MMA News

Category: MMA

  • Former ONE Double Champ Reinier de Ridder Gets Opponent For UFC Debut

    Former ONE Double Champ Reinier de Ridder Gets Opponent For UFC Debut

    After being announced to have signed with the UFC just yesterday, an opponent has already been found for Reinier de Ridder’s Octagon debut.

    The former two-weight world champion in ONE Championship comes in as the MMA leader’s latest major signing from another promotion.

    After losing his titles in back-to-back fights with Anatoly Malykhin, de Ridder fought outside of ONE last time out where he stopped Magomedmurad Khasaev in the first round at UAE Warriors 51.

    “The Dutch Knight” will now make his promotional debut on November 9 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

    His opponent will be fellow middleweight submission specialist Gerald Meerschaert, who is a UFC veteran with 21 appearances inside the Octagon.

    The news was first reported by UFC op Eurosport on Instagram.

    With a staggering 41 submission victories between them, this looks to be a grappling fans delight but as you often get with match-ups like this, it could end up playing out on the feet if both men have too much respect for each other’s specialities.

    Meerschaert comes into the fight after extending his submission wins record in back-to-back fights.

    This year, he has secured the tap against both Edmen Shahbazyan and Bryan Barberena, to bounce back from consecutive losses.

    The card on November 9 is yet to have a main event announced after the originally scheduled headliner between Brandon Moreno and Amir Albazi was brought forward one week.

    Read also: Francis Ngannou’s Coach Details Tom Aspinall Collaboration In Preparation For Renan Ferreira Fight

  • Francis Ngannou’s Coach Details Tom Aspinall Collaboration In Preparation For Renan Ferreira Fight

    Francis Ngannou’s Coach Details Tom Aspinall Collaboration In Preparation For Renan Ferreira Fight

    To prepare for his long awaited MMA return, Francis Ngannou is doing his training camp out in Paris before October 19.

    Any heavyweight in the sport will tell you that one of the biggest problems that they encounter is finding suitable training partners to work with.

    This is even more true when you’re preparing to fight a 6’8″ opponent in Renan Ferreira.

    Team Ngannou’s problem could have been temporarily solved this week thanks to the UFC arriving in Paris for Saturday night’s event at the Accor Arena.

    Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, has built a strong relationship with another of the world’s best heavyweights – whom he was hoping to cross paths with in the French capital.

    Eric Nicksick Says He Would’ve Loved To Connect Ngannou & Aspinall

    In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Nicksick said that he hoped to connect Ngannou with the interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall this week.

    Unfortunately, Aspinall wasn’t making the trip over for the fights on Saturday but the Xtreme Couture coach still thinks it could happen at some stage.

    With both men being right at the top of their weight class in different promotions, the sparring videos alone would be PPV-worthy.

    He said that the short distance between England and France means that Aspinall may be able to join their camp before they leave for Saudi Arabia.

    Nicksick did say that though the Brit isn’t in town, he did offer to help out in a different way, by giving them a list of names who may be of use as sparring partners to mimic Ferreira.

    “I was hoping that he’d [Aspinall] be out here and we’d get some training in and not saying it won’t happen, maybe it can before we get out of here because he’s like an hour flight away. He’s not too far away but he was gracious enough to send me some names of his training partners and guys that we could use and try to bring out here to help out Francis but he was all about it man and Tom’s been a great friend and a great guy to have in the circle.”

    Read also: Ciryl Gane’s Absence From UFC Fight Night Card In Paris Explained

  • Ciryl Gane’s Absence From UFC Fight Night Card In Paris Explained

    For the first time, a UFC event will be taking place in the French capital without the country’s only champion to date closing the show.

    Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is back in Paris this week, staging an event in France for the third straight year. The UFC debuted inside the Accor Arena in 2022, just under three years on from the legalization of MMA in the country.

    On that night, former interim UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane thrilled his compatriots by knocking out Tai Tuivasa. And “Bon Gamin” repeated the feat last September when he stopped Serghei Spivac with strikes.

    This year, however, presents an opportunity for a different French standout to make a splash in the main event spotlight: Benoît Saint Denis.

    Six months on from his defeat to Dustin Poirier in Miami, “God of War” will look to bounce back in front of a no doubt rowdy Parisian crowd when he shares the cage with Renato Moicano.

    Gane’s Coach Explains Decision Not To Fight At Latest UFC Paris Event

    During a recent interview with InsideFighting, coach Fernand Lopez commented on the UFC’s latest visit to his country and the fact that his star student won’t be a part of it this time around.

    “We don’t have to talk about it with the UFC coming to Paris. It’s obvious that they want Ciryl to fight in Paris, and I was thinking about Ciryl fighting in Paris. This is what we talked (about doing),” Lopez said. “But an opportunity showed up with a better opponent in terms of ranking, a better opportunity in terms of pay-per-view, and better career constructions to go back to the belt.

    “It makes sense for us to accept that opportunity. Ciryl already fought two times in Paris, finished his opponent two times in Paris, and enjoyed the moment to win in Paris,” Lopez continued. “I think for him, it is a new challenge to go to Abu Dhabi, a new different market, and for him to be qualified if they need him for the (title).”

    Of course, plans have changed since Lopez made those comments. Gane will no longer have the chance to make a splash in Abu Dhabi next month following the withdrawal of Alexander Volkov through injury.

    Instead, the Frenchman looks set for the chance for redemption in Las Vegas, where he was submitted in the opening round by Jon Jones in March 2023. His clash with Volkov is expected to be rescheduled for UFC 310 at the T-Mobile Arena this December.

    Meanwhile, Saint Denis has the chance to close the gap on his fellow countryman when it comes to being France’s poster boy for MMA. To do so, he’ll need to return to winning ways at the expense of Moicano this weekend.

  • ‘Bad Man Coming…’ – Fans React To UFC Signing Former Two-Division ONE Champion Reinier de Ridder

    ‘Bad Man Coming…’ – Fans React To UFC Signing Former Two-Division ONE Champion Reinier de Ridder

    The UFC middleweight division just got an eyebrow-raising addition.

    Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion has appeared more willing to sign high-profile names who established themselves under the banners of other organizations in recent times.

    Notably, the UFC has added Michael “Venom” Page, Kai Asakura, and Kayla Harrison to its roster. Now joining them is Reinier de Ridder, a former two-division ONE Championship titleholder who became a free agent earlier this year.

    After reports of his arrival, “The Dutch Knight” confirmed that he is UFC bound in a video on his Instagram account.

    De Ridder (17-2) recorded his final ONE win in July 2022 when he submitted Vitaly Bigdash with an inverted triangle choke. The result was a successful defense of his middleweight (205 pounds) belt, which he held alongside the promotion’s light heavyweight championship (225 pounds).

    But the Dutchman had his then-perfect record blemished and both of his titles ripped away in a two-fight series with Anatoly Malykhin, who now holds three pieces of gold in ONE.

    The 34-year-old parted ways with ONE following his March loss to the Russian, competing once since. De Ridder returned to winning ways with a knockout victory over Magomedmurad Khasaev at UAE Warriors 51 this past July.

    He’ll now look to continue his momentum inside the Octagon, where he’s expected to make a splash at 185 pounds.

    Fans React To Reinier de Ridder’s UFC Signing

    Unsurprisingly, the news of the UFC’s latest high-profile signing drew immediate reactions from the MMA community on social media.

    The fanbase appeared split, with some backing de Ridder for immediate success and others suggesting that the Breda, Netherlands native has arrived in the sport’s leading promotion too late in his career.

    https://twitter.com/CTE_Society/status/1838690686302093648
  • Merab Dvalishvili Told He Must Fix ‘Abysmal’ Stat To Gain Fan Support As UFC Champion

    Merab Dvalishvili Told He Must Fix ‘Abysmal’ Stat To Gain Fan Support As UFC Champion

    According to one prominent figure in MMA, it would be disastrous for UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili’s career if he doesn’t start recording finishes.

    Dvalishvili currently sits on the throne at 135 pounds following his biggest win to date earlier this month. In the headlining act of the UFC 306 (Noche UFC) pay-per-view at the Sphere, the Georgian unseated Sean O’Malley.

    While predictions had varied in the lead-up, Dvalishvili enjoyed dominance throughout the five-round main event in Las Vegas, capturing the crown by way of unanimous decision.

    The result marked “The Machine’s” 11th straight victory under the UFC banner. But the ongoing run has seen Dvalishvili record just one finish — a comeback knockout of Marlon Moraes in 2021.

    Aside from that firefight, the champ used his renowned cardio, pace, and grappling prowess to outlast opponents. But while that got him to the title dance, one notable coach doesn’t think it can continue now that he’s holding gold…

    Coach Zahabi Sees Major Issue With UFC Champ Dvalishvili’s Style

    During a video recently uploaded to the Tristar Gym YouTube channel, coach Firas Zahabi reflected on Dvalishvili’s title win inside the Sphere and assessed the style that has seen him reach the top.

    Although “The Machine’s” approach has proved mightily affective when it comes to having his hand raised inside the Octagon, the Canadian trainer doesn’t think it’s sustainable and will soon lead to significant fan backlash.

    “On the ground, guys, I’ll tell you something, Merab never finishes,” Zahabi said. “Look, I love Merab…I love his personality. I love the craziness, I love the fact that in the beginning of round one, Merab is yelling at O’Malley’s corner. … He’s a very charming, lovable character. … The only one thing you can predict about Merab is that he’s going to shoot that takedown. His cardio is unmatchable. … The good thing about Merab, his cardio is amazing. His personality is amazing. The bad thing about Merab, he doesn’t finish — he doesn’t even get close to a finish.

    “His finishing record is abysmal, I’ve got to be honest,” Zahabi continued. “I’m telling you guys, I love the guy, he’s a world champion. I think he’s awesome. However, his finishing rate — imagine you can take down almost everybody you’ve ever fought, and you literally only have one submission. That doesn’t make any sense. … He needs to have in-depth, super-deep courses on how to finish — submission, ground-and-pound — he has to change his style. … If he doesn’t do it, the fans will get sick of him. … They’ll get sick of him running around the ring and just taking people down. They’re going to get sick of that. He has to entertain the crowd. … If he doesn’t, it could be disastrous to his career.”

    Those remarks likely won’t bother Dvalishvili for now, as he’s continuing his celebrations after achieving his championship ambitions in the sport’s leading promotion.

    But as his reign gets underway, perhaps the Georgian will look to show an increased killer instinct and dispatch challengers inside the distance.

  • Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 7 Highlights As 5 Prospects Secure Contracts

    Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 7 Highlights As 5 Prospects Secure Contracts

    The latest season of Dana White’s Contender Series continued with some memorable highlights on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

    DWCS, the inaugural season of which took place back in 2017, sees some of the top prospects in mixed martial arts enter the cage in front of White and the matchmakers, looking to put in a performance worthy of a place on the UFC roster.

    Last year’s edition saw 46 fighters bag a deal with the sport’s premier promotion across 10 events, up on the 43 from 2022. Through six episodes of season eight, 24 prospects moved a step closer to their title dreams on MMA’s biggest stage.

    And the seventh added another five talents to the UFC roster. That included 22-year-old featherweight prospect Kevin Vallejos, who delivered arguably the highlight of the night by stopping Cam Teague with an onslaught of punches in the second fight on the card.

    Three finishes followed, with Italian welterweight Daniel Frunza also forcing a stoppage with strikes while light heavyweight Kevin Christian and heavyweight Danylo Voievodkin found submissions.

    All four of those winners earned contracts from White, as did Brazilian strawweight Alexia Thainara. Despite going the distance, the 26-year-old did enough to impress and secure her path to the Octagon.

    With that in mind, see below for the moments that landed five athletes contracts with the UFC.

    Alexia Thainara Def. Rose Conceicao Via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

    Kevin Vallejos Def. Cam Teague Via TKO (Punches): R1, 2:23

    Kevin Christian Def. Francesco Mazzeo Via Submission (Armbar): R2, 4:17

    Daniel Frunza Def. Vadym Kutsyi Via TKO (Punches): R2, 3:30

    Danylo Voievodkin Def. Bailey Schoenfelder via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke): R1, 1:13

  • Stephen Thompson Reacts To Being On UFC 307 Prelims After Fighting On Main Cards For A Decade Straight

    Stephen Thompson Reacts To Being On UFC 307 Prelims After Fighting On Main Cards For A Decade Straight

    Stephen Thompson was hoping to take on Joaquin Buckley in a five-rounder at UFC 307. He is the second-oldest member of the UFC roster behind Stipe Miocic but was expecting to have the edge in cardio against Buckley, who is 30.

    The veteran is known for his Karate-inspired stance and crisp striking that often produces exciting matches. Many predict that Buckley won’t try to grapple with “Wonderboy” to a decision unlike past opponents, generating a ton of hype for the welterweight matchup.

    However, Thompson’s wish for a five-rounder has become a far-fetched dream because his fight has been demoted to the UFC 307 prelims. While the rising prospect expects this to be his last free fight for the fans, Thompson is rather disappointed…

    Stephen Thompson Believes His UFC 307 Bout Against Joaquin Buckley Could Have Replaced Other Fights On The Main Card

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RDauugAV1A&t=592s

    Thompson recently appeared in an interview on the Bodog Canada YouTube channel to discuss his upcoming bout and other UFC-related matters. He believes that his next fight should be a banger because Buckley’s been keen to stand and trade with him.

    The likes of Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Gilbert Burns used their superior grappling to dominate “Wonderboy” which helped them gain ranks but didn’t please the fans. On the other hand, Kevin Holland and Thompson delivered an instant classic as the former didn’t take the fight to the ground despite getting pieced up on the feet.

    “A little weird at this point, knowing what kind of a fight this is going to be. You’d figure that they’d want to have all eyes on it. Now I’m not sure if it was because, you know, the last time I was supposed to fight in Salt Lake City my opponent didn’t make weight. But, Joaquin Buckely is notorious for making weight so I know he’s going to be a professional and we’re going to go out there and have fun but yeah, it was a little disappointing like what’s going on.”

    “Wonderboy” was reminded in the interview that he last fought on the prelims on September 22, 2013, against Chris Clements. After eleven long years, he’s back to fighting on the prelims which is unsurprisingly a bummer for the veteran who never backs down to face young challengers looking to climb the welterweight rankings.

    The American kickboxer, being the NMF, didn’t name names but stated that his fight could’ve been picked over some fights on the UFC 307 main card. Regardless, he and Buckley have promised to give fans a thrilling battle and prove why they deserved to be on the main card.

    “It’s wild. I don’t know why they put that on the card. I mean, there’s some fights on the main card that I think should be on the prelims but you know, it is what it is.”

  • Khalil Rountree’s Coach Talked Him Out Of Retirement A Decade Before His UFC 307 Title Fight Against Alex Pereira

    Khalil Rountree’s Coach Talked Him Out Of Retirement A Decade Before His UFC 307 Title Fight Against Alex Pereira

    Khalil Rountree reached The Ultimate Fighter 23’s final but lost to Andrew Sanchez who controlled him for the majority of the fight. He then lost to Tyson Pedro via submission and needed to urgently rack up some wins to secure his place in the promotion.

    From having such a rocky start in the UFC to challenging Alex Pereira for light heavyweight gold, Rountree has naturally come a long way. He’s riding a five-fight win streak including four knockouts and many believe his bout against “Poatan” will be fireworks as well.

    John Wood recently shared an inspiring story of him convincing Rountree to not retire at the outset of his career…

    Khalil Rountree Might’ve Never Challenged Alex Pereira At UFC 307 If His Coach Didn’t Stop Him From Retiring

    Wood appeared on Daniel Cormier’s official YouTube channel recently to talk about one of his oldest students finally fighting for a UFC title. The coach remembered “The War Horse” wanted to retire from MMA after his third or fourth fight.

    “I think, it was you know, third or fourth fight, he was talking to me about wanting to retire and going to construction. He’s like, yeah, I think I got this good construction job it’s gonna pay money. I said whoa, whoa, bro, no no no, I was like, just give me a year. Give me a year and I promise you do whatever I’ll support you after that. just give me a hard year. And you know, through that process, The Ultimate Fighter came.”

    The Syndicate MMA head coach naturally asked Rountree to hold his horses and train with him seriously for at least a year. It is safe to say that the American fighter made the right choice as he would enter The Ultimate Fighter 23 and reach the finals.

    Although Wood was initially upset by the decision, he claims that Rountree matured while training in Thailand and learned how to digest the hype and responsibility he received as a talented and exciting prospect.

    “We had some ups, had some downs and then you know, he moved to Thailand after the Gokhan Saki fight. And kind of, you know, found himself as a person, as a man. You know, I think he was gone for a couple of years and ended up hitting me back up,” Wood continued. “It’s been nothing but great since he’s been back and we’ve had nothing but success. He’s really matured as a fighter.”

    The coach admitted to having the same excitement regardless of which of his fighters is fighting. However, the UFC 307 main event might be one of his most memorable moments because he’s helped Rountree and stuck by him from the very beginning.

  • ‘He’s Got Russian Blood’ – Brendan Allen Unsure About UFC Paris Crowd Supporting Nassourdine Imavov

    ‘He’s Got Russian Blood’ – Brendan Allen Unsure About UFC Paris Crowd Supporting Nassourdine Imavov

    Just days after Merab Dvalishvili explained why the Nurmagomedov clan shouldn’t represent Russia, Brendan Allen has questioned the support Nassourdine Imavov would get at UFC Paris this weekend because of his Russian heritage.

    Allen is heading into the fight with one of the longest win streaks in the UFC middleweight division. On the flip side, Imavov is coming off a controversial TKO win over Jared Cannonier.

    Here’s how Allen feels about fighting in Paris against an opponent who might benefit a ton from being local…

    From Judges To Rounds, Brendan Allen Lists Things in Nassourdine Imavov’s Favor Ahead Of UFC Paris

    While talking to MMA Junkie recently, Allen opened up on Imavov not agreeing to a five-round fight with him. When asked whether it’s helpful to know that he was ready for a five-round fight while his opponent wasn’t, he laid down the more obvious advantages “The Sniper’ boasts as the local fighter.

    “Not really. I can see that point but I don’t think so. Like, end of the day, he got his way, and it’s still in his favor in his hometown, in front of his people, with probably his judges, and everything else. So, it is what it is.”

    Allen’s boldest claim was that the officials could favor Imavov if the fight goes to a decision. Before his latest split decision win against Chris Curtis, Allen submitted four opponents in a row and he might be looking to get another finish this weekend amidst the mistrust of judges.

    Allen acknowledged that he isn’t aware of Imavov’s story but pointed out that the latter was born in Russia which is indeed true. The French middleweight hails from Dagestan but moved to France at an early age. He’s been training in Paris since 19, so it makes perfect sense for him to represent France.

    “I haven’t fought on, obviously, like a crowd that’s probably going to be against me. Even though, I don’t know how they view Imavov. You know, I don’t know if they view him as a real Frenchman because obviously he’s got Russian blood I think. I don’t know his story so I don’t know exactly what he is or how they view him. But either way, they boo me, like whatever.”

    However, the American middleweight couldn’t help but question if the local crowd would support Imavov as much because of his Dagestani roots. Regardless, he doesn’t seem too bothered by finally fighting in front of a crowd after headlining multiple cards in the UFC Apex.

  • Diego Lopes Eyes Former Champion For Potential December Return: ‘He Doesn’t Like To Wait, & Neither Do I…’

    Diego Lopes Eyes Former Champion For Potential December Return: ‘He Doesn’t Like To Wait, & Neither Do I…’

    Diego Lopes recently shared his ambitious plans for the future, stating his intention to challenge a former UFC featherweight champion upon his potential return in December.

    Lopes secured perhaps the most defining triumph of his career to date when he outclassed Brian Ortega, earning a unanimous decision win at Noche UFC 306 earlier this month.

    The victory not only skyrocketed the 29-year-old to the #3 spot in the 145-pound division but also significantly boosted his stock. Lopes has been on an absolute tear over the past year, racking up five consecutive wins and cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with.

    Lopes is now primed for high-stakes matchups, eager to secure his first title shot at the earliest opportunity…

    Lopes Offers To Serve As UFC 308 Backup Or Sets Sights On Volkanovski For December

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Lopes reiterated his willingness to step in as the backup fighter for the featherweight title bout between reigning champion Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway at UFC 308 next month.

    The surging contender also mentioned that if those plans fall through, he’s eager to face former longtime champion Alexander Volkanovski in December to move a step closer to the title.

    “If that doesn’t happen, we’d like the possibility of fighting Volkanovski in December,” Lopes said. “He doesn’t like to wait, and neither do I, so that could be a good fight. A lot can happen, but I think the two most viable options for us right now are being the backup fighter in Abu Dhabi or fighting Volkanovski in December. The UFC is aware that I’m available for [UFC 308], so it depends on what they want to do.”

    Lopes went on to express that a potential clash with “The Great” would present a highly intriguing stylistic matchup.

    “The Volk fight would be very interesting because he’s shown he can adapt well to everybody’s style, especially when his opponent is taller until he fought Topuria. But I think I can also adapt well to guys who are shorter than me, so it would be a very interesting fight.”

    Volkanovski is currently on a hiatus, having not fought since suffering the first back-to-back losses of his career. “The Great” was dethroned at UFC 298 this past February, where he endured a second-round knockout by Ilia Topuria, bringing an end to the title reign he had held since December 2019.

    • Read More: Chael Sonnen Outlines What He Wants To See Next For Alexander Volkanovski: ‘Unless You Want To Be A Gatekeeper…’
  • Former UFC Champion Touts Khalil Rountree To Beat Alex Pereira ‘At His Own Game’

    Former UFC Champion Touts Khalil Rountree To Beat Alex Pereira ‘At His Own Game’

    A former UFC middleweight champion recently praised Khalil Rountree, claiming he has what it takes to defeat Alex Pereira by outclassing him in his own area of expertise.

    “The War Horse” is preparing for his first title shot as he challenges reigning light heavyweight champion Pereira in the main event of UFC 307, set for October 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    “Poatan” has been a relentless powerhouse since making his mark in the 205-pound division last year, firmly establishing his dominance by defending his belt twice within the span of two months. Pereira is coming off a second-round knockout of Jiri Prochazka in their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 303 this past June.

    While Pereira may be renowned for his crushing power and world-class kickboxing that dismantles his opponents, Rountree has made it clear that he won’t resort to takedowns, opting instead to keep the battle standing.

    Michael Bisping believes that “The War Horse” is more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the Brazilian champion in a striking showdown…

    Bisping Warns ‘Poatan’ To Respect Rountree’s Abilities: ‘Pereira Has To Take Him Seriously’

    During a a recent video on his YouTube channel, “The Count” gave his thoughts on the upcoming title clash between Pereira and Rountree. The UFC Hall of Famer highlighted some of the notable names the American challenger has taken down in recent bouts, pointing out that while “The War Horse” may appear hittable, he’s proven his prowess by defeating elite-level kickboxers like Gokhan Saki.

    Bisping emphasized that Pereira should tread carefully in striking exchanges, as Rountree is no stranger to top-tier competition.

    “Anthony Smith was able to land some straight rights, and if Smith can land them, you’ve got to think that Pereira is going to land them,” Bisping said. “But if we dig a little deeper, if we look at some of the other people that he’s [Rountree] beaten, there’s a name that stands out, and that name is the one and only Gokhan Saki… When he went up against Khalil Rountree, he got knocked out in the first round.”

    “Who is Khalil? Well, Khalil was a kickboxer. He has the confidence to put it out there and truly mean it by saying that he’s not going to shoot. He’s going to stand there, go toe to toe, and try to beat Pereira at his own game.”

    Rountree is currently enjoying the success of a five-fight win streak. The 34-year-old was initially slated to face former champion Jamahal Hill at UFC 303, but Rountree had to withdraw after receiving a 4.5-month suspension for testing positive for a steroid hormone. Fortunately for “The War Horse”, the suspension ended on September 18, clearing the path for his return.

  • ‘Bro Sent Himself An Email’ – Fans Unconvinced With Conor McGregor Showing Receipts Of ‘Negative’ PED Tests

    ‘Bro Sent Himself An Email’ – Fans Unconvinced With Conor McGregor Showing Receipts Of ‘Negative’ PED Tests

    A recent social media post from Conor McGregor on X was yet another example of him stating that he is ready to return to the Octagon.

    In a since-deleted image, “The Notorious” shared a screenshot from an email that was sent from Drug Free Sport International on September 23.

    Anyone who has seen a drug test result confirmation email from this organization before knows that this is usually what they look like.

    The email states, with a specific sample number, that McGregor’s recent test on September 13 has returned negative results when checking for performance enhancing drugs.

    “The Mac” shared this image with the following caption after it was recently announced that his long-awaited fight with Michael Chandler will not be happening next.

    “Most tested athlete on the @ufc roster x2. I deserve my fight date! #CleanAthlete”

    MMA Fans React To Conor McGregor’s Negative Test Results

    Though the post has since been deleted by McGregor, the fans still weighed in with their thoughts on social media via responding to the original post and several others.

    Many were sceptical about the Irishman’s email and the negative test results.

    “Bro sent himself an email”

    https://twitter.com/DexterVro/status/1838518525033373834

    “[email protected]”

    “For some reason it’s funny to think of Conor just opening up something in Gmail like the rest of us.”

    “Bro has whiskey and beer running through his veins.”

    “If he’s clean then I’m Jesus. With his money you buy from the best chemists.”

    “Calling for fights while constantly partying and traveling, after you pulled out of your scheduled fight because of a pinky toe. Dude is insufferable”

    “Ill watch him fight but idk if he should anymore, just ride off into the sunset already. You’ve won.”

    Read also: BKFC President ‘100 Percent’ Confident Of Bare-Knuckle Future For Conor McGregor: ‘Why Wouldn’t You?’ 

  • GSP’s Coach Breaks Down Khabib Nurmagomedov Dream Fight In Terms Of Striking, Grappling, Submissions & More

    GSP’s Coach Breaks Down Khabib Nurmagomedov Dream Fight In Terms Of Striking, Grappling, Submissions & More

    Georges St-Pierre’s coach, Firas Zahabi, recently offered a comprehensive analysis the dream match-up against Khabib Nurmagomedov, breaking it down across all aspects of the game— striking, grappling, submissions, and more.

    “The Eagle” is widely hailed as one of the most dominant forces in UFC history, boasting a flawless professional record of 29-0. Nurmagomedov has often expressed that it was his dream to challenge another legend of the sport, St-Pierre. However, this fantasy matchup remains one of MMA’s greatest “what-ifs,” as the two icons competed in different weight classes and eras.

    Despite ‘Rush’ having two losses in his 28-fight career, he remains on par—or perhaps even ahead—of Nurmagomedov in the ongoing ‘greatest of all time’ debates. This comparison has sparked a persistent question within the MMA community: who would prevail in a hypothetical clash between these two icons?

    Zahabi Offers Honest Take On St-Pierre vs. Nurmagomedov Showdown

    During a recent appearance on Life Haqq, Zahabi was asked to share his impartial take on who would emerge victorious in a hypothetical 165-pound catchweight clash between St-Pierre and Nurmagomedov.

    The esteemed MMA coach noted that GSP has the upper hand in standup striking, citing his higher volume of career strikes. However, Zahabi acknowledged that while St-Pierre is equally adept in grappling, Nurmagomedov holds a distinct advantage when it comes to takedowns and takedown defense.

    Zahabi went on to assess that both UFC Hall of Famers are evenly matched when it comes to controlling the pace of the fight. While he acknowledged that their ground-and-pound skills are nearly identical, he gave a slight advantage to “The Eagle”.

    The TriStar Gym owner also weighed in on their submission game, favoring St-Pierre. Zahabi explained that GSP faced more grappling-heavy opponents throughout his career, whereas Nurmagomedov predominantly squared off against elite strikers like Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor. He further remarked that, in his view, both legends are equally matched in terms of stamina, predicting that their fantasy showdown would likely go the full five rounds

    Lastly, Zahabi offered his prediction, stating that, realistically, this would be an incredibly tough fight to declare a definitive winner. He added that any decision would likely be highly contentious, making it a controversial bout to score.

    “If it were a pound-for-pound thing, I would say it’s an even fight,” Zahabi said. “I think it’s going to be a pick who you think won, you know. It’s just such a hard thing to call. It would be really tough. It would be a very tough fight to call.”

    While Zahabi envisions the hypothetical matchup as a razor-close contest, St-Pierre expressed a more confident stance during his appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast this past March. GSP boldly stated that he believes he has what it takes to shatter Nurmagomedov’s unbeaten record.

  • Renato Moicano Begrudgingly Gives Paddy Pimblett ‘Some Respect’ For Latest Performance

    Renato Moicano Begrudgingly Gives Paddy Pimblett ‘Some Respect’ For Latest Performance

    Renato Moicano, albeit reluctantly, has offered a sliver of respect to Paddy Pimblett following the Brit’s latest appearance in the Octagon.

    “The Baddy” has generated a whirlwind of fanfare throughout his ascent in the UFC, catching the attention of many fellow contenders. Among those eager to test him in the Octagon, Moicano stands out. The two have been trading barbs on social media for some time now and have openly expressed a desire to settle the score with their fists.

    Pimblett delivered one of his finest performances to date, securing a technical submission victory over King Green at UFC 304 this past July, officially entering the UFC 155-pound rankings.

    The 29-year-old Scouser’s recent triumph not only shut down his critics but also shifted “Money” Moicano’s stance toward him…

    Moicano Admits Pimblett Fight Could Be A ‘Tougher Matchup’

    During In a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Moicano was asked to share his thoughts on Pimblett. The Brazilian veteran conceded that he was truly impressed by “The Baddy’s” showing against Green, even going as far as to predict that Pimblett would pose a more challenging matchup than most of the other lightweights if they were to face off in the Octagon.

    “I was very impressed. I think after the Bobby Green fight, Paddy Pimblett is a tougher matchup than Dan Hooker,” Moicano said. “Back in the day, I would’ve been crazy to say that, but right now, we saw what Dan Hooker did to Mateusz Gamrot. He got caught many, many times in the first round. It was a close fight. I don’t think he did win, but you see the way Paddy Pimblett finished Bobby Green, and Bobby Green is not an easy guy to submit. The way he did so, props to Paddy Pimblett.”

    “Money” further added that although he previously questioned Pimblett’s abilities, he’s now developed a newfound respect for him.

    “I was one of the doubters. But he did great, and he did a great job against Bobby Green. He deserves some respect. Not much but some respect.”

    Before Moicano can set his sights on Pimblett, he first has to overcome the challenge of Benoît Saint Denis this weekend in the main event of UFC Fight Night Paris, taking place at the Accor Arena in France.

    Following his UFC 304 victory, Pimblett made it clear he has his eyes set on the winner of the Moicano vs. Saint Denis bout, with a particular focus on “Money” as his next potential opponent.

  • Renato Moicano Feels UFC Called ‘Wrong Guy’ To Fight Benoît Saint Denis

    Renato Moicano Feels UFC Called ‘Wrong Guy’ To Fight Benoît Saint Denis

    In the main event of UFC Paris this weekend, Brazil’s Renato Moicano is hoping to enter enemy territory and come away with the win.

    His bout with fellow top 15 lightweight Benoît Saint Denis is sure to be an exciting clash of styles at the Accor Arena.

    It’s also a big opportunity for Saint Denis, who will have the chance to headline a UFC card in his home country for the first time.

    In previous years, this honor has gone to Ciryl Gane but now it is time for the “God of War” to step up and bounce back from his loss to Dustin Poirier from earlier this year.

    Renato Moicano Says The UFC Chose The Wrong Opponent For Potential Star Benoît Saint Denis

    As a teammate of Poirier’s at American Top Team, Moicano was critical of the match-up between “The Diamond” and Saint Denis at UFC 299 in March.

    He believed that the promotion was trying to build up the Frenchman by giving him an opportunity that at that stage in his career, he didn’t necessarily deserve.

    Now that he is set to face Saint Denis for himself over five rounds on September 28, “Money” Moicano wants to ruin the promotion’s plans.

    He told MMA Fighting in a recent interview that he understands why the promotion are big fans of his opponent but if they want to make him into a star, they picked the wrong opponent.

    “100% they trying to push Benoît Saint Denis and I’m not even mad, that is just business. I know Europe is a huge market, they don’t have many European fighters doing very well and Benoît Saint Denis is a dangerous fighter. He’s an aggressive fighter and UFC likes him, he’s young, you know? He’s young, European, good market, he can make good money for the UFC but guess what? UFC called the wrong guy because I’m going over there and I’m beating him.”

    Read also: Jon Jones’ Coach On Retirement Rumors: MMA Doesn’t Treat Aging Fighters Kindly

  • Daniel Cormier Plans To End Habit Of Skipping UFC Fight Nights When Home For Moicano vs. Saint Denis 

    Daniel Cormier Plans To End Habit Of Skipping UFC Fight Nights When Home For Moicano vs. Saint Denis 

    Count former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier among those incredibly excited for this weekend’s main event in Paris.

    For the third straight year, mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is staging an event in the French capital in September. While the first two following the 2020 legalization of the sport in the European nation saw Ciryl Gane as the main attraction, Saturday’s card will be topped by a different French standout.

    Headlining inside the Accor Arena on September 29 is rising lightweight Benoît Saint Denis. “God of War” is returning to the cage after having his surge up the ladder stalled by top-five contender Dustin Poirier in Miami this past March.

    While Saint Denis started strong, the effects of a pre-fight staph infection appeared to hinder his gas tank and result in a knocking triumph for “The Diamond.”

    To get back to the kind of violent success he experienced before running into Poirier, the Frenchman must get past Renato Moicano. The #11-ranked contender has gotten the better of Drew Dober and Jalin Turner since returning from an injury layoff this year.

    The clash looks set to be an enthralling one, going down amid the usual electric atmosphere seen at MMA events in Paris. And in terms of the main event matchup, one former fighter-turned-color commentator doesn’t think there’s been much better for a UFC Fight Night in a while…

    Cormier Excited To Watch Moicano vs. Saint Denis At Often Skipped UFC Fight Night

    During the latest episode of his Good Guy / Bad Guy show alongside Chael Sonnen on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel, Cormier looked ahead to the upcoming UFC Fight Night card in France.

    “DC” gave props to both men for their skillsets and recent outings inside the Octagon, suggesting they’re likely to come together to put on an entertaining affair in Saturday’s main event.

    And despite admitting that he often chooses against watching the UFC Fight Night cards he isn’t commentating on, Cormier insisted he would not miss this one.

    “(Moicano’s) got a tough one against Benoît Saint Denis, who also fought well against Dustin,” Cormier said. “I think this is going to be a fantastic fight, and I do believe this is one of the better main events for a Fight Night that we’ve had in a really long time.

    “I’m watching it. Honestly, a lot of Saturdays when I’m at home, I choose other things to do. I go watch football, I go play — I do something,” Cormier continued. “Saturday night, I’m tapping into this one because I’ve got to watch Renato Moicano and Benoît Saint Denis fight.”

    With all eyes on their crucial lightweight showdown, Moicano and Saint Denis will look to prove Cormier right unleashing fireworks when they share the cage inside the Accor Arena in a few days’ time.

  • UFC Featherweight On How Ego Can Affect Topuria vs Holloway: ‘Max Knows Better…’

    UFC Featherweight On How Ego Can Affect Topuria vs Holloway: ‘Max Knows Better…’

    The main event of UFC 308 is one of the year’s biggest and best fights as the featherweight title is on the line in Abu Dhabi.

    Undefeated champion Ilia Topuria has smashed his way through this division whilst facing very little adversity coming back the other way.

    After stopping Alexander Volkanovski earlier this year, he now faces the other all-time great 145-pounder of this era in Max Holloway.

    Holloway likely would have reigned as the champion for a long time if it wasn’t for Volkanovski, when you look at his record.

    Now we will find out whether “Blessed” can regain the gold against a dangerous but less experienced opponent.

    Jonathan Pearce Believes That Max Holloway’s Experience May Be Crucial

    There weren’t any signs in Topuria’s title-winning performance that he was suffering from a lack of experience, even if he can get heated on fight week.

    UFC featherweight Jonathan Pearce believes that Holloway’s decision-making could be a defining factor in this fight because he knows when to engage with Topuria and when to stay on the outside.

    “Blessed” has been known to throw caution to the wind from time to time but as we saw at UFC 300, he’s at home in the chaos.

    When asked whether he thinks these two men will be able to replicate something similar to this iconic moment from earlier this year, Pearce gave this response.

    “I think so but I don’t think Topuria’s ready for that. I think he can hang with it for a while but I think he doesn’t have the experience that Max has if that happens. I think that Max knows better than to step in sometimes. He won’t let his ego get in control where you got a younger fighter that just needs to believe in himself.”

    Pearce is set to face Pat Sabatini on October 12 at the UFC Apex.

    Read also: ‘Selfish’ UFC Told To Financially Compensate Michael Chandler For Conor McGregor Wait

  • BKFC President Teases Riyadh Season Collaboration: ‘Conor Had A Great Meeting…’

    BKFC President Teases Riyadh Season Collaboration: ‘Conor Had A Great Meeting…’

    BKFC continues to be on the up, no doubt thanks to Conor McGregor, who became a part owner of the promotion earlier this year in April.

    The UFC superstar certainly brings a lot of eyes and attention to whatever he’s doing, which in turn gives the promotion a lot more bargaining power than they once had.

    With “The Notorious” now attached, they can look to expand into areas that wouldn’t have been possible without the profile that the Irishman brings to the table.

    In his latest public appearance that got fans talking online, McGregor was in attendance at Wembley Stadium this past weekend for the Riyadh Season-backed Joshua vs Dubois event.

    It appears that “The Mac” had some business to attend to after enjoying himself in London.

    David Feldman Says Conor McGregor Has Already Held Meetings About BKFC-Riyadh Season Collaboration

    In a recent interview on the Energized Show, BKFC founder David Feldman spoke about the promotion’s upcoming plans for the near future.

    Turki Alalshikh and the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority have been able to make a huge impact on boxing by making events bigger and better than ever before.

    If BKFC was able to get in on the act in any way, it could be huge for the growth of the promotion and the sport of bare-knuckle boxing as a whole.

    When asked about whether a collaboration with Riyadh Season would be possible at some point down the line, Feldman said that there may be an update on that not too far away.

    Feldman said that McGregor has already been in talks to try and make this happen.

    “Yeah, news coming. Conor had a great meeting with them yesterday. Fantastic news coming.”

    Read also: ‘Selfish’ UFC Told To Financially Compensate Michael Chandler For Conor McGregor Wait

  • Jon Jones’ Coach On Retirement Rumors: MMA Doesn’t Treat Aging Fighters Kindly

    Jon Jones’ Coach On Retirement Rumors: MMA Doesn’t Treat Aging Fighters Kindly

    There has been a lot of talk over whether UFC 309 will be the last time that Jon Jones competes inside the Octagon.

    The heavyweight champion recently said himself that this is looking “more than likely” now that his title defence is official for November 16 in New York.

    Many expected that his initially planned fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 last year would be his last dance but this was pushed back by a year by Jones’ injury.

    Now, as they enter what may be his final training camp, Jones’ long-time coach Brandon Gibson gave his thoughts on whether this is the curtain call for “Bones”.

    Brandon Gibson Says He Believes That UFC 309 Will Be Jon Jones’ Last Fight

    In a recent interview with From The Stands, Gibson was asked whether he believes, as a close friend of Jones’ for many years, that this truly is it.

    There has been a lot of criticism from the fans regarding the fight with Stipe Miocic with Jones regularly responding to the idea that he should be fighting interim champion Tom Aspinall instead, or at least sticking around to fight him after UFC 309.

    Gibson said that in his opinion, he thinks the champion will walk away but that isn’t a reflection on where his current skill level is at.

    The coach believes that Jones could continue to stay at the top of the sport for years to come but in the interest of leaving on his own terms, we could see the consensus greatest of all time leave his gloves inside the Octagon inside Madison Square Garden.

    “I do [think it’s his last fight]. This is a dangerous game. It’s a dangerous game and it’s not one that treats an aging fighter kindly. I always encourage all my fighters to be out before, to be able to pick their exit and Jon, more than any other fighter I believe, has earned and deserves to be able to pick and choose when he leaves. I think he has plenty more in the tank, I see his skill set every week against high-level opponents, I think right now he’s better than he’s ever been, oh my goodness. He’s really developed into an amazing heavyweight… I think he can continue to fight the very best for a long time to come but he’s also deserved to exit if he chooses to do so.”

    Read also: ‘Selfish’ UFC Told To Financially Compensate Michael Chandler For Conor McGregor Wait

  • VIDEO: Leon Edwards Teaches UK Comedians Rear-Naked Choke, Kick That KO’d Kamaru Usman

    VIDEO: Leon Edwards Teaches UK Comedians Rear-Naked Choke, Kick That KO’d Kamaru Usman

    Former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards put two of the most well-known comedians in the United Kingdom through their paces.

    Edwards, who recorded two successful title defenses before being unseated from the throne by Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in Manchester this past July, trains at the Team Renegade gym in Birmingham, England.

    While “Rocky” remains its most high-profile fighter, the facility also houses notable names like upcoming Bellator title challenger Fabian Edwards and UFC lightweight Jai Herbert. Top UFC featherweight contender Arnold Allen also frequently hits the mats there.

    Earlier this year, however, Team Renegade had some…well, less athletic individuals within its walls…

    Leon Edwards Shows Romesh Ranganathan & Rob Beckett The Ropes

    UK comedians Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett paid a visit to Team Renegade to try their hand at mixed martial arts for an episode of their Rob & Romesh Vs television series on Sky. The show sees the duo tested in various realms outside of their comfort zone.

    That includes learning to sprint with Olympic legend Usain Bolt, cooking in a restaurant with a Michelin-starred chef, and writing music with Shania Twain. Undoubtedly the most brutal and perhaps physically demanding, though, was the Rob & Romesh Vs UFC episode.

    Ranganathan and Beckett entered the cage with Edwards and his coach, Dave Lovell. The pair talked the comedians through various moves, including the rear-naked choke.

    At one point, the UFC star locked Beckett into the move and drew out a humorous reaction as he applied pressure.

    Edwards also guided the pair through the hard-hitting kick that saw him capture the welterweight title at the expense of Kamaru Usman back in 2022. Beckett compared the impact of Edwards’ kick on the pads to the sound of “a gun.”

    They couldn’t quite repeat that when having a go themselves, with Ranganathan hilariously connecting to the pads with his toe rather than shin, leaving him in pain.

  • ‘Selfish’ UFC Told To Financially Compensate Michael Chandler For Conor McGregor Wait

    According to one longtime rival of Conor McGregor’s, Michael Chandler is owed a lot by the UFC for his lengthy stint on the sidelines.

    By the time Chandler enters the Octagon again, it will have been two years since his most recent outing. The former Bellator champion started life on MMA’s biggest stage in rapid fashion, but that trend has certainly dipped in recent times.

    That’s no doubt down to one man, “The Notorious” McGregor. His comeback was announced toward the start of 2023, with the Irishman confirmed to be coaching opposite Chandler on The Ultimate Fighter before their own clash inside the cage at the end of the season.

    But the finale came and went, as did multiple rumored fight dates and an official booking at UFC 303 this past June. Chandler remained steadfast in his desire to wait for McGregor, in spite of plenty urging him to move on.

    Finally, confirmation that the Dubliner won’t return until 2025 has seen Chandler accept a different assignment, running it back with former UFC lightweight kingpin Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 this November.

    With that five-round rematch inside Madison Square Garden, Chandler has the chance to reignite his title ambitions, which took a hit when he was submitted by Dustin Poirier last time out in late 2022.

    One man who has had his fair share of back and forth with McGregor, however, doesn’t think Chandler is getting enough for his troubles…

    McGregor Rival Calls For Chandler To Be Financially Rewarded For Patience

    During a recent interview with CanadaCasino.ca, former boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi gave his assessment of the situation between McGregor and Chandler.

    Malignaggi has long had strong feelings when it comes to the former, with the pair having animosity between them stemming back to the release of sparring footage that appeared to show McGregor knocking “Magic Man” down in 2017.

    The ex-boxer evidently has similar views on the UFC as he slammed the promotion for ‘underpaying’ its fighters. And because of that, he doesn’t expect Chandler to be getting the kind of compensation he believes “Iron” deserves.

    “I’d love for Chandler to be financially rewarded for waiting but I doubt it. Who’s going to reward him? The UFC is run by the most selfish people. They underpay the fighters who fight — imagine how they treat the fighters who don’t,” Malignaggi said. “He should be compensated, but I’m not sure how they’d handle that. I think he deserves it, but he’s been waiting on the sidelines for this fight, and it’s just not going to happen for him.

    “I feel for Chandler. Fighting is a tough way to make a living. It’s not easy. You get damaged, your best years pass by, and you can’t go back to reach the levels you want,” Malignaggi continued. “When you get to the point where your best years are behind you, you’d hope for a big payday to make the rest of your life more comfortable. This struggle is common in combat sports.”

    While it remains to be seen whether Chandler will be getting anything additional for the ultimately unsuccessful wait he endured, perhaps he’s more likely to be given his targeted title shot in 2025 should he avenge his past loss to Oliveira come fight night at MSG later this year.

  • Michael Bisping: Renato Moicano ‘Has No Idea What He’s Stepping Into’ Against Benoît Saint Denis In Paris

    Michael Bisping: Renato Moicano ‘Has No Idea What He’s Stepping Into’ Against Benoît Saint Denis In Paris

    Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping thinks Renato Moicano is in for a shock when he makes the walk in the French capital.

    Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is back in Paris this week to stage its third event in France. The appetite for events in the country has consistently increased since MMA was legalized there in 2020, and the enthusiasm for the sport has been evident at the two UFC Fight Nights staged at the Accor Arena thus far.

    The cards, which were both headlined by Ciryl Gane, delivered in terms of both the action inside the Octagon and the atmosphere within the arena, which picked up whenever the country’s own athletes were in action.

    Not many nations replicate the kind of hostile environment for opposition fighters that France does, and Moicano stands to experience that firsthand this weekend when he headlines opposite Benoît Saint Denis.

    Bisping Warns Moicano Of Fired Up French Crowd, ‘Violent’ Saint Denis

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNsLG8PTcNE

    During TNT Sports’ Fight Week Preview for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Paris, Bisping looked ahead to the event and recounted his experience commentating inside Paris’ Accor Arena.

    While “The Count” gave Moicano props for his abilities and self-belief, he insisted that the fan-favorite lightweight contender is in for a surprise when he clashes with Saint Denis in the Frenchman’s own backyard.

    “Every time they’ve been to Paris, the crowd has been phenomenal. The fights have been great, but I’m telling you, the atmosphere has been electric,” Bisping said. “This will be no different because in the main event, it’s the French Special Forces, the ridiculously violent and aggressive Benoît Saint Denis. The man that almost, almost decapitated and finished Dustin Poirier.

    “In steps the opponent, Renato ‘Money’ Moicano, a man that is also slowly doing his own thing, becoming a star in the lightweight division as well,” Bisping continued. “Saint Denis is going to be extra violent because he’s in Paris. … Renato Moicano, even though he’s really good, and he’s really skilled, and he’s got great jiu-jitsu, and he’s very confident, and he’s good with the fists, has got no idea what he is stepping into. He’s flying into enemy territory, and I’m telling you, I cannot wait for this.”

    Moicano will look to prove Bisping wrong by handling the hostile reception he receives from the French crowd with poise, and subsequently repeating the feat when it comes to dealing with Saint Denis’ offense inside the cage.

    While the Brazilian is fighting down the rankings, a victory over the man whom his teammate Dustin Poirier defeated to secure a title shot earlier this year would no doubt be a big scalp on his record and pursuit of an opportunity at the gold himself.

  • ‘They Scared Of The Future Champ’ – Fans React As Movsar Evloev Removed From UFC 307 Card After No Replacement Stepped Up

    Some MMA enthusiasts aren’t surprised at UFC featherweights’ unwillingness to do battle with the undefeated Movsar Evloev on short notice.

    One of the key bouts set for the upcoming UFC 307 pay-per-view in Salt Lake City on Oct. 5 took a hit earlier this month when former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling announced his withdrawal through injury.

    “Funk Master” was scheduled to share the cage with the #6-ranked Evloev in what would have marked his second outing in the 145-pound division.

    The promotion had hoped to keep the unbeaten Russian on the lineup, which also boasts the likes of Kayla Harrison, José Aldo, and Kevin Holland below championship headliners that will see Alex Pereira and Raquel Pennington defend their titles.

    Per MMA Mania’s Alex Behunin, however, the UFC failed in its pursuit of a replacement opponent, with nobody agreeing to fight Evloev on the Oct. 5 date.

    Evloev Off UFC 307 Lineup, Fans React

    After Evloev called the weight class out on social media in the hopes of keeping himself on the UFC 307 card following news of Sterling’s injury, a few names emerged. But while notable contenders like Jean Silva and Bryce Mitchell expressed a willingness to face the Russian, they required more time.

    Fans were quick to give their thoughts on Evloev’s forced withdrawal on social media. Takes varied, with some using the absence of willing foes as evidence of Evloev’s talents and others suggesting that he won’t be missed at UFC 307 given his lack of Octagon finishes.

    https://twitter.com/yrbmar/status/1838310433976955048
    https://twitter.com/fr33ourminds/status/1838309835210645857
  • ‘Every Time!’ – Sean O’Malley Reveals How Often He’s Fought With Injuries

    ‘Every Time!’ – Sean O’Malley Reveals How Often He’s Fought With Injuries

    Sean O’Malley, regardless of the outcome of his fight against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306, would’ve taken time off to get hip surgery. The injury had been bothering the former bantamweight kingpin for quite some time, and he’s unlikely to make his UFC return for at least a year now.

    MMA fighters dealing with injuries isn’t a surprise at all. Injuries mostly occur because of rigorous training or during sparring and often lead to fights getting postponed or canceled. However, unless things are too severe, most fighters admit to competing with injuries.

    O’Malley recently opened up about his upcoming hip surgery and how frequently he fights with injuries…

    Sean O’Malley Claims To Have ‘Mentally Accepted’ Surgery But Not The Merab Dvalishvili Loss

    O’Malley, on his official YouTube channel, revealed that he’s scheduled to undergo surgery for his left labrum in his hip on October 3, 2024. When asked how often he fights with undisclosed injuries, here’ what “Suga” said:

    “I mean, every time. Every time. I have surgery October 3rd. I’m excited about the whole, I just kind of mentally accepted it unlike the defeat. I just mentally accepted, alright, we’re going to f****g go through surgery. Go through recovery and just get her done.”

    After reiterating that he could’ve won three rounds against Dvalishvili, O’Malley discussed the implications of his hip injury. From feeling uncomfortable doing day-to-day movements to not being able to try out new tactics in training, there are many ways it bothered him. He admitted that things are worse if a fighter is dealing with a knee, hip, or ankle injury.

    The former champ also pointed out that he hasn’t been able to lift weights because of being concerned about the injury.

    This explains why “Suga” aims to fully recover ahead of his UFC return. He’ll be 30 by then and considers 30-35 to be his physical prime. So, his plan for the next 12 months mostly involves eating, sleeping, and resting properly.

    With his return date several months away, O’Malley doesn’t want to think of a comeback fight yet. He knows that the UFC bantamweight division is stacked with the likes of Umar Nurmagomedov, Dvalishvili, Petr Yan, Cory Sandhagen, and Deiveson Figueiredo, so finding an exciting fight for his return shouldn’t be a problem.

  • UFC Legends Lay Down ‘Heel’ Gameplan For Islam Makhachev To Be As Popular As Jon Jones & Alex Pereira

    UFC Legends Lay Down ‘Heel’ Gameplan For Islam Makhachev To Be As Popular As Jon Jones & Alex Pereira

    Islam Makhachev became the UFC lightweight champion in October 2022 by defeating Charles Oliveira. His second-round submission win was commanding, and many rightly predicted that he would keep the belt for quite some time.

    Makhachev beat P4P No. 1 Alexander Volkanovski via decision in his first title defense and knocked him out with a head kick in the rematch. He then submitted Dustin Poirier in the fifth but also proved that his striking prowess is second to none in the lightweight division.

    Arman Tsarukyan, who Makhachev beat via unanimous decision in 2019, is likely to be the next title challenger. According to Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, the lightweight kingpin needs to turn ‘heel’ to make the most of his outstanding run in the UFC…

    Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen Explain How Islam Makhachev Can Become UFC’s Biggest Star By Pursuing Floyd Mayweather’s Approach

    In a recent episode of Good Guy / Bad Guy on the ESPN MMA YouTube channel, Sonnen and Cormier expressed concern over the current state of UFC champions. Because most of the champions have only recently won their belts, the company doesn’t boast a lot of stars.

    After calling Jon Jones and Alex Pereira the two most popular fighters on the roster, Cormier advocated that Makhachev has the potential to replace them once they’ve retired or lost. However, he would have to tone down the politeness.

    Sonnen agreed with the former UFC heavyweight kingpin. According to the veterans, a heel turn would benefit Makhachev greatly as he already drops cold statements but in a rather respectful manner. For readers unaware of the term, a heel in pro wrestling is the person who plays the villain.

    Here’s Sonnen appreciating Makhachev for his personality that just needs to be marketed in MMA circles the right way:

    “Okay, that guy is so charismatic, and he is so secretly funny. If he was to do a heel turn, I mean, come on, he said one of the great heel lines ever. He said a whole bunch of professors should be taking their black belts back from guys. Like that angle and that is blasphemy in this sport and nobody even knows got it. It was like this G-rated line, he didn’t use profanity, he didn’t yell. When he said it, he said it nicely.”

    Over the years, Sonnen himself, Michael Bisping, and Colby Covington have proved that a heel personality can sell amazingly well in the UFC as well. According to Cormier, Makhachev can boast about his superior skills and diss all the lightweights. He could follow in the footsteps of Floyd Mayweather and aim to reach a stage where people tune in to watch him lose.

    “I think that’s the move for Islam. He needs to get you and I to write him promos. We should write him promos. We write promos telling how much better he is than everyone. I would make him tell everybody that they don’t deserve to be in there with him and he’s just going to lord over this division until he decides to retire.”