MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • ‘Mokaev & Chandler Might Have To Share This One’ – Fans Debate Which UFC Fighter Has Taken The ‘Biggest L’ In 2024

    ‘Mokaev & Chandler Might Have To Share This One’ – Fans Debate Which UFC Fighter Has Taken The ‘Biggest L’ In 2024

    The UFC has long been a proving ground where legends are forged, but in this arena, triumph is fleeting for those who fail to time their moves and play their cards wisely.

    Some fighters ascend to their full potential, while others struggle to break through the barriers holding them back. It’s unfortunate to see those with the potential for success fall short of what they were meant to achieve, and what they could have ultimately become.

    Popular MMA fan account Dovy on X recently polled their followers on who they believe took the “biggest L” in the UFC this year. The question sparked a flurry of responses from the MMA community, with many pointing to figures like Michael Chandler and Muhammad Mokaev as major candidates for this dubious distinction.

    Chandler has been sidelined since his third-round submission defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022, eagerly awaiting the realization of a highly anticipated bout with Conor McGregor.

    Following that fight, “Iron” took on the role of coach opposite McGregor on The Ultimate Fighter 31, with the expectation that the two would clash sometime in 2023. Despite frequent speculation throughout the past year, the bout never materialized. It was eventually scheduled to headline UFC 303 this past June, but just over two weeks before the event, “The Notorious” withdrew due to an injury, leaving Chandler once again in limbo.

    Many contend that, at 38 years old, the former Bellator MMA lightweight champion might have taken another fight in the interim to remain active and maintain his momentum.

    In contrast, Mokaev’s situation is markedly different. “The Punisher” was released from the UFC last month, a decision attributed by UFC CEO Dana White to a string of off-the-Octagon complications that led the matchmakers to hesitate in offering him a new contract.

    Mokaev was riding an undefeated seven-fight streak in the Octagon and was widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in the flyweight division. With his dominant grappling-heavy style, he was seen as a potential future champion. But now, he’ll need to find a way back to rejoin the world’s premier MMA promotion.

    MMA Fans Debate Which UFC Fighter Experienced The Biggest Career Slide This Year

    Combat sports enthusiasts responded with a flurry of opinions on which UFC fighter experienced the most significant career downturn in 2024.

    “Chandler, and he hasn’t even fought, lol. He was promised a fight vs. McGregor this year, but it got canceled, and then Dana White said in press conferences that the McGregor vs. Chandler fight won’t be happening this year and that it will happen next year instead”

    “Clearly Mokaev lol”

    “Mokaev and Chandler might have to share this one”

    One fan proposed that the former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson deserves the nod, given he’s currently enduring an eight-fight losing streak.

    “The guy with the longest ‘L’ streak in UFC history!”

    Another fan humorously suggested that he should be deemed the recipient of the “biggest L” of the year due to his string of unsuccessful betting parlays.

    “Me on these UFC parlays”

    https://twitter.com/deeecreates/status/1828950061801451571

    “Michael Chandler 100%, it’s been 655 days since he fought”

    https://twitter.com/MMAAndyx/status/1828970606660116627

    One fan jokingly remarked that the real “biggest L” should go to the fellow fans who have had to endure the constant frustration of questionable decisions from UFC judges.

    “The fans via robbery decisions”

    One user commented that it should be former longtime middleweight champion Israel Adesanya after experiencing the first back-to-back losses of his career, with his most recent setback coming against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305.

    “Adesanya is having a rough year”

    “Michael Chandler, lol. Wasting years of his life for a McGregor fight that probably won’t ever happen.”
    https://twitter.com/VicConnects/status/1828962481424732169

    “Mike Mallot. Hype train Derailed in his home town by Neil Magny”

  • Khalil Rountree Receives Lighter Sentence After Self-Reporting PED Usage

    Khalil Rountree Receives Lighter Sentence After Self-Reporting PED Usage

    Khalil Rountree can now breathe a sigh of relief, having recently received a reduced penalty for self-reporting his use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

    “The War Horse” withdrew from his scheduled bout against Jamahal Hill in the co-main event of UFC 303 on June 29, after disclosing that he had tested positive for a banned substance known as Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a type of steroid hormone.

    Rountree explained that he had been using a customized supplement and that the provider had mistakenly delivered a tainted product containing the prohibited substance.

    However, according to a recent report by MMA journalist John Morgan, the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) announced on Thursday that Rountree’s ongoing sanction, which began on May 4, has been reduced to four and a half months.

    Alongside the suspension, which wraps up on September 18, “The War Horse” has been ordered to pay prosecution fees amounting to $157. The NAC highlighted that Rountree’s proactive self-reporting played a crucial role in mitigating his penalty.

    With the reduced suspension, Rountree is now cleared to participate in his eagerly awaited title bout against reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, slated to headline UFC 307 on October 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    Rountree is coming off a third-round knockout victory over former title challenger Anthony Smith at a Fight Night event in December 2023. He is currently riding a five-fight win streak, including finishes over Chris Daukaus, Karl Roberson, and Modestas Bukauskas.

  • Jake Paul Tries To Broker Multi-Million Dollar Payday For “Bones” To Fight Tom Aspinall: ‘Jon Jones Doesn’t Dodge Anyone’

    Jake Paul Tries To Broker Multi-Million Dollar Payday For “Bones” To Fight Tom Aspinall: ‘Jon Jones Doesn’t Dodge Anyone’

    Jake Paul recently attempted to broker a multi-million dollar deal to entice Jon Jones into a showdown with Tom Aspinall.

    Since capturing the interim heavyweight title with a knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November 2023—an opportunity that arose after “Bones” had to withdraw from his undisputed title clash with Stipe Miocic due to injury—Aspinall has been unabashedly outspoken about his desire to test himself against Jones in a title unification bout.

    However, Jones has consistently dismissed the challenge, even going so far as to disparage Aspinall’s standing as the interim champion. Rather than entertain a clash with Aspinall, the reigning heavyweight titleholder has made it clear that his sights are set on rekindling his bout with Miocic, a showdown that is rumored to headline UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden this November.

    “Bones” has frequently hinted at the prospect of retirement after defeating a legendary heavyweight champion like Miocic, thereby cementing his GOAT status. Many speculate that this might be why Jones is hesitant to risk his legacy against a formidable contender like Aspinall.

    However, “The Problem Child” suggests that the real reason Jones is sidestepping the Brit’s challenge is the lack of a lucrative payday on the table…

    Paul Claims Jones Would Accept Aspinall Bout If The Paycheck Fits

    Paul, well-known for his frequent critiques of UFC fighter pay, recently took to X to refute the narrative that Jones is avoiding a fight with Aspinall. The YouTuber-turned-boxer argued that Jones isn’t one to shy away from any opponent but suggested that the real issue lies in the financial incentive.

    He believes that if the right financial deal is presented, tapping into both the American and English pay-per-view (PPV) markets, Jones would be more than willing to step into the Octagon with Aspinall.

    “Jon Jones doesn’t dodge anyone. He knows exactly what he’s doing,” Paul tweeted. “Show him the money – that real money. Not that spin the narrative money. Him versus Aspinal is massive as it hits two big PPV markets. A $25M guarantee plus PPV seems about right. @JonnyBones”

    During a post-event press conference for DWCS, UFC CEO Dana White suggested that, despite Jones’s occasional talk of retirement, he is confident that “if the Aspinall thing is really flying out there,” Jones would rise to the occasion and accept the matchup.

  • Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’

    Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’

    Randy Couture recently offered his thoughts on whether Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority head, Turki Alalshikh, possesses the influence to bring the highly anticipated super fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones to life.

    For years, the most monumental heavyweight bout the UFC could have delivered was a showdown between Ngannou and then-light-heavyweight champion Jones, who declared his intent to move up a weight class in 2020. However, a bitter contract dispute with UFC CEO Dana White led to “The Predator” entirely parting ways with the organization. Ngannou later inked a multi-fight deal with the PFL, which included the freedom to explore his passion for boxing.

    White has repeatedly asserted that it was Ngannou who blocked the eagerly awaited matchup, while the former heavyweight champion countered by saying that it was “Bones” who was reluctant to fight him as he tried to negotiate a new contract to remain with the UFC. In the end, any negotiations that were in place fell through.

    However, now with Saudi Arabia owning a modest share in the PFL, Alalshikh seemingly has the sway to potentially orchestrate this long-dreamed-of clash. Even White, who has traditionally opposed cross-promotion, was questioned about the possibility during the UFC 303 post-fight press conference in June, and surprisingly, he didn’t dismiss the notion outright.

    “The Natural” thinks the UFC would never gamble with their reigning champion by jeopardizing a loss to someone like Ngannou, whose stock continues to soar. However, he believes the Ngannou vs. Jones clash could become a reality if authorities higher than White step in to make it happen…

    Couture Sees TKO CEO & Alalshikh As Key To Ngannou vs. Jones Fight

    During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Couture shared his thoughts on the likelihood of a Ngannou vs. Jones showdown ever materializing. The former two-division champion expressed his doubt, stating that it’s highly improbable the UFC would ever agree to a cross-promotion bout.

    “I don’t see the champ in the UFC ever getting a shot at fighting the champ from PFL or any other organization for that matter, and that’s unfortunate,” Couture said. “That’s a shame that the fans are never going to get to see those types of matchups. That’s one of the flaws and issues in our sport right now.”

    However, “The Natural” added that a bout of such magnitude could only come to fruition with the involvement of UFC’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, under the leadership of CEO Ari Emanuel, along with the influence of Alalshikh.

    “At the end of the day, I think Ari [Emanuel] is the one calling the shots. He’s the one who bought the company from Zuffa. It’s his business. He has shareholders and people he has to answer to, and he needs to do what’s best for the bottom line for that company, which includes WWE and UFC and everything that’s going on there.”

    “Certainly, what the Saudis are holding and what they’re doing with LIV Golf, and all the other things that they’re doing to build culture and create opportunity for their citizens and their athletes in their country, that [fight] could very well happen because that kind of money can make a lot of things happen.”

  • Former Champ Analyzes Topuria vs. Holloway Title Fight At UFC 308: ‘What Happens If You Could Set A Little Fatigue In Him?’

    Former Champ Analyzes Topuria vs. Holloway Title Fight At UFC 308: ‘What Happens If You Could Set A Little Fatigue In Him?’

    Aljamain Sterling recently offered his insights on the upcoming featherweight title clash between reigning champion Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway at UFC 308.

    “El Matador” is gearing up to put his title on the line for the first time against Holloway in the headlining bout of an eagerly awaited pay-per-view event set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on October 26.

    Topuria claimed the 145-pound championship with a stunning knockout of former titleholder Alexander Volkanovski in the second round at UFC 298 in February. He has secured five victories in under two rounds, dismantling formidable foes such as Bryce Mitchell, Jai Herbert, and Josh Emmett.

    On the other hand, “Blessed” is preparing for his third bid to recapture the featherweight crown, which slipped from his grasp against Volkanovski back in December 2019. Despite two valiant rematch efforts that fell short, Holloway has roared back with a trio of victories. He is coming off a last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje in a lightweight showdown at UFC 300 in April, a victory that also crowned him the BMF champion.

    Topuria has built his reputation on a combination of aggressive striking and powerful grappling. Meanwhile, Holloway’s extensive experience and resilience make him a daunting challenge for any opponent.

    “Funk Master” suggests that if Holloway can expertly control the distance and fully capitalize on his reach advantage, he has a real shot at toppling Topuria.

    Sterling Predicts Holloway Might Push Topuria To His Limits In Championship Rounds

    During a recent appearance on Verse Us with Eric Nicksick, Sterling weighed in on the Topuria vs. Holloway clash at UFC 308. The former UFC bantamweight champion acknowledged “El Matador’s” knockout power, yet he pointed out several potential vulnerabilities.

    Sterling believes that if Holloway can maintain the fight on the feet and execute his striking game with precision, it could spell trouble for the defending champion.

    “Topuria is a savage; that guy can crack, but he struggled with Volkanovski in the first round,” Sterling said. “Enter Max Holloway: great footwork, high guard, long punches. He has shorter reach than Volkanovski, but his footwork is what helps him so much in his fights, and he’s great durability. So if he gets back to his kicking game and stays in his range—Topuria, I think, is 5’6″, maybe 5’7″. Max has a shorter reach for a guy at 145 pounds; I think it’s like 67″. So you look at that, you look at Topuria’s great grappling, but Max has great takedown defense. If Max could stay on his bike and touch him from the outside, it would be very interesting to see what happens in the later rounds.”

    “Funk Master” went on to highlight that Topuria’s cardio remains relatively untested, and he suggested that if “Blessed” can extend the fight into the fourth and fifth rounds while maintaining a measured striking approach, it could pose yet another challenge for the undefeated Georgian-Spaniard.

    “We haven’t seen Topuria [get] exhausted or tired yet. In round five with Josh Emmett, he was in the driver’s seat the whole time, but what happens if you could set a little fatigue in him—him having some failed takedown attempts, or even if he gets the takedowns and Max can get back up—it makes the fight very interesting. He’s always in your face with those spinning back kicks. If Max gets back to the old-school Max, it’s a very intriguing fight.”

  • MMA Analyst Feels UFC Trying To Cut Costs With Jared Cannonier vs. Caio Borralho Fight: ‘He’s Still On That S**tty Contract’

    MMA Analyst Feels UFC Trying To Cut Costs With Jared Cannonier vs. Caio Borralho Fight: ‘He’s Still On That S**tty Contract’

    Josh Thomson recently suggested that the UFC might be cutting costs with the upcoming matchup between Jared Cannonier and Caio Borralho.

    The two middleweight contenders are poised to square off in the main event of a UFC Fight Night this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Cannonier is fresh off a contentious fourth-round TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night Louisville this past June. This setback halted the momentum “The Killa Gorilla” had built with his dominant consecutive victories over Marvin Vettori and Sean Strickland.

    Meanwhile, Borralho is riding high after delivering an impressive second-round knockout of Paul Craig at UFC 301 in May. “The Natural” is currently on a six-fight win streak, fueled by his back-to-back standout performances at Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021.

    This fight offers distinct opportunities for both fighters: Cannonier is eager to reestablish himself in the title conversation, while Borralho is aiming to break into the top 10 middleweight rankings with a victory this weekend.

    Thomson Believes UFC Sees Greater Potential In Borralho For The Future

    During a recent episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast with former MMA referee “Big” John McCarthy, Thomson delved into why the UFC might have paired a seasoned veteran like Cannonier with a rising prospect such as Borralho.

    “The Punk” speculated that the UFC might either be banking on the Brazilian to rise as a future force in the middleweight division or that this matchup could simply be a strategic move to trim expenses.

    “I think it’s two reasons why they do,” Thomson said. “One is Caio Borralho is someone we’re not paying a lot of money right now, and we’re probably paying Jared Cannonier maybe double, so that’s one reason. Second is Jared Cannonier is 40 years old, and we’re paying him all that money, but we know he won’t be around much longer.”

    “So let’s see if we can get the young stud an opportunity to get a win over a highly ranked fighter, and we can get him to fight top-level fighters for less money because he’s still on that sh*tty contract. So they’re going to keep—that’s the way this business works.”

  • Sean Strickland On Being Arrested In South Africa & Taking A Fight To Avoid Jail

    Sean Strickland On Being Arrested In South Africa & Taking A Fight To Avoid Jail

    Sean Strickland recently recounted the tale of getting arrested during his time in South Africa and how that pivotal incident reignited his MMA career.

    The former UFC middleweight champion has earned as much attention for his fighting skill inside the Octagon as for his ability to spark controversy beyond it. With his audacious and unfiltered personality, he’s become a well-known figure in the MMA world, regularly voicing provocative opinions on a variety of commonplace issues.

    Strickland has consistently found himself at the heart of controversy, entangled in several scandals over the years. From almost being yanked from his short-notice title fight against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in Australia, allegedly for assaulting a civilian at Bondi Beach, to receiving a stern warning from UFC CEO Dana White that he could be deported from Canada before his UFC 297 bout with Dricus Du Plessis due to his polarizing views on the LGBTQ community—the 33-year-old Californian’s antics have often put him on thin ice.

    Strickland Reveals He Ended Retirement To Fight In South Africa To Pay Off Bail Bond

    During a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Strickland was asked why he isn’t keen on the idea of having his rematch against UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis in the titleholder’s homeland of South Africa. “Tarzan” revealed that he visited the country long ago and wasn’t fond of it, which is why he prefers the fight to happen in the United States instead.

    The American went on to share that during his time in Durban, he was arrested by the local police for reasons unmentioned and found himself in urgent need of cash to post bail. With limited options, he realized that the quickest way to earn the money was by taking a fight, despite the fact that he had already retired at that point.

    Strickland disclosed that he accepted a last-minute bout against Donavin Hawkey at the King of the Cage: Platinum event in November 2010 to quickly secure some cash.

    “Funny enough, I actually got arrested and had just retired from fighting. I had to pay a bail bondsman, so it was either pay the bail or go to jail. If you need quick cash, what do you do? So, I went and fought this guy named Donavin Hawkey on two weeks’ notice in South Africa just to pay the bondsman not go to jail.“

    “Tarzan” went on to mention that the fight reignited his passion for MMA.

    “That’s literally how I got back into MMA. I was bored, broke, living in gyms, and I’m 19 years old, riding a bicycle like a loser, thinking, ‘I’m done with this sh*t.’ Then I got arrested. I was like, ‘Oh sh*t, well, I guess you have to pay the bail bondsman or go back to jail.’”

    Strickland seized the 185-pound title from Adesanya last September, but his reign was short-lived, as Du Plessis dethroned him this past January. Following his decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 in June, Strickland is eager for a rematch with “Stillknocks”.

    However, his position as the top contender is precarious, as the winner of the upcoming UFC 308 clash between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev could easily leapfrog him in the race for the title shot.

  • Classy Jared Cannonier Doesn’t Hold Anything Against Referee Jason Herzog For Controversial Imavov Stoppage: ‘He’s Human’

    Classy Jared Cannonier Doesn’t Hold Anything Against Referee Jason Herzog For Controversial Imavov Stoppage: ‘He’s Human’

    Jared Cannonier recently conveyed that he bears no animosity toward referee Jason Herzog for the controversial stoppage of his fight against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night Louisville.

    Cannonier suffered a fourth-round TKO loss to Imavov in June when Herzog stepped in to halt the fight as the former UFC middleweight title challenger attempted to defend himself against a relentless barrage of strikes from his opponent.

    Although “The Killa Gorilla” appeared shaken before the stoppage, it didn’t seem that he was on the brink of being finished, as evidenced by his visible frustration and immediate protest of the referee’s decision.

    Herzog, widely regarded as one of the most respected and experienced referees in MMA, faced intense scrutiny from the MMA community for what many deemed a premature stoppage. Even Cannonier, at the time, described the entire situation as “gut-wrenching.”

    Despite the controversy, “The Killa Gorilla,” who is set to make his return to the Octagon this Saturday to headline a Fight Night event against the undefeated Caio Borralho, insists that he holds no grudges against Herzog for the loss…

    Cannonier on Herzog’s Judgment: ‘We All Make Mistakes’

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Cannonier opened up about his stoppage loss to Imavov. The 40-year-old Texan emphasized that Herzog wasn’t at fault, noting that the referee was simply fulfilling his duty and, in fact, spared him from taking further damage from his opponent.

    “I’m not going to be salty like that. Herzog is a good referee,” Cannonier said. “I mean, he’s human; we all make mistakes or erroneous judgments, you know what I mean? To whatever degree we may perceive them to be, he was just doing his job in keeping me safe—or, you know what I’m saying, getting paid off to let the Frenchman win, I don’t know. But whatever the f**k, man. I didn’t go in there and knock out Imavov, so this is what I have to deal with.”

    Cannonier further expressed that he wants to ensure such mistakes don’t occur again.

    “I get the lessons from the unfortunate things that may have happened, like these stoppages and sh*t like that. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen again. Hopefully, these refs will give me an opportunity—if they see me on my feet, don’t stop the fight. You won’t see me on my feet getting battered like a speed bag making that sound or something like that.”

    Cannonier’s loss was a tough setback, especially after his impressive back-to-back victories over Marvin Vettori and Sean Strickland. A win would have positioned him as a prime contender for a second shot at the championship, but now he finds himself pushed further down the ranks in the contender lineup.

  • Chael Sonnen Feels Khalil Rountree Fight Will Fast Track Alex Pereira’s Heavyweight Move: ‘The Best Way, Get Him Beat!’

    Chael Sonnen Feels Khalil Rountree Fight Will Fast Track Alex Pereira’s Heavyweight Move: ‘The Best Way, Get Him Beat!’

    Chael Sonnen recently suggested that Alex Pereira’s upcoming clash with Khalil Rountree could be the ideal launchpad for the Brazilian’s much-anticipated leap into the UFC heavyweight division.

    “Poatan” is gearing up to defend his light heavyweight crown for the third time as he faces Rountree in the headline bout at UFC 307, slated for October 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    However, numerous fans have voiced their apprehensions about the matchup, pointing to Rountree’s ongoing suspension for the unintentional intake of the banned substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Meanwhile, others argue that Magomed Ankalaev, currently on a 12-fight unbeaten streak, would have been a more fitting contender for the 205-pound title.

    As for Pereira, anticipation is swirling around his future, with many wondering what’s next for the striking phenom who has already claimed titles in two weight classes. He has hinted at the possibility of moving up to the heavyweight division, where he could potentially become the UFC’s first-ever three-division champion.

    However, before he can chase that historic milestone, “Poatan” must first conquer the formidable challenge posed by the heavy-hitting Rountree. Sonnen believes that the fight with “The War Horse” could be pivotal in shaping Pereira’s path forward…

    Sonnen Thinks Pereira Will Jump To Heavyweight If Rountree Hands Him A Loss

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Sonnen delved into the upcoming title clash between Pereira and Rountree. The former UFC middleweight title contender remarked that “The War Horse” might be the most stylistically challenging opponent Pereira has faced to date.

    “Khalil Rountree is going to roll over Alex Pereira,” Sonnen said. “So all of this talk about Khalil not deserving a [title shot], Khalil should not be in those positions—there’s only one person that needs to believe that, and that is Alex Pereira. It’s a very, very dangerous fight, and why on Earth take the risk? We think that we know, whether we do or not, but we have a consensus as to why not Ankalaev?”

    Sonnen went on to suggest that the quickest and most efficient path for “Poatan” to transition to the heavyweight division would be if he suffers a defeat at the hands of Rountree at UFC 307. Such a loss would relieve him of the obligation to defend his 205-pound title.

    “The best way to get Alex to heavyweight—because we can’t make him a heavyweight tomorrow if he’s got the 205-pound belt—is to remove the 205-pound belt from the equation. We could all agree with that, right? Anyone not fighting for a title can move weight classes right now. So, the best way to get him to heavyweight is not to clean out the division and keep doing more work and saying all the right things on social media. That is a way, but it takes a lot of time and some luck. The best way? Get him beat, get the belt off him, and he’s free to become a heavyweight.”

    Pereira has been an unstoppable force since his commanding entrance into the 205-pound division, starting with a decision victory over Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291. He went on to capture the vacant light heavyweight title in a showdown with Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295 and has since successfully defended his crown, notching two defenses within just two months. Most recently, he delivered a stunning second-round knockout against Prochazka in a rematch at UFC 303.

  • Khalil Rountree Responds To Critics Of Title Fight Against Alex Pereira: ‘Couldn’t Even Call Them True Fans If You’re Not Happy’

    Khalil Rountree Responds To Critics Of Title Fight Against Alex Pereira: ‘Couldn’t Even Call Them True Fans If You’re Not Happy’

    Khalil Rountree recently clapped back at critics who questioned his title shot against reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

    Last week, UFC CEO Dana White made waves by announcing that Rountree will challenge Pereira in the headline bout of UFC 307, set for October 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    The fight announcement raised eyebrows, as “The War Horse” is still serving a suspension for the inadvertent use of the banned substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which was found in one of the supplements he was using while preparing for his scheduled bout against Jamahal Hill at UFC 303 this past June.

    Rountree is still under suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission, which extended his two-month temporary ban during a hearing last month. With the 34-year-old Californian now slated to fight in October, it’s likely he has already reached a settlement with the commission, though the official announcement is expected at a later date.

    However, many from the MMA community, including fellow fighters, have voiced disapproval of the upcoming fight, citing Rountree’s suspension and questioning his place in the UFC light heavyweight rankings. Yet, “The War Horse” remains undeterred by the critics…

    Rountree Admits Title Fight Opportunity Was Unexpected

    During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Rountree opened up about the announcement of his title fight against Pereira. The seasoned light heavyweight contender revealed that he received an unexpected call from UFC CBO Hunter Campbell, who offered him the chance to face “Poatan” in October.

    “I got a call from Hunter,” Rountree said. “I was having a bad day that day, dealing with some other stuff, and he was like, ‘Hey, I’ll make your day better; we’ve got this opportunity for you to fight Alex in October.’ It kind of came by surprise, but of course, I’m going to accept.”

    “The War Horse” also responded to the naysayers who have been downplaying his title shot, acknowledging that it’s out of his hands but making it clear that he’s not letting the negativity distract him from his goal.

    “I understand that people are upset. Whatever. It’s not my problem, for one. It’s not my problem. It’s out of my control. They give me the call, I take it. Let them deal with their own problems. Let them talk to the UFC. Whatever fans are not happy about this, I don’t know why. I couldn’t even call them true fans if you’re not happy about this matchup. But for everybody else, they’re absolutely right. It’s going to be exciting from start to finish, and I’m hyped.”

    Rountree is currently on a five-fight win streak, with four of those victories coming by knockout. His most recent triumph was a decisive win over former title challenger Anthony Smith in December 2023. He boasts a UFC record of 9-5 with one no-contest.

  • Teddy Atlas Breaks Down UFC 305 Main Event: ‘What He Has Is The Same Thing That Usyk Has!’

    Teddy Atlas Breaks Down UFC 305 Main Event: ‘What He Has Is The Same Thing That Usyk Has!’

    Teddy Atlas recently offered his analysis of the UFC middleweight title showdown between reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya, which headlined UFC 305.

    Du Plessis defended his title last weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, securing a dramatic fourth-round victory over Adesanya with a rear-naked choke.

    The fight was a fiercely competitive affair, with both fighters pushing the pace from the moment the bell rang. The first round featured a measured exchange of strikes from both parties, but it was in the second round that ‘Stillknocks’ began to assert his dominance through grappling, securing multiple takedowns despite Adesanya’s stubborn defense.

    As the third round began, the challenger seemed on the ropes, but he quickly found his groove, unleashing a barrage of powerful head and body shots that momentarily swung the momentum in his favor.

    “The Last Stylebender” came out strong in the fourth, seemingly on the verge of securing a knockout, but the South African was quick to counter. With a sudden surge, he unleashed a relentless series of strikes that paved the way for a flawlessly timed takedown. In a flash, he secured Adesanya’s back, locking in the decisive submission.

    Atlas Say Du Plessis Exemplifies ‘Never Judge A Book By Its Cover’

    During a recent episode of THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas, the legendary boxing trainer broke down the Du Plessis vs. Adesanya clash. Atlas showered the middleweight champion with praise, noting how Du Plessis has perfected the art of executing the basics in his own unconventional way. He emphasized that Du Plessis consistently outperforms his opponents’ expectations, proving to be far more formidable than they anticipate.

    “Even though Du Plessis had shown what looked like fatigue earlier, he always keeps going,” Atlas said. “It always seems like he’s out of gas, and then he’s not out of gas. He learned from the earlier attempts to get that choke hold, which Adesanya survived and escaped at least two times, I believe, earlier. But Du Plessis got the third shot at it, and this time, I think a combination of Adesanya being a little worn out and Du Plessis making sure to capitalize on the opportunity made the difference. But at the end of the day, the first thing I have to say about Du Plessis is that he’s one of those enigmas, one of those guys, one of those rarities where the simple and only accurate way to put it is that he’s better than he looks.”

    Atlas further added that “Stillknocks” possesses a relentless drive to win that reminds him of the hunger seen in former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk.

    “There’s nothing dynamic-looking about what he does until he does it—until he gets the end result. Up until then, it’s very deceiving and misleading. He is the perfect example of that old saying, ‘Never judge a book by its cover,’ and he’s physically strong. He’s better in technical areas and subtle areas than meets the eye—he really is. And there’s one other quality that I think describes him: it’s a simple quality, but it’s not something you see every day. No matter how much talent someone has, what he has is the same thing that Usyk has in boxing—an ability to win, a drive, determination. A lot of people have that, but he’s got that plus an uncanny way to know how to win.”

  • Ariel Helwani Announces Next Venture Following Vox Media, Spotify Exits

    Ariel Helwani Announces Next Venture Following Vox Media, Spotify Exits

    Ariel Helwani has at last laid all the rumors to rest and revealed his new partnership with Yahoo Sports.

    The acclaimed combat sports journalist announced last week that he had “decided to move on” from Vox Media and Spotify as his three-year contracts with both companies came to an end on Thursday. While Helwani admitted it was tough to decline the offers from his former employers, he remained tight-lipped about his next move.

    On Tuesday morning, Helwani announced his latest venture on X, partnering with Yahoo Sports to launch a brand new combat sports platform, encompassing MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. The new platform, named Uncrowned, is set to cover all aspects of combat sports.

    In a major update, Helwani also revealed the expansion of his show, now officially titled The Ariel Helwani Show. The Canadian journalist further disclosed that he will be taking on the roles of executive producer and executive editor, reclaiming full ownership of all his content and overseeing all operations.

    “I’m extremely excited to announce that I am partnering with @yahoosports
    to launch a brand new combat sports vertical. MMA, boxing, pro wrestling. The works. The spot? http://uncrowned.com,” Helwani tweeted. “In addition, my show, now (finally) entitled “The Ariel Helwani Show,” is expanding. More days. More content. Same time. Same format. New NYC studio.”

    Helwani built his career at MMA Fighting and Fox Sports before making the jump to ESPN in 2018, coinciding with the network’s seven-year deal with the UFC. His relationship with the UFC has been tumultuous, notably when he was banned from covering the promotion after prematurely breaking the news of Brock Lesnar’s return at UFC 200 in July 2016.

    Though UFC CEO Dana White initially imposed what was described as a “lifetime” ban, it was lifted just weeks later. However, tensions between White and Helwani have persisted, leading to several other clashes over the years.

  • Robert Whittaker Describes ‘Same Moment’ From His Fight Against Du Plessis That He Saw At UFC 305

    Robert Whittaker Describes ‘Same Moment’ From His Fight Against Du Plessis That He Saw At UFC 305

    Robert Whittaker recently drew a parallel to the identical situation from his own fight against Dricus Du Plessis, which he observed during the main event of UFC 305.

    “Stillknocks” successfully defended his UFC middleweight title last weekend, securing victory with a fourth-round rear-naked choke to submit Adesanya at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

    The fight erupted at a blistering pace, with both fighters driving the action from the opening bell. The first round was a closely contested striking exchange, but in the second, Du Plessis relied on his superior grappling, securing multiple takedowns despite Adesanya’s resilience. As the third round unfolded, “The Last Stylebender” appeared to be in trouble but soon found his rhythm, landing powerful shots to the head and body.

    Early in the fourth, the challenger seemed poised for a knockout, but Du Plessis turned the tide with punishing combinations, culminating in a perfectly timed takedown. He swiftly took Adesanya’s back and secured the submission victory moments later.

    The South African’s unconventional fighting style, combined with the power in his hands, seems to be an enigma that his opponents can’t unravel. No one is better suited to attest to this than Whittaker, with his firsthand experience facing Du Plessis in the Octagon…

    Whittaker Analyzes How Du Plessis Lulls Opponents Before Capitalizing

    During a recent appearance on the MMArcade Podcast, ‘The Reaper’ dissected Du Plessis’ triumphant performance against Adesanya at UFC 305. Whittaker highlighted the uncanny similarity between his own second-round knockout loss to Du Plessis at UFC 290 in July 2023 and the manner in which Adesanya succumbed to the South African’s relentless power.

    The former UFC middleweight champion observed that “Stillknocks” possesses a deceptive ability to coax his opponents into a false sense of security, making them believe he’s slow and predictable. But just when they start to feel comfortable, he surges forward with an unorthodox stance, unleashing powerful strikes that catch them off guard.

    “There’s a method to his madness like I’m making light of it and making it funny, but the dude is a weapon. He’s a true warrior,” Whittaker said. “I can say that firsthand because he beat me right with the same cumbersome throwing punches. It’s funny—I saw the same moment Adesanya had in his fight that I had in my fight, and it was somewhere in the first round where you think you see the punches, you move out of the way of the punches, and you realize like he’s slow, I can see them, like I got this, it’s almost like you’re thinking, ‘This is too easy, I can see everything.’”

    “And then, all of a sudden, he hits you. Then he starts climbing on you when he starts closing that gap a little bit more, like he starts, what, risking it a little bit more, like lunging into his shots, and he closes that inch that you thought you were safe by a little bit. Then there’s the factor of his power.”

    “The Reaper” also highlighted that what truly makes Du Plessis a formidable force is his versatile style and the power that complements it perfectly.

    “In that last exchange before the submission, Adesanya took some heavy shots. Adesanya’s got a great chin—he does, bastard. Dricus saw that too, pushed it, got the takedown, and then jumped on the back straight away—good instincts. He said he trained for that transition, and it looks good, but that’s just a testament to his power because his power is what got him the chance, the opportunity. There’s so much to dissect and so many ‘what ifs,’ like you’d have to ask him, but, like, man, to sum it all up, I think Adesanya looked outstanding. Dricus is just a warrior, and I understand what you need to do to beat him.”

    Whittaker is eager to redeem his loss to Du Plessis and plans to do so by decisively defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in October. With his sights set on reclaiming his place as the top contender for the next title shot, he’s meticulously analyzing the reigning champion’s every move.

  • Israel Adesanya Opens Up On Octagon Exchange With Dricus Du Plessis At UFC 305: ‘If I See Him, It’s Love’

    Israel Adesanya Opens Up On Octagon Exchange With Dricus Du Plessis At UFC 305: ‘If I See Him, It’s Love’

    Israel Adesanya recently shed light on his post-fight interaction following his defeat to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305.

    Adesanya’s bid to reclaim the middleweight title for a third time ended in heartbreak as he fell to a fourth-round submission against “Stillknocks” last weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

    Adesanya started the bout with impressive precision, appearing to have the fight under control. However, Du Plessis dramatically altered the course of the contest in the championship round, landing a torrent of potent blows that left the former champion reeling. The South African expertly seized the opening to lock in a decisive rear-naked choke to conclude the bout.

    Though the build-up to this fight was marked by a fierce exchange of verbal jabs, particularly revolving around the cultural clash narrative, Adesanya and Du Plessis left the animosity behind once they settled their differences in the Octagon.

    After the fight concluded, the middleweight rivals were seen exchanging cordial words in the Octagon before the result was announced. “Stillknocks” promptly paid tribute to his opponent, hailing the Nigerian-born Kiwi as a “legend” and a future “Hall of Famer.” In turn, “The Last Stylebender” hinted at a potential future camaraderie with Du Plessis, even suggesting they might hang out as he spoke with UFC color commentator Daniel Cormier.

    Adesanya On Du Plessis: ‘I Don’t Think He’s A Bad Person’

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Adesanya opened up about the exchange he had with Du Plessis after their bout. “The Last Stylebender” revealed that their words were filled with mutual respect and that his perception of the South African fighter has since evolved.

    “Oh, he just gave me a lot of props, a lot of love, a lot of respect,” Adesanya said. “I accepted it and I shook his hand. Then, after his interview, when we were leaving the cage, we just talked. He said ‘sorry,’ maybe—I can’t remember—but he just gave me a lot of props. He said, ‘Hey, you know, I’m a big fan,’ and of course, I was like, ‘I know.’ And I said, ‘Look, look how far we’ve come from way back then—who would have thought? Now we’re here.’ I was like, ‘f**k yeah,’ and then we hugged. I said, ‘Look, I respect you, I appreciate you.’ I don’t think DDP is a bad person. I don’t know him. Again, we’re not friends, we don’t know each other, but we can be cool—we’re cool, and I respect him.”

    Adesanya further stressed that any lingering grudges against Du Plessis are now a thing of the past.


    “It was never beef. Again, when I say beef, it’s just like you have to fight someone—you don’t have to like them. You don’t have to like them. Again, he didn’t like me, I didn’t like him, but I think now we have a healthy respect for each other. I won’t say we’re BFFs or we’re friends, but if I see him, it’s love. I’ll give him a hug, I’ll dap him up.”

    The rivalry between Adesanya and Du Plessis had seen its ups and downs over the past year, starting when Adesanya held the title, and Du Plessis vowed to become the UFC’s first “true African champion.”

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coach ‘Very, Very Impressed’ With UFC 305 Fighter: ‘Unbelievable, Calm, Relaxed…’

    Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coach ‘Very, Very Impressed’ With UFC 305 Fighter: ‘Unbelievable, Calm, Relaxed…’

    Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach, Javier Mendez, lavished Carlos Prates with accolades for his standout performance against Li Jingliang at UFC 305.

    Prates added another show-stopping finish to his resume last weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, where he made history by becoming the first to knock out Chinese veteran Jingliang.

    “The Nightmare” wielded his straight left like a guided missile, landing it repeatedly throughout the night and forcing Jingliang to retreat towards the fence. Once “The Leech” was cornered in the second round, the Brazilian unleashed a devastating right hook, immediately followed by a thunderous left hook that shattered Jingliang’s defenses and sent him collapsing to the canvas.

    With three fights and three spectacular finishes in the UFC, coupled with an impressive performance on Dana White’s Contender Series that secured his contract, Prates has swiftly become a fan favorite, even earning the admiration of Mendez, thanks to his lethal striking artistry…

    Mendez Hails Prates’ Striking As ‘Something To Behold’

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Mendez shared his admiration for Prates’ performance at UFC 305. The head coach at American Kickboxing Academy praised ‘The Nightmare’ for his elite striking skills, which he noted are seamlessly combined with an impressive fight IQ. Mendez also expressed his eagerness to see more of Prates, especially his ground game, in future bouts.

    “You remember I told you I never seen Carlos Prates?” Mendez said. “And what an unbelievable, calm, relaxed sniper that guy is. When he hurt Li, he didn’t even go for the kill; he kept his distance and kept picking him apart. I was so, so impressed with him, and now I understand why he was the favorite and why they’re so high on him. This guy, his striking—man, he’s something to behold. Let’s see what he does with the ground game, because there was no ground game with Li Jingliang.”

    “He didn’t even try to take him down, and he’s never been stopped either, so this guy just kept picking him apart, you know, with sniper shots. I mean, God, it was unbelievable. I was very, very impressed with his fight IQ—very impressive fighter. Looking forward to seeing him again. Next time I see something with him on it, I’ll definitely tune in because he’s impressive to watch.”

    “The Nightmare” has now demolished nine consecutive opponents by knockout, including every one of his Octagon appearances, with no opponent surviving beyond the second round. With such explosive knockout prowess, Prates is positioning himself as a formidable force in the UFC, with a bright future as a serious title contender on the horizon.

  • Former UFC Champions Pick Out The Perfect Fight For Israel Adesanya After UFC 305 Loss: ‘I Like His Chances…’

    Former UFC Champions Pick Out The Perfect Fight For Israel Adesanya After UFC 305 Loss: ‘I Like His Chances…’

    Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman recently took on the role of matchmakers, speculating on Israel Adesanya’s next move following his defeat to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305.

    “The Last Stylebender” succumbed to a fourth-round submission loss against the reigning UFC middleweight champion in his quest to reclaim the title for a third time last weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

    Although Adesanya showcased sharp striking and strong defensive wrestling in a highly competitive fight, Du Plessis turned the tide in the fourth round with a relentless barrage of punches that left the Nigerian-born Kiwi staggered. With great presence of mind, “Stillknocks” swiftly secured a takedown and moved in to seal the deal with a rear-naked choke.

    Following the defeat, a fleeting moment in the Octagon hinted that Adesanya might be contemplating retirement. As he removed his gloves, fans held their breath, thinking he was about to make an announcement during his post-fight interview with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier. However, it turned out that Adesanya’s gesture was merely a false alarm, with no real intention behind it.

    Now, after suffering the first submission loss of his career and enduring back-to-back defeats, “The Last Stylebender” finds himself at a pivotal crossroads. To reclaim his place in the title picture, he’ll need to embark on a challenging climb back to the top.

    Cejudo and Usman have pinpointed several middleweight contenders they believe would make compelling matchups for Adesanya’s next fight…

    Cejudo and Usman Split On Adesanya’s Next Possible Opponent

    During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Cejudo and Usman weighed in on who might be the ideal next opponent for Adesanya. “Triple C” proposed that the former middleweight champion should square off against Paulo Costa in a rematch, viewing it as a quick path back to title contention. Cejudo believes this matchup could position Adesanya for a shot at the winner of the anticipated Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland title fight.

    “If I’m Israel Adesanya, I’m looking to fight a troll in Paulo ‘Borrachinha’ too, you know, do a rematch with ‘Mr. Secret Juice’—a winnable fight for him,” Cejudo said. “Then he just waits, sees, and hopes that a guy like Sean Strickland wins, and then boom, he’s at the title once again.”

    Usman, however, took a different stance, questioning why Adesanya would bother facing Costa again when he’s already bested him. “The Nigerian Nightmare” instead argued that instead of revisiting old ground, Izzy should set his sights on new challenges.

    “Why would we go ‘Borrachinha’?” Usman said. “He’s lost to Israel Adesanya, lost to Sean Strickland, lost to Robert Whittaker. Why would we go to ‘Borrachinha’? Give him new blood, give him something that’s going to be intriguing. And there are intriguing fights right now. You’ve got the French dude [Nassourdine] Imavov—that is going to be a fantastic fight. You’ve got Khamzat Chimaev, which was the buildup for potentially that middleweight title picture when Israel was champion.

    “Those are fantastic fights, those are huge, and those are amazing fights where I actually think you can’t say that’s not a good fight. Because we’ve had this debate before, and we both agree—what happens when Israel Adesanya gets back up from Khamzat Chimaev? What happens when he’s able to not get taken down, stand there, and start to sharpshoot? We’ve had that debate before, and I like his chances.”

    While Adesanya maintains he’s far from done, he’s not setting a timeline for his next fight. With a 4-4 record in his last eight Octagon appearances, Izzy now faces the harsh reality of reassessing his path forward.

  • Classy Kamaru Usman Reacts To Du Plessis’ UFC 305 Win: ‘We’ve Moved On From Three Kings To Four Horsemen’

    Classy Kamaru Usman Reacts To Du Plessis’ UFC 305 Win: ‘We’ve Moved On From Three Kings To Four Horsemen’

    Kamaru Usman recently expressed his views on Dricus Du Plessis’ impressive win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.

    “Stillknocks” retained his UFC middleweight championship in commanding style last weekend, submitting Adesanya with a fourth-round rear-naked choke in a thrilling contest at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

    In a fiercely contested bout where neither fighter held back, Du Plessis displayed remarkable grit and determination. As the fight entered the championship rounds, the South African unleashed a relentless flurry of punches that left “The Last Stylebender” reeling. Seizing the momentum, the defending champion secured a takedown and swiftly transitioned to lock in a decisive submission.

    Despite a rivalry that had flared up and taken an ugly turn on multiple occasions, Du Plessis and Adesanya finally put their animosity to rest after their historic clash. The bout, steeped in a fierce cultural clash narrative, marked the UFC’s first-ever all-African title fight.

    Adesanya, originally born in Lagos, Nigeria, and later relocating to New Zealand at a young age, had previously accused Du Plessis of undermining the legacy of the “African Kings”. This tension began when “Stillknocks” had boldly claimed he wanted to be the ‘real’ African UFC champion.

    The title of “African Kings” was a prestigious moniker bestowed upon Adesanya, alongside Usman and Francis Ngannou, during a time when the trio simultaneously held UFC belts, representing the continent on the global stage.

    “The Nigerian Nightmare” provided a nuanced perspective about the heated feud heading into UFC 305 and also his thoughts on where Du Plessis fits into UFC’s African elite.

    Usman Includes Du Plessis In UFC’s African Elite

    During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman delved into Du Plessis’ victory over Adesanya at UFC 305. However, the conversation quickly escalated into a lively debate when the former UFC welterweight champion voiced his displeasure over Cejudo’s lighthearted remark – where he dubbed Du Plessis the “Real African King.”

    “I understand it was a whole marketing thing for Dricus Du Plessis, which he might not have necessarily meant in the way that Israel might have taken it,” Usman said. “But you have to be careful because it’s dangerous—it’s very, very dangerous. You have to be careful with what you say because now we’re in a position to influence the masses in the world. So, with power—I say it all the time—with great power comes great responsibility. When you have that platform and you have that mic in your hand, you have to be careful with what you say.”

    “The Nigerian Nightmare” went on to emphasize that Du Plessis is actually the fourth African champion.

    “So to say, ‘Oh, I’m the real African,’ that’s completely crazy. And for you [Cejudo] to say that perpetually, ‘Oh, he’s the real African king,’ I know you’re just joking, but it’s not—this is how division continues to be perpetuated. Dricus Du Plessis is the fourth African champion right now, so there are four horsemen. We’ve moved on from the three kings to where now it’s four horsemen. So to continue to perpetuate this whole ‘Oh, African king’ or this or that, that’s ridiculous.”

  • Darren Till Bemoans Negative Reaction To His UFC 305 Advice For Israel Adesanya: ‘You Just Have To Love The Internet’

    Darren Till Bemoans Negative Reaction To His UFC 305 Advice For Israel Adesanya: ‘You Just Have To Love The Internet’

    Darren Till recently expressed frustration with the backlash he received online after offering fight advice for Israel Adesanya’s upcoming bout against Dricus Du Plessis.

    “The Last Stylebender” is poised to challenge the reigning middleweight champion in the main event of UFC 305, set to take place this weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

    Drawing upon his own encounter with Du Plessis at UFC 282 in December 2022, Till recently took to X to offer Adesanya some strategic insights for his highly anticipated return. He highlighted the critical role of feints, advising Adesanya to use them to provoke overreactions from Du Plessis, who has a tendency to overcommit under pressure.

    “The Gorilla” suggested that Adesanya maintain his distance and wait for the perfect moment to unleash his powerful strike combinations. Reflecting on his own fight, Till noted that “Stillknocks” often charges in recklessly and urged the Nigeria-born Kiwi to be cautious in those moments. Instead of retreating, the Brit advised that Adesanya should stand his ground and counter with a well-timed strike, turning Du Plessis’ aggression into an opportunity for a decisive blow.

    Till’s analysis and fight recommendations were grounded in realism and could prove invaluable for the former longtime champion. However, what he didn’t foresee was the wave of mockery from fans, who quickly turned on “The Gorilla” due to his loss to Du Plessis.

    Now, the former UFC star has a few words for the MMA community…

    Till Strikes Back At Critics Of UFC 305 Advice For Adesanya

    Frustrated by the torrent of online criticism following his advice to Adesanya, Till recently took to X to clap back at his naysayers.

    The former UFC welterweight title challenger highlighted the irony of the MMA community, pointing out that while fans are quick to impose their opinions, they rejected his insights simply because they came from an ex-UFC fighter.

    “MMA fans & trolls are the best. I see them all the time giving advice to fighters and opinions, etc,” Till tweeted. “But me…. An ex-UFC fighter is not allowed to give anyone advice cos they jump on saying what do I know, etc… Arghhhh, swear to god, you just have to love the internet. It’s great…”

    After a series of tough losses in the Octagon, “The Gorilla” chose to part ways with the UFC and stepped into the world of free agency. He returned to competition for the first time since UFC 282, making his squared-circle debut in a four-round exhibition bout against Mohammad Mutie at Social Knockout 3 last month.

    Till secured a second-round TKO, but the future of the 31-year-old Scouser in combat sports now remains uncertain.

  • Demetrious Johnson Predicts Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya At UFC 305: ‘If He Does Not Impose His Will…’

    Demetrious Johnson Predicts Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya At UFC 305: ‘If He Does Not Impose His Will…’

    Demetrious Johnson recently shared his prediction for the highly anticipated middleweight clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.

    Du Plessis will defend his UFC middleweight title for the first time in a rivalry-charged showdown against Adesanya, headlining the upcoming pay-per-view event this weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

    The two fighters have been caught in a maelstrom of animosity for some time now and were originally expected to clash in September 2023. However, an injury sidelined “Stillknocks.” Consequently, Sean Strickland took the South African’s spot and dethroned Adesanya in a short-notice bout at UFC 293.

    Following his loss, “The Last Stylebender” announced he would be stepping away from the Octagon for a while, choosing to focus on his mental health and reassess his career trajectory. During his absence, Du Plessis made a powerful comeback, defeating Strickland in a hard-fought split decision at UFC 297 to claim the 185-pound title.

    Even after returning from a loss and a year-long hiatus, Adesanya is still widely regarded as the favorite against Du Plessis, likely due to his exceptional distance control and top-tier striking skills.

    “Mighty Mouse” believes these attributes give the Nigerian-born Kiwi a massive edge over a formidable power puncher like Du Plessis…

    Johnson Confident Adesanya Shuts Down Du Plessis In Close-Range Fight

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Johnson weighed in on the upcoming title clash between Du Plessis and Adesanya.

    The reigning ONE Championship flyweight champion emphasized that the outcome of this fight will likely hinge on how well each fighter manages distance and navigates close-pocket exchanges.

    “There is no secret I’m a big Izzy fan. I hope he wins,” Johnson said. “If Izzy does not go out there and (impose) his will on DDP, I think it’s going to be a long night for Izzy Adesanya. He does a very good job creating that void between him and his opponent and forcing them to come across the distance with his feints, his teeps, his high kicks, and his inside kicks—whatnot. That’s what he does best.”

    “Mighty Mouse” went on to say that it will be crucial to observe how much Adesanya has evolved since his last fight and whether he can keep his emotions in check, avoiding reckless charges against “Stillknocks,” a masterful counter-striker.

    “I’m looking at this fight to see how Izzy bounces back from his last loss against Sean Strickland,” Johnson added. “How is he going to approach this fight against DDP? There’s a lot of bad blood. Is Izzy going to let emotions take over the fight? I don’t foresee DDP knocking out Izzy unless Izzy makes a mistake. But if Izzy hasn’t evolved to where he’s like how he fought Robert Whittaker the first time, when he was sitting there hunting, it’s a risky game… If Izzy goes out there, implements and executes his game plan, and forces DDP to make a bad choice, to overextend in the void, or just goes out there and works him, I have Izzy winning that fight.”

    “The Last Stylebender” is returning from the longest layoff of his UFC career, and all eyes will be on how he has grown, both physically and mentally, to overcome a formidable challenge like Du Plessis.

    Adesanya is presently enduring the most arduous phase of his career inside the Octagon, having gone 4-3 across his last seven bouts.

  • Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña, ‘Wonderboy’ vs. Joaquin Buckley, & Other Fights Announced For UFC 307

    Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña, ‘Wonderboy’ vs. Joaquin Buckley, & Other Fights Announced For UFC 307

    UFC 307 heralds the MMA promotion’s return to Salt Lake City, Utah, with a stacked fight card lined up for October 5 at the Delta Center.

    On Friday UFC CEO Dana White revealed that the 11th numbered event will be headlined by light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira, who will defend his title for the third time in 2024, this time against Khalil Rountree.

    In the co-main event of UFC 307, reigning women’s bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington puts her title on the line against former 135-pound queen Julianna Peña.

    Pennington is set to make her first title defense since capturing the belt by unanimous decision against Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC 297 in January. The title was vacant at the time, following Amanda Nunes’ retirement.

    Meanwhile, Peña is making her long-awaited return to the Octagon after an extended hiatus of over two years. She famously pulled off a major upset with a second-round submission victory over “The Lioness” at UFC 269, only to fall short in their rematch seven months later at UFC 277, losing by unanimous decision.

    The undercard of this pay-per-view spectacle will feature an intriguing welterweight showdown between the seasoned Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and the surging Joaquin Buckley. Thompson last competed at UFC 296, where he suffered a second-round submission loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov. On the other hand, “New Mansa” is riding a wave of momentum with a four-fight win streak since dropping down to 170 pounds. His most recent victory came by decision against Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Fight Night St. Louis this past May.

    What Other Fights Are On The UFC 307 Card?

    The UFC 307 fight card is packed with exciting matchups, including the return of former featherweight champion José Aldo, who is set to take on the rapidly rising Mario Bautista in a bantamweight showdown. Another highlight of the night will be the clash between two-time Olympic gold medalist judoka Kayla Harrison and Ketlen Vieira in a pivotal 135-pound bout.

    Elsewhere on the card, Kevin Holland is slated to face Roman Dolidze in an intense middleweight showdown. Announced earlier this year, meanwhile, was a clash between undefeated featherweight Movsar Evloev and former bantamweight titleholder Aljamain Sterling.

    With these additions to the card, the current fights expected to take place at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City on Oct. 5 are as follows:

    • Alex Pereira (C) vs. Khalil Rountree (light heavyweight championship main event)
    • Raquel Pennington (C) vs. Julianna Peña (women’s bantamweight championship co-main event)
    • Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling (bantamweight)
    • Stephen Thompson vs. Joaquin Buckley (welterweight)
    • Ketlen Vieira vs. Kayla Harrison (women’s bantamweight)
    • José Aldo vs. Mario Bautista (bantamweight)
    • Carla Esparza vs. Tecia Pennington (women’s strawweight)
    • Roman Dolidze vs. Kevin Holland (middleweight)
    • Marina Rodriguez vs. Iasmin Lucindo (women’s strawweight)
    • Ihor Potieria vs. Cesar Almeida (middleweight)
  • Daniel Cormier Passes Verdict On Dricus Du Plessis’ Champ-Champ Aspirations

    Daniel Cormier Passes Verdict On Dricus Du Plessis’ Champ-Champ Aspirations

    Daniel Cormier recently weighed in on reigning UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis’ ambitions to become a two-division titleholder in the future.

    “Stillknocks” is set to make his first title defense against former longtime champion Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305, which will take place this weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

    Du Plessis was targeted to challenge “The Last Stylebender” at UFC 293, but an injury forced him to withdraw. During his absence, Adesanya suffered an upset, losing the middleweight title to Sean Strickland in a short-notice bout last September.

    The South African staged an impressive comeback, narrowly defeating Strickland in a grueling split decision at UFC 297 to claim the middleweight title. Now, heading into UFC 305, he has boldly declared his intent to conquer Adesanya and has already mapped out his future plans.

    During an appearance on The Sias Du Plessis Show in May, “Stillknocks” laid out his ambitious plans. He stated that after defeating Adesanya, his next move would likely be to defend his middleweight title against either Khamzat Chimaev or Robert Whittaker, who are set to face off at UFC 308 in October. Following that, he plans to move up to the light heavyweight division, aiming to achieve his dream of becoming a champ-champ.

    Cormier, one of the select few to have held UFC titles in two divisions, endorsed Du Plessis’ goals, expressing confidence that they are well within reach…

    Cormier States He’s ‘Done Doubting’ Du Plessis’ Capabilities

    During a recent interview with Submission Radio, “DC” shared his insights on Du Plessis’ upcoming title defense against Adesanya. The UFC Hall of Famer praised “Stillknocks” for mastering a highly unorthodox fighting style that leaves his opponents struggling to decipher his moves. Cormier believes this unique approach will be a key factor in Du Plessis’ success at UFC 305.

    “The problem with Dricus is that the things he does don’t look like everybody else’s. His feet may cross at an odd time, he may throw a punch from a weird angle, or he might do a takedown in a weird way, but it’s working. So you have to accept that just because it looks different, it’s not wrong—it’s his way, right? It’s his style, and he’s mastered it. He’s mastered it to the point that he’s the world champion. So I think that awkwardness will play to his benefit on Saturday night.”

    Cormier expressed confidence in Du Plessis’ ability to successfully make the leap to the light heavyweight division, saying he’s seen enough from the South African to believe in his potential. However, he noted that success will also hinge on securing favorable matchups.

    “I’m not doubting him no more. I’m just done doubting Dricus Du Plessis, man. I think he can do whatever he wants, you know? He’s shown time and time again that he can do anything, and Alex Pereira showed that it’s possible, right? Going from middleweight to light heavyweight and winning, and winning a lot. So yeah, I think he could, under the right circumstances. A lot of times it’s about matchups, right? The right person holding the belt is what makes you make that decision, and I think with the right matchup, Dricus can be a double champ.”

    Du Plessis is riding a seven-fight undefeated streak in the Octagon. Before joining the UFC, he made his mark as a double champion in the South African MMA promotion EFC, where he claimed both the welterweight and middleweight titles.

  • Mateusz Gamrot Feels UFC 305 Main Event Similar To Dan Hooker Match Up: ‘High-Level Striker But Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu Not Super…’

    Mateusz Gamrot Feels UFC 305 Main Event Similar To Dan Hooker Match Up: ‘High-Level Striker But Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu Not Super…’

    Mateusz Gamrot recently predicted that the UFC 305 main event between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya would play out much like his own showdown with Dan Hooker.

    UFC 305 is set to rock the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, this weekend with a stacked array of fights. The highly anticipated pay-per-view will be headlined by a middleweight title clash, where Du Plessis defends his UFC belt for the first time against Adesanya. The co-main event features a high-stakes flyweight showdown between Kai Kara-France and Steve Erceg, while the main card also boasts a pivotal lightweight bout between Gamrot and Hooker.

    “The Last Stylebender” enters this fight after the longest hiatus of his UFC career, following a shocking title loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023. Despite coming off a defeat and a year-long layoff, Adesanya is still slightly favored to win against Du Plessis, largely due to his dominant title reign and highly technical fighting style.

    However, Gamrot believes that Adesanya has some vulnerabilities that “Stillknocks” will exploit, much like he plans to do against his own opponent, Hooker…

    Gamrot Believes Adesanya’s Wrestling Falls Short Of His Striking

    During UFC 305 media day on Wednesday, Gamrot offered his prediction for the main event. “Gamer” acknowledged that while Adesanya’s striking is exceptional, he falls short when it comes to wrestling and grappling. Gamrot predicted that Du Plessis will exploit these weaknesses to put Adesanya under pressure, much like he intends to do against Hooker in their own bout.

    “I think Dricus [will win],” Gamrot said. “I like the guy, we have a good relationship. He is good everywhere like he’s—maybe this matchup is similar to my matchup against Hooker. So, Adesanya is a high-level striker, but his wrestling and jiu-jitsu, I think, are not super. I don’t know, but I can think about that—jiu-jitsu and wrestling are not at the same level as his striking. So if Dricus takes him down, then the fight will be much easier for him, and I think the power is much different between Adesanya and Dricus. So, my prediction is that Dricus will win this fight.”

    “Gamer” is riding a three-fight win streak and is set to return to the Octagon after a commanding unanimous decision victory over Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 299 this past March.

    Gamrot enters UFC 305 with a distinct advantage, thanks to his wrestling-heavy style, which could pose serious problems for “The Hangman”, who prefers to keep the fight standing.

  • Kai Kara-France Suggests Muhammad Mokaev’s Fighting Style Made UFC Release Inevitable: ‘This Isn’t Doing The Bare Minimum Just To Win…’

    Kai Kara-France Suggests Muhammad Mokaev’s Fighting Style Made UFC Release Inevitable: ‘This Isn’t Doing The Bare Minimum Just To Win…’

    Kai Kara-France recently suggested that Muhammad Mokaev’s grappling-centric approach was a key factor leading to his release from the UFC.

    Mokaev secured a unanimous decision victory over Manel Kape in their heated grudge match at UFC 304 last month. The intense rivalry between the two flyweight contenders spilled over into an eventful fight week, marked by several unsightly confrontations and even a brief physical altercation.

    Despite earning his seventh consecutive victory in the Octagon, UFC CEO Dana White revealed during the UFC 304 post-fight press conference that “The Punisher” would not be re-signed.

    White clarified that the decision to release Mokaev wasn’t merely due to his perceived uninspiring fighting style but was largely influenced by a series of out-of-competition issues that made the matchmakers reluctant to offer him a new contract.

    Mokaev acknowledged that his conduct was out of line and issued a public apology to the UFC through a series of posts on X. Despite his remorse and even offering to fight for free, the MMA promotion remained steadfast in their decision, leading to his removal from the official flyweight rankings.

    “Don’t Blink,” who is slated to co-headline the UFC 305 card this weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, against Steve Erceg, believes that Mokaev’s release is justified…

    Kara-France Takes Aim at Mokaev After UFC Release: ‘This Is The Hurt Business’

    During the UFC 305 media day on Wednesday, Kara-France shared his thoughts on the current landscape of the UFC flyweight division and his upcoming bout against Erceg. The former interim title challenger emphasized that the division is wide open, with a title shot up for grabs for anyone who delivers a strong performance against top-tier opponents.

    “It’s a funny time for flyweights, especially as contenders, because it’s wide open—anyone can beat anyone, and anyone can get a title shot,” Kara-France said. “When I told my coach Eugene [Bareman] and my manager Ash [Ashley Belcastro] I want to fight on this Perth card, Steve’s name came across the table, and straight away we knew this was the fight to take. We want to fight the guys that just fought for the belt, and that’s how I took it back to fighting for a world title—take him out in his hometown, and look, whoever’s the champ when it’s time to go, that’s the clear pathway.”

    “Don’t Blink” went on to comment on Mokaev’s departure from the UFC, suggesting that it was largely due to his fighting style. He emphasized that in MMA, it’s not just about winning—it’s about putting on a show. Fans and the promotion want to see fighters who are willing to leave it all in the Octagon and truly entertain.

    “There’s been a lot of guys that have come through and done really well. Mokaev is a guy that was obviously winning, but this isn’t wrestling, this isn’t grappling, this isn’t doing the bare minimum just to win—this is an entertainment sport, this is the hurt business. If you’re not in there to entertain and lay it all on the line, people want to see that heart, that courage, that willingness to go all in and get the knockout. Or not just the knockout, but go in there and show why you should be co-headlining, not on the prelims. That’s why Steve and I are in this position because that’s what we do—we go out there and fight, not just talk about it and build it up.”

    Kara-France is returning to the Octagon after a year-long hiatus following a controversial split-decision loss to Amir Albazi in June 2023. The 31-year-old New Zealander is currently on a two-fight skid, which also includes a TKO defeat at the hands of Brendon Moreno during their interim title clash at UFC 277 in July 2022.

    “Don’t Blink” is eager to reverse his fortunes and reclaim his spot in the title conversation with a decisive victory over Erceg this weekend.

  • Dan Hooker Narrates Hilarious Story Of Becoming Friends With A Fan He Threw A Drink On

    Dan Hooker Narrates Hilarious Story Of Becoming Friends With A Fan He Threw A Drink On

    Dan Hooker recently shared an amusing story about how he struck up an unlikely friendship with a fan, despite their first encounter involving him tossing a drink at them.

    Earlier this month, “The Hangman” attended a rugby match at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, accompanied by his City Kickboxing teammate Kai Kara-France, to cheer on their prized New Zealand Warriors as they faced off against the Parramatta Eels.

    As the match progressed, the Parramatta Eels started to gain the upper hand, which was already enough to frustrate Hooker. But to make matters worse, a fan began taunting, pushing him past his breaking point.

    In a viral video making the rounds on social media, the UFC lightweight fighter is seen dashing through the stands before launching a drink at the fan, hitting him squarely. The fan seemed intent on continuing his taunts at Hooker, who responded by playfully pretending to hurl his shoe in retaliation.

    Thankfully, what started as a tense moment turned out to be lighthearted banter, as “The Hangman” and the fan have since patched things up and are now on friendly terms…

    Hooker & Fan Plan To Catch The Next Game Together

    During the UFC 305 media day on Wednesday, Hooker gave a full account of his encounter with the fan at the recent Warriors vs. Parramatta Eels game.

    “So Kai invited me to watch our home team, The Warriors, and as you know, I’m a very passionate Warriors supporter,” Hooker said. “And there was another cob from the other team, the Parramatta Eels, and he was standing up there, rubbing it in. The boys were getting pumped; I think we were 20 points down at halftime, and every time they scored, he was kind of rubbing it in. So I said, ‘I’m going to start getting into this bloke,’ so we were absolutely spraying each other. It was like the most fun I’ve had at the game in a long time. And then, every time they scored, he was getting up, and he was looking at me and going, ‘Hey, you like that, Hangman?

    The 34-year-old New Zealander revealed that after their playful exchange, he made amends with the fan through social media and even promised to join him for the next game at the stadium.

    Usually, if you have seen me before, I throw my shoes at people, but I had my Timberlands boots on, and I don’t throw my Timberlands, so I fired a drink at them. But he messaged me after, and he’s like, ‘I wanted to grab a picture with you, where’d you go?’ And I said, ‘Oh, Kai made me leave, so I had to go home.’ But no, I messaged him. I follow him on Instagram now. I said we’ll go to the next game together, and we can just spray each other sitting next to each other.”

    “The Hangman” is poised to make his long-awaited return after a year-long hiatus due to a hand injury as he faces off against Mateusz Gamrot on the main card of UFC 305. The upcoming pay-per-view event is set to take place this weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

    Hooker is currently fueled by the surge of a two-fight win streak, with his most recent triumph being a hard-fought split-decision victory over Jalin Turner at UFC 290 in July 2023. He was initially slated to make his comeback against Bobby Green at UFC Fight Night Austin last December, but an unfortunate setback forced him to withdraw after re-injuring his arm.

  • ‘Big’ John McCarthy Admonishes Israel Adesanya For Previous In-Octagon Lack Of Conduct: ‘I Would Have Taken Points From Him!’

    ‘Big’ John McCarthy Admonishes Israel Adesanya For Previous In-Octagon Lack Of Conduct: ‘I Would Have Taken Points From Him!’

    “Big” John McCarthy recently took Israel Adesanya to task, criticizing the former UFC middleweight champion for his past lapses in Octagon etiquette.

    “The Last Stylebender” is slated to challenge reigning titleholder Dricus Du Plessis in the long-awaited main event of UFC 305, set to unfold this weekend at the iconic RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

    Adesanya is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished middleweight champions in UFC history, boasting an impressive five successful title defenses. However, he’s just as well known for his flair and flamboyance inside and outside the Octagon, where his antics have become almost as famous as his fighting style.

    The Nigerian-born Kiwi is equally notorious for his sharp-tongued trash talk, a skill he uses to rattle his opponents. A standout moment occurred at UFC 290 in July 2023, when Adesanya stormed into the Octagon and unleashed a tirade of profanity-laced insults at Du Plessis, ignited by the South African’s provocative comments questioning Adesanya’s African heritage.

    Similarly, after his TKO win over Paulo Costa at UFC 253 in September 2020, “The Last Stylebender” stirred controversy with his post-fight antics, delivering a few humiliating parting “humps” from behind to his opponent.

    “Big John,” often hailed as the pioneer of MMA refereeing, strongly disapproves of Adesanya’s behavior…

    McCarthy Says He Would Have Corrected Adesanya’s Attitude

    During a recent episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast with Josh Thomson, McCarthy weighed in on the brewing animosity between Du Plessis and Adesanya ahead of their clash at UFC 305. The seasoned MMA referee predicted that once the fight concludes, the tension between them will dissipate, and they will likely show mutual respect toward each other.

    “The whole point is, like, all of that goes out the window when they fight,” McCarthy said. “It’s not about where you’re from, it’s about what you bring.”

    McCarthy went on to voice his disdain for Adesanya’s post-fight actions with Costa, stating that had he been the referee for that bout, he would have unequivocally impressed upon Izzy that such behavior tarnishes the integrity of the sport.

    “Izzy’s done a lot of things. If you take a look, he did the whole thing, if you remember, with Paulo Costa. Okay, I’m telling you right now, if I was refereeing that fight, I would have stopped the fight. I would have f**king taken him off. I would have f**king taken points from him. I would have f**king changed his attitude as far as ‘What do you think you’re doing?’ Okay? You don’t do things in that cage that are disrespectful to the sport, disrespectful to your promoter, disrespectful to the fans, disrespectful to your opponent. You don’t do it. You know, you get the chance to—you can punch him in the face, but you don’t have to do the other bullsh*t.”