MMA News

Category: UFC

Latest UFC news articles, interviews and more covering the world’s top Mixed Martial Arts promotion.

  • Michael Page ‘Wouldn’t Have Been Happy’ With Being Given Win In Ian Garry Fight At UFC 303: ‘I Did Not Perform’

    Michael Page ‘Wouldn’t Have Been Happy’ With Being Given Win In Ian Garry Fight At UFC 303: ‘I Did Not Perform’

    Given how he performed at UFC 303, welterweight contender Michael “Venom” Page says he wouldn’t have wanted his hand raised.

    Page had his plans for a quick rise toward an all-English championship showdown with Leon Edwards stalled by Ian Garry at the International Fight Week pay-per-view late last month in Las Vegas.

    The pair opened the main card, going the full three-round distance in a fight that left many in the community disappointed and less than satisifed.

    That sentiment is shared by Page himself, a former Bellator veteran who was left frustrated with some of the decisions he made when sharing the Octagon with “The Future” at T-Mobile Arena.

    Despite that, “MVP” was competitive throughout and even had some backing him to earn the nod on the scorecards. For UFC CEO Dana White, the bout played out in a manner that would have left a draw as a fair result.

    Page, however, would have been unhappy to have been given anything but a defeat on the scorecards…

    Page Relieved Not To Have Won With UFC 303 Performance

    During an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani last week, Page looked back on his sophomore display in the UFC, which came four months on from a successful debut at the expense of Kevin Holland in Miami.

    The Londoner acknowledged that some thought he did enough (42.5 percent of 372 submitted fan scorecards on MMA Decisions). But Page says he would not have been in a celebratory mood had the three judges cageside seen things the same way.

    “It’s nice to hear people kind of rooting for me,” Page said of those who scored the bout in his favor. “But regardless, I didn’t perform well. So if I somehow managed to get the win, I wouldn’t have been happy with that anyway. If it was somehow a draw, I still wouldn’t have been happy with that.

    “I focus on me, and I did not perform the way I should have performed. I made so many mistakes; just silly things,” Page continued. “Yeah, so I wouldn’t have been happy with that. For me, I lost the fight. That’s the reality of it, regardless of what everyone’s saying. I should have done X, Y, Z, and I’m just eager to get back in.”

    With that, Page will look to emerge victorious with an emphatic performance next time out. And given the extra motivation he’s touting post-UFC 303, he’s seemingly looking to return to winning ways and get his title ambitions back on track before the end of 2024.

  • Curtis Blaydes Making No Changes For Tom Aspinall Fight At UFC 304: ‘I Don’t Adjust For Anyone’

    Curtis Blaydes Making No Changes For Tom Aspinall Fight At UFC 304: ‘I Don’t Adjust For Anyone’

    Despite the hype around Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall, Curtis Blaydes isn’t approaching their title fight differently to any other of his bouts.

    Two years on from their disappointingly short first showdown in London, Aspinall and Blaydes will once again share the Octagon across the pond, this time with championship gold on the line at UFC 304 in Manchester.

    Since a knee injury brought their UFC Fight Night headliner to an end after just 15 seconds, Aspinall has gone on to recover, bounce back, and claim the interim belt. Blaydes, meanwhile, has remained high up the ladder courtesy of a victory over Jailton Almeida earlier this year.

    With that, and with champion Jon Jones choosing to welcome Stipe Miocic back to the cage over unifying the titles, Aspinall will defend his interim belt against Blaydes, who is heading back to enemy territory with a ‘business as usual’ approach…

    Blaydes Explains Why UFC 304 Camp Has Been ‘Same Old’ Strategy

    Speaking to the media while in attendance at this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Denver, Colorado, Blaydes looked ahead to his first opportunity to capture gold on MMA’s biggest stage.

    When asked about his preparation for the co-headliner on July 27, the 33-year-old Illinois native said it’s been a familiar story throughout fight camp, with no changes or additions based on his opposition.

    “Conditioning (has been the focus in camp). That’s the same old,” Blaydes said. “I don’t adjust for anyone. I have prepared for this fight the same way I prepare for everyone. I don’t like to add extra adjustments, extra things to think about. There’s already a whole lot, we don’t need to add anything else.

    “Just a normal, standard fight camp,” Blaydes continued. “Eight weeks of sparring, drilling, running, icing; normal stuff.”

    Blaydes will hope that approach helps him to repeat the official result from his 2022 UFC Fight Night headliner against Aspinall, albeit in a more legitimate and emphatic way.

    Should he accomplish that feat, “Razor” will have a UFC title in his possession for the very first time, and the current talk of a unification fight between Aspinall and Jon Jones will switch to Blaydes vs. “Bones.”

  • Abdul Razak Alhassan Slams Cody Brundage After No Contest At UFC Fight Night Denver: ‘Crazy Day…Trump Got Shot & I Got Robbed’

    Abdul Razak Alhassan Slams Cody Brundage After No Contest At UFC Fight Night Denver: ‘Crazy Day…Trump Got Shot & I Got Robbed’

    UFC middleweight powerhouse Abdul Razak Alhassan is far from pleased with how his appearance in the Octagon concluded this past weekend.

    Alhassan opened the main card of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Denver, with the Ball Arena playing host to his first fight in nine months. The Ghanaian was tasked with getting the better of Cody Brundage if he was to bounce back from a loss to Joe Pyfer last time out.

    In the opening seconds, “Judo Thunder” looked on track to doing so as he launched a barrage of shots at Brundage with his usual fast-starting style. But as it appeared a finish was approaching, Alhassan lost control of his offense and landed shots to the back of his opponent’s head.

    When another followed a warning from Dan Miragliotta, the referee intervened. That turned out to be all she wrote, with Brundage telling the ringside physicians he could no longer continue.

    The result went down as a no contest, and suffice to say, Alhassan was left fuming…

    Alhassan Insists ‘P*ssy’ Brundage ‘Definitely Could Have Continued’

    After showing clear frustration inside the cage, Alhassan let his anger out on social media soon after.

    In an Instagram Story, the Ghanaian 38-year-old placed his setback in Denver alongside the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump to brand Saturday a “crazy day.”

    And Brundage received the brunt of Alhassan’s anger, with the knockout artist insisting that his American counterpart was fine to continue and simply looked for a way out of the fight.

    “Sorry to all my fans, all my people,” Alhassan said (h/t MMA Fighting). “I wanted this bad. I wanted this win. I wanted this fight so bad. I have so much anger and so much energy in me right now that I wanted to use but I wasn’t able to use it. I guess today is a crazy day. Trump got shot and I got robbed.

    “I know definitely he could have continued. He just decided to be a p*ssy and didn’t want to fight anymore. It is what it is. I hope him a speedy recovery,” Alhassan concluded.

    But Alhassan can perhaps also feel fortunate not to have exited the cage with a defeat on the night, with some in the community suggesting Miragliotta should have disqualified him for continuing the illegal blows after a warning.

    Regardless, “Judo Thunder” avoided a losing skid, but he is now on a two-fight winless run. He’ll no doubt look to break that by having his hand raised soon enough, with a quick turnaround likely on the table having taken no damage in the 37 seconds before the unfortunate stoppage at Ball Arena.

  • Kamaru Usman Calls For Leon Edwards’ ‘Killer’ To Come Out At UFC 304: ‘If You Know You’re The Top Dog…’ 

    Kamaru Usman Calls For Leon Edwards’ ‘Killer’ To Come Out At UFC 304: ‘If You Know You’re The Top Dog…’ 

    Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman wants to see more from the man who dethroned him back in 2022.

    Since securing a memorable crowning with a last-gasp head kick knockout back at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City, Edwards has gone on to defend the title successfully twice in a pair of pay-per-view main events opposite Usman and Colby Covington.

    And like his trilogy triumph over “The Nigerian Nightmare” in March 2023, the champ’s next assignment will see him headline on home soil.

    At UFC 304 on July 27, “Rocky” will make the walk inside Manchester’s newly built Co-op Live arena for his third defense. Looking to bring his divisional rule to an end on this occasion is Belal Muhammad, as they run it back over three years on from a no contest at the Apex.

    Among those set to play close attention to how the main event plays out across the pond this month is Usman, and he’s called for Edwards bring out a different “Rocky” on fight night…

    Usman Urges Edwards To Prove He’s ‘Top Dog’

    While appearing on the ESPN desk to analyse the action at this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Denver, Usman looked ahead to his division’s upcoming title joust in Manchester.

    “The Nigerian Nightmare” had some good things to say about his former three-time opponent. However, he still wants to see more from Edwards as champion, especially when it comes to showing his “killer” instinct to those pursuing his gold from below.

    “I like Leon. You know, being a champion, he definitely has real skills,” Usman said. “But I feel like, as a fan now, I’m as frustrated as a fan because this fight should have happened already. It’s been such a long time ago. But I’m glad we’re finally able to get the fight, and for Leon to actually go in there and prove to people that he is high up on that pound-for-pound list.

    “I think it’s a good fight. I like the confident wave that Leon is carrying now. I think he understands the responsibility of being a champion; how you kind of have to train, the mentality that you kind of have to have,” Usman continued. “But just a little thing I would like to see from him is that killer come out. If you know you’re the top dog, you gotta prove it to each and every contender who wants your spot.”

    If Edwards’ prediction for fight night rings true, Usman can perhaps expects his advice to be heeded.

    While the champ’s two defenses thus far have gone the distance, “Rocky” has vowed to put his rivalry with Muhammad to bed by way of a violent knockout in the UFC 304 main event later this month.

  • Tracy Cortez Gives First Reaction To Rose Namajunas Loss At UFC Fight Night Denver: ‘If I Had A Full Camp…’

    Tracy Cortez Gives First Reaction To Rose Namajunas Loss At UFC Fight Night Denver: ‘If I Had A Full Camp…’

    Tracy Cortez had a big task in front of her with a short-notice main event bout against former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas at UFC Fight Night Denver.

    Though she managed to go the distance, Cortez was largely dominated from the opening minute of the contest, going on to lose via unanimous decision.

    While coming up on the short end and not getting the result she’d hoped for left a better sting, Cortez told ESPN MMA’s Megan Olivi that she felt proud of being able to last a full five rounds with someone as highly regarded as Namajunas.

    Cortez added that perhaps the fight could have played out differently with a full fight camp.

    “I took it on two weeks’ notice, unprepared,” Cortez said. “I gave it all I have. I know if I were to have had a full camp, prepared…I mean, my cardio was there. I think I would have done a lot better with a good gameplan.

    “But I think I proved myself tonight that I can go full fives [rounds]. Looking forward to the next one,” Cortez added.

    Tracy Cortez Feels Early Pacing Of Self May Have Cost Her Fight

    Cortez was dropped early into the first round, with Namajunas putting on a beautiful striking display. The #11-ranked contender tried to battle back in the second round with her grappling skills, but Namajunas’ strikes remained on point and she showed her grappling ability in the third to counter Cortez.

    The late-notice replacement fighter looked for a mountain of offense in the fifth round, but it wasn’t enough.

    “Because it was five fives, I was really trying to pace myself the first and second round,” Cortez said. “I just realized…give it all I have. It’s all or nothing. I think I waited a little too long to really push it on her.”

    Cortez isn’t letting this loss deter her, however. She wants to use this experience and get back into the cage as soon as possible.

    “Last time I fought, I went on a killer streak,” Cortez noted. “I’m not here to prove [to] the world, I’m here to prove [to] myself.”

  • Alistair Overeem Favors Jon Jones To Beat Tom Aspinall But Names 50-50 Matchup For Him: ‘That Was The Fight To Make…’

    The fractured state of the UFC’s heavyweight title picture has been a topic of discussion this week as Tom Aspinall’s fight against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 draws near.

    The Brit is set to become only the third fighter in UFC history to defend an interim title when he steps into the Octagon in Manchester, England, on July 27, following in the footsteps of Antônio “Minotauro” Rodrigo Nogueira and Renan Barão.

    Aspinall fought for the interim belt on 17 days’ notice last November, knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. Jon Jones was originally set to face Stipe Miocic in the main event of that pay-per-view but a torn pectoral tendon and emergency surgery put paid to those plans.

    In the months following UFC 295, Aspinall campaigned hard for a unification bout with Jon Jones, but it seems both “Bones” and UFC CEO Dana White remain committed to the original plan of Jones fighting Miocic later this year.

    Overeem Says Jones Likely To Beat Aspinall In Potential Fight

    Former UFC heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem believes that Aspinall should be the one getting the title shot when Jones finally returns to competitive action, as 42-year old Miocic hasn’t fought since a loss to Francis Ngannou in March of 2021.

    “He should (be fighting Jon Jones),” Overeem said during an appearance on the Jaxxon Podcast this week. “Stipe hasn’t fought for many years now. But it was a little bit vague how that went, right?”

    When asked who he thinks would win a possible fight between Aspinall and Jones, Overeem leaned toward the former light heavyweight champion. However, he also suggested the UFC may have missed a trick by not making another fight that was rumored before Jones picked up his injury.

    “Who is gonna win? I think Jon. But Francis (Ngannou) and Jon would have been very exciting. I know that there was some (talks about making the fight). And they both wanted it, but the timing…and now Francis is gone. That was the fight to make, right?

    “Stipe’s not fought in a long time. What is he doing in the meantime, right, because when you have a fight there’s a camp, there’s development. And when you’re not doing that, you’re doing other stuff. Ok, maybe he has a high focus, high dedication to training…but you’re not fighting. And Jon is fighting…not that much, but he is fighting.”

  • Rose Namajunas Outlines ‘Dream’ Scenario For Future Fight After Win Over Tracy Cortez: ‘I Had This Vision…’

    Rose Namajunas Outlines ‘Dream’ Scenario For Future Fight After Win Over Tracy Cortez: ‘I Had This Vision…’

    Rose Namajunas looked arguably the best she has ever looked at flyweight in the main event of UFC Fight Night Denver, taking a clear unanimous decision win over Tracy Cortez.

    Namajunas dropped Cortez, who took this fight on short notice, in the opening minutes of the fight. The former two-time strawweight champion subsequently put on a striking clinic, keeping her distance and landing on her opponent whichever way possible.

    Cortez battled back with her grappling, but Namajunas answered with her own skills. The #11-ranked contender tried to mount a lot of offense in the fifth round, but by then it was too late.

    Though she can always pinpoint things in her performance to nitpick, Namajunas told the crew on ESPN’s UFC Post Show that she was satisfied with how she did in the cage.

    “I felt really happy with myself, but…Tracy’s really tough,” Namajunas said. “She definitely was durable. Even though I dropped her in the beginning, I knew I probably should have jumped on her right away because I let her recover a little bit.

    “Ultimately, I just felt I was better,” Namajunas added.

    Rose Namajunas Hopes To Bring The UFC To Lithuania

    Namajunas moved up to flyweight in late 2023, about a year-and-a-half removed from losing the UFC strawweight title to Carla Esparza at UFC 274. “Thug Rose” fell to defeat in her 125-pound debut against Manon Fiorot but has now won back-to-back fights. Prior to Saturday’s win, she beat Amanda Ribas in a March Fight Night main event.

    The former 115-pound champ entered this fight at No. 6 in the flyweight rankings. Positioned above her are champion Alexa Grasso, former champion and upcoming title challenger Valentina Shevchenko, Fiorot, Erin Blanchfield, Maycee Barber, and former strawweight champion and flyweight title challenger Jéssica Andrade.

    Namajunas feels ready for a crack at the gold now, though she expressed interest in trying to get a win back over Fiorot. Be it a rematch with the Frenchwoman or title shot, Namajunas has an idea for an interesting location she would love to see the UFC host a card: Lithuania.

    “I had this vision…I want to fight in Lithuania one day, bring the UFC to Lithuania if that could even be possible,” Namajunas said. “I would love to rematch Manon or [face] anybody for the belt, whatever. That’s my dream come true, but anything the UFC has in mind, I’m cool with.”

    Lithuania is the home country of Namajunas’ parents. The UFC is yet to stage an event in the European nation.

  • ONE Championship Star Breaks Down Du Plessis vs. Adesanya At UFC 305: ‘Dricus Is My Boy…’

    ONE Championship Star Breaks Down Du Plessis vs. Adesanya At UFC 305: ‘Dricus Is My Boy…’

    One of the biggest fights of the year is set to go down on August 17 at UFC 305 when the Octagon returns to Perth, Australia.

    The feud between current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and former two-time titleholder Israel Adesanya has been building for over a year at this point.

    Whilst the consensus seemed to be heavily in Adesanya’s favor when the fight was first spoken about this time last year, many have found that the matchup has become more difficult to predict after both men’s recent fights.

    A former training partner of Du Plessis’ who is one of the most recognizable names in ONE Championship believes that the champion will be more than a tough test for the returning Adesanya…

    Aung La N Sang Points Out Advantages For Dricus Du Plessis Against Israel Adesanya

    Aung La N Sang has been one of the poster athletes for ONE Championship for eight years now, having previously reigned as a simultaneous two-weight world champion.

    The former middleweight and light heavyweight king, who is set to return on September 6 in Denver, trains out of Kill Cliff FC in Florida, where Du Plessis has also trained in the past.

    In a recent interview with The AllStar, “The Burmese Python” weighed in with his thoughts on this fight, speaking about where the champion can cause problems for “The Last Stylebender.”

    He pointed out how the physicality of “Stillknocks” and his willingness to walk opponents down could make it a very difficult night for Adesanya.

    “For sure, Dricus is my boy. It’s gonna be a good matchup. Styles make fights and Dricus doesn’t care about how good Israel’s kickboxing is, he’s just going to go forward and hit him, you know?

    “One thing for sure that I know about Dricus, he’s very very strong physically, very, very strong. If Israel’s not on point, he’s going to have a hard night.”

  • ‘Rose Looks Like Mayweather In There’ – Fighters & Fans React To Rose Namajunas Cruising To Decision Win Over Tracy Cortez At UFC Fight Night Denver

    ‘Rose Looks Like Mayweather In There’ – Fighters & Fans React To Rose Namajunas Cruising To Decision Win Over Tracy Cortez At UFC Fight Night Denver

    Rose Namajunas looked to continue her path toward a title shot in a second weight class, and she accomplished that with a win over Tracy Cortez in the main event of UFC Fight Night Denver.

    Namajunas got off to a strong start nearly right away, dropping Cortez with a jab a couple of minutes into the fight. The former two-time strawweight champion seemed to be landing at will, and that trend continued as the fight entered the second round.

    Midway through the frame, however, Cortez looked to take Namajunas down and secure a choke. “Thug Rose” worked her way through the grappling, however, battling with her own wrestling before returning to her fairly dominant striking performance.

    The veteran seemed to have an all-around dominant showing in the third round, grinding out with a takedown and her own unsuccessful choke attempt. Meanwhile, on the feet, the ex-strawweight kept her distance, keeping herself out of Cortez’s range as she continued to fire off.

    Namajunas continued this throughout the fourth round. Her late-notice replacement opponent brought pressure in the fifth round, but at that point Namajunas was in cruise control and Cortez was unable to get the finish.

    Namajunas won a unanimous decision, with two 49-46 cards and a 48-47.

    Fans React As Rose Namajunas Takes Clear-Cut Decision Win In UFC Fight Night Denver Main Event

    Namajunas is now 2-1 since moving up to flyweight. The former strawweight champion defeated Amanda Ribas in March following a debut defeat in the division to Manon Fiorot last September in Paris.

    Cortez, who took this main event bout on short notice, sees a 10-fight win streak snapped.

  • UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Rose Namajunas Decisions Tracy Cortez

    UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Rose Namajunas Decisions Tracy Cortez

    UFC Fight Night took place tonight from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights! 

    In the main event, former two-time strawweight champ Rose Namajunas took on #11-ranked women’s flyweight Tracy Cortez. While in the co-main event, Santiago Ponzinibbio faced Muslim Salikhov in a welterweight matchup. 

    Make sure to catch all the UFC Fight Night results and highlights as they happen below! 

    UFC Fight Night Results: Main Card

    • Women’s flyweight Main Event: Rose Namajunas def. Tracy Cortez via unanimous decision (49-46×2, 48-47)
    • Welterweight Co-Main Event: Muslim Salikhov def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via split decision (29-28×2, 28-29)
    • Lightweight: Jean Silva def. Drew Dober via TKO (doctor’s stoppage): R3, 1.28
    • Welterweight: Gabriel Bonfim def. Ange Loosa via unanimous decision (30-27×2, 29-28)
    • Featherweight: Julian Erosa def. Christian Rodriguez via submission: R1, 4.49
    • Middleweight: Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cody Brundage ends in no contest (illegal elbows by Alhassan): R1, 0.37

    Preliminary Card

    • Flyweight: Charles Johnson def. Joshua Van via KO: R3, 0.20
    • Women’s Flyweight: Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Fatima Kline via unanimous decision (30-27×3)
    • Bantamweight: Montel Jackson def. Da’Mon Blackshear via KO: R1, 0.18
    • Women’s Flyweight: Luana Santos def. Mariya Agapova via submission: R1, 3.27
    • Middleweight: Andre Petroski def. Josh Fremd via unanimous decision (30-27×3)
    • Welterweight: Evan Elder def. Darrius Flowers via submission: R2, 1.46

    Preliminary Card Highlights

    Evan Elder def. Darrius Flowers

    In this welterweight matchup, Evan Elder got it done with a submission of Darrius Flowers in the second round.

    Luana Santos def. Mariya Agapova

    Luana Santos locked in a rear-naked choke to get the win against Mariya Agapova in the first round of their flyweight bout.

    Montel Jackson def. Da’Mon Blackshear

    Montel Jackson unleashed a huge left to KO Da’Mon Blackshear after just 18 seconds of their bantamweight bout.

    Charles Johnson def. Joshua Van

    In this flyweight matchup, Charles Johnson earned a KO of Joshua Van 20 seconds into round three.

    Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cody Brundage ends in no contest

    This middleweight bout ended in a no contest after Abdul Razak Alhassan landed elbows to the back of Cody Brundage’s head, who was not able to continue.

    Julian Erosa def. Christian Rodriguez

    Julian Erosa locked in a guillotine to submit Christian Rodriguez at the end of round one in their featherweight contest.

    Gabriel Bonfim def. Ange Loosa

    Gabriel Bonfim earned a unanimous decision win against Ange Loosa in their welterweight bout.

    Jean Silva def. Drew Dober

    In this lightweight bout, Jean Silva was awarded a TKO victory after inflicting a nasty cut above Drew Dober’s right eye that caused the ringside doctor to stop the fight.

    Muslim Salikhov def. Santiago Ponzinibbio

    In the co-main event, Muslim Salikhov earned a split decision victory against Santiago Ponzinibbio.

    Rose Namajunas def. Tracy Cortez

    In the main event, Rose Namajunas earned a unanimous decision against Tracy Cortez to make it two wins in a row in the flyweight division.


  • ‘What Happens When You Toss A Knife & Wrench Into A Blender’ – Fans React To Jean Silva Winning Wild Brawl With Drew Dober At UFC Fight Night Denver

    ‘What Happens When You Toss A Knife & Wrench Into A Blender’ – Fans React To Jean Silva Winning Wild Brawl With Drew Dober At UFC Fight Night Denver

    Just two weeks after pulling off a highlight knockout at UFC 303, Jean Silva put on another spectacular performance with a hard-fought victory over Drew Dober at UFC Fight Night Denver.

    Dober put on a striking clinic in the fight, being creative in his strikes and well-timed with his attacks. For all that Silva dished out, however, the veteran fan favorite took it and then some, continuing to come forward with his attack in spite of the damage Silva was placing on him. Dober, in fact, was already bleeding in the first round.

    https://twitter.com/themmawizz/status/1812333510793007587

    Despite a strong second-round performance, Silva rocked Dober at the end of the round with an elbow, with the formerly ranked contender arguably being saved by the bell.

    Dober was cleared by doctors to continue into the third round, but an elbow less than two minutes into that final frame brought the action to a conclusion due to a gnarly cut.

    Fans React As Jean Silva Scores Second Finish In Two Weeks At UFC Fight Night Denver

    https://twitter.com/Actionman513/status/1812336200021373199

    Silva is now 3-0 in the UFC. The Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus fought just two weeks ago, scoring a second-round knockout of Charles Jourdain at the International Fight Week pay-per-view.

    Dober, meanwhile, has now lost three of four following a three-fight win streak.

  • Conor McGregor Reveals Latest On UFC Return Date Following Conversation With Dana White

    Conor McGregor Reveals Latest On UFC Return Date Following Conversation With Dana White

    More and more people won’t believe that Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will occur until the two fighters are actually in the Octagon. Some, meanwhile, are believing that McGregor will just never fight again.

    The Irishman, however, wants to assure Chandler and fight fans everywhere that the bout between the two will happen before 2024 ends.

    In a tweet to “Iron,” McGregor stated that promise after apparently having a recent conversation with UFC CEO Dana White.

    “I talked to Dana today about our new date, all looking good! 24′ for sure,” McGregor wrote.

    Conor McGregor: Fight vs. Michael Chandler Will Happen Before End Of 2024

    McGregor, in fact, posted a video on his social media showing him taking a run weeks removed from his toe injury, which led to the cancellation of his planned comeback at UFC 303 late last month.

    McGregor and Chandler, after coaching season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, were finally scheduled to face each other in the June 29 main event at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

    A June 3 press conference, however, was canceled at the last minute, with the fight officially being confirmed as postponed 10 days later.

  • VIDEO: Charles Johnson Lands Brutal Uppercut KO To Stall Joshua Van’s Rise At UFC Fight Night Denver

    VIDEO: Charles Johnson Lands Brutal Uppercut KO To Stall Joshua Van’s Rise At UFC Fight Night Denver

    Charles Johnson had tough competition on his hands when he faced rising flyweight star Joshua Van in the featured prelim bout of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Denver.

    Johnson came into the fight as a notable underdog, and Van appeared to be proving the sportsbooks correct through the first two rounds.

    Motivated with the idea of likely needing a finish, Johnson came out focused in the final round. The former LFA champion turned up the pressure and landed a couple of combinations, including a right hand that rocked his Burmese counterpart.

    “InnerG” then landed a three-punch combination, ending with an uppercut, to drop Van and score the KO just seconds into the third frame.

    Charles Johnson Fires Flurries To Finish Joshua Van In Upset Fashion

    Johnson has now won three straight fights this year after going 0-3 in the Octagon in 2023.

    Van, meanwhile, is now 3-1 in the Octagon, with this fight marking his first loss in professional MMA since dropping his third fight under the Fury FC banner.

  • VIDEO: Montel Jackson Sleeps Da’Mon Blackshear For 18-Second KO At UFC Fight Night Denver

    VIDEO: Montel Jackson Sleeps Da’Mon Blackshear For 18-Second KO At UFC Fight Night Denver

    Montel Jackson is promoted as having some dangerous power in his hands, and that was on full display in his victory on the preliminary card of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Denver.

    Jackson scored a quick win inside Ball Arena, knocking out Da’Mon Blackshear in just 18 seconds.

    As the two were feeling each other out, Jackson threw a one-two combination that saw a right hand to the chest and brutal straight left, with enough power to put Blackshear down and out.

    Montel Jackson Scores Lightning Quick KO At UFC Fight Night Denver

    Jackson’s finish is good enough for the second-quickest in UFC bantamweight history.

    “Quik” has now won five consecutive fights and is 8-2 in the Octagon since joining the UFC off a 2018 win on Dana White’s Contender Series. He will most likely find himself opposite a figure within the top 15 of the UFC bantamweight rankings next time out.

    Blackshear, meanwhile, has now dropped two consecutive fights and is 2-3-1 in the UFC. He is one of just three fighters to record a rare twister submission inside the Octagon.

  • ‘Absolutely Sick To My Stomach’ – Dana White, Conor McGregor, & Other UFC Figures React To Shooting At Donald Trump Rally

    ‘Absolutely Sick To My Stomach’ – Dana White, Conor McGregor, & Other UFC Figures React To Shooting At Donald Trump Rally

    Donald Trump, the 45th U.S. President and likely Republican nominee in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, is reportedly safe after being rushed off stage following an apparent assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

    The Associated Press reports that Trump said “Oh” and grabbed at his ear when the shots first rang out, with the presumptive Republican nominee crouching down as two more shots were heard.

    Trump was tackled on stage by agents, who were covering to protect him from the gunfire, as screams were heard throughout the thousands gathered for the rally. When Trump got back to his feet, he appeared to have blood on his face but pumped his fist as he was escorted off stage and away from the scene.

    Spokesman Steven Cheung subsequently released the following statement.

    “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”

    Multiple reports, citing Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger, state that a suspected gunman and at least one member of the rally’s audience were killed.

    UFC Fighters & Personalities React To Apparent Trump Shooting

    https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1812263823421981090
    https://twitter.com/Actionman513/status/1812267379050901598
    https://twitter.com/milesxjohns/status/1812272401234960671
    https://twitter.com/Actionman513/status/1812269665365966914
    https://twitter.com/urketaraketa/status/1812274662627483785

    Trump and UFC CEO Dana White have had a long-standing loyalty and friendship to one another dating back to the UFC’s early days. When Zuffa purchased the promotion at the start of 2001, the first two events (UFC 30 and UFC 31) were held at the then-Trump Taj Mahal (now the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino) in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

    White was a big supporter of Trump during the 2016 and 2020 elections and appeared to continue to be such with Trump being the presumptive Republican Party nominee for the 2024 election.

    The Pennsylvania rally was the last Trump was holding prior to the start of the Republican National Convention that begins on July 15.

  • ‘He’s Gonna Be Like Chandler Soon Huh’ – MMA Fans React To Jon Jones’ Concerning Deleted Tweet About Having ‘Finger Cut Off’

    If you think there has not been enough drama in the UFC over the last month or so, Jon Jones is now pouring gasoline on that fire, with a series of now-deleted tweets bringing concern to the MMA community.

    It started with a tweet in which Jones said he was at an airport in Las Vegas “getting half my finger cut off.”

    Jones followed that up with more tweets, including one that simply says, “No,” one that tells an X/Twitter user to, |Stop before it starts,” and one that says, “Do not call me.”

    The nature of these messages, combined with their quick deletion, has several in the MMA speculating what this could mean about Jones. Some have feared him being on another bender, while others are concerned this is a sign that Jones is yet again injured.

    Some even wonder if Jones will ever compete in the UFC ever again. Others, meanwhile, compared the behavior of Jones here to his brother, Chandler Jones, a star NFL defenseman who had a dispute with the Las Vegas Raiders at the start of the 2023 season and was released by the team following a September 2023 arrest.

    MMA Community Reacts To Concerning Series Of Deleted Tweets From UFC Heavyweight Champ Jon Jones

    https://twitter.com/krave_kombat040/status/1812158079120658736

    Some who view this as a sign Jones is hurt say, if that turns out to be true, “Bones” needs to be stripped of the UFC heavyweight championship quickly.

    In spite of some fan outcry, the UFC has been insistent on booking Jones vs. Stipe Miocic at New York’s Madison Square Garden after a plan for them to headline UFC 295 fell through due to Jones suffering a torn pec.

    Tom Aspinall won the interim heavyweight championship on that card, and he will defend that interim title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 on July 27.

  • Alex Pereira Says He Made More With Just 6% Of His UFC 303 Paycheck Than 14 Years Spent Working At Tire Shop

    Alex Pereira Says He Made More With Just 6% Of His UFC 303 Paycheck Than 14 Years Spent Working At Tire Shop

    Since making his UFC debut in November 2021, Alex Pereira has won the UFC middleweight and light heavyweight championships separately. Of his nine fights, five have been for a title, and he’s won four via knockouts.

    “Poatan” has become a massive star in MMA for his exciting striking style and consistency. After headlining UFC 300, he stepped in on short notice to defend his UFC light heavyweight belt against Jiří Procházka at UFC 303. He won almost effortlessly via KO in the second and saved the event after McGregor had pulled out.

    Here’s how being one of the UFC’s most reliable champions in recent years has benefited Pereira financially…

    Alex Pereira Reveals How He Convinced Dana White For A $303,000 Bonus After UFC 303 Victory

    In an interview on his official YouTube channel, the UFC light heavyweight champion admitted he received a $303,000 bonus for winning at UFC 303.

    “Then he said, “I gave you bonus of the fight” Then I said to him, “$303,000?” Then he laughed and said, “No, $50,000” and I was like, “At the interview they asked you, I don’t understand english and I understood it was $303,000. Then he laughed again and said, “Okay fine, $303,000 for you” then I thanked him.”

    Pereira remembered not getting a $300,000 bonus for winning the UFC 300 main event. So, when asked about the bonuses for UFC 303 by the press, he intentionally claimed to think that the amount was $303,000.

    After the fight, “Poatan” mentioned the $303,000 bonus to Dana White again and this time around, the UFC CEO paid up.

    Pereira then disclosed that just 6% of his UFC 303 paycheck would be equal to all the money he had earned over the 14 years as a mechanic.

    “It was good money, I worked 14 years in the tire shop. The money I earned in 14 years, 0.06 of the money I won in UFC 303 covered the 14 years I worked in the tire shop.”

    Will “Poatan” return against Magomed Ankalaev who many believe to be his toughest test at LHW or fight the likes of Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall at heavyweight for an even bigger paycheck?

    READ MORE: Dan Hooker Gets His UFC 305 Perth Date Against Mateusz Gamrot

  • John McCarthy On Ref Marc Goddard Recusing Himself From Officiating Leon Edwards Fights: ‘Claims Don’t Mean S**t, But They’re Going To Make Them!’

    John McCarthy On Ref Marc Goddard Recusing Himself From Officiating Leon Edwards Fights: ‘Claims Don’t Mean S**t, But They’re Going To Make Them!’

    “Big” John McCarthy recently shared his two cents on Marc Goddard’s decision to step down from officiating Leon Edwards’ fights, praising it as a wise and commendable move.

    During a recent interview on the Overdogs Podcast, Goddard delved into the complexities of refereeing MMA fights, particularly how personal relationships with fighters can complicate his role. The veteran referee used Edwards as a prime example, explaining that he will never officiate the reigning UFC welterweight champion bouts.

    Goddard revealed that he was “Rocky’s” first MMA coach and wants to avoid any accusations of bias towards his former tutee, highlighting his commitment to maintaining impartiality.

    The Brit referee has a storied career in MMA, boasting over two decades of experience both officiating and fighting. Goddard is a highly esteemed referee who has officiated numerous marquee bouts in the UFC and other top promotions.

    McCarthy, a titan in the realm of MMA refereeing, hailed Goddard’s decision and offered his own insights on the perspectives of officiating a close friend’s fight…

    McCarthy Endorses Decision to Avoid Officiating a Friend’s Fight

    During a recent episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast with former UFC lightweight contender Josh Thomson, McCarthy recounted his encounters with the unique challenges of officiating fights involving fighters with whom he shared close personal bonds, while praising Goddard for his stance.

    “It’s the right decision,” McCarthy said. “The real decision is that you try to take yourself out of situations that can put you into an area where someone can make a claim. And claims don’t mean sh*t, but they’re going to make them.”

    “Big John” revealed that he had a close friendship with MMA legends Royce Gracie and Tim Sylvia, yet found himself officiating their bouts due to commission mandates.

    The former UFC referee admitted he was initially reluctant to oversee those fights but couldn’t decline. He consistently made it a point to inform the commissions and MMA promotion about his camaraderie with the fighters.

    “You have to just be honest and say, ‘Can you be fair?’ You’re always going to get someone who’s gonna say you’re not fair.”

  • Chael Sonnen Explains Why Stipe Miocic Is ‘Primed’ To Defeat Jon Jones: ‘He Realized I Gotta Be More Man…’

    Chael Sonnen Explains Why Stipe Miocic Is ‘Primed’ To Defeat Jon Jones: ‘He Realized I Gotta Be More Man…’

    Chael Sonnen recently expressed his belief that Stipe Miocic has the upper hand in his potential fight against Jon Jones.

    The much-anticipated clash between Miocic and reigning heavyweight champion Jones has been the talk of the MMA world since it was first announced. The excitement reached a fever pitch, only to be dashed last October when “Bones” tore his pectoral muscle just two weeks before their scheduled bout at UFC 295 in November 2023.

    The widespread anticipation is that the long-overdue bout will headline the UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden this November. Jones has also fueled the excitement with his continuous hints, yet the MMA promotion has not officially confirmed the event.

    Miocic last competed at UFC 260 in March 2021, where he suffered a second-round knockout defeat in a rematch against former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Although he has been absent from the Octagon for over three years, Sonnen believes the 41-year-old Ohio native could still pull off a stunning upset against Jones if they were to fight…

    Sonnen Suggests Miocic’s Apparent Bulk Could Aid in Jones Fight

    During a recent episode of ESPN’s Good Guy / Bad Guy with Daniel Cormier, Sonnen delved into a discussion about fighters who have the potential to dethrone reigning UFC champions by the year’s end.

    “The Bad Guy” expressed confidence in Miocic’s ability to defeat Jones in their potential matchup. Sonnen revealed that he recently spoke with the former longtime heavyweight champion about his current walk-around weight, and Miocic disclosed he’s around 252 pounds.

    The former middleweight title challenger told “DC” that Miocic’s added muscle mass could significantly enhance his power, a game-changing factor in a showdown with Jones.

    “If Stipe does in fact come in at 252 [pounds], that’s very different,” Sonnen said. “The first time you [Cormier] fought him, he was 246, and the second time you fought him, he was 233… But after he lost to Francis, Stipe thought that he was going to draw into a trilogy against Francis, and he realized I got to be a bigger man and got to have more size on me.”

    “He buckled down and focused on the same thing that Jon Jones did to gain weight. Stipe did the same thing; he added the right kind of weight, and that’s going to change the perception of power ability for takedowns. Stipe is going to show up at Madison Square Garden, and he is primed to get a victory.”

    Despite his extended hiatus, Miocic has been unwavering in his desire to face “Bones” in his comeback fight, expressing his willingness to wait for the opportunity. He’s recently made it clear that if the Jones bout doesn’t materialize, he’s prepared to retire.

  • Michael Chandler Told He Has Become A Top Five Draw In The UFC Despite Long Layoff: ‘He Got What He Wanted Without Having To Throw A Punch…’

    Michael Chandler Told He Has Become A Top Five Draw In The UFC Despite Long Layoff: ‘He Got What He Wanted Without Having To Throw A Punch…’

    Michael Chandler has not fought since his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in November of 2022.

    He has spent the best part of a year and a half at this stage trying to answer questions of when he will be fighting Conor McGregor and whether this wait has been worth it.

    Everything finally looked to be heading his way until McGregor withdrew from UFC 303 due to a broken toe with the plan to push the fight back a few months so that he can return at 100%.

    Of course, fighting McGregor is an opportunity that simply doesn’t get any bigger in this sport but if the fight never happens, Chandler could have missed out on some incredibly significant time in his career now that he is 38 years old.

    Chael Sonnen does not see it this way because of the goal that “Iron” Mike approached this fight with.

    Chael Sonnen Argues That Michael Chandler Has Still Got What He Wanted Out Of Conor McGregor Without Fighting Him

    During a recent episode of the Good Guy / Bad Guy show on ESPN MMA, Daniel Cormier made the prediction that Chandler will fight again this year but it may not be McGregor.

    Though some would consider this a big setback for the former Bellator fight because of how long he has waited, Sonnen believes that he has still gained massively from this period of his career.

    “The Bad Guy” argues that by being spoken about in connection with the biggest fight that is possible means that he has been able to increase his own stock and name value without ever stepping inside the Octagon.

    Sonnen argues that Chandler has been given the McGregor exposure without actually needing to fight him first.

    “Michael Chandler, behind the scenes, his number one motivation to fight Conor McGregor, it was not some big huge lucrative payday like so many people think. Michael Chandler was playing a long game, he thought, ‘I match-up very well, Conor’s got the fans, I go in there, I beat him, I leave with all the fans’. Well, he’s kind of there. I mean, in all fairness, we’re all chomping at the bit to see Michael Chandler.

    “What I’m trying to suggest for you is it doesn’t really matter. Michael Chandler, I believe, is a top five draw right now and I don’t believe after his last fight that he was. I think all this media, all this attention, the things that are dangling, you and I discussing him, I think he’s actually gone up. I think he got what he wanted without having to throw a punch.”

    Read also: Chael Sonnen Sends Advice To Former Alex Pereira Kickboxing Opponent Artem Vakhitov On MMA Transition: ‘Might Be A Better Approach…’ 

  • Classy Alex Pereira Refuses To Pick Against ‘Good Heart’ Israel Adesanya Despite Heated Rivalry: ‘I’m Here, Cheering For Him’

    Classy Alex Pereira Refuses To Pick Against ‘Good Heart’ Israel Adesanya Despite Heated Rivalry: ‘I’m Here, Cheering For Him’

    It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya have one of the most iconic and popular rivalries in mixed martial arts history. They first crossed paths in GLORY as kickboxers and then fought twice in the UFC.

    Although “Poatan” has three wins over “Izzy” including MMA and kickboxing, the latter often brags about getting the last laugh. In April 2023, Adesanya knocked out Pereira at UFC 287 to reclaim his UFC middleweight championship.

    Since then, the Brazilian has become the light heavyweight champion with two title defenses to his name. He is also expected to move up to heavyweight in the near future. Adesanya, on the other end, lost the middleweight title to Sean Strickland via decision and is gearing up for his return against current champ Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305.

    Alex Pereira Sends His Support To Misunderstood Israel Adesanya

    Pereira was recently asked about Adesanya picking him to lose against Jamahal Hill and Jiří Procházka in an interview uploaded on his official YouTube channel. The UFC light heavyweight champion claimed to be unbothered and reiterated that he’s still backing his rival to win against DDP.

    “They asked me about Adesanya and Du Plessis, I said I don’t see Adesanya losing. Just because he said that about me doesn’t mean I’ll say it back.”

    “Poatan” went on to appreciate Adesanya as a person and vowed to keep cheering for “The Last Stylebender” even if he doesn’t reciprocate in kind.

    Pereira also suggested the former UFC middleweight champion should continue fighting, referring to Adesanya’s vague claim that he would fight again in 2027 after the Strickland loss.

    “i’m here, supporting him, I already fought him, not going to say he should lose. I’m not mad at him, no grudges. Like I said if one day it’s possible to train with him.”

    At 34, Izzy can certainly bounce back from losses like before and go on a new title run at middleweight. From the looks of it, his long-time opponent will be happy to see such a scenario.

    “[People Claim] He’s this, he’s bad” and what not. The people who truly know him that I had contact with, talk good about him. [Adesanya] Has a good heart, a lot of the times it’s just marketing. I believe that, I can see he is a good person.

    “so that’s why I’m here, cheering for him. If he doesn’t cheer for me, that’s not my problem. But I’m here, cheering for him.”

    Despite the animosity in the past, it won’t be a surprise if the two kickboxing greats end up training together soon.

    Read More: Conor McGregor Gives ‘Ecstatic’ Reaction To Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Alleged Tax Debt In Russia: ‘Typical Rat Behavior!’

  • Daniel Cormier Makes Bold Second-Half Of 2024 Prediction For Conor McGregor: ‘Will Get Increasingly Annoyed With The UFC…’

    Daniel Cormier Makes Bold Second-Half Of 2024 Prediction For Conor McGregor: ‘Will Get Increasingly Annoyed With The UFC…’

    Despite coming so close to finally getting Conor McGregor back inside the Octagon, it still remains unclear what will happen from this point on.

    “The Notorious” stated once the news was official that he had withdrawn from the main event of UFC 303, that he wouldn’t need much time to recover.

    His broken toe would mean taking a few weeks away to heal up before getting back into his training camp, so a September or October date would make a lot of sense.

    There is yet to be an update on this and Daniel Cormier wonders whether the UFC could be left in a position where they don’t have a good time for him to come back because of the plans that they already have in place for each month.

    Daniel Cormier Predicts That Conor McGregor Is Going To Find The Remainder Of 2024 Frustrating

    During a recent episode of the Good Guy / Bad Guy show on ESPN MMA, Cormier and Chael Sonnen gave their predictions for the remainder of 2024.

    The first topic tasked both men with completing the sentence, “Conor McGregor will…”, which Sonnen chose to end with ‘return’.

    Cormier, on the other hand, took a different route as he spoke about whether there will be space in the schedule for McGregor’s return now that it has been pushed back.

    When his injury was confirmed, there was talk of whether an additional numbered event would need to take place in order to allow for McGregor to fight without changing any of the other plans that are already in place.

    With the PPV cards already starting to come together for the remaining months of the year, “DC” isn’t sure that booking the Irishman’s comeback against Michael Chandler is going to be a simple process.

    “For me, Conor McGregor will get increasingly annoyed with the UFC because they will not have anywhere to put him, that’s my prediction. He will want to fight, Chael, like you said, because he will want to get back to that guy but as you know, fight cards fill up and Conor McGregor can’t just be dropped onto any fight card.

    Whereas New York may be a great place to put McGregor, you can’t put him on the same card as Jones and Stipe so he will have to find a place to fight.”

    Read also: ‘He’s Touching Billionaire Status…’ – PFL Star & Conor McGregor’s Sparring Partner Feels UFC 303 Withdrawal Showed ‘Maturity’

  • Alex Pereira Not Willing To Take On Tom Aspinall Due To Interim Title Status: ‘It Doesn’t Interest Me In This Moment’

    Alex Pereira Not Willing To Take On Tom Aspinall Due To Interim Title Status: ‘It Doesn’t Interest Me In This Moment’

    Alex Pereira defended his UFC light heavyweight championship against Jiří Procházka at UFC 303. He now holds three title wins in the division and tons of fans, including MMA fighters, are excited to see him at heavyweight.

    In the biggest weight division, Pereira can take on the likes of Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. While Jones is adamant about fighting Stipe Miocic next, Aspinall is scheduled to defend his interim UFC heavyweight championship against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304.

    With uncertainty surrounding Pereira’s heavyweight debut, here’s what he thinks of a fight with Aspinall…

    Alex Pereira Dismisses Tom Aspinall As An Opponent Due To His Interim UFC Heavyweight Belt

    Pereira discussed his heavyweight debut in the UFC on his official YouTube channel recently. He instantly clarified that heavyweight isn’t his priority at the moment, teasing that he aims to defend his light heavyweight belt again.

    “What I got to say is, it doesn’t interest me in this moment to fight him. To be honest, heavyweight isn’t my objective, it isn’t my main focus. Tom Aspinall, not talking about fighter, I’m talking positions. I think I’m in another position now, sincerely for me it doesn’t make sense to dispute the interim belt.

    “Poatan” then cited that Aspinall’s interim UFC heavyweight belt as the reason why he isn’t interested in the fight. He prefers waiting to fight for the real belt over disputing the interim one.

    The Brazilian didn’t discredit Aspinall’s Octagon skills, though. He appreciated the interim champ’s technical prowess and athleticism. So, their highly-anticipated matchup could become a reality if Jones is stripped or the Britisher unifies the title anytime soon.

    “I am not belittling him, I respect him a lot. I think he is an incredible athlete, a guy that is very dangerous technical. I’m just talking about the interim belt, there is no point for me. So, I discard, there is no possibility to fight him now. If he was champion and said that, of course we would be promotion the fight. “

    Read More: Former Glory Champion & Last Man To Defeat Alex Pereira In Kickboxing Training With Henry Cejudo: ‘Chama, We Comin’!’

  • UFC Fight Night: Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez Weigh-In Results: Cortez Makes Weight With Haircut

    UFC Fight Night: Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez Weigh-In Results: Cortez Makes Weight With Haircut

    UFC Fight Night: Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results!

    After taking a weekend off post-UFC 303, the promotion is kicking off its July schedule with a return to Denver. The main event comes in the women’s flyweight division, with surging prospect Tracy Cortez receiving a major opportunity to climb the ranks against Rose Namajunas.

    “Thug Rose,” a former two-time strawweight champion, was originally set to do battle with top five contender Maycee Barber. But with “The Future” out injured, the #11-ranked Cortez has filled in on short notice, looking to extend her undefeated UFC record by adding the biggest scalp to her résumé thus far.

    Elsewhere, the likes of welterweight veteran Santiago Ponzinibbio, lightweight fan favorite Drew Dober, and middleweight knockout artist Abdul Razak Alhassan will be among those in action.

    UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez Weigh-In Results

    UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez takes place on Saturday, July 13, at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, with the preliminary card starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

    Check out the full weigh-in results below!

    Main Card:

    • Women’s flyweight Main Event: Rose Namajunas (124.75lbs) vs. Tracy Cortez (126lbs)
    • Welterweight Co-Main Event: Santiago Ponzinibbio (171lbs) vs. Muslim Salikhov (171lbs)
    • Lightweight: Drew Dober (155lbs) vs. Jean Silva (155lbs)
    • Welterweight: Gabriel Bonfim (171lbs) vs. Ange Loosa (170lbs)
    • Featherweight: Julian Erosa (145.5lbs) vs. Christian Rodriguez (145.5lbs)
    • Middleweight: Abdul Razak Alhassan (185lbs) vs. Cody Brundage (185.5lbs)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Flyweight: Joshua Van (125lbs) vs. Charles Johnson (125.5lbs)
    • Women’s Flyweight: Jasmine Jasudavicius (125lbs) vs. Fatima Kline (125lbs)
    • Bantamweight: Montel Jackson (135lbs) vs. Da’Mon Blackshear (135.5lbs)
    • Women’s Flyweight: Luana Santos (125lbs) vs. Mariya Agapova (125lbs)
    • Middleweight: Josh Fremd (186lbs) vs. Andre Petroski (185.5lbs)
    • Welterweight: Evan Elder (170lbs) vs. Darrius Flowers (170lbs)
  • Jon Anik: Celebrated Former UFC Champion ‘First Guy That Comes To Mind’ When Discussing Fighters Who Will Never Be Replicated

    Jon Anik: Celebrated Former UFC Champion ‘First Guy That Comes To Mind’ When Discussing Fighters Who Will Never Be Replicated

    Jon Anik recently remarked that Khabib Nurmagomedov reigns supreme in the world of combat sports as a truly irreplaceable fighter, citing the former UFC lightweight champion’s unparalleled fighting style and unyielding mindset.

    “The Eagle” soared through the annals of UFC history with a career that was nothing short of extraordinary. Widely regarded as arguably the greatest MMA grappler ever, his legacy is cemented by an impeccable fight record that speaks volumes to his unmatched Octagon prowess.

    In the MMA world, few fighters epitomize universal admiration quite like Nurmagomedov. The 35-year-old Dagestani announced his retirement from active competition after a decisive second-round submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020.

    Despite stepping away from the Octagon, Nurmagomedov continues to captivate a legion of die-hard fans and remains a constant presence on every list of GOAT MMA fighters. UFC play-by-play commentator Anik firmly believes that “The Eagle” is truly one of a kind…

    Anik Confident No One Can Rival Nurmagomedov’s Mentality

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Anik was posed the question of which fighter’s greatness is irreplaceable. The 46-year-old UFC broadcaster responded by highlighting Nurmagomedov, praising his unparalleled combat technique and indomitable spirit as qualities no other fighter could ever match.

    “I think Khabib Nurmagomedov had a uniqueness to him,” Anik said. “And I think a lot of that is rooted in his mentality, but even just in terms of not wanting to maybe hurt Justin Gaethje or the way he would talk to his opponents in a different way than Kevin Holland would.”

    Anik further noted that while many former UFC champions, such as Daniel Cormier, Demetrious Johnson, and Dominick Cruz, possessed their own distinctive and superior fighting attributes, none could compare to the exceptional prowess of “The Eagle”.

    “My guy Daniel Cormier, I think, is supremely underrated in terms of his ability to inflict and impose his wrestling and his rear naked choke on really world-class fighters. But I guess Khabib’s that comes to mind… All roads eventually for me lead to Khabib.”

    Nurmagomedov now devotes his time to mentoring the next generation of fighters and is frequently seen training with his close friend and reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.

    However, the UFC Hall of Famer is reportedly under scrutiny by the Russian Federal Tax Services for allegations of over $3 million in tax fraud.