MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • Kamaru Usman Honest About Brother Mohammed’s Latest UFC Loss: ‘Is This What You Want To Do Or Is It Not…’

    Kamaru Usman Honest About Brother Mohammed’s Latest UFC Loss: ‘Is This What You Want To Do Or Is It Not…’

    Kamaru Usman candidly shared his thoughts on his brother Mohammed’s recent UFC defeat, expressing that he could have performed significantly better.

    “The Motor” suffered his second consecutive defeat in the Octagon this past Saturday, falling to Thomas Petersen during the preliminary portion of the UFC Fight Night event at the Apex in Las Vegas.

    The fight began with both men cautiously gauging distance. Midway through the round, Petersen connected with a solid left hand, pressed forward, landed a knee, and finished the round strong with a front headlock and more strikes.

    In the second round, Usman resumed jabbing but was quickly countered by his opponent, who landed a potent left hand and secured a takedown. Usman managed a technical standup but looked fatigued.

    In the third and final round, “The Train” landed another heavy strike and consistently countered his opponent’s single shots. With a minute left, Petersen dominated, finishing with a crucial takedown and ground-and-pound. Petersen defeated Usman by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the contest 30-27.

    Mohammed’s elder brother appears disheartened by the setback, but “The Nigerian Nightmare” believes there’s ample scope for refinement and an opportunity for a powerful comeback…

    Kamaru Sees Growth Potential In Mohammed’s Game Plan Misstep

    During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman weighed in on his younger brother’s loss to Petersen. “The Nigerian Nightmare” critiqued Mohammed’s performance, pointing out that he deviated from his game plan and made several tactical errors, ultimately costing him the bout.

    “You know, disappointing loss for him,” Usman said. “But I think this was one of those crossroads fights that lets you know, is this what you want to do or is this not what you want to do? I think he’s right now, sitting at home, reflecting on all the work that he put in. Did you go out there and fight to your abilities? You did not. You didn’t go out there, you didn’t execute the game plan, you didn’t execute what you’re capable of doing.”

    The former UFC welterweight champion added that “The Motor” must reevaluate his mistakes and work on them to improve himself for a stronger return.

    “I know that’s something that’s very, very tough for him to deal with, but he’s sitting in it. He has to deal with it, he has to understand it, and it’s something that’s potentially going to make him much, much stronger. Like I say, it’s tough to enjoy the great times and winning when you don’t know what losing feels like. So, I think he’s feeling it right now, and I think he’s going to go back, reassess, recompose himself, and go back to it.”

    The younger Usman currently boasts an Octagon record of 3-2, having made a striking entrance into the UFC with a second-round knockout victory over Zac Pauga in The Ultimate Fighter 30 Finale in August 2022.

    While Mohammed shows promise as a fighter, he has yet to reach the same level of success that his brother achieved in his storied career.

  • Former UFC Champion Feels Alex Pereira vs. Jake Paul Not A Foregone Conclusion: ‘I Don’t Think It’s An Unwinnable Fight For Jake’

    Former UFC Champion Feels Alex Pereira vs. Jake Paul Not A Foregone Conclusion: ‘I Don’t Think It’s An Unwinnable Fight For Jake’

    Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman believes that the potential boxing match between Alex Pereira and Jake Paul is anything but predictable.

    “The Problem Child” has persistently shown an avid fascination in taking on UFC stars in the boxing ring, and he’s already notched victories against retired fighters such as Ben Askren, Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley (twice), and Nate Diaz.

    However, after securing a sixth-round TKO over former UFC fighter Mike Perry in a cruiserweight bout last weekend, Paul shocked the combat sports world by calling out reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Pereira.

    The YouTuber-turned-boxer connected with “Poatan” via FaceTime. During the call, he asked the Brazilian and his manager if Pereira could negotiate his release from the UFC to turn this crossover matchup into a reality.

    Pereira shared his perspective of the call, capturing a moment of uncertainty as he glanced sideways at his manager. This subtle gesture likely hinted at the complexities involved in securing UFC CEO Dana White’s approval for the boxing match.

    However, if the stars ever align, “The Nigerian Nightmare” holds a view contrary to the general consensus, believing that Paul has the potential to defeat striking phenom Pereira in a boxing showdown…

    Usman Believes Paul’s Arsenal Has ‘Really Good’ Moves To Challenge Pereira

    During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast with former two-division champion Henry Cejudo, Usman shared his thoughts on “The Problem Child’s” callout of Pereira for a boxing match. The former welterweight titleholder expressed skepticism about the potential clash, citing Paul’s strained relationship with White as a major obstacle.

    “No, it won’t happen,” Usman said. “I just don’t think it’s… Jake Paul, in the name of promoting nowadays, has done a lot of things and said a lot of things about Dana White that I feel are Colby Covington-esque. In that case, you’ve put yourself off to where I don’t think Mr. Dana White ever wants to do business with you.”

    “The Nigerian Nightmare” added that if the matchup were ever to materialize, Paul would stand a fair chance of overcoming Pereira with his slick jabs and diverse arsenal.

    “I do believe Alex Pereira can win that fight, but I don’t think it’s an unwinnable fight for Jake Paul. Jake Paul definitely showed some really good things there, being able to stick by the jab. When he was able to commit to the jab, the jab was working. Yes, I know Alex Pereira is very good at doing the thing that gave Mike Perry success in that fight, but Alex Pereira also holds his hands very low.

    “Yes, he has a mean left hook, but he also holds his hands very low. That head moves when he’s slipping and ripping, but other than that, it’s not like it’s constantly moving. It’s not constantly doing what a boxer’s head movement should be doing. So, I’m not completely counting Jake Paul out.”

    Paul is slated to face boxing legend Mike Tyson in a rescheduled bout on November 15. The social media influencer is currently riding a four-win streak in his 11-fight career, marred by only one setback—a split decision loss to Tommy Fury in February 2023.

  • Daniel Cormier Believes Leon Edwards & Belal Muhammad Are Underestimating Each Other Ahead Of UFC 304: ‘Both Of These Guys Are Much Better…’

    Daniel Cormier Believes Leon Edwards & Belal Muhammad Are Underestimating Each Other Ahead Of UFC 304: ‘Both Of These Guys Are Much Better…’

    Daniel Cormier recently remarked that Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad’s assertions of downplaying each other’s abilities ahead of their rematch at UFC 304 are far more than mere wordplay.

    Edwards is set to put his title on the line against Muhammad in the main event of the upcoming UFC pay-per-view this Saturday in front of his hometown crowd at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

    The two fighters first collided in a short-notice bout during the main event of UFC Fight Night in March 2021. Regrettably, an accidental eye poke in the second round compelled “Remember the Name” to bow out, resulting in the bout being ruled a no-contest.

    Since their rematch was announced this past May, both rivals have been relentlessly downplaying each other’s abilities through trash talk in interviews and social media posts. Muhammad, in particular, has gone so far as to label Edwards as the “easiest” opponent he could face in the division.

    While the animosity between Edwards and Muhammad is palpable, the former UFC two-division champion believes their trash talk is merely a tactic to rile each other up and hype the fight…

    Cormier Dismisses Edwards and Muhammad’s Verbal Jabs As ‘Gamesmanship’

    During a recent appearance on the Anik & Florian Podcast, “DC” observed that both Edwards and Muhammad seem to be underestimating each other, each believing that their opponent hasn’t improved since their first fight three years ago.

    “I think we’re in a situation where both of these guys are looking at the other, going, ‘Well, he ain’t what he’s supposed to be,’” Cormier said. “When I hear Leon Edwards talk about the competition, it feels like ‘Rocky’ expects the Belal that he kicked in the head in round one of the first fight, and then he was kind of beating, but it’s not the same Belal Muhammad.

    “But I know Belal Muhammad needs to recognize that it’s not the same Leon Edwards. We saw Leon Edwards change from fight one to fight two against Kamaru Usman.”

    The UFC Hall of Famer noted that both fighters are deliberately making provocative remarks to get under each other’s skin and boost their own confidence ahead of their upcoming clash.

    “I truly believe that it is all gamesmanship. We’re getting to the point where the gamesmanship starts to show, where you insult the guy to make yourself feel more confident going into the competition.”

    Following their initial bout, “Rocky” earned a title shot by defeating Nate Diaz at UFC 263 and ultimately dethroned Kamaru Usman to claim the welterweight gold at UFC 278 in August 2022.

    Meanwhile, Muhammad had to embark on a five-fight winning streak to finally secure his first UFC title opportunity. Only time will reveal how much both fighters have evolved to counter each other’s game plans.

  • PHOTOS: Leon Edwards & Paddy Pimblett’s Custom Shorts For UFC 304

    PHOTOS: Leon Edwards & Paddy Pimblett’s Custom Shorts For UFC 304

    It seems that the UFC is upholding its recent tradition of crafting bespoke fight kits for its marquee stars, with reigning welterweight champion Leon Edwards being the next to benefit from this stylish custom. “Rocky” will now grace the Octagon in dazzling, one-of-a-kind shorts for his upcoming bout.

    Back in 2014, the UFC inked an official apparel deal with Reebok, designating them as the exclusive provider of fight gear. Prior to this deal, fighters enjoyed the freedom to wear their choice of attire.

    However, for the past decade, the UFC, along with Reebok, controlled the design of fight shorts. In 2021, the apparel contract was handed over to Venum, marking the beginning of a new chapter in UFC fight gear.

    In 2020, featherweight contender Bryce Mitchell made history by debuting a custom Reebok camouflage short. Fast forward four years, and a torrent of creativity has surged into the Octagon. Venum has since designed tailor-made shorts for six additional fighters, all showcased in high-stakes title bouts at UFC 299, UFC 300, and UFC 302.

    Edwards, Pimblett To Potentially Sport Custom Shorts At UFC 304

    Edwards is gearing up to defend his title before his fervent home supporters against former rival Belal Muhammad in the main event of UFC 304. The highly anticipated rematch is set to take place at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, on July 27.

    According to a recent tweet from MMA journalist Christopher De Santiago, “Rocky” is set to don custom-made gear for his third title defense. The post included several images, seemingly sourced from the Venum website and the EA Sports UFC 5 video game, highlighting green shorts embellished with the Jamaican and British national flags alongside royal crowns.

    This unique design pays homage to Edwards’ rich heritage, celebrating his deep-rooted connections to both nations.

    Fellow UFC 304 main carder Paddy Pimblett is also receiving custom shorts at the event, De Santiago confirmed.

    Edwards and Muhammad first faced off at a UFC Fight Night event in March 2021. However, an unforeseen eye poke in the second round rendered “Remember the Name” unable to continue, resulting in a no-contest.

    Edwards is riding high on a 13-fight unbeaten streak, capped by a dominant unanimous decision victory over Colby Covington at UFC 296 last December. He claimed the welterweight title with a spectacular fifth-round knockout of then-champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 in August 2022.

    The Jamaican-born Englishman has also previously secured victories over high-profile opponents such as Nate Diaz, Rafael dos Anjos, and Vicente Luque.

  • Alexander Volkanovski: Jon Jones Can ‘Maybe’ Handle Tom Aspinall At Heavyweight

    Alexander Volkanovski: Jon Jones Can ‘Maybe’ Handle Tom Aspinall At Heavyweight

    Alexander Volkanovski appears uncertain whether Jon Jones can prevail against Tom Aspinall in a potential heavyweight showdown.

    When Aspinall stepped up on short notice and knocked out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 last November to claim the interim heavyweight title, he immediately set his sights on a title unification bout against the reigning champion.

    However, “Bones” has consistently dismissed the challenge, even belittling Aspinall’s dominance in the division. Instead, Jones has expressed his desire to reschedule his canceled bout with former longtime titleholder Stipe Miocic, with their anticipated clash seemingly set for later this year.

    With Jones currently out of the picture for now, Aspinall has chosen to make the first defense of his interim heavyweight belt against former foe Curtis Blaydes. The rematch will serve as the co-main event of UFC 304, set to take place this Saturday on Aspinall’s home turf in Manchester.

    If the 31-year-old Englishman triumphs over Blaydes on July 27, the ultimate matchup for him and fans alike would undoubtedly be a showdown with Jones.

    “Bones” is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. However, Volkanovski believes Aspinall possesses the complete arsenal necessary to challenge and potentially disrupt Jones’ storied legacy…

    Volkanovski Foresees Aspinall’s Victory Over Jones

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, “The Great” delved into his predictions for the upcoming UFC 304 card. Volkanovski confidently picked Aspinall to triumph over Blaydes and went on to heap praise on the Brit, assessing his chances against Jones in a potential heavyweight showdown.

    The former UFC featherweight champion asserted that if there’s anyone on the current heavyweight roster capable of standing toe-to-toe with Jones and perhaps even having the upper hand, it’s Aspinall.

    “I think Tom Aspinall is too good,” Volkanovski said. “But what I mean is compared to other fighters, which I’m always going to pick Tom Aspinall. Because I believe he’s that good Jon Jones, I want to see that fight. Jon Jones is that good, and he can maybe handle a heavyweight Tom Aspinall.

    “But if anyone’s ever going to beat Jon Jones, it’s someone like Tom Aspinall. He can really mix it up still fast; he’s going to be just as fast as Jon Jones you get what I mean it’s he’s that good.”

    Aspinall’s sole setback in his eight Octagon appearances occurred two years ago at UFC Fight Night London when he sustained a severe knee injury in the first round against “Razor”. Now, he is determined to rectify that misfortune.

    While the prospect of a Jones vs. Aspinall showdown tantalizes the MMA community, its realization seems distant. Jones remains steadfast in his desire to face Miocic upon his return and has even hinted at potentially hanging up his gloves after that bout.

  • Dan Hardy Honest About Curtis Blaydes Fight At UFC 304: ‘There Are A Few Questions To Ask Around Tom Aspinall…’

    Dan Hardy Honest About Curtis Blaydes Fight At UFC 304: ‘There Are A Few Questions To Ask Around Tom Aspinall…’

    Dan Hardy asserts that Curtis Blaydes has the potential to truly challenge Tom Aspinall and push him into deep waters with his elite wrestling skills at UFC 304.

    “Razor” is poised to challenge Aspinall for his interim heavyweight title in a rematch, set as the co-main event of UFC’s upcoming pay-per-view. This showdown is scheduled to electrify the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, this weekend.

    Blaydes secured a TKO victory against Aspinall in their initial encounter during the main event of UFC Fight Night London in July 2022 after the Brit suffered a sudden knee injury just 15 seconds into the bout.

    Although the American is one-up on his former opponent, Aspinall is widely regarded as the heavy favorite against Blaydes and is expected to finish him.

    Aspinall’s strengths lie in his striking and knockout power, while Blaydes relies on his wrestling prowess. If Blaydes can bring the fight to the ground, he might dominate—a scenario that “The Outlaw” envisions unfolding on July 27…

    Hardy Views Blaydes’ Wrestling As ‘Interesting Test’ For Aspinall

    During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Hardy previewed the upcoming rematch between Aspinall and Blaydes. The PFL head of fighter operations noted that while the interim titleholder holds an advantage over “Razor,” he could face significant challenges if Blaydes successfully imposes his wrestling dominance.

    “There are a few questions to ask around Tom Aspinall,” Hardy said. “We’ve seen various different parts of his game. We know how well-rounded he is, but if we’re breaking mixed martial arts down into three components, if you’ve got the grappling on the floor, you’ve got the wrestling in the middle, and then you’ve got the striking at distance, we know Tom is really good at two aspects of that.

    “We know that Curtis Blaydes is very good at the wrestling portion—the middle piece, the bit that holds it all together. And you know there’s no doubt that someone with the wrestling experience of Curtis Blaydes is going to be able to get the better of Tom Aspinall in a straight wrestling match.”

    The former UFC welterweight fighter added that Aspinall should leverage his own strengths and avoid letting the fight go to the ground.

    “Tom on the feet is going to be a lot quicker than most people that Curtis Blaydes had to deal with. And I also think one of the factors as well for Tom is his ability to strike in the clinch very quickly—you know, elbows to knees and vice versa when he’s defending takedowns are going to be really, really useful for him. It’s an interesting test for Tom. I think a lot of people have got their eyes on this as if it’s the real heavyweight championship.”

  • Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira Among UFC Fighters Touted To Destroy Jake Paul In Boxing Match: ‘Too Quick, Too Slick, Too Fast, Too Technical’

    Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira Among UFC Fighters Touted To Destroy Jake Paul In Boxing Match: ‘Too Quick, Too Slick, Too Fast, Too Technical’

    Michael Bisping contends that beyond the formidable Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya, a host of UFC fighters possess the prowess to beat down Jake Paul in the boxing ring.

    It appears that the age-old rivalry between MMA and boxing continues to burn brightly, with “The Problem Child” fanning the flames. Following his sixth-round TKO victory over former UFC fighter Mike Perry in their cruiserweight boxing bout last weekend, Paul made some incendiary remarks that have ruffled feathers in the MMA community.

    The YouTuber-turned-boxer has consistently expressed a keen interest in facing UFC fighters, with Conor McGregor frequently being mentioned as a desired opponent. However, this past Saturday, he surprised everyone by calling out a new challenger: the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion.

    Despite “Poatan” being hailed as one of the most lethal strikers in the UFC today, Paul boldly declared during the post-event press conference that he would “decapitate and dethrone” the Brazilian in a potential boxing match. This audacious claim incensed former UFC middleweight champion Bisping…

    Bisping Lists UFC Fighters Who Would Dominate Paul In Squared Circle

    In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Bisping weighed in on Paul’s callout of Pereira for a boxing match. “The Count” dissected “Poatan’s” impressive victories over renowned former champions like Adesanya, Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, and Jamahal Hill. He confidently asserted that Pereira would undoubtedly outclass “The Problem Child” in the boxing ring.

    “That is the craziest, most grandiose statement I have ever heard in my life,” Bisping said. “Alex Pereira is gigantic. Alex Pereira is way bigger than Jake Paul… Alex Pereira is a monster. Alex Pereira is not a blown-up lightweight; he’s a champion of two weight divisions and he’s beaten five former champions.

    The UFC Hall of Famer added that all the fighters Pereira has defeated are equally capable of dismantling Paul in a boxing match, and they would do so in a resoundingly dominant fashion.

    “All those people that I just mentioned would absolutely wipe the floor with Jake Paul. Jamahal Hill would brutalize him. Jiri Prochazka would marmalize him. Israel Adesanya would embarrass him from start to finish. Too quick, too slick, too fast, too technical.”

    Paul has previously fought former UFC fighters Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley (twice), Nate Diaz, and Ben Askren, though all were notably beyond their prime.

    Although the likelihood of a Pereira vs. Paul boxing match is slim due to the UFC’s stringent contracts, the Brazilian fighter appeared enthusiastic about the potential showdown in his brief video exchange with Paul.

  • Jon Jones Told He ‘Cannot Do Anything But Acknowledge That Victory’ If Tom Aspinall Defeats Curtis Blaydes At UFC 304

    Jon Jones Told He ‘Cannot Do Anything But Acknowledge That Victory’ If Tom Aspinall Defeats Curtis Blaydes At UFC 304

    UFC commentator John Gooden recently said that Jon Jones should give due recognition to Tom Aspinall if he manages to overcome Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304.

    Last November, the undisputed heavyweight champion was slated to put his title on the line against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295. However, a torn pectoral muscle forced Jones out of action, postponing the highly anticipated fight.

    As a result, Aspinall rose to the occasion on short notice to face the backup fighter, Sergei Pavlovich, for the interim heavyweight title. The Englishman delivered an electrifying performance, clinching a knockout triumph just over a minute into the first round.

    Riding high on his victory, Aspinall called for a title unification bout with “Bones”. However, the American has persistently rebuffed the challenge and even downplayed Aspinall’s status as an interim champion. Instead, Jones has expressed his intention to reconvene his bout with Miocic, which is seemingly targeted for November.

    Frustrated by the inactivity, Aspinall chose to defend his interim title in a rematch against former adversary Blaydes. The showdown is set as the co-main event at UFC 304, taking place on July 27 in his hometown of Manchester.

    Gooden believes this is Aspinall’s golden opportunity to make a bold statement and compel Jones to acquiesce to his formidable presence in the heavyweight division…

    Gooden Foresees Blaydes as Aspinall’s Stepping Stone to Jones Clash

    During a recent interview with MiddleEasy, Gooden offered a preview of Aspinall’s upcoming title defense against Blaydes, suggesting that “Razor” constitutes a formidable threat for the Salford native if he relies on his wrestling and grappling prowess.

    However, the English UFC commentator noted that Aspinall could surmount this challenge by applying relentless pressure with his precise striking.

    “He [Blaydes] is a very, very dangerous guy, a legitimate perennial contender who has been there or thereabouts for the longest time,” Gooden said. “He’s also crossed those leaderboards with his style, obviously with the wrestling-heavy grappling style. But the man will open you up if he lands an elbow, and he will change the fight.”

    Gooden also hinted that defeating Blaydes could catapult Aspinall to a status that would force “Bones” to recognize his legitimacy.

    “If Tom Aspinall gets past Curtis Blaydes, and particularly in an impressive fashion, then I think that Jon Jones cannot do anything but acknowledge that victory and therefore surely must creep a little bit further into those two getting together, but of course, Tom’s got a big appointment ahead.”

    Aspinall holds an Octagon record of seven victories since his promotional debut in July 2022, highlighted by six first-round finishes against formidable adversaries such as Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov, and Marcin Tybura.

    The only blemish on his record during this UFC run has been a TKO loss resulting from an unforeseen knee injury just 15 seconds into his bout against Blaydes at UFC Fight Night London in July 2022.

  • UFC Commentator Surprised Paddy Pimblett Is Considering Influencer Boxing Ahead Of Last Fight On Contract: ‘One Of The Most Dynamic Grapplers…’

    UFC Commentator Surprised Paddy Pimblett Is Considering Influencer Boxing Ahead Of Last Fight On Contract: ‘One Of The Most Dynamic Grapplers…’

    UFC commentator John Gooden recently voiced his astonishment after Paddy Pimblett revealed he is contemplating a move to influencer boxing as he approaches the final fight of his UFC contract.

    “The Baddy” is poised to go head-to-head against King Green on the main card of UFC 304. The pay-per-view will take place on July 27 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, giving Pimblett the opportunity to shine in front of his home crowd.

    Pimblett is gearing up for his sixth UFC bout, which will also mark the end of his initial contract with the MMA promotion. A victory against “King” could launch him into the lightweight rankings.

    However, the 29-year-old Scouser recently hinted in an interview with MMA Junkie that he might leave the UFC for lucrative boxing matches against YouTube influencers, suggesting he could earn more money outside the Octagon.

    Pimblett’s remarks have left Gooden utterly perplexed, prompting him to question what could drive one of the UFC’s most promising prospects to even consider boxing YouTubers…

    Gooden Trusts Pimblett’s Hard-Earned UFC Spot Will Keep Him Grounded

    During a recent interview with MiddleEasy, Gooden reacted to Pimblett’s notion of leaving the UFC for a boxing career. The British UFC commentator stressed that “The Baddy” needs to secure a win in his upcoming fight to gain leverage in negotiations for his second contract with the promotion.

    He believes a victory would significantly strengthen Pimblett’s bargaining power when discussing his future with the UFC.

    “It would just hurt the numbers right if he doesn’t come away with a win against King Green,” Gooden said. “Then you know that you’re negotiating; you’re going to the table with a quite different approach. I would imagine I was surprised to hear him talk about boxing.”

    “I don’t know if it was just something that had been across his socials like 30 minutes before he jumped on whatever it was and then spoke about it.”

    Gooden further elaborated, praising Pimblett as a high-caliber MMA fighter who has made a tremendous effort to reach the UFC. He mentioned that Pimblett shouldn’t squander this hard-earned opportunity so easily.

    “Paddy, for me, is one of the most dynamic grapplers that we’ve seen come out of the UK. His ability to take the back is phenomenal, and his finishing ability with submissions is his top draw, so seeing him go into boxing is like, really, are you sure? I’m a little confused about that, and deep down, you know Paddy had a.”
    “I think he turned down the UFC in the past in order to really make a good, conscientious run with enough kinds of veteran-ship to make a run in the UFC, so I know it means something for him to be in the organization.”

    Pimblett is riding high after securing a unanimous decision victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 296 last December. Since joining the UFC in September 2021, the Englishman has racked up an impressive five-fight win streak.

    Given his strong fan base in Europe and his status as a rising star, it wouldn’t make sense for the promotion to let him go easily. Pimblett’s popularity and potential make him a valuable asset for the UFC.

  • UFC Commentator Labels Belal Muhammad ‘Deluded’ For Pre-UFC 304 Comments About Leon Edwards

    UFC Commentator Labels Belal Muhammad ‘Deluded’ For Pre-UFC 304 Comments About Leon Edwards

    UFC commentator John Gooden believes Belal Muhammad might be overconfident with his trash talk aimed at reigning welterweight champion Leon Edwards ahead of their rematch at UFC 304.

    “Rocky” is preparing to defend his title against Muhammad in the headlining bout of the upcoming UFC pay-per-view, set for July 27 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

    The two fighters previously clashed in a short-notice matchup at a UFC Fight Night main event in March 2021. However, the bout was cut short when an accidental eye poke in the second round left “Remember the Name” unable to continue, resulting in the fight being declared a no-contest.

    After their initial bout, Edwards earned a title shot by defeating Nate Diaz at UFC 263 and ultimately overcame Kamaru Usman to claim the 170-pound championship at UFC 278 in August 2022. Meanwhile, Muhammad had to achieve a five-fight undefeated streak to finally secure his first UFC title opportunity.

    As the two rivals prepare to clash again, “Remember the Name” is brimming with a new level of confidence, consistently downplaying the Jamaican-born Englishman and even branding him as the “easiest” opponent in the division.

    However, Gooden thinks Muhammad might have been overreaching with his verbal jabs…

    Gooden Argues Muhammad’s Discrediting of Edwards Is Misjudgment

    During a recent interview with MiddleEasy, Gooden weighed in on his compatriot Edwards’ upcoming bout against Muhammad. The British UFC broadcaster remarked that the American’s unwarranted verbal jabs at “Rocky” won’t win him any fans in the champion’s homeland and may even backfire.

    He mentioned that Edwards has garnered a substantial fan base in the UK thanks to his consistently stellar performances, which have cemented his reputation as a hometown hero.

    “He’s [Edwards] won over the British public through his success,” Gooden said. “I mean, Belal is talking a lot at the moment, and he is saying some pretty… Well, he’s discrediting Leon in a lot of ways. He’s got a lot of thoughts about his personality and his marketability, etc., etc., but Leon has earned this fanfare in the UK.”

    “The wider populous likes winners and Leon’s done nothing but that right, so he’s earned the popularity. So Belal is deluded if he thinks he’s going to walk out, and he’s going to get the cheers, and Leon’s going to get the boos like it’s not going to be that way.”

    Edwards isn’t celebrated for his microphone skills and had previously shrugged off Muhammad’s attempts to downplay him, questioning where his rival’s newfound confidence is coming from. Regardless, seeing how both fighters approach UFC 304 in the coming days will be fascinating.

  • Henry Cejudo Gives His Verdict On Teammate Tracy Cortez’s Performance Against Rose Namanujas: ‘I Talked To Her On Saturday…’

    Henry Cejudo Gives His Verdict On Teammate Tracy Cortez’s Performance Against Rose Namanujas: ‘I Talked To Her On Saturday…’

    Henry Cejudo recently weighed in on his teammate Tracy Cortez’s defeat against Rose Namajunas, suggesting that she had the potential to perform much better.

    Last Saturday night, Cortez gave it her all but fell short on the judges’ scorecards, enduring her first UFC defeat in a grueling five-round battle against “Thug Rose,” who won by unanimous decision.

    Cortez was originally gearing up for a bout against Miranda Maverick at UFC Vegas 94 on July 20. However, when Maycee Barber had to withdraw from the UFC Fight Night Denver main event due to undisclosed reasons, Cortez stepped up, accepting the short-notice challenge with just two weeks to prepare.

    Despite the limited preparation time, the 30-year-old Arizona native went toe-to-toe for the full 25 minutes against the former two-time strawweight champion. However, her teammate at Fight Ready gym, Cejudo, believes that Cortez could have delivered a much stronger performance with a different game plan…

    Cejudo Believes Cortez Misinterpreted Namajunas’ Strategy

    During a recent Pound 4 Pound podcast episode with former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, “Triple C” dissected Cortez’s performance against Namajunas. He noted that “Thug Rose” effectively utilized her lateral movements and found better striking angles with well-timed takedowns, ultimately securing her victory over his teammate.

    “Rose was able to use her lateral movements, pick her shots, and then eventually bring in takedowns, which kind of surprised me,” Cejudo said. “But I’m not surprised with her because she did the same thing to Weili [Zhang] towards the end of the round to secure the rounds.”

    Cejudo further critiqued that Cortez lacked mindfulness throughout the fight and failed to capitalize on key takedown opportunities, a misstep that decisively cost her the bout.

    “Tracy didn’t show up, man. I just don’t know how to say it; man, that’s not the Tracy that we know. I watched the fight again, and she never once attempted the takedowns; after she attempted one takedown, that’s it, there’s no level changes involved. I talked to her on Saturday afterward and just said, ‘Hey, just keep your head up, dude. It was an experience, but I just know you’re better than that, Tracy’.”

    Cortez began the bout stronger, aiming to counter Namajunas’ speed and striking skills. Although she secured an early takedown, Cortez frequently found herself on the receiving end, being taken down multiple times by her opponent throughout the fight.

  • Belal Muhammad Labels Champion Leon Edwards As His ‘Easiest Fight’ & Sees ‘Weaknesses’ All Through Welterweight Shark Tank

    Belal Muhammad Labels Champion Leon Edwards As His ‘Easiest Fight’ & Sees ‘Weaknesses’ All Through Welterweight Shark Tank

    Belal Muhammad recently claimed that reigning UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards would be a walk in the park for him, suggesting that the division has lost its edge and currently lacks competitiveness.

    “Remember the Name” is gearing up to challenge Edwards in a highly anticipated rematch for the title in the main event of UFC 304, scheduled for July 27 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

    Muhammad went on an impressive 10-fight unbeaten streak to secure his long-awaited shot at UFC gold, a goal he has been vocally pursuing for quite some time. During his journey, the 36-year-old Illinois native defeated notable opponents such as Gilbert Burns, Sean Brady, and Stephen Thompson.

    Muhammad’s win streak has skyrocketed his confidence, leading him to view the divisional champ as a mere stepping stone…

    Muhammad Exudes Assurance Ahead of Edwards Rematch

    During a recent interview with Arab News, “Remember the Name” shared his thoughts on his upcoming clash with Edwards. He argued that the welterweight division is sorely lacking in competitiveness and confidently asserted that facing “Rocky” would be his most straightforward bout yet.

    “I see weaknesses in a lot of these guys,” Muhammad said. “I don’t think there are going to be easy fights, but looking at this division, Leon is my easiest fight.”

    Muhammad further emphasized that his extensive experience and relentless pursuit of improvement will be his greatest assets in the upcoming bout on July 27.

    “I’ve had the highest highs and the lowest lows. After every fight, I analyze what I did wrong. I train year-round to be a better fighter. I really think I’m behind a lot of these guys. So I’ve always had that mentality that I’m behind and have to keep learning, growing, and getting better. And I think that’s what separates me from the rest. Every single fight, I come as a different fighter.”

    Muhammad initially faced Edwards in a short-notice bout during a UFC Fight Night main event in March 2021. Unfortunately, an accidental eye poke in the second round forced Muhammad to withdraw, resulting in the fight being declared a no-contest.

  • Tom Aspinall Not Focusing On UFC 304 Fight Time: ‘If You Can Fight Really Well At Midnight But You Can’t At 4 AM…’

    Tom Aspinall Not Focusing On UFC 304 Fight Time: ‘If You Can Fight Really Well At Midnight But You Can’t At 4 AM…’

    Tom Aspinall recently stated that he is unfazed by the unconventional fight time set for UFC 304, emphasizing that his training camp included acclimating his body to compete at early hours.

    Aspinall is gearing up to defend his interim heavyweight title in a rematch against his former rival Curtis Blaydes in the co-main event of the upcoming UFC 304 pay-per-view, scheduled for July 27 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

    The event broadcast is set to begin at approximately 11 PM BST (local time), with the scheduling designed mainly to accommodate North American audiences. Consequently, Aspinall will make his walk to the octagon in the early hours of the next morning (July 28 in Manchester).

    Despite his prior entreaties and appeals to the UFC brass to adjust the start time for UFC 304, the 31-year-old Salford native’s plea was ultimately denied. Now, Aspinall appears fully dedicated to his preparation, expressing that he is unperturbed by the event’s timing…

    Aspinall Says 4 AM Training Sessions Will Aid Performance At UFC 304

    During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Aspinall revealed his unique preparation for UFC 304. To condition his body for the early-hour fight, he wakes up at 4 AM every day and incorporates a traditional gypsy method into his training.

    “When it gets to about 4 AM, I get my alarm on, I go outside, do a bit shadowboxing in the hay bales,” Aspinall said. “And then I do the old traveler method of dipping your knuckles in petrol for about 20 minutes as the sun’s coming up, and that hardens your knuckles.”

    The interim UFC heavyweight champion further added that aside from his morning workout routine to train his body to be alert at 4 AM, he hasn’t been overly concerned with the early start time.

    “Look mate, if you can fight really well at 12 o’clock, midnight, but you can’t fight really well at 4 AM, you weren’t that [good] in the first place, in my opinion. There are plenty of times that I’ve traveled across the world and fought in different time zones without even adjusting myself. And now I’ve had a full training camp at home. I’m right there ready to fight, so if that’s an excuse, mate, you’re not that good in the first place.”

    Aspinall and Blaydes previously clashed at UFC Fight Night London in July 2022. The fight’s outcome was clouded by a dramatic turn of events, as the Brit endured a TKO defeat caused by an unforeseen knee injury just 15 seconds into the contest.

    Aside from that setback, Aspinall boasts seven victories in the Octagon, with notable wins against formidable opponents such as Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov, and Marcin Tybura.

  • Paddy Pimblett Outlines Four-Fight Path To The Title After UFC 304 Return: ‘Moicano, Dariush…’

    Paddy Pimblett Outlines Four-Fight Path To The Title After UFC 304 Return: ‘Moicano, Dariush…’

    Paddy Pimblett recently revealed that he has already envisioned several potential opponents as he charts his course to the UFC lightweight title.

    Pimblett is set to square off against King Green on the main card of UFC 304, scheduled to take place at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, on July 27.

    “The Baddy’s” upcoming fight will mark his first return to the Octagon since his unanimous decision victory over lightweight veteran Tony Ferguson at UFC 296 last December. The 29-year-old Scouser has enjoyed an impressive five-fight win streak since joining the UFC in September 2021 and is eager to dazzle his home fans with another triumph.

    Pimblett is preparing for his sixth Octagon assignment, which also marks the final fight on his current contract. While a triumph in this bout would propel him into the lightweight rankings, Pimblett is already plotting his ascent to UFC gold…

    Who Are The Fighters Pimblett Is Targeting Next?

    During a recent interview with New York Post Sports, Pimblett chalked out his strategy leading up to a potential UFC lightweight title shot after his comeback bout at UFC 304.

    The Liverpudlian shared his ambition to fight Renato Moicano after his bout with Green, with whom he has been sparring verbally on social media for several months. Following this, he plans to take on Beneil Dariush.

    After these matchups, Pimblett has his sights set on challenging a top-five contender in the lightweight rankings.

    “Well, obviously Bobby Green, then I fight Moicano,” Pimblett said. “Moicano’s ranked #10 at the minute, but then he’s fighting [Benoît] Saint Denis, isn’t he? So, then, we could end up, win or lose, he could end up going down, but I’d love that.

    “Moicano, then Dariush would be perfect. He’s ranked, like, #7 or #8, and then someone in the top five, know what I mean? And then, obviously, go for the belt, if possible.”

    Pimblett has long been a prominent figure in the European mixed martial arts scene thanks to his impressive stint with Cage Warriors, where he clinched the featherweight championship.

    His popularity has only flourished throughout his time in the Octagon, marked by victories over notable opponents such as Ferguson, Jared Gordon, and Jordan Leavitt.

  • John McCarthy On Ref Marc Goddard Recusing Himself From Officiating Leon Edwards Fights: ‘Claims Don’t Mean S**t, But They’re Going To Make Them!’

    John McCarthy On Ref Marc Goddard Recusing Himself From Officiating Leon Edwards Fights: ‘Claims Don’t Mean S**t, But They’re Going To Make Them!’

    “Big” John McCarthy recently shared his two cents on Marc Goddard’s decision to step down from officiating Leon Edwards’ fights, praising it as a wise and commendable move.

    During a recent interview on the Overdogs Podcast, Goddard delved into the complexities of refereeing MMA fights, particularly how personal relationships with fighters can complicate his role. The veteran referee used Edwards as a prime example, explaining that he will never officiate the reigning UFC welterweight champion bouts.

    Goddard revealed that he was “Rocky’s” first MMA coach and wants to avoid any accusations of bias towards his former tutee, highlighting his commitment to maintaining impartiality.

    The Brit referee has a storied career in MMA, boasting over two decades of experience both officiating and fighting. Goddard is a highly esteemed referee who has officiated numerous marquee bouts in the UFC and other top promotions.

    McCarthy, a titan in the realm of MMA refereeing, hailed Goddard’s decision and offered his own insights on the perspectives of officiating a close friend’s fight…

    McCarthy Endorses Decision to Avoid Officiating a Friend’s Fight

    During a recent episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast with former UFC lightweight contender Josh Thomson, McCarthy recounted his encounters with the unique challenges of officiating fights involving fighters with whom he shared close personal bonds, while praising Goddard for his stance.

    “It’s the right decision,” McCarthy said. “The real decision is that you try to take yourself out of situations that can put you into an area where someone can make a claim. And claims don’t mean sh*t, but they’re going to make them.”

    “Big John” revealed that he had a close friendship with MMA legends Royce Gracie and Tim Sylvia, yet found himself officiating their bouts due to commission mandates.

    The former UFC referee admitted he was initially reluctant to oversee those fights but couldn’t decline. He consistently made it a point to inform the commissions and MMA promotion about his camaraderie with the fighters.

    “You have to just be honest and say, ‘Can you be fair?’ You’re always going to get someone who’s gonna say you’re not fair.”

  • Chael Sonnen Explains Why Stipe Miocic Is ‘Primed’ To Defeat Jon Jones: ‘He Realized I Gotta Be More Man…’

    Chael Sonnen Explains Why Stipe Miocic Is ‘Primed’ To Defeat Jon Jones: ‘He Realized I Gotta Be More Man…’

    Chael Sonnen recently expressed his belief that Stipe Miocic has the upper hand in his potential fight against Jon Jones.

    The much-anticipated clash between Miocic and reigning heavyweight champion Jones has been the talk of the MMA world since it was first announced. The excitement reached a fever pitch, only to be dashed last October when “Bones” tore his pectoral muscle just two weeks before their scheduled bout at UFC 295 in November 2023.

    The widespread anticipation is that the long-overdue bout will headline the UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden this November. Jones has also fueled the excitement with his continuous hints, yet the MMA promotion has not officially confirmed the event.

    Miocic last competed at UFC 260 in March 2021, where he suffered a second-round knockout defeat in a rematch against former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Although he has been absent from the Octagon for over three years, Sonnen believes the 41-year-old Ohio native could still pull off a stunning upset against Jones if they were to fight…

    Sonnen Suggests Miocic’s Apparent Bulk Could Aid in Jones Fight

    During a recent episode of ESPN’s Good Guy / Bad Guy with Daniel Cormier, Sonnen delved into a discussion about fighters who have the potential to dethrone reigning UFC champions by the year’s end.

    “The Bad Guy” expressed confidence in Miocic’s ability to defeat Jones in their potential matchup. Sonnen revealed that he recently spoke with the former longtime heavyweight champion about his current walk-around weight, and Miocic disclosed he’s around 252 pounds.

    The former middleweight title challenger told “DC” that Miocic’s added muscle mass could significantly enhance his power, a game-changing factor in a showdown with Jones.

    “If Stipe does in fact come in at 252 [pounds], that’s very different,” Sonnen said. “The first time you [Cormier] fought him, he was 246, and the second time you fought him, he was 233… But after he lost to Francis, Stipe thought that he was going to draw into a trilogy against Francis, and he realized I got to be a bigger man and got to have more size on me.”

    “He buckled down and focused on the same thing that Jon Jones did to gain weight. Stipe did the same thing; he added the right kind of weight, and that’s going to change the perception of power ability for takedowns. Stipe is going to show up at Madison Square Garden, and he is primed to get a victory.”

    Despite his extended hiatus, Miocic has been unwavering in his desire to face “Bones” in his comeback fight, expressing his willingness to wait for the opportunity. He’s recently made it clear that if the Jones bout doesn’t materialize, he’s prepared to retire.

  • Jon Anik: Celebrated Former UFC Champion ‘First Guy That Comes To Mind’ When Discussing Fighters Who Will Never Be Replicated

    Jon Anik: Celebrated Former UFC Champion ‘First Guy That Comes To Mind’ When Discussing Fighters Who Will Never Be Replicated

    Jon Anik recently remarked that Khabib Nurmagomedov reigns supreme in the world of combat sports as a truly irreplaceable fighter, citing the former UFC lightweight champion’s unparalleled fighting style and unyielding mindset.

    “The Eagle” soared through the annals of UFC history with a career that was nothing short of extraordinary. Widely regarded as arguably the greatest MMA grappler ever, his legacy is cemented by an impeccable fight record that speaks volumes to his unmatched Octagon prowess.

    In the MMA world, few fighters epitomize universal admiration quite like Nurmagomedov. The 35-year-old Dagestani announced his retirement from active competition after a decisive second-round submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020.

    Despite stepping away from the Octagon, Nurmagomedov continues to captivate a legion of die-hard fans and remains a constant presence on every list of GOAT MMA fighters. UFC play-by-play commentator Anik firmly believes that “The Eagle” is truly one of a kind…

    Anik Confident No One Can Rival Nurmagomedov’s Mentality

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Anik was posed the question of which fighter’s greatness is irreplaceable. The 46-year-old UFC broadcaster responded by highlighting Nurmagomedov, praising his unparalleled combat technique and indomitable spirit as qualities no other fighter could ever match.

    “I think Khabib Nurmagomedov had a uniqueness to him,” Anik said. “And I think a lot of that is rooted in his mentality, but even just in terms of not wanting to maybe hurt Justin Gaethje or the way he would talk to his opponents in a different way than Kevin Holland would.”

    Anik further noted that while many former UFC champions, such as Daniel Cormier, Demetrious Johnson, and Dominick Cruz, possessed their own distinctive and superior fighting attributes, none could compare to the exceptional prowess of “The Eagle”.

    “My guy Daniel Cormier, I think, is supremely underrated in terms of his ability to inflict and impose his wrestling and his rear naked choke on really world-class fighters. But I guess Khabib’s that comes to mind… All roads eventually for me lead to Khabib.”

    Nurmagomedov now devotes his time to mentoring the next generation of fighters and is frequently seen training with his close friend and reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.

    However, the UFC Hall of Famer is reportedly under scrutiny by the Russian Federal Tax Services for allegations of over $3 million in tax fraud.

  • Dan Hooker Gets His UFC 305 Perth Date Against Mateusz Gamrot

    Dan Hooker Gets His UFC 305 Perth Date Against Mateusz Gamrot

    Dan Hooker has finally locked in a fight with Mateusz Gamrot for UFC 305 after a determined search for an opponent. The update of the bout first broke out when Hooker recently announced it on his Instagram story.

    The lightweight banger is set to take place at the upcoming UFC pay-per-view event scheduled for August 17 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

    “The Hangman” has been particularly enthusiastic about competing on the Australasia card due to the opportunity to fight alongside his City Kickboxing teammates, Israel Adesanya and Kai Kara-France. He has also previously hinted at the prospect of facing a high-profile opponent.

    Hooker last fought against Jalin Turner at UFC 290 in July 2023, where he endured a broken arm yet persevered through the entire match to secure a split-decision victory. The 34-year-old New Zealander was previously set to fight Bobby Green at UFC Fight Night Austin in December, but a reinjury to his arm forced him to withdraw from the bout.

    “The Hangman” is currently riding a two-fight win streak after an unsuccessful attempt in the featherweight division, where he suffered a first-round knockout against Arnold Allen in March 2022.

    Meanwhile, Gamrot is on a three-fight win streak. “Gamer” is set to make his return to the Octagon following a dominant unanimous decision victory over Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 299 this past March.

    The 33-year-old Pole had been aiming for a bout with former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. However, his aspirations were temporarily halted as “Do Bronx” seemingly declined the proposal.

  • Henry Cejudo Doubles Down On ‘Poatan’ Criticism Despite Dominant UFC 303 Win: ‘Even If Pereira Does Get A Bit Butthurt…’

    Henry Cejudo Doubles Down On ‘Poatan’ Criticism Despite Dominant UFC 303 Win: ‘Even If Pereira Does Get A Bit Butthurt…’

    Henry Cejudo is still not sold on Alex Pereira’s prowess, even after the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion showcased an exceptional performance at UFC 303.

    “Poatan” retained his title, most recently securing an impressive second-round head kick knockout of his former foe, Jiri Prochazka, during the main event of the UFC’s last pay-per-view on June 29.

    Pereira, in just nine Octagon appearances, has established an unparalleled legacy. He has become only the ninth fighter in UFC history to hold championships in two divisions. Even more impressive, he is the first to capture titles in both the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions, accomplishing this remarkable feat in just two years.

    The 37-year-old Brazilian has made an indelible mark on the MMA community, with many considering him among the greatest fighters in UFC history. However, former two-division champion Cejudo remains skeptical of Pereira’s accomplishments…

    Cejudo Argues Pereira Needs To Do More To Be Deemed The Best

    During a recent episode of Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru Usman, the two former UFC champions explored Pereira’s meteoric rise in the MMA world. “Triple C” emphatically insisted that the Brazilian striking phenom still has more to prove against more well-rounded opponents before he can be crowned among the greatest.

    “We have to see him go up against are a little more well-rounded, Cejudo said. “I don’t take things personal. I think, to me, it’s even more cool to create a character because whether you’re right or wrong, people are going to talk sh*t, or people are going to do X, Y, and Z, but these are keyboard wars. Even if Pereira does get a bit butthurt, man, take it to heart.”

    “Does he have beautiful striking? 100%. I want to see more. I wanna see him to see him against guys against a real mixed martial artists, and then we can gauge it whether he is maybe even so pound-for-pound.”

    This isn’t the first time Cejudo has voiced doubts about Pereira’s skills. In a previous episode of his podcast earlier this month, the former Olympic gold medalist criticized “Poatan” for his perceived lack of completeness as a fighter, arguing that he wouldn’t fare well against formidable wrestlers like Magomed Ankalaev.

  • Manel Kape Not Impressed With Muhammad Mokaev’s Undefeated Run Ahead Of UFC 304: ‘There Always Has To Be Bad Blood!’

    Manel Kape Not Impressed With Muhammad Mokaev’s Undefeated Run Ahead Of UFC 304: ‘There Always Has To Be Bad Blood!’

    Manel Kape recently downplayed Muhammad Mokaev’s undefeated streak in the Octagon, expressing that he remains unfazed by his opponent’s record ahead of their highly anticipated showdown at UFC 304.

    The two elite flyweight contenders are set to clash on the main card of the UFC’s upcoming pay-per-view event, scheduled for July 27 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

    “Starboy” enters the fight, riding a four-fight win streak. However, his momentum has been hampered in recent years due to a series of injuries, fight cancellations, and a weight miss. In his last outing, Kape secured a unanimous decision victory over Felipe dos Santos after an intense, back-and-forth battle at UFC 293 in September 2023.

    In contrast, Mokaev has faced no issues with staying active since his promotional debut in 2022. He is currently on a six-fight win streak in the Octagon and remains unbeaten throughout his amateur and professional career.

    Despite being overlooked for a title shot at UFC 301 in favor of Steve Erceg, who fought reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja, “The Punisher” has a chance to cement his title aspirations with another victory. He is coming off a dominant unanimous decision win against Alex Perez at the UFC Apex this past March.

    Mokaev has long been calling out Kape on social media, stoking the fires of their rivalry to a fever pitch. Ahead of their fight, the verbal jabs are already flying, with the 30-year-old Portuguese fighter believing his opponent still lacks the qualities needed to impress him…

    Kape Brands Himself ‘Biggest Test,’ Insists Mokaev’s Game Has Weaknesses

    During a recent interview with InsideFighting, “Starboy” was questioned about his preference for matchups that come with a built-in grudge.

    “There always has to be a bad blood,” Kape replied. “Because he is coming to take what is mine, you know, I’m coming to take what is yours, so there is no peace by the way between me and my opponents. Only after the fight, there is peace, but before that, there is no peace; we all want to win.”

    Kape proclaimed himself as the toughest challenge “The Punisher” will ever encounter in the Octagon. The Portuguese fighter acknowledged Mokaev’s solid technique yet remained unimpressed by his undefeated streak, suggesting that the Russian-born Enlishman’s skills lack the necessary depth to truly challenge him.

    “He wanted a bigger test; I’m the biggest test of this division, so there you go, you ask for something they deliver… I can’t say he impressed me because it’s difficult very for someone to impress me, but he’s doing well. I’m not impressed because I see a lot of mistakes that show the difference between an excellent fighter and a championship-material.”

  • Dricus Du Plessis Warns Israel Adesanya Being At Peace Will Cost Him At UFC 305: ‘It’s A Dangerous Place To Be At…’

    Dricus Du Plessis Warns Israel Adesanya Being At Peace Will Cost Him At UFC 305: ‘It’s A Dangerous Place To Be At…’

    Dricus Du Plessis recently said that he sensed Israel Adesanya was ready to hang up his gloves after avenging his loss to Alex Pereira, feeling as though he had accomplished everything he set out to achieve in the sport.

    “Stillknocks” is set to defend his middleweight title for the first time against the former longtime champion, Adesanya, in the main event of UFC 305. The eagerly awaited clash is scheduled for August 17 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

    “The Last Stylebender” is set to make his return to the Octagon after an 11-month hiatus, the longest of his UFC career. Following his title loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 last September, Adesanya took a self-imposed break to focus on his mental health.

    The Nigerian-born Kiwi is currently enduring the toughest period of his career since his failed bid for the light heavyweight title against then-champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259. Three fights later, Adesanya suffered his first middleweight loss, a fifth-round TKO at the hands of longtime rival Alex Pereira at UFC 281.

    However, he made a triumphant comeback by reclaiming the middleweight title from “Poatan” in a rematch at UFC 287, and Du Plessis believes this victory marks the peak of Adesanya’s career.

    In a recent interview with Hello Sport, the reigning UFC middleweight champion reflected on his faceoff with Adesanya at the UFC 305 on-sale press conference. The South African expressed respect for “The Last Stylebender’s” achievements but sensed that Adesanya is pushing himself too hard for the upcoming fight.

    “When it comes to the title defenses, the winning streaks will never come because he doesn’t have the time, Du Plessis said. “I think his biggest achievement for him personally was beating Alex Pereira. He had this nemesis who had beaten him multiple times, and after that fight, he [Adesanya] was ready to call it quits.

    “That’s what I saw in his eyes as well. [He was] trying to convince me but more so trying to convince himself that he still wants to do this and that he still has what it takes to be the best fighter in the world and as soon as you ask yourself that question – you’re in a dark place.”

    Adesanya and Pereira’s rivalry stands as one of the most intense and storied in combat sports history, with “Poatan” seemingly having shattered his opponent both physically and mentally – only to suffer a brutal knockout in their latest scrap.

    The Brazilian defeated Adesanya twice in kickboxing, and the two have each claimed a victory each in their UFC showdowns.

    Dricus Du Plessis Says Being At Peace Heading Into UFC 305 ‘Dangerous’ For Israel Adesanya

    Adesanya previously stated that the layoff allowed him to regroup and alleviate the pressure of constantly fighting and enduring the demands of fight camps.

    However, “Stillknocks” cautioned that a layoff isn’t always beneficial for a fighter. During the interview, Du Plessis suggested that an extended break could foster self-doubt and asserted that when he faces Adesanya in the Octagon, he will ensure his opponent never finds his momentum.

    “The time off is not necessarily the problem; it can be good, but it can be bad… When you get to the position where you are so comfortable, where he said he’s at peace, he’s happy with what he has, and it’s a dangerous place to be at because this sport is chaos and chaos is the exact opposite of peace.

    “If you’re at peace and you’re getting in the Octagon with me, it’s going to be a problem because I bring chaos.”

    Du Plessis and Adesanya have a tumultuous history, with their fates intertwined long before their dramatic altercation at UFC 290 last July. Their rivalry dates back to when “The Last Stylebender” reigned as middleweight champion, and Du Plessis called him out, vowing to become a true African champion and bring the belt back to the continent.

  • Cody Brundage Reflects On Bo Nickal Defeat At UFC 300 Ahead Of Denver Return: ‘I Didn’t Feel Outclassed’

    Cody Brundage Reflects On Bo Nickal Defeat At UFC 300 Ahead Of Denver Return: ‘I Didn’t Feel Outclassed’

    UFC middleweight Cody Brundage recently opened up about his loss to Bo Nickal at UFC 300. He expressed remorse over not fully capitalizing on the chance to perform at his best in one of the most crucial fights of his career to date.

    Brundage is poised for his comeback against Abdul Razak Alhassan on the main card of UFC Fight Night Denver, scheduled for this Saturday at the Ball Arena in Colorado.

    Over the past 18 months, the South Carolina native has maintained a highly active schedule, with this weekend’s bout against Alhassan marking his sixth appearance in the Octagon since April 2023.

    Brundage has had a challenging run, posting a 2-3 record during this period. His most recent outing was a second-round submission loss to Nickal at the UFC’s milestone event this past April.

    The former LOC two-division champion demonstrated remarkable resilience and forced the wrestling specialist to exert extra effort, becoming the first fighter to push his opponent into the second round.

    Despite being defeated, Brundage believes he was never completely outshone by Nickal. Instead, he attributes his loss to a few minute mistakes that proved costly…

    Brundage Laments Lost Opportunity Against Nickal, Asserts Minor Adjustments Could Have Changed Outcome

    During a recent interview with InsideFighting, Brundage pondered his defeat against Nickal and also expressed frustration at not securing a victory at UFC 300, recognizing the lost chance to shine on such a significant stage.

    “I mean, it definitely was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Brundage said. “It was cool; it was such a great opportunity. I wish I would have cashed in on it and taken advantage of it.”

    The 30-year-old went on to commend Nickal for his impressive performance, admitting that a few critical errors on his part ultimately precipitated his defeat.

    “I didn’t feel outclassed when I was in the fight. I just think I got little overzealous. I didn’t keep my composure as well as I probably should have and that led to him having some success, and props to him, you know, he was able to finish the fight.

    “I could have represented myself even a little bit better than I (did), but as far as the experience, it was awesome.”

    Brundage made his promotional debut at UFC 266 in September 2021, where he suffered a decision loss to Nick Maximov. To date, he has struggled to leave a lasting impression in the UFC, securing only four wins out of his nine fights.

  • Ariel Helwani Pitches KSI As Next Opponent For Jorge Masvidal After Boxing Loss To Nate Diaz

    Ariel Helwani Pitches KSI As Next Opponent For Jorge Masvidal After Boxing Loss To Nate Diaz

    Ariel Helwani recently floated the idea of online personality KSI (real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji) as the next potential opponent for Jorge Masvidal following his defeat to Nate Diaz in their boxing match.

    This past Saturday, Masvidal came up short on the judges’ scorecards in a rematch of their Octagon clash from UFC 244 in November 2019. This time, the bout took place in a professional boxing ring, headlining a pay-per-view event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

    After a showdown marked by intense, back-and-forth action, two of the three judges awarded the victory to Diaz with scores of 98-92 and 97-93. The third judge, however, saw it as a dead heat, scoring the fight a 95-95 draw.

    Following the loss, the former BMF titleholder contended that he had done enough to secure the victory and claimed that the judges were prejudiced against him. Although Masvidal immediately called for a rematch, Diaz promptly dismissed this request during the post-event press conference.

    “Gamebred” has previously mentioned that he has a three-fight contract with Fanmio, granting him the opportunity to pursue high-profile boxing matches. Considering Masvidal’s recent passion for the sweet science, it seems highly probable that he will seek a swift return to the squared circle.

    While Helwani may not be an official matchmaker, he has an intriguing contender in mind for Masvidal’s comeback fight…

    Helwani Sees KSI As Prime Matchup For Masvidal’s Next Boxing Bout

    During a recent episode of The MMA Hour, Helwani explored potential opponents for Jorge Masvidal’s next boxing match, ultimately suggesting the possibility of pitting YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI against the former two-time UFC welterweight title challenger.

    The Canadian combat sports journalist suggested that a fight with Masvidal would be significantly more intriguing than the scheduled 1 vs. 2 matchup against Slim Albaher and MMA veteran Anthony Taylor.

    “I’ll tell you what, with all due respect, I would much rather see Jorge against KSI than KSI in this, you know, whatever, [1 vs.2],” Helwani said. “Actually, Jorge versus KSI is really interesting to me.”

    Helwani further noted that the bittersweet past between Masvidal and KSI makes this matchup a more logical and compelling choice for both fighters.

    “Remember, that was a thing that kind of happened a year and a half ago on the show, where they suggested it and they were kind of looking into it. I’m pretty sure KSI is on the okay list; you know, like, there’s this list that the UFC gave Jorge that he’s allowed to take fights with X, Y, and Z.”

    Last July, in a conversation with Masvidal, Helwani broached the notion of arranging a boxing match with KSI. However, the 39-year-old Miami native swiftly dismissed any interest in squaring off against the British social media influencer.

    Despite announcing his retirement from MMA after a loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April 2023, Masvidal recently disclosed that he is still under contract with the UFC.

    The organization has granted him special permission to pursue boxing opportunities, and Masvidal has hinted at an inevitable return to the Octagon in the future.

  • Marc Goddard Claims MMA Judging Is Better Than It’s Ever Been: ‘Despite What People Think…’

    Marc Goddard Claims MMA Judging Is Better Than It’s Ever Been: ‘Despite What People Think…’

    Marc Goddard recently said that MMA judging is at its peak, emphasizing that officials consistently deliver genuine decisions regardless of popular opinion.

    MMA judging has long been a contentious issue within the sport. Critics argue that some cageside scorers fail to adhere to established criteria, lack sufficient experience in the sport, and occasionally render questionable decisions.

    Claims of a misaligned scoring system and lack of quality control in judge training and selection contribute to the ongoing controversy, making it a recurring issue at many events.

    Goddard is a highly respected and seasoned MMA referee with over two decades of experience, having officiated numerous high-profile bouts in the UFC and other leading promotions.

    With his extensive background, it’s reasonable to assume that Goddard has a profound grasp of the operations and the mindset required to accurately score a fight.

    And the Brit maintains that MMA judging has reached new heights of sophistication…

    Goddard Asserts ‘Misconceptions’ Have Tainted MMA Officiating

    During a recent interview on the Overdogs Podcast, Goddard was asked to share his thoughts on some of the significant errors and contentious calls by MMA judges in recent times.

    The UK-based MMA referee responded by highlighting his extensive experience in judging numerous fights and his role in educating newcomers about the intricacies of judging.

    “Of course, I am a judge; I do judge. I teach judges. I teach referees and judges.”

    Goddard added that although judging has markedly improved recently, controversial decisions are an unavoidable aspect of the sport. However, he pointed out that the most significant challenges in MMA judging arise from widespread misunderstandings and fan biases, which muddle the perception of fairness in officiating.

    “Despite what people think, judging now and MMA officiating now is better than it’s ever been. Yes, you’re going to get contentious decisions, and yes, you’re gonna get — but one of the biggest problems we have with MMA judging is misconception. People hear things in certain ways, and they just dive into a rabbit hole with them. They take no time to understand. … And that’s what frustates me and my colleagues.”

    In addition to his role as an MMA referee, Goddard is a former practitioner and submission grappler who competed in 14 heavyweight matches during his five-year fighting career.

    He concluded his competitive journey with a record of 7-6-1 before retiring from active competition in 2008. Furthermore, he holds a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

  • Tai Tuivasa Urges ‘C**ts’ On Social Media To Stop Telling Him How To Fight: ‘Keep Your Opinions To Your Self!’

    Tai Tuivasa Urges ‘C**ts’ On Social Media To Stop Telling Him How To Fight: ‘Keep Your Opinions To Your Self!’

    UFC heavyweight contender Tai Tuivasa has issued a rebuke to social media detractors who constantly bombard him with hateful comments, attempting to school him on fighting techniques.

    “Bam Bam” has always captivated audiences with his electrifying entrances and the steadfast support of his loyal followers at every fight. However, in light of his current struggles, critics have capitalized on the situation to disparage Tuivasa for his performances.

    Tuivasa is celebrated for his formidable, hard-hitting fighting style, which he has consistently demonstrated throughout his 15-fight UFC career. However, the Australian is currently enduring a four-fight losing skid, having been most recently submitted in the first round by Marcin Tybura in a UFC Fight Night main event at the Apex this past March.

    Tuivasa has previously experienced a three-fight losing streak in the Octagon but managed to turn his fortunes around by racking up five consecutive victories. This time, though, the journey back to the win column seems to have been taking a toll on him.

    Tuivasa Pushes Back Against Fans’ Fighting Lessons

    “Bam Bam” recently took to X and shared a compilation video showing fans critiquing his fighting style and offering advice in the comments. Tuivasa singled out one fan’s suggestion that he should diversify his approach beyond brute power.

    In the caption, the Aussie expressed frustration with the flood of unsolicited advice on his social media posts and in his direct messages, urging those who haven’t competed at his level to refrain from offering opinions.

    He emphasized that he competes against the world’s top fighters and values input only from those with comparable experience.

    “This is 90% of the c**ts in my comments and DMs telling me how to fight,” Tuivasa wrote. “I fight the top fighters in the world; unless you are one of them or have done it before, keep your opinions to your self!”

    Tuivasa is gearing up for his comeback fight against Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 305, scheduled to take place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, on August 17.

    Before his recent setbacks, Tuivasa was riding high on a streak of five consecutive knockout victories, with notable wins over Derrick Lewis, Augusto Sakai, and Greg Hardy. He currently boasts an Octagon record of 8-7.