MMA News

Author: Pranav Pandey

  • Mike Perry Wary Of Fan Backlash If He Angles For Mike Tyson Match: ‘The One Fight I Don’t Want To Have, Mike Perry vs. The Internet’

    Mike Perry Wary Of Fan Backlash If He Angles For Mike Tyson Match: ‘The One Fight I Don’t Want To Have, Mike Perry vs. The Internet’

    Mike Perry recently voiced his apprehension about inciting fan outrage if he were to pursue a future boxing match against the legendary, yet much older, Mike Tyson.

    Perry is currently slated to fight Jake Paul on July 20 in an eight-round cruiserweight bout at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

    This matchup was announced after Paul’s planned fight against “Iron Mike” on the same date was pushed to November 15 due to the former undisputed heavyweight champion’s health scare.

    Tyson experienced an ulcer flare-up during a flight in May, leaving him nauseous and in need of medical attention. Although his team initially claimed he had fully recovered, subsequent medical examinations revealed that the 58-year-old boxing legend was not fit to compete in July.

    The upcoming bout against Paul presents a tremendous opportunity for “Platinum” to elevate his profile on a grander stage. Already thriving as a bare-knuckle fighter, Perry is the biggest star in BKFC, boasting impressive victories over notable opponents like Michael Page, Luke Rockhold, and Eddie Alvarez.

    Despite securing the fight due to unexpected circumstances, Perry is eager to compete against Tyson if he secures a win against the YouTuber-turned-boxer on July 20.

    However, the former UFC welterweight fighter is cautious of potential public outcry, as many might disapprove of the matchup due to the significant age difference…

    Perry Eyes Tyson Fight But Hesitant About Public Reaction

    During a recent ESPN MMA interview, Perry was asked if he would consider fighting Tyson next, should he defeat “The Problem Child” and take his spotlight on November 15. “Platinum” eagerly affirmed his desire to face the boxing icon.

    “Yes, absolutely. Of course, man, I’m thinking about that. I would definitely do it.”

    However, the 32-year-old Michigan native acknowledged that facing Tyson would be the biggest matchup of his career, and he doesn’t want to provoke public backlash unnecessarily. For now, he is concentrating solely on his fight with Paul.

    “The comments can be negative already, anyway, so now they’re going to say, ‘Oh, now you’re gonna fight the old guy.’ The internet is undefeated. That’s the one fight I don’t want to have is Mike Perry vs. the internet because I could be the guy to beat the internet, bro. Fighting Mike Tyson would be obviously be cool but I’m just focused on July 20, man. I gotta have tunnel vision, this is my opportunity to show the world.”

    When Paul vs. Tyson was first announced, the MMA community raised alarm bells over the staggering 31-year age gap between the fighters, a difference that would set a new record in professional boxing history.

    “Iron Mike” hasn’t fought professionally since retiring during his bout against Kevin McBride in June 2005. However, Tyson made a comeback in November 2020, stepping into the squared circle for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr., which ended in a draw.

  • Alexander Volkanovski Launches Staunch Defense Of His & Israel Adesanya’s Track Records As Champs: ‘We Wouldn’t Be In The Position We Are Now…’

    Alexander Volkanovski Launches Staunch Defense Of His & Israel Adesanya’s Track Records As Champs: ‘We Wouldn’t Be In The Position We Are Now…’

    Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski recently responded to the naysayers questioning the supposed burnout affecting both his and Israel Adesanya’s fighting careers, pointing to their stellar records as UFC champions.

    “Alexander the Great” suffered a second-round knockout at the hands of Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in February, marking his first setback as a featherweight. This loss came on the heels of another finish by reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in the first round at UFC 294 last October, making it Volkanovski’s second consecutive KO defeat.

    The loss to Topuria concluded his four-year tenure as champion. Volkanovski, one of the UFC’s most active fighters, has participated in nine title bouts over the past five years. However, the Australian is now on a break from the Octagon to focus on his mental health and recuperate.

    A segment of the MMA community has voiced apprehensions that Volkanovski’s recent defeats stem from his grueling schedule, suggesting that his relentless string of back-to-back fights has led to burnout.

    However, “Alexander the Great” rebuffs these claims, insisting that his relentless pace in competition has been a key factor in his and his close friend and City Kickboxing training partner Adesanya’s rise to greatness as champions…

    Volkanovski Credits Active Competition for His & Adesanya’s Championship Success

    During a recent interview on the FREESTYLEBENDER YouTube channel with Adesanya’s younger brother, Volkanovski addressed critics who doubt their careers.

    The former featherweight titleholder expressed that he finds “The Last Stylebender’s” reign as middleweight champion deeply inspiring for his own journey.

    “Being active is where you’re gonna make your most money. So get active. I learned that from Izzy, he’s got the right form, and I love it. When we talk about our mentality, like myself and Israel Adesanya, people start to say, ‘Oh, you burned yourself out,’ and they try to look at it as a bad thing.

    “But we wouldn’t be the champions we were. We wouldn’t be in the position we are now mentally and everything. Our mentality and our mindset, that’s what made us great champions to be able to defend that.”

    The 35-year-old Aussie further expressed his gratitude for avoiding extended layoffs from fighting, attributing his legacy as a dominant champion to his relentless activity in the sport.

    “That mentality got us, how many times defending champ? … But I was thankful that I was like that for how long I did. I wouldn’t have the appreciation from the people if I weren’t like that, I wouldn’t have the money in the bank like I do, and I wouldn’t be able to look after my family like I’m able to right now if it wasn’t for that.”

    “The Last Stylebender” also took a voluntary break after losing his middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 last September. Initially, he jokingly suggested that he might not return to the Octagon until 2027.

    However, Adesanya is poised to challenge reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305, set to take place on August 17 in Perth, Australia.

  • Nate Diaz’s Boxing ‘Back To Where It Was’ Ahead Of Jorge Masvidal Fight: ‘I’ve Heard That Nate’s Been Actually Looking Good…’

    Nate Diaz’s Boxing ‘Back To Where It Was’ Ahead Of Jorge Masvidal Fight: ‘I’ve Heard That Nate’s Been Actually Looking Good…’

    Josh Thomson and “Big” John McCarthy believe that Nate Diaz could have the advantage over Jorge Masvidal in their upcoming boxing match, provided he maintains his aggressive pressure-fighting style.

    Diaz is set to square off against Masvidal this Saturday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The highly anticipated rematch between the former UFC stars is scheduled for 10 rounds in the light heavyweight division.

    The pair first clashed in the Octagon at UFC 244 in November 2019, where ‘Gamebred’ emerged victorious over Diaz with a TKO in the fourth round, securing the inaugural BMF title. Masvidal dominated the initial three rounds with relentless strikes, causing a deep gash above Diaz’s eyes and leaving his face bloodied.

    Although both fighters were eager to continue, the Octagon-side doctor stopped the fight just after the third round due to the severity of Diaz’s injuries.

    While Masvidal is gearing up to make his professional debut in the squared circle, the upcoming match will be the Stockton native’s sophomore boxing fight. Last August, Diaz faced Jake Paul but lost by unanimous decision in a fairly one-sided bout.

    Diaz recently admitted to having minimal preparation before his fight with “The Problem Child.” However, according to Thomson and McCarthy, the former UFC lightweight title challenger has shown unwavering dedication this time around in preparation for his bout against Masvidal…

    Thomson & McCarthy Believe Diaz’s Aggressive Approach Key to Beating Masvidal

    During a recent episode of their WEIGHING IN podcast, Thomson and McCarthy analyzed the boxing rematch between Diaz and Masvidal. “The Punk,” who previously secured a TKO victory over Diaz in the Octagon, emphasized that the Californian must deliver early damage to Masvidal with his trademark forward pressure, which could prove decisive in the fight.

    “Nate Diaz is just being someone if once he gets the pressure going as he used to when he was younger,” Thomson said. “I think the reach is going to be a factor if he can like I said, get this thing going early… He’s gotta get started early if he wants to have a chance to win this fight.”

    The veteran MMA referee concurred with Thomson’s analysis and shared an insider scoop about Diaz’s training camp. He revealed that he heard Diaz is in excellent shape and has performed well in sparring sessions. In contrast, “Gamebred” has had limited training sessions due to the demands of promoting the bout, which might affect his performance.

    “I know Nate’s been training,” McCarthy said. “I’ve heard that Nate’s been actually looking good; his boxing is back to where it was at a certain point. I think it’s a pick’em fight.”

  • Vicente Luque On How Experience Of Fighting Three UFC Fighters Should Help Him Against Nick Diaz: ‘Throw All Those Into A Blender…’

    Vicente Luque On How Experience Of Fighting Three UFC Fighters Should Help Him Against Nick Diaz: ‘Throw All Those Into A Blender…’

    Vicente Luque recently expressed confidence that his past encounters with three seasoned UFC veterans have equipped him to manage the pressure in his upcoming fight against Nick Diaz.

    Luque is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against former welterweight title challenger Diaz. This five-round bout will serve as the co-main event at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi, scheduled for August 3 at the Etihad Arena.


    Luque’s recent career has experienced significant ups and downs. Since April 2022, “The Silent Assassin”, known for his formidable and versatile fighting abilities, has managed to secure only one victory. That triumph came when he defeated Rafael Dos Anjos via unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 74 last August.

    Before his victory, Luque endured consecutive defeats to Belal Muhammad and Geoff Neal. The loss to “Handz of Steel” was particularly significant as it marked the first knockout loss of his career and led to an injury that kept him out of action for almost a year.

    The 32-year-old Brazilian is coming off a second-round knockout defeat against Joaquin Buckley this past March at UFC Fight Night Atlantic City. Despite this setback, Luque remains confident in his ability to turn his fortunes around.

    Drawing on his past victories over several notable opponents, Luque believes that his experience and resilience will be key factors in his bout against the former Strikeforce welterweight champion…

    Luque Trusts Experience To Overcome Diaz Challenge

    During a recent interview with InsideFighting, “The Silent Assassin” was queried about his strategy for facing a high-profile opponent like Diaz.

    Luque acknowledged that the intensity Diaz brings to fights is exceptionally different from that of other opponents. However, he expressed confidence that his victories over veterans like Tyron Woodley, Dos Anjos, and Bryan Barberena will provide him with the edge he needs on August 3.

    “I think he’s a big name. I fought Woodley, I fought RDA, and these guys were big champions. They have big names, but I feel like the energy that Nick brings is different.”

    “I think it’s a little bit different, and I don’t know if I would mix the experience that I have from fighting Woodley and RDA with the fight I had with Barberena. It’s kind of that, you know, throw all those into a blender, and you come out with something like Nick, a guy with big, a legend, but he’ll stand there in front of you and try to pressure you.”

    The Brazilian also noted that the five-round matchup will work to his advantage against Diaz, who has been out of the octagon for an extended period of time.

    “It’s gonna be five rounds, not gonna be three rounds. So it’s gonna be nice. I mean, if he can, what I’m gonna bring, and I think he can and I can take what he’s gonna bring, then we’re gonna put on a show for everyone.”

    Diaz returned to active competition after a six-year hiatus, facing off against his former rival Robbie Lawler in a rematch at UFC 266 in September 2021. The 40-year-old Stockton native unexpectedly dropped to the canvas in the third round and chose not to continue, leading the referee to stop the fight.

  • ’10-7 Diego Lopes’ – Fans React After Lopes & Movsar Evloev Trade Barbs Over UFC 303 Fight On X

    ’10-7 Diego Lopes’ – Fans React After Lopes & Movsar Evloev Trade Barbs Over UFC 303 Fight On X

    UFC featherweight contenders Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev recently exchanged heated words on X, much to the MMA community’s amusement, adding fuel to the already unclear matchmaking situation in the division.

    Lopes navigated a tumultuous lead-up to his short-notice fight at UFC 303 last Saturday. Despite the chaos, the highly regarded featherweight contender extended his winning streak, triumphing over Dan Ige, who accepted the bout just a few hours before the showdown.

    With Brian Ortega unable to compete, Lopes chose to remain on the card and face Ige, who resides near the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and heroically stepped up when the UFC needed him most.

    Lopes had his fair share of success with both striking and grappling throughout the first two rounds of their fight. However, Ige mounted a fierce comeback in the final round, pushing the Brazilian to his limits. Despite this, Lopes secured the victory, with all three judges unanimously scoring the bout 29-28 in his favor.

    Following Lopes’ triumph, Evloev took to X to propose a rematch against his former opponent at Noche UFC (UFC 306), slated for September 14 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. The undefeated Russian’s challenge came out of apparent frustration with Aljamain Sterling’s reluctance to schedule a fight.

    “Hey, @Diegolopesmma, I wanna give you a rematch at the Sphere because @funkmasterMMA is running for his life, and this time, I’m gonna finish you.”

    Lopes swiftly fired back at Evloev, accusing him of ignoring his previous callout for a rematch.

    “Have you finally realized that the way the UFC pays attention to you is by mentioning my name? Or are you afraid that tomorrow morning I’ll be in your place in the rankings? It took you 3 months to get back to me. Sit back and watch the big guys do the work.”

    Lopes’ Apparent Rejection of Evloev’s Offer Sparks Fan Reactions

    https://twitter.com/ajtafoya92/status/1808165527849738696
    https://twitter.com/AlexJ_Daugherty/status/1808085268060151904
    https://twitter.com/CovertBetsMMA/status/1808117727673929904

    The two fighters first clashed at UFC 288 in May 2023, where Lopes made his promotional debut on less than a week’s notice. Although he was a fresh face up against a top-ranked opponent, Lopes delivered an impressive performance, narrowly losing a decision in a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors.

    Following their initial bout, Lopes has been nearly unstoppable in the UFC, amassing a four-fight win streak. In contrast, Evloev has only competed once, securing a unanimous decision victory over Arnold Allen in January.

    Only time will tell if this duo gets the chance to settle their score. However, Lopes has already laid down the gauntlet, expressing his desire to either fight with Ortega or challenge former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at the UFC’s highly anticipated event in September.

  • Daniel Cormier On State Of The UFC LHW Division Now Compared To Five Years Ago: ‘How Long Can Alex Pereira Reign…’

    UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has underscored the remarkable transformation within the UFC light heavyweight division, emphasizing the stark contrast between its current state and that of just half a decade ago.

    For years, the UFC light heavyweight belt was held by some of the sport’s most iconic figures, such as Jon Jones, Chuck Liddell, and Cormier. However, none of them experienced the rapid ascent within the division like the reigning champion, Alex Pereira.

    “Poatan” successfully defended his title twice in as many months, most recently delivering a stunning second-round head kick knockout against former rival Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 303 last weekend.

    In just 13 professional MMA bouts and nine UFC appearances, Pereira has crafted an extraordinary legacy. He became the ninth fighter in UFC history to hold championships in two divisions. Remarkably, he is the first to capture titles in both the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions within a mere two-year span.

    With years of fighting experience and his own status as a two-division UFC champion, Cormier possesses an intimate understanding of the fighters and the current dynamics of the 205-pound division.

    “DC” observes that the landscape has dramatically shifted in the past five years, especially due to Pereira’s dominance and exceptional striking prowess…

    Cormier Highlights Dramatic Change in Current LHW Fighting Styles

    During a recent episode of ESPN’s Good Guy / Bad Guy with Chael Sonnen, Cormier delved into the current state of the light heavyweight division, with “Poatan” reigning as champion and his challengers on the horizon.

    They discussed Magomed Ankalaev’s recent challenge to Pereira, where the undefeated Dagestani intriguingly promised not to rely on wrestling in their potential title fight.

    “DC” pointed out that five or six years ago, the top fighters in the division primarily had wrestling or grappling backgrounds. In contrast, the present-day contenders are increasingly reliant on striking skills.

    “Look at this weight  class right now, Chael, I see no wrestlers.” Cormier said. “I don’t see any wrestlers all the way to #10. #6 guy in the world is Nikita Krylov.”

    The former Olympian further assessed the prospects of dethroning Pereira, considering the challengers’ fighting styles.

    “If nobody wrestles this guy, Chael, how long can Alex Pereira reign at top of the division? Because it feels if you’re forced to stand with him and strike with him, you really have no chance.”