. Great. It’s a great fight. I’m stoked to see the fight. I’m just as stoked to see Shavkat and Usman as I would be for Shavkat and Belal, except it would be for the actual title with Belal.

    “They usually do that because they need to sell the pay-per-view and put a title on it, right? I feel Usman would be selling PPVs. We all know who Usman is. We all want to watch Usman fight. I don’t think putting a title in front of that fight really changes the dynamic of that fight,” Brown continued. “I get why they would do it, and I understand the logic behind it and maybe it makes it a bigger fight, but I don’t see why you can’t keep it five rounds and just say it’s not for the title. … Unfortunately, it kind of diminishes what an interim title is.”

    “Remember the Name” secured the welterweight title with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July. Muhammad is now riding an impressive 11-fight unbeaten streak.

    Meanwhile, Rakhmonov is fresh off a second-round submission victory over Stephen Thompson at UFC 296 in December 2023. “Nomad” has yet to taste defeat in his professional career, boasting a flawless 6-0 record inside the Octagon.

  • Tom Aspinall Explains How Stipe Miocic Can Beat Jon Jones At UFC 309

    Tom Aspinall Explains How Stipe Miocic Can Beat Jon Jones At UFC 309

    Tom Aspinall recently shared his insights on how Stipe Miocic could secure victory over Jon Jones in their highly anticipated title showdown.

    Jones is slated to put his undisputed heavyweight title on the line for his first defense against Miocic in the main event of UFC 309, scheduled for Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    The clash between Jones and Miocic has ignited significant debate within the MMA community, with many asserting that interim heavyweight champion Aspinall — who also serves as the backup fighter — deserves the opportunity to compete in a title unification bout.

    Aspinall might not see his dream of facing the winner of the UFC 309 headliner come to fruition, as Jones has stated that his showdown with Miocic is likely to be the last bout of his MMA career.

    However, the Salford native has devised a strategy for how he would approach “Bones,” who is renowned for his grappling-heavy, pressure-fighting style in the Octagon.

    During a recent interview with Safest Casino Sites, Aspinall outlined the game plan he would adopt if he were in Miocic’s position facing off against Jones.

    “I’d be looking for the knockout against Jon Jones is what I’d be looking for with him,” Aspinall said. “I’d be trying to push him back and use his size. It’s not even like he can use the experience. They’re both as experienced as one another, but I’d just be using my size on him, trying to push him back and knock him out. I think that Stipe Miocic has got big knockout power in comparison to Jon Jones. So I think he can knock him out.”

    The Jones vs. Miocic matchup was initially set for UFC 295 in November 2023. However, “Bones” had to withdraw from the bout due to a torn pectoral muscle.

    Consequently, Aspinall stepped up to challenge Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight title and has since defended that championship with a stunning knockout victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July.