MMA News

Author: Thomas Albano

  • UFC Vegas 109 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez Card

    UFC Vegas 109 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez Card

    UFC Vegas 109 is almost here, and we here at MMA News are here to provide you the latest on betting odds for the card.

    The card takes place from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, August 9. The main card portion of the event will start at 7PM ET/4PM PT, with preliminary action starting at 4PM ET/1PM PT.

    The headline attraction for the event will feature Roman Dolidze facing Anthony Hernandez in a battle of middleweight contenders.

    In the co-main event, former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg moves up to bantamweight to face Ode’ Osbourne.

    The main card will also feature Iasmin Lucindo vs. Angela Hill, Andre Fili vs. Christian Rodriguez, Miles Johns vs. Jean Matsumoto, and Eryk Anders vs. Christian Leroy Duncan.

    UFC Vegas 109: Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez Betting Odds

    Listed below are the latest betting odds for UFC Vegas 109 as of August 8 at 8:30pm ET, courtesy of DraftKings.

    Main Card:

    • Middleweight: Roman Dolidze (+275) vs. Anthony Hernandez (-345)
    • Bantamweight: Steve Erceg (-525) vs. Ode’ Osbourne (+425)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Iasmin Lucindo (-205) vs. Angela Hill (+170)
    • Featherweight: Andre Fili (+200) vs. Christian Rodriguez (-245)
    • Bantamweight: Miles Johns (+205) vs. Jean Matsumoto (-250)
    • Middleweight: Eryk Anders (+390) vs. Christian Leroy Duncan (-520)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Light Heavyweight: Julius Walker (-700) vs. Raffael Cerqueira (+500)
    • Bantamweight: Elijah Smith (-800) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (+550)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Joselyne Edwards (-395) vs. Priscila Cachoeira (+310)
    • Welterweight: Uros Medic (-340) vs. Gilbert Urbina (+270)
    • Women’s Flyweight: Gabriella Fernandes (-440) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (+340)
    • Light Heavyweight: Cody Brundage (-170) vs. Eric McConico (+142)
  • Jon Jones Officially Re-Enters UFC Testing Pool

    Jon Jones Officially Re-Enters UFC Testing Pool

    Turns out, the retirement of Jon Jones was a two-week one after all.

    A new update to the UFC’s Anti-Doping website shows that Jones’ name has been returned. This means Jones has recently been tested, which would mark his third testing session for 2025.

    This brings another degree of truth to marks Jones has previously made about coming back to the promotion, with an aim to compete on the UFC’s planned card for the White House on July 4, 2026.

    Jon Jones Returns To UFC Anti-Doping Website With New Testing Sample

    Jones has been in a year-plus-long saga with the UFC and current heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

    Jones, the former champion, has not fought since UFC 309, which saw him retain against Stipe Miocic. That fight had been scheduled for UFC 295 until Jones tore his pec.

    The UFC elected to not strip Jones and instead make an interim heavyweight title while being persistent in holding Jones vs. Miocic. Aspinall won the interim title at UFC 295 and then retained it at UFC 304.

    A drawn-out negotiations process saw UFC CEO and President Dana White believing a Jones-Aspinall showdown was close to official. Jones; however, elected to retire in mid-June, feeling he had accomplished everything he could in MMA. Conveniently, this came around the same time new charges against Jones were filed for an incident involving a car accident that took place in New Mexico this past February.

    Aspinall was named champion at the UFC Baku post-fight press conference. He is scheduled to make his first undisputed title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.

    Since the confirmation of plans for the UFC to hold a pay-per-view on the White House lawn as part of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, a number of fighters have volunteered to participate.

    In addition to Jones, Conor McGregor has expressed interest in ending his active hiatus to compete on the card. Like Jones, McGregor returned to the testing pool last week.

    White, however, was noncommittal to the idea of bringing Jones out to compete on the White House card.

  • UFC Fight Night: Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez Weigh-In Results: All Make Weight, Three On Second Chance

    UFC Fight Night: Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez Weigh-In Results: All Make Weight, Three On Second Chance

    UFC Fight Night: Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results.

    After returning to the UFC APEX for the first time in about two months last week, the UFC is at its Las Vegas headquarters for a second straight week of Fight Night action. Though there isn’t another UFC APEX Fight Night scheduled for a while, UFC Vegas 109 also marks the last bit of action before the new Dana White’s Contender Series season.

    The main event of the evening will be a middleweight matchup featuring Roman Dolidze against Anthony Hernandez. Dolidze enters with a three-fight win streak that includes a decision over Anthony Smith, a finish of Kevin Holland, and a decision over Marvin Vettori. “Fluffy” has won seven straight and eight of his last nine, including a decision win over Brendan Allen in February.

    Former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg will be competing in the co-main event, moving up a weight class and looking to snap a three-fight losing skid against Ode’ Osbourne. While Erceg has failed to get a win since his UFC 301 title shot against Alexandre Pantoja, Osbourne snapped his own skid in April with a finish of Luis Gurule.

    The rest of the card will also feature the likes of Angela Hill, Andre Fili, Miles Johns, and Eryk Anders.

    UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Hernandez Weigh-In Results

    UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Hernandez takes place on Saturday, August 9, at the Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with the preliminary card starting at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

    Watch the official weigh-ins above via MMA Junkie, and check out the results below.

    Main Card:

    • Middleweight: Roman Dolidze (185.5) vs. Anthony Hernandez (186)*
    • Bantamweight: Steve Erceg (135.5) vs. Ode’ Osbourne (135.5)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Iasmin Lucindo (115) vs. Angela Hill (116)
    • Featherweight: Andre Fili (146) vs. Christian Rodriguez (146)
    • Bantamweight: Miles Johns (136) vs. Jean Matsumoto (136)
    • Middleweight: Eryk Anders (186) vs. Christian Leroy Duncan (185)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Light Heavyweight: Julius Walker (206) vs. Raffael Cerqueira (203)
    • Bantamweight: Elijah Smith (136) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (136)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Joselyne Edwards (136)** vs. Priscila Cachoeira (134)
    • Welterweight: Uros Medic (171) vs. Gilbert Urbina (171)
    • Women’s Flyweight: Gabriella Fernandes (125.5) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (126)***
    • Light Heavyweight: Cody Brundage (202.5) vs. Eric McConico (204.5)
    • *Hernandez missed weight by .5 pounds on his first attempt
    • **Edwards missed weight by .25 pounds on her first attempt
    • **Stoliarenko missed weight .25 pounds on her first attempt

  • Disney Earnings Report Indicates UFC PPV Purchases Continue To Decrease

    In the wake of ESPN making major moves in the sports broadcasting world, its parent company, Disney, released its third quarter earnings report. And the report indicates concerns regarding UFC pay-per-views.

    The report’s sports category indicated a one percent increase in domestic revenue for ESPN in the 2024-25 fiscal year, as well as a -7% change in operating income (loss). As it pertains to the increase in revenue, one of the points noted to cause such is listed as “lower Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per-view fees due to lower average buys per event.”

    In layman’s terms, as noted by Robert Joyner, ESPN has paid the UFC less over the past year due to pay-per-view numbers decreasing.

    This is particularly noteworthy, as the UFC’s U.S. broadcasting rights deal with ESPN, which was signed in May 2018 and began in January 2019, is set to expire at the end of the year. Previous reports have stated the UFC is looking for a $1 billion broadcasting agreement.

    Netflix, who has a connection with the UFC’s parent company, TKO — thanks to its broadcasting agreement with the WWE that started earlier this year — has been a name brought up in potential suitors. Given this news, it is noted that many have speculated whether or not a UFC deal with Netflix would have a pay-per-view paywall element to it for those numbered cards.

    UFC PPV Numbers Reportedly On Continued Noteworthy Decrease

    It is also not the first time that a report concerning UFC pay-per-view numbers like this has come out this year. Back in March, the New York Post reported that ESPN and UFC relationship had turned sour. The UFC was reportedly unhappy with the broadcast technology used by ESPN, especially in the wake of a particularly troubling UFC 313 broadcast, while ESPN was dissatisfied with a significant decrease in pay-per-view purchases since the deal began.

    A Yahoo report from May indicated that month’s UFC 315 was trending to be one of the lowest, if not the lowest, bought pay-per-view in UFC history.

    Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, however, reported in early June that the UFC’s talks with ESPN were the “furthest along” amongst all potential broadcasters.

    As Joyner posted on social media, a mostly agreed-upon issue amongst the online MMA community is that the UFC is struggling with star power.

    When looking at some of the UFC’s biggest needle movers, it’s noted that Conor McGregor has not fought for the promotion since UFC 264 in July 2021. Furthermore, Jon Jones had a three-year break from MMA before competing just once in 2023 and 2024 before his two-week retirement this year. Other names from some of the UFC’s most-bought pay-per-views, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Nate Diaz, Ronda Rousey, and Jorge Masvidal are no longer under UFC contract, if not retired from MMA completely. It’s believed the UFC’s recent attempts of making new stars is not working.

    Fans and pundits, on a related note, have also criticized the UFC for an oversaturation of the market with the number of cards it runs per year. While some bigger pay-per-view cards might be filled with notable names, other cards, whether pay-per-view or Fight Night, may not be.

    This is a trend that has followed the UFC since the early days of its U.S. broadcasting deal with Fox during the 2010s. It was, however, reported in 2020 that ESPN expected 42 events from the promotion in order for the UFC to not risk a guaranteed payout (which, on a side note, is reportedly why UFC pushed heavily for events go on even in the earliest portions of the COVID-19 pandemic).

    ESPN’s broadcasting deal with rival promotion PFL, meanwhile, is set to expire after 2026.

    This Disney Earnings Report’s release also comes mere hours after ESPN agreed to a five-year deal with WWE, worth $325 million per year, to air WWE’s Premium Live Events (PLEs) in the U.S. This deal is expected to go in effect with WrestleMania 42 this coming April, following the conclusion of WWE’s current PLE U.S. broadcasting deal with Peacock, which began in 2021.

    Just days ago, it was confirmed that ESPN would also be acquiring a number of assets from the National Football League (NFL), including its NFL Network and NFL RedZone channels, in exchange for a 10 percent stake in ESPN.

    ESPN is set to replace the current ESPN+ streaming service with a new direct-to-consumer streaming service, also called ESPN, on Thursday, August 21. The new app will cost $29.99 per month.

  • “Believe In Yourself…” – The TUF Stuff: The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 Episode 11 Recap

    “Believe In Yourself…” – The TUF Stuff: The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 Episode 11 Recap

    Welcome, everyone, to the 11th edition of The TUF Stuff!

    Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

    This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

    Last week saw the first welterweight semifinal, with Team Cormier’s Rodrigo Sezinando defeating teammate Jeff Creighton to secure his spot in the finale fight, which will take place during the prelims of UFC 319.

    Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 11

    Now, Team Cormier’s Imanol Rodriguez will take on Team Sonnen top pick Joseph Morales to see who faces Team Cormier’s Alibi Idiris in the flyweight finale!

    Let’s get into episode 11 of The Ultimate Fighter!

    TUF House

    The guys are playing chess in the house when they are surprised by Mairon Santos, one of the winners of last year’s TUF season.

    Santos is stopping by because he’s preparing for an upcoming match. Dana White reflects on how Santos went from being one of the last Team Grasso picks and went on to become a TUF champion.

    Santos tells the TUF contestants that the show taught him about believing in himself. Santos says while others were drinking and goofing off, he was training and staying true to himself.

    “You have to believe in yourself. Nobody’s gonna do that for you,” Santos said.

    Rodrigo Sezinando says as a fellow Brazilian, Santos’ success is influential on him.

    Joseph Morales Fight Prep

    Morales says he feels good about the matchup. He says he feels Rodriguez will be speedy. Sonnen tells him when he feels Rodriguez’s power, it won’t be what Morales is used to.

    Morales says he’s going to make Rodriguez commit to his shots and work exchanges to score a takedown and submit him.

    Sonnen tells Morales to mix things up with his striking, even putting an example of the different kinds of striking Urijah Faber has (Morales is a member of Team Alpha Male).

    Sonnen tells Morales to be “Bopo,” which Sonnen describes as an “alter-ego” who’s “another animal” that he would be scared of. Sonnen discusses the timing of “flipping the switch” and turning things up.

    Imanol Rodriguez Call Home

    Rodriguez’s girlfriend calls him and, in Rodriguez’s words, his inner child came out.

    Rodriguez is filled with tears and admits he could not speak. Rodriguez emotionally says he is sorry for leaving his girlfriend and his family. His girlfriend assures Rodriguez that she and his family are all proud of him and support him. More of Rodriguez’s family is shown in the background, and Rodriguez becomes emotional again.

    Rodriguez swears he won’t be away from them for so long again. His family assures him, however, that they have his back.

    Rodriguez says this call has motivated him to a point that he’s more dangerous than ever before.

    Imanol Rodriguez Fight Prep

    Rodriguez recognizes Morales’ previous UFC experience, and that means he has to approach Morales differently and be smarter.

    Cormier says Rodriguez is one of his favorites and has so much potential for his age. Cormier, however, says Morales is a tough guy with a lot of skills.

    Cormier says because Morales is so well-rounded, Rodriguez needs to use his powerful hands and needs to be wrestling offensively.

    Cormier says he worked with Rodriguez on entries because he thinks with enough pressure, Rodriguez can take Morales down and de-moralize the Team Sonnen fighter.

    “If you put [a wrestler] on his back, you start to realize what kind of mixed martial artist he is,” Cormier said, adding that he feels Rodriguez is a better fighter than Morales.

    Rodriguez says no matter how experienced and talented Morales is, anyone can fall, and he swears he will prove he is ready for the UFC.

    Joseph Morales Call Home

    Morales talks with his family and is very emotional seeing them. His wife admits one of their children broke their 75-inch TV, which Morales earned with his first UFC performance bonus.

    She says all of the parents and kids are asking about him and are excited to see him back soon. Despite the sacrifice, his family told Morales to pursue the once-in-a-lifetime dream.

    Morales says while he misses his family, and their love filled his heart again, he needs to stay extra focused and do whatever to win.

    The Fight: Imanol Rodriguez vs. Joseph Morales

    —–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

    Morales weighs in at 126. Rodriguez weighs in at 125.5. The fight is on!

    Roybery Echeverria says he gives the edge to his teammate, Morales, because of how well-rounded Morales is. He, however, won’t count Rodriguez out because of his power.

    Tumelo Manyamala says Rodriguez’s boxing will play a role in the fight, and his wrestling and pressure will help take Morales down.

    White says both guys are well-rounded and he’s excited to see who has what it takes to reach the finale.

    Imanol Rodriguez vs. Joseph Morales

    Round 1

    Rodriguez on the outside. Morales throws a jab. Right hand by Rodriguez. Cormier tells him not to reach. Rodriguez flashes the left and then lands a one-two. Morales with a left hand. Morales’ head kick is blocked. Combination to the body by Rodriguez. One-two by Morales. Right hand by Rodriguez. Morales grabs a hold and takes Rodriguez down! Morales quickly gets on Rodriguez’s back, next to the fence. Rodriguez is back up, but Morales returns him to the mat. Morales locks up a body triangle and is looking for the choke! Rodriguez is trying to fight the hands and work out of the body triangle. Cormier yelling directions, telling Rodriguez to wrestle.

    Rodriguez still fighting the hands, though Morales is perfectly in control here. Morales works his way into mount! He lands a couple of punches before taking the back again. Rodriguez continues to fight, and he eventually grabs a wrist and starts to turn himself. Morales still has the body triangle, however. Rodriguez keeps turning with wrist control and he ends up on top. Morales threatens a triangle choke! He’s still controlling Rodriguez. Rodriguez gets free and back to the feet with 20 seconds left. One-two by Rodriguez. Left hand by Morales.

    Round 2

    Left hand by Rodriguez. Left hand from Morales as Rodriguez throws a one-two. Rodriguez lands a one-two after Cormier tells him to pressure. Right hand by Rodriguez. Morales lands a punch now. One-two by Rodriguez. Cormier suggests it’s a pressure battle — and Rodriguez comes forward with a big flurry! Morales scores a takedown, but Rodriguez quickly gets back to the feet. Rodriguez attacks again, with Cormier telling his fighter that Morales is desperate. Left hand from each man. One-two by Rodriguez, and he prevents a takedown. Cormier says if he keeps going, he’ll finish Morales. Morales with a right hand. Rodriguez misses a body shot. Morales shoots in, but Rodriguez prevents it. Morales misses the one-two and misses the right hand.

    Rodriguez tries to get inside. One-two again by Rodriguez. Rodriguez slips up Morales with a right hand. Uppercut by Rodriguez. Cormier tells Rodriguez to take Morales down. He tries, but Morales prevents it. Cormier tells Rodriguez to use it with his strikes. “Be first!” Morales lands a right. Morales with two shots. Morales aims for the body. Hook by Morales. Left hand by Rodriguez. Morales shoots in and scores the takedown. Morales survives the scrambles and gets to the back. Rodriguez scrambles and gets on top. Rodriguez escapes a triangle attack and returns to the feet. Morales coming forward now and he lands to the body. Left hand by Rodriguez. Morales returns. Morales with a one-two. Left hand by Morales. Right hand by Rodriguez. Right hand by Morales. And again. And again. Morales fakes a level change and lands again. Left hand by Morales. A couple of more jabs by Morales. Rodriguez finally throws, but Morales responds. Failed spinning attack by Rodriguez before the bell.

    Rodriguez’s coach asks if he really wants this fight and, if so, then to throw everything he’s got.

    Round 3

    One-two by Morales. Left hand from Rodriguez. Morales landing the left jab. Right hand by Morales. Combination to the body by Rodriguez. Rodriguez catches a kick. Left hand by Rodriguez. Right hand by Morales. Rodriguez shoots in and brings Morales to the fence. Rodriguez scores the takedown. Sonnen tells Morales to create space. Morales giving up his back. Rodriguez is on him. Morales grabs the fence briefly. Rodriguez presses Morales forward. Rodriguez gets a body triangle on Morales. Morales’ corner tells him to turn and to use his elbows.

    Rodriguez’s corner tells him to win wrist control. Rodriguez hunts for the choke. He’s on the neck! He’s under it now. Morales fights and avoids it. Rodriguez back under it briefly. Cormier tells Rodriguez to attack the left wrist. Morales sitting up, but Rodriguez is still on his back. Morales still unable to escape. Rodriguez holds the position for most of the round. Morales finally escapes with mere seconds left, but it’s way too late for him to do any offense.

    Winner: Morales via split decision

    Conclusion

    Sonnen says Morales was trading with Rodriguez and was working combinations in the first round. He adds Morales picked Rodriguez up with ease. White said it was complete control; however, Rodriguez avoided significant damage.

    Cormier says Rodriguez fought exactly how he was supposed to in round two, emphasizing the need for Rodriguez to be first in this matchup. Morales started to come back late in the second round, however, with White admitting Morales’ shots late in the round made it a toss-up.

    Then, Cormier said, as they trained, Rodriguez took Morales down and controlled him the entire round. Sonnen said he wasn’t nervous and felt they just needed to grind down the clock — though you can’t think like that.

    Morales says it felt great holding his picture of his family, victorious and gives respect to Rodriguez.

    Morales and Rodriguez hug in the Octagon.

    Morales is emotional in the locker room, saying he couldn’t do it without his coaches and teammates. Now, he’s ready to prep for Idiris.

    Rodriguez says he’s left speechless in disappointment, feeling that he won. Rodriguez is emotionally in pain in the locker room, while his coach tries to console him and tell him it’s not over till it’s over.

    Next week, it’s the last fight of the semifinals, as Team Cormier’s Daniil Donchenko faces Team Sonnen’s Matt Dixon!

    Also, UFC Hall of Famer and TUF season two winner Rashad Evans visits to help Team Sonnen in their training session!

    What will happen next week? Join alongside us then for the final TUF episode of the season!

    Thanks for joining me for another edition of The TUF Stuff!

  • UFC Rankings Report: Tatsuro Taira Returns To Top 5 At Flyweight Following UFC Vegas 108 Win

    UFC Rankings Report: Tatsuro Taira Returns To Top 5 At Flyweight Following UFC Vegas 108 Win

    The latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the UFC rankings toward contention and others fall away.

    And in the aftermath of Saturday’s UFC Vegas 108, MMA News has you covered with this week’s complete updates.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: No changes.

    Women’s Pound-for-Pound: No changes.

    Women’s Strawweight: No changes.

    Women’s Flyweight: No changes.

    Women’s Bantamweight: Following her win, Karol Rosa moves up one spot to No. 9, swapping places with Yana Santos (now No. 10). Despite losing to Rosa, Nora Cornolle remains at No. 12.

    Flyweight: Following his win, Tatsuro Taira moves up one spot to No. 5, swapping places with Kai Kara-France (now No. 6).

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: No changes.

    Lightweight: No changes.

    Welterweight: No changes.

    Middleweight: No changes.

    Light Heavyweight: No changes.

    Heavyweight: Following the UFC parting ways with Martin Buday, Valter Walker enters the rankings at No. 14. Mick Parkin and Tallison Teixeira each move up one spot to No. 12 and No. 13, respectively.

    This week’s new UFC rankings were first reported by John Morgan. UFC.com’s rankings section still to be updated as of publication time.

  • 6 Hits And 1 Miss From UFC Vegas 108: Tatsuro Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park

    6 Hits And 1 Miss From UFC Vegas 108: Tatsuro Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park

    After about two months away, the UFC was back in its headquarters for UFC Vegas 108 (aka UFC Fight Night: Tatsuro Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park) on August 2.

    It was the first UFC Fight Night to take place at the UFC APEX since the May 31 card that saw its main event between Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber get canceled as walkouts for the main event were getting underway.

    The main event for this night (which did happen) saw Tatsuro Taira take on Hyun Sung Park. Taira was originally scheduled to face Amir Albazi, but Albzai withdrew from the fight on a week’s notice, leaving Park to set up on significantly short notice.

    Taira, who entered this fight ranked No. 6 at flyweight, looked to get back in the win column after a loss to Brandon Royval in October — the first loss of Taira’s career.

    Park came into the bout 10-0, with him winning his first three Octagon bouts after winning the flyweight tournament on season one of Road to UFC.

    Who came through in Vegas? Who went bust? Let’s find out with the hits and misses of UFC Vegas 108!

    Miss – What To Do About Weight Misses?

    This isn’t a gripe that should go specifically against the card itself, but it’s kind of damning when you have not one, but two fighters who miss weight by a noteworthy margain.

    Felipe Burnes missed weight for his fight with Rafael Estevam by a solid four pounds. And then Tresean Gore had a 3.5 pound miss for his fight with Rodolfo Vieira. Both fighters ended up paying 25 percent of their purse, and both fighters lost their fights, but imagine if they didn’t.

    I’ve griped in this column for a couple of weeks now about the scoring system in MMA, but there’s got to be something done about missing weight. I understand the dangers of the weight cut and don’t want to jeopardize a fighter’s health; however, I do feel that if you miss weight, that’s a horrible look on you. And I completely understand the fighters who feel disrespected by it. Remember just a few years ago when we had a notable stretch in the UFC that saw more fighters who missed weight win? Heck, this is Estevam’s second time missing weight in his last three fights!

    The California State Athletic Commission adopted a rule years ago that they can order a fighter no longer fight at such a weight class. I think this needs to be adopted by and respected by all the commissions out there. Emphasis on commissions — it’s not enough for the promotions like the UFC to try this and enforce it; all parties need to be on board.

    You can mock the PFL for their regular season and playoffs format, but when it came to weight missing, they were strict with it. And honestly? I think they came up with an idea we can apply. When the PFL was beginning the 2021 season, they stated fighters who missed weight would be deducted one point in the standings and be ineligible to receive any points.

    Well, how about fighters who miss weight are automatically deducted one point before the fight even begins? How’s that sound?

    Hit – Austin Bashi

    Austin Bashi is not even 25 years old, and yet he’s already built himself up on the regional scene through promotions like the XFC and Lights Out Championship. And while his UFC debut did not go his way, he looked impressive in his outing against John Yannis.

    After absorbing an early head kick, Bashi rocked Yannis with a right hook, secured a takedown, and quickly took the back. He maintained control with a body triangle and eventually locked in a rear-naked choke for the win.

    It was a quick and strong showing from this young man, who won a UFC contract through his appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. It’ll be worth seeing if he can get another performance like this on another Fight Night card.

    Hit – Rinya Nakamura

    If we’re talking about explosive finishes, look no further than Rinya Nakamura and the memorable outing he had by taking out Nathan Fletcher in just over a minute.

    Nakamura hurt Fletcher early with a body kick and continued pressuring with sharp combinations. A liver kick dropped Fletcher with a delayed reaction, and Nakamura followed up with ground-and-pound to earn the stoppage.

    This was one of the best kind of performances Nakamura could have had after suffering his first career loss in his last outing. Now through what he’s done in the Octagon so far, including the win over Fletcher, combined with what he did on the Road to UFC series, Nakamura may have established himself as someone to look out for.

    Hit – Neil Magny Climbs The Record Books

    Neil Magny may not be in the mix of contenders at 170 anymore, but that doesn’t mean the man still can’t go. While he’s struggled of late, Magny found success at UFC Vegas 108, pulling off a finish over fellow fight veteran Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.

    After a competitive first round where both fighters had their moments, Magny turned up the pace in the second. Magny pressured dos Santos relentlessly, wearing him out with grappling and ground strikes before a finish late in round two.

    With 23 wins, Magny has the most victories in UFC welterweight history — and he is tied with Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and Andrei Arlovski for the second-most victories in the Octagon. He also has the most bouts and strikes landed in the history of the UFC’s welterweight division.

    While Neil Magny isn’t going to be challenging for a UFC title, barring some miracle, he has undoubtedly left his mark in the Octagon. We don’t know how many more times we’ll see Magny in the Octagon, but let’s appreciate him no matter how many it is.

    Hit – Karol Rosa

    While there weren’t a lot of ranked talent competing at UFC Vegas 108, one fight of note that featured ranked contenders saw a women’s bantamweight contest between Karol Rosa and Nora Cornolle, with Rosa getting the win.

    After a striking-heavy first round from Cornolle, Rosa took over with takedowns and top control, threatening submissions and landing consistent ground strikes. This gameplan stretched into the third round, giving Rosa more success as she went on to secure the win on the judges’ cards.

    Rosa came into this bout ranked No. 10 at women’s 135. Of note, looking at contenders 6-9, she has lost to Irene Aldana and Ailin Perez; however, she has beaten Yana Santos. She hasn’t faced off with former title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva yet, however. So, if Silva gets past Joselyne Edwards this coming weekend, perhaps book Rosa with her next and see if she’s ready to face off with higher-ranked contenders again? Edwards herself could pose an interesting matchup, too, as Rosa defeated her back in 2021.

    Hit – A Pair Of Fight Of The Year Candidates, Back-To-Back

    It’s crazy exciting when you get a banger of a fight that takes place. Now imagine if you had two — back-to-back. That’s what we got to experience at UFC Vegas 108.

    It all started with Esteeban Ribovics scoring a victory over Elvis Brener. Ribovics had the edge early and poured out with pressure throughout, landing over 150 significant strikes while stuffing all of Brener’s takedown attempts. Brener responded with flashy kicks and big moments, but Ribovics’ pace and volume ultimately won him the nod.

    The last three fights for “El Gringo” now have been this exciting contest with Brener, a split decision loss to Nasrat Haqparast that earned Fight of the Night honors, and the 2024 Fight of the Year with a decision win over Daniel Zellhuber. Do not put Ribovics in the UFC APEX anymore! Let’s get this kid on the undercard of a pay-per-view again, ASAP. Because whatever you think Ribovics’ future has in store, he is proving to be an exciting fighter who knows how to really put on an entertaining show.

    And then right after that, Chris Duncan ended up getting the win over Mateusz Rębecki in another entertaining brawl. Both men traded heavy shots early, with each wearing visible damage by the second round. Duncan found success with body attacks and a near submission in the third, while Rebecki continued throwing bombs until the final bell.

    Duncan has now won three straight and seven of his last eight. His only pay-per-view card appearance was being on the prelims for UFC 278; perhaps it’s time we change that.

    It’s always a fair argument to discuss lack of star power with some of these cards, as well as if the UFC is overproducing cards. But, man, sometimes these Fight Nights really can deliver surprises.

    Hit – Tatsuro Taira Calls His Shot

    Tatsuro Taira wants a shot at the flyweight title, and he emphasized that with a dominant win over Hyun Sung Park in the main event.

    Taira dropped Park with a right hand early and then got into top game and just completely dominated and overwhelmed Park from there. Taira would find Park’s back and sink in a choke during the second round, bringing the fight to an early end with a submission.

    This was a solid rebound from Taira after suffering the first loss of his pro career against Brandon Royval last fall, and now he feels he’s earned the opportunity to challenge for the gold. Joshua Van, of course, is supposed to be next in line for champion Alexandre Pantoja following the awesome run he had earlier this year. With one more win, however, Taira should be next in line (especially if Pantoja beats Van).

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Usman Nurmagomedov Will Rematch Paul Hughes In October

    Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Usman Nurmagomedov Will Rematch Paul Hughes In October

    Perhaps one of the most talked about fighters in PFL over the past year has been Paul Hughes — and one of the most talked about fights over the past year in the organization is Usman Nurmagomedov’s narrow, controversial win over Hughes at PFL Champions Series 1 in January to retain the Bellator lightweight title in its final title bout ever.

    Many in the MMA community have wondered since, and some even begged the PFL, to make the rematch — undoubtedly one of the promotion’s most anticipated and hoped-for bouts ever. And if the words of Usman’s cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, are anything to listen to, he has offered hope.

    During a conversation with the streamer Sneako, the retired undefeated former UFC lightweight champion suggests that Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes 2 has been signed on for October.

    Specifically, according to Khabib Nurmagomedov, the fight would take place on October 4 in Dubai. If true, and given the PFL event dates known thus far for fall (with PFL MENA and Europe holding semifinal events the weekend of Sept. 26-28) this could potentially serve as the headliner of a third PFL Champions Series event.

    Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes To Take Place In Dubai On October 4?

    If Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes 2 follows the circumstances set by Johnny Eblen vs. Costello Van Steenis a couple of weeks ago, the winner of this bout would most likely be named the inaugural PFL lightweight champion.

    In what was one of the more entertaining fights in MMA during 2025, Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes this past January featured plenty of high-paced striking exchanges, strong clinch battles, and late-fight drama, courtesy of Nurmagomedov getting deducted a point.

    Hughes, who fired off a strong late flurry, was unable to get the win controversially. While one judge scored the bout a 47-47 draw, the other two judges gave 48-46 totals in Nurmagomedov’s favor.

    Hughes rebounded from the loss with a 42-second finish of Bruno Miranda at the PFL Europe event in Belfast this past May.

    Nurmagomedov has not been in action since defeating Hughes.

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov Claims Islam Makhachev Will Challenge Jack Della Maddalena At UFC 322

    Khabib Nurmagomedov Claims Islam Makhachev Will Challenge Jack Della Maddalena At UFC 322

    Islam Makhachev has been expected to challenge for the welterweight championship since those rumors first surfaced early this year. And now, it appears Khabib Nurmagomedov may have dropped a hint of the timeframe.

    During a recent sit-down (video courtesy of The Cornell Combat Sports Show), Nurmagomedov said that, as rumors have indicated, Makhachev will challenge reigning welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.

    Rumors are UFC 322 is being planned for November 15 at — per usual with the UFC’s pay-per-view schedule — New York’s Madison Square Garden.

    Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena At UFC 322 Confirmed By Khabib Nurmagomedov?

    Makhachev will be stepping up to welterweight for this bout, as planned when it was announced by UFC CEO and President Dana White that he would be vacating the UFC lightweight title.

    The lightweight title would end up going to Ilia Topuria, who bested Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 back in June. Topuria vacated his own featherweight title in the process, as he had planned since last year to challenge Makhachev. Plans changed, however, following Della Maddalena defeating Belal Muhammad for the 170-pound title at UFC 315 in May.

    Makachev originally won the lightweight title in a bout against Oliveira at UFC 280. Makhachev defended the title successfully a record four consecutive times, defeating Alexander Volkanovski twice, Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano.

  • “Real Threat At Flyweight To Win A Belt” – Dominick Cruz, Henry Cejudo, & Other Fans And Fighters React To Tatsuro Taira Calling For Title Shot After Obliterating Hyun Sung Park

    “Real Threat At Flyweight To Win A Belt” – Dominick Cruz, Henry Cejudo, & Other Fans And Fighters React To Tatsuro Taira Calling For Title Shot After Obliterating Hyun Sung Park

    Tatsuro Taira has made a statement that he feels ready for a UFC flyweight title shot after making fairly easy work of Hyun Sung Park in the main event of UFC Vegas 108.

    Taira dropped Park early in the first round with a right hand, taking top position and controlling Park on the ground. Taira seemed to be one step ahead, countering every time Park countered and mat returning every time Park got to his feet. Taira even got to Park’s back at one point and locked in a body triangle.

    Taira would get the fight back to the ground in the second and quickly found a face crank, scoring the submission.

    Taira called for a title shot after the fight; however, commentary suggested he may need one fight following UFC CEO and President Dana White’s previous confirmation Joshua Van will be next to challenge Alexandre Pantoja.

    Tatsuro Taira Submits Hyun Sung Park At UFC Vegas 108

    Taira rebounds from his first professional loss, falling short in a decision against Brandon Royval last October. Taira was originally scheduled to face Amir Albazi in this outing until Albazi withdrew from the fight last week.

    This marks Park’s first loss as a pro, coming into tonight with a 10-0 record. The Road to UFC season one flyweight winner was 3-0 in the Octagon before tonight.

  • “A Fight Where You Leave Something In There” – Fans & Fighters React To Chris Duncan Outlasting Mateusz Rebecki In Wild War At UFC Vegas 108

    “A Fight Where You Leave Something In There” – Fans & Fighters React To Chris Duncan Outlasting Mateusz Rebecki In Wild War At UFC Vegas 108

    Just when we thought Elvis Brener vs. Esteban Ribovics brought fire at UFC Vegas 108, one fight later and we got another war of attrition that saw Chris Duncan defeat Mateusz Rebecki in the evening’s co-main event.

    Round one was a chaotic slugfest, with both men trading huge shots early. Rebecki dropped Duncan briefly and landed powerful hooks while eating brutal elbows, opening up cuts and swelling on Duncan’s face — though Duncan would cause a hematoma to appear on Rebecki’s.

    Duncan targeted Rebecki’s body during the second round, while Rebecki kept swinging wildly in spite of a swollen eye and cuts.

    The third saw things escalate in intensity, though Duncan seemed to get the edge with his combinations, as well as an anaconda choke attempt. Rebecki didn’t back down, however, throwing power shots until the final horn.

    Chris Duncan Beats Mateusz Rebecki In Brawl Of A Co-Main Event At UFC Vegas 108

    https://twitter.com/xJahstin/status/1951848979924242894

    Duncan has now won three straight and seven of his last eight.

    After a win streak that lasted about a decade, Rebecki has now lost two of his last three.

  • “One Of The Most Exciting Fighters In The Sport” – Fans & Fighters React To Slugfest That Sees Esteban Ribovics Earning Judges’ Nod Over Elvis Brener In Fight Of The Year Contender

    “One Of The Most Exciting Fighters In The Sport” – Fans & Fighters React To Slugfest That Sees Esteban Ribovics Earning Judges’ Nod Over Elvis Brener In Fight Of The Year Contender

    Esteban Ribovics seems to have a thing for wild wars in the Octagon, as he delivered another at UFC Vegas 108, once again earning a decision win as he bested Elvis Brener.

    Ribovics started strong in round one, stuffing takedowns and delivering heavy strikes. Ribovics was being aggressive with his combination, though Brener had his own bursts of offense, including a series of leg kicks.

    Brener came alive in the second, landing clean head kicks and working his own combinations. His aggression helped to open a cut over one of Ribovics’ eyes and briefly stunned Ribovics with a body kick and flurry.

    The two came out swinging in the third round, with Ribovics pushing the pace more thanks to brutal combinations and working the body. Brener never backed down, however, landing flashy strikes that included a spinning wheel kick.

    Ribovics ended up attempting more than 300 significant strikes over the course of the three rounds, landing approximately 150 of them. He also defended all nine of Brener’s takedown attempts.

    Esteban Ribovics Wins Slugest vs. Elvis Brener At UFC Vegas 108

    https://twitter.com/ElonovMMA/status/1951840970737418477

    Ribovics has now won four of five. This is his second straight victory that has come in slugfest fashion, having defeat Daniel Zellhuber at Noche UFC 2: UFC 306 in a bout that earned Fight of the Year honors for 2024.

    Brener has now lost three straight.

  • VIDEO: Rinya Nakamura Destroys Nathan Fletcher With Liver Kick At UFC Vegas 108

    VIDEO: Rinya Nakamura Destroys Nathan Fletcher With Liver Kick At UFC Vegas 108

    Rinya Nakamura did not need long to put away Nathan Fletcher, scoring a first-round TKO in the featured preliminary bout of UFC Vegas 108.

    Nakamura connected with a body kick that caught Fletcher off balance almost right away. Nakamura looked to pressure, working combinations on the European prospect.

    Nakamura connected on a kick that landed on Fletcher’s liver, causing a delayed reaction that brought Fletcher to the canvas. Nakamura would land a little ground-and-pound before the referee stopped the bout.

    Rinya Nakamura Stops Nathan Fletcher With Liver Kick At UFC Vegas 108

    Nakamura is now 4-1 in the Octagon since a pair of first-round knockouts on Road to the UFC.

    Fletcher, an alumnus of season 32 of The Ultimate Fighter, defeated Zygimantas Ramaska in his UFC debut but has now lost two straight. He dropped a split decision to Caolán Loughran earlier this year.

  • VIDEO: Andrey Pulyaev Puts Away Nick Klein With Vicious Body Kick In Comeback TKO At UFC Vegas 108

    VIDEO: Andrey Pulyaev Puts Away Nick Klein With Vicious Body Kick In Comeback TKO At UFC Vegas 108

    Andrey Pulyaev now has his first win in the Octagon, needing to overcome early adversity before scoring a finish of Nick Klein during the preliminary card of UFC Vegas 108.

    Klein dominated early with takedowns, ground control, and clinch pressure, keeping Pulyaev smothered. Very early on in the round, Klein landed some strong strikes from up top, which troubled Pulyaev, and nearly scoring a choke.

    Round two changed the momentum, however, as Pulyaev was rejuvenated, while Klein appeared to gas out from his barrages in round one. Pulyaev landed a sharp head kick and clinch knees that turned the tide, opening up a cut above one of Klein’s eyes. Pulyaev then landed a strong body kick that took the wind out of Klein’s sails, following it up with a pair of punches and a low kick to score the TKO.

    Andrey Pulyaev Stops Nick Klein At UFC Vegas 108

    Pulyaev made his UFC debut in March, dropping a decision to Christian Duncan.

    Klein was also finished in his UFC debut in February, getting stopped by Mansur Abdul-Malik.

  • “Not Even A Fight” – Fans & Fighters React To 21-Year-Old Austin Bashi Dominating In Second UFC Appearance At UFC Vegas 108

    “Not Even A Fight” – Fans & Fighters React To 21-Year-Old Austin Bashi Dominating In Second UFC Appearance At UFC Vegas 108

    After dropping his UFC debut, Austin Bashi put on a dominant display in his second Octagon appearance, scoring a submission of John Yannis during the preliminary card of UFC Vegas 108.

    Despite an early head kick from Yannis, Bashi hurt Yannis with a right hook. He’d then score a single-leg takedown and take Yannis’ back to control the action.

    Bashi then secured a body triangle despite Yannis’ wall walking and escape efforts, eventually locking up a rear-naked choke for the submission.

    Austin Bashi Submits John Yannis At UFC Vegas 108

    Bashi made his UFC debut in January, dropping a decision to Christian Rodriguez.

    This marked the UFC debut for Yannis, who won the Fury FC featherweight title in May. Yannis took this fight on less than a week’s notice.

  • “An Incredible Breakthrough Year” – Fans React As Thad Jean Runs Through Logan Storley To Capture PFL World Tournament Welterweight Championship

    “An Incredible Breakthrough Year” – Fans React As Thad Jean Runs Through Logan Storley To Capture PFL World Tournament Welterweight Championship

    Thad Jean continues to live up to the hype, as he scored a unanimous decision over Logan Storley in the main event of the PFL World Tournament card in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to capture the 2025 PFL Welterweight World Tournament title.

    Jean controlled much of the early action with superior striking and stuffing most of Storley’s takedown attempts. Jean also rocked Storley in the first round with crisp counters, and he nearly finished the fight in round two after a vicious head kick.

    Storley’s grappling skillset and takedowns made their presence more felt in the middle rounds of the belt. Storley gained control positions, though Jean usually was able to escape and continued his effective striking, doing some damage on Storley. Jean’s pace, however, slowed later on, though he continued to have a decent output.

    Jean went on to score the unanimous decision with a pair of 49-46 scores and a 48-47.

    Thad Jean Wins 2025 PFL Welterweight World Tournament

    After winning a PFL contract on the PFL Challenger Series and victories in a few showcase bouts, Jean entered the 2025 welterweight tournament and reached the finals with wins over Mukhamed Berkhamov and former Bellator welterweight champion Jason Jackson.

    Storley, the former interim Bellator welterweight champion, reached the finals with wins over Joseph Luciano and Masayuki Kikuiri.

  • ‘Elite Fighter’ – Fans React As Movlid Khaybulaev Earns Second PFL Tournament Title With Grappling Showcase Over Jesus Pinedo At PFL World Championship

    ‘Elite Fighter’ – Fans React As Movlid Khaybulaev Earns Second PFL Tournament Title With Grappling Showcase Over Jesus Pinedo At PFL World Championship

    Four years after his first PFL title, Movlid Khaybulaev finds success in the PFL once again, defeating Jesus Pinedo in a battle of former champs to capture his second PFL belt at the PFL World Championships in Atlantic City.

    Khaybulaev set the fight’s pace early by scoring early takedowns and controlling the action from top position, despite Pinedo landing some elbows from the bottom.

    Khaybulaev nearly finished Pinedo twice in the second round, scoring a knockdown and executing an arm-triangle choke right before the bell. Pinedo, however, responded in the third with a knockdown of his own, courtesy of a big right hand. Khaybulaev, however, quickly recovered and re-established control with his ground game again.

    The championship rounds saw more of the same, as Khaybulaev used handcuffs, mat returns, and heavy top pressure to wear Pinedo down. In the fifth, Khaybulaev managed to get into full mount and locked up another arm-triangle. This time, it was enough to score the tap and lock up the PFL title.

    Movlid Khaybulaev Wins 2025 PFL Featherweight World Tournament

    https://twitter.com/BenzemaPouta/status/1951470332940083684

    Khaybulaev now advances to 23-0-1 (1 NC) in his undefeated pro career and locks up a future PFL featherweight world title shot. He advanced to tonight’s final with decisions over Jeremy Kennedy and Kim Tae-kyun.

    Pinedo, meanwhile, advanced with finishes of Adam Borics and Gabriel Braga.

  • “Y’All Are A Joke” – Fans Furious As Kyle Driscoll Scores Controversial Decision Win Over Husein Kadimagomaev

    “Y’All Are A Joke” – Fans Furious As Kyle Driscoll Scores Controversial Decision Win Over Husein Kadimagomaev

    In a result that did not go down well with most of the MMA community, Kyle Driscoll managed to come away with a decision win over Husein Kadimagomaev during the early card of the PFL World Tournament event in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

    The opening round saw both men trading kicks and testing range before Driscoll caught a kick and took the fight to the ground, where he controlled much of the grappling despite Kadimagomaev scrambling well.

    Round two continued the theme of measured striking exchanges with Driscoll scoring takedowns and briefly threatening with front headlocks, though Kadimagomaev remained active and landed some solid shots, including a head kick and a flurry at the bell.

    In round three, Kadimagomaev found success with powerful kicks, stumbling Driscoll and forcing him to wrestle. Driscoll managed to take the back but couldn’t maintain control, with Kadimagomaev reversing late and ending the fight on top, landing ground strikes.

    Both men earned a 30-27 on the judges’ cards, strangely enough, but Driscoll earned a 29-28 on the remaining one to score the decision.

    Kyle Driscoll Gets Controversial Nod Over Husein Kadimagomaev

    https://twitter.com/freysavage/status/1951437237918331010

    Driscoll has now won three straight and 11 of his last 12.

    Kadimagomaev sees a six-fight unbeaten streak snapped, earning his first loss since losing to Tae Kyun Kim in Brave CF.

  • UFC Vegas 108 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Tatsuro Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park Card

    UFC Vegas 108 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Tatsuro Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park Card

    UFCVegas 108 is almost here, and we here at MMA News are here to provide you the latest on betting odds for the card.

    The card takes place from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, August 2. The main card portion of the event will start at 9PM ET/6PM PT, with preliminary action starting at 6PM ET/3PM PT.

    The headline attraction for the event will feature Tatsuro Taira taking on Hyun Sung Park in flyweight action.

    In the co-main event, Mateusz Rebecki will face Chris Duncan.

    The main card will also feature Elvis Brener vs. Esteban Ribovics, Karol Rosa vs. Nora Cornelle, Neil Magny vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, and Danny Silva vs. Kevin Vallejos.

    UFC Vegas 108: Tatsuro Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park Betting Odds

    Listed below are the latest betting odds for UFC Vegas 108 as of August 1 at 8pm ET, courtesy of DraftKings.

    • Flyweight: Tatsuro Taira (-360) vs. Hyun Sung Park (+285)
    • Lightweight: Mateusz Rębecki (-225) vs. Chris Duncan (+185)
    • Lightweight: Elvis Brener (+225) vs. Esteban Ribovics (-278)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Karol Rosa (-192) vs. Nora Cornolle (+160)
    • Welterweight: Neil Magny (+154) vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (-185)
    • Featherweight: Danny Silva (+330) vs. Kevin Vallejos (-425)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Bantamweight: Rinya Nakamura (-425) vs. Nathan Fletcher (+330)
    • Middleweight: Rodolfo Vieira (-198) vs. Tresean Gore (+164)
    • Middleweight: Nick Klein (+130) vs. Andrey Pulyaev (-155)
    • Featherweight: Austin Bashi (-750) vs. John Yannis (+525)
    • Flyweight: Rafael Estevam (-625) vs. Felipe Bunes (+455)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Piera Rodriguez (-225) vs. Ketlen Souza (+185)
  • “Nasty” – Fans React To Gnarly Gash On Nick Meck’s Eyebrow As Sarek Shields Scores First-Round Doctor’s Stoppage Win At PFL World Tournament

    “Nasty” – Fans React To Gnarly Gash On Nick Meck’s Eyebrow As Sarek Shields Scores First-Round Doctor’s Stoppage Win At PFL World Tournament

    It only took the doctor a couple of seconds to look at the cut on Nick Meck’s eyebrow before calling off his fight during the PFL World Tournament early card in Atlantic City, giving the win to Sarek Shields.

    Shields quickly took the fight to the ground, threatening with a guillotine and using a kimura trap to control Meck. Meck escaped and landed a few shots, but Shields remained relentless with grappling control.

    Both fighters had top control, but the fight’s biggest moment was Shields landing a couple of hard knees in the clinching, opening up a cut on Meck’s eye. And when the doctor looked at the eye after the first round, the referee quickly stopped things.

    In fact, Meck’s cut appeared to continue to bleed as the doctor attempted to work on the nasty gash.

    Sarek Shields Defeats Nick Meck After Gruesome Cut On Eyebrow

    https://twitter.com/GriffeyGrof/status/1951417881159250001

    Shields was also victorious in his PFL debut in June, defeating Joseph Luciano.

    Meck is now 1-2 in the PFL, losing to Kevin Pease last year before a win over Alan Dominguez in June.

  • PFL World Tournament Week 8 Results & Highlights

    PFL World Tournament Week 8 Results & Highlights

    The first of three events to mark the conclusion of the PFL’s 2025 World Tournaments goes down in Atlantic City, New Jersey tonight — and MMA News has you covered with all the action.

    The World Tournament is the spiritual successor to the season-and-the-playoffs has had since its inaugural season in 2018. As part of the changes in format to the PFL upon the official folding of the Bellator brand earlier this year, the PFL changed its global season to a single-elimination tournament format, adding more weight classes, eight fighters per weight class.

    First-round action took place in April and May, with June — previously hosting the second leg of the regular season — hosting semifinal action. This month will see the conclusion of these tournaments, with eight winners receiving PFL World Tournament title belts and $100,000.

    This evening will be headlined by the welterweight tournament final that sees undefeated rising star Thad Jean taking on former interim Bellator welterweight champion Logan Storley. Jean made it to the finals through a first-round knockout of Mukhamed Berkhamov and a split decision win over former Bellator welterweight champion Jason Jackson. Storley, meanwhile, scored a pair of decision wins over Joseph Luciano and Masayuki Kikuiri.

    The co-main event will be the featherweight tournament final that features a pair of former champions — 2021 PFL featherweight champion Movlid Khaybulaev and 2023 PFL featherweight champion Jesus Pinedo. The unbeaten Khaybulaev reached the finals with decision wins over Jeremy Kennedy and Kim Tae-kyun. Pinedo, meanwhile, scored finishes of Adam Borics and Gabriel Braga (the latter being a trilogy bout between the two).

    2025 PFL World Tournament Week 8 Results & Highlights

    Main Card:

    • Welterweight Final: Thad Jean def. Logan Storley via unanimous decision (49-46 x2, 48-47)
    • Featherweight Final: Movlid Khaybulaev def. Jesus Pinedo via submission (arm-triangle choke) (R5, 1:17)
    • Featherweight: Asael Adjoudj def. Yves Landu via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
    • Middleweight: Jordan Newman def. Eslam Baset via TKO (fighter retirement) (R1, 5:00)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Catchweight (160 lbs): Jakub Kaszuba def. Sergio Cossio via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
    • Lightweight: Kyle Driscoll def. Husein Kadimagomaev via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 30-27)
    • Featherweight: Frederik Dupras def. Nathan Kelly via technical submission (guillotine choke) (R2, 4:38)
    • Welterweight: Sarek Shields def. Nick Meck via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) (R1, 5:00)
    • Featherweight: Tom Pagliarulo def. Matt Turnbull via KO (R1, 4:36)

    Matt Turnbull vs. Tom Pagliarulo

    Sarek Shields vs. Nick Meck

    Nathan Kelly vs. Frederik Dupras

    Husein Kadimagomaev vs. Kyle Driscoll

    Jakub Kaszuba vs. Sergio Cossio

    Jordan Newman vs. Eslam Baset

    Asael Adjoudj vs. Yves Landu

    Movlid Khaybulaev vs. Jesus Pinedo

    Thad Jean vs. Logan Storley

  • Conor McGregor’s Fight for Innocence Continues After Civil Rape Verdict Upheld

    Conor McGregor’s Fight for Innocence Continues After Civil Rape Verdict Upheld

    Conor McGregor refuses to surrender despite a full rejection of his appeals.

    A little more than 24 hours ago, Ireland’s Court of Appeal rejected McGregor’s bid for a full overturn of a lower court’s ruling that he sexually assaulted a woman, Nikita Hand, in a hotel room in December 2018. A jury ruling in the Dublin High Court this past November saw McGregor ordered to pay €248,000 (approximately $257,000) in damages to Hand.

    Now, McGregor took to social media to speak out on the court’s decision.

    https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1951225090265202704

    In particular, McGregor finds it hard to believe how he can be found civilly liable for the sexual assault when he was cleared in a criminal investigation.

    “I was on the stand in a world of fog being accused of a crime I didn’t commit, and that I was actually cleared of criminally, and exonerated by every witness present, as well as believed twice over by the public prosecutor, but still up on a stand civilly, in absolute shock,” McGregor said. “Some say the case never went criminal because there was ‘lack of evidence’ that is not the case. It is the opposite! There was so much evidence!

    “They had hours of footage of the ‘victim’ after the supposed attempted murder and rape of her. Partying away, messaging away. Leaving the hotel / coming back etc. up and down, in the lobby of the hotel, absolutely everywhere and back. And twice. Not a f****** bother. Smiling, laughing, dancing, kissing, biting, play fighting. It’s some watch…”

    Conor McGregor Speaks Out After Appeals In Sexual Assault Case Rejected

    McGregor alleges that Hand’s actions he claims happened post incident have been verified by multiple witnesses and CCTV footage. However, McGregor adds, he and his team were not permitted to submit “crucial” evidence from the criminal investigation.

    “It’s been some eye opener this entire process, I tell you that good folks,” McGregor posted. “What has taken place here throughout these twice thrown in the bin criminal accusations is an absolute travesty! How people sleep at night is beyond me. I’m sure they don’t. Not soundly anyway, no way. Impossible.

    “To falsely accuse someone of rape and lose, then attempt to ignore that fact/brush it under the rug is truly heinous on another level!”

    McGregor, who has been making a bid to become President of Ireland in the upcoming election, says he will continue to maintain innocence in spite of the court’s actions.

    “I am happy this is still ongoing,” he said. “Hopefully we hear from all. I fight on with the truth and will continue to defend myself. Ireland, amidst this shake down don’t let it distract you. You can see what I am up against here and we knew this would always be the case. We fight on!”

    McGregor is also facing another sexual assault allegation, stemming from an incident at the Kaseya Center in Miami during the 2023 NBA Finals.

    McGregor, who has not been seen in the Octagon since UFC 264, recently submitted a sample to the UFC testing pool. Over the last month, McGregor has been teasing a return to fighting at the UFC White House card in July 2026.

  • Conor McGregor Submits Sample, Officially Back In UFC Testing Pool

    Conor McGregor Submits Sample, Officially Back In UFC Testing Pool

    In the midst of the news that he has lost his sexual assault court appeal, Conor McGregor is actually back in the UFC’s testing pool.

    One day after McGregor posted a photo of what appeared to be him giving a urine sample, the UFC Anti-Doping website now shows McGregor having submitted one test for 2025.

    This represents the first step in a possible return to the Octagon for McGregor, which he has been teasing over the last month since U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a fight card at the White House on July 4, 2026.

    Though limits are more unclear since the UFC’s separation from USADA, the long-time rules had been that an athlete must be in the testing pool for six months before being considered “unretired” and allowed to fight again.

    UFC Anti-Doping Website Officially Lists First 2025 Test Session For Conor McGregor

    McGregor has been one of the many names who are looking for the chance to compete on the potentially historic card.

    McGregor also has been in the news heavily over the last 24 hours, following the announcement that Ireland’s Court of Appeal fully rejected his attempt to overturn a jury ruling against him over sexual assault allegations.

    In November 2024, a jury in the Dublin High Court found McGregor guilty of sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in a hotel room in December 2018. McGregor was ordered by the jury to pay Hand €248,000 (approximately $257,000).

    The former two-division UFC champion vehemently maintains his innocence.

    McGregor is also being sued by a woman on allegations that he sexually assaulted her during an NBA Finals game at the Kaseya Center, home of the NBA’s Miami Heat. The suit accuses McGregor of battery and sexual assault and alleges arena staff were negligent in allowing an intoxicated McGregor to remain in the arena.

    McGregor has not been seen in the Octagon since his UFC 264 loss to Dustin Poirier. He and Michael Chandler coached season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2023; however, their scheduled UFC 303 bout the next year was scrapped less than a month out.

  • UFC Fight Night: Tatsuro Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park Weigh-In Results: Two Miss Weight

    UFC Fight Night: Tatsuro Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park Weigh-In Results: Two Miss Weight

    UFC Fight Night: Tatsuro Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results.

    For the first time in about two months, the UFC is back at its home base, the UFC APEX, to open its August schedule.

    Headlining this card will be a short-notice bout, as Tatsuro Taira takes on Hyun Sung Park. Taira was originally booked to face Amir Albazi; however, Albazi was forced to withdraw from the event about a week ago due to injury.

    This will be Taira’s first fight since losing his undefeated professional MMA record against Brandon Royval in their UFC Vegas 98 main event in October. Park, who won the Road to UFC season one flyweight tournament, is currently 2-0 in the Octagon. Park finished Shannon Ross in December 2023 and submitted Carlos Hernandez earlier this year at UFC Vegas 106.

    The rest of the card will also feature the likes of Mateusz Rębecki, Elvis Brener, Karol Rosa, Neil Magny, and Danny Silva.

    UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park Weigh-In Results

    UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park takes place on Saturday, August 2, at the Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with the preliminary card starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

    Watch the official weigh-ins above via MMA Junkie, and check out the results below.

    Main Card:

    • Flyweight: Tatsuro Taira (126) vs. Hyun Sung Park (126)
    • Lightweight: Mateusz Rębecki (155.5) vs. Chris Duncan (156)
    • Lightweight: Elvis Brener (155.5) vs. Esteban Ribovics (155.5)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Karol Rosa (136) vs. Nora Cornolle (136)
    • Welterweight: Neil Magny (170.5) vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (171)
    • Featherweight: Danny Silva (144.5) vs. Kevin Vallejos (146)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Bantamweight: Rinya Nakamura (136) vs. Nathan Fletcher (135.5)
    • Middleweight: Rodolfo Vieira (185) vs. Tresean Gore (189.5)*
    • Middleweight: Nick Klein (186) vs. Andrey Pulyaev (185.5)
    • Featherweight: Austin Bashi (145.5) vs. John Yannis (145.5)
    • Flyweight: Rafael Estevam (130)** vs. Felipe Bunes (125)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Piera Rodriguez (116) vs. Ketlen Souza (116)
    • *Gore missed weight by 3.5 pounds, will be fined 25 percent of purse
    • **Estevam missed weight by 4 pounds, will be fined 25 percent of purse

  • Vince McMahon Issued Misdemeanor Following Car Accident

    Vince McMahon, the former Executive Chairman of WWE & TKO, parent company of the UFC, was involved in a car accident on July 24.

    Per a report from TMZ, McMahon was traveling northbound on Route 15 in Westport, Connecticut, when the 2024 Bentley he was driving crashed into the back of a 2023 BMW 430. It then collided with a median wood-beam guardrail before a third vehicle, a Ford Fusion, ran into it.

    About 30 feet of damage to the median guardrail. No one was injured, with all three drivers having worn seat belts, but all three vehicles needed to be towed. McMahon’s Bentley and the BMW had its airbags deployed.

    McMahon was issued a misdemeanor summons for reckless driving and following too closely resulting in an accident. He is scheduled to appear in court next month.

    Vince McMahon, Former WWE And TKO Executive Chairman, Cited For Car Accident In Connecticut

    McMahon was one of the leading forces behind WWE’s sale to Endeavor in 2023. The Ari Emanuel-led company then formed TKO as part of a “merger” between the WWE and Zuffa, the longtime parent company of the UFC. McMahon, who originally purchased the WWE from his father in 1982, served as executive chairman of TKO upon its original creation.

    McMahon originally retired from his role as WWE chairman and CEO in June 2022 following hush-money payment allegations. He, however, powered his way back into the position of executive chairman and Board of Directors head in January 2023 as part of WWE’s sale process.

    McMahon was ousted from TKO, however, in January 2024 follwing allegations of sex trafficking and sexual assault. He is still under federal investigation.