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Category: MMA

  • Chael Sonnen Names 2 Champions Battling To Replace Conor McGregor As ‘Face Of The’ UFC

    Chael Sonnen Names 2 Champions Battling To Replace Conor McGregor As ‘Face Of The’ UFC

    Chael Sonnen identifies two reigning champions whom he believes have the potential to succeed Conor McGregor as the next global superstar of the UFC.

    Over the years, “The Notorious” has skyrocketed to a level of fame in the UFC that few, if any, fighters in combat sports history have ever matched, blending his iconic trash talk with a flashy fighting style, which earned him recognition as the promotion’s biggest superstar.

    However, some argue that the former two-division UFC champion’s star power has begun to fade due to his prolonged absence from the Octagon and ongoing legal battles, including multiple sexual assault allegations.

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Sonnen shared his thoughts on who could emerge as the UFC’s next marquee star. He acknowledged that former champions like Sean O’Malley and Israel Adesanya were once frontrunners in McGregor’s absence but have fallen short of achieving the same global superstardom.

    The former UFC title challenger-turned-analyst went on to highlight featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and interim heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall as the two fighters he believes are on the cusp of becoming the UFC’s next megastar.

    “O’Malley starts playing another game: to become the face of the company,” Sonnen said. “A game that Izzy [Adesanya] was already playing. In the absence of Conor McGregor, it’s a seat that needs to be taken. … Right now the battle is between Tom and Ilia. It’s a hard seat to get.”

    Sonnen further noted that the UFC’s top two pound-for-pound fighters, Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones, show little interest in becoming the promotion’s flagship attraction.

    “Jon Jones and Islam [Makhachev] aren’t playing the game. That’s not something either is interested in doing. So that seat is still available.”

    Aspinall remains on the sidelines, having waited over 500 days for Jones to accept his challenge for a heavyweight title unification bout. The Englishman last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 304 in July, where he delivered a swift victory over Curtis Blaydes to retain his interim belt.

    Meanwhile, “La Leyenda” relinquished his 145-pound title last month to commit to a full-time move to the lightweight division. Topuria has pushed for an immediate title shot against reigning champion Makhachev. However, reports suggest that the Dagestani standout has shown little enthusiasm for the potential showdown.

    Topuria is coming off a dominant third-round knockout victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October, marking his first — and ultimately only — title defense before vacating the belt.

  • One-Time UFC Headliner Released Amid Ongoing Four-Year Drug Suspension

    The UFC heavyweight division has just been reduced by one fighter on the roster.

    On Thursday, MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin reported on X that Walt Harris has been axed from the UFC lineup due to his ongoing four-year suspension for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

    Harris received a 48-month suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission in March 2024 after committing two separate violations of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy. He tested positive for drostanolone and its metabolite, as well as testosterone of exogenous origin, in samples collected in June and July 2023.

    Subsequently, urine and blood samples taken from “Big Ticket” in August 2023 tested positive for anastrozole, a newly detected banned substance that had not appeared in his previous samples. His suspension is retroactive, meaning the 41-year-old Alabama native will be eligible to return to competition in July 2027.

    Harris last competed at a Fight Night event in June 2021, where he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Marcin Tybura. He was set to make his comeback in July 2023 against Josh Parisian, but the bout was scrapped after he tested positive for banned substances.

    During his 16-fight run in the UFC, Harris had the opportunity to headline a Fight Night event in May 2020 against former heavyweight title challenger Alistair Overeem. However, the spotlight didn’t work in his favor, as he was stopped in the second round.

    Once regarded as a highly skilled power puncher, “Big Ticket” struggled to live up to his full potential inside the Octagon. His UFC tenure ended with a lackluster record of 6-9, along with one no contest.

  • Former Two-Division Bellator Champion ‘Amicably’ Parts Ways With PFL

    Amid a wave of discontent and high-profile departures from the PFL, a former two-division Bellator champion has chosen to sever ties with the promotion on cordial terms.

    On Thursday, combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani was the first to report on X that MMA veteran Ryan Bader has officially split from the PFL, walking away before fulfilling the final fight on his contract. Helwani also revealed that “Darth” and PFL executives amicably reached a mutual agreement to part ways, with both sides satisfied with the terms of the separation.

    Bader also took to Instagram to address his free agency, releasing a statement that confirmed Helwani’s report.

    “Just an update…officially a free agent. PFL and our team came up with terms we were both happy agreeing on with one fight remaining on contract. The Bellator run was one for the books. What a blast, and being surrounded by great people running that org. Im still open to different opportunities in the fight game,” he captioned.

    Bader was last seen in action at PFL vs. Bellator: Champions in February 2024, where he suffered a knockout loss to Renan Ferreira in just 21 seconds.

    Following the setback, the 41-year-old Nevada native revealed he would be stepping away from competition to join the cast of The Smashing Machine, a biopic about MMA legend Mark Kerr. The film, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, is set for release later this year.

    During his reign as Bellator’s heavyweight champion, “Darth” secured victories over notable contenders, including Valentin Moldavsky, Cheick Kongo, and the legendary Fedor Emelianenko.

    Following Bellator’s merger with the PFL, he wrapped up his tenure with the promotion at 9-3 with one no contest, bringing his overall career mark to 31-8.

  • Ilia Topuria Names The 2 Lightweights He’s Training For After Ditching Featherweight Reign

    Ilia Topuria is hard at work preparing for his fight since committing to a permanent move up to the lightweight division. And although an opponent is unconfirmed, the UFC’s top Spanish star is preparing for one of two men.

    Topuria has set his sights on achieving two-division glory after choosing to vacate the featherweight gold this year following just one defense. “La Leyenda” went 2-0 in 2024, dethroning Alexander Volkanovski before becoming the first to knock out Max Holloway.

    Due to an apparent struggle to make the 145-pound weight limit, the Spaniard will move forward as a permanent fixture at 155 pounds. And given his success below, Topuria has seemingly been expecting a showdown with Islam Makhachev straight away.

    During a recent media scrum recorded by Álvaro Colmenero, Topuria reiterated that desire while also naming the other possible foe he is preparing to face for his arrival into the division.

    Both, he says, are “scared.”

    “All my training is focused on Islam or Charles, because I don’t see any other opponents,” Ilia Topuria said (h/t @ChampRDS). “Neither of them seems to dare (to fight me)… These are the symptoms of fear, we all know that, but it’s normal. I’d be scared too.”

    With reports spreading that Makhachev and his team wish for Topuria to fight a contender before challenging his reign, “La Leyenda” may need to defeat someone like Oliveira this year.

    “Do Bronx,” though, has been making his own push to face Makhachev next time out. The Brazilian former champ has been seeking a rematch with the Dagestani ever since their 2022 clash in Abu Dhabi.

  • Fighter Suspended For Betting Scandal Uses McGregor’s Gambling Posts To Call Out UFC ‘Double Standard’

    Conor McGregor has unexpectedly been dragged into the fallout of a former UFC fighter’s suspension over a betting scandal.

    On Tuesday, the Nevada Athletic Commission issued a three-year suspension to UFC flyweight Jeff Molina for his involvement in a high-profile betting scandal, which also implicated his coach, James Krause. Molina was found to have placed wagers on a bout featuring his teammate, Darrick Minner, during a Fight Night event in November 2022.

    After an unusual shift in betting odds was observed leading up to Minner’s first-round TKO loss to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke at a Fight Night event in November 2022, regulators launched an investigation into potential betting irregularities. The inquiry later revealed that Minner had knowingly concealed a pre-existing injury before stepping into the Octagon, leading to a 29-month suspension.

    “El Jefe” was found guilty of being aware of Minner’s injury, failing to report it, and even placing a bet on his fight. With his suspension applied retroactively, Molina will be eligible to return to competition on Nov. 5.

    Following his suspension, Molina aired his frustrations on X, responding to a fan in a series of posts. He stressed that he had placed bets across the entire fight card and that his wager on Minner’s bout was less than $500.

    However, he admit that his only wrongdoing was continuing to place bets on fights despite the UFC’s directive prohibiting it.

    “El Jefe” also argued that his three-year suspension was excessively harsh and disproportionate to the offense. He underscored the inconsistency in enforcement, noting that former two-division UFC champion McGregor frequently showcases his apparent bets on social media without facing any repercussions.

    “Getting a 3 year suspension for continuing to bet two weeks after getting an email that said to stop is insane. McGregor can post his million dollar bet slip every month on a main event as a fighter on the roster and no one blinks an eye. Definitely a double standard there,” Molina wrote on X.

    Molina last competed in June 2022, where he battled his way to a split decision victory over Zhalgas Zhumagulov, improving his undefeated UFC record to 3-0. The flyweight standout currently boasts a professional record of 11-2, with five of his wins coming by way of submission.

  • Alex Pereira Brands Magomed Ankalaev’s Greasing Accusation An ‘Excuse’ For Failed Takedowns

    Alex Pereira has responded after being accused of cheating by the man who ended his light heavyweight reign at UFC 313 earlier this month.

    Pereira’s perfect start to life at 205 pounds came to an emphatic halt inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on March 8, where Magomed Ankalaev made good on his promise to dethrone “Poatan.”

    Despite earning a unanimous decision victory to capture the title, Ankalaev wasn’t entirely happy in the aftermath.

    While he ultimately didn’t need successful takedowns to get the win, the Russian was still bothered by Pereira’s ability to withstand the wrestling, which his team believes derived from some form of slippery substance rather than skill.

    During an appearance on Wednesday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Pereira had his chance to respond to that claim. Suffice it to say, he rejected any suggestion that he sought an illegal advantage on fight night.

    “I absolutely didn’t put anything on my body. For me, that’s him trying to make an excuse to justify the fact that he trained a guy to take me down, but the guy got stuffed for 12 of his takedown attempts,” Alex Pereira said. “You didn’t do what you’re supposed to do, and now you’re trying to make excuses to justify that.”

    Pereira will hope to showcase similar strength in the takedown defense department should his expected rematch with Ankalaev come to fruition later this year. Second time around, though, he’ll look to pair his usual striking dominance with it.

  • Logan Paul Backs Himself For UFC Success, Says ‘I’m Not CM Punk’

    Despite the shared TKO corporate umbrella between WWE and UFC, Dana White has shown no interest in leveraging Logan Paul’s celebrity for the Octagon.

    Paul revealed on his Impaulsive podcast that White ignored his attempts to communicate about a potential UFC appearance. This lack of response indicates a clear disinterest from the UFC CEO in bringing the WWE star into the Octagon fold, despite their common corporate affiliation.

    Logan Paul possesses a background in combat sports, having participated in boxing matches against KSI, Dillon Danis, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Additionally, he has a foundation in amateur wrestling, qualifying for the Ohio High School Athletic Association 2013 Division I championships.

    This combination of experience in both striking and grappling sports makes Paul’s potential transition to MMA an intriguing prospect, though it appears Dana White is not inclined to explore it.

    “I told Dana for UFC 300, I texted him, ‘Hey man, consider me available to fight on the undercard in the Sphere,’” Paul said. “Basically, [he] completely ignored me, which I think speaks volumes. I haven’t bothered him about it since.”

    UFC 306, held in Las Vegas’s Sphere, marked a significant milestone as the first live sporting event in the venue, yet Logan Paul’s hopes for a UFC debut on the card were dashed. Despite reaching out to White via text, Paul received no response, leading him to speculate that his exclusion was due to the lingering impression of another WWE star’s failed UFC venture.

    Paul attributed White’s silence to CM Punk’s underwhelming UFC career, which saw Punk suffer a submission loss to Mickey Gall and a decision loss to Mike Jackson. Although the Jackson loss was later overturned due to a failed drug test, Punk’s overall performance likely contributed to White’s reluctance to entertain another WWE crossover, potentially impacting Paul’s chances of securing a UFC fight.

    “He f—ed it up,” Paul said about Punk. “He f—ed it up, and after that Dana was like, ‘I’m never doing this again.’ But, dude, I’m not CM Punk. He’s a great wrestler, not a UFC fighter. I think I would be a much better UFC fighter than I would be as just a boxer. My skill is wrestling. I’m a wrestler.”

  • Shara Magomedov’s Callout Gets Positive Response From Top 10 UFC Middleweight

    UFC middleweight prospect Shara Magomedov is expecting to be back in action soon, and he might have netted himself a high-ranked opponent.

    For the first time in his professional career, Magomedov is coming off a loss. The Dagestani suffered a setback at the UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia early last month, falling to defeat on the scorecards against welterweight contender Michael “Venom” Page.

    The result stalled Magomedov’s quick surge to prominence on MMA’s biggest stage, which had included a memorable double spinning backfist knockout of Armen Petrosyan during a perfect 4-0 start to life in the UFC.

    “Bullet” will look to return to that kind of performance in his sophomore fight of 2025, which he recently revealed is expected for the summer. With the UFC set to stage an event in Abu Dhabi on July 26, that appears likely to feature Magomedov, who is yet to enter the Octagon outside of the Middle East.

    Among the desired options for his next fight is the #10-ranked Marvin Vettori, who has previously gone back and forth with Shara Magomedov regarding a potential fight.

    Though a defeat would usually rule out a clash with ranked opposition, Magomedov might be in luck. “The Italian Dream” took to social media on Wednesday to provide a positive response to the Russian’s callout.

    “Shara i accept the offer,” Vettori wrote.

    Vettori himself is licking his wounds after a defeat, having fallen short to Roman Dolidze in their headlining rematch at the Apex earlier this month.

  • Darren Till Says Khamzat Chimaev Will ‘Run Over’ Dricus Du Plessis

    One fighter familiar with both Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev expects the former to lose his grip on the UFC middleweight title should their expected fight come to fruition this year.

    Having successfully defended his belt against Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, the reign of Du Plessis could meet its tallest hurdle to date next time out.

    “Stillknocks” appears likely to face the challenge of Chimaev, an undefeated phenom who most recently steamrolled Robert Whittaker by way of a teeth-breaking face crank submission last October.

    And by the sounds of things, an ex-opponent of the champ’s and occasional training partner of Chimaev’s expects “Borz” to repeat that dominance in his first title fight on MMA’s biggest stage.

    During an interview with Genting Casino, Darren Till gave a one-sided prediction for Du Plessis’ potential clash with the Chechen contender.

    “I think Chimaev is gonna run over him. I think he’ll just completely run over. That’s what I think,” Till said. “I think he’ll win the title. I think he’s done what he’s done to do that, and I think Chimaev will get out, earn the money, and then I think he’ll live his life happily and peacefully then.”

    The top contender didn’t think too highly of Du Plessis’ second championship defense, which came by way of decision in a rematch versus Strickland in Australia last month.

    While “Borz” looks to unseat the South African from the middleweight throne, Till is focused on ventures away from the UFC after requesting his release months on from a submission setback to Du Plessis in late 2022.

  • Jon Jones Won’t Turn Down Tom Aspinall Fight, Insists Self-Proclaimed ‘Greatest Insider’ In MMA

    According to Chael Sonnen, UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones won’t hesitate to say yes when presented with an official offer to fight Tom Aspinall this year.

    Aspinall has pushed for unification showdown with Jones since winning interim gold in November 2023. The Brit made the most of the cancellation of Jones’ planned defense against Stipe Miocic by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich on short notice.

    17 months later, the heavyweight division continues to be ruled over by multiple titleholders, both of whom have faced other opponents instead of colliding in a title unifier. With Jones remaining steadfast on his desire to face Miocic, Aspinall passed the time by dominantly defending his interim strap against Curtis Blaydes last July.

    Since “Bones” had his hand raised four months later, talk of the pair unifying the titles has only increased, with the UFC also seemingly now firmly behind that plan.

    The one delay in getting it booked? According to the British champ, a familiar reluctance from Jon Jones.

    But in a video posted to his Instagram account, Sonnen dismissed any suggestion that his former rival will have rejected any offers from the UFC.

    “My permission as the greatest insider in this sport, Jon will not turn that fight down,” Sonnen said. “Jon has not been offered that fight. That’s the monster in the closet that people don’t seem to want to be true. There has not been a suggestion of a date or a venue, not yet, and a phone call to Jon where his opponent would be Tom for the undisputed title. If you believe that Jon Jones is refusing to do those things, you’re wrong. He’s not yet been presented with that offer.”

    Aspinall recently continued his taunting of Jones by holding up a duck toy while in attendance at this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night in London, England.

  • UFC Fighter Gets Honest On How ‘Eating Disorder’ Has Led To Weight Class Change

    Paul Craig has openly discussed the detrimental impact fighting in the UFC middleweight division had on his mental health.

    The Scottish fighter’s decision to cut down to 185 pounds followed a tough loss to Johnny Walker at UFC 283 in Brazil. While his middleweight debut resulted in a victory over Andre Muniz, his subsequent three fights against Brendan Allen, Caio Borralho, and Bo Nickal ended in defeat.

    Despite facing highly regarded opponents, Craig’s time in the division took a toll on his well-being.

    Craig’s recent decision to return to the light heavyweight division comes after he confronted the mental strain associated with maintaining the middleweight cut. He revealed how an eating disorder helped him to realize the negative impact the division had on his mental state.

    This candid admission highlights the challenges fighters face in managing their weight and the potential consequences for their overall health.

    “I had developed a really bad eating disorder, as well as moving down to middleweight,” Craig told talkSPORT. “It seems a much better fit for me at light heavyweight…the eating disorder, I’m in a weight based sport so I have to watch calorie consumption. I also have to go out and parade how I look, so you end up with not just having not only an eating disorder but how you look.

    “Going out there, I want to look good the last thing I want to do is look out of shape. All of these negative things play on you as a fighter, so what you need to do is: What’s best for my mental health? Staying at middleweight definitely wasn’t best for my mental health.”

    A veteran of MMA, Craig is notable for being the only fighter to defeat current light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC. His journey to the UFC began in 2016, following a successful career in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where he earned multiple British and Scottish championships and a black belt. His elite ground game skills are evidenced by his 13 submission victories out of 17 professional wins.

    Craig’s return to the light heavyweight division signals a move to prioritize his mental and physical health. His decision to address his eating disorder and the mental strain of the middleweight division underscores the importance of fighter well-being in combat sports.

    Craig is set to fight Rodolfo Bellato at a UFC Fight Night event inside Las Vegas’ UFC Apex on May 17.

  • Michael Chandler Reveals Which Two Former UFC Fighters ‘Inspired’ Him To Start MMA

    UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler has inspired many with his dedication, relentless pursuit of goals, and inspiring mindset, particularly his focus on consistency and self-belief. It turns out that there are two notable fighters who have inspired him. 

    Chandler is known for his explosive fighting style, with strong wrestling and striking abilities. “Iron” is also known for his unwavering determination and hard work, both in and out of the Octagon. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in achieving goals, sharing his own journey as an example.

    Chandler’s recent UFC record shows a mixed bag of results. His most recent outing last November at UFC 309 saw him lose to Charles Oliveira via unanimous decision after a full five rounds. Prior to that, at UFC 281 in 2022, he was submitted by Dustin Poirier with a rear-naked choke in the third round.

    Chandler hasn’t secured a victory since May 2022 at UFC 274, where he knocked out Tony Ferguson with a front head kick in the second round.

    While doing a Q&A on X, Chandler named Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren as two fighters who inspired him. 

    Looking ahead, Michael Chandler is scheduled to face Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami, Florida. This upcoming fight presents an opportunity for Chandler to rebound from his recent losses and re-establish his position in the UFC lightweight division.

  • ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong Apologizes To Fighter He Accused of ‘Taking The Easy Way Out’

    Chatri Sityodtong, the leader of ONE Championship, has faced accusations of disrespectful bullying following Sunday’s ONE 172 event.

    The controversy arose from his public criticism of Japanese Shoot Boxing Champion Kaito Ono, who declined a catchweight bout against Marat Grigorian after the Armenian-Belgian failed to make weight. This incident has strained relations between ONE Championship and Shoot Boxing.

    At the post-fight press conference for ONE 172, Sityodtong launched a verbal attack on Ono, accusing him of being “scared” and lacking integrity for refusing the fight. His public shaming of Ono, who was participating in a cross-promotion match, has been widely condemned as unprofessional.

    Shoot Boxing, which has a history of successful cross-promotion events with organizations like RISE, K-1, and Glory, entered into an agreement with ONE Championship in good faith. However, Sityodtong’s actions have appeared to jeopardize this relationship. The organization has now formally demanded an apology, citing his unacceptable and disrespectful treatment of Kaito Ono.

    The public nature of the ONE chief’s remarks has drawn significant attention, with many criticizing his leadership and behavior. In response, Chatri Sityodtong has since retracted his comments.

    ONE’s chairman and CEO issued the following statement:

    “Like all the fans and officials, I was looking forward to the bout between Marat Grigorian and Kaito. Grigorian passed the hydration test after the time limit, which put him 350 grams overweight. At this point, Grigorian was penalized by having 20% of his fight purse forfeited and given to Kaito.

    “When a fighter is less than one pound overweight, the standard response in the world’s major mixed martial arts organizations is to negotiate a bout at a catchweight.

    “Naturally, I was disappointed when Kaito declined the bout. However, as the CEO of ONE Championship, it was inappropriate for me to express such feelings in a press conference.

    “I sincerely apologize and formally retract my comments regarding Kaito’s lack of courage. Kaito is a highly respected champion in Japan.”

  • Former Alex Pereira Rival Explains Turning Down UFC Contract Despite DWCS Win

    Former Alex Pereira Rival Explains Turning Down UFC Contract Despite DWCS Win

    Earning a spot in the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) is a dream for many fighters, but one contract winner recently made the surprising decision to walk away from it.

    Former GLORY light heavyweight champion Artem Vakhitov punched his ticket to the UFC in October with a statement-making knockout victory over Islem Masraf during Season 8, Week 9 of DWCS.

    Vakhitov’s arrival in the UFC was highly anticipated, as he holds the distinction of being the last man to defeat former two-division titleholder Alex Pereira in a kickboxing contest back in September 2021 — just before “Poatan” made his full-time transition to MMA.

    However, on Tuesday, the 33-year-old Russian announced on The Ariel Helwani Show that he had decided to forgo the opportunity to sign with the UFC and will instead face reigning GLORY heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven in the main event of GLORY 100 on June 14.

    “Unfortunately, we couldn’t reach an agreement with UFC,” Vakhitov said through a translator. “Because they have their own protocol, but we still have good relations with them, so that’s it. Now we’re announcing a big fight against Rico Verhoeven. I think Rico doesn’t need to be [explained as an opponent] because he’s well known and, for sure, we wanted this fight a long time ago. For me, it’s a good opportunity to become a double champion, and it was in my mind a very long time ago.”

    Vakhitov further weighed in on his decision, revealing that his choice to decline a potential UFC run was largely influenced by dissatisfaction with the promotion’s financial structure and strict contractual obligations.

    “UFC always works off a standard contract after Dana White’s Contender Series. Unfortunately, we could not reach an agreement, or [there were] some things couldn’t agree [on]. When we got an offer [from GLORY] and we saw the news that all the Russian fighters are coming back to GLORY, we got an offer to fight against Rico and probably the possibility to become a double champion, we agreed very easily. And for sure, for good money, why not?”

    Reports suggest that a standard DWCS contract includes a clause granting the UFC the power to lock a chosen fighter into a 20-month commitment spanning four bouts.

    Vakhitov’s most recent kickboxing bout took place under the Muaythai Factory banner in February 2022, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Pascal Touré.

  • UFC Fighters Involved In Betting Scandal Handed Combined Suspension Of Over 5 Years

    UFC Fighters Involved In Betting Scandal Handed Combined Suspension Of Over 5 Years

    The two UFC fighters implicated in the betting scandal have now received their respective suspensions.

    On Tuesday, the Nevada Athletic Commission issued a 29-month suspension to former UFC featherweight fighter Darrick Minner due to his involvement in a betting scandal connected to his coach, James Krause.

    The probe into suspicious betting activity was triggered after Minner’s first-round TKO loss to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke at a Fight Night event in November 2022. It was later revealed that Minner had intentionally failed to disclose a pre-existing injury before the fight.

    Suspicion intensified when betting lines swung drastically in the lead-up to the event, with the 34-year-old Nebraska native becoming a massive underdog just before the fight commenced — only to be finished in just over a minute.

    Minner was originally suspended alongside Krause when the investigation first launched, a controversy that even led several major sportsbooks to stop accepting UFC wagers.

    However, he later reached an adjudication agreement with the Nevada State Attorney General and was ordered to pay $235.56 in prosecution fees. His suspension is retroactive, making him eligible to return to competition on Wednesday, March 26.

    Additionally, UFC flyweight Jeff Molina, who had been sidelined since January 2023 due to his alleged involvement in the betting scheme linked to Krause, has now been handed a three-year suspension.

    Molina was also fined $235.56 in prosecution fees for withholding information about his teammate Minner’s injury and deliberately placing a hefty bet on the fight.

    “El Jefe,” whose ban is set to expire on Nov. 5, was last seen in action in June 2022, where he secured a hard-fought split decision victory over Zhalgas Zhumagulov, extending his winning streak to three inside the Octagon.

    In the wake of the 2022 controversy, U.S. Integrity launched a formal investigation, leading several gaming commissions to prohibit betting on UFC fights. In response, the MMA promotion took decisive action, banning its fighters from training with Krause or at his Missouri-based gym, Glory MMA & Fitness.

  • UFC Mexico Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Brandon Moreno vs. Steve Erceg Card

    UFC Mexico Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Brandon Moreno vs. Steve Erceg Card

    UFC Mexico is almost upon us, and MMA News is here to keep you updated with the current odds for this weekend’s lineup.

    The upcoming event takes place Saturday, March 29, at Arena CDMX in Mexico City. The main card begins at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT.

    Topping the lineup will be former two-time UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. After consecutive defeats to Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval, “The Assassin Baby” got back on track with an impressive victory over Amir Albazi last November. To return to a winning streak and place his name back in the title conversation, the Mexican must now get the better of Steve Erceg, who gave champ Pantoja a run for his money before being knocked out by Kai Kara-France in 2024.

    Before they go to battle, the co-main event will see lightweight veteran Drew Dober back in action. The fan favorite is tasked with stalling Manuel Torres’ hopes to bounce back from a first UFC loss to Ignacio Bahamondes last time out. Before that, “El Loco” recorded three straight first-round knockouts to establish himself as one of Mexico’s top prospects.

    And also making the walk on Saturday will be the likes of Kelvin Gastelum, Joe Pyfer, Raul Rosas Jr., Ronaldo Rodriguez, and Loopy Godinez.

    UFC Mexico: Moreno vs. Erceg Betting Odds

    Listed below are the latest betting odds for UFC Mexico (as of 3/25), courtesy of DraftKings.

    Main Card:

    • Brandon Moreno (-238) vs. Steve Erceg (+195)
    • Manuel Torres (-118) vs. Drew Dober (+102)
    • Kelvin Gastelum (+245) vs. Joe Pyfer (-305)
    • Raul Rosas Jr. (-410) vs. Vince Morales (+320)
    • David Martinez (-360) vs. Saimon Oliveira (+285)
    • Ronaldo Rodriguez (-180) vs. Kevin Borjas (+150)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Edgar Chairez (-270) vs. CJ Vergara (+220)
    • Jose Medina (+320) vs. Ateba Gautier (-410)
    • Christian Rodriguez (-155) vs. Melquizael Costa (+130)
    • Loopy Godinez (-238) vs. Julia Polastri (+195)
    • Rafa Garcia (-485) vs. Vinc Pichel (+370)
    • Jamall Emmers (-325) vs. Gabriel Miranda (+260)
    • MarQuel Mederos (-192) vs. Austin Hubbard (+160)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izwT-gvhDVk
  • Steve Erceg Drops Usual Calm Demeanor In Brutal Put-Down Of ‘Massive Knob’ Muhammad Mokaev

    Steve Erceg Drops Usual Calm Demeanor In Brutal Put-Down Of ‘Massive Knob’ Muhammad Mokaev

    It would seem to take a lot to rile up UFC flyweight Steve Erceg, but Muhammad Mokaev has evidently managed it.

    While Erceg isn’t one for trash talk and heated feuds, he did get on the wrong side of Mokaev after giving his take on the Dagestan-born Brit’s sudden UFC exit.

    After the promotion chose not to re-sign “The Punisher,” with Dana White citing issues away from the cage, Erceg claimed that Mokaev had displayed disrespectful behavior toward UFC staff.

    Mokaev was quick to reject that, and he reiterated that Erceg is a ‘liar’ while reacting to an image of the Australian standout following his fknockdown at the hands of Kai Kara-France at UFC 305 last August.

    And Mokaev’s mocking of Erceg seemingly spread into the private realm, with the current UFC contender revealing during an appearance on Tuesday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned that “The Punisher” had messaged him.

    Because of that, “AstroBoy” had some choice words for his former UFC peer.

    “I didn’t like the way (Mokaev) interacted with people around him, and he’s messaged me since,” Erceg said. “I’m thinking more and more that he’s a massive knob. He seemed like a privileged diva. … It was surprising because you would think somebody that grew up the way he grew up would be a little bit more humble.

    “He just seemed like a douche. After I got knocked out, obviously, he messaged me and asked me if I woke up,” Erceg continued. “I’d love to slap him around.”

    For the time being, Erceg won’t have the chance to ‘slap Mokaev around’, with the pair competing under different promotional banners.

    The Aussie will instead look to emerge victorious from a battle with former two-time UFC champion Brandon Moreno at this weekend’s event in Mexico City.

  • Colby Covington Hits Back At Comments From ‘Self-Loathing Drunk A**hole’ Paul Felder

    Colby Covington Hits Back At Comments From ‘Self-Loathing Drunk A**hole’ Paul Felder

    The back and forth between Colby Covington and Paul Felder continues. 

    Covington, known for his polarizing “heel” persona and vocal support of Donald Trump, has significantly boosted his notoriety within the UFC by openly antagonizing fellow fighters. However, Felder has observed a recent shift in Covington’s behavior. 

    He noted a more amicable demeanor in his organic interactions, evidenced by Covington’s cordial greeting to former rival Kamaru Usman and Paddy Pimblett’s account of a surprisingly positive encounter. Felder thinks Covington isn’t who he portrays.

    For Covington, he thinks Felder is a “bum” and a punching bag for the UFC. 

    “The guy’s an absolute bum,” Covington stated on Submission Radio. “He’s never done anything in the sport. He has no reason to talk shit, especially when he’s never been in a main event in his life. The guy’s a bum. He’s gotten beaten up by everybody. He’s literally been a punching bag in the UFC and he’s a self-loathing drunk asshole.”

    Covington’s most recent fight occurred at a UFC Fight Night in Tampa, Florida, last December, where he faced Joaquin Buckley. The bout ended in the third round when the ringside physician stopped the fight due to a significant cut over Covington’s eye, awarding Buckley a TKO victory.

  • Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber To Headline Apex UFC Fight Night On May 31

    Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber To Headline Apex UFC Fight Night On May 31

    A high-stakes women’s flyweight matchup will top the UFC Fight Night lineup on May 31.

    After returning to the win column with an impressive co-headlining victory over former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas in Edmonton last November, Erin Blanchfield (13-2) will be back in the main event spotlight this year.

    14 months on from suffering her first UFC defeat at the hands of Manon Fiorot, the 25-year-old American will look to stake her claim for a shot at the winner of the Frenchwoman’s title challenge against Valentina Shevchenko on May 10.

    To do so, “Cold Blooded” must spoil the return of fellow countrywoman Maycee Barber (14-2). While a six-fight winning streak placed “The Future” in the championship conversation, health problems have kept her away from the cage since a victory over Katlyn Cerminara last March.

    Barber will now have the chance to regain momentum in her maiden main event on MMA’s biggest stage, which the promotion announced for a UFC Fight Night inside the Apex on social media this week.

    With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at the UFC Fight Night on May 31 are as follows:

    • Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber (women’s flyweight main event)
    • Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes (light heavyweight)
    • Allan Nascimento vs. Jafel Filho (flyweight)
    • Zachary Reese vs. Duško Todorović (middleweight)
  • Mother Of Alleged Child Molester Shot At By Cain Velasquez Slams Length Of Jail Sentence

    Mother Of Alleged Child Molester Shot At By Cain Velasquez Slams Length Of Jail Sentence

    The mother of the alleged molester feels that Cain Velasquez’s punishment is far too lenient.

    On Monday, Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose after pleading no contest in August to a series of offenses, most notably attempted murder. His sentencing comes nearly three years after his initial arrest in February 2022.

    Of the five-year sentence handed down to the former UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez received credit for 1,283 days — accounting for both his time in jail and his period on house arrest.

    His legal team had advocated for probation and time served, and with these credits factored in, Velasquez is now expected to spend less than two years behind bars.

    However, the prosecution, representing Harry Goularte — the man accused of molesting Cain Velasquez’s four-year-old son at the time at his mother’s daycare — had advocated for a 30-year-to-life sentence. Even so, Goularte’s mother remains dissatisfied with the ruling.

    Following the verdict, Patricia Bender, the mother of Goularte, voiced her frustration over the court’s decision. Speaking to the media, she claimed that Velasquez’s widespread fame unfairly influenced both the judges and public opinion, ultimately working in his favor.

    “The sentence is extremely disappointing,” Bender said. “It’s based on an alleged allegation that has no basis. It is unfounded. We are looking for the opportunity in Harry’s case to prove that, as we have an ample amount of evidence to do so. It is sad that the court system and the public can be influenced by simply somebody stating something with no facts.”

    Velasquez’s legal troubles erupted in 2022 when he was arrested following a high-speed pursuit of a vehicle carrying Goularte. The MMA veteran’s actions stemmed from allegations that Goularte, who faces separate child molestation charges, had abused his son. Despite the prosecution’s objections, the individual was controversially granted bond.

    Cain Velasquez fired multiple rounds from a .40-caliber handgun, but the bullets missed their intended target and instead struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm, causing non-life-threatening injuries.

    The pursuit ended when Velasquez was apprehended without resistance by local authorities. He was subsequently charged with felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapons-related offenses, resulting in an eight-month incarceration. It wasn’t until November 2022 that he was finally granted bail on a $1 million bond.

  • Colby Covington: Leon Edwards Has ‘Made Too Much Money’, Should Retire After UFC London

    Colby Covington: Leon Edwards Has ‘Made Too Much Money’, Should Retire After UFC London

    UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington has reacted to his former opponent Leon Edwards’ second straight defeat.

    Edwards fell short in his first fight since losing the 170-pound title last July. Like against Belal Muhammad, “Rocky” had his grappling deficiencies exposed by Sean Brady in the UFC London main event.

    With that, the Jamaica-born Brit is now without a win since he recorded a successful title defense against Colby Covington in December 2023. And the last man to be beaten by Edwards is seemingly expecting that to remain the case.

    During his latest appearance on Submission Radio, “Chaos” claimed to have known what was ahead for the former champ in their fight.

    And believing that Edwards’ hunger has dissipated, he suggested retirement for the 33-year-old.

    “I thought that after I fought Leon, the motivation wasn’t there anymore,” Covington said. “I can tell in the fight, I broke my foot immediately and he did nothing. … I can tell after that fight he just wasn’t hungry anymore.

    “He’s made too much money. I made him too much money at that press conference,” Covington added. “So I just don’t think he’s motivated anymore and he should hang them up.”

  • Ilia Topuria Reveals New Nickname After Ditching ‘El Matador’ Moniker

    Ilia Topuria Reveals New Nickname After Ditching ‘El Matador’ Moniker

    Ilia Topuria has revealed his new “identity” as he begins a journey toward two-division UFC championship glory in the coming months.

    Topuria is set to embark on a new pursuit of gold this year after choosing to vacate the featherweight title after just one defense.

    Though a rematch with the man from whom he took the belt last February, Alexander Volkanovski, was expected after his knockout of Max Holloway to retain possession of the title, a desire to bid farewell to the difficult weight cut has seen Topuria commit to a permanent move up.

    The Spaniard is hoping to immediately challenge the lightweight reign of Islam Makhachev, but recent reports have claimed that the Dagestani is looking to have Topuria fight a contender to earn the shot first.

    Regardless of who stands opposite the European star next time out, they won’t be facing “El Matador.”

    After revealing plans to ditch his longtime moniker last week, Topuria has seemingly confirmed that he will now be entering the cage as “La Leyenda,” which translates to “The Legend.”

    That news was reported by Georgian reporter Giorgi Kokiashvili.

    With a new nickname in a new weight class, Ilia Topuria will soon be hoping to have a new piece of gold added to his trophy cabinet on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

  • Fighter Who Left UFC Despite Winning Streak Signs With PFL

    Fighter Who Left UFC Despite Winning Streak Signs With PFL

    Bantamweight fighter Taylor Lapilus has found a home in the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

    Lapilus, 32, has been the subject of two widely questioned departures from the UFC. After going 3-1 in his first stint, “Double Impact” went on a tear away from the Octagon that culminated in Ares FC championship success.

    But it’s been a case of déjà vu for the Frenchman, who was once again removed from the roster this past February despite winning three of four fights since returning to the sport’s leading promotion. It was later reported that Lapilus had chosen not to accept a contract renewal.

    Consecutive wins over Cody Stamann and Vince Morales were evidently not enough to boost his stock among the UFC higher-ups enough for a desirable offer, and Lapilus will now once again ply his trade elsewhere.

    Fans of the 32-year-old found out his next destination this week, with the PFL announcing it has signed Lapilus to a multi-fight deal.

    It remains to be seen whether Lapilus will compete on the PFL’s global stage or regional European expansion.

    “Double Impact” has signed too late to be part of the promotion’s new format in 2025, which gets underway later this week. After ditching its season and playoff format this year, the PFL will kick off a new era on Thursday with the launch of its World Tournament.

    The Grand Prix-style structure will see eight fighters in each weight class compete in a single elimination format, culminating in championship finals worth $500,000 for the winners.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Reveals Date He’s Been Offered For Alex Pereira Rematch

    Magomed Ankalaev Reveals Date He’s Been Offered For Alex Pereira Rematch

    It would seem the ball is firmly already rolling when it comes to a second dance between newly crowned UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.

    Ankalaev made good on his promise to bring Pereira’s reign to an end at this month’s UFC 313 pay-per-view, which the pair headlined inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

    While “Poatan’s” takedown defense held firm, he was unable to establish his usual dominance in the striking realm and fell to a unanimous decision defeat on the scorecards.

    Despite the manner of the loss, both the former 205-pound kingpin and his successor welcomed a rematch in the aftermath, and that received a green light from UFC CEO Dana White.

    Evidently, it hasn’t taken long for the promotion to begin organizing that.

    While responding on X to suggestions Pereira fought compromised in the March 8 main event, Magomed Ankalaev claimed to have been offered his first defense against Pereira for this coming August.

    “Joe Rogan mentioned his team said that Alex fought with a broken hand and Norovirus, when fighters step in the cage nobody is 100%. I was offered a rematch with him in August and I said yes, but if he is not ready I will fight whoever is next it doesn’t matter.”

    That timeline might come as a surprise to many, given the expectation that Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira would renew hostilities for the UFC’s annual October PPV event in Abu Dhabi.

  • UFC Rankings Report: Leon Edwards Ousted From P4P Top 15

    UFC Rankings Report: Leon Edwards Ousted From P4P Top 15

    In the aftermath of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night at The O2 in London, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: After his second straight defeat this past weekend, former welterweight champion Leon Edwards is no longer part of the pound-for-pound UFC rankings. He’s been replaced at #15 by lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan.

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

    Women’s Strawweight: No changes.

    Women’s Flyweight: Mayra Bueno Silva’s stay in the flyweight UFC rankings was a short one. She’s been removed and replaced at #15 by JJ Aldrich.

    Women’s Bantamweight: At 135 pounds, Melissa Mullins has entered at #15, replacing Joselyne Edwards.

    Flyweight: After being removed last week, Kai Asakura has quickly returned to the 125-pound rankings. With his entry at #15 and Charles Johnson’s removal, Joshua Van is up one place to #14.

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: No changes.

    Lightweight: At 155 pounds, BMF champ Max Holloway has suddenly moved above former opponent Dustin Poirier to #4. “The Diamond,” now at #5, is expected to retire following his next fight.

    Welterweight: The 170-pound division has a new top contender. As a result of his submission win over Edwards, Sean Brady has risen by four positions to #1. “Rocky” has only slipped two spots to #3, leaving him above Kamaru Usman (#4) and upcoming title challenger Jack Della Maddalena (#5)

    Middleweight: The 185-pound list has seen one change, with Roman Dolidze (#8) moving above Anthony Hernandez (#9).

    Light Heavyweight: Carlos Ulberg has been rewarded with a three-place surge to #3 in the light heavyweight division after defeating Jan Blachowicz in London. That’s pushed Aleksandar Rakic (#6) out of the top five and Blachowicz back two places to #5.

    Heavyweight: No changes.

    You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.