It appears that UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira will need to have his wrestling shoes on after all when he faces Magomed Ankalaev next weekend.
Headlining will be Pereira’s first defense of 2025. After three straight wins last year to cement his status as 205-pound kingpin, “Poatan” will next meet the challenge of Ankalaev.
The Russian has long been branded the biggest threat to the Brazilian’s reign, largely owing to his wrestling prowess. The challenger, however, has frequently vowed to get the better of Pereira on the feet.
As many predicted, though, that proclamation looks to have been retracted…
CHAMA is a dead man walking I’m going to drown this man 🤼🤼
— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) March 2, 2025
“CHAMA is a dead man walking,” he wrote on X. “I’m going to drown this man (wrestling emojis)”
Ankalaev’s knockout power was on display when he stopped Johnny Walker early last year.
But Pereira marks an entirely different beast on the feet, having stopped the likes of Israel Adesanya, Jamahal Hill, and Jiří Procházka with strikes and once reigned as a two-division Glory Kickboxing champ.
UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape believes he knows how to get revenge on champion Alexandre Pantoja and secure the throne at 125 pounds.
Kape staked his claim for a first championship opportunity on MMA’s biggest stage this weekend at UFC Vegas 103, which he headlined opposite replacement opponent Asu Almabayev.
A convincing knockout victory marked back-to-back wins for Kape and has left many calling for him to challenge Pantoja next time out.
The pair have history inside the Octagon, with the current champ having welcomed the ex-Rizin titleholder to the UFC back in 2021. Pantoja emerged victorious via the scorecards.
Kape has since been pursuing a rematch en route to the title, and during a face-to-face interview alongside the Brazilian on Saturday’s ESPN UFC Post Show, “Starboy” outlined his confidence in succeeding against Pantoja second time around.
“There is many things I can exploit in Pantoja’s game,” Kape said. “I see that Pantoja walks forward too much, you know? And brother, I’m a sniper. So prepare for that. That hand is heavy. There is 14 knockouts here in MMA. It’s not every weight that has that much knockouts as me — flyweight, welterweight, bantamweight. I have 14 knockouts, so be ready.”
😅 Love this. Manel Kape actually breaking down Alexandre Pantoja’s flaws instead of giving the usual ‘He’s going to find out’ response.
For now, Pantoja will likely have his attention on another former adversary in Kai Kara-France. He’s expected to defend the flyweight title against “Don’t Blink” at UFC 316 in Newark this coming June.
Manel Kape made a statement that he should be next in line for the UFC flyweight championship, taking out Asu Almabayev in the main event of UFC Vegas 103.
“Starboy” got off to a strong start, grabbing momentum right away with the striking display he put on in round one. He added in a couple of stops when Almabayev went for takedown attempts during the frame. Kape continued to utilize his striking in the second, but the Kazakh fighter seemed to dictate the pace by circling the cage while looking to land his own strikes.
Kape landed a flurry in round three that appeared to hurt Almabayev. This sent Almabayev stumbling and into retreat, as he ran nearly a whole lap around the Octagon backwards. He looked for a takedown on Kape when the Angolan caught up to him, but referee Mike Beltran elected to stop the fight via TKO due to Almabayev’s retreating and back-turn.
After that performance, plenty are calling for the #6-ranked contender to challenge the winner of the expected Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France clash for the flyweight gold.
Is Manel Kape Next For UFC Flyweight Title Shot After UFC Vegas 103 Win?
Kape has now won six of his last seven fights, with his sole loss in that span coming against Muhammad Mokaev.
Meanwhile, this loss snaps a 17-fight win streak Almabayev was on entering tonight, going back to 2017. The Kazakh prospect scored victories in the Octagon against Ode’ Osbourne, CJ Vergara, Jose Johnson and Matheus Nicolau prior to tonight.
UFC Fight Night took place tonight from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights!
In the main event, flyweights Manel Kape and Asu Almabayev clashed. While in the co-main event, Cody Brundage faced Julian Marquez in a middleweight matchup.
UFC Fight Night Results: Main Card
Flyweight: Manel Kape def. Asu Almabayev via TKO: R3, 2.44
Middleweight: Cody Brundage def. Julian Marquez via TKO: R1, 4.45
Cody Brundage emerged victorious from the UFC Vegas 103 co-main event, but the finishing sequence wasn’t without some controversy.
Brundage started strong by landing an overhand right that stunned Marquez. He continued the attack, but Marquez managed to battle back and create a back-and-forth battle. After submission attempts from both men, “The Cuban Missile Crisis” took control with a hook and ground strikes.
Back on the feet in the round’s closing minute, the two traded strikes in a wild exchange, with Brundage ultimately wobbling Marquez once more, dropping him and finishing things off with ground-and-pound.
Unfortunately, the UFC Vegas 103 co-main event will go under controversy, as referee Marc Smith elected to pause the fight during the back-and-forth brawling to hand back both men’s mouthpieces, which had fallen. It was arguable that the pause allowed Brundage to gain momentum one last time for the win.
Referee Pause At Center Of Controversial UFC Vegas 103 Co-Main Event Conclusion
What is Mark Smith doing???
Stop a slugfest to hand back the mouth pieces. That was remarkably bad timing. #UFCVegas103
If the referee was Goddard or Herzog, Brundage would have never been able to get this comeback win. Good refereeing by Smith #UFCVegas103pic.twitter.com/B5Vf5HDPX4
Sam Patterson got the main card of UFC Vegas 103 underway with a stunner of a result, finishing the previously unbeaten Danny Barlow in the opening round of their bout.
About three minutes into the fight, Patterson caught Barlow coming in with a flurry, stunning “LeftHand2God” with a right hand.
The Brit caused Barlow to stumble again seconds later before putting him out against the cage with one more right hand to the face.
In his UFC debut, Mario Pinto scored a victory in a big way, brutally knocking out Austen Lane in the featured prelim bout at UFC Vegas 103.
Lane had control in the first round of the fight, which included him scoring a knockdown on Pinto. The American looked to get the job done with ground-and-pound but his Portuguese counterpart fought his way back into the fight.
While Lane had more punches thrown in the second round, too, Pinto finally got things going. That resulted in a powerful one-two that knocked Lane out cold.
Mario Pinto KOs Austen Lane In UFC Debut At UFC Vegas 103
This was Pinto’s first fight in the UFC after finishing Lucas Camacho in 103 seconds in his Dana White’s Contender Series appearance in October. The 26-year-old is now 10-0 as a pro.
Lane, meanwhile, has won just one fight in his last five.
A noteworthy UFC name has already volunteered to be a part of a potential relationship between the MMA organization and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with Michael Chandler raising his hand.
The development of a relationship between the U.S. government agency and the UFC would correlate alongside the friendship between US President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White.
UFC 30 and UFC 31, both held during the first half of 2001, were the first UFC events held under Zuffa ownership – which included the introduction of White as then-UFC president. Both events took place at the then Trump Taj Mahal (now Boardwalk Hall) in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
White has openly discussed how Trump’s venue helped pave a road to success for the UFC as Zuffa took the organization from the brink of folding to the worldwide juggernaut it is today. White has since re-paid the favor as Trump’s friend and one of his biggest supporters in his time in American politics.
Trump defeated Hillary Clinton to become the 45th U.S. President in November 2016 before losing to Joe Biden four years later. This past November, Trump defeated Kamala Harris to regain the U.S. presidency, becoming the second American president with two separate terms in office.
Chandler, meanwhile, will return to the Octagon on April 12 at UFC 314, taking on Paddy Pimblett in the card’s five-round co-main event.
Despite being largely dismissed by the Dagestani during the lead-up, “Big News” pushed him to the limit across five rounds. Some even believed the former Cage Warriors champion did enough to deserve the nod, a sentiment shared by the man himself.
With that in mind, Hughes was quick to call for an immediate rematch in his native country. In that regard, he appeared to have the support of the PFL higher-ups and many in the MMA community.
But with Nurmagomedov reportedly planning to sit out until the fall, the Northern Irishman has seemingly had to settle for just one of his wishes.
In a social media post this weekend, Hughes recorded a video in front of a sign advertising a PFL event in Belfast this coming May 10. News of that event was first reported by Al Zullino last week, and the locals look set to see their leading man in action at the top of the card.
“Dreams come true,” Hughes wrote. “May 10th- SSE Arena Belfast. Apparently Usman needs a wee break. So who the f*ck wants it?” #HOMECOMING”
With a second dance opposite Nurmagomedov appearing out of the equation for the time being, it remains to be seen who the PFL will line up to share the cage with Hughes in hostile territory later this year.
ONE Championship continues to be a force in combat sports, consistently delivering some of the most eye-catching knockouts fans have ever seen.
The premier Asian combat sports promotion hosted its 10th event of the year, ONE Friday Fights 98, on Friday night at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The action-packed lineup was headlined by a strawweight Muay Thai showdown between Chartpayak Saksatoon and Kongchai Chanaidonmuang.
On the undercard, ONE newcomer Nongbia LaoLaneXang made a spectacular debut, securing a highlight-reel knockout victory over Marvin Dittrich in their atomweight Muay Thai showdown.
After a measured start filled with calculated kicks and punches, LaoLaneXang methodically backed his opponent against the ropes, all while Dittrich maintained a tight guard.
The opportunity finally arose when the German fighter dropped his hands for a split second — just enough time for the Laotian striker to unleash a thunderous right hand. The devastating shot instantly shut Dittrich’s lights out, sending him crashing to the canvas in a dramatic knockout just 53 seconds into the first round.
OUT COLD 🥶 Nongbia knocks out Marvin Dittrich just 53 SECONDS into his ONE Friday Fights debut!#ONEFridayFights98 | 🔴 LIVE NOW 🌍 Live TV broadcast in 190+ countries (check local listings) 🌍 Also available on ONE YouTube and ONE Facebook (geo-restrictions may apply) 🌍 Also… pic.twitter.com/E0gF1O8QAA
Ilia Topuria’s former opponent believes that if the stars align perfectly in his favor, “El Matador” has the potential to enter the greatest of all time (GOAT) discussion.
Last week, Topuria took a daring leap, vacating his UFC featherweight title to chase greatness in the lightweight division, with hopes of etching his name in history as a two-division champion.
Though Topuria has long voiced his desire to challenge reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, there is currently no official word on who his first opponent in the division will be.
However, Youssef Zalal, who suffered defeat against “El Matador” in their clash back in October 2020, believes that a showdown between Makhachev and Topuria is the fight to make — one in which he sees his former opponent having a real shot at victory.
“I’m gonna go with Ilia. I think I’ll stick with Ilia on this one,” Zalal said in a recent interview with Sportskeeda MMA.
“The Moroccan Devil” further suggested that if Ilia Topuria strategically utilizes his wrestling skills and somehow dethrones UFC’s pound-for-pound No. 1, Makhachev, he could carve out a legacy among the sport’s all-time greats.
“You beat Islam, you’re in the greatest (of all time) conversation. Like, you’re one of the [fighters in the] GOAT conversation. So to go do that…and I’m telling you, man, I feel like they’re sleeping on his wrestling and I think his attribute is that, obviously, his gas tank, they can say this and that, but also Islam’s gas tank is a little bit this and that. But man, [beating] Islam, bro…for me, that’s the greatest of all time.”
Topuria remains undefeated in his professional career, boasting a flawless 8-0 record in the UFC. He claimed the featherweight title with a dominant finish over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 before solidifying his reign with another statement-making knockout against Max Holloway at UFC 308 last year.
Alex Pereira is not even remotely concerned about naysayers claiming he’s not training hard enough for his upcoming UFC return.
Pereira is set to put his light heavyweight title on the line for the fourth time as he faces Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313, taking place on March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Earlier this month at UFC 312, the Brazilian champion traveled to Sydney to corner Sean Strickland in his title fight against middleweight king Dricus Du Plessis. However, Pereira maintains that his trip to the “Land Down Under” is not a distraction but a commitment he had made well in advance.
In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, “Poatan” reassured his skeptics that his team traveled with him to Sydney, ensuring he stayed on track with his fight camp. He drew parallels to a similar situation last year when he successfully took a short-notice rematch against Jiří Procházka at UFC 303.
“What I can say to Cormier and a bunch of the other specialists that have been saying that I shouldn’t have gone out there: I’ve been in this situation before,” Pereira said through a translator. “It’s actually been worse before when I was in Australia and had signed up to fight, and didn’t even know I was going to fight. But this time it was all very planned out. I knew what I wanted to do, I took basically my whole team down there. There were eight people in Australia with me, so we knew exactly what we were doing, and we planned it all.”
Pereira also reflected on his grueling travel schedule leading up to his 2016 kickboxing clash against Israel Adesanya in China, emphasizing that despite the demanding journey, it had no impact on his performance.
“A lot of people are talking about the traveling and all of the trips. Maybe it’s not the ideal situation. But I feel like I’m very experienced with that, and I’ve done this a million times, to be honest.”
At one point, Ronda Rousey was the most beloved figure in MMA, a trailblazer who broke barriers and dominated the sport like no other female fighter before her. But as quickly as she rose, public sentiment shifted. Today, Rousey’s legacy is often met with mixed reactions—praised by some, dismissed by others.
Her longtime coach, Edmond Tarverdyan, believes the negativity is overblown. Speaking with VICE for Dark Side of the Cage, he suggested that the backlash isn’t about genuine dislike, but rather, absence.
“They don’t hate her—they miss her,” Tarverdyan said. “If she came back, did interviews, showed up at events, people would love her again.”
Rousey’s meteoric rise meant she was everywhere—on talk shows, magazine covers, and the big screen. But after her devastating losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, she largely withdrew from the MMA world.
Unlike other fighters who continue engaging with the sport after retirement, Rousey shifted her focus to WWE, family life, and personal ventures, leaving a void that fans have filled with criticism.
Tarverdyan sees this as part of a larger pattern in combat sports.
“She changed the game, but when you become that big, that fast, some people will always turn on you,” he explained.
The internet has amplified this divide, with social media allowing for both admiration and hostility in equal measure. But in reality, Rousey remains a pioneering figure in MMA history.
If she ever decides to return to the fight world in any capacity—even just as a spectator—Tarverdyan believes she would be embraced once again.
Conflict with Media
Criticism of MMA Media: Rousey has repeatedly accused the MMA media of unfairly tarnishing her reputation.
Joe Rogan and Others: She expressed disappointment with Joe Rogan and others, who she felt distanced themselves after her defeats, despite previously praising her.
Behind-the-Scenes Allegations: Former UFC broadcaster Jimmy Smith criticized Rousey for being difficult to work with during her UFC tenure, alleging that many behind-the-scenes staff disliked her due to her attitude.
Fan Backlash
Rousey has stated that the hostility from fans after her losses turned her appreciation for them into resentment. She believes they quickly dismissed her legacy, reducing it to her defeats rather than celebrating her groundbreaking achievements.
During her WWE career, Rousey reportedly struggled with negative fan reactions, which she took personally despite being positioned as a top star during her runs there.
Public Perception
Rousey’s public image remains polarizing. While many respect her achievements as a trailblazer in MMA and professional wrestling, others scrutinize her for perceived arrogance and controversial statements. Her memoir Our Fight has further fueled debates about her career and personal struggles.
Ronda Rousey’s fall from grace in the eyes of some fans and media has been marked by feelings of betrayal on all sides. While she remains an iconic figure in combat sports, the complexities of fame and public scrutiny have left a lasting impact on her legacy.
Ronda Rousey’s former coach, Edmond Tarverdyan, has admitted that accepting a $4.5 million payday for Rousey to fight Holly Holm on short notice was a critical mistake. Speaking on Dark Side of the Cage, Tarverdyan revealed that financial incentives played a major role in the rushed decision—a choice that ultimately led to one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history.
The fight, which took place in November 2015, ended in devastating fashion, with Holm delivering a brutal head-kick knockout in the second round. Rousey, who had dominated the women’s bantamweight division up until that point, was left physically and emotionally shattered. Many fans and analysts speculated at the time that she wasn’t at her best, and now Tarverdyan has confirmed those concerns, admitting that insufficient preparation played a key role in her downfall.
“I regret it,” Tarverdyan said, acknowledging that the decision to take the fight so soon was influenced by the massive financial offer on the table. “We should have waited.”
This revelation highlights the difficult choices fighters and their teams must navigate—balancing lucrative opportunities with the need for proper training and recovery. In Rousey’s case, the rushed timeline didn’t just cost her a fight; it altered the trajectory of her career.
As Dark Side of the Cage continues to explore the highs and lows of MMA’s biggest names, Tarverdyan’s candid admission offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a decision that changed the landscape of women’s MMA forever.
Headlining will be former Rizin champion and current #6-ranked UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape. After having his hopes to defeat a top-five name dashed after Brandon Royval’s withdrawal, “Starboy” will now need to defend his place against replacement opponent Asu Almabayev.
Elsewhere, Cody Brundage, Nasrat Haqparast, Hyder Amil, Danny Barlow, Ricardo Ramos and Charles Johnson will be in action.
UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Almabayev Weigh-In Results
UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Almabayev takes place on Saturday, March 1, 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.
See above for a replay of the weigh-ins via MMA Junkie, and check out the results below.
Main Card:
Flyweight: Manel Kape (126lbs) vs. Asu Almabayev (126lbs)
Middleweight: Cody Brundage (186lbs) vs. Julian Marquez (186lbs)
Lightweight: Nasrat Haqparast (156lbs) vs. Esteban Ribovics (156lbs)
Featherweight: Hyder Amil (146lbs) vs. William Gomis (146lbs)
Welterweight: Danny Barlow (170.5lbs) vs. Sam Patterson (170.5lbs)
Preliminary Card:
Heavyweight: Austen Lane (249.5lbs) vs. Mário Pinto (246.5lbs)
Featherweight: Ricardo Ramos (146lbs) vs. Chepe Mariscal (146lbs)
Catchweight (140lbs): Douglas Silva de Andrade (140lbs) vs. John Castañeda (140lbs)**
Women’s Flyweight: Andrea Lee (126lbs) vs. JJ Aldrich (126lbs)
Featherweight: Danny Silva (145.5lbs) vs. Lucas Almeida (148lbs)***
Women’s Flyweight: Montana De La Rosa vs. Luana Carolina*
Flyweight: Charles Johnson (125lbs) vs. Ramazan Temirov (125.5lbs)
*The flyweight bout between Montana De La Rosa and Luana Carolina was canceled due to weight management issues for the latter
**The catchweight bout between Douglas Silva de Andrade and John Castañeda was canceled due to medical issues for the former
***Lucas Almeida missed the featherweight limit by two pounds, forfeits 20 percent of his purse
The UFC is set to strengthen its presence in Perth, Australia, as part of a new deal between TKO Group Holdings—the parent company of both the UFC and WWE—and the Western Australian Government.
According to The West Australian, this agreement will bring five major events to the region over the next 18 months, solidifying Western Australia as a key destination for combat sports.
Under the terms of the deal, RAC Arena will host a UFC Fight Night later this year, building on the success of previous UFC events in Perth. This marks a significant step forward for the promotion in Australia, as Perth continues to emerge as a premier location for international MMA events.
The agreement also includes four additional events, with WWE set to hold multiple shows at RAC Arena as part of the partnership.
This development reflects the growing demand for high-profile combat sports in Australia and highlights TKO Group Holdings’ commitment to expanding its footprint in the region. With Perth already playing host to memorable UFC cards in the past, fans can expect more thrilling action in the months ahead.
UFC in Perth
Perth, Australia, has hosted three major UFC events to date, each making a significant impact on the city’s reputation as a destination for mixed martial arts:
UFC 221: Romero vs. Rockhold (February 11, 2018)
This was Perth’s first UFC event and marked the city’s debut on the global MMA stage after Western Australia lifted its ban on cage fighting. The main event featured Yoel Romero defeating Luke Rockhold via third-round KO in a catchweight bout after Romero missed the middleweight limit. The event drew 12,437 spectators to RAC Arena and showcased rising stars like Israel Adesanya, who made his UFC debut with a TKO victory over Rob Wilkinson.
UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski (February 12, 2023)
This record-breaking event featured a lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski, with Makhachev winning via unanimous decision. UFC 284 set attendance and revenue records at RAC Arena and delivered an estimated $42.8 million in economic benefits to Perth. It also included key fights like Yair Rodríguez defeating Josh Emmett for the interim featherweight title.
UFC 305: du Plessis vs. Adesanya (August 18, 2024)
The third event in Perth featured a historic middleweight title bout between Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya, with du Plessis winning via submission in the fourth round. This event marked the start of a multi-year partnership between the UFC and the Western Australian Government to bring more events to Perth.
Fresh off back-to-back knockout victories, his move has captivated fans and pundits, setting the stage for dream matchups and a dramatic shift in the division. While this transition presents a challenge for UFC matchmakers, it’s exactly the kind of shake-up that fuels the sport’s excitement.
However, not everyone is sold on the move. Paddy Pimblett, one of the lightweight division’s most outspoken rising stars, has emerged as a vocal skeptic.
Since Dana White announced Topuria’s title relinquishment, Pimblett has questioned the motivations behind it, even suggesting the UFC may have pressured the Spaniard into vacating rather than supporting his bid for champ-champ status.
Beyond the circumstances of the switch, “The Baddy” is unconvinced that “El Matador” can thrive at 155 pounds. He argues that the former featherweight king lacks the size and physicality to compete with the division’s elite, predicting struggles against bigger, stronger lightweights.
His sharpest criticism, however, comes in his assessment of a potential showdown with lightweight champ Islam Makhachev. Pimblett sees a one-sided affair, envisioning Makhachev effortlessly imposing his grappling and finishing Topuria with ease.
“Volk had only just recovered from getting head-kicked 12 weeks earlier and getting knocked clean out by Islam,” Pimblett said during a recent interview on 560 WQAM . “I think if (Topuria) fought Volk again, it’d be a different fight. I think he half ran away from Volk. But you can’t really say that because he knocked him out with one punch last year. Still, I think (Topuria) knew Volk was gonna give him a run for his money.”
While Topuria’s lightweight ambitions have injected new intrigue into the division, Pimblett’s doubts highlight the risks of the move.
Whether the Spaniard proves his skeptics wrong or struggles against the division’s best remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the UFC’s lightweight division just got a lot more interesting.
Danny Sabatello, known as much for his flamboyant persona as his relentless grappling, is embarking on a new chapter in his career, leaving the PFL and taking his talents to Japan’s combat sports scene.
The former interim Bellator bantamweight title challenger has signed a multi-fight deal with RIZIN FF, officially marking the end of his brief tenure with the PFL.
The move comes at a pivotal moment. The 31-year-old is looking to snap a three-fight winless streak when he makes his Rizin debut, though his opponent and fight date remain undisclosed. Fans eagerly await to see how “The Italian Gangster” will adapt to the Rizin stage.
His PFL exit and RIZIN signing were first reported by MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin.
Danny Sabatello has signed a multi-fight contract with RIZIN, per sources.
No specific date or opponent yet for his debut but Sabatello is no longer on the PFL roster and he's signed with RIZIN now#RIZIN#PFL
Sabatello’s path to RIZIN has been a mix of highs and lows. His rise in Bellator culminated in a high-stakes interim title fight against Raufeon Stots in December 2022, a razor-close contest that ended in a controversial split decision loss. He rebounded in April 2023 with a dominant win over Marcos Breno, showcasing his resilience.
However, momentum stalled with back-to-back defeats against Magomed Magomedov and a rematch loss to Stots, followed by a majority draw against Lazaro Dayron in his lone PFL bout in August 2024. Frustrated by the setbacks, Sabatello openly contemplated retirement.
Yet, in classic Sabatello fashion, he reversed course, embracing a fresh challenge in RIZIN FF. More than just a change in promotion, this move signals a potential reinvention — a chance to bring his brash persona and grappling-heavy style to a new audience.
Now, with a fresh start in a promotion known for its electric fight atmosphere, Sabatello has the opportunity to reignite his career and prove he still belongs among the elite.
Per a recent Reuters report, Patel is exploring the idea of enlisting UFC trainers to enhance the martial arts and self-defense skills of American law enforcement agents. The initiative was reportedly outlined during a call this week with FBI field offices.
JUST IN: Reuters reports that FBI chief Kash Patel is considering having the UFC train FBI agents in martial arts
It’s not just Trump — an avid MMA enthusiast and close friend of UFC CEO Dana Whiten — who has a passion for the sport. Patel also appears to be a fan, often sharing UFC-related posts on social media.
According to the report, Patel revealed that Republican podcaster Dan Bongino, whom Trump appointed as the FBI’s deputy director, is also a passionate UFC fan. He shared that Bongino inspired him to try the training himself. Now, the Indian-American lawyer is seriously considering a potential partnership between the FBI and the UFC.
Although the UFC doesn’t directly provide combat training to its contracted fighters, it boasts state-of-the-art Performance Institutes in major cities worldwide, including Las Vegas, Shanghai, and Mexico City, serving as elite hubs for athletic development and recovery.
A UFC lightweight contender seems to be fuming after being passed over for the opportunity to square off against Justin Gaethje next.
Gaethje was initially scheduled to face Dan Hooker in a highly anticipated five-round co-main event at UFC 313 on March 8, set for the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, in a sudden twist on Tuesday, “The Highlight” found himself without a dance partner after Hooker was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a hand injury.
The UFC’s top brass allegedly reached out to several elite 155-pound contenders, including Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and Dustin Poirier, in a bid to find a last-minute replacement for “The Hangman.” The promotion ultimately shifted its focus to Gaethje’s former foe, Rafael Fiziev, who stepped up and accepted the fight on short notice.
He claimed that the only reason the former UFC interim lightweight champion agreed to the fight was because “Ataman” presents a stylistically favorable matchup for him.
“Easier choice stylistically. Strikers have always feared wrestlers. I keep in great shape and I’m ready for anyone!” Gamrot wrote on X.
Easier choice stylistically. Strikers have always feared wrestlers. I keep in great shape and I'm ready for anyone!
“The Highlight” is set to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon after a hiatus of nearly a year. His last outing saw him suffer a buzzer-beater knockout loss to Max Holloway in their BMF title showdown at UFC 300 this past April.
Meanwhile, Fiziev last stepped into the Octagon in September 2023, headlining a UFC Fight Night clash against “Gamer.” Unfortunately, his night was cut short after suffering a torn ACL in the second round, forcing a TKO defeat.
Gaethje already holds a majority decision victory over Fiziev from their showdown at UFC 286 in March 2023.
Reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA Champion Stamp Fairtex will feature, taking on interim titleholder Denice Zamboanga in a unification clash.
The news was first reported by MMA Knockout‘s Drew Beaupré.
Mile High MADNESS ⛰️ We're back in Denver at Ball Arena on August 1 for ONE 173, featuring the massive ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Title unification fight between Stamp and Denice Zamboanga! Register at the link below to be first in line for exclusive pre-sale tickets, and… pic.twitter.com/ssq9THNdRh
Stamp is set to make her long-awaited comeback after nearly two years away from competition. Her last appearance dates back to September 2023 at ONE Fight Night 14, where she secured a dominant third-round TKO victory over Seo Hee Ham. Riding an impressive four-fight winning streak, the reigning atomweight queen hasn’t tasted defeat since March 2022 when she succumbed to a submission against Angela Lee.
Meanwhile, Denice Zamboanga is riding high after capturing the interim 115-pound title with a dominant second-round TKO victory over Alyona Rassohyna at ONE Fight Night 27 last month. “The Menace’ has strung together a four-fight win streak, bouncing back from back-to-back losses to Hee Ham.
ONE Fight Night 10 marked the promotion’s first-ever event in the US, taking place at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado, in May 2023. The event was headlined by a highly anticipated trilogy showdown for the ONE flyweight MMA championship, featuring legendary Demetrious Johnson and former titleholder Adriano Moraes.
ONE Championship made its sophomore appearance in the U.S. with the ONE 168 card this past September. The promotion initially planned to follow up with ONE 169 in Atlanta, Georgia, but the event was later relocated to Bangkok, Thailand.
The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) has issued a nine-month suspension and $2,500 fine to UFC fighter Dennis Buzukja, a teammate of bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili’s, following a physical altercation with a fan at UFC 310 this past December.
Buzukja must also pay an additional $157.04 in attorney fees as part of the disciplinary action.
Video footage showed Dvalishvili confronting the fan after the individual grabbed his arm and verbally accosted him as he returned to the locker room.
Security intervened, but before tensions could fully de-escalate, Buzukja was seen throwing punches at the fan. The incident quickly went viral on social media, leading to scrutiny from the NAC.
Merab Dvalishvili got into ANOTHER altercation with a fan after Aljamain Sterling’s loss at #UFC310 😬
Following the incident, Dvalishvili clarified that the fan had instigated the exchange by falsely claiming he was part of Umar Nurmagomedov’s team. The accusation carried weight, as Dvalishvili was preparing to fight Nurmagomedov at UFC 311.
The commission’s decision to suspend and fine Buzukja highlights its zero-tolerance policy on athlete-fan altercations. This follows a similar incident involving Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300, reinforcing the message that such behavior will not be tolerated, regardless of the circumstances.
While Buzukja’s suspension is set to expire on Sept. 6, 2025, he has an opportunity to reduce it to six months. If he completes approved community service in Nevada, he could be reinstated as early as June 6.
This conditional reprieve reflects the NAC’s dual approach — punishing misconduct while also providing a path for fighters to demonstrate accountability and rehabilitate their public image.
Dennis Buzukja has been suspended nine months by the NSAC for his #UFC310 altercation with a crowd member. His suspension can be decreased to six months, through community service. He's also been fined $2,500 and will have to pay an additional $157.04 in legal fees.
Dustin Poirier has refuted any suggestion he outright rejected a potential short-notice clash with Justin Gaethje at UFC 313.
The UFC 313 co-main event has undergone a significant late change, with Rafael Fiziev stepping in to replace the injured Dan Hooker in a rematch against Gaethje.
After Dan Hooker withdrew due to injury, multiple fighters expressed interest in stepping up. Gaethje revealed the decision-making process, providing insight into why Fiziev was ultimately chosen.
“Arman and Charles understandably said no. Max and Dustin understandably said no. Moicano got the call and said no. Props to Fiziev for volunteering to fly across the world and take this fight. Big risk here for me taking this rematch against an elite striker. Life’s a trip. Best live show on earth going down March 8th #UFC313.”
Arman and Charles understandably said no. Max and Dustin understandably said no. Moicano got the call and said no. Props to Fiziev for volunteering to fly across the world and take this fight. Big risk here for me taking this rematch against and elite striker. Life’s a trip. Best…
While Gaethje listed Poirier among those who declined, Dustin Poirier quickly clarified that he had actually reached out to the UFC himself upon hearing the news.
“I’m the one who reached out to them when I read the news. Ask Hunter. All respect to you and Fiziev, looking forward to this one again.”
I'm the one who reached out to them when I read the news. Ask hunter, all respect to you and fizeav, looking forward to this one again https://t.co/p5NhjpabQq
Gaethje responded, explaining that he didn’t mean to imply Poirier or others refused to fight him.
“I was just running back the crazy 48 hours I went through. I was not trying to imply any of you guys would not fight me. Arman was too heavy, same with Charles. UFC obviously has plans for you at a later date so they said that’s a no-go.”
Poirier then responded in good spirits: “All good bro!! Glad you got an opponent! Can’t wait to watch!!”
Arman Tsarukyan also expressed interest in taking the fight on short notice. However, due to limited time to prepare for a standard lightweight bout (155 pounds), the Russian-Armenian proposed a 160-pound catchweight fight.
According to Tsarukyan, the UFC did not agree to the catchweight, which ultimately led to Fiziev being chosen instead.
“Ataman,” who lost a close decision to Gaethje in their first encounter at UFC 286, now has a shot at redemption on short notice.
“Lord” is now 4-0 in the Octagon, with all of his wins in the UFC coming via knockout. He’ll hope to continue that trend at the expense of ranked opposition in Mitchell.
The announcement unsurprisingly drew reactions across the MMA community. From predictions either way to questions over the UFC awarding Mitchell a big fight on a prominent card in spite of his antisemitic remarks, plenty of takes appeared.
Jean has always been the most tolerable “fighting nerd”. I respect him for being open to fighting a grappler early in his UFC career unlike those other 2 punks Prates and Ruffy https://t.co/uX3yxYsZAj
Jean Silva becoming one of the biggest stars in the featherweight division has been an excellent development to 2025. I’ve felt a burnout with MMA lately, this has injected life back into my interest https://t.co/jHGNM3fX2L
I don't normally wish any fighter harm, but Mitchell? I wish him harm. I hope its swift, and the ref is a little extra slow in ending the fight. https://t.co/Ad0qJ98cK1
Former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has a replacement opponent set for UFC 313 — but it seemingly wasn’t the promotion’s first choice.
The mixed martial arts leader was left scrambling this week after Dan Hooker withdrew from his scheduled co-main event with “The Highlight” at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on March 8.
With that, an opponent search got underway and ultimately landed the higher-ups at the door of Rafael Fiziev. UFC CEO Dana White announced late Wednesday that “Ataman” will have the chance for revenge opposite Gaethje two years on from their entertaining three-rounder in London, England.
But the Azerbaijani striker looks to have been far down the list of possible replacements, with Gaethje claiming in a social media post that Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano all got offers.
Arman and Charles understandably said no. Max and Dustin understandably said no. Moicano got the call and said no. Props to Fiziev for volunteering to fly across the world and take this fight. Big risk here for me taking this rematch against and elite striker. Life’s a trip. Best…
“Arman and Charles understandably said no. Max and Dustin understandably said no. Moicano got the call and said no. Props to Fiziev for volunteering to fly across the world and take this fight. Big risk here for me taking this rematch against and elite striker. Life’s a trip. Best live show on earth going down March 8th #UFC313“
Nevertheless, “The Highlight” will no doubt be relieved that one prominent name has accepted the short-notice assignment, meaning his fight camp won’t have been for nothing.
UFC 313 will mark Gaethje’s first outing since falling to a brutal knockout loss at the hands of Holloway last April. Fiziev, meanwhile, has been out of action since suffering a torn ACL against Mateusz Gamrot in September 2023.
