MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • Georges St-Pierre’s Coach All Praise For ‘Genius’ Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC 306 Performance

    Georges St-Pierre’s Coach All Praise For ‘Genius’ Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC 306 Performance

    Georges St-Pierre’s coach, Firas Zahabi, recently showered Merab Dvalishvili with high praise for his performance against Sean O’Malley at Noche UFC 306.

    “The Machine” lived his dream of becoming the UFC bantamweight champion, overpowering defending titleholder O’Malley in a commanding display last Saturday at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

    Dvalishvili put constant forward pressure on “Suga” from the start, shutting down his explosive striking game while overwhelming him with a flurry of takedowns, controlling the majority of the bout with his grappling dominance.

    Heading into the fight, Dvalishvili was viewed as the underdog, with many expecting him to be outclassed by O’Malley’s dynamic striking. However, the 33-year-old Georgian defied all odds.

    Zahabi believes Dvalishvili executed his game plan flawlessly, allowing him to dominate the bout…

    Zahabi Says Dvalishvili Didn’t Throw A ‘Sloppy Punch’ O’Malley Could Counter

    In a recent video on Tristar Gym’s YouTube channel, Zahabi shared his thoughts on the Noche UFC 306 main event between O’Malley and Dvalishvili. The acclaimed MMA coach praised “The Machine” for his precision and tactical awareness, noting how Dvalishvili expertly stayed out of O’Malley’s striking range.

    Zahabi highlighted that the newly crowned champion didn’t throw a single punch that “Suga” could have exploited for an easy counter.

    “When it comes to fighting, that guy [Dvalishvili] is a genius. The guy is really, really smart,” Zahabi said. “His timing was correct, his shot selections were very intelligent. He started off with kicking high. He did everything but throw a punch that you can counter. He did everything except throw a sloppy punch, which O’Malley would have cleaned up.

    Zahabi applauded Dvalishvili’s exceptional cardio, noting that his incredible endurance keeps him relentless throughout the fight. However, he did acknowledge that despite this, Dvalishvili’s inability to secure more finishes remains a point of critique.

    “The only thing you can predict about Merab is he’s gonna shoot for the takedowns, and his cardio is unmatchable. His cardio is ridiculous, guys. The good thing about Merab is his cardio is amazing, his personality is amazing. The bad thing about Merab is he doesn’t finish; he doesn’t even get close to a finish.”

    With his recent victory, Dvalishvili extended his impressive winning streak to 11, adding to his rĂŠsumĂŠ triumphs over former champions like Jose Aldo, Henry Cejudo, and Petr Yan.

    It remains to be seen who “The Machine” will face in his first title defense, but for now, undefeated rising star Umar Nurmagomedov appears to be the leading contender.

  • Latest UFC Star Talks Environment Of ‘Weakness’ Backstage At DWCS

    Latest UFC Star Talks Environment Of ‘Weakness’ Backstage At DWCS

    Navajo Stirling recently spoke about the palpable nervousness among fellow aspiring fighters at Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).

    Stirling punched his ticket to the UFC with a brutal second-round, one-punch knockout of Phillip Latu during the main event of Week 5 of DWCS. In a surprising turn of events, the 26-year-old Kiwi has already secured his promotional debut matchup. He’s set to step into the Octagon on December 15 at a UFC Fight Night in Tampa, Florida, where he’ll face Tuco Tokkos in a light heavyweight showdown.

    Stirling, a highly skilled kickboxer, hones his craft at the prestigious City Kickboxing gym in Auckland, training alongside former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and seasoned lightweight Dan Hooker. He transitioned to MMA in September 2022, making his professional debut against James Craughwell under the banner of the Shuriken Fight Series promotion.

    Although the MMA community has yet to witness much of Stirling’s talents, the City Kickboxing prodigy turned heads with his recent performance, proving he possesses all the makings of a future star in the sport.

    Stirling Asserts Mental Edge Over Other Fighters At DWCS

    During a recent interview with Sky Sports NZ, Stirling reflected on his experience competing on the grand stage of DWCS. The UFC newcomer noted that many of the other contenders seemed overly anxious about their performances. He confidently expressed his belief that he could outshine the rest with his composure and skill.

    “It was just like, so many were looking around and seeing how nervous all the other fighters were,” Stirling said. “Just seeing them go through their rituals and mantras, it was like I could just see— I don’t know if it’s weakness or something— but I just know if I was fighting guys like this, I would run through them 100 times over. And I think the UFC staff could see in my presence that I was meant to be there and that I was really going to own the moment.”

    Stirling went on to say that the earlier matchups on the card lacked excitement, which motivated him to give his best performance. He added that the pressure of representing his country fueled his determination even more.

    “It was a very lackluster card, and I feel like I did that. It was even so bad that there was one guy who didn’t even show up. When I saw a guy who had the opportunity of a lifetime not put his foot forward by even entering the Octagon, it made me think to myself: if I had the weight of my nation on my shoulders, I would go out 100 times over, even knowing I was going to get knocked out within 10 seconds. I would rather do that than not show face at all.”

    Stirling boasts an undefeated professional record of 5-0, displaying impressive strength along the way. However, the path ahead in the UFC’s highly competitive light heavyweight division will be far from smooth. Before he can think about climbing the ranks, the rising star must first overcome fellow newcomer Tokkos, a dangerous opponent known for his devastating knockout power and slick grappling skills.

  • Michael Chandler: Conor McGregor’s Spirit Loves MMA, Not His Body Or Mind

    Michael Chandler: Conor McGregor’s Spirit Loves MMA, Not His Body Or Mind

    Michael Chandler recently shared his belief that Conor McGregor’s deep passion for MMA will inevitably draw him back to the Octagon.

    Chandler’s name has been linked to the former two-division UFC champion ever since the two were cast as rival coaches on The Ultimate Fighter season 31 last year. The plan was to eventually clash in a highly anticipated showdown in the season finale.

    However, by the third quarter of 2024, “Iron” remained laser-focused on his training, passing up opportunities to compete against other fighters as he stayed committed to the long-promised bout with McGregor. Meanwhile, “The Notorious” was frequently seen enjoying his extravagant lifestyle, partying, and fully embracing his larger-than-life persona.

    With the slippery McGregor fight fading from the horizon, Chandler seems to have set those aspirations aside for now. Instead, he’s gearing up for a high-stakes rematch against Charles Oliveira in a five-round co-main event at UFC 309, set for November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    Chandler and Oliveira first squared off for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 262 in May 2021. In that bout, the Brazilian emerged victorious with a second-round TKO to claim UFC gold.

    The upcoming rematch doesn’t suggest that ‘Iron’ has abandoned his lofty goal of fighting McGregor. On the contrary, the former Bellator lightweight champion remains hopeful that the potential matchup could still materialize sometime next year.

    Chandler Says McGregor Is Too ‘Romantic’ About MMA to Stay Away

    During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Chandler was asked if, after all the hurdles in booking his fight with McGregor, he still believes the Irishman will ever return to the UFC. The former lightweight title challenger acknowledged that while ‘The Notorious’ may currently be focused on ventures outside the UFC, he firmly believes McGregor’s deep-rooted passion for MMA will inevitably pull him back. And when that moment comes, Chandler assured that he’ll be ready to face him.

    “You just look at his history. Conor McGregor is a nothing, a nobody, without the sport of mixed martial arts, without the UFC platform, without the legacy that he’s created,” Chandler said. “I believe he’s romantic about it. I believe he loves the sport. I believe his spirit loves the sport, but sometimes his body and his brain want other things, right? And I’ve never walked a mile in that man’s shoes, neither have you, so who are we to critique him? But I do believe he comes back, and when he does, I’ll be waiting. I just might have the title by then, so it could be a very interesting set of circumstances.”

    “Iron” hasn’t fought for almost two years, following his third-round submission loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022. Many have speculated that Chandler squandered his prime years by remaining inactive, waiting for a fight with McGregor.

    However, the 38-year-old American has no regrets about his time away from the cage. Instead, he believes the break was much-needed, allowing him to recharge and reset away from the relentless grind of competition.

    “When I step into the Octagon next time, it’s going to be two years since I fought. But I already had a bout agreement, already had a contract signed, already broke the biggest gate record, and was lined up against Conor. We had a fight, but the fight got pulled, so you can’t really have any regrets. All you can do is make the best decisions… I enjoyed myself; I needed some time away from the sport. When you’re fighting the best and toughest guys in the world, constantly in training camps, constantly dealing with the pressure and the rigors of what I go through—because I take it so seriously—the sport can chew you up and gobble you up.”

    Chandler and McGregor were ultimately slated to headline UFC 303 this past June, but the fight was abruptly scrapped at the eleventh hour when McGregor pulled out just two weeks before the event due to a leg injury.

    Since then, the UFC superstar has repeatedly vowed to make his return by the end of the year. However, UFC CEO Dana White has hinted that fans may have to wait longer, suggesting McGregor’s comeback might not happen until 2025.

  • Steve-O Reveals Dana White ‘Dipped Out’ Of UFC Main Event To Watch Jake Paul Fight

    Steve-O Reveals Dana White ‘Dipped Out’ Of UFC Main Event To Watch Jake Paul Fight

    Stephen Glover, better known as Steve-O, recently made a stunning revelation, claiming that Dana White once ditched a UFC main event to watch Jake Paul’s boxing match instead.

    It’s well-known that for several years, Paul and White have been locked in a heated war of words, frequently clashing with starkly opposing views on a range of issues. It’s primarily “The Problem Child” who has, time and again, slammed the UFC CEO for underpaying his fighters and failing to provide adequate medical coverage.

    On the other hand, White’s frustration with Paul became public when the YouTuber-turned-boxer began taking on retired UFC fighters like Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley in the squared circle. The UFC head honcho has fiercely dismissed the 27-year-old Ohio native’s criticism of fighter pay. White has also voiced his opinion that Paul only fights opponents well past their prime.

    Although White isn’t fond of Paul’s crossover boxing exploits, according to Steve-O, the 55-year-old businessman once tuned in to watch “The Problem Child” take on one of the most prominent ex-UFC superstars.

    Steve-O Claims White Skipped UFC Nashville Main Event to Watch Paul vs. Diaz

    During a recent appearance on BS w/ Jake Paul, Steve-O, a close friend of White, revealed an interesting moment from UFC Fight Night Nashville in August 2023. While Cory Sandhagen battled Rob Font in the main event, White apparently found the fight dull and slipped backstage to his room.

    Instead of watching the UFC headliner, he tuned in to catch Paul’s cruiserweight showdown against Nate Diaz, which was happening simultaneously at the American Airlines Center in Texas.

    “I can tell you that when you boxed Nate Diaz that night, there was a UFC Fight Night in Nashville, Tennessee,” Steve-O said. “I had arranged to fly to Nashville because I was very interested in looking at properties… You know, that’s why I was in Nashville for this fight night. It was Cory Sandhagen versus Rob Font, and the main event was dreadfully boring. Dana dipped out of the arena, and after the fight, I was walking out, and we were like, ‘Oh, what’s up with Dana?’ We go into his room, and he’s just turned on you fighting Nate Diaz, and I watched you fight Nate Diaz with Dana.”

    In an interview with boxing icon Mike Tyson last year, White dispelled the widespread belief that he harbors hatred for “The Problem Child”. In fact, White clarified that he doesn’t dislike him at all.

    Instead, he’s friends with Jake’s sibling, Logan Paul, whose beverage Prime became the official hydration partner of the UFC in February 2023.

  • Ali Abdelaziz Puts Movsar Evloev ‘On The Same Level’ As Khabib, Makhachev, Usman

    Ali Abdelaziz Puts Movsar Evloev ‘On The Same Level’ As Khabib, Makhachev, Usman

    Ali Abdelaziz didn’t hold back in his admiration for Movsar Evloev, even declaring him to be on par with several UFC icons.

    Evloev was supposed to square off against former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling on the UFC 307 main card, scheduled for October 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, on Wednesday, “Funk Master” announced that he had sustained an elbow injury during training, forcing him to withdraw from the fight as he won’t be able to recover in time for the event.

    The UFC has yet to officially confirm the cancellation, but Evloev has made it clear on social media that he’s been putting in the work for this fight. He’s even expressed his readiness to take on a short-notice opponent.

    The 30-year-old Russian has been unstoppable since making his UFC debut in April 2019, where he announced his arrival with a commanding unanimous decision victory over SeungWoo Choi. Evloev has racked up eight consecutive victories inside the Octagon, all via decision. He has secured notable wins along the way, including victories over Dan Ige, Hakeem Dawodu, Diego Lopes, and, most recently, Arnold Allen at UFC 297 this past January.

    Abdelaziz, who only began managing Evloev last month, is confident that the American Top Team standout has the potential to ascend to the same level of greatness as UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, and former welterweight titleholder Kamaru Usman.

    Abdelaziz Predicts Evloev Will Capture UFC Featherweight Gold By 2025

    During a recent interview with TMZSports, Abdelaziz opened up about Evloev’s relatively sparse appearances in the Octagon. The Dominance MMA founder expressed his commitment to working closely with the UFC to ensure his new client stays more active.

    He emphasized that if frequent competition is what it takes for Evloev to earn his shot at the title, he’s fully prepared to make that happen.

    “I believe that he should fight again in December or January,” Abdelaziz said. “I want to keep him busy. It doesn’t matter—Khabib had to beat 10 guys to fight for the title, same with Islam and Kamaru. If this is the route the UFC wants, he needs to just smash everyone ahead of him and show why the UFC has no choice but to give him a title shot. And guess what? He’s willing to fight anybody, anywhere, anytime. But the key here is to keep him busy against anybody, and this is what’s gonna happen.”

    Abdelaziz further added that he recently trained with Evloev and described him as one of the most dedicated fighters he’s ever encountered. The renowned MMA manager even likened the Russian’s work ethic to that of Nurmagomedov, Makhachev, and Usman.

    “I had the pleasure to train with [Evloev], and he’s one of the strongest guys I’ve ever trained with. He’s dedicated—this guy sleeps at a certain time, eats specific food, and lives and breathes fighting. I truly believe that by 2025, Movsar is going to be the featherweight champion. I believe he’s a very hard puzzle to solve and very hard to beat. The abilities he has, the discipline he has, remind me of Khabib, Islam, and Kamaru. He’s on the same level—how these guys live, how they walk, how they talk, how they train.”

    While Evloev undoubtedly possesses the skills to claim the 145-pound title in the near future with his wrestling-heavy approach, the road ahead is far from easy. A formidable lineup of dangerous contenders lies in wait, eager to challenge his ascent to the top.

  • South Africa’s Sports Minister Says Dricus Du Plessis-Headlined UFC Event In ‘Final Stages Of Negotiations’

    South Africa’s Sports Minister Says Dricus Du Plessis-Headlined UFC Event In ‘Final Stages Of Negotiations’

    South African sports minister Gayton McKenzie recently revealed that negotiations are underway for a potential UFC event in Cape Town, with Dricus Du Plessis slated to headline.

    The reigning UFC middleweight champion has been very adamant in his push to bring the promotion to his homeland of South Africa for the first time. His campaign gained momentum after he secured the title with a hard-fought split decision victory over former champion Sean Strickland at UFC 297 this past January.

    The push for the event seemed to lose steam as the UFC had already locked in most of its venues for the upcoming quarter. However, the topic gained traction again before UFC 305 last month when UFC CEO Dana White hinted that if ‘Stillknocks’ could defeat fellow African star Israel Adesanya, the promotion would seriously consider bringing an event to South Africa.

    With Du Plessis’ impressive submission victory over “The Last Stylebender,” it seems his wish is finally coming to fruition. Positive developments have been steadily aligning, especially after White, during the Noche UFC 306 post-fight press conference, confirmed that he’s “very serious” about hosting a UFC event in Africa.

    McKenzie Confirms Du Plessis As Headliner For Potential UFC Africa Event, Host City Remains Up In The Air

    According to multiple media reports, the DHL Stadium in Cape Town is in talks to construct a temporary roof at an estimated cost of R30 million (around $1.7 million) in preparation for hosting a UFC event in 2025. The 55,000-seat arena was one of the flagship venues during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

    Following these reports, the South African sports minister recently took to X to acknowledge that they are on the brink of sealing the deal to bring Du Plessis’ next fight to Africa. However, he also noted that the choice of host city is yet to be finalized.

    “I see news articles about @UFCfight of @dricusduplessis happening in Cape Town,” McKenzie tweeted. “We are in the final stages of negotiating for the fight to happen in South Africa. We have not been given the green light. We will know by the end of October, no decision of hosting city can be made yet.”

    With the host city still up in the air, the question of who ‘Stillknocks’ will face in his next title defense remains equally uncertain. Rumors are circulating, with some hinting at a possible rematch against Strickland.

    Alternatively, Du Plessis has also suggested moving up a weight class to challenge reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira — or perhaps Pereira could move down to face him, a possibility he himself has hinted at.

    However, “Poatan” is already scheduled to defend his light heavyweight crown against Khalil Rountree in the main event of UFC 307 on October 5. Only time will reveal who will ultimately stand across from Du Plessis in the Octagon at the much-anticipated showdown on African soil.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Reveals Major Training Change Ahead Of UFC 308 Return After Latest Illness

    Khamzat Chimaev Reveals Major Training Change Ahead Of UFC 308 Return After Latest Illness

    Khamzat Chimaev recently revealed that he’s made major adjustments to his training regimen to aid in his recovery from past illnesses, ensuring he’s in top form for his highly anticipated comeback next month.

    “Borz” is preparing to square off against former champion Robert Whittaker in a high-stakes, five-round co-main event at UFC 308 on October 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

    The two fighters were originally slated to meet in the main event of a UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia this past June. However, just two weeks before the showdown, Chimaev was forced to pull out due to an unspecified illness. Ikram Aliskerov stepped in on short notice to save the headliner, only to get knocked out by “The Reaper” in under two minutes.

    Once regarded as one of the most dangerous and active fighters on the UFC roster, Chimaev’s momentum has drastically slowed, with only two Octagon appearances since his hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 in April 2023.

    Much of the 30-year-old Russian’s UFC career has been hampered by illness and recovery from injuries. However, with the looming challenge of Whittaker and the prospect of a potential middleweight title eliminator, Chimaev appears more determined than ever. He’s leaving no stone unturned, making significant changes to his training approach.

    Chimaev Enlists His First Wrestling Coach For UFC 308 Comeback

    During a recent appearance on the HUSTLE VLOG on Russian YouTuber Adam Zubayraev’s channel, Chimaev revealed that in light of his past health issues, he has brought back his first wrestling coach, Salim Noutsalkhanov, to guide his UFC 308 fight camp.

    “The point is they now let me rest and recover properly. I used to go to the gym and just train till I was done,” Chimaev said. “Yes [I would train just to get exhausted] but then I ended up in the hospital like the last time when I was in the hospital three times in a row in the space of three weeks. My immune system went down, I got sick, and now I use a better approach.”

    Chimaev further expressed strong confidence in Noutsalkhanov’s coaching abilities, emphasizing his experience in training legendary freestyle wrestlers such as Buvaisar Saitiev.

    “I work with good coaches; Salim raised a lot of world champions; he also trained Buvaisar Saitiev for the Beijing Olympics with people like that. I am going to take a big step forward.”

    [h/t Bloody Elbow]

    Chimaev last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 294 in October 2023, where he took on former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in a short-notice matchup. During the bout, “Borz” sustained a torn ligament in his hand.

    Additionally, this past January, images of Chimaev’s swollen face made rounds on social media. The undefeated Chechen later revealed that he had been battling a serious infection that had spread through his upper body, ultimately leaving him requiring ventilator support.

  • ‘It’s Okay Buddy We’re Almost Done’ – MMA Fans Troll Sean O’Malley’s Coach After UFC 306 Loss

    ‘It’s Okay Buddy We’re Almost Done’ – MMA Fans Troll Sean O’Malley’s Coach After UFC 306 Loss

    Sean O’Malley’s coach, Tim Welch, recently found himself in the crosshairs of fans’ ire after “Suga” came up short in his title defense against Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC 306.

    The reigning UFC bantamweight champion’s reign was cut short in dramatic fashion when he faced Dvalishvili in his second title defense last weekend at the Las Vegas Sphere. O’Malley was expected to deliver a striking masterclass to counter the danger posed by “The Machine’s” elite wrestling. However, the fight unfolded in a completely different direction, as Dvalishvili flipped the script and dominated O’Malley instead.

    Right from the outset, “Suga” found himself off balance, unable to establish any success as Dvalishvili smothered him with a torrent of takedowns at every turn. In the end, O’Malley succumbed to a unanimous decision defeat.

    Although fight week remained relatively free of drama, controversy erupted almost immediately once the bout began. Dvalishvili accused O’Malley’s coach of resorting to familiar tactics, claiming he repeated the same strategy used to deceive Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in August 2023, attempting to bait him into a reckless charge.

    “The Machine” swiftly brought the fight to a halt, furiously directing his attention toward O’Malley’s corner. His outburst forced referee Herb Dean to step in and deliver an admonition. Welch seemingly confessed on X to throwing out some questionable corner advice aimed at distracting Dvalishvili during the fight.

    Fans Take Shots At Welch After O’Malley’s Defeat to Dvalishvili

    Welch recently dropped a YouTube video where he broke down O’Malley’s title loss to Dvalishvili at Noche UFC 306. Once again, the MMA coach admitted to employing divisive corner tactics against the newly crowned bantamweight champion.

    However, the fans flocked to the comments section, blasting Welch for resorting to underhanded strategies and holding him responsible for “Suga’s” defeat with a barrage of criticism.

    One fan sarcastically clapped back at “Red Hawk”, using his own words from the fight, after the fourth round in the corner, to mock him.

    “‘It’s okay, buddy, we’re almost done’.”

    Another fan playfully suggested that Welch should pack O’Malley off to Dagestan for a crash course in wrestling.

    “Tim send him to Dagestan and forget about him for 2 – 3 years.”

    One fan remarked that Team O’Malley seemed to have no meaningful strategy to counter Dvalishvili.

    “Looked like you guys had f**k all of a game plan.”

    One user jokingly teased Welch, claiming that “The Machine” playfully kissing O’Malley’s back during their grappling exchange in the second round was the real moment that shattered O’Malley’s mental game.

    “Those kisses were some significant strikes to the mental”

    One fan criticized Welch, lamenting his choice to offer dubious guidance to Dvalishvili.

    “Tries to cheat by yelling instructions to Merab, gets caught. ‘It’ll be over soon, Sean’.”

    “Tim got called out red-handed trying to coach Merab like he did Aljo.”

    Another user pointed fingers at “Red Hawk,” holding him responsible for O’Malley’s defeat, claiming he failed to adequately prepare his fighter for the challenge ahead.

    “Now we know why Sean lost; his coach is more into his YouTube channel than training his champion MMA fighter”

    “It’s called being classless and trying to cheat because ur guy can’t beat him without the bullsh*t.”

    “Sean ain’t ever seeing that belt again”

    “Merab put on an absolute clinic, made Sean look like he had never laced up a glove in his life.”

    “Sean got his a** beat; all that trash-talking didn’t help.”

  • Former Opponent Uses McGregor Fight To Highlight O’Malley’s Tactical Error Versus Dvalishvili

    Former Opponent Uses McGregor Fight To Highlight O’Malley’s Tactical Error Versus Dvalishvili

    Marlon Vera recently drew parallels to one of Conor McGregor’s fights to highlight the strategic missteps Sean O’Malley made in his bout against Merab Dvalishvili.

    “Suga’s” reign as champion came to a close last weekend in the main event of Noche UFC 306 at The Sphere in Las Vegas, where he endured a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Dvalishvili.

    O’Malley struggled to find his rhythm throughout the fight as Dvalishvili stormed in, guns blazing, unleashing an unyielding assault of takedowns. The defending champion had no answers for the onslaught and ultimately fell short, losing the bout.

    O’Malley initially seemed reluctant to let his strikes fly during the fight, possibly due to “The Machine’s” dominance in chain wrestling and calculated approach, which suffocated the American’s ability to find his footing.

    Interestingly, “Chito,” who has shared the Octagon with O’Malley twice, echoed similar sentiments regarding the defending champion’s performance…

    Vera Believes O’Malley Missed Early Striking Opportunity To Counter Dvalishvili’s Gameplan

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Vera shared his thoughts on the title bout between O’Malley and Dvalishvili at Noche UFC 306. The former title challenger suggested that if “Suga” had landed some early shots on a fresh Dvalishvili, the outcome could have swung in his favor.

    Vera pointed out that Dvalishvili has been rocked before, referencing his previous knockdowns at the hands of Henry Cejudo and Marlon Moraes.

    “he main event, it was a guy that I just fought two fights ago against Merab,” Vera said. “That was a great fight. I mean, I really thought if Sean could have hit Merab early in the fight, things could change, based on him being dropped by Cejudo and Marlon Moraes, but he just couldn’t land. Merab has that kind of jerky move like it’s hard to hit him in a way you can snipe this guy. You almost have to fight him.”

    “Chito” went on to compare O’Malley’s tactical blunder to Conor McGregor’s second-round TKO victory over Chad Mendes at UFC 189 in July 2015. Vera highlighted that every time “The Notorious” broke free from Mendes’ takedowns, he immediately closed the distance and applied pressure. In contrast, O’Malley did the opposite against “The Machine”, allowing Dvalishvili to dictate the fight.

    “I would say the one thing, comparing the fight to Chad Mendes and Conor, is that every time Conor got up, he would crawl right away, like he would be in his face immediately. Every time Sean got up, there was a little separation, so that probably messed with his rhythm. And Merab, we all know, can just take you down over and over. So I think, in my opinion, you just have to sit down and fight him. He’s going to take you down regardless, so you might as well just go crazy on him. But overall, great fight. Congratulations to the new champion.”

    O’Malley captured the bantamweight title against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in August 2023. He went on to defend his belt in impressive style against Vera at UFC 299 this past March, where he avenged the sole setback on his Octagon record.

    Following his recent defeat, the 29-year-old Montana native shared that he has no plans to step back into the Octagon anytime soon, hinting at a potential return around mid-2025.

  • Dvalishvili’s Coach Admits He Also Trash Talked O’Malley’s Corner During Fight

    Dvalishvili’s Coach Admits He Also Trash Talked O’Malley’s Corner During Fight

    Merab Dvalishvili’s head coach, John Wood, recently revealed what he, too, yelled at Sean O’Malley’s corner, specifically his coach Tim Welch, during the heat of their clash at Noche UFC 306.

    “The Machine” put on a dominant display against reigning champion O’Malley, claiming the UFC bantamweight title last Saturday inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dvalishvili commanded the majority of the bout, expertly delivering well-timed takedowns to counter “Suga” and keep him at arm’s length. Ultimately, the Georgian powerhouse walked away with a decisive unanimous decision win.

    While Dvalishvili commanded the entire bout, effortlessly executing his game plan, the real stir came when the newly crowned champion suddenly interrupted the proceedings, fiercely gesturing towards O’Malley’s corner just moments into the fight. The sequence triggered swift intervention from referee Herb Dean.

    In a recent tweet, Dvalishvili revealed that Welch was trying to pull the same stunt he had used against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 last year. Welch had shouted instructions, seemingly to trick Sterling into believing they came from his own corner during his fight with O’Malley. This time, he attempted the same tactic at Noche UFC 306, which is why “The Machine” immediately protested.

    Although Dvalishvili didn’t fall for the ruse, Wood claims he decided to play the same card against O’Malley himself…

    Wood Takes A Swing At Welch, Tells Him To Leave Trash Talk To The Fighters

    During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Wood weighed in on the fiasco between Dvalishvili and O’Malley’s corner at Noche UFC 306. The seasoned MMA coach expressed that, while he respects Welch as a person, his antics to distract opponents don’t align with the true spirit of the sport. Wood admitted that after seeing Welch’s attempts to mess with his fighter, he decided to turn the tables, using a similar tactic on “Suga”—but with his own twist.

    “That’s not our job, Wood said. “I’m not trashing Tim for anything he does. I respect Tim, but it is a bullsh*t move. I was yelling at Tim across the cage several times when Sean would mess up, and I was making sure Sean heard me calling out everything that he wanted to throw. When he would do something stupid, I caught myself a couple of times in the fight, going, ‘Tim, did you teach him that? That was terrible’ across the cage.”

    Wood didn’t hold back and fired yet another salvo at “Suga’s” coach, criticizing him for trying to rattle Dvalishvili during the media events. He advised Welch to leave the trash-talking to the fighters where it belongs.

    “Fighters are there to trash talk, to build the fight, do their thing, whether they like each other, don’t like each other, but I don’t think it’s a place for coaches to get in. Tim was doing some stuff beforehand, like at the weigh-ins, he was talking sh*t to Merab on camera, saying things, and that’s fine. If you really feel like you need that mental edge, and especially if you could see how fragile Sean was and how quickly he broke, maybe they do. But like I said, I have nothing against Tim. The tactics, I wouldn’t do it; I don’t need the shine. I don’t need to be the guy in front of my fighter looking to get any kind of attention.”

  • Former UFC Champion Explains Path To McGregor vs. Chandler Fight Despite Oliveira Booking

    Former UFC Champion Explains Path To McGregor vs. Chandler Fight Despite Oliveira Booking

    Michael Bisping recently laid out a possible route for Michael Chandler to secure his long-awaited bout with Conor McGregor, despite the American’s upcoming clash with his old rival, Charles Oliveira, looming on the horizon.

    “Iron” finds himself simmering with mounting bitterness, having been mired on the sidelines for an extended period while awaiting a fight with McGregor. Now, with that elusive matchup still out of reach, Chandler is set to face Oliveira in a five-round co-main event at UFC 309 on November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    Chandler and Oliveira’s upcoming bout will serve as a rematch of their vacant lightweight title clash at UFC 262 in May 2021, where “Do Bronx” secured a second-round TKO victory to claim the championship.

    Chandler has been biding his time, eagerly awaiting his showdown with “The Notorious” ever since they faced off as rival coaches on The Ultimate Fighter season 31 last year. Throughout this period, Chandler has stayed focused on his training while turning down opportunities to face other contenders.

    However, after encountering numerous setbacks in booking their bout, the two were eventually set to headline UFC 303 this past June, only for the bout to be scrapped at the eleventh hour when McGregor withdrew just two weeks before the event.

    The UFC 309 fight doesn’t entirely close the door on Chandler’s ambitious plans to face the former two-division UFC champion. In fact, Chandler remains optimistic, expressing confidence that his highly anticipated clash with McGregor could still come to fruition sometime in 2025.

    Bisping Discusses How Chandler Might Still Land McGregor Fight

    In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Bisping shared his thoughts on the current landscape of the UFC lightweight division, particularly as Chandler is set to fight Oliveira in a high-stakes rematch.

    The UFC Hall of Famer acknowledged that while this bout doesn’t carry the same blockbuster allure as a fight with McGregor, it holds equal significance for “Iron.” A victory over “Do Bronx” could propel Chandler back into the heart of a second title contention conversation.

    “He’s stepping in against Charles Oliveira,” Bisping said. “We know this is a rematch. Of course, Chandler had some success in the first fight—he did hurt Oliveira, but he also got hurt himself. He got dropped, so this is a very relevant fight for Michael Chandler. It’s not the Conor McGregor matchup, but it is a fight that is relevant in the title picture. If Chandler can go out there, if he can beat Charles Oliveira, if he can get his hands on Islam Makhachev next, which is what he says he wants, and become the champion of the world, then he can get a fight with Conor McGregor down the line.”

    “The Count” went on to suggest that if Chandler manages to capture the 155-pound title, it could pave the way for a future showdown with McGregor. Although McGregor’s prolonged absence from the Octagon would undoubtedly raise questions and draw heavy scrutiny, his undeniable star power could still secure him the fight.

    “Even though Conor McGregor shouldn’t get a title fight and you’ll all say I’m crazy, the man is super popular, and numbers talk, right? Money talks, bullsh*t runs the marathon. If Chandler is the champ, and Chandler said that McGregor’s road back to the Octagon only goes through him, we could see Chandler vs. McGregor for the lightweight strap. But there’s a lot of ifs and buts.”

    Chandler has been absent from the Octagon for nearly two years now. His last appearance came against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022, where “Iron” suffered a third-round submission loss despite a valiant showing. Meanwhile, McGregor has remained on the sidelines ever since suffering a devastating leg break during his trilogy bout against Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

  • Umar Nurmagomedov’s Coach On Merab Dvalishvili: ‘Cain Velasquez In The Bantamweight Division’

    Umar Nurmagomedov’s Coach On Merab Dvalishvili: ‘Cain Velasquez In The Bantamweight Division’

    Umar Nurmagomedov’s coach recently heaped praise on Merab Dvalishvili’s relentless fighting style.

    “The Machine” turned in arguably the best performance of his career when it mattered most, dominating Sean O’Malley in the main event of Noche UFC 306 last weekend at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, to claim the 135-pound title.

    The bout played out precisely as many experts had foreseen, with Dvalishvili applying relentless aggression from the opening bell to the final horn. His barrage of takedowns and commanding grappling exchanges completely neutralized O’Malley’s striking arsenal.

    Dvalishvili was all gas, no brakes, taking “Suga” down at will and dictating the pace for the majority of the contest. By the end, the victor was clear, with Dvalishvili claiming UFC gold via a decisive unanimous decision from the judges.

    Following Dvalishvili’s victory, a whirlwind of speculation has erupted over who will step up as the Georgian’s first title challenger. Throughout fight week, the newly crowned UFC bantamweight champion has consistently floated Deiveson Figueiredo as the most deserving opponent. At the same time, Dvalishvili has shown a noticeable disinclination to face the undefeated Nurmagomedov next.

    Mendez Foresees How Potential Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov Clash Would Play Out

    During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Mendez was asked to weigh in on how a potential title showdown between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov might unfold. The renowned MMA coach lauded ‘The Machine’s’ incredible cardio, predicting that the reigning champion would present a formidable challenge for his protĂŠgĂŠ. However, he noted that the Dagestani has certain advantages that could shift the momentum in his direction.

    “It’s going to be fought on the standup, it’s going to be fought on the ground,” Mendez said. “I believe we’re sharper on the stand-up. I believe we’re sharper on the ground. I believe what he has is incredible cardio, and that’s a big part that’s to his advantage. I don’t know of anybody in the bantamweight division that has that kind of advantage. He’s got incredible cardio, so if you’re going to go with him and it’s going to go five rounds, you’ve got to be prepared to go five hard first rounds because that’s what this guy is all about. He’s got an incredible gas tank; he kind of reminds me of Cain Velasquez in the bantamweight division.”

    Mendez went on to reveal that Nurmagomedov is poised to be the next challenger for Dvalishvili’s title. According to him, discussions for the potential showdown are already underway, though he expressed some uncertainty about how things will unfold in the near future.

    “As far as I know, it [the fight] is being offered. It’s just a matter of whether they can work out the deal. You never know what’s going on behind the scenes, right? So even though I’m telling you this, it may be something else. I do know that we are supposed to be the next challengers after this [Noche UFC 306]. That’s why he [Nurmagomedov] was there. Why did they show him as the next challenger for the title? Why did Joe Rogan even bring it up if they weren’t trying to build up the next fight? It’s the next fight. Now, will it happen? Let’s see.”

    Nurmagomedov is riding a six-fight undefeated streak in the Octagon and is fresh off a commanding unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen in the main event of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi this past August.

    The younger cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov has been campaigning for a title shot ever since his last victory, but Dvalishvili has put his challenge on ice. Now, only time will reveal who the reigning champion selects as his next opponent.

  • VIDEO: Fan Goads Brian Ortega About Tracy Cortez Relationship After UFC 306 Loss

    VIDEO: Fan Goads Brian Ortega About Tracy Cortez Relationship After UFC 306 Loss

    Brian Ortega recently became embroiled in a fiery altercation with a fan who hurled comments at him about ex-girlfriend, Tracy Cortez, following his defeat at Noche UFC 306.

    “T-City” finally met Diego Lopes in the Octagon on the main card of one of the most highly anticipated pay-per-view events last weekend at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, Ortega never found his footing in the bout, as Lopes came dangerously close to finishing him in the opening round. From there, the rising Brazilian star unleashed a relentless assault throughout the fight.

    By the final bell, Ortega was left battered and bruised, his left leg nearly crippled from Lopes’ unforgiving barrage of leg kicks. In the end, Lopes secured a unanimous decision victory.

    Ortega and Lopes were originally set to face off in a featherweight showdown as the co-main event of UFC 303 in June. However, the 33-year-old Californian had to withdraw on the day of the event due to health complications stemming from a difficult weight cut, even after the fight was moved to lightweight.

    Ortega Shows Frustration When Linked To Cortez

    As Ortega made his way backstage after a disheartening loss to Lopes, a fan in the crowd taunted him with a cruel remark, shouting that, after losing the fight, Cortez surely wouldn’t want him now.

    “Tracy ain’t not want you no more,” the fan said. “Tracy’s done with you.”

    What the naysayer likely didn’t anticipate was that ‘T-City,’ already reeling from his defeat, would charge at him in a fit of fury, ready to confront the taunts head-on. However, before things could escalate, security intervened, pulling Ortega back and preventing the situation from spiraling out of control.

    The romantic connection between Ortega and Cortez became one of the UFC’s most talked-about love stories. The pair dated for nearly two years and were even rumored to be engaged at one point. Frequently seen together at UFC events or supporting each other from their respective corners, the couple never hesitated to flaunt their affection on social media.

    However, the couple called it quits early last year, and their highly publicized separation fueled a flurry of speculation. Yet, despite the public drama, the real reason behind their breakup remains cloaked in mystery.

  • Dan Hooker Rejects Rafael Fiziev’s Callout: ‘That Ship Has Long Gone’

    Dan Hooker Rejects Rafael Fiziev’s Callout: ‘That Ship Has Long Gone’

    Dan Hooker recently made it clear that he has no intention of facing Rafael Fiziev.

    “The Hangman” is riding high after a closely contested split decision victory over the highly regarded Mateusz Gamrot on the main card of UFC 305 in Perth last month. This win has propelled Hooker back onto a three-fight win streak, into the top five, and also marked a notable revival of his career.

    Hooker’s recent success has caught the attention of Fiziev, who, earlier this month, threw down the gauntlet on X by challenging the 34-year-old Kiwi. Fiziev even dubbed the potential matchup a “Fight of the Year contender.”

    However, “Ataman’s” ambitions seem to have been tossed into a cold bag by Hooker, who has expressed that he’s no longer interested in the bout…

    Hooker Puts Fiziev’s Form Behind Reluctance To Accept The Bout

    During a recent interview with ENGAGE, Hooker addressed Fiziev’s fight callout, revealing that he’s not keen on facing the 31-year-old Azerbaijani due to his recent string of losses.

    “The Hangman” further explained that he had initially called out “Ataman” for a bout at UFC 305 but Fiziev’s request for more time meant that the opportunity has now passed.

    Hooker is now aiming to fight within the top five.

    “I don’t want to fight him. I’m not excited for that fight,” Hooker said. “The guy’s coming off two losses. He’s sitting on the shelf. I called him out for the Perth card; I asked him if he wanted to fight on Perth, but he wasn’t ready. Now he’s ready, but that ship has long sailed, mate. That fight does not excite me;. Obviously, it excites him, but I have absolutely nothing to gain from that fight.”

    After his victory at UFC 305, Hooker expressed a keen interest in facing either Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje next, aiming to take a decisive step closer to securing his first title shot.

    Meanwhile, Fiziev has been on the sidelines for a year following a severe knee injury sustained during his bout against Gamrot in the headliner of a UFC Fight Night event in September 2023.

    Prior to that setback, “Ataman” experienced a hard-fought majority decision loss to Gaethje at UFC 286 in March of that yae. This defeat ended his impressive five-fight win streak, a run that featured pivotal victories over Rafael dos Anjos, Kevin Lee, and Renato Moicano.

  • Merab Dvalishvili On After Becoming A UFC Champion: ‘If I Die, I Don’t Care’

    Merab Dvalishvili On After Becoming A UFC Champion: ‘If I Die, I Don’t Care’

    Merab Dvalishvili recently shared his thoughts on what it would mean to him if he were to finally capture UFC gold.

    “The Machine” has the opportunity to make his dream a reality this Saturday night as he challenges UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley in the main event of Noche UFC 306, set to take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    With a remarkable 10-fight winning streak under his belt, Dvalishvili has been relentlessly pushing for a long-overdue title opportunity. However, O’Malley chose to defend his belt against Marlon Vera at UFC 299 this past March, successfully avenging the only blemish on his otherwise stellar UFC record.

    The 33-year-old Georgian enters the bout riding high after a commanding unanimous decision victory over former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 in February. Dvalishvili’s unbeaten streak boasts decisive wins over elite competition, including former champions Petr Yan and JosĂŠ Aldo, as well as a host of other top-tier opponents.

    Dvalishvili has undeniably toiled tirelessly for his long-awaited title shot, and now he’s primed to prove his mettle on one of the sport’s grandest stages. ‘The Machine’ is more determined than ever to clinch the 135-pound belt…

    Dvalishvili Says He’ll Feel ‘Relieved’ After Dethroning O’Malley At Noche UFC 306

    During a recent interview with Bleacher Report, “The Machine” gave his insights into the upcoming title clash with O’Malley at Noche UFC 306.

    Dvalishvili opened up about the significance of becoming a UFC champion, a status he says he has diligently worked towards throughout his career.

    “We [fighters] have just one dream: to become UFC champion,” Dvalishvili said. “After that, I’m really, truly telling you, if I die, I don’t care. I cannot even imagine [having the belt put on me], man. I just want to feel the reality. I am doing everything for that. I don’t wanna even dream about it.”

    Dvalishvili also mentioned that he’s uncertain about his plans following a potential title victory this weekend, but he’s certain it would lift a significant weight off his shoulders. He expressed a desire to show that even an ordinary person can achieve their dreams through unwavering dedication and relentless hard work.

    “I don’t know what I’m gonna say, I don’t know what I’m gonna do, but I know one thing for sure: I will be so happy, so relieved, and I know I will do lots of great things with the gold and with the UFC belt,” Dvalishvili continued. “I want to travel the world, and I wanna show the people I’m just a normal guy, a small guy, but I’m hardworking, and if I work hard and I got this belt, you guys can get everything too. Just work hard and just chase your dream. Believe in yourself.”

    While Dvalishvili is projected to be the toughest challenge for “Suga” so far, achieving victory won’t be a walk in the park. O’Malley, an elite-level striker, presents a formidable threat with his heavy hands, which could effectively counter Dvalishvili’s wrestling-heavy style.

    • Read More: Merab Dvalishvili Wants To Avenge Aljamain Sterling Loss, Prove O’Malley Got ‘Lucky’
  • Conor McGregor’s Coach Omits Jon Jones From His MMA Mount Rushmore

    Conor McGregor’s Coach Omits Jon Jones From His MMA Mount Rushmore

    Conor McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh, recently shared his picks for an MMA Mount Rushmore. Intriguingly, Jon Jones was conspicuously absent from his list.

    The reigning UFC heavyweight champion’s name is a natural inclusion in any conversation about the greatest MMA fighter of all time (GOAT), and his achievements would appear to certainly validate that status. “Bones” boasts a career marked by extraordinary accomplishments and historic milestones.

    At just 23, Jones made history by defeating then-light heavyweight champion Mauricio Rua in the third round at UFC 128 in March 2011, securing his place as the youngest UFC champion ever. From that moment, he never looked back, embarking on a remarkable journey that culminated in an unprecedented 13 successful title defenses.

    In recent times, no one has been more vocally supportive of Jones’ status as the GOAT and the top pound-for-pound fighter than UFC CEO Dana White. White has been notably immersed in extensive discussions, staunchly defending the 37-year-old New Yorker’s legacy.

    However, Kavanagh’s all-time MMA elite list boasts an array of unexpected names, and it overlooks Jones despite his legendary career…

    Kavanagh Reveals Five Picks for MMA Mount Rushmore With No Jones

    During a recent discussion with Lucky Block, Kavanagh was prompted to name the greatest MMA fighters of all time. The renowned coach listed five names, deviating from the traditional four-person Mount Rushmore.

    Naturally, Kavanagh included “The Notorious” as his first pick, highlighting the remarkable achievements of his student and the profound impact he’s had on the sport.

    “Unsurprisingly, I’m going to name Conor first because he became the first simultaneous two-weight world champion. That’s no small feat, but also what he did for the game in general, his general introduction of MMA to a whole world who would have never seen it, really. He’s the first and maybe the only one to truly cross over into, let’s say, normal life, and obviously, now he’s in movies as well. A lot of people to be thankful that if you’re involved in the MMA industry, you probably had a few guys walk into your gym because of Conor’s influence.”

    Kavanagh then listed Russian MMA icon Fedor Emelianenko among his favorites, followed by UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn, recognizing his McGregor-esque achievements.

    For his fourth pick, he named another legend, former longtime UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

    “Number two, I’ll say Fedor Emelianenko. He’s one of my favorite fighters of all time. Incredible Russian fighter. I’m going to say, BJ Penn, another two-weight world champion. Incredible skill set. At four, I have to go for Anderson Silva. I think some record number of title defenses and just so skillful, you watch him back in the day when he was fighting someone who’s a kind of a friend of mine, Forrest Griffin. Forrest is so tough, so durable, so good, and Anderson made the poor guy look like he’d never trained. He has amazing skills.”

    The SBG Ireland founder placed the first women’s UFC bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey, as his fifth pick, celebrating her as a trailblazer who revolutionized women’s MMA.

    “At five I will say Ronda Rousey and not just for her amazing victories in the UFC, but the fact that she really introduced women’s MMA to the world. Dana was pretty headstrong all those years, saying he would never have women in MMA. And I think he took one look at her and said, let’s get women in MMA. So, there we go. That’s my five.”

    Kavanagh’s omission of “Bones” from his MMA Mount Rushmore is indeed surprising, but he’s not alone in leaving out the former light heavyweight champion.

    Recently, UFC middleweight veteran Sam Alvey has also excluded Jones from his list of top fighters, further stirring curiosity about Jones’ place in the pantheon of MMA greatness.

  • Sean O’Malley: Ilia Topuria ‘Needs Me’ To Move Up After Max Holloway Fight

    Sean O’Malley: Ilia Topuria ‘Needs Me’ To Move Up After Max Holloway Fight

    Sean O’Malley recently asserted that after Ilia Topuria’s upcoming clash with Max Holloway, the only clear course for “El Matador” is a showdown with him.

    Topuria is gearing up to defend his featherweight crown for the first time in a highly anticipated clash against Holloway, headlining UFC 308 on October 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

    “Suga” has been zeroing in on Topuria ever since retaining his bantamweight title against former foe Marlon Vera at UFC 299 this past March. Following his victory, O’Malley wasted no time in calling out the Georgian-Spanish fighter, even trading jabs with him on social media and igniting talk of a potential champ vs. champ super fight.

    However, before O’Malley can lock horns with Topuria, he must first overcome another Georgian obstacle — Merab Dvalishvili.

    The 29-year-old Montana native is set to put his title on the line against “The Machine’ in the headlining bout of Noche UFC 306, taking place this Saturday inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    “Suga” is convinced that once Topuria finishes business with Holloway, he’ll need to face a high-profile opponent like him…

    O’Malley Shares Mixed Feelings On Possible Topuria Match

    During a recent interview with Bleacher Report, O’Malley weighed in on a potential super fight with Topuria.

    The reigning UFC bantamweight champ expressed that, after Noche UFC 306, he has no shortage of challengers waiting in the wings. However, he believes “El Matador” will be left without a worthy opponent after defending his title against Holloway.

    “The more I think about the Ilia fight, I’m like, you know what, Ilia needs me,” O’Malley said. “Who’s he going to fight next? [If] he goes out there and beats Max [Holloway at UFC 308], who is he going to fight next? I have guys lined up. I have big fights. Ilia needs me more than I need Ilia.”

    However, “Suga” voiced some hesitation, suggesting that he doubts Topuria will even make it past “Blessed” at UFC 308.

    Instead, he floated the idea of facing rising star Umar Nurmagomedov, a fight “The Young Eagle” has previously likened to the magnitude of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor showdown.

    “To be honest, I don’t think he’s gonna get past Max anyway, so I’m kind of switching gears from that. We got guys like Umar that I think are going to be massive fights,” O’Malley added.”

    Although Topuria, who knocked out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 to capture the 145-pound title, has never openly entertained the idea of facing O’Malley, he didn’t entirely dismiss it.

    After O’Malley called him out following UFC 299, “El Matador” left the door open for a potential showdown, fueling further speculation about a future clash.

    • Read More: Coach Claims Ilia Topuria Is A More Favorable Matchup For Sean O’Malley Than Max Holloway: ‘He’s Pretty Flat-Footed’
  • ‘Too Much Social Media’ – Belal Muhammad Changes His Mind On Noche UFC 306 Main Event Pick

    ‘Too Much Social Media’ – Belal Muhammad Changes His Mind On Noche UFC 306 Main Event Pick

    Belal Muhammad recently had a change of heart regarding his pick for the Noche UFC 306 main event.

    O’Malley is poised to put his UFC bantamweight title on the line against Dvalishvili in the headlining bout of one of the year’s most anticipated pay-per-view events, set to take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, this Saturday.

    “Suga” enters this fight fresh off his dominant first title defense, where he redeemed his only UFC loss by decisively defeating former rival Marlon Vera at UFC 299 this past March. O’Malley captured the 135-pound crown with a second-round TKO victory over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in August 2023.

    Meanwhile, Dvalishvili rides an impressive 10-fight win streak, boasting wins over former champions such as Petr Yan and Jose Aldo. “The Machine” had been campaigning for a title shot for some time, and his wish was finally granted after a commanding victory over former two-division titleholder Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 this past February.

    Initially, the defending champion was labeled as the underdog against Dvalishvili, but as fight week unfolded, the tides shifted, and O’Malley emerged as the betting favorite for various reasons.

    Likewise, “Remember the Name” has also experienced a shift in perspective, now leaning towards a different pick for the upcoming showdown…

    Muhammad Revises His Pick for O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili Showdown

    During a recent interview with MMA legend Demetrious Johnson, Muhammad weighed in on the O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili title fight. The newly crowned UFC welterweight champion admitted that just a month ago, he believed “The Machine” had what it took to dethrone O’Malley.

    However, after some reflection, he’s now leaning towards “Suga”, confident that O’Malley’s precise, well-timed striking will be enough to counter Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling and secure his title defense.

    “If you’d have asked me maybe a month ago, I would say Merab’s gonna wrestle, and Merab is on another level,” Muhammad said. “Especially with his last fight, beating Cejudo the way he did, but I’ve swayed—I’m picking O’Malley in this fight. I think he’s a sharpshooter; he’s so good at moving laterally. Merab gets hit a lot in a lot of his fights, and he’s been rocked a lot. He’s a ‘Machine’, so he’ll walk through those punches, but I just think that O’Malley hits differently than anybody he’s fought.”

    “He has so much confidence after knocking out Aljo, who I think has better striking than Merab. Merab is very wild when he runs in, and even with his takedowns, he’ll sacrifice defense just to shoot in and grab a hold of you. Once he grabs a hold of you, it’s gonna be a long night, but I think that O’Malley has been training for him. He knows how to do that back step. I think I see Merab walking into something.”

    “Remember the Name” expressed concerns that Dvalishvili seems to be prioritizing social media promotion over his actual training, implying that he may have lost the fire to win the title. Muhammad also criticized “The Machine” for his recent antics, specifically calling out his decision to publicize suffering a cut during training.

    “Merab has just been posting. I think he’s been doing too much social media, thinking about promoting and being a character instead of training hard for the fight. You’re getting stitches, you’re showing you’re getting stitches, then you’re taking them out with scissors, then you’re drinking in Mexico, and you’re showing all of this stuff that does not need to be documented. All of this stuff does not need to be posted. But I think now he’s in that social media mindset where it’s not about the hunger anymore. It’s not, ‘This is my first time getting this title shot; it took me this long to get here; I can’t let the opportunity pass me up.’ It’s, ‘Let me show the UFC that I can be sold. I can sell myself. I can do this,’ and you’re thinking about other stuff instead of the goal, which is to win the fight.”

  • UFC Lightweight Questions Interest In Grasso vs. Shevchenko At UFC 306, Says He ‘Doesn’t Even Care’

    UFC Lightweight Questions Interest In Grasso vs. Shevchenko At UFC 306, Says He ‘Doesn’t Even Care’

    Renato Moicano recently cast doubt on fans’ enthusiasm for the trilogy title fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko at Noche UFC 306.

    “Bullet” is slated to meet flyweight champion Grasso in the Octagon for their third—and possibly final—showdown in the co-main event of this highly anticipated pay-per-view, set to unfold this weekend inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    The two fighters first clashed at UFC 285 in March 2023, where Shevchenko lost her 125-pound title to Grasso via a fourth-round rear-naked choke in what had been a razor-close contest. Six months later, they squared off again at the first edition of Noche UFC, but the rematch ended in controversy when one judge scored the bout 47-47, resulting in a split draw that allowed Grasso to retain her flyweight crown.

    Following their rematch, Grasso and Shevchenko took on roles as opposing coaches for the 32nd season of “The Ultimate Fighter” earlier this year. However, contenders like Manon Fiorot have since questioned the rationale behind booking a trilogy fight.

    Now, “Money” echoes similar sentiments, expressing his lack of interest and raising doubts about the necessity of the upcoming showdown…

    Moicano Equates Grasso vs. Shevchenko Trilogy with Moreno vs. Figueiredo 3

    During a recent episode of Show Me The Money, Moicano delved into the Grasso vs. Shevchenko trilogy, offering his prediction for the upcoming clash alongside co-host Matthew Tanner. The UFC lightweight veteran expressed skepticism about whether the fight has genuinely sparked fan excitement, even admitting he has little interest in watching the bout himself.

    “I don’t even care about this fight, to be honest with you,” Moicano said. “Do you want to watch that [fight]?”

    Tanner then reminded Moicano of the storyline from the previous two encounters between Grasso and the former flyweight champion, highlighting how their rematch was overshadowed by a controversial scorecard. He also pointed out the age factor between the pair.

    “Money” ultimately backed Grasso as the likely victor but drew parallels to the unpredictable nature of the Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo trilogy.

    “[I will pick] Alexa Grasso just because you say all that stuff, brother. I’m not falling for it. I would not put that on a parlay because, in the first fight, Valentina was winning and then got caught by the choke, and in the second one, Valentina should have won, but the judges messed up. Who knows what’s going to happen in the third one? This is like Moreno and Figueiredo—you never know, man.”

  • UFC Commentator Questions If Valentina Shevchenko’s Age Will Play A Factor At Noche UFC 306

    UFC Commentator Questions If Valentina Shevchenko’s Age Will Play A Factor At Noche UFC 306

    Laura Sanko recently pondered whether Valentina Shevchenko’s age might emerge as a crucial variable in her upcoming title fight against Alexa Grasso at Noche UFC 306.

    Shevchenko is set to challenge reigning UFC flyweight champion Grasso in a highly anticipated trilogy bout, serving as the co-main event of this Saturday’s pay-per-view spectacle at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    “Bullet” kicked off her dominant reign as the UFC’s 125-pound champion with a decisive unanimous decision win over Hall of Famer Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 231 in December 2018, setting the stage for an unstoppable title run. Shevchenko went on to defend her title an impressive seven times, cementing her legacy. However, her historic run hit a roadblock at UFC 285 in March 2023 when she was stunned by Grasso, succumbing to a shocking fourth-round submission.

    The two faced off once again in the main event of the inaugural Noche UFC last September. The result, still a hot topic of debate, ended in a polarizing split draw, with Grasso retaining her title. Despite the stalemate, Shevchenko appeared overwhelmed by the Mexican champion in parts, who got the better of most of the striking exchanges.

    Even before her loss to Grasso, Shevchenko, who turned 36 this March, showed signs of vulnerability during her title defense against Taila Santos at UFC 275 in June 2022. However, the Kyrgyz-born Peruvian narrowly avoided an upset, escaping with a razor-thin split-decision victory.

    All of this has sparked Sanko to question whether “Bullet’s” age might prove to be a deciding factor in the trilogy bout against Grasso…

    Sanko Wonders If Shevchenko’s Best Days Are Behind Her

    During a recent episode of One On One | MMA with Din Thomas, Sanko dove into a discussion about the upcoming Grasso vs. Shevchenko showdown. The UFC’s first female commentator posed an intriguing question to Thomas, asking whether the former flyweight queen could still maintain her razor-sharp edge at 36 or if time has begun to dull her once-dominant prowess.

    “Can you make that adjustment at 36?” Sanko asked. “I can say that as a mature woman of nearly 42. 36 is, you know, it’s not old, but it’s the beginning of what we call old in MMA. It’s the beginning of that if we’re being honest. So, I guess my question to you is: Can she make those adjustments at this stage in her career?”

    Thomas responded by acknowledging that while he’s not ruling out Shevchenko’s chances against Grasso, he believes 36 is the age when fighters often begin to struggle with the psychological demands of the sport, which could impact their performance.

    “The hard part is, physically, I think you could make them, but at 36, what I’m talking about is more psychological. At 36, you’re just in a different place psychologically, and you’re thinking about vacation and bills and what you’re going to do after the fight. Now, that may not be what we admit to, but that’s just what happens. We don’t like to admit that, but you just don’t want to slap a person in the face anymore after 36. It just… I don’t know if she can make those adjustments, but I’m not gonna count her out.”

    Prior to her defeat against Grasso, Shevchenko hadn’t lost to anyone in the UFC aside from Amanda Nunes. However, history has shown that many fighters over the age of 35 tend to exhibit signs of decline in their performances. This makes it all the more interesting to see how Shevchenko will rise to the challenge against Grasso, who is not only four years younger but brimming with momentum.

  • Noche UFC 306 Rising Star Details 3-Year Plan To UFC Title Shot

    Noche UFC 306 Rising Star Details 3-Year Plan To UFC Title Shot

    Daniel Zellhuber recently mapped out an ambitious three-year plan charting his course toward a UFC title shot.

    Zellhuber is gearing up to take on Esteban Ribovics in a lightweight clash on the main card of Noche UFC 306, set to go down this Saturday inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    “Golden Boy” earned his spot in the UFC with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Lucas Almeida on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2021. However, his promotional debut a year later didn’t unfold as planned, as he suffered the sole defeat of his professional career at the hands of Trey Ogden.

    Despite this setback, the 25-year-old Mexican rebounded impressively, stringing together a three-fight win streak. Most recently, Zellhuber secured a decisive victory over Francisco Prado at UFC Fight Night in Mexico this past February.

    Noche UFC 306 offers Zellhuber a prime opportunity to steal the spotlight as he aims to ascend the ranks of the highly competitive lightweight division, with his sights set on securing a title shot in the near future…

    Zellhuber Sets Sights On Veterans To Break Into Lightweight Rankings

    During a recent interview on Verse Us with Eric Nicksick, “Golden Boy” shared his aspirations for the future, emphasizing that a potential victory over Ribovics at Noche UFC 306 could serve as the launch pad for his rapidly rising career.

    “I always have a plan with the team where I wanted to take my time,” Zellhuber said. “But again, now that I’m more confident in my skill set and more comfortable fighting and, you know, doing all these things, growing as an athlete, I feel that this fight is my way to put the entire 155-pound division on notice. I want to win this fight, and after that, I want a former top 15 opponent, like somebody who was already in the rankings.”

    Zellhuber further expressed his desire to face seasoned divisional veterans like Michael Johnson or Bobby Green as his pathway to breaking into the rankings. Afterward, the DWCS graduate aims to take on highly ranked contenders by 2026, with the ultimate goal of challenging for the lightweight title in 2027.

    “I have Michael Johnson on my mind, even Bobby Green. It’s funny because I talk with Chase Hooper on Instagram. I texted him like, ‘Hey, you want to fight?’ and he answered me. Then it’s funny because we ended up being kind of like friends. I was trying to talk bullsh*t, but it didn’t work. I want one of those guys who was already there but is recently coming out [of rankings]. Then, by the end of next year, I want to fight a top 15 opponent, and start 2026 with a top 10, close the year with a top five, and then in 2027, a championship fight. I like to have everything planned. I feel that’s also why I’m being successful in my career because I don’t like to do things just like, ‘Yeah, let’s do this.’”

    “Golden Boy” heads into his bout with Ribovics as the betting favorite, likely owing to his significant height and reach advantage. However, “El Gringo” is no easy matchup—he brings a lethal combination of knockout power and grappling skills, making this showdown a thrilling contest that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

  • Gilbert Burns Admits ‘Mistake’ Of Listening To Multiple Nutritionists Cost Him In Sean Brady Fight

    Gilbert Burns Admits ‘Mistake’ Of Listening To Multiple Nutritionists Cost Him In Sean Brady Fight

    Gilbert Burns recently confessed that his decision to follow advice from multiple nutritionists was a costly error, one that ultimately contributed to his loss against Sean Brady.

    “Durinho” stepped into the main event of UFC Vegas 97 last weekend, hoping to reignite one final push for the welterweight title. However, his plans were decisively derailed as Brady overwhelmed him over five punishing rounds with a relentless barrage of takedowns and grappling mastery, ultimately handing Burns a unanimous decision loss—his third consecutive defeat.

    Burns was hopeful that a victory over Brady would put him back on the road to championship contention. Heading into fight week, he was confident in both his training and recovery, feeling physically prepared. Yet, he still wasn’t able to perform at his full potential when it mattered most.

    The 38-year-old Brazilian was dismayed by his showing. However, in the aftermath of the loss, he has finally pieced together what went wrong in the lead-up to the bout…

    Burns Attributes Bad Weight Cut On Confusion With Multiple Nutritionists

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Burns opened up about his loss to Brady, revealing that his preparation was compromised by poor decision-making. “Durinho” admitted that leading up to the fight, he consulted several nutritionists and then complicated matters by blending their advice with his own approach.

    This misstep led to a problematic weight cut, which ultimately reflected in the fight, as he felt lethargic and lacked his usual sharpness in movement.

    “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, I had a lot of energy; I felt great,” Burns said. “But Thursday I had a hard weight cut at night, and Friday morning I had a very hard weight cut in the morning, and I think that was the result. That’s why I think I felt very sluggish. I felt bad, but I do believe it was my recovery. Before I point fingers at everyone, I have my nutritionist, Marcelo Ferro, who does an amazing job. But my mistake was listening to two other nutritionists and the UFC a little bit.”

    “So, another nutritionist that is a good friend of mine, Lucas, and coach Carl Gebhardt—I went to California to do all the tasks, and instead of doing the things that I do with Marcelo, I was kind of doing a little bit of coach Carl, a little bit of Marcelo, and a little bit of Lucas. So, at the end of the day, I didn’t follow through with anyone’s plan. I took a little bit from each one and kind of did my own plan. So when I made weight, I did great, but when I saw the recovery, I did a little bit from all three nutritionists, and it kind of didn’t work out.”

    Burns said in a backstage interview with the UFC that he’s uncertain about the future of his career. His last victory came at UFC 287 in April 2023 against Jorge Masvidal. “Durinho” once rode the momentum of a six-fight win streak, but since his failed bid at the title against former champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 258 in February 2021, he has struggled to regain his footing with a consistent winning run.

  • Dan Hooker: ‘Master Of Mental Warfare’ O’Malley Getting Under Dvalishvili’s Skin

    Dan Hooker: ‘Master Of Mental Warfare’ O’Malley Getting Under Dvalishvili’s Skin

    Dan Hooker recently noted that Sean O’Malley is expertly playing mind games with Merab Dvalishvili in the build-up to their Noche UFC 306 clash.

    “Sugar” is slated for his second UFC bantamweight title defense, where he’ll square off against Dvalishvili in the headlining bout of the highly anticipated pay-per-view event, set for this Saturday at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    O’Malley claimed the 135-pound title with a knockout victory over Dvalishvili’s teammate and close ally, Aljamain Sterling, at UFC 292 in August 2023. He went on to defend his belt in dazzling style against Marlon Vera at UFC 299 this past March, putting on a striking masterclass for the full 25 minutes to avenge the lone blemish on his UFC record.

    The 29-year-old Montana native has consistently torn through his competition with his extraordinary fighting style, as evidenced by the nine performance bonuses he’s racked up in just 12 Octagon appearances. In addition to his high-caliber skill set, O’Malley is equally adept at using his charisma and quick wit to engage in verbal sparring outside the cage.

    “The Hangman” believes it’s O’Malley’s silver tongue that truly sets him apart, as he skillfully uses his sharp words to rattle his opponents, with Dvalishvili now falling into the same trap…

    Hooker Predicts Dvalishvili Could Fall To O’Malley Just Like Sterling

    During a recent interview with mainevent, Hooker weighed in on the upcoming O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili title fight. “The Hangman” praised the reigning champion’s ability to expertly use his reach advantage to dominate with his striking.

    Drawing comparisons between “The Machine” and Sterling’s fighting styles, Hooker noted that it would be fascinating to see how Dvalishvili approaches O’Malley differently than his teammate did.

    “He is incredible at controlling that distance, a sniper, an absolute sniper from range, and that’s the big thing I see in this fight—how will Merab cover that range? Because it’s a very similar style, a very similar opponent to Sean’s last one, Aljamain Sterling. Sterling and Merab have two very similar styles of wrestling; they shoot, and they’re really looking to take you down and put you on your back.”

    Hooker emphasized “Sugar’s” knack for skillfully employing trash talk to unnerve his opponents in the build-up to a fight. He pointed out that this tactic worked perfectly against Sterling, causing him to make crucial mistakes that led to his defeat. The 34-year-old Auckland native also believes O’Malley is successfully getting inside Dvalishvili’s head, which could spell trouble for the Georgian fighter.

    “‘Sugar’ Sean is a master at mental warfare. He was able to, you know, at the press conference, at the weigh-in, get into Aljamain Sterling’s head. So Aljamain, rather than being patient, taking his time, and setting up to cover that distance, really rushed it. He panicked and rushed. I can already sense that ‘Sugar’ is getting under Merab’s skin, and we still have so much time to go. We still have the weigh-in, the press conference, and media day. There’s still a lot of time to cover and a lot of time for ‘Sugar’ Sean to use that mental warfare.”

  • Jorge Masvidal Gives Stamp Of Approval For Noche UFC 306 Card: ‘Some Future Champions…’

    Jorge Masvidal Gives Stamp Of Approval For Noche UFC 306 Card: ‘Some Future Champions…’

    Jorge Masvidal appears to be buzzing with excitement over the Noche UFC 306 card.

    The $2.3 billion, one-of-a-kind venue, the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, will come alive as Noche UFC 306 takes center stage this Saturday in celebration of Mexican Independence Day. UFC CEO Dana White has boldly hailed the upcoming pay-per-view as “the greatest live sporting event of all time,” and the promotion is sparing no expense to ensure it delivers on its monumental hype.

    The fight card will be headlined by UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, who will make his second title defense against Merab Dvalishvili. Meanwhile, the co-main event will showcase the third, and likely final, meeting between UFC flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko. Alongside these high-profile bouts, the rest of the lineup is filled with fighters of Mexican descent.

    According to White, the UFC has funneled more than $20 million into the event, with a vision of transforming it into an extraordinary extravaganza by utilizing the Sphere’s 16K wraparound LED screens and immersive auditory experience. The MMA promotion plans to showcase six 90-second vignettes between fights, weaving together a cinematic narrative that celebrates the significant role of Mexicans in combat sports. To further elevate the spectacle, each fight will unfold in what the UFC top brass refers to as “different worlds,” projected across the dome-shaped screen.

    Masvidal believes that Noche UFC 306 will deliver a groundbreaking experience, elevated by an electrifying lineup of fights set to captivate the fans…

    Masvidal Believes Noche UFC 306 Will Propel Rising Fighters Toward Title Contention

    During a recent interview with MMA journalist Kevin Iole, “Gamebred” radiated excitement for Noche UFC 306 and the unparalleled venue experience the event is set to deliver with its top-tier production quality.

    The former BMF champion highlighted the Mexican-heavy fight card, confident it will serve as a launchpad for several rising stars to emerge as future title contenders.

    “I don’t know if it’ll [the venue] impact the way they fight so much,” Masvidal said. “It’s going to be an experience, though, because I’ve been in there [the Sphere] for a 3D show, and it was amazing. It was mind-blowing—the graphics, the stuff—but obviously, they’re not doing that now. But I still think they’ll play a lot of the graphics on their projectors and stuff, so it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I really wish I could have made it to this event. The card is stacked from top to bottom with a lot of up-and-coming talent. It’s going to be f**king amazing, maybe even some future world champions on this card right here. So I think it’s a great, great card, man.”

    Masvidal eagerly voiced his anticipation for the O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili showdown, noting that both fighters are perfectly balanced, thanks to their diverse and well-rounded skill sets.

    “The main event is one that I’ll be watching closely, brother. I’ll be watching the main event 100%. I’m a big fan of both of them. I love Merab’s style—just coming forward, does not give a f**k, does not know how to get tired. This guy just has an unbelievable gas tank, is pretty good at wrestling, and now he’s mixing it up better, where he’s throwing punches and getting right to it. But Sean is a sniper—one shot, one kill type of guy. Great athlete with great distance, great timing, and the longer arms, so it’s going to be a battle. I think whoever can keep it more real is obviously going to win, but it’s going to be a battle no matter what. I think it’s going to end up being a really good fight, or maybe I can see Sean maybe catching him early too—you never know.”

  • Belal Muhammad Explains Why He’s Happy To Kick Leon Edwards When He’s Down

    Belal Muhammad Explains Why He’s Happy To Kick Leon Edwards When He’s Down

    Belal Muhammad recently shared why he still relishes trading verbal jabs with Leon Edwards, even after securing a victory over “Rocky”.

    Muhammad scored a controlling unanimous decision win over Edwards, capturing the UFC welterweight crown in their much-anticipated rematch in Manchester this past July.

    The clash at UFC 304 was a re-run, as their first meeting in March 2021 ended in controversy when a brutal eye-poke from Edwards prevented “Remember the Name” from continuing past the second round, resulting in a no-contest.

    Muhammad was riding an impressive 10-fight unbeaten streak, boasting victories over tough opponents like Gilbert Burns, Sean Brady, and Stephen Thompson. However, despite his dominant run, he had to tirelessly campaign for over a year to secure a title shot, as “Rocky” and his team continuously dismissed him as an unworthy challenger for the belt.

    “Remember the Name” faced a barrage of criticism and skepticism throughout his journey, and since toppling Edwards at UFC 304, he hasn’t held back in voicing his disdain…

    Muhammad’s Grudge Against Edwards Stems From Being Overlooked

    During a recent interview with UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping, Muhammad was questioned why he continues to take digs at Edwards even after decisively defeating him. The newly crowned welterweight champion explained that his frustration with the Jamaican-born Brit arose from being repeatedly dismissed in the title conversation.

    Now that he’s beaten “Rocky”, Muhammad says Edwards’ teammates have begun making excuses, which only fuels his desire to keep taking shots at his former opponent.

    “It got to me, it pissed me off,” Muhammad said. “And that’s why even now, where I hate to even bring up fights, when I beat a fighter, I never want to kick a man when he’s down. But Leon, I’ll kick when he’s down, I don’t care. I’m gonna make him pay because they said I wasn’t worth it, they said he was gonna walk through me, they said I was going to be an easy fight.”

    “And for me to go out there and beat him the way I did, and now for him to go ghost—nobody even knows what happened to him—and for his team to come out with little excuses, like saying, ‘Oh, he had a bad back the whole time,’ and Leon comes out and says, ‘Oh, I didn’t get good sleep,’ like bro, just own up to it. I was better than you. I am better than you. That’s the difference between great fighters and the ones that fizzle out—they always come up with excuses for every loss.”

    Since his recent victory, Muhammad has elevated his trash-talking game, regularly firing back at critics on social media. The 37-year-old Chicago native has also been locked in a heated war of words with former champion Kamaru Usman, stoking the flames for a potential showdown, while also teasing his first title defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov.