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  • Alexander Volkanovski Feels UFC 305 Main Card Fighter Is ‘Due’ For A ‘Big KO Finish’: ‘Very Dangerous On The Feet…’

    Alexander Volkanovski Feels UFC 305 Main Card Fighter Is ‘Due’ For A ‘Big KO Finish’: ‘Very Dangerous On The Feet…’

    The UFC is headed back down under this weekend for UFC 305 which takes place in Perth, Australia on August 17.

    As expected, there’s a lot of Australasian representatives on the card in some big fights and that’s certainly the case for heavyweight fan favorite Tai Tuivasa.

    The Aussie slugger was on a great run of results heading into his main event clash with Ciryl Gane in September of 2022, following five consecutive stoppage victories.

    Since suffering a defeat to Gane, he is winless inside the Octagon and has lost four in a row with two coming via knockout and the other two by submission.

    Tuivasa now finds himself in a spot where he needs to get back in the win column and fortunately for him, he’s in a match-up that should suit him.

    Alexander Volkanovski Picks Tai Tuivasa To Bounce Back In A Big Way At UFC 305

    Tuivasa is set to meet fellow heavyweight striker and knockout artist Jairzinho Rozenstruik this weekend as top 15 heavyweights throw down in Perth.

    During his recent breakdown of the card, former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski predicted a big win for Tuivasa to silence the critics.

    He highlighted how despite “Bam Bam” coming in as the underdog this time around, he’s in a good position to cause an upset with his back against the wall and the Australian fans behind him.

    “Home crowd, against a striker, I like them odds. I like them odds. Again, Rozenstruik is an incredible striker, I think he did a lot of kickboxing even before UFC so he’s no easy fight but I mean I feel like Tai Tuivasa is going to come out and land a finish. I think he can get the big KO finish. He’s due for one so I’m going to go ‘Bam Bam’. Again, everyone loves ‘Bam Bam’ and another way to keep this big day of fights in Perth rolling is a big ‘Bam Bam’ knockout and shoey afterwards.”

    Read also: Serghei Spivac Gives Short & Sweet Response To Jailton Almeida’s Callout Following His UFC Fight Night Main Event Win

  • Rising UFC Middleweight Contender Predicts UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya: ‘The Two Styles Don’t Match At All…’

    Rising UFC Middleweight Contender Predicts UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya: ‘The Two Styles Don’t Match At All…’

    One of the biggest fights of the year goes down this weekend at UFC 305 when Dricus Du Plessis looks to defend the middleweight title against Israel Adesanya.

    The two men have been on a collision course with one another for some time now, with all roads eventually leading to Perth, Australia on August 17.

    However, an interesting match-up doesn’t always make for the greatest of fights, especially when you have someone that is as skilled in one area as Adesanya.

    The former two-time champion presents a difficult test for Du Plessis who usually relies on his power, aggression and output to get his hand raised. which won’t be easy against the precision striking of “The Last Stylebender”.

    One of the division’s most exciting contenders believes that the clash of styles will end up going the way of the challenger.

    Caio Borralho Believes That Israel Adesanya Has The Advantage In This Style Match-up

    In a recent interview with Kevin Iole, Caio Borralho said that he believes Adesanya’s style will be a perfect counter to the constant forward motion of the champion.

    Borralho has gone 6-0 in the middleweight division and will now look to put himself in the title picture when he faces Jared Cannonier in his first main event spotlight.

    He sees that unlike what Sean Strickland was able to do against Adesanya in the shock upset at UFC 293 last year, Du Plessis doesn’t have the right style to stop the former champ from reclaiming the top spot.

    “I think this time, I think Adesanya is going to win this fight. I think stylistically, the two styles doesn’t match a little, doesn’t match at all. I think Dricus just goes forward, try to punch and push the pace up, but I think Israel Adesanya is going to manage the distance all the time, circle up and kick a lot on Dricus and I think he can win by decision during the fifth round or maybe a good knockout in the third round if Dricus gets tired.”

    Read also: Sean Strickland’s Coach Breaks Down Du Plessis vs. Adesanya: ‘You’re Not Gonna Find Many People That Fight Like Him…’

  • Steve Erceg Highlights Biggest Lesson Learned From Alexandre Pantoja Title Loss Ahead Of UFC 305 Return

    Steve Erceg Highlights Biggest Lesson Learned From Alexandre Pantoja Title Loss Ahead Of UFC 305 Return

    Having narrowly fallen short of the UFC flyweight title three months ago, Steve Erceg is returning to action with the knowledge that he can compete with the elite of the division.

    Erceg, who currently occupies the #7 spot at 125 pounds, will be among the home fighters featuring at this weekend’s UFC 305 pay-per-view, which goes down inside the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

    “AstroBoy” has been able to make a relatively quick turnaround to compete in his city, returning after emerging from Brazil without the flyweight title in his possession this past May.

    The 29-year-old received a surprise title shot after just three fights in the UFC, looking to cash in on favorable circumstances at the expense of champion Alexandre Pantoja in the UFC 301 main event.

    While unsuccessful in that endeavor, Erceg had plenty of positives to take away from the five-round defeat, and he’ll carry them into his return against Kai Kara-France on August 17…

    Erceg On UFC 301 Loss: ‘I Learned That I Am Near The Top’

    During a recent interview with New York Post Sports, Erceg looked ahead to his fifth outing on MMA’s biggest stage and chance to bounce back from his first UFC defeat.

    When asked about his opening experience competing with UFC gold on the line, “AstroBoy” spoke of the added confidence he has having proven that he can hang with the best possible opposition in the flyweight division.

    “I learned that I am near the top of the division,” Erceg said. “I always believed it, but even though I lost, the fact I was able to go five rounds, I did get up, he didn’t take my back, I was able to land; there was a lot of good things that came out of it.

    “Also, obviously, a lot of things that I did wrong or he did well that I have to improve so that next time I get an opportunity like that, I can go there not as a good effort, but as a world champion,” Erceg continued. “That’s probably the biggest things I learned.”

    Erceg’s first step toward working his way back toward Pantoja and the gold in “The Cannibal’s” possession comes this weekend.

    And with a leading contender in Muhammad Mokaev being removed from the picture after his shock exit from the UFC, “AstroBoy” may not be far from a second shot given the competitive nature of his performance in Rio de Janeiro and the high ranking of his next opponent.

  • Alexander Volkanovski Warns Mateusz Gamrot: ‘Dan Hooker Is No Joke When It Comes To Wrestling Defense’

    Alexander Volkanovski Warns Mateusz Gamrot: ‘Dan Hooker Is No Joke When It Comes To Wrestling Defense’

    Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has insisted Mateusz Gamrot won’t have it all his own way in the grappling department against Dan Hooker this weekend.

    Hooker will mark one of many Oceanic natives taking to the Octagon close to home at the upcoming UFC 305 pay-per-view event, which goes down inside the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

    The lightweight fan favorite had long been calling for a spot on the high-profile card, and he got his wish alongside a major opportunity to climb back up the ranks.

    “The Hangman” is set to fight six places up the ladder against Gamrot, the #5-ranked contender at 155 pounds. The Polish fighter has been on a charge in the division, using his smothering wrestling game to get the better of names like Arman Tsarukyan, Jalin Turner, and Rafael dos Anjos in recent years.

    In Hooker, though, Volkanovski thinks Gamrot will run into a hurdle too tall…

    Volkanovski Backs Hooker To Withstand Gamrot’s Wrestling, Find A Finish At UFC 305

    During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Volkanovski broke down and provided his picks for the major matchups set to play out at UFC 305 in Perth this Saturday (Sunday morning local time).

    Among a number of Volkanovski’s frequent training partners over at City Kickboxing set to compete at the event is Hooker, who will enter his matchup with Gamrot as the underdog.

    The brawling striker has long had wrestling pointed to as a deficiency in his game, with champion Islam Makhachev being the last to expose it back in 2021. But while “Gamer” has shown a strong ground game, Volkanovski believes it takes more than what he can offer to get past Hooker’s defenses.

    “Gamrot is obviously gonna be coming for them takedowns. He’s a very, very, heavy wrestler, grappler,” Volkanovski said. “Look, Dan Hooker is hard to take down. Dan Hooker is no joke when it comes to wrestling defense and then submissions as you’re trying to take him down. You’ve seen the work Dan Hooker can do.

    “I swear, even the last times I’ve been training with him, he’s still got it. 10 years in the UFC and I think he looks better probably now than he did before. The last time I trained with him, he was looking good,” Volkanovski continued. “Last time Dan Hooker faced someone like (Gamrot), it was Islam Makhachev. Remember, short notice, and I feel Islam’s a little more trickier with takedowns. … Gamrot’s gonna be more aggressive with the wrestling … I just feel like Hooker can do enough to make that hard. … Hooker has got incredible timing for the takedown defense. … Hooker might find the finish here.”

    Hooker will look to prove Volkanovski’s prediction correct come fight night Down Under. And should he accomplish that feat, a return to the lightweight top five and title contention should be on the cards for the veteran New Zealander.

  • UFC Full Fight: Relive Dricus Du Plessis’ Title Win Over Sean Strickland Ahead Of His UFC 305 Defense 

    UFC Full Fight: Relive Dricus Du Plessis’ Title Win Over Sean Strickland Ahead Of His UFC 305 Defense 

    UFC 305 headliner Dricus Du Plessis achieved his title ambitions on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage this past January.

    The middleweight champion will return in the main event of this weekend’s pay-per-view card at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, where he’s tasked with defending his belt in a grudge match against Israel Adesanya.

    The South African’s first chance to extend his reign comes seven months on from his crowning at UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada. He headlined the promotion’s first PPV of 2024 in competition for the 185-pound gold, which was then held by Sean Strickland.

    “Stillknocks” brought the American’s divisional rule to a quick end, falling on the right side of a split decision after five rounds of competitive action to rip the title from Strickland’s grasp in his very first defense.

    Ahead of Saturday’s event, the promotion has released the full Du Plessis vs. Strickland fight from UFC 297 on its official YouTube channel.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s53Lz5NWhm4

    Du Plessis will now look to ensure he achieves a feat that Strickland failed to this year by recording a successful defense. To do so, he must stall Adesanya’s push for a historic three-time title crowning.

    The Nigerian-New Zealander will be making his return after losing the belt to Strickland close to a year ago. To regain it, Adesanya has his South African rival’s UFC 0 in his sights.

  • Brendan Allen Accuses Nassourdine Imavov Of ‘B*tch Move’ By Rejecting Five Rounds For UFC Fight Night Paris (Exclusive)

    Brendan Allen Accuses Nassourdine Imavov Of ‘B*tch Move’ By Rejecting Five Rounds For UFC Fight Night Paris (Exclusive)

    UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen is not impressed by Nassourdine Imavov’s alleged decision not to share the cage over 25 minutes next month.

    Allen will head to enemy territory to throw down with a fellow up-and-comer at 185 pounds in Imavov at the Paris-held UFC Fight Night on September 28. The pair will co-headline the event, much to the American’s frustration.

    The #7-ranked contender initially publicly rejected the France assignment owing to the fact that the promotion wasn’t looking to have him and Imavov headline. Allen was evidently convinced to compete on the undercard of Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis, but he remains frustrated at one stipulation.

    With five-round co-main events becoming more common, Allen says he pushed for that against “The Sniper,” but the Frenchman refused. Having had three of his last four outings scheduled for 25 minutes, the 28-year-old is not pleased about Imavov’s apparent reluctance to prepare for the longer distance…

    Allen Tells Imavov: You Want To Fight For The Title? 5 Rounds Is How You Do It

    During a recent interview with MMA News’ Ryan Jarrell, Allen looked ahead to his second Octagon appearance of 2024, which comes a few months on from his memorable victory over Chris Curtis in their barnburner at the Apex.

    That result added to “All In’s” five-round experience, and Imavov isn’t short on it himself having gone the 25-minute distance with both Sean Strickland and Roman Dolidze, as well as recently entering a fourth frame with Jared Cannonier prior to the TKO stoppage.

    Despite that, though, Allen says the three-round stipulation for the Paris co-main event is entirely down to Imavov and his team, a decision he has a firm view on.

    “Some people just need all the deck in their favor to try to win. But it’s not gonna be enough. I’m still gonna win,” Allen told MMA News. “I accepted the five rounds; I asked for the five rounds. I’ve heard the explanations but I still don’t agree or understand it. But it’s above my pay grade. I think it’s bullsh*t that 10 and 12 guys are main event over four and seven, where we have title contentions possibly surrounding our fight.

    “I think it’s kind of a b*tch move that he (Imavov) doesn’t want to accept five rounds. Even as a co-main, he doesn’t want to accept five rounds,” Allen continued. “You wanna fight for the belt? You wanna stake your claim? Like, that’s how you do it. You go out there and win a five-round fight, even if it doesn’t go five rounds. … I don’t fully understand his reasoning, but I understand their logic. Some people just need all the cards in their favor as much as possible.”

    Regardless, Allen will still be looking to deliver a standout performance in the French capital to stake his claim for a long-awaited first shot at title glory on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

    Having already won seven straight, perhaps the addition of the #4-ranked contender to his ever-growing résumé is the piece of the puzzle Allen needs to secure his spot opposite the champion next time out.

  • Israel Adesanya Reiterates Fury With ‘Privileged’ Dricus Du Plessis’ Comments: ‘Not Like Francis, Who Had To Cross The Desert…’ 

    Israel Adesanya Reiterates Fury With ‘Privileged’ Dricus Du Plessis’ Comments: ‘Not Like Francis, Who Had To Cross The Desert…’ 

    Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya remains motivated to make Dricus Du Plessis pay for some of his remarks at UFC 305.

    Having not competed since losing the title in shocking fashion against Sean Strickland last September, Adesanya will make his return to action opposite the man against whom “Tarzan” fell off the throne earlier this year.

    After an injury to Du Plessis scuppered plans for the pair to collide in Australia 11 months ago, “Stillknocks” and “The Last Stylebender” are now just days away from a battle Down Under, one that the South African will enter as the divisional kingpin.

    Du Plessis and Adesanya have long gone back and forth over the former’s remarks about African heritage. In addition to branding himself the “real African” in the UFC in one of his first post-fight interviews, the South African has pointed to his continued stay in the continent as a relevant point compared to the likes of Adesanya and Kamaru Usman.

    Adesanya Vows To Show Du Plessis The Error Of His ‘Colonialist’ Mindset

    During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Adesanya looked ahead to his mixed martial arts comeback and further commented on the sensitive topic that built his feud with Du Plessis early last year.

    The Nigerian-New Zealander reiterated his frustration with his upcoming opponent’s mindset, pointing to his journey and stories such as that of Francis Ngannou as examples Du Plessis ignored when branding himself the “real African” in the UFC.

    “It’s not personal, personal. I just want him to take accountability for his remarks,” Adesanya said. “Dricus is saying, ‘I train in Africa, I do this in Africa,’ and then people like (Abdul) Razak (Alhassan) and myself, who were forced to flee our own country because of better opportunities, he’ll never understand that because he lives behind the f*cking gates of his privileged life in South Africa.

    “Not like someone like Francis, who had to cross the desert to go overseas to go train. If you know Francis’ story, you can’t call him not a real African champion because he didn’t train in Africa,” Adesanya continued. “It’s like, bro, are you f*cking kidding? The guy got sent back out to the desert six, seven times to go die and he survived. … We paved the way for him and he comes out there and tries to take it all for himself. I wonder where he got that from? … ‘I see this and want it all for myself.’ … What kind of mindset is that? … That’s a colonialist mindset.”

    Adesanya will look to settle his grudge with Du Plessis within the steel surroundings of the Octagon this weekend, when he makes the walk to it for the first time in close to a year.

    Should he have his hand raised in Perth, more than just emerging victorious from what appears to be a heated grudge match with the South African, “The Last Stylebender” will achieve a historic three-time crowning.

  • VIDEO: UFC 305 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya

    VIDEO: UFC 305 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya

    Fight week for the UFC 305 pay-per-view this Saturday night has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode. Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya.

    Saturday’s lineup is topped by a championship clash, with middleweight kingpin Du Plessis (21-2) looking to add a first successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada, this past January. He earned that shot with a monumental triumph over the highly regarded Robert Whittaker during last year’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas.

    If “Stillknocks” is to continue his rule atop the 185-pound mountain, he must record a victory over the returning Adesanya (24-3). “The Last Stylebender” will be making his comeback 11 months on from losing the middleweight gold in shocking fashion to Strickland in Sydney.

    The Nigerian-New Zealander will be back competing on Australian soil once again, with Perth’s RAC Arena potentially hosting his historic crowning as three-time champ should he hand his South African rival the first loss of his career on MMA’s biggest stage.

    Ahead of that contest Down Under, fans can catch a preview in the full episode of UFC 305 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.

    UFC 305 Countdown: Full Episode

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLfQ6aHxELY

    And below, check out the full card for this weekend’s numbered event.

    Main Card:

    • Middleweight Championship Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis (C) vs. Israel Adesanya
    • Flyweight Co-Main Event: Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg
    • Lightweight: Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker
    • Heavyweight: Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
    • Welterweight: Li Jingliang vs. Carlos Prates

    Preliminary Card:

    • Heavyweight: Junior Tafa vs. Valter Walker
    • Featherweight: Joshua Culibao vs. Ricardo Ramos
    • Women’s Flyweight: Casey O’Neill vs. Luana Santos
    • Featherweight: Jack Jenkins vs. Herbert Burns

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Lightweight: Tom Nolan vs. Alex Reyes
    • Welterweight: Song Kenan vs. Rick Glenn
    • Flyweight: Stewart Nicoll vs. Jesus Aguilar

    Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com this week for all the updates and news on UFC 305!

  • Daniel Cormier Pushes Back On Interim Title Talk Amid Islam Makhachev Injury: ‘He’s Fought Twice Very Recently!’ 

    Daniel Cormier Pushes Back On Interim Title Talk Amid Islam Makhachev Injury: ‘He’s Fought Twice Very Recently!’ 

    Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier doesn’t think the idea of an interim lightweight title should be entertained while Islam Makhachev recovers.

    Makhachev cemented his grip on the crown earlier this summer when he put a stop to the late-career title ambitions of fan favorite Dustin Poirier at the UFC 302 pay-per-view in Newark.

    But the Dagestani may need to wait until 2025 before adding the name of another top contender at 155 pounds to his reign’s list of victims. While he was originally expected to defend the belt in a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan this October in Abu Dhabi, an injury has scuppered those plans.

    According to the challenger, either December or early 2025 are the two estimates for the champ’s return. And should the latter of those come to fruition, the Russian-Armenian is open to competing for an interim title in the meantime.

    That suggestion, however, has not gone down well with one former fighter-turned-color commentator…

    Cormier On Tsarukyan’s Interim Title Proposal: ‘Why Are We Creating Belts?!’

    During the latest episode of his Good Guy / Bad Guy show alongside Chael Sonnen on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel, Cormier reacted to confirmation that injury will keep Makhachev out of UFC 308 this fall.

    After revealing a conversation in which Makhachev told him that recovery won’t take too long, Cormier rejected suggestions that an interim champ should be crowned in the Dagestani’s brief absence.

    Cormier pointed to Makhachev’s recent activity to push back on the interim title talk.

    “You get hurt, at times. Islam Makhachev has been active. He fought in October in Abu Dhabi against Alexander Volkanovski. He fought in (June) in Newark…fought Dustin Poirier,” Cormier said. “He’s fought twice very recently. If he was to fight in October, it would have been three fights in a calendar year.

    “There is no need for an interim championship. Chael, when in the world did we start to speak titles into existence?” Cormier continued. “Could you imagine, Chael, if when you were chasing down Anderson Silva and you go, ‘Well I’ll fight for an interim title if he ain’t ready in six months!’ … Who does Tsarukyan fight for the interim championship? It’s like, why are we creating belts, or trying (to)? … It just doesn’t need to be.”

    In terms of the “who” aspect of Cormier’s remarks, Tsarukyan name-dropped Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler as potential options for an interim title showdown in the coming months.

    It remains to be seen whether the UFC will fall on Tsarukyan or Cormier’s side. Should the promotion avoid an additional belt, the top lightweight contender would also appear content waiting a little longer for his first opportunity at achieving champ status on MMA’s biggest stage.

  • Serghei Spivac Gives Short & Sweet Response To Jailton Almeida’s Callout Following His UFC Fight Night Main Event Win

    Serghei Spivac Gives Short & Sweet Response To Jailton Almeida’s Callout Following His UFC Fight Night Main Event Win

    UFC heavyweight contender Serghei Spivac doesn’t seem interested in pushing for a specific name following his win this past weekend.

    Spivac headlined a low-key card at the Apex on Saturday night, getting his chance for redemption opposite fellow European Marcin Tybura. The Polish fighter defeated his Moldovan peer on the scorecards back in 2020.

    But “Polar Bear” got his revenge in Las Vegas, quickly locking in a tight armbar for the verbal submission less than two minutes into the very first round.

    The performance, which saw Spivac earn a performance bonus, was followed by a relaxed interview from the 29-year-old heavyweight, during which he dismissed a push from Michael Bisping to call out a name.

    Instead, Spivac simply said he’d be content sharing the cage with anybody above him in the heavyweight pecking order. And while he didn’t make the matchmaker’s life any easier, one contender did by throwing his name into the hat…

    Almeida Calls Out Spivac, Gets Direct Response

    During his post-fight press conference on Saturday night, Spivac reflected on his victory in the latest UFC Fight Night main event and assessed what could lie in his future.

    “Polar Bear” reiterated his decision to avoid specific callouts, explaining that it’s difficult to pinpoint a name in an ever-changing weight class.

    “When people ask me what’s next, it’s very hard for me to say because a lot of things can change in the heavyweight division really quickly,” Spivac said. “So it’s good for me when the UFC says who is next as opposed to me having to choose. I understand that tournaments happen every single Saturday, every single week, so I’ll wait and we’ll see what’s next.”

    Spivac did have his attention turned to a callout that he was the recipient of, however.

    Soon after the Moldovan’s win, the #7-ranked Jailton Almeida pitched a clash with him next. Spivac had little to say in response, but the three words he did utter would appear to signal a green light.

    “Let him train.”

    Almeida is coming off the first defeat of his UFC career, having had his push for a title shot stalled by Curtis Blaydes by way of a violent TKO at UFC 299 this past March.

    Spivac, meanwhile, has won four of his last five. The sole loss in that run was a knockout setback at the hands of Ciryl Gane in Paris last September.

  • Jon Anik Differs From Dana White On Jon Jones’ Future: ‘If I Could Get A Betting Line On Jones vs. Aspinall Never F*cking Happening…’ 

    Jon Anik Differs From Dana White On Jon Jones’ Future: ‘If I Could Get A Betting Line On Jones vs. Aspinall Never F*cking Happening…’ 

    Unlike UFC CEO Dana White, Jon Anik isn’t confident that Jon Jones sticks around to fight interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

    Not many topics have remained at the surface of the mixed martial arts community in 2024 quite like the UFC’s heavyweight title picture, which currently boasts two champions but uncertainty regarding whether they will ever face each other.

    That problem arose after an injury to Jones late last year saw his planned defense against Stipe Miocic canceled and an interim titleholder crowned in his absence. And when Aspinall captured that belt, talk turned to a unification showdown.

    However, both Jones and the UFC have other plans, remaining firm on rearranging the Miocic fight for the Madison Square Garden event this November. In the meantime, Aspinall has recorded the first successful defense of his gold, knocking out Curtis Blaydes in quick time at UFC 304 last month.

    While the Brit — as well as plenty of fans and analysts — has expressed doubt over his dream fight with Jones reaching the Octagon, White recently predicted that the all-time great will delay a possible retirement should he defeat Miocic in order to face the challenge of Aspinall.

    But the man who would be tasked with calling that monumental heavyweight clash doesn’t have high hopes…

    Anik Doesn’t Share White’s Confidence On Jones vs. Miocic Coming To Fruition

    During the latest episode of his podcast alongside ex-fighter Kenny Florian, Anik gave his take on the current status of the championship conversation at heavyweight.

    The longtime play-by-play commentator shared White’s sentiment when it comes to Jones wanting to challenge himself against the division’s highly regarded interim champ. Anik doesn’t, however, believe that feeling will be stronger than the Rochester native’s desire to protect his legacy on MMA’s biggest stage.

    “I would agree with Dana White in so far as that Jon Jones, if he beats Stipe Miocic, would want to challenge himself against someone like Tom Aspinall,” Anik said. “And what better way to put a capstone on your career as the consensus greatest MMA fighter of all time than to beat a guy in Tom Aspinall who is all the rage at present, and a guy who many forecast to be the greatest mixed martial arts heavyweight of all time. I think he wants the challenge — not at the expense of his legacy.

    “If he can beat Stipe Miocic as a -350 betting favorite and ride off into the Albuquerque sunset, I am expectant that that is what he is going to do,” Anik continued. “I know Dana and others have said they’d be surprised if Jon doesn’t bite off that Aspinall challenge if he beats Stipe. I would, with respect, go the other way. If I could get a betting line on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall never f*cking happening, I would ask my wife if I could, you know, spend several figures on that.”

    For now, Jones appears to be ramping up his physical activity as he prepares to make his way back from injury later this year. What comes after a potential victory over the returning Miocic, however, remains to be seen.

  • ‘Leave It Closed’ – MMA Fans React To Report That Renovations Will Pause UFC Apex Events

    ‘Leave It Closed’ – MMA Fans React To Report That Renovations Will Pause UFC Apex Events

    Since its official opening in 2019, the UFC Apex was created to be a state-of-the-art production facility for the MMA promotion. In addition to hosting fights for The Ultimate Fighter and Dana White’s Contender Series, the APEX has been an integral part of the UFC experience, hosting Fight Night events since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The UFC’s events at the Apex, in terms of both card quality and limitations, however, have put a strain on fan enjoyment. But MMA enthusiasts may receive a small break from such cards in the near future.

    According to Caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman on X), the renovations to the Apex that will begin in November mean the facility will not be re-opened until the summer of 2025.

    Ken Hathaway of MMA Junkie followed Caposa’s post up by posting photos of the construction area.

    UFC CEO Dana White confirmed in an interview with TNT Sports that a $25 million renovation will take place, allowing for more people to attend Apex events, as well as upgrades to bathrooms and hospitality features.

    “We’re gonna travel more with the Fight Nights,” White said. “The [UFC] APEX is going under construction here. We’re actually expanding the APEX, and it’s gonna be bigger and better.”

    Fans React To UFC Apex Renovations, Temporary Closing In Near Future

    The August 10 UFC Fight Night event held at the UFC Apex, headlined by Marcin Tybura and Serghei Spivac, was the 95th Fight Night card held at the venue, dubbed the “UFC Vegas” series.

    The upcoming UFC schedule, according to several reports and rumors, will see Fight Night cards at the Apex on August 24, September 7, October 12, October 19, and November 9. The November 9 card (which would be UFC Vegas 100), would serve as the final APEX card before the closing for renovations.

    The UFC additionally has a November 2 Fight Night card, but it is unclear where this card will take place, as well as any Fight Night events held after November 9.

    While it’s assumed the renovations would be completed before the start to the 2025 season of Dana White’s Contender Series, it is unclear what would happen to a 33rd season of The Ultimate Fighter due to the facility’s temporary closure.

  • ‘Forever Indebted To Serghei Spivac For That Quick Finish’ – MMA Fans React To Spivac’s Slick Armbar In UFC Fight Night Main Event

    ‘Forever Indebted To Serghei Spivac For That Quick Finish’ – MMA Fans React To Spivac’s Slick Armbar In UFC Fight Night Main Event

    Serghei Spivac continued his upward momentum and scored revenge in the process with a quick finish of Marcin Tybura in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night.

    Spivac got right on Tybura’s back as the round started, scoring an early takedown. The Polish heavyweight answered by reversing and getting in the Moldovan’s guard.

    While Tybura tried to do work from there, it ultimately proved to be his undoing. Spivac locked his legs around the veteran’s arm and rolled through with an armbar from the back, scoring a verbal submission.

    Serghei Spivac Avenges Loss To Marcin Tybura With First-Round Submission In UFC Fight Night Headliner

    Tybura and Spivac first met at UFC Fight Night Norfolk in February 2020, with the former winning via unanimous decision.

    “Polar Bear” has now won four of his last five fights and rebounds from a second-round TKO loss at the hands of Ciryl Gane last year in Paris. His only losses in the UFC have come against Tybura, Gane, Walt Harris, and current interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall.

    Tybura, meanwhile, has now lost two of his last three fights.

  • UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Serghei Spivac Submits Marcin Tybura

    UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Serghei Spivac Submits Marcin Tybura

    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, top-ten ranked heavyweights Marcin Tybura (#8) and Serghei Spivac (#9) clashed. While in the co-main event, Damon Jackson faced Chepe Mariscal in a featherweight matchup. 

    UFC Fight Night Results: Main Card

    • Heavyweight Main Event: Serghei Spivac def. Marcin Tybura via submission: R1, 1.44
    • Featherweight Co-Main Event: Chepe Mariscal def. Damon Jackson via unanimous decision (30-25×2, 30-26)
    • Welterweight: Danny Barlow def. Nikolay Veretennikov via split decision (29-28×2, 27-30)
    • Bantamweight: Chris Gutiérrez def. Quang Le via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Yana Santos def. Chelsea Chandler via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28×2)
    • Bantamweight: Toshiomi Kazama def. Charalampos Grigoriou via submission: R2, 1.55

    Preliminary Card

    • Women’s Strawweight: Stephanie Luciano def. Talita Alencar via unanimous decision (30-27×3)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Karol Rosa def. Pannie Kianzad via unanimous decision (30-27×3)
    • Heavyweight: Jhonata Diniz def. Karl Williams via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28×2)
    • Featherweight: Youssef Zalal def. Jarno Errens via submission: R1, 3.52

    Preliminary Card Highlights

    Youssef Zalal def. Jarno Errens

    Youssef Zalal locked in a standing rear-naked choke to get the win against Jarno Errens in their featherweight bout.

    Main Card Highlights

    Toshiomi Kazama def. Charalampos Grigoriou

    In this bantamweight bout, Toshiomi Kazama earned his first UFC victory after submitting Charalampos Grigoriou in the second round.

    Yana Santos def. Chelsea Chandler

    Yana Santos earned a unanimous decision win against Chelsea Chandler in their women’s bantamweight bout.

    Chris Gutiérrez def. Quang Le

    In this bantamweight bout, Chris Gutiérrez earned a unanimous decision victory against Quang Le.

    Danny Barlow def. Nikolay Veretennikov

    Danny Barlow remains undefeated after being handed a split decision win over Nikolay Veretennikov in their welterweight bout.

    In the co-main event, Chepe Mariscal got it done on the scorecards to defeat Damon Jackson via unanimous decision.

    Serghei Spivac def. Marcin Tybura

    In the main event, Serghei Spivac took under two minutes to submit Marcin Tybura with an arm bar.

  • PFL Executive Debunks Muhammad Mokaev’s Claim The Promotion Reached Out To Him: ‘No One Showed Even An Oz Of Interest!’

    PFL Executive Debunks Muhammad Mokaev’s Claim The Promotion Reached Out To Him: ‘No One Showed Even An Oz Of Interest!’

    Two weeks after the UFC’s public release of Muhammad Mokaev following UFC 304, the drama involving the undefeated flyweight continues.

    Mokaev posted a message to his X (formerly Twitter) account on August 10, giving a thank you message to other promotions, including the PFL, Brave CF, RIZIN, Karate Combat, and ACA.

    Mokaev claimed that the organizations all reached out to him and he is contemplating his next move — with one ultimate goal in mind that does not involve any of them.

    “I appreciate [you] for believing in me, now I will sit down with my team and take the best option not on money wise but that could let me go back to the UFC ASAP!” Mokaev posted.

    PFL Executive Claims The Promotion Never Reached Out To Muhammad Mokaev

    Hours after Mokaev’s message, former Bellator matchmaker and current PFL executive Mike Kogan took to his Instagram Stories to refute “The Punisher’s” claim. Kogan insisted that the PFL is not among those who have contacted Mokaev.

    “This story is a lie – no one from PFL or Bellator spoke to the dude or even showed an [ounce] of interest,” Kogan posted.

    Kogan’s message would go along the comments Ray Sefo made last week at the PFL post-fight press conference in Nashville, where he remarked that Mokaev was a “pain in the ass” and that he had no interest in him.

    It should be noted, however, that Sefo is a part of Xtreme Couture, where Manel Kape trains at. “Starboy” and Mokaev had public altercations in the lead-up to their UFC 304 bout, which the Dagestan-born Brit ultimately won in a fight that was heavily scrutinized and widely branded lackluster.

    At the UFC 304 post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White publicly announced that Mokaev would not be re-signed by the promotion, stating that the PFL would get a great undefeated talent.

    MMA commentator Ben “The Bane” Davis would go on to report an anonymous tip he received that Mokaev attempted to use PFL for contractual leverage prior to the expiration of his UFC contract.

    Davis’ report was refuted by Mokaev’s team, though “The Punisher’s” response to Sefo on social media — claiming he wouldn’t take the PFL’s deal anyway — has sparked confusion regarding the situation.

  • VIDEO: Toshiomi Kazama Recovers From Near-KO To Land Crazy Comeback Submission At UFC Fight Night

    VIDEO: Toshiomi Kazama Recovers From Near-KO To Land Crazy Comeback Submission At UFC Fight Night

    Toshiomi Kazama’s nickname may be the “Silent Finisher,” but he made a lot of noise with the way he scored a victory over Charalampos Grigoriou at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night.

    Kazama was hit with a big left hand about 20 seconds into the second round, which saw him dropped to the mat. Grigoriou followed him there and unleashed devastating ground-and-pound.

    https://twitter.com/MMASharke1/status/1822414006251868665

    To everyone’s surprise, though, the referee did not stop the fight and Kazama survived the flurry.

    Toshiomi Kazama Goes From Nearly Being Stopped To Scoring Submission Win At UFC Fight Night

    Kazama quickly got himself back into the fight with his grappling ability. Grigoriou tried to fight fire with fire, but playing into that strength proved to have a devastating mistake.

    The Japanese prospect was able to lock up a triangle choke and scored a submission victory just one minute after looking like he would be the one getting finished at the Apex.

    Kazama breaks a two-fight losing skid and perhaps saved his UFC roster spot with the win, going 0-2 prior to tonight since a win over Keremuaili Maimaitituoheti on Road to UFC.

    Grigoriou, who scored a win on Dana White’s Contender Series last year, is now 0-2 in the Octagon.

  • Report: Anthony Smith vs. Dominick Reyes Targeted For UFC 310 On December 14

    Report: Anthony Smith vs. Dominick Reyes Targeted For UFC 310 On December 14

    The major events for the UFC’s 2024 final quarter schedule is starting to come together, and a battle between former light heavyweight title challengers is being targeted for the last pay-per-view of the year.

    A clash between Anthony Smith (38-20) and Dominick Reyes (13-4) is being planned to take place on December 14, the likely date for UFC 310, per Alex Behunin of MMA Mania. Though no location has been announced, it is believed the card will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    Anthony Smith vs. Dominick Reyes Targeted For UFC 310

    Smith is coming off a loss to Roman Dolidze at UFC 303 this past June. “Lionheart” was just less than two months removed from his previous fight, defeating Vitor Petrino at the Brazil-held UFC 301 in May.

    The veteran contender has consistently traded wins and losses over the past couple of years since challenging Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 235, losing a decision.

    Reyes, meanwhile, competed at UFC Fight Night Louisville in June, knocking out Dustin Jacoby in two minutes. It was “The Devastator’s” first fight since a loss to Ryan Spann at UFC 281 in 2022 and his first victory since defeating Chris Weidman in Boston in October 2019.

    His four-fight losing skid in the time between began with an unsuccessful challenge of Jones at UFC 247, losing via a controversial decision.

  • Chris Weidman Reacts As Former Opponent Bruno Silva Suspended For Violating UFC Anti-Doping Policy: ‘Very Interesting…’

    Chris Weidman Reacts As Former Opponent Bruno Silva Suspended For Violating UFC Anti-Doping Policy: ‘Very Interesting…’

    Middleweight Bruno Silva has been suspended from active competition, per an announcement from Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD), the anti-doping partner of the UFC.

    Silva, who last fought at UFC Fight Night Atlantic City in a loss to former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, has accepted a six-month ban from competition. Though Weidman got the win in New Jersey that night, he was severely unamused by Silva’s failure.

    And while no explanation has been given by Silva for the test failure, Weidman says he was told it could have been “microdosing anabolics.”

    Bruno Silva Suspended For Violating UFC Anti-Doping Policy, Chris Weidman Makes Accusation

    Weidman’s win in Atlantic City brought plenty of controversy in the fight’s finishing sequence. The American, it originally seemed, was able to force Silva to collapse to the mat and overwhelm him with ground-and-pound. It would have been Weidman’s first finish since his submission of Kelvin Gastelum in 2017.

    The state’s athletic commission, however, overturned the result to a unanimous technical decision upon seeing that Silva was poked in both eyes during the sequence.

    Weidman’s win over Silva was his first victory since defeating Omari Akhmedov in August 2020, as well as his first victory in his second fight since coming back from his broken leg.

    Silva’s suspension is retroactive to April 11, meaning he can return to competition beginning October 11.

  • Sean O’Malley On Muhammad Mokaev’s UFC Expulsion: ‘Make The UFC’s Life Hell For Fight Week…’

    Sean O’Malley On Muhammad Mokaev’s UFC Expulsion: ‘Make The UFC’s Life Hell For Fight Week…’

    Sean O’Malley recently weighed in on the UFC’s decision to release Muhammad Mokaev following his fight with Manel Kape at UFC 304.

    Mokaev managed to secure a unanimous decision victory over Kape last month in a bout that was fraught with trouble from the start. The tension between the two flyweights began at the hotel, where they engaged in a heated altercation. “The Punisher” later confessed to instigating the clash by sucker-punching Kape. Their animosity continued to flare up, with the pair nearly coming to blows at several media events during the fight week.

    After defeating Kape, Mokaev revealed that his UFC contract had come to an end and expressed optimism for a renewal. However, during the UFC 304 post-event presser, UFC CEO Dana White announced that the undefeated Russian would not be offered a new deal and would instead be released from the promotion.

    White clarified that it wasn’t Mokaev’s performance or fighting style that led to the decision but rather a series of off-the-Octagon issues that made the matchmakers hesitant to extend another contract offer.

    Mokaev admitted that his behavior was met with disapproval and issued a public apology to the UFC through a series of posts on X. Despite his contrition, White and the organization held firm in their decision, and he has now been removed from the official flyweight rankings.

    “Sugar” speculates that a major reason behind Mokaev’s removal from the UFC might have been his seemingly lackluster performance against Kape…

    O’Malley Finds Mokaev’s Release ‘A Bit Surprising’

    During a recent episode of the TimboSugarShow, O’Malley and his coach, Tim Welch, discussed Mokaev’s removal from the UFC roster. The reigning UFC bantamweight champion admitted that he found it a bit shocking that a young, undefeated prospect was released.

    However, he speculated that Mokaev’s antics and underwhelming performance in the cage might have played a significant role in the decision.

    “It is surprising, though, because he’s 25 [years old], and he’s one of the few fighters I can name off the top of my head,” O’Malley said. “He’s 7-0 in the UFC, so it is a little bit surprising. But yeah, also, if you’re going to go in there and make the UFC’s life hell for fight week, and then go in there with only four punches thrown in the first round—they were separating them in the Octagon before the fight even started. Then the bell rings, and three punches were thrown in the first round.”

    Mokaev recently claimed that he has already made amends for his past mistakes and even offered to fight for free if the UFC gives him another shot at redemption.

    However, “The Punisher” soon hinted that he was already in discussions with another promotion about joining their ranks. Recently, he dropped another clue, suggesting that he has officially signed on, posting an image on X of a new pair of MMA gloves with the caption: “New gloves, same goal.”

  • Sean Strickland’s Coach Breaks Down Du Plessis vs. Adesanya: ‘You’re Not Gonna Find Many People That Fight Like Him…’

    Sean Strickland’s Coach Breaks Down Du Plessis vs. Adesanya: ‘You’re Not Gonna Find Many People That Fight Like Him…’

    Sean Strickland’s coach, Eric Nicksick, recently offered insights on the upcoming title showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya set for UFC 305.

    Du Plessis is set to make the first defense of his middleweight title in a much-awaited showdown of fierce rivalry against Adesanya, headlining the pay-per-view event on August 17 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

    “Stillknocks” was originally targeted to challenge Adesanya after his impressive victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 in July 2023. However, fate had other plans, as an injury sidelined the South African. In the meantime, “The Last Stylebender” suffered an unexpected defeat, losing the middleweight title to Strickland at UFC 293.

    Du Plessis made a triumphant return by defeating Strickland in a razor-close split decision, clinching the 185-pound title at UFC 297 this past January. Now, the stage is perfectly set for these two adversaries to finally settle their scores in the Octagon as Adesanya gears up to make his return after an 11-month hiatus—the longest of his UFC career.

    Nicksick believes that both fighters are evenly matched heading into UFC 305, but the outcome will hinge on just how much “The Last Stylebender” has sharpened his skills during his time away from the competition…

    Nicksick Calls Du Plessis vs. Adesanya a ’50-50′ Battle

    During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Nicksick dissected the highly anticipated clash between Du Plessis and Adesanya. The renowned MMA coach predicted that both fighters stand on equal footing with an even chance of victory. However, he emphasized that much will depend on how well the former UFC middleweight champion performs after such a lengthy hiatus from the sport.

    “I kind of consider it a 50-50 coin flip, man. I really do. I’m very curious to see what type of Izzy comes back,” Nicksick said. “In a lot of ways, selfishly, I’m pulling for him because, you know, the division is much better with a talented and, you know, championship-level Israel Adesanya in the division.”

    Nicksick went on to say that, based on Du Plessis’ performance against Strickland, he sees “Stillknocks” as the favorite. He noted that Du Plessis’ unorthodox style makes him a formidable challenge for Adesanya, potentially giving him the edge in this matchup.

    “I really took a liking to Dricus over the last year or so. I wouldn’t say we’re close, but we’re friendly and very respectful towards one another, and I’m pulling for him in a lot of ways because I think he has been severely overlooked over the years. He’s a problem, man, and he’s only getting better. I think the way he’s starting to fight and understand who and what he is as a fighter—he’s awkward in a way like Sean is, but with more power, right? It’s hard—it’s very hard. It was very difficult for us to find particular sparring partners for Dricus’ camp. You’re not going to find many people that can fight like him.”

    Du Plessis and Adesanya have been on a collision course long before their fiery face-off at UFC 290. Their upcoming showdown promises to be a captivating spectacle, as both fighters bring their own distinctive and formidable fighting styles to the table.

  • ‘And People Act Like He Won’t Do This To Aspinall’ – Fans React To Video Of Jon Jones’ Elite Grappling With Gordon Ryan

    ‘And People Act Like He Won’t Do This To Aspinall’ – Fans React To Video Of Jon Jones’ Elite Grappling With Gordon Ryan

    Jon Jones may be the most skilled mixed martial artist that the sport has ever seen.

    What can easily be forgotten about when it comes to the skills that “Bones” brings to the table is his high-level grappling which he rarely uses.

    For the majority of his run in the light heavyweight division, Jones chose to strike with opponents instead which shows how well-rounded he is.

    Fans did get another quick glimpse at his grappling ability in his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane, where he was able to quickly secure a takedown and guillotine submission to become world champion in another weight class.

    With all of this being said, large sections of the MMA fanbase haven’t been willing to give Jones his flowers as of late due to the ongoing conversation around him and the interim champion, Tom Aspinall.

    MMA Fans React As Jon Jones Holds His Own With Gordon Ryan

    A recent video on social media showed yet another look at Jones’ high-level grappling as he mixed it up on the mats with Gordon Ryan.

    As well as being a big and powerful athlete, Ryan is one of the best jiu-jitsu competitors ever and at least in this clip, “Bones” is able to hold his own.

    As is the case with everything that Jones posts as of late, many of the replies underneath were in reference to a potential fight with Aspinall, which fans have been very outspoken about.

    Whilst some believe that this fight is to make instead of having him return against Stipe Miocic, others have sided with the heavyweight champion and believe that the Aspinall hype train has gotten out of hand.

    “And people act like he won’t do this to Aspinall in a f***in heartbeat”

    “BREAKING NEWS Dana White’s burner account gets leaked under the account name ‘blonded’”

    “I realized after he cooked Gane”

    “People don’t realize how small Gordon Ryan is compared to Tom Aspinall.”

    “Jones would beat Aspinall easily. Respect the GOAT”

    https://twitter.com/DeWizard7/status/1821771447137636662

    “No way you think Gordon Ryan was actually trying???”

    “I don’t wanna hear anybody saying Aspinall beats him”

    Read also: TJ Dillashaw Criticises Anthony Smith: ‘He Doesn’t Have That Dog In Him…’

  • Francis Ngannou’s Touching Gesture To Coach Who ‘Doesn’t Have A Family’: ‘It Was Enough To Move This Man To Tears…’

    Francis Ngannou’s Touching Gesture To Coach Who ‘Doesn’t Have A Family’: ‘It Was Enough To Move This Man To Tears…’

    When MMA fans first came across Francis Ngannou, many bought into him because of his destructive one punch knockout power that made him a must-watch addition to the UFC’s roster.

    It was then his story, and some incredible highlight reel knockouts, that really helped to turn “The Predator” into a big star in the combat sports world.

    As a result of his incredible journey in life to achieve his dreams after coming from humble beginnings, it’s no surprise that Ngannou is a great person.

    He represents combat sports so well by being a tremendous human being so it was no surprise to see the amount of support he received after what he went through earlier this year.

    Eric Nicksick Shares Recent Moment From The Gym Where Francis Ngannou Shared His Appreciation For One Of The Coaches

    There is sure to be many people that have crossed paths with Ngannou that would be able to talk about the character of the former UFC champion.

    Not many know him better than Xtreme Couture head coach Eric Nicksick who described his fighter in an interview with MMA Fighting as a “forward thinker” who is “always trying to leave people better off than when he found them”.

    When asked to give an example of the kind of person Ngannou is behind closed doors, a moment that recently took place in the gym jumped right into his mind.

    Nicksick told the story of how a potentially underappreciated member of the coaching team at the gym, Nathan Pettit, was a recent recipient of Ngannou’s kindness and gratitude.

    “Oh 100%. Nate Pettit is one of our coaches at the gym and Nate’s just one of the hardest workers you’re going to see in the room like the guy’s constantly holding the pads for people, constantly on the road. He’s a dog like he’s just a guy that’s like if you walk in the gym right now, Nate’s working and he doesn’t have a family, doesn’t have a life, his life is this gym. So Nate came up to me, we were putting the new cages together, Nate came up to me with like tears in his eyes, this is like two weeks ago and he’s like, ‘Dude, Francis just handed me a cheque and just said thank you for everything that you do.’

    “I don’t know what the amount was, I didn’t even ask but it was enough to move this man to tears, to an emotion. I said to Francis later on, I was like hey, thanks for hooking up Nate. He’s like, ‘Of course bro, I see how hard he works and I want to pay him for all the time he’s given to others that maybe it’s not reciprocated back to him.’ So you know, just keeping it in the house, keeping it in the family the way he takes care of his coaching staff and the people around him. Nate had a huge role in helping Francis beat Stipe Miocic, Nate ran those wrestling practices along with Dennis Davis so paying it forward to Nate man, that’s just the type of person that Francis is.”

    Read also: Opening Betting Odds Released For Francis Ngannou & Cris Cyborg’s PFL Debuts

  • ‘Belal Twitter Fingers On Point’ – MMA Fans React As Belal Muhammad & Kamaru Usman Indulge In Hilarious Social Media Feud

    ‘Belal Twitter Fingers On Point’ – MMA Fans React As Belal Muhammad & Kamaru Usman Indulge In Hilarious Social Media Feud

    Belal Muhammad has never been the type of person that tends to avoid engaging in the occasional social media back-and-forth and this hasn’t changed since he has become champion.

    In fact, since winning the title at UFC 304, the new titleholder has been exchanging words with the division’s former champion, Kamaru Usman.

    What started with one post from Usman where he criticized some comments from Muhammad in an interview has now seen them both retaliate.

    Usman’s response specifically focused in on Muhammad’s comments about his cameo appearance in Black Panther, which of course, “Remember The Name” had a counter for.

    In the final statement, at least at this current time, Muhammad revisited the first post that kicked off this conversation, bringing up a point about Usman referring to his win over Leon Edwards.

    MMA Fans React As Belal Muhammad Gets The Last Laugh For Now

    Though a lot of fans would likely rather see the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov challenge Muhammad for the welterweight title next, this social media feud with Usman has been entertaining to say the least.

    Both men have been able to get in some good jabs at one another and it appears that the current 170-pound king has had the final word.

    The combat sports community on social media reacted underneath Muhammad’s recent post.

    “Nah Belal really read that back a few times to cook up some more shit. Keep it comin champ”

    “Belal Twitter fingers on point right now. Me sitting back enjoying the back and forth”

    “Bully bringing receipts…..”

    “Ur making bruh cry please stop”

    “Your last KO was when Bush was president in high school. Stop bro the king of Decisions”

    “Belal kinda cooking rn ngl”

    “Damn. Going for the knees is a shot below the belt…”

    Read also: Belal Muhammad: There’s ‘Turmoil’ Between Leon Edwards & Coach After UFC 304 Loss

  • Islam Makhachev’s Coach Discusses Potential Middleweight Title Fight Against Du Plessis Or Adesanya

    Islam Makhachev’s Coach Discusses Potential Middleweight Title Fight Against Du Plessis Or Adesanya

    Islam Makhachev will have been happy to see Belal Muhammad become the welterweight champion at UFC 304 after the training they have done together in the past.

    However, there is a sense that this result messed with the future plans of the lightweight champion.

    Had Leon Edwards defeated Muhammad and secured his third title defense, Makhachev would have been high on the list of his potential challengers having laid out his ambition to become a two-weight world champion in the near future.

    He now finds himself in a similar situation as to the one Kamaru Usman had during his welterweight title reign where he wanted a second belt but a friend of his, Israel Adesanya in Usman’s case, is the champion of the weight class above.

    Just like how Usman briefly flirted with the idea of skipping over Adesanya’s division to jump up two weight classes instead, Makhachev has mentioned competing at middleweight.

    Javier Mendez Gives His Take On Islam Makhachev Fighting At Middleweight

    Though the idea was brushed off by the current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, maybe there is a future where Makhachev moves from 155 to 185.

    He still has contenders to face in his own division and is set to be out for a bit longer due to a recently disclosed hand injury but the lightweight king has big ambitions.

    In an interview with Submission Radio, his coach Javier Mendez spoke about what this would mean for Makhachev, revealing that whilst nothing serious has taken place, they have spoken about the idea.

    “Islam said that middleweight would be kind of something but he’d have to put on some muscle so this is not just me, this is Islam thinking the same thing that yeah if it did ever come through, so it’s really not ideally something that we’re really looking at but it was something that was discussed but he’d have to put on some size if that was ever to happen.”

    Mendez went on to say that whilst it would obviously be a tough and unheard of task to accomplish, he can understand why Makhachev would want to do it because it would define his legacy.

    “If he was able to pull something like that off, if that ever was materialized and he did pull it off, that would put him in the top three pound-for-pound of all time.”

    Read also: Belal Muhammad: There’s ‘Turmoil’ Between Leon Edwards & Coach After UFC 304 Loss

  • Jon Jones Hints That He Is Going To Retire In 2024 After Stipe Miocic Fight

    Jon Jones Hints That He Is Going To Retire In 2024 After Stipe Miocic Fight

    Jon Jones recently alluded to the possibility that his potential showdown with Stipe Miocic could mark the final chapter of his illustrious career.

    The reigning UFC heavyweight champion is expected to put his title on the line against Miocic at UFC 309, slated for Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 16. However, the UFC has yet to officially confirm the showdown.

    For Jones, this fight is one he’s been pursuing since he made his heavyweight debut in March 2023. On the other side, Miocic is determined to solidify his legacy as the greatest heavyweight in history by defeating arguably the most legendary MMA fighter of all time—Jones.

    The bout brings the looming possibility that this epic clash could be the swan song for one, if not both, of these iconic fighters. “Bones”, in particular, appears determined to hang up his gloves by the year’s end…

    Jones Signals Retirement At ‘Age 37’

    Jones recently engaged with a random fan on Instagram who made a sly remark about the UFC star’s domestic violence incident involving his fiancée, Jessie Moses, back in September 2021. However, “Bones” chose not to respond with anything sharp. Instead, he subtly hinted at the possibility of retiring later this year.

    “Fun fact: after this year, Jon Jones will never have to work again,” Jones wrote. “Retired at age 37. Winning.”

    The former longtime UFC light heavyweight champion has toyed with the idea of retirement before, especially after a potential victory over Miocic. He has long suggested a strategy for stepping away, aiming to defeat the greatest heavyweight champion and then leave the sport with his GOAT status firmly secured.

    Jones was last seen in action when he secured the heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. Originally scheduled to make his first title defense against Miocic at UFC 295 last November, the 37-year-old New Yorker was forced to withdraw just days before the fight due to a serious pectoral injury.

    Jones stepped into the professional MMA scene for the first time in April 2008 at a Full Force Productions event. Just four months later, he made his promotional debut at UFC 87: Seek and Destroy, facing off against Andre Gusmao and launching what would become an iconic career.