MMA News

Category: MMA

  • Fans And Fighters Slam ‘Worst Decision Of The Past 10 Years’ As UFC 313 Embroiled In Controversy

    Fans And Fighters Slam ‘Worst Decision Of The Past 10 Years’ As UFC 313 Embroiled In Controversy

    The UFC debut of The Ultimate Fighter season 32 champion Mairon Santos will go down in controversy, as he came out on top against Francis Marshall via a highly disputed split decision during the preliminary card of UFC 313.

    Marshall scored a knockdown of Santos during the opening round and had an opportunity to finish the fight with an overwhelming flurry late. However, he elected to ride the round out and secure the 10-9.

    Marshall appeared to not let up much control of the fight over the remaining 10 minutes, scoring multiple takedowns and clearly doing the bigger damage.

    The judges, however, did not see it that way.

    While Derek Clearly scored the bout for Marshall 30-27, Chris Lee and David Lethaby both scored the contest 29-28 for Santos.

    Amid a chorus of boos inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, Santos said during his post-fight interview at UFC 313 that he was worried he wouldn’t get his hand raised but he felt he did enough to score the win.

    Many fans and pundits, however, highly disagreed.

    Mairon Santos Nets Highly Disputed Split Decision At UFC 313

    Santos scored victories over Edwin Cooper Jr., Guillermo Torres and Kaan Ofli to win the featherweight portion of the most recent TUF season. His sole loss in MMA came against fellow TUF alum Dan Argueta.

    Marshall, meanwhile, has now lost three of four, with his sole victory in this span coming against Dennis Buzukja.

  • Former Soccer Hooligan Figures In Brutal Brawl To Kick Off UFC 313

    Former Soccer Hooligan Figures In Brutal Brawl To Kick Off UFC 313

    A former soccer hooligan, Djorden Santos made his UFC debut in the first bout of the evening at UFC 313, falling short via decision to Ozzy Diaz.

    Santos utilized quick footwork and sharp, speedy strikes in the opening round, emphasized with leg kicks, as the two went back-and-forth with their boxing. Santos’ aggression increased in the second frame, landing a notable hook and several combinations that kept Diaz on the defensive. Diaz, however, upped his own output, landing stiff boxing combinations.

    After the two went back-and-forth with power in the second round, Diaz really took things up a notch in the final round. Diaz managed to get Santos on the back foot. The Brazilian attempted to battle back with his own boxing, landing a head kick and takedown at the round’s end, though Diaz maintained control for most of the round.

    Diaz ultimately scored 29-28s on all three judges’ scorecards.

    Former Soccer Hooligan Falls Controversially Short In UFC Debut At UFC 313

    Santos grew up an avid football fan, supporting Goias Esporte Clube and was never one to turn down from a fight. He eventually changed his life after joining a martial arts gym.

    “When I had my first contact with stadiums and soccer firms, I kind of fell in love with it,” Santos told MMA Fighting ahead of UFC 313. “It wasn’t the aggressiveness per se, but going there and cheering and jumping and celebrating and winning. That motivated me more and more. And we had wars between local firms and rivalries going on, and I enjoyed that even more.

    “My mom never liked it, and she suffered a lot at the time,” Santos continued. “It was difficult for her because I started smoking and drinking. I starting doing bad stuff like hoping on buses without paying, other things that put your life at risk. Soccer firms are more aggressive in Goias than in other places of Brazil. People take it very seriously. And when I saw people losing their lives, and others suffering serious consequences, I backed away from this dangerous path that made my mom sad.”

    This was Santos’ first fight after defeating Will Currie on Dana White’s Contender Series last year.

    Diaz, a Bellator and LFA alumnus as well as a former competitor on DWCS, scored his first Octagon win at UFC 313 after a loss to Mingyang Zhang in his UFC debut.

  • Curtis Blaydes Issues Statement After Last-Second UFC 313 Withdrawal

    Curtis Blaydes Issues Statement After Last-Second UFC 313 Withdrawal

    UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes has quickly addressed his sudden withdrawal from today’s pay-per-view event.

    The mixed martial arts leader will be staging its third numbered card of 2025 tonight, with UFC 313 going down from inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

    While fight week was relatively drama free and saw all 24 athletes make weight, fight day has seen the card take some hits.

    After John Castañeda was confirmed to be out of his early preliminary contest with Chris Gutierrez, illness struck a more notable pairing. Former interim heavyweight title challenger Curtis Blaydes pulled out of the UFC 313 featured prelim, which was set to see him welcome newcomer Rizvan Kuniev to the Octagon.

    In a post on his Facebook page, “Razor” revealed the reason behind his late decision not to compete.

    “Last night I got sick with norovirus,” Blaydes wrote. “Worked through the night to try and recover but my body wouldn’t cooperate. Fight going to be booked for a later date. Apologize to fans and my opponent be we will have this fight very soon.”

    With today’s two cancellations, UFC 313 will move ahead with 10 contests.

    For Curtis Blaydes, the sickness has pushed back his return to action. The American hasn’t competed since a first-round knockout loss to Tom Aspinall in what marked his first title fight on MMA’s biggest stage.

  • Belal Muhammad Gets Palestine Flag Added To UFC Profile After Dana White Steps In

    Belal Muhammad Gets Palestine Flag Added To UFC Profile After Dana White Steps In

    Belal Muhammad’s grievance reached Dana White, who wasted no time setting things right.

    Muhammad will make his first welterweight title defense at UFC 315 on May 10, headlining against Jack Della Maddalena at the Bell Centre, in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC fighters usually have their national flags displayed on their profiles on the promotion’s official website, but “Remember the Name”, who represents Palestine, was the only one among the 22 fighters on the UFC 315 lineup without one.

    The Chicago-born reigning UFC 170-pound champion has never wavered in his pride for his Palestinian heritage. Throughout his UFC career, he has made it a point to represent his roots, always carrying the Palestinian flag as a symbol of his identity.

    After noticing his flag was missing, Muhammad took to social media on Thursday, urging the UFC CEO to take action on the matter. Now, it appears his message has been acknowledged.

    “Remember the Name” recently turned to X to announce that his profile now features the Palestinian flag. He expressed gratitude to White for taking prompt repsonse and commended the UFC for allowing fighters to express themselves freely.

    “I just want to give a quick shoutout to Dana,” Belal Muhammad said. I talked to him, he said the flag’s back up tonight. [He] apologized, and that’s why I love the UFC. I love this company, and that’s why Dana’s the man. The only organization that lets you be yourself. And true to his word, and doesn’t let other people sway his attitude or what he’s going to do. So, shout out to Dana. Shout out to the UFC. Flag is back, baby.”

    As of now, the once-absent Palestinian flag has been restored to Muhammad’s profile on the UFC’s official website.

    Belal Muhammad is set to return to action after a 10-month hiatus. He last fought at UFC 304 in July, where he earned a dominant unanimous decision victory over Leon Edwards to clinch the welterweight title.

    The 36-year-old American was originally set to defend his championship against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December. However, a leg infection forced Muhammad to withdraw, leading to the bout’s cancellation.

     

  • Two UFC 313 Fights Canceled Hours Before Event, Including Curtis Blaydes’ Return

    Two UFC 313 Fights Canceled Hours Before Event, Including Curtis Blaydes’ Return

    There’s been some carnage on UFC 313 fight day, with two matchups falling through on extremely late notice.

    The days leading up to Saturday’s pay-per-view event at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena went smoothly, including no issues on the scale at Friday’s weigh-ins.

    But as is always the case in mixed martial arts — as 2025 has proven thus far — no bout is good to go until the cage door closes behind both athletes.

    That was proven today when the UFC announced two cancellations just a few short hours before its latest numbered event commences in “Sin City.”

    After John Castañeda was confirmed to be out of his early prelim with Chris Gutierrez, illness also struck a more high-profile matchup, with former interim heavyweight title challenger Curtis Blaydes withdrawing from UFC 313’s featured prelim opposite newcomer Rizvan Kuniev.

    Tonight’s event will move forward with 10 fights, culminating in a light heavyweight title battle between champion Alex Pereira and challenger Magomed Ankalaev.

  • Anik Ponders Division Change For Alex Pereira After UFC 313 — And It’s Not Heavyweight

    Anik Ponders Division Change For Alex Pereira After UFC 313 — And It’s Not Heavyweight

    At UFC 313, Alex Pereira faces a pivotal moment in his MMA career as he defends his light heavyweight title against the formidable Magomed Ankalaev.

    This matchup is widely considered the toughest test of Pereira’s stint at 205 pounds, sparking debate about his ability to overcome a highly skilled contender.

    Despite the challenge, Pereira’s devastating power and striking precision always make victory a possibility. And should that be the case, beyond this weekend’s fight, speculation continues to swirl about the future of “Poatan.”

    Jon Anik, a leading voice in commentary for the UFC, has presented intriguing possibilities for Pereira’s next move.

    One notable suggestion is a potential return to the middleweight division, where Alex Pereira previously held the championship. This scenario could set up exciting matchups and compelling narratives for the Brazilian fighter.

    “Alex Pereira can still make middleweight, and he wants to fight Dricus du Plessis,” Anik said. “He did not defend the UFC middleweight championship. Of all the accolades for the future UFC Hall of Famer Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira, he never defended the middleweight championship, and if you think for a second that he doesn’t have an appetite — no pun intended — to go back down to 185 (pounds), you’re absolutely crazy.

    “If the calendar doesn’t align for him to challenge Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall in the heavyweight division, I don’t think he’s going to stick around at 205 to fight Bogdan Guskov, even though you and I f*cking love the guy. He’s probably going to try to go down to 185 and fight Dricus Du Plessis.”

  • Max Holloway: Justin Gaethje Will ‘Make A Statement’ At UFC 313

    Max Holloway: Justin Gaethje Will ‘Make A Statement’ At UFC 313

    Max Holloway is backing Justin Gaethje to deliver in his next outing inside the Octagon.

    Gaethje is set to run it back with Rafael Fiziev in a highly anticipated rematch, serving as the co-main event of UFC 313 Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    “The Highlight” is looking to rebound after suffering a buzzer-beater knockout loss to Holloway at UFC 300 this past April, where he lost his BMF title. The former UFC featherweight champion is surprised to see Gaethje labeled as the underdog against Fiziev but believes he’s poised for a strong comeback.

    In a recent video on his YouTube channel, “Blessed” weighed in on the UFC 313 co-main event, rallying behind Gaethje to replicate his past triumph over “Ataman”.

    “This is going to be a fight man,” Holloway said. “With Gaethje coming in as the underdog, this is easy picking for me. You need to roll with Gaethje, especially coming off of his last fight. He wants to erase that last loss with something huge, so I’m calling this right now. I’m picking Justin Gaethje, and I’m going with his nickname man, he’s going to have a highlight this fight.

    “(I) think it’s going to be huge. It’s going to be big. I think he’s going to make a statement. He also knows that the 155-pound division with contenders is super up in the air. Whoever can make that statement win can just jump in there and get a title shot, and I think he goes out there and he does that. They call him ‘The Highlight’ for a reason, and what a better dance partner to do that with than Fiziev because you know Fiziev is going to come and fight.”

    The former UFC interim lightweight champion was originally set to clash with Dan Hooker in a five-round showdown at UFC 313. However, “The Hangman” was forced to pull out due to a hand injury, leading to Fiziev stepping in as a short-notice replacement.

    “The Highlight” narrowly defeated Fiziev in their first encounter at UFC 286 in March 2023, earning a majority decision victory. Since then, Gaethje has picked up one win and suffered one defeat.

    Meanwhile, “Ataman” last competed in a Fight Night event in September 2023, where an untimely knee injury derailed him midway through the second round against Mateusz Gamrot, leading to a TKO loss.

  • Watch Jean Silva Troll Flat-Earther Bryce Mitchell With Globe At UFC 314 Press Conference

    Watch Jean Silva Troll Flat-Earther Bryce Mitchell With Globe At UFC 314 Press Conference

    Jean Silva arrived prepared for his verbal battle with Bryce Mitchell at the UFC 314 press conference.

    Soon after continuing on his violent path up the featherweight ladder at last month’s UFC Fight Night in Seattle, Silva had his next assignment added to the calendar.

    The active Brazilian got his wish to be the one with an opportunity to make Mitchell pay inside the cage for his recent pro-Nazi podcast remarks.

    And while that controversy resulted in Silva leading “f*ck Bryce Mitchell” chants alongside the fans in attendance at Friday’s presser in Las Vegas, “Lord” also had another topic the American has frequently given his two cents on in mind.

    The Fighting Nerds standout arrived with a globe, poking fun at “Thug Nasty’s” belief that the Earth is flat.

    The press conference came just over a month out from UFC 314, which goes down inside Miami’s Kaseya Center on April 12.

    Silva and Mitchell’s battle makes up a stacked undercard, which will see the likes of Michael Chandler, Patricio Pitbull, Yan Xiaonan, and Carlos Prates set the stage for Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes’ championship headliner.

  • Eric Nicksick Reveals Text From Sean Strickland ‘Immediately’ After Public Criticism

    Eric Nicksick Reveals Text From Sean Strickland ‘Immediately’ After Public Criticism

    Eric Nicksick is insisting that all is well between him and Sean Strickland despite their recent disagreement.

    Last month at UFC 312, Strickland suffered a one-sided unanimous decision loss in his rematch against reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis.

    Following the defeat, his head coach, Nicksick, didn’t hold back, openly voicing his disappointment over the outspoken Californian’s seemingly uncompetitive performance and casting doubt on his fighter’s drive moving forward.

    Reacting to the comments, “Tarzan” revealed that while they will remain friends, the Xtreme Couture coach will no longer be in his corner from now on. This revelation sparked speculation within the MMA community about a possible rift between the longtime fighter-coach duo.

    However, Nicksick maintains that any tension with Strickland, if it ever existed, has now been put to rest.

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Nicksick admitted that while he doesn’t completely second-guess his comments about Strickland, he wishes he had waited longer before speaking out. He emphasized that his words came from a place of genuine care.

    “The timing was wrong on my part, and the wording wasn’t as crystal clear as what I should have gotten out,” Nicksick said. “Everyone in the gym that knows me, Sean included, knew where my heart was and knew where my head was and the point that I was trying to get across.”

    Nicksick further shared that after his remarks gained traction, Sean Strickland reached out via text and later met with him in person, ultimately acknowledging the criticism.

    “Sean said that to me immediately via text. He was like, ‘Hey man, I know exactly what you mean.’ I saw him in person that same Thursday. We hugged, high-fived. ‘I’m going out snowboarding.’ We had a good conversation,” Nicksick continued. “So as far as I’m concerned, everything’s good on our end.”

    Following his recent setback, “Tarzan” now holds a 4-4 record in his last eight Octagon outings. This stretch includes the pinnacle of his career — dethroning Israel Adesanya to claim the 185-pound title at UFC 293 — only to have his reign cut short by Du Plessis at UFC 297.

  • Watch Alex Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev Face Off At UFC 313 Ceremonial Weigh-Ins

    Watch Alex Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev Face Off At UFC 313 Ceremonial Weigh-Ins

    UFC 313 takes place on Saturday night, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins!

    The upcoming pay-per-view event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada provides a chance for UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira to record his fourth successful title defense. To continue his reign beyond the March 8 main event, “Poatan” is tasked with spoiling the ambitions of top contender Magomed Ankalaev.

    Co-headlining will be former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, who will look to bounce back from his brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 11 months ago getting the better of striking specialist Rafael Fiziev for a second time.

    Elsewhere on the card, entertaining lightweights Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes collide, ex-strawweight title challenger Amanda Lemos looks to halt up-and-coming Iasmin Lucindo’s surge up the ladder, and Fighting Nerds product Mauricio Ruffy meets veteran King Green.

    Ahead of the event, all fighters set to compete tomorrow night successfully made weight, and all that remains on Friday is for the athletes to face off one final time at the UFC 313 ceremonial weigh-ins!

    Check out a live stream via the official UFC YouTube channel below, commencing at 7 PM ET.

    UFC 313 Ceremonial Weigh-In Video

  • Belal Muhammad Reminds Dana White Of ‘Free Speech’ Claim Amid Flag Controversy

    Belal Muhammad Reminds Dana White Of ‘Free Speech’ Claim Amid Flag Controversy

    Belal Muhammad is calling on Dana White to step in and fix an issue with his profile on the official UFC website.

    Although hailing from Chicago, Muhammad has never shied away from his Palestinian roots. He has proudly showcased his identity throughout his UFC career, whether by proudly displaying the Palestinian flag in victory or using his platform to be a vocal advocate for the Palestinian people on social media.

    On the UFC’s official website, fighters customarily have their national flags displayed beside their names. However, recently, “Remember the Name” was notably left without one. This omission did not go unnoticed, drawing criticism from fans online and fueling speculation about the reason behind the blank space.

    On Thursday, the reigning UFC welterweight champion took to X, urging White to uphold the very free speech he often advocates. Muhammad also pressed the UFC CEO to acknowledge and resolve the issue regarding his missing flag.

    “People keep asking me, ‘Where’s your flag?’ I kept getting multiple messages from it, and I was assuming it was a mistake, but it’s still not addressed,” Muhammad said. “So I’ll address it and hope that Dana addresses it as well and fixes it, because Dana said he’s all about free speech. He’s all about people supporting who they want to support and not muting or silencing anybody. I’m hoping that the UFC fixes this issue and puts my flag next to my name so the people that I represent, the people that I fight for, and the people that I train for, will see their flag.”

    Belal Muhammad is set to put his 170-pound title on the line for the first time when he squares off against Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 315, scheduled for May 10 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

    The 36-year-old American last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 304 in July, where he dethroned Leon Edwards to claim the welterweight title via unanimous decision.

  • UFC 313 Fighter Hopes ‘Miracle’ Allows Him To Break Jon Jones Record

    UFC 313 Fighter Hopes ‘Miracle’ Allows Him To Break Jon Jones Record

    Jon Jones’ early UFC career is particularly notable for making history as the youngest champion in the promotion’s history. While unlikely, one rising fighter set to see action at UFC 313 still holds slim hopes of breaking that record.

    Jones claimed the light heavyweight title at UFC 128 on March 19, 2011, when he defeated Maurício “Shogun” Rua at just 23 years of age. He’s since gone on to have one of the most decorated careers in UFC history, setting multiple records at 205 pounds before moving up to heavyweight, where he later won the championship.

    Now, UFC 313’s Joshua Van is hoping for a chance to surpass Jones’ record — but time is running out.

    Van, who made his professional MMA debut in 2021, has compiled a 12-2 record, including six fights in the UFC. The 22-year-old is riding a two-fight winning streak and remains optimistic about his chances, even if he acknowledges the challenge of making history.

    “Nah, I never thought about it (becoming the youngest UFC champion) until I made it to the UFC, and then I was like, ‘Oh, I’m pretty young… maybe I can make it happen,’” Van told MMA Knockout ahead of his return at UFC 313. “If, like, a miracle, some opportunity pulls up and I get to fight for the belt, then hey, so be it. Let’s hope.”

    For Van to achieve this feat, he would need an unexpected title shot within the next four months, as he turns 23 soon. Current flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is expected to defend his belt against Kai Kara-France in June, meaning Van would likely need an injury or unforeseen circumstances to open the door for him.

    Van was originally scheduled to fight Bruno Gustavo da Silva on March 8 at UFC 313. However, Silva withdrew due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Rei Tsuruya, the winner of Road to UFC Season 2 in the flyweight division.

  • UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Full Weigh-In Results

    UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Full Weigh-In Results

    UFC 313 takes place tomorrow night, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results!

    After staging fights in Los Angeles and Sydney to open its pay-per-view schedule for 2025, the mixed martial arts leader’s next port of call comes close to its home base in Las Vegas.

    One title will be on the line at the top of the card, with Alex Pereira defending his light heavyweight belt against top contender Magomed Ankalaev in the main event. Co-headlining, meanwhile, will be a crucial rematch at 155 pounds between former interim champion Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev.

    Also on the main card will be returns for lightweight contender Jalin Turner, former strawweight title challenger Amanda Lemos, and Fighting Nerds standout Mauricio Ruffy.

    UFC 313 Weigh-In Video, Results

    UFC 313 takes place Saturday, March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT.

    See above for a replay of the UFC 313 Weigh-In Show, and check out the full results below.

    Main Card:

    • Light Heavyweight Championship: Alex Pereira (205lbs) vs. Magomed Ankalaev (205lbs)
    • Lightweight: Justin Gaethje (156lbs) vs. Rafael Fiziev (156lbs)
    • Lightweight: Jalin Turner (154.5lbs) vs. Ignacio Bahamondes (156lbs)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Amanda Lemos (116lbs) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (115.5lbs)
    • Lightweight: King Green (155.5lbs) vs. Mauricio Ruffy (155.5lbs)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Heavyweight: Curtis Blaydes (262lbs) vs. Rizvan Kuniev (264.5lbs)
    • Flyweight: Joshua Van (125.5lbs) vs. Rei Tsuruya (125.5lbs)
    • Middleweight: Brunno Ferreira (186lbs) vs. Armen Petrosyan (186lbs)
    • Welterweight: Alex Morono (171lbs) vs. Carlos Leal (169lbs)

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Featherweight: Mairon Santos (145.5lbs) vs. Francis Marshall (146lbs)
    • Featherweight: Chris Gutierrez (144.5lbs) vs. John Castañeda (145lbs)
    • Middleweight: Djorden Santos (185.5lbs) vs. Ozzy Diaz (185.5lbs)
  • Ilia Topuria Teases Huge Announcement Fans ‘Won’t Believe’

    Ilia Topuria Teases Huge Announcement Fans ‘Won’t Believe’

    Ilia Topuria appears to have secured a high-profile showdown for his next Octagon outing.

    Last month, Topuria shocked the MMA world by vacating his UFC featherweight title, opting to test himself in the lightweight division in pursuit of becoming a two-division champion.

    As a result, former champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to face Diego Lopes for the vacant title in the UFC 314 main event on April 12 at Miami’s Kaseya Center.

    UFC CEO Dana White announced that “El Matador” opted to compete in a higher weight class, believing he had already dominated the featherweight division while also facing the relentless challenge of cutting down to 145 pounds.

    Despite Topuria’s persistent desire to challenge reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, his first opponent in the division has yet to be revealed. However, the undefeated Spaniard publicly addressed his fans on Thursday for the first time since vacating his championship and teased that he has an announcement in the works, one he believes will leave his fans utterly amazed.

    “When we announce it, you won’t believe it. Get ready,” Ilia Topuria wrote on X.

    “El Matador” was last seen in action at UFC 308 last October, where he made history as the first fighter to ever knock out Max Holloway, successfully defending his featherweight title in the process. Prior to that, he knocked out Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024 to capture the championship.

    Ilia Topuria currently sports an unblemished 8-0 record in the UFC and an overall perfect 16-0 mark, including six knockout victories and eight submission triumphs.

  • Watch UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Press Conference Live Stream

    Watch UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Press Conference Live Stream

    We’re deep into UFC 313 fight week, meaning it’s time for the fighters set to be in action on March 8 to take to the stage and answer some questions.

    The MMA leader’s third numbered event of the year takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the main attraction will see UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira put his belt on the line against top contender Magomed Ankalaev.

    Setting the stage for the UFC 313 headliners will be a key rematch at 155 pounds. Former interim champ Justin Gaethje will look to emerge victorious from his first fight since a brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway last April, as he runs it back with a man he’s previously gotten the better of in Azerbaijan’s Rafael Fiziev.

    Also on pay-per-view will be a clash of lightweight strikers in Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes, an important strawweight bout between Amanda Lemos and Iasmin Lucindo, and the latest test for Fighting Nerds standout Mauricio Ruffy opposite King Green.

    As is customary during major fight weeks, the athletes will take to the stage on Thursday for the UFC 313 pre-fight press conference. The latest edition will see the main and co-main events, as well as Turner and Bahamondes, with mic in hand.

    Check out a live stream of the presser below via the UFC’s official YouTube channel, commencing at 8 PM ET.

  • Israel Adesanya Warns Magomed Ankalaev Of ‘Painful’ Experience vs. Alex Pereira 

    Israel Adesanya Warns Magomed Ankalaev Of ‘Painful’ Experience vs. Alex Pereira 

    Israel Adesanya will be paying close attention to Alex Pereira’s light heavyweight title defense at UFC 313, which presents him with a formidable challenge against Magomed Ankalaev, a fighter riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak. 

    Given their extensive history across multiple combat sports, Adesanya possesses unparalleled insight into Pereira’s fighting style. Their relationship, now marked by cordiality, lends significant weight to the former middleweight king’s analysis of Pereira’s fights.

    Ankalaev’s diverse skillset is widely anticipated to test Pereira’s abilities to their limits. “Poatan,” however, heads into the fight with significant momentum, having successfully defended his title three times in 2024. A victory this weekend would solidify his place in history, making him the fastest light heavyweight champion to achieve four title defenses (within 329 days), surpassing Jon Jones’ record.

    Adesanya’s prediction for the UFC 313 main event is decisive: he doesn’t foresee the clash between Pereira and Ankalaev going the full five rounds. Instead, Adesanya anticipates a decisive finish.

    “Leg kicks. Let’s just address the f*cking elephant in the room,” Adesanya said. “That’s gonna be a factor in this fight. (Ankalaev) might have to become a wrestler in this fight. He might have to go into his bag for this one ’cause you can’t just (stand with Pereira).

    “Maybe I’m banking so much on the leg kicks. I have experience with it. I know how painful it is and how effective it is,” Adesanya continued. “Regardless, I’m gonna go Pereira ’cause momentum. He’s just on a tear right now. When you have that kind of frame and power, you just trust in your skillset so much.”

  • Cris Cyborg Gives Timeline For Next PFL Fight, Names Possible Opponent

    Cris Cyborg Gives Timeline For Next PFL Fight, Names Possible Opponent

    The “legacy tour” of MMA legend Cris Cyborg is expected to continue this coming fall.

    Cyborg, a former UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator, and Invicta FC champion, added PFL gold to her collection in her promotional debut last October. She emerged victorious from a memorable five-round battle with Larissa Pacheco, claiming the PFL Super Fights women’s featherweight title.

    The bout marked the Brazilian’s first in 12 months. And by the sounds of things, fans could be waiting the same amount of time before seeing the 39-year-old back in action.

    During a recent interview with Bloody Elbow’s Kyle Dimond prior to her latest win in the boxing ring this week, Cyborg outlined when she expects to make the walk to the PFL SmartCage for the second time.

    “I believe my next MMA fight is gonna be in the fall,” she said. “So after the (boxing) fight, I just keep working, keep training, and yes, I believe it’s gonna be around that time.”

    While many have suggested there might be a struggle finding adequate opposition for her, Cyborg already has a name in mind.

    “PFL have other girls I can fight. They have Leah McCourt who can fight with me. We were already supposed to fight in Bellator to defend the title. They have other girls there.”

    McCourt, who has previously expressed frustration at being overlooked for a clash with Cyborg, is 2-3 across her last five fights.

    “The Curse” is coming off a shock first-round submission loss to Sara Collins at the Bellator Champions Series event in London last September.

  • Dana White Makes One Thing Crystal Clear About New Boxing Promotion

    Dana White Makes One Thing Crystal Clear About New Boxing Promotion

    Dana White is adamant about one thing he absolutely doesn’t want to include in his newly launched boxing promotion.

    On Tuesday, the UFC CEO, alongside Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority chief Turki Alalshikh, announced a historic collaboration to establish a new boxing league under the TKO banner. WWE president Nick Khan is also set to play a pivotal role on the promotion’s executive board.

    According to a press release, the new promotion will introduce a systematic framework aimed at nurturing rising talent from around the world. Additionally, boxers will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art UFC Performance Institutes, while TKO will take charge of all event production, ensuring top-tier experiences for both live audiences and broadcasts.

    Further insights into the new venture are expected to be revealed in the coming months. However, following the initial announcement, speculation has already begun to swirl, with various rumors circulating about the direction of the league.

    During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, White was asked if the new TKO boxing promotion could ever feature UFC fighters stepping into the boxing ring to face boxers in a future crossover event.

    In response, the UFC head honcho, known for his skepticism toward crossover events, swiftly shut down the notion. However, he did acknowledge that there are several MMA fighters within the organization who are eager to test their skills in the boxing ring.

    “No, never,” White said. “I’m sure there are guys that want to box, but I literally don’t want to see any of that. We’ll keep the boxers in the boxing and the MMA guys in the MMA.”

    White has also rejected the idea of any potential crossover between the UFC and WWE, even after the two combat sports organizations unified financials to create TKO in September 2023.

    Historically, White has been vocal in criticizing boxing promotions for focusing too much on star-studded main events while neglecting to build compelling undercards — something he’s always considered a hallmark of the UFC’s success. He has also voiced frustration with the fragmented and disjointed nature of boxing’s title systems .

  • Justin Gaethje After First Rewatch Of UFC 300 Loss: ‘I Fought Really Well’

    Justin Gaethje After First Rewatch Of UFC 300 Loss: ‘I Fought Really Well’

    Though the night ended in the worst way possible for him, UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje saw plenty of positives to take from his most recent fight.

    Gaethje is slated to co-headline this weekend’s UFC 313 pay-per-view in a rematch against Rafael Fiziev, who’s stepped up on late notice to replace the injured Dan Hooker.

    For “The Highlight,” Saturday’s event will mark his first outing in 11 months, having not appeared since a crushing last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 last April.

    Much has been made about the impact of that setback leading up to Gaethje’s return, and the man himself revealed during media day that he sat down and watched the full fight back for the first time just days out from UFC 313.

    “I just watched the Max fight today for the first time,” he said during media day. “I actually think I fought really well. It was just he was so great that night. … I just figured it was about time (to rewatch it). … To be fair, I did stop it with 10 seconds left (laughs). I’ve seen that part plenty of times.”

    Gaethje went on to address his previous comments about returning to a more aggressive style in 2025. That, coupled with a “refined” skillset, will make for a dangerous combination in the eyes of the ex-interim champ.

  • Diego Lopes Gives Surprising Props To Bitter UFC Rival

    Diego Lopes Gives Surprising Props To Bitter UFC Rival

    Diego Lopes seems to be giving credit where it’s due, even if it involves praising one of his former fierce rivals.

    Following Ilia Topuria’s vacating of the UFC featherweight title, Lopes has been lined up to challenge former champion Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant 145-pound crown. The highly anticipated bout will headline UFC 314 on April 12 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

    Although Lopes’ fight is still over a month away — and against what could be one of his toughest opponents yet — the Brazilian fan favorite is already contemplating who he’ll defend his title against once he emerges victorious.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Lopes mentioned former opponent Movsar Evloev as a potential future title challenger. Surprisingly, Lopes offered high praise for Evloev, with whom he has engaged in multiple intense social media confrontations, commending the Russian’s undefeated record and his dominant presence in the division.

    “We have to be fair, and also we can’t hide what he’s done in the division,” Lopes said. “It’s nine wins [in a row]. Even though it’s all by decision, the guy is undefeated in the division. He’s No. 4 in the division. Like it or not, he also defeated me. And if I win the belt, I definitely think the UFC will put him next on the line.”

    Lopes faced Evloev in a short-notice bout at UFC 288 in May 2023, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss. Since then, the former Lux Fighting Championship champion has mounted a five-fight win streak, with his latest victory being a dominant win over former title challenger Brian Ortega at UFC 306 in September.

    Meanwhile, Evloev was last seen in action at UFC 310 in December, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. He also boasts dominant wins over top contenders such as Arnold Allen, Dan Ige, and Hakeem Dawodu, among others.

  • Jamahal Hill Expects ‘Hate’ For Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Prediction

    Jamahal Hill Expects ‘Hate’ For Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Prediction

    Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill has given his take on Saturday’s main event between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev — and he doesn’t foresee it being a popular one.

    This weekend’s UFC 313 pay-per-view will conclude with Pereira’s fourth defense of the light heavyweight gold, which he held through three challenges in 2024.

    Among the fallen contenders was Hill, who was knocked out by “Poatan” inside the first round at UFC 300 last April.

    But despite feeling the full force of Pereira’s patented left hook, “Sweet Dreams” doesn’t expect Magomed Ankalaev to suffer the same fate inside T-Mobile Arena on March 8.

    During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Hill broke down the latest title fight in his division. Of note was his belief that Ankalaev’s striking threat is being wrongly counted out.

    “Magomed’s striking is seriously being slept on here,” Hill said. “I don’t believe that Pereira sits back and wants to fight out of the pocket. He wants to put the pressure on him and land good, hard shots on the outside. The problem with that is, Magomed is a counter striker.

    “If you look at his last few fights, he counters. He waits for you to throw, to overexert yourself, and even off of feints, if you feint and it puts your feet in the wrong spot, he’s countering you. He counters with combinations. They’re fast, and he mixes up his punches. So, he has a variety of strikes available at his disposal.”

    That, coupled with the Dagestani’s well-known grappling ability, has left Hill leaning on the challenger’s side with his prediction.

    “I know I’m going to get hate for this,” Hill stated. “But I get hate anyway, f*ck y’all. I’m probably going to go with Magomed. I’ve just got a feeling. … I feel he has more tools to win. Alex has that one-hit wonder…but I believe Magomed also has that.

    “He’s been in this position for. He let the title slip away, slip out of his hands once before. I believe he’ll be a lot more focused, locked in for this,” Hill continued. “Ultimately, he just has more ways to win.”

    Hill will look to stake his claim for a showdown with the winner down the line when he returns to action at the UFC Fight Night in Kansas City next month.

    After a loss to Jiří Procházka at UFC 311 this past January, “Sweet Dreams” is now tasked with dispatching of Khalil Rountree Jr. if he’s to avoid a three-fight losing skid.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Reveals Break From Ramadan Fasting For UFC 313

    Magomed Ankalaev Reveals Break From Ramadan Fasting For UFC 313

    Magomed Ankalaev is putting performance first by pausing his Ramadan fast to be in peak shape for his title fight.

    Ankalaev is set to headline UFC 313 this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where he’ll challenge reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira for the throne.

    The 32-year-old Dagestani fighter, a committed Muslim, received widespread praise when his fight was announced in January. The bout was set during Ramadan, a month of deep spiritual commitment in which Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours for 30 days.

    Ankalaev shared that he has strictly followed Ramadan fasting since its start on Feb. 28. In the UFC 313 Countdown episode, he even suggested that the challenge of abstaining from food has, in fact, made him feel even stronger.

    However, during a recent interview with Ag. Fight, Ankalaev admitted that with fight night fast approaching and a grueling weight cut ahead, he has eased up on his Ramadan fasting to maintain optimal performance.

    “I have been following the fast strictly except for this week, where I will have to break it a few times because I need to make sure I drink water to have a successful weight cut,” Ankalaev said. “But apart from that, I started with Ramadan. I have been fasting. And after the fight, I will obviously also follow the rules of religion as it has to be.”

    Interestingly, Ankalaev’s remarks came just a day after “Poatan” accused him of leveraging his Ramadan fast for attention — suggesting that his opponent might be laying the groundwork for an excuse if he comes up short this weekend.

    Ankalaev heads into UFC 313 riding the momentum of a dominant unanimous decision victory over Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 308 last October, pushing his unbeaten streak to 13 fights. This will be his second crack at UFC gold, having fought Jan Blachowicz to a draw in his first title bid at UFC 282 in December 2022.

  • Former FBI Agent Backs Kash Patel’s Plan For UFC Partnership

    Former FBI Agent Backs Kash Patel’s Plan For UFC Partnership

    The newly appointed FBI Director, Kash Patel, is considering implementing mixed martial arts (MMA) training as a mandatory requirement for agents, and one former agent supports the idea.

    This initiative is part of Patel’s broader agenda, which includes aligning the bureau with the Trump administration’s priorities and enhancing the physical fitness of its personnel.

    In addition to this proposed training regimen, Patel is reportedly focused on removing agents who do not align with the administration’s goals. The emphasis on physical fitness, particularly through MMA training, is seen as a way to ensure agents are prepared for the physical demands of their roles.

    Jody Weis, a former FBI special agent in charge and former superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, has publicly expressed support for the idea, indicating that he believes it would be a beneficial addition to agent training.

    “You know, I actually do like it,” Weis told The National News Desk’s Jan Jeffcoat. “I probably wouldn’t have made it my first call to the field offices, but I like the idea.”

    Weis believes that while FBI agents receive training in arrest procedures and defensive tactics, incorporating mixed martial arts (MMA) skills would provide a valuable enhancement. He specifically highlighted the potential benefits of agents learning MMA fighting techniques, with a particular emphasis on jiu-jitsu.

    “Most fights will end up on the ground, so it just makes sense to me to incorporate some MMA training — maybe Brazilian jiu jitsu to give the agents options besides strikes and weapons,” Weis told Jeffcoat. “For example, if properly applied, a naked choke or an arm bar could help gain compliance without having to use pepper spray or use a baton. And, I think, more importantly, this type of training can boost the confidence and safety for the agents.”

    Jody Weis acknowledged the controversial nature of chokeholds, noting their “bad press” and the fact that many police departments have prohibited their use. However, he went on to say it pales in comparison to current tactics.

    “As someone who’s been sprayed with pepper spray (and) who’s been choked out, if you give me the option of those two, I’ll take being choked out any time,” he said. “It’s far less painful. It’s got to be incorporated throughout their career. I think that applies in all sports.

    According to ABC News, citing anonymous sources, FBI Director Kash Patel is reportedly exploring the possibility of establishing a formal partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the UFC, led by UFC CEO Dana White.

    This potential collaboration is notable given White’s vocal support of President Donald Trump, who has frequently attended UFC events and been seen alongside White.

  • Dana White Gives Major Update On Jon Jones’ UFC Return

    Dana White Gives Major Update On Jon Jones’ UFC Return

    Jon Jones’s return to the Octagon is generating significant buzz, with UFC CEO Dana White providing an update. 

    The most pressing question remains: will Jones finally face interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall?

    Jones’ avoidance of Aspinall has fueled accusations of “ducking” from fans, especially considering his controversial title defense against a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 rather than facing the interim champ.

    Despite past avoidance, White has repeatedly stated that Aspinall is Jones’ next opponent. This potential clash is one of the most anticipated in MMA history, with Aspinall being widely regarded as the Rochester native’s toughest test at heavyweight.

    The fight’s realization, however, hinges on negotiations and getting the right figure agreed to.

    While appearing on ESPN’s First Take on Wednesday, White confirmed that the heavyweight champion will fight sometime “this summer.” This announcement could put to rest earlier retirement speculations that had swirled around Jon Jones.

    While a definitive date and opponent are yet to be finalized, UFC International Fight Week (IFW), culminating in UFC 317 on June 28, is a strong possibility. However, rumors of a potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria superfight headlining could leave room for Jones to compete later in the summer.

    The summer showdown, if it materializes, promises to be a landmark event in Jon Jones’ legendary career. It would also be one of the biggest fights that the UFC could do.

  • Turki Alalshikh Backs Dana White To Make ‘Boxing Great Again’

    Turki Alalshikh Backs Dana White To Make ‘Boxing Great Again’

    A groundbreaking partnership has been forged between Turki Alalshikh and TKO Group Holdings, heralding the launch of a new boxing promotion.

    This boxing venture will be jointly steered by two prominent names in combat sports and entertainment: UFC CEO Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan.

    White’s renewed interest in boxing has been a subject of speculation for some time, with reports earlier in 2025 indicating advanced discussions between him and Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. These reports have now been confirmed with the official announcement of the partnership on Wednesay. 

    The collaboration, revealed through a press release, unites Alalshikh, TKO Group Holdings (formed by Endeavor through the merger of WWE and Zuffa LLC, UFC’s parent company), and the entertainment conglomerate Sela.

    Their shared ambition is to establish a new, “premier” platform that will redefine the landscape of professional boxing.

    “I am very happy today,” Alalshikh said. “I am very happy today. I give the flag of boxing to the best man who can handle it. We have a tough job now, but I am sure he will be delivering to the people and the fans the magnificent league and get boxing great again.”

    The landscape of combat sports is undergoing a significant shift, with Alalshikh playing a pivotal role in funding the effort. His involvement in high-profile boxing events has solidified his presence in the boxing world.

    The recent announcement of Saudi Arabia’s funding for a new boxing promotion, spearheaded by TKO, was largely anticipated. TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro had previously hinted at ongoing negotiations, teasing the possibility of two major cards in 2025 and 2026.

    Alalshikh’s influence extends beyond traditional boxing. He recently demonstrated a willingness to blend elements of MMA into boxing events with “The Last Crescendo” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This card, held on Feb. 22, featured a stacked lineup of title fights, culminating in a captivating undisputed light heavyweight championship rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.