MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • Steve Erceg Backs ‘Precedent’ Set By Releasing Muhammad Mokaev After Alleged Behavior Toward UFC Staff: ‘The Way He Was Treating The Nutrition Team…’

    Steve Erceg Backs ‘Precedent’ Set By Releasing Muhammad Mokaev After Alleged Behavior Toward UFC Staff: ‘The Way He Was Treating The Nutrition Team…’

    Steve Erceg recently supported the UFC’s decision not to extend Muhammad Mokaev’s contract, highlighting his alleged misconduct towards staff as a justified move.

    Mokaev secured a unanimous decision victory over Manel Kape at UFC 304 last weekend in a bout marred by turmoil. The drama began at the hotel, where both fighters engaged in a heated altercation. “The Punisher” later confessed to initiating the scuffle by sucker-punching Kape. Tensions ran high as the two nearly clashed at several media events leading up to their bout.

    After his triumph over Kape, Mokaev announced the completion of his UFC contract and expressed hopes for a new deal. However, at the UFC 304 post-event press conference, UFC CEO Dana White responded to Mokaev’s statements, revealing that the undefeated flyweight would not receive a new contract offer.

    White conceded that Mokaev might not be the most captivating fighter on the roster but hinted that the 24-year-old Russian-born Englishman’s complications with the UFC go well beyond his fighting style in the Octagon.

    The UFC’s decision not to re-sign “The Punisher” sparked speculation that he had initiated talks with the PFL prior to the contract’s conclusion. However, these rumors were swiftly quashed by Mokaev’s manager, Tim Simpson, who firmly denied any such negotiations had taken place.

    “Astroboy” believes that the MMA promotion severed ties with Mokaev due to his inappropriate behavior towards staff and fighters alike…

    Erceg Claims Mokaev’s ‘Entitled’ Attitude Didn’t Sit Well With UFC

    During a recent interview with MMA journalist James Lynch, Erceg discussed Mokaev’s departure from the UFC, attributing the decision to “The Punisher’s” disruptive behavior. The Aussie remarked that Mokaev’s antics were a driving force behind the release and praised the organization for establishing a standard to serve as a cautionary example.

    “I was very surprised, but I think it’s a cool little precedent to set,” Erceg said. “You can’t go around starting fights and jumping other fighters. Getting a photo and then sucker-punching him [Kape] is unacceptable. It’s a coward mentality, I think. The way he treats people, I don’t know if fans get to see it, but he just seems like he’s a little entitled and thinks he’s very important, which I don’t particularly like, and obviously, the UFC didn’t like.”

    “Astroboy” further revealed that he shared a UFC Fight Night card with Mokaev this past March. During that time, he observed the Manchester native exhibiting poor conduct toward the UFC personnel.

    “I saw it when I fought on the same card as him, just the way he was treating the nutrition team and that sort of thing from the UFC. Just little things that are disrespectful. I thought it was odd, but he’s a young kid. Hopefully, he’ll learn from this moment.”

    It seems that Mokaev is indeed out of the UFC for now, as he was recently removed from the organization’s rankings in their latest update.

    However, with a promising career ahead and an impressive undefeated record, Mokaev’s considerable skillset is likely to attract plenty of interest from other promotions.

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  • UFC Interim Champ Tom Aspinall On Whether He Expects ‘Tricky, Slimy, & Snaky’ Jon Jones To Ever Fight Him

    UFC Interim Champ Tom Aspinall On Whether He Expects ‘Tricky, Slimy, & Snaky’ Jon Jones To Ever Fight Him

    Tom Aspinall recently admitted he is uncertain whether he will ever have the opportunity to face Jon Jones in the Octagon.

    Following his dazzling performance in front of his home crowd at UFC 304, where he knocked out Curtis Blaydes in just 60 seconds to secure his third consecutive knockout victory, the Brit continued to campaign for a title unification bout against the reigning UFC heavyweight champion. However, Jones has persistently rebuffed the challenge, going so far as to undermine Aspinall’s position as the interim champion.

    Aspinall is the current interim heavyweight titleholder, a title he claimed at UFC 295 in November 2023 after “Bones” was forced to pull out of his matchup with Stipe Miocic due to a torn pectoral muscle. Ideally, the 31-year-old Salford native would be gearing up for an undisputed championship bout later this year. Instead, he remains on the periphery, while Jones is expected to face Miocic in a fight targeted for November.

    During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Aspinall was asked about the possibility of ever facing “Bones.” The interim champ voiced his uncertainty and raised doubts about Jones’ intentions, questioning whether he will actually go through with the fight against Miocic.

    “I have no idea. I like to think he would, but we don’t know at this point if Jon Jones is even fighting Stipe. We have no idea,” Aspinall said. “Jon Jones is a bit of an unusual guy; you don’t see what you get with Jones, and you don’t get what you see. He’s tricky, slimy, and snaky—he does different movements. He says one thing and does another. So I don’t know. I have no idea, to be honest.”

    Aspinall Opens Up About Serving As Backup for A Possible Jones-Miocic Clash

    At the UFC 304 post-event press conference, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Aspinall will serve as the backup fighter in case either Jones or Miocic is unable to step into the Octagon.

    In the aforementioned interview, Aspinall expressed his eagerness to step in as the backup and asserted his confidence and readiness in his abilities to defeat both Jones and Miocic, even on a day’s notice.

    “Yep, I’ll be there. I’ll do that, and I’d fight those guys on an hour’s notice if they needed me to. Listen, mate, I can beat both of these guys, no problem. If I’ve got to do it on a day’s notice, I can do it easily, so I’ll be there to take my opportunity if it presents itself.”

    The possibility of a Jones vs. Aspinall showdown is captivating the MMA community, yet its realization appears remote. Jones remains resolute in his intention to face Miocic upon his return and has even suggested that he might retire after that fight.

  • Georges St-Pierre’s Coach Heaps Praise On Belal Muhammad’s Mentality For UFC 304 Win Over Leon Edwards: ‘Covington Couldn’t Take Him Down!’

    Georges St-Pierre’s Coach Heaps Praise On Belal Muhammad’s Mentality For UFC 304 Win Over Leon Edwards: ‘Covington Couldn’t Take Him Down!’

    Georges St-Pierre’s esteemed head coach, Firas Zahabi, recently showered accolades on Belal Muhammad for his tenacious performance against Leon Edwards at UFC 304.

    “Remember the Name” dethroned the defending UFC welterweight champion last weekend at the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester, United Kingdom. This highly anticipated bout was their second encounter, following their initial fight in March 2021, which concluded in a no-contest due to an accidental eye-poke that prevented Muhammad from continuing past the second round.

    Muhammad opened the fight with vigor, swiftly executing a takedown that showcased his superior wrestling skills. His fluid blend of takedowns and sharp boxing set the pace early on. In the second round, the American ramped up his offense, slamming “Rocky” headfirst into the canvas and seizing control of the match.

    Edwards mounted a fierce comeback in the fourth round, unleashing a flurry of potent strikes. However, Muhammad closed the distance and secured another takedown, maintaining dominant control for the majority of the round. The Englishman managed to reverse the position in the final round, raining down a torrent of elbows that inflicted significant damage on Muhammad’s nose, but his relentless assault wasn’t enough to sway the judges’ scorecards in his favor.

    The official scores of the fight were 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, decisively naming “Remember the Name” as the new UFC welterweight champion.

    Zahabi believes that Muhammad deployed an impressive array of techniques against Edwards…

    Zahabi Credits Muhammad’s Victory Over Edwards to His Self-Belief

    In a recent video on the Tristar Gym YouTube channel, Zahabi analyzed the title fight between Edwards and Muhammad. The esteemed MMA coach lauded the challenger, noting that overcoming a fighter like “Rocky”, known for his exceptional takedown defense, was achievable only through Muhammad’s unwavering confidence in his grappling prowess.

    “His boxing was excellent, and his double leg was even better,” Zahabi said. “The way he locked it up, the way he had his back straight, stunning performance. That’s no easy fight. Leon Edwards ain’t no easy fight. Colby Covington couldn’t take him down. Colby Covington, the guy who’s been wrestling his entire life, the guy who was supposed to be the top wrestler in the UFC, he couldn’t do it. He couldn’t do it. How come Belal was taking him down over and over again with such belief? Belal has so much belief in his takedowns.”

    Zahabi went on to highlight how “Remember the Name” has improved his skillset to an entirely new level since his first fight against Edwards.

    “That’s a very different Belal Muhammad. I think Leon Edwards really underestimated Belal Muhammad. I really think he underestimated him, which was a huge mistake because Belal has really improved in the last three years. He was a great fighter then; he’s a much better fighter now.”

    With his recent victory, Muhammad extended his impressive unbeaten streak to 11 consecutive fights in the Octagon.

    Although the Chicago native hasn’t yet named an opponent for his first title defense, Shavkat Rakhmonov stands out as the most likely contender.

  • Cory Sandhagen Dismisses Phobia Surrounding The ‘Nurmagomedov’ Name: ‘No One’s Seen Me Defensively Wrestle!’

    Cory Sandhagen Dismisses Phobia Surrounding The ‘Nurmagomedov’ Name: ‘No One’s Seen Me Defensively Wrestle!’

    Cory Sandhagen recently shrugged off any apprehensions typically linked with the ‘Nurmagomedov’ name in the MMA world as he gears up for his bout against Umar Nurmagomedov.

    Sandhagen is set to clash with Umar in a high-stakes bantamweight showdown in the main event of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi, which is slated to take place this weekend at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates.

    With divisional champion Sean O’Malley set to defend his title against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 next month, the victor of Saturday night’s bout could end up in line to challenge the winner of that highly anticipated showdown.

    Both fighters were initially scheduled to face off at UFC Fight Night Nashville in August 2023. However, Nurmagomedov was forced to withdraw just weeks before the event due to a shoulder injury. Consequently, Sandhagen took on late-replacement Rob Font in a catchweight matchup and emerged victorious.

    Umar enters the fight surrounded by considerable hype, thanks to his ties to the legendary Nurmagomedov family. As a cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov and the elder brother of Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, the 28-year-old Dagestani is also renowned for his exceptional grappling and submission skills.

    Despite this formidable lineage and the reputation it carries, “The Sandman” remains unfazed by any accompanying stigma…

    Sandhagen Brims With Confidence In His Preparation for Umar

    In a recent media session leading up to his August 3 fight, Sandhagen offered insights into his matchup with Umar. The former UFC interim title challenger revealed that he has dedicated extensive effort to preparing for this bout and is confident that his hard work will yield significant rewards on fight night.

    “I had to work a lot of overtime hours to make sure that I was prepared for this fight,” Sandhagen said. “But yeah, I mean, the rankings, him coming up, the odds, the bettors—I could honestly give a sh*t or less. I’m focused on what I’m going to do on Saturday and that’s executing under the lights, and I can’t wait for that. It’s weird that people are counting me out for this one.”

    “The Sandman” further brushed off concerns about Nurmagomedov’s reputation for dominance, emphasizing instead that he matches his opponent’s wrestling prowess.

    “No one’s seen me defensively wrestle, almost ever, you know, except for the situation with [Aljamain] Sterling. That’s what we’ll call that loss—a situation. The situation with Sterling was, what, four years ago? I was two years into my career then; I’m six or seven years into my career now, and still no one’s really seen it. So it’s just another element that I get to show to people.”

    Sandhagen has long been a fixture among the elite in the UFC’s bantamweight division, fueled by his relentless quest for a title. Currently on a three-fight winning streak, the 32-year-old Colorado native has delivered standout performances against Song Yadong, Marlon Vera, and Rob Font.

  • Henry Cejudo Dislikes UFC’s Continued Patronage Of Tony Ferguson: ‘I Think You Have To Give Other People Opportunities…’

    Henry Cejudo Dislikes UFC’s Continued Patronage Of Tony Ferguson: ‘I Think You Have To Give Other People Opportunities…’

    Henry Cejudo recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the UFC’s ongoing support of Tony Ferguson, suggesting that the promotion should now shift its focus to new contenders and fresh talent.

    Ferguson is gearing up for what could be the final chapter in his Octagon career. He is set to face off against Michael Chiesa in a welterweight clash on the main card of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi, scheduled for this weekend at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates.

    Once hailed as the most intimidating fighter in the UFC lightweight division, “El Cucuy” surged through a 12-fight unbeaten streak, securing the interim championship with a victory over Kevin Lee at UFC 216 in October 2017 during that remarkable run.

    However, the 40-year-old Californian’s ascent took a sharp downturn following a tough defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 in May 2020, which decisively shattered his unbeaten run. Currently, Ferguson is mired in a string of setbacks, tying the promotion’s record for the longest losing streak with seven consecutive losses. “Triple C” believes it’s time for the UFC to part ways with Ferguson…

    Cejudo Claims Ferguson Is Long Past His Competitive Best

    During a recent episode of Pound 4 Pound with former champ Kamaru Usman, Cejudo weighed in on the upcoming fight between Ferguson and Chiesa. The former UFC two-division champion argued that, given “El Cucuy’s” string of defeats, the UFC should offer other fighters a chance to shine on the main card and consider releasing the veteran lightweight.

    “I don’t like it personally; I’m surprised,” Cejudo said. “I think you’ve got to give other people opportunities to be on main cards too. Tony has had his last, what, seven fights or six fights or something crazy in a row. I’m just like, man, he’s not the same Tony who fought Kevin Lee before that. But he’s not the same guy, man.”

    “Triple C” further noted that Chiesa might pose a challenging matchup for Ferguson, given that “Maverick” is larger and enters the fight with fresher legs.

    “I think Tony’s on his way out. I think if the UFC wants to give him a better fight, they should match him with someone whose style suits him a bit more. I think Chiesa is just stronger, especially moving up a weight class. I feel like Chiesa is bigger, stronger, and hasn’t endured the same level of punishment as Tony. He’s never been knocked out like Tony, and yeah, I do feel like this is a bad match.”

    Ferguson is coming off a tough defeat to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 last December, which has led the MMA community to suggest that “El Cucuy” should consider retiring to avoid taking further damage.

    Even UFC CEO Dana White has openly expressed a desire for Ferguson to retire, yet the veteran believes he can reignite his career with a move back to the welterweight division.

  • Belal Muhammad Trashes ‘So-Called Experts’ Demetrious Johnson & Kamaru Usman After UFC 304 Win: ‘They Don’t Know What They’re Talking About!’

    Belal Muhammad Trashes ‘So-Called Experts’ Demetrious Johnson & Kamaru Usman After UFC 304 Win: ‘They Don’t Know What They’re Talking About!’

    Belal Muhammad recently hit back at Demetrious Johnson and Kamaru Usman for their dismissive assessments of him following his commanding victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304.

    Muhammad clinched a unanimous decision victory against the reigning UFC welterweight champion in their rematch last weekend at the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.

    “Remember the Name” started the fight with a slick takedown, showcasing his wrestling mastery. His effective mix of seamless takedowns and sharp boxing against a formidable opponent like Edwards was unexpected for many. As the fight progressed, Muhammad intensified his aggression, slamming “Rocky” head-on into the canvas with thunderous impact.

    Although the Chicago native faced resistance in the later rounds as Edwards launched a determined rally in the fourth with some potent strikes of his own, Muhammad maintained control for most of the round. In the final frame, the Jamaican-born Englishman managed to reverse the position, delivering a relentless storm of elbows that caused a gash on Muhammad’s nose.

    Despite this, “Remember the Name” stayed resolute, having already impressed the judges enough to clinch the win. Now, Muhammad has a wealth of words for those who questioned his abilities…

    Muhammad Triumphs Over Edwards with Bold Mentality Amidst Doubts

    During a recent appearance on the Anik & Florian Podcast, Muhammad looked back on his triumphant moment against Edwards at UFC 304. Entering the bout, the newly crowned welterweight champion was met with skepticism, particularly from former UFC champions Usman and Johnson, who doubted his chances against the striking-focused “Rocky.”

    Now that Muhammad has emerged victorious over Edwards, he hasn’t held back in addressing his critics.

    “I just want to be like, ‘I told you so,’ to all the people out there who sit there and act like they’re so-called experts,” Muhammad said. “Even these fighters—like Demetrious Johnson, who thinks he’s a great analyst; he sucks. Usman sucks at analyzing stuff. All these guys, they don’t know what they’re talking about. When you get into the cage with me, it’s different.

    You think it’s slow, then you get punched in the face, and you realize it’s fast. You think I don’t hit hard, then you get hit in the mouth and back down. ‘Yeah, if Leon Edwards wasn’t getting hurt, he would have stepped forward the whole time and planted his feet. But he was getting punched in the mouth, he was getting hurt, and he was backing up to the cage like a coward.”

    Muhammad is expected to return to the Octagon for his first title defense against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov, who made his intentions clear by calling for a championship opportunity right after UFC 304.

  • Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera Warned Against Waiting Too Long Against ‘Well-Rounded’ Deiveson Figueiredo: ‘He May Never Get That Moment’

    Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera Warned Against Waiting Too Long Against ‘Well-Rounded’ Deiveson Figueiredo: ‘He May Never Get That Moment’

    Josh Thomson and “Big” John McCarthy recently shared insightful advice for Marlon Vera ahead of his upcoming bout against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi.

    The two bantamweight stars are set to square off on the main card of the highly anticipated UFC Fight Night this weekend, taking place at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates.

    “Chito” is rebounding from a one-sided title fight loss to reigning bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley at UFC 299 this past March. In his first championship opportunity, Vera was dominated over five rounds, losing the momentum he had gained from his decisive victory over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 292 last August.

    Meanwhile, Figueiredo, a former multi-time UFC flyweight champion, aims to maintain his unbeaten streak since moving up to bantamweight last year. “Deus da Guerra” has already secured two impressive victories in the division, defeating Rob Font and most recently achieving a second-round submission against Cody Garbrandt at UFC 300 this past April.

    Although Vera previously stated on social media that he is bringing a “2.0” version of himself, equipped with new skills, Thomson and McCarthy warn that the 31-year-old Ecuadorian must exercise caution and cannot afford to take many risks against an all-around fighter like Figueiredo…

    Thomson Believes Vera Falls Short In Wrestling & Grappling Against Figueiredo

    During a recent episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast, Thomson and McCarthy delved into the upcoming clash between Vera and Figueiredo. “The Punk” remarked that while he believes Vera is a strong match against the Brazilian, “Chito” tends to become flustered when on his back, a vulnerability that could prove perilous in this contest.

    “I think that if there’s one way that Marlon loses this fight, it’s in the wrestling and the grappling department,” Thomson said. “You know, Marlon is good in jiu-jitsu, but he’s also someone that just settles in on the bottom and tries to land elbows or punches from there. But I think Figueiredo is someone that will grind, he will land, he will take chances. He’s proven that he will take heavy chances in terms of heavy ground and pound. He’s a well-rounded fighter, Figueiredo is someone that can take this fight anywhere, but ‘Chito’ has got to keep this fight on the feet.”

    Thomson further noted that Vera has a habit of waiting for the opportune moment to land a powerful strike but given “Deus da Guerra’s” relentless pace, that strategy becomes exceedingly difficult.

    “What also concerns me with ‘Chito’ is that we’ve seen it before. We saw it with the Rob Font thing, we saw it with the other fighters. He waits for the moment to get the knockout, he waits and waits. We may not see that; he may never get that moment because Figueiredo is going to be in and out so fast. He’s going to be the way faster fighter.”

  • Umar Nurmagomedov Dismisses Parallels In Fight Against Sean O’Malley: ‘It’s Never Gonna Be Close to Khabib & Conor’

    Umar Nurmagomedov Dismisses Parallels In Fight Against Sean O’Malley: ‘It’s Never Gonna Be Close to Khabib & Conor’

    Umar Nurmagomedov recently downplayed the comparisons between his prospective bout with Sean O’Malley and the infamous clash between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor at UFC 229.

    Umar is poised to face Cory Sandhagen in a highly anticipated bantamweight showdown, with the stakes potentially including a #1 contender spot. This bout will headline UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi, taking place this weekend at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates.

    The victor on August 3 is expected to earn the next title shot, facing off against the champion who emerges from the clash between O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC in September.

    While the reigning UFC bantamweight champion has undeniably ascended to the ranks of the promotion’s premier attractions, Umar believes that a potential bout with “Sugar” could never rival the intensity of the historic Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor showdown in October 2018…

    Umar Believes O’Malley Won’t Cross Lines Compared To McGregor

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Umar weighed in on the potential excitement surrounding a future bout with O’Malley. The 28-year-old Dagestani acknowledged that while their clash would certainly be intriguing, it wouldn’t match the fervor of his cousin’s UFC 229 matchup with “The Notorious”.

    He highlighted that the genuine animosity between the former lightweight champions was unparalleled, making their rivalry iconic—an element that simply doesn’t exist in his case.

    “It’s never gonna be close like Khabib and the Conor [fight],” Umar said. “Because they have personal hate. He [McGregor] talked bad about religion, family, and everything.”

    Umar further remarked that while O’Malley is known for his trash-talking, he believes “Sugar” won’t stoop to the level McGregor did when he apparently insulted the UFC Hall of Famer’s family and religion.

    “I see his personality, but I think he’s not too dirty of a person to talk bad about my family or my religion. But if we fight, it’s like, you know, the Irish vs. Dagestani again. It’s gonna be interesting, but I think it’s not going to be the same… I don’t have a lot of hate. I don’t worry about this man, and I just want to beat him. I just want to take his belt.”

    Umar has exceeded expectations in his first five Octagon appearances, maintaining his undefeated streak with dominant victories despite setbacks due to injuries.

    After a 13-month hiatus, he made a triumphant return this past March, securing a unanimous decision win over newcomer Bekzat Almakhan.

  • Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’

    Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’

    Dustin Poirier recently lavished accolades on Paddy Pimblett for his triumphant performance against King Green at UFC 304.

    “The Baddy” showcased arguably the most remarkable outing of his UFC career to date this past weekend. He decisively overcame Green with a spectacular triangle-armbar combination in the first round of their lightweight bout, thrilling the home crowd at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.

    Pimblett delivered several potent calf kicks that visibly unsettled “King.” In response, Green attempted a takedown midway through the opening round, but the Brit skillfully countered with a guillotine choke, then seamlessly transitioned into a triangle choke from the bottom. He deftly converted the choke into an armbar, and as Green began to lose consciousness, the referee intervened, halting the fight at 3:22.

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Poirier was asked to share his thoughts on Pimblett’s victory at UFC 304. “The Diamond” remarked that the Scouser not only impressed him but also validated his brash personality with a commanding performance against a formidable opponent like Green.

    “He’s another one of those guys whose trajectory is like if he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s going to be – not that he’s not massive – but he’s on the right track,” Poirier said. “Dude, when you talk like that and people like your personality, and you go out there and finish guys, you know, vets and legends like Bobby. Of course, going into the fight, I knew he could win, but to finish Bobby Green like that, I was very surprised. He’s talking the talk, walking the walk, man.”

    Poirier Opens Up About Return Timeline & Possible Opponent

    Poirier may have seen his last chance at undisputed UFC lightweight gold slip away when he faced reigning champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June. Despite his valiant efforts, the 35-year-old Louisiana native succumbed to a fifth-round submission.

    After the fight, Poirier took to social media to reveal he had sustained a partially torn ACL, a broken nose, and a broken rib during his bout with Makhachev. These injuries could potentially sideline him for an extended period.

    During the aforementioned interview, “The Diamond” delved into his potential return schedule. The former UFC interim lightweight champion revealed that if he feels better within the next 30 days, he might consider a comeback later this year. However, he emphasized that this decision would depend on numerous factors.

    “I think I could fight at the end of this year. If I felt good after the 30 days and there was a big opportunity, the names – obviously, the opponent matters big time – but where, the timing, and the position on the card and stuff like that, those [things] come into play as well.”

    With Makhachev seemingly sidelined by a hand injury, putting his targeted title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 308 on hold, Poirier expressed interest in stepping in.

    He found the idea of fighting Tsarukyan for the interim title quite appealing, seeing it as a way to keep the lightweight division active and moving forward.

  • Joe Rogan On ‘Giant Scam’ Olympics: ‘Enormous Amounts Of Money Being Made & None Of It’s Going To The Athletes!’

    Joe Rogan On ‘Giant Scam’ Olympics: ‘Enormous Amounts Of Money Being Made & None Of It’s Going To The Athletes!’

    Joe Rogan recently reiterated his stance that the Olympic Games are primarily profit-driven ventures for the major investors that back them, while the athletes themselves receive negligible monetary compensation.

    The Olympic Games stand as the pinnacle of global sporting events, drawing thousands of top-class athletes from across the globe to compete in an extensive array of competitions every four years.

    The 33rd Summer Olympics are currently taking place in Paris, France. Since the opening ceremony on July 26, this year’s games have been shrouded in controversy. The organizers have had to apologize for certain performances held along the River Seine that were seen by many as blasphemous. Critics argue that these acts parodied Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, “The Last Supper.”

    However, the veteran UFC color commentator has a different bone to pick with the Olympics, primarily revolving around the meager financial rewards for the participating athletes…

    Rogan Lambasts Olympic Stakeholders For Creating Unfavorable System For Athletes

    During a recent episode of his JRE MMA Show, featuring UFC light heavyweight fighter Khalil Rountree as the guest, Rogan once again leveled scathing criticism at the modern Olympics and its underlying system.

    The 56-year-old MMA commentator claimed that the substantial revenue generated by stakeholders and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from these events fails to benefit the athletes who actually perform. He accused the Olympic leadership of exploiting athletes while reaping enormous financial rewards.

    “The Olympics is a giant scam,” Rogan said. “There are two things going on simultaneously, okay? You have the best athletes in the world participating in their disciplines. And then on top of that, you have enormous amounts of money being made, and none of it’s going to the athletes. It is a giant scam.”

    Rogan further blasted the apparent parody of “The Last Supper” painting, asserting that it was deliberately crafted to offend religious sentiments.

    “So the kind of people that are putting together that ridiculous ceremony, we got a bunch of drag queens in ‘The Last Supper’ that nobody understands because it’s not made by athletes, it’s not made by the Olympics, it’s made by the people that are in charge of putting the Olympics out. So they’re the ones who are reaping all the money and sucking all the cash out of these athletes.”

    The 2024 Paris Olympic Games mark a groundbreaking first, as the IOC will directly compensate winning athletes, awarding $50,000 to each gold medalist.

    Until this year, athletes typically relied on personal sponsorships for their income and received financial backing from their national Olympic organizations.

  • Javier Mendez Insists Conor McGregor Would ‘Not Be An Easy Night’s Work’ For Islam Makhachev

    Javier Mendez Insists Conor McGregor Would ‘Not Be An Easy Night’s Work’ For Islam Makhachev

    Javier Mendez recently remarked that a potential fight between Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev would be anything but an easy task for the reigning UFC lightweight champion.

    “The Notorious” has proven to be a relentless nemesis for fighters from Mendez’s American Kickboxing Academy, particularly underscored by his tempestuous rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov, which culminated in the historic UFC 229 showdown in October 2018.

    After Nurmagomedov retired from the UFC in October 2020, his trusted ally and training partner Makhachev emerged to inherit his reign over the lightweight division. Concurrently, McGregor has continued to stoke the flames of their rivalry, relentlessly targeting Makhachev with a series of provocative comments on social media.

    As one of the most iconic figures in UFC history, the former two-division champion captivates vast audiences with his every move. Mendez envisions a potential showdown between McGregor and Makhachev as an unparalleled spectacle…

    Mendez Believes Makhachev vs. McGregor Could Be The Ultimate Potential Showdown

    During a recent conversation with Instant Casino, Mendez likened a potential Makhachev vs. McGregor showdown to the grudge match between the Irishman and Nurmagomedov. The 53-year-old MMA coach suggested that this clash could generate a level of hype comparable to UFC 229.

    “I love Islam vs. Conor McGregor; who wouldn’t want to be involved in a fight that would have an electrifying atmosphere?” Mendez said. “That is a great fight for us and for the fans. One of the greatest feelings I had in my whole entire life was when Khabib and Conor fought because of the real hatred between both sides.”

    However, Mendez emphasized that “The Notorious” brings a wealth of experience and exceptional skills to the Octagon, cautioning that Makhachev should not anticipate a walk in the park.

    “But Conor would not be an easy [night’s] work for Islam because you have to respect the man; he’s got a lot of experience, and the only way you make it an easy night is because you train hard — but it will never be an easy night with a guy like Conor. You better train your butt off because he’s a real fighter, and if he’s going (to) come in prepared, it’s never going to be easy.”

    After nearly three years away from the Octagon, McGregor was primed for a highly anticipated comeback last month, set to clash with Michael Chandler in a welterweight bout headlining UFC 303.

    However, just weeks before the showdown, the excitement was abruptly cut short when McGregor revealed he had sustained a toe injury, forcing him to withdraw from the competition.

    The UFC superstar has not fought since July 2021 when he suffered a devastating leg fracture in the first round of his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

  • Former UFC Champion: ‘Falling From Grace’ Transformed Paddy Pimblett As A Fighter

    Former UFC Champion: ‘Falling From Grace’ Transformed Paddy Pimblett As A Fighter

    Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker recently remarked that the constant doubts surrounding Paddy Pimblett might have been the catalyst for his transformation into a better fighter.

    “The Baddy” delivered probably the most impressive performance of his UFC career so far this past weekend. He decisively defeated King Green with a stunning triangle-armbar combination in the first round of their lightweight bout on the main card of UFC 304 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

    Although Green had a size advantage over Pimblett, he found it challenging to connect his combinations effectively at the beginning of the fight. Meanwhile, Pimblett focused on landing powerful calf kicks. This strategy seemed to unsettle the American, who attempted a takedown midway through the round. The 29-year-old Scouser expertly countered with a guillotine choke before swiftly transitioning into a triangle choke from the bottom.

    Pimblett seamlessly adjusted to Green’s escape attempts, tightening the submission hold with each passing second. He smoothly transitioned the choke into an armbar, and as Green lost consciousness, the referee stepped in to halt the fight at 3:22.

    Despite his six-fight undefeated streak in the Octagon, Pimblett remains a frequent target of online criticism. However, “The Reaper” believes this persistent skepticism has fueled Pimblett’s evolution…

    Whittaker Believes Pimblett Is More Tuned In

    During a recent episode of his MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker shared his insights on “The Baddy’s” performance at UFC 304.

    The Aussie remarked that Pimblett has shown significant evolution since his previous bouts, displaying an impressive level of focus and grit to secure the victory.

    “I think that falling from grace he had just, you know, lit a fire up his a**,” Whittaker said. “He’s just got so much better for it. I feel like he’s more focused, he’s more switched on than we’ve seen before. And that was the Paddy I wanted to see because that was the one we saw against [Tony] Ferguson. Like, that level of determination, that level of focus, you know, that ability to stay on task, and mate, that’s exactly what happened.

    “Paddy saw an opportunity when Bobby was waiting for a takedown and had the guts and the confidence to go for the submission attempts. That’s half the work — the confidence to go for your submission attempts and to believe in them. And he did that, yeah, and he stopped a guy that doesn’t get stopped often.”

    In the post-fight Octagon interview, Pimblett radiated confidence, saying, “Statement made, b*tch,” after becoming the first fighter to submit Green.

    The Englishman then issued a challenge to Renato Moicano, proposing a showdown later this year or early next year, contingent on the Brazilian overcoming Benoît Saint Denis in their upcoming September bout.

  • IOC Explains Why Boxers Who Failed Gender Test At World Championships Are Cleared To Compete At The Olympics

    IOC Explains Why Boxers Who Failed Gender Test At World Championships Are Cleared To Compete At The Olympics

    The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently announced that two boxers, previously disqualified from last year’s World Championships due to failing gender eligibility tests, are now cleared to compete in the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics.

    Algerian amateur boxer Imane Khelif faced disqualification just hours before her gold medal match at the women’s World Championships in New Delhi last year, having failed a testosterone (Hyperandrogenism) level test mandated by the International Boxing Association (IBA).

    Similarly, Taiwan’s double world champion, Lin Yu Ting, was stripped of her bronze medal at the same event due to gender eligibility issues.

    During that period, IBA president Umar Kremlev revealed that the boxers had “XY chromosomes.” The World Championships, organized by the IBA — a federation now stripped of IOC recognition — highlighted the ongoing controversy over qualification standards.

    IOC Verifies Boxers’ Compliance With Competition Eligibility Rules

    The IOC recently issued an official statement declaring that all athletes competing in the boxing tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games unequivocally meet the competition’s stringent eligibility and entry criteria.

    Furthermore, these athletes meet all applicable medical regulations, ensuring a fair and standardized contest in alignment with international standards.

    “All athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations in accordance with rules 1.4 and 3.1 of the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit.

    “The PBU endeavored to restrict amendments to minimize the impact on athletes’ preparation and guaranteeing consistency between Olympic Games.”

    [h/t Independent]

    Section 3.1 of these regulations mandates that all boxers must present a medical certificate, duly stamped and signed by an authorized medical professional, issued within the past three months.

    Following the IOC’s clarification, Khelif is set to compete against Italy’s Angela Carini in a welterweight bout on Thursday. Meanwhile, Lin will face either Marcelat Sakobi from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Sitora Turdibekova from Uzbekistan in the featherweight division on Friday.

    The situation appears reminiscent of the controversy surrounding middle-distance runner Caster Semenya, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who was made to undergo sex testing following her victory at the 2009 World Championships.

    The South African was cleared to return the following year, with reports later revealing that Semenya has the intersex condition 5α-Reductase 2 deficiency, which results in her natural testosterone levels sitting in the average male range.

    The 33-year-old has been unable to participate since new World Athletics rules in 2019 prevented athletes with certain sex development disorders from competing in 400m, 800m, and 1500m events in the female classification unless they take medication to reduce testosterone.

  • Chael Sonnen: Tom Aspinall Knocking Out Big Heavyweights That Mike Tyson Had A ‘Hard Time’ With

    Chael Sonnen: Tom Aspinall Knocking Out Big Heavyweights That Mike Tyson Had A ‘Hard Time’ With

    Chael Sonnen recently lauded Tom Aspinall’s formidable punching power, boldly asserting that the Brit possesses the knockout ability to take down heavyweight boxers against whom even the legendary Mike Tyson struggled.

    Aspinall triumphantly retained his interim heavyweight title with a stunning 60-second knockout of his former foe, Curtis Blaydes, avenging his only loss in the Octagon in the co-main event of UFC 304 this past Saturday in Manchester.

    The 31-year-old Salford native delivered a powerful right hand that sent “Razor” crashing to the floor, then topped it off with a relentless barrage of punches to the head, prompting referee Marc Goddard to stop the fight.

    Since returning from injury in July 2023, Aspinall has been unstoppable, securing three first-round knockout victories. He has now won seven of his UFC fights by first-round stoppage, boasting an average fight time of just 2:02—the shortest in the promotion’s history.

    Sonnen Stunned by Aspinall’s Devastating Punching Power

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Sonnen weighed in on Aspinall’s victory over Blaydes at UFC 304. “The Bad Guy” noted that while it may not have been the Englishman’s finest performance in the Octagon, his incredible knockout power still managed to shift the momentum decisively in his favor.

    “I’m watching Tom, surprised by himself that it wasn’t a perfect fight by Tom,” Sonnen said. “Curtis was actually fundamentally doing some things a little bit better than Tom. And one thing about Tom is these boys he’s putting down, these are the big heavyweights, and I’m talking about size. I’m talking about actually getting on the scale and what they tip the scale at.”

    Sonnen went on to say that Aspinall’s punching power is so formidable that he could knock out big heavyweights – something even “Iron Mike” Tyson had trouble with.

    “Mike Tyson had a hard time putting down the heavyweights that were 240, 250, 260 [pounds]. These are the guys that Tom is touching one time; this is shocking power. Tom is getting guys out of here so quickly. I don’t love the reality that in three years, Tom has been in the ring for about three minutes, but the other side of it is, what are you going to do? How are you going to stop him?”

    After his win, Aspinall renewed his call for a unification bout with Jon Jones, who claimed the vacant UFC heavyweight title by defeating Ciryl Gane in March 2023 at UFC 285.

    “Bones” is expected to defend his title for the first time later this year against Stipe Miocic, a matchup that UFC CEO Dana White is adamant about making a reality.

  • Robert Whittaker Feels The Real Leon Edwards Didn’t Show Up Against Belal Muhammad: ‘I Am Wondering Why Leon Had No Answer…’

    Robert Whittaker Feels The Real Leon Edwards Didn’t Show Up Against Belal Muhammad: ‘I Am Wondering Why Leon Had No Answer…’

    Robert Whittaker recently said that he believes Leon Edwards did not perform to the best of his abilities in his rematch against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304.

    “Rocky” relinquished his welterweight championship to Muhammad in his third title defense this Saturday at the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester, England. This was the second showdown between the two fighters, with their first encounter ending in a no-contest after an eye-poke rendered Muhammad unable to continue past the second round.

    Muhammad came out strong in the first round, quickly securing a takedown that highlighted his wrestling dominance. His seamless combination of takedowns and boxing set the tone for the fight. In the second round, he intensified his assault, dropping the defending champion on his head and taking control by securing his back.

    Edwards managed a comeback in the fourth round with aggressive striking, but the challenger quickly closed the distance, taking him down and maintaining a dominant position for most of the round. In a dramatic final push, Edwards reversed the position and unleashed a barrage of elbows, splitting Muhammad open.

    Despite this late effort, it wasn’t enough to retain his belt, as the judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of “Remember the Name”, crowning him the new UFC welterweight champion.

    This setback cost the Jamaican-born Englishman not only his title but also ended his impressive 13-fight unbeaten streak in the Octagon. “The Reaper” believes Edwards didn’t meet the high standards he has set for himself…

    Whittaker Believes Edwards Wasn’t At His Best Against Muhammad

    During a recent episode of the MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker analyzed the rematch between Edwards and Muhammad at UFC 304. The UFC middleweight champion conveyed his surprise at “Rocky’s” uncharacteristic struggle in the bout, noting that his performance starkly contrasted with his last two impressive showings against Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington.

    “I was surprised, not surprised like that Muhammad surprised me,” Whittaker said. “Yeah, no, you know what, I was surprised. I was surprised because Leon’s last two showings against Usman and Colby looked vastly different to the Leon that turned up against Muhammad. Now, what does that mean? Because I don’t want to take away from Belal just turning up and honestly dominating Leon Edwards. Like, he belted him in the stand-up. He put that constant pressure, was punching him up.”

    Whittaker went on to say that Muhammad’s performance may have caught Edwards off guard, as he possibly underestimated how formidable his opponent would be.

    “I am wondering why Leon had no answer for it because we saw him go up against the likes of Usman, we saw him go up against the likes of Colby, and both guys couldn’t do that. Was it because Belal is a much bigger welterweight? He looked strong in that. I don’t want to take away because it was such a good showing from Belal, but it was such a—like, did he shut down that hard that he made Leon look bad, or was it because Leon was off? He said he felt lethargic or whatever.”

    In his post-fight Octagon interview, “Rocky” revealed that he struggled with fatigue in the days leading up to UFC 304, as he attempted to acclimate to the unusual fight schedule in Manchester.

    Edwards made it clear that he doesn’t plan to dwell on the loss. He is eager to return to the Octagon later this year, though his next opponent remains uncertain.

  • Winner Of Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes At UFC 304 Touted To Be Long-Reigning Heavyweight Champion: ‘He Kind Of Cruises A Little Bit’

    Winner Of Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes At UFC 304 Touted To Be Long-Reigning Heavyweight Champion: ‘He Kind Of Cruises A Little Bit’

    Daniel Cormier and Anthony Smith recently shared their belief that the victor of the Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 is destined to dominate the heavyweight division for years to come.

    Aspinall is set to run it back with Blaydes to defend his UFC interim heavyweight championship in the co-headliner of the upcoming pay-per-view event, scheduled for this Saturday at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.

    The two fighters previously crossed paths two years ago in the main event of UFC Fight Night London in July 2022. In that bout, “Razor” emerged victorious with a 15-second TKO after the Brit sustained an unfortunate knee injury.

    Aspinall had hoped to unify his belt after knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 with heavyweight champion Jon Jones. However, realizing that a bout with “Bones” is unlikely due to Jones’s determination to face Stipe Miocic next, potentially the last fight of both their careers, Aspinall chose to pivot. Embracing the situation, he decided to defend his interim title instead.

    According to Cormier and Smith, the upcoming rematch between Aspinall and Blaydes is set to determine the future kingpin of the heavyweight division…

    Cormier Declares Aspinall vs Blaydes Interim Title Fight As True Championship Bout

    During a recent video on the ESPN MMA YouTube channel, Cormier and Smith delved into the upcoming rematch between Aspinall and Blaydes. “DC” emphasized that the exceptional skill levels and challenging styles of both fighters make this bout the one that will ultimately reveal the true heavyweight champion.

    “There’s a lot of confidence in Tom Aspinall as he holds the interim championship, which I believe is the actual heavyweight championship of the world,” Cormier said. “Because I think he’ll be more active than Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic.”

    “Lionheart” echoed Cormier’s sentiment, suggesting that with Jones and Miocic nearing the end of their careers, Aspinall and Blaydes are poised to take over and dominate the heavyweight division for the foreseeable future.

    “I totally agree, and I think that the fact that these guys are fighting now almost solidifies a long title run in my mind,” Smith said. “I think these two guys are the hardest matchups for each other. They’re both big, they’re both physical, both crazy athletic for their size, and both of them can wrestle… I think Curtis beats Aspinall, he kind of cruises for a little bit, and if Aspinall beats Curtis, he absolutely cruises for a little bit.”

    During the pre-fight press conference on Thursday, UFC CEO Dana White said that the winner of the Aspinall vs. Blaydes bout will go on to challenge the winner of the Jones vs. Miocic showdown, which is rumored to take place in November.

  • ‘He’s A Bit Like McGregor’ – Molly McCann Predicts Big First-Round Finish For UFC 304 Star

    ‘He’s A Bit Like McGregor’ – Molly McCann Predicts Big First-Round Finish For UFC 304 Star

    Molly McCann is certain that her teammate and compatriot, Paddy Pimblett, will clinch a decisive first-round victory against King Green at UFC 304.

    Both McCann and Pimblett are primed to be in action on their home turf this Saturday at UFC’s upcoming event at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England. UFC 304 signifies the MMA promotion’s return to the “Rainy City” for the first time since UFC 204 in October 2016.

    “Meatball” is set to clash with Bruna Brasil in a strawweight bout during the preliminary card of the event. This fight marks her second appearance in the division, following a triumphant return with a first-round submission victory over Diana Belbiță in February. She made the move down to 115 pounds after enduring back-to-back losses at 125 pounds.

    Meanwhile, “The Baddy” is set to square off against Green on the main card of UFC 304. Pimblett is riding high after a commanding unanimous decision victory over lightweight veteran Tony Ferguson at UFC 296 last December, extending his impressive win streak in the Octagon to five consecutive fights.

    Coming from the same hometown of Liverpool, McCann and Pimblett have not only forged a strong bond but also train together at the Next Generation MMA Gym. Naturally, McCann is fully backing her fellow Liverpudlian, confident that Pimblett will overpower Green in their upcoming clash…

    McCann Foresees Pimblett Silencing Critics At UFC 304

    During a recent interview with Kaz Crossley for Title Sports Network, McCann shared her thoughts on Pimblett’s upcoming clash with Green. She confidently predicted that “The Baddy” will secure a first-round finish, propelling him closer to a coveted title shot.

    “I think he gets to silence the critics again,” McCann said. “I think he’s going to finish Bobby in the first round. I think he’s a bit like [Conor] McGregor in terms of not being scared to speak his truth and manifest.”

    McCann and Pimblett have shared the Octagon on the same night twice before, both going undefeated with remarkable performances at The O2 arena in London during UFC Fight Night events in 2022.

  • Jake Paul & Mike Perry Discuss Conor McGregor’s ‘You’re Fired’ Tweet After Their Boxing Match

    Jake Paul & Mike Perry Discuss Conor McGregor’s ‘You’re Fired’ Tweet After Their Boxing Match

    Jake Paul and Mike Perry recently weighed in on Conor McGregor’s tweet about potentially firing “Platinum” from BKFC.

    Perry squared off against “The Problem Child” in a 10-round cruiserweight boxing match last Saturday at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. Despite his efforts, the former UFC welterweight fighter endured three knockdowns and ultimately succumbed to a sixth-round TKO.

    To compound Perry’s misfortune, BKFC part-owner “The Notorious” swiftly took to X to declare, “You’re fired,” seemingly ousting Perry from the bare-knuckle promotion. He didn’t stop there, going on to mock Perry’s newly launched hybrid boxing venture, Dirty Boxing Championship, with biting remarks.

    However, at the post-fight press conference, “Platinum” dismissed McGregor’s claims, asserting that the former two-division UFC champion can’t simply fire him, as he, too, holds part ownership in BKFC.

    Perry Insists McGregor’s Statements Are Just For Attention

    During a recent appearance on BS w/ Jake Paul, “Platinum” addressed McGregor’s apparent attempt to fire him from BKFC. Perry dismissed the notion, suggesting that the Irishman is just stirring the pot for attention. He emphasized that the fans want to see him fight in BKFC.

    “I think it’s just, you know, he does that. He tweets and he gets people to attach to something, whatever he says,” Perry said. “He knows that we had that moment that night in history and it was what people were talking about, so he’s like, let me say something about it and talk sh*t about it and be his normal witty self. He said something that got people to tune into it because he’s like, oh, now Mike’s released from bare-knuckle. But let’s be honest, everybody wants to see me fight bare-knuckle again.”

    “The Problem Child” agreed with Perry’s assertions and vehemently criticized McGregor for swiftly turning his back on BKFC’s undefeated star.

    “I saw everyone being like ‘Yeah, Mike Perry is the BKFC,’ which is true,” Paul said. “I think it’s f*ked up of him to be like dck riding you all week, like ‘Look what the BKFC has done for Mike and he’s our biggest star,’ and then all of a sudden he throws you under the bus like that.”

    Perry has experienced tremendous success since departing from the UFC in April 2021 and has risen to become the biggest star in BKFC. He boasts an undefeated 5-0 record, with victories over high-profile fighters such as Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez, and Michael “Venom” Page.

  • Paddy Pimblett Signs New Contract Ahead Of UFC 304: ‘Value Has Been Acknowledged & Rewarded’

    Paddy Pimblett Signs New Contract Ahead Of UFC 304: ‘Value Has Been Acknowledged & Rewarded’

    Paddy Pimblett’s manager recently confirmed that “The Baddy” is staying put in the UFC, having inked an opulent new contract with the MMA promotion.

    The 29-year-old Scouser is set to battle seasoned lightweight King Green on the main card of UFC 304. The eighth numbered pay-per-view event of 2024 is slated for this Saturday at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

    In the lead-up to the fight, Pimblett revealed that his sixth appearance in the Octagon would mark the conclusion of his current UFC contract. However, “The Baddy” raised eyebrows in an interview with MMA Junkie by hinting that he might step away from the MMA promotion in favor of high-profile boxing matches against YouTube influencers.

    This revelation didn’t sit well with many fans, as Pimblett is a shining star in the European MMA scene and his popularity makes him a prized gem in the UFC’s crown.

    To their relief, Pimblett’s manager and Cage Warriors promoter Graham Boylan recently confirmed on X that his client has re-signed with the MMA promotion.

    “The Baddy has signed a new deal with @ufc. He’s very happy to see his value has been acknowledged & handsomely rewarded. Congrats to all involved,” Boylan tweeted

    Pimblett Comments On New Contract With UFC

    In episode five of the UFC 304: Embedded Vlog Series, Pimblett personally confirmed that he has signed a fresh contract.

    Although the specifics of the Brit’s agreement remain undisclosed, he appeared enthusiastic while discussing the news.

    “New contract signed,” Pimblett said. “For all them ***** saying that I’m going anywhere, I’m not going nowhere, b*tch.”

    Pimblett continued his impressive run in the Octagon eight months ago, securing his fifth straight win with a dominant unanimous decision over Tony Ferguson at UFC 296 in December 2023.

  • UFC Commentator Feels The Delayed Start Time Of UFC 304 Will Not Affect Fighters Or Fans

    UFC Commentator Feels The Delayed Start Time Of UFC 304 Will Not Affect Fighters Or Fans

    UFC commentator Laura Sanko recently assured that the postponed start time for UFC 304 would have minimal impact on both the fighters and the fans in the United Kingdom.

    The eighth numbered UFC pay-per-view event of 2024 is just around the corner, set to unfold this Saturday at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester. The card will feature two headline title fights, both of which are eagerly anticipated rematches.

    In the main event, UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards will defend his title against Belal Muhammad. Meanwhile, the co-main event will see interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall clash with Curtis Blaydes.

    Since the announcement of the UFC 304 schedule, a storm of controversy and fan uproar has erupted over the decision to start the fight card at typical United States times, even though the event is taking place in the United Kingdom.

    The event broadcast is set to begin at 11 PM BST on Saturday, July 27. Consequently, the headlining fighters are expected to make their Octagon walkouts between 5:00 and 5:15 AM the following morning. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the fight card will kick off at approximately 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT on Saturday afternoon, with the main card slated to start around 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.

    However, UFC’s first female color commentator believes that the late-night and early-morning schedule will neither hinder the fighters nor deter the viewers…

    Sanko Believes UFC 304 Excitement Will Keep Fans Hooked

    During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Sanko, who will be fulfilling her role as a desk analyst for UFC 304, offered her insights on the pay-per-view broadcast schedule. She acknowledged that while the schedule is less than ideal for the fans, it ultimately won’t matter much on fight night, given the high anticipation surrounding the card.

    “It’s unfortunate for the fans, but I think when that day comes, it’s not gonna matter for the fans or for the athletes,” Sanko said. “I think the energy is going to be so off-the-charts it’s not going to matter if you’re a fan and trust me; you’re going to be able to soldier through because the action from these fights is going to be enough to keep you going, hopefully.”

    The UFC broadcaster further noted that the last PPV event in Manchester, UFC 204 in October 2016, also followed a similar schedule. She emphasized that the real challenge for fighters lies in preparing for the late-night bouts rather than the timing of the event itself.

    “Here’s my one tip: just don’t start drinking too early. That’s going to be the downfall of at least a certain proportion of this fan base. But I think for the fighters, you know, Leon Edwards actually had this exact same situation when he fought on Michael Bisping’s card, where he had his huge win over Dan Henderson in Manchester. So he’s familiar with it, and he said the same thing.

    He said, ‘Listen, it didn’t matter. The moment I walked out to that arena, it could have been 2 o’clock in the afternoon, it could have been 2 o’clock in the morning, I wouldn’t have known the difference. I was headed into a fight.’ So I think it sucks probably more in the lead-up, the preparation, stressing about it, stressing about how it might affect you. But I think when the time comes, these guys are just going to do their job.”

    Both Aspinall and Blaydes have voiced their grievances about the absurd fight timings, but the MMA promotion remains steadfast in its decision. Meanwhile, “Rocky” has reportedly gone so far as to hire a sleep specialist to help him adjust to the unconventional schedule.

  • Jake Paul Reveals Verbal Agreement With Mike Perry To Rematch In PFL, Dirty Boxing Down The Line

    Jake Paul recently agreed in principle to a rematch with Mike Perry, which could first take place in PFL and then in “Platinum’s” new hybrid boxing promotion, Dirty Boxing Championship, at some point in the future.

    “The Problem Child” delivered three knockdowns against the BKFC standout en route to sealing the victory with a relentless onslaught that resulted in a sixth-round TKO this past Saturday at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

    Paul was initially set to face boxing legend Mike Tyson on July 20. However, after “Iron Mike” suffered an ulcer flare-up during a flight in May and was declared medically unfit, Perry answered the call to compete on short notice.

    During the lead-up to their bout, the YouTuber-turned-boxer expressed a keen interest in potentially facing “Platinum” in either MMA or a bare-knuckle fight, determined to prove that he could defeat the former UFC welterweight fighter in any discipline.

    However, in an interview with Ariel Helwani earlier this month, Perry dismissed the notion that Paul would ever seriously consider removing the gloves and facing him in a bare-knuckle fight.

    Perry is anticipated to make his comeback to BKFC unless the promotion’s new co-owner, Conor McGregor, decides to act on his threat to fire him. Regardless, Perry’s future looks promising in combat sports, and it’s likely why Paul is eager for a rematch with him…

    Paul Overlooks BKFC Fight with Perry Eyes PFL or Dirty Boxing Instead

    “The Problem Child” recently took to X to shower Perry with praise for their boxing match, revealing that they have verbally agreed to a rematch under MMA rules in the PFL at an opportune moment.

    “Chopped it up with Mike Perry last night. What a stand-up dude. More confidence than most of these fighters. We agreed to run it in PFL when the time is right.” Paul tweeted.

    A fan commented on Paul’s post, questioning why the 27-year-old Ohio native didn’t consider fighting under bare-knuckle rules. Paul replied:

    “If I’m stepping out of boxing, it’s going to be PFL. After that, we can do Dirty Boxing @PlatinumPerry”

    In January 2023, Paul revealed that he had inked a deal with the PFL to compete in the special super-fight division. However, he has not yet to make his MMA debut, as his primary focus remains on his boxing career.

  • Former UFC Champion Showers Tom Aspinall With Praise Ahead Of UFC 304: ‘When I Pair Him With Other Heavyweights, I Don’t Know How He Loses’

    Former UFC Champion Showers Tom Aspinall With Praise Ahead Of UFC 304: ‘When I Pair Him With Other Heavyweights, I Don’t Know How He Loses’

    Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker recently lavished accolades on Tom Aspinall, applauding his impressive exploits in the Octagon.

    Aspinall is slated to defend his interim heavyweight title against divisional veteran Curtis Blaydes in a highly anticipated rematch, featured as the co-main event of UFC 304. The upcoming pay-per-view event is scheduled for July 27 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

    Their initial bout at UFC Fight Night London in July 2022 ended disastrously after just 15 seconds when the 31-year-old Brit suffered a severe knee injury that sidelined him for an entire year.

    During his time away from the Octagon, Aspinall overhauled his training regimen, a move that paid off immensely. As a result, he is now hailed as one of the premier heavyweights on the current UFC roster.

    Aspinall has cemented his reputation as a versatile powerhouse in the division, with his refined striking skills consistently catching his opponents off guard. “The Reaper” is profoundly impressed by the sophistication of Aspinall’s striking game and agile footwork…

    Whittaker Claims Aspinall’s Speed Unmatched In Heavyweight Division

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWsg0vfJscw&t=217s

    During a recent appearance on the MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker shared his thoughts on the upcoming rematch between Aspinall and Blaydes. While the Aussie acknowledged his admiration for “Razor’s” wrestling skills, he pointed out that Blaydes often falls prey to heavy punchers.

    “I’m a big fan of Curtis Blaydes,” Whittaker said. “Big fan of his fights, and he’s one of those fighters that when I pair him against other heavyweights, I don’t know how he loses. Being such a big guy and having that level of wrestling and cardio and output, I find it amazing. He gets caught—that’s the only way he loses; he gets caught by these big dudes. But more often than not, I don’t know if it’s just fight solid that’s led to a level of predictability, and you can see those bigger guys capitalizing on that.”

    “The Reaper” further heaped praises on Aspinall’s exceptional abilities. He remarked that the Englishman’s remarkable level of athleticism, despite his towering stature, is what truly sets him apart from the rest of the heavyweight division.

    “I’m a fan of how Tom Aspinall moves. I think the fact that he’s so light but can hit so hard in such a generally slow division is going to give Curtis Blaydes a lot of trouble. It is so hard to take someone down when they’re light on their feet. It is so hard to take someone down, when you know they can knock you out. It’s going to be a nightmare of a fight for Curtis Blaydes to try and close that gap, and I just don’t see Curtis beating Tom in a standup fight.”

    While Aspinall is primarily celebrated for his striking prowess, the interim champion also holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is highly skilled in grappling. This versatility was showcased when he submitted both Alexander Volkov and Andrei Arlovski in the Octagon.

  • Muhammad Mokaev Predicts ‘Easy’ Win For Tom Aspinall Against Curtis Blaydes: ‘There’s Jon Jones & There’s Tom Aspinall, That’s It!’

    Muhammad Mokaev Predicts ‘Easy’ Win For Tom Aspinall Against Curtis Blaydes: ‘There’s Jon Jones & There’s Tom Aspinall, That’s It!’

    Muhammad Mokaev recently said that Curtis Blaydes will be no match for Tom Aspinall in their upcoming rematch, predicting an easy victory for his compatriot due to his versatile skill set.

    Both Mokaev and Aspinall are set to share the spotlight this Saturday at UFC 304 in their hometown of Manchester, England. The pay-per-view event marks the MMA promotion’s return to the “Rainy City” for the first time since UFC 204 in October 2016.

    As “The Punisher” is poised to face off against Manel Kape in a flyweight grudge match, Aspinall will make the first defense of his interim heavyweight title against Blaydes in the co-main event.

    Hailing from the same locale, Mokaev and Aspinall have a deep-rooted connection and share a storied history. Naturally, the undefeated 125-pounder is backing his fellow townsman and believes Aspinall’s prowess will overwhelm Blaydes…

    Mokaev Confident Aspinall’s All-Around Game Will Outclass Blaydes

    During a recent interview with Title Sports Network, Mokaev shared his insights on the Aspinall vs. Blaydes showdown. “The Punisher” boldly predicted that the interim champion’s diverse skill set would give him a decisive edge, emphasizing that Aspinall’s grappling abilities make him equally dangerous on the ground.

    “I think Tom Aspinall is like… there’s Jon Jones, and there’s Tom Aspinall, that’s it,” Mokaev said. “I think I want to see Jon Jones against Tom Aspinall because he’s so high level. I think he’ll go past Curtis Blaydes easily. You know, Tom Aspinall showed all his striking, but he’s actually a grappler; imagine if the fight goes to the ground. He’s an all-rounded fighter. I think he will win.”

    Aspinall faced his first loss in the Octagon against Blaydes two years ago during the main event of UFC Fight Night London in July 2022. The Brit suffered an unfortunate knee injury just 15 seconds into the bout, bringing the fight to an abrupt halt before any real action could unfold.

    Apart from that blemish, the 31-year-old Salford native boasts an impressive UFC record, with seven victories to his name. Notably, six of these wins came via first-round finishes against formidable opponents such as Sergei Pavlovich, Marcin Tybura, and Alexander Volkov.

  • Robert Whittaker Feels Belal Muhammad’s Record Not Comparable To Leon Edwards’ Despite Similar Streaks: ‘There Wasn’t Any Holes Or Glaring Weaknesses…’

    Robert Whittaker Feels Belal Muhammad’s Record Not Comparable To Leon Edwards’ Despite Similar Streaks: ‘There Wasn’t Any Holes Or Glaring Weaknesses…’

    Robert Whittaker recently commented that, despite their remarkably parallel win streaks, Belal Muhammad’s résumé doesn’t quite measure up to that of Leon Edwards.

    “Rocky” is scheduled to defend his welterweight title against Muhammad in a rematch set as the main event of UFC 304. The upcoming showdown will take place this weekend at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.

    Edwards and Muhammad initially crossed paths in the main event of a UFC Fight Night in March 2021. Unfortunately, an eye poke early in the second round rendered “Remember the Name” unable to continue, resulting in the bout being declared a no-contest.

    After their first encounter, “Rocky” secured a title shot by defeating Nate Diaz at UFC 263 and went on to knock out Kamaru Usman to claim the welterweight championship at UFC 278 in August 2022. Currently, Edwards is riding high on a 13-fight unbeaten streak, marked by victories over notable names such as Donald Cerrone, Rafael dos Anjos, and Colby Covington.

    Meanwhile, Muhammad had to work his way up the rankings, putting together a five-fight win streak (part of a broader 10-fight unbeaten streak) to finally earn a title opportunity. During his journey, the 36-year-old has triumphed over formidable opponents like Gilbert Burns, Sean Brady, and Stephen Thompson.

    However, the former UFC middleweight champion contends that it is the echelon of opponents that “Rocky” has defeated that truly sets him apart from Muhammad…

    Whittaker Sees Edwards As More Improved Than Muhammad

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWsg0vfJscw&t=217s

    During his recent appearance on the MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker weighed in on the clash between Edwards and Muhammad. “The Reaper” noted that the Jamaican-born Englishman has exhibited remarkable evolution in his fighting style compared to his opponent since their no-contest meeting.

    “I can see like two possibilities,” Whittaker said. “The first one, Leon Edwards, just being too good. I think the caliber of fights Leon Edwards has had is different from Belal Muhammad’s. Fighting Usman twice is huge, especially when he fought him the first time; that was good. Fighting Colby, like Colby, is a nightmare for everyone, and he was just able to shut him down so well with spectacular spacing. It’s very hard to find a hole, especially, you know, if we compare it to when he fought Nate Diaz, right? And we saw that hole get exposed in the later round or fights before that.”

    “I feel like he’s tightened up to a whole new degree, further than he was then, and especially in that last fight, I was so super impressed with just how clean he was. There wasn’t really anything to pick apart; there weren’t any holes or glaring weaknesses to exploit for Colby.”

    Whittaker further acknowledged “Remember the Name’s” impressive credentials but remarked that Muhammad would struggle to match Edwards’ relentless pace.

    “I find that sort of fight going to be hard for Belal Muhammad, who, you know, is not spectacular in any one field. He’s kind of just really high level at all of them, in my opinion. He’s amazing at everything, but I feel like his greatest strength is that he’s well-rounded. He can take the fight in any direction to get the win. But I think he’s going to have trouble trying to push that sort of game plan on Leon Edwards.”

  • Chael Sonnen Feels Conor McGregor Could Have Come Up With Better Excuse Than ‘Discolored Pinky Toe’ To Pull Out Of UFC 303

    Chael Sonnen Feels Conor McGregor Could Have Come Up With Better Excuse Than ‘Discolored Pinky Toe’ To Pull Out Of UFC 303

    Chael Sonnen is stirring the pot once again, aiming his barbs at Conor McGregor and accusing the former two-division champion of fabricating his injury to dodge a fight at UFC 303.

    “The Notorious” was set to make his eagerly awaited return to the Octagon against Michael Chandler in a welterweight bout, headlining UFC’s International Fight Week last month. However, just weeks before the fight, that anticipation was dashed when McGregor announced he had suffered a toe injury, rendering him unable to compete.

    When the fight was canceled, Sonnen speculated that McGregor withdrew due to being in rehab for substance abuse. This theory provoked a heated rebuttal from the Irishman, who shared numerous photos of his bruised toe to refute the claim.

    However, this didn’t deter the former UFC middleweight title challenger from questioning the authenticity of McGregor’s claims. Last month, he boldly asserted that the injury was a ruse, devised solely to avoid the bout with Chandler.

    Sonnen once again targeted McGregor, casting doubt on the legitimacy of his injury claim with unrelenting skepticism…

    Sonnen Amplifies Scrutiny Over McGregor’s Toe Injury

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, “The Bad Guy” once again aired his doubts about McGregor’s alleged broken toe.

    Sonnen scrutinized the timeline of events following his supposed injury and questioned why McGregor missed the Dublin press conference.

    “I’m looking out for his version of a discolored pinky toe that may or may not be broken,” Sonnen said. “It wouldn’t explain the absence of a press conference, and that’s where you get jammed up. Where was it? Where could you have been that precluded you from coming to a press conference? You don’t have to drive yourself.”

    Sonnen further speculated whether the photos of bruised toes McGregor shared on social media were genuinely his or possibly someone else’s.

    “You start running out of options, and so when you go with a discolored pinky toe that may or may not belong to you and may or may not be broken, I’m just wondering, in hindsight, do you look back on that and think it was a little bit of a miss because we’re not owed an explanation?”

    McGregor has been sidelined from active competition since fracturing his leg in the first round of his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

    Although his return has yet to be rescheduled, UFC CEO Dana White has hinted that McGregor won’t re-enter the Octagon before November. However, it remains uncertain whether he will face Chandler for his comeback.