MMA News

Category: UFC

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

  • Islam Makhachev Answers If He’d Be A Backup For Oliveira/Gaethje

    UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev is waiting to wait as long as it takes for the next lightweight title shot in Abu Dhabi and not as a backup.

    Makhachev has now won 10 in a row, with the latest coming against short-notice replacement Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49 last weekend. It didn’t take long for Makhachev to get a feel for Green’s gameplan and to finish the fight on the ground.

    Makhachev has emerged as arguably the top lightweight contender who could face the winner of Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje. Oliveira and Gaethje are slated to meet in the main event of UFC 274 on May 7.

    One element of conversation has been who could serve as the backup for the UFC 274 main event. During his UFC Vegas 49 post-fight press conference, Makhachev appeared to downplay the idea of serving as the backup and weighing in.

    “For step-in, we have some guys like dos Anjos or Michael Chandler,” Makhachev said. “But (I deserve the title shot). I have 10-fight streak. And last 11 months, I’m training so hard. Like next week, I’m ready for fight, like, next pay-per-view show. But I want to fight in Abu Dhabi because I have (many friends) who stay outside because they cannot come (to the UFC APEX). I want to fight for the title in Abu Dhabi. All my friends can come and support me inside.”

    Makhachev has long called for the title shot but wants to be slated as the certain challenger and not utilized as a backup plan. He’s looking to continue the legacy of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and reclaim the lightweight throne for Dagestan.

    What is your prediction for Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje? How do you think Islam Makhachev would fare against both fighters?

  • Masvidal Signs New UFC Deal Making Him One Of Top Three Highest Paid

    UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal has put pen to paper on a new contract with the UFC that puts him in the top three highest earners in the organization.

    ‘Gamebred’ is taking on Colby Covington this weekend in the main event of UFC 272 as the two stars are set to settle their beef in the Octagon. Bad blood has boiled between the pair for a while now which has all come from the downfall of their friendship.

    Jorge Masvidal Colby Covington
    Courtesy of Jorge Masvidal’s Instagram (via Daily Mail)

    Masvidal is one of the biggest stars in the UFC, mainly because of his BMF status which he earned with his victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 244. He is however coming off a two-fight losing streak with both of those defeats coming to UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

    Speaking on his new contract, Masvidal posted the following on his social media.

    “Thank you Hunter Campbell and @danawhite and my team @malkikawa @Abraham_kawa and @FirstRoundMgmt for making sure my kids will never go hungry again.”

    With the announcement of his new contract made official, Masvidal now sits only behind Conor McGregor and Israel Adesanya on the highest-paid athletes’ list in the UFC. Being one of the UFC’s biggest draws has seen him earn the rare opportunity of headling a PPV card despite not fighting for a title at UFC 272.

    Not to mention, Masvidal is a cover star for the organization’s video game ‘EA Sports UFC 4’ which was released in August 2020. The ‘BMF’ belt holder fronts the cover for the game alongside Adesanya.

    Fans were surprised to hear the news of a new UFC contract for Masvidal, considering the UFC middleweight could extend his losing run on Saturday. Yet, Masvidal will remain a draw past UFC 272 with PPV fights against McGregor as well as a rematch with Diaz a possibility to consider in the making of his new deal.

    What do you make of Masvidal’s new lucrative deal?

  • Dana White Anticipates “Problems” For Russian Fighters For UFC London

    UFC President Dana White is unsure whether or not Russia-based fighters will be able to compete at the upcoming UFC London card.

    The UFC’s return to London is slated to take place on March 19 at the O2 Arena. The event will be headlined by a heavyweight matchup between Tom Aspinall and Russian contender Alexander Volkov.

    Other British stars such as Paddy Pimblett and Arnold Allen will also be on the UFC London card. White has been waiting for months to bring the UFC not just to the U.K., but to the European continent in general.

    During a recent interview with Barstool Sports, White gave an update on the status of Russian fighters competing at UFC London amidst the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

    “Yeah, you know, it’s obviously gonna cause problems. But we’ll figure it out,” White said.

    White went on to address whether or not he could contact U.S. President Joe Biden for some assistance to have the Russian fighters fight in London.

    “No, I have Trump’s number, but I definitely don’t have Biden’s number.”

    It’s unclear if the UFC will have a backup plan in case Volkov and others won’t be able to fight. Russian heavyweights Sergei Pavlovich and Shamil Abdurakhimov will also compete on the main card.

    In addition to recent concerns about Russian fighters, the O2 Arena’s roof was also partially damaged during a recent storm in the London area.

    White sounds optimistic about making everything work for the upcoming UFC London card, but it’s clear that some hurdles remain just a few weeks before the event.

    What fight are you most excited for at UFC London?

  • Masvidal Names The Weaknesses He Hopes To Exploit Against Covington

    UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal has revealed the weaknesses he believes he can exploit against bitter rival Colby Covington at UFC 272.

    It’s perhaps rare for two fighters who know so much about each other and boast as much history between them as Masvidal and Covington do to collide in the Octagon. That, along with what’s at stake in the context of the 170-pound weight class, makes this weekend’s main event so intriguing.

    In the third UFC pay-per-view headliner of 2022, two former roommates and teammates will share the cage in a grudge match that has everybody talking.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CafVdDShuAv/

    One thing that’s become clear, thanks to both the pre-fight insults and discussion of each other’s styles, is that both men enter the contest with the belief their history as training partners will give them an edge.

    That narrative was recently evident when Masvidal discussed the weaknesses he hopes to exploit in his former friend’s game.

    Masvidal: Covington Is “Fragile”

    During a recent interview with ESPN’s Max Kellerman, Masvidal, who enters this Saturday’s event off the back of consecutive losses to reigning welterweight king Kamaru Usman, claimed he’s seen Covington’s fragility first hand.

    That, as well as a power edge over the former interim titleholder, is something “Gamebred” plans to use to his advantage inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on March 5.

    “(I can exploit) his heart, and he’s fragile. I know him. I have, just like he has things to say about me and math on me, I know him,” said Masvidal. “I remember the times that I hit him a little bit too hard in the body—he took his gloves off and had to walk out of the cage. He would tell trainers, ‘Ah, we don’t have to spar, me and Masvidal. We could wrestle all the time, but we don’t have to spar.’

    “It shows on his record. He doesn’t hurt anybody. He doesn’t have any power,” added Masvidal. “I know what I have to do; just be a dog, be a dog that I’ve always been, and just get in front of his face, and let him have it.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CakZ10bI0qK/

    While there may be the absence of a championship on the line this Saturday, the animosity between the two headliners more than makes up for it. With a place in title contention and bragging rights on the line, UFC 272’s main event promises to be a must-see affair.

    Who do you think will win UFC 272’s blockbuster grudge match, Jorge Masvidal or Colby Covington?

  • Mariya Agapova: I’m Not Playing Maryna Moroz’s Game

    UFC flyweight Mariya Agapova isn’t planning on fighting on emotion ahead of her grudge match against Maryna Moroz at UFC 272.

    Agapova and Moroz used to be cordial as teammates at American Top Team in south Florida. But their respect for one another as teammates has fizzled out in recent years.

    It all started when Moroz accused Agapova of struggling with drug addiction and jealousy, which allegedly led to her dismissal from ATT. Agapova has since denied Moroz’s claims and called her out following a win over Sabina Mazo last October.

    Moroz has also claimed that Agapova attempted to injure her teammates during training. The two flyweights have a score to settle at UFC 272 following their series of back-and-forths.

    During a recent interview with The AllStar, Agapova detailed how she plans to not fight on emotion against her ex-teammate turned adversary.

    “I think, if I will be affected and mad, that might be her weapon,” Agapova said. “Because she’s purposely trying to drive me crazy. She post a lot of stories; she talking sh*t about me. She’s trying to make me mad because she knows if I get mad I will try to punch her hard and I will waste all my energy, and she will finish me like Shana Dobson. It’s what she wants. That’s why she’s trying to drive me crazy. But I (decided) I’m not going to play this game. I will be calm, cold, like an assassin, and I will open her weak places and hopefully finish her.”

    Agapova vs. Moroz isn’t the only matchup between former ATT teammates on the card. The event will be headlined by a welterweight matchup between former friends turned bitter rivals Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.

    Aside from their beef, both Agapova and Moroz need a win to stay in the thick of things in the women’s flyweight division. Both women are coming into the matchup with plenty to prove and with long-term bragging rights on the line.

    What is your prediction for Mariya Agapova vs. Maryna Moroz?

  • Yan Xiaonan Reveals What She Learned From Carla Esparza Defeat

    Ahead of her next battle against Marina Rodriguez, Yan Xiaonan reflects on her recent defeat against Carla Esparza.

    Last May, Xiaonan saw her 11-fight win streak come to an end. The “Cookie Monster” devastated her in the cage with punches that ended the fight in round 2.

    Carla Esparza is a fierce opponent in the Octagon. Even the current strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas, was finished by Esparza when they fought back in 2014.

    Similar to Namajunas, Xiaonan felt the loss was a lesson and showed where improvements need to be made.

    Carla Esparza and Yan Xiaonan
    Carla Esparza and Yan Xiaonan, Photo Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

    “The biggest lesson is you have to be ready for a big fight like that. 100% ready. Another lesson is the direction—how you prepare for the fight. So, we had some problems on that in my last fight camp. So, yeah, everything, I learned a little bit of everything in that fight,” Xiaonan told LowKickMMA.

    Most fighters will tell you that preparation for a fight is more important than the fight itself. You have to go into the ring mentally and physically fit enough to defeat your opponent.

    A bad day can lead to a bad fight just as well as being undertrained. But losing can also be a humbling experience, and many fighters have come back stronger from it.

    This Saturday, Xiaonan will face Brazil’s Marina Rodriguez at UFC 272. They hold spots in the top 5 of the strawweight rankings, and after their match, one will be much closer to the title shot.

    What are your thoughts on how Yan Xiaonan reflects on her loss to Carla Esparza?

  • UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal Pre-Fight Press Conference Highlights

    The UFC 272 pre-fight press conference took place earlier tonight, and we’ve got the highlights for you right here!

    UFC 272 takes place Saturday, March 5, 2022, from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event will feature an epic grudge match between former best friends Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal. The trash talk has been at a fever pitch this fight week, and it reached a boiling point tonight during the pre-fight press conference.

    Below, you can find some of the most memorable moments from today’s UFC 272 pre-fight press conference.

    Memorable Moments

    Extended Highlights & Face-Off

    Full Replay

    Finally, if you’d like to experience the full UFC 272 pre-fight press conference uncut, you can do so right down below!

  • Covington Describes Masvidal As Fidel Castro Junior, Masvidal Responds

    UFC welterweight Colby Covington has been met with a stern response after comparing upcoming opponent Jorge Masvidal to Fidel Castro.

    It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that Covington has approached fight week for UFC 272 with his usual mindset. We’d have been stupid to expect anything else.

    We’ve come to know the former interim champion as a man who will say controversial things in order to attract attention and headlines. That’s something that even partially led to the downfall of his friendship with former roommate and teammate Masvidal.

    Ahead of the pair’s heated clash this Saturday, Covington once again hasn’t held back. That was evident at UFC 272 media day when he compared “Gamebred” with Fidel Castro, who was a Cuban revolutionary and leader of the Caribbean nation between 1959 and 2008.

    “I never ask for handouts, I’m not like Jorge Masvidal. That guy is the definition of handouts,” Covington told reporters. “He used to use an Obama Phone. He used to food stamps from the government. He’s Fidel Castro junior. The guy is the definition of communism and here he is trying to act like he’s a right-winger now. It’s just funny, the hypocrisy.” (h/t The Mac Life)

    Having previously attacked the entire nation of Brazil and used rival Kamaru Usman’s Nigerian heritage as an insult, it’s hardly surprising to see Covington go down the route of utilizing Masvidal’s background as a weapon.

    Masvidal Fires Back: He Is Clearly Trying To Get Emotion Out Of Me

    While Masvidal was born and raised in Miami, his father was Cuban. According to “Gamebred,” his father fled Cuba in a self-made raft at a young age. Masvidal has never shied away from criticizing the politics and regime his father’s country is run under.

    With that in mind, Covington’s insult certainly crosses the line for Masvidal. During his own appearance at UFC 272 media day, the 37-year-old had the opportunity to respond.

    Noting the immense pain caused to his family by the Castro rule, Masvidal described the deceased leader as the only person he dislikes more than Covington. With that said, “Gamebred” acknowledged that Covington used the comparison to try and force emotion out of him, something many have pointed out as a key factor heading into their main event bout.

    “Due to Fidel Castro, family members of mine died,” Masvidal said. “My aunt is actually missing a breast because she tried to cross over from Cuba to Guantanamo Bay and the whole area is rigged with landmines. She’s now missing a tit because as she was crossing over, a landmine exploded.

    “So for him to say that is clearly trying to get an emotion out of me and to get in the newspapers. The one person I dislike more than Colby Covington is no longer alive and it’s Fidel Castro,” concluded Masvidal.

    Having previously referenced Masvidal’s family and children, it’s safe to say that there isn’t much left for Covington to comment on that could get under Masvidal’s skin. However, the topic of Castro and Cuba is clearly something the #6-ranked welterweight won’t entertain, and understandably.

    While this grudge match certainly didn’t need more insults and back and forth to make it intriguing, that’s exactly what we’re getting so far in fight week. But when the cage door shuts, the time for talking will be over.

    While Masvidal will be hoping to make his former teammate pay for his remarks and historical actions, “Chaos” will be targeting the comfortable victory he claims the UFC 272 main event should be for him.

    Did Colby Covington take things too far by comparing Jorge Masvidal to Fidel Castro?

  • Tyson Fury Calls Recent Conor McGregor Banter “A Publicity Stunt”

    Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury says his recent back-and-forth with Conor McGregor on social media wasn’t what most think it was.

    McGregor and Fury recently went at it on social media after Fury posted a message of support for McGregor’s longtime rival Khabib Nurmagomedov. The two engaged in a bit of a roast fest on social media, and it seemed that there was genuine animosity between the two stars.

    Fury will face Dillian Whyte in what he claims will be his last professional boxing match. He intends on still remaining active afterward for crossover fights and a potential bout with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

    During his pre-fight press conference for his matchup with Whyte, Fury cleared the air on his apparent beef with McGregor.

    “Bit of a publicity stunt. Super Bowl weekend, all eyes on us,” Fury said.

    Fury went on to clarify that he feels there’s no genuine hatred between him and McGregor.

    “Beef? Man’s 10 stone. I’m 20 stone, behave yourselves. Only beef we would have is me eating him in a beef sandwich.”

    McGregor is preparing for a return to the Octagon later this year against a to-be-named opponent. He has hinted that he will get a lightweight title shot upon his return to the UFC.

    Fury and McGregor are arguably two of the most popular combat sports figures today but are also known for their attempts at mental warfare. Yet, it appears that Fury doesn’t hold any genuine dislike for McGregor.

    What do you make of Tyson Fury’s reflections on his Twitter banter with Conor McGregor?

  • ATT Founder: The Best UFC 272 Outcome For Us Is Masvidal/Askren 2

    American Top Team founder Dan Lambert says the best outcome for his gym at UFC 272 would be a replica of Jorge Masvidal’s knockout of Ben Askren in 2019.

    While ATT’s interest in this weekend’s pay-per-view recently increased with the late-notice addition of Brazil’s Renato Moicano to the card, the gym’s main attention will no doubt be on the headlining bout, which pits current influential member Masvidal against the ousted Colby Covington.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CahnVsRrfXi/

    While Covington’s individual history training and living with Masvidal has provided the main narrative heading into the event, “Gamebred” isn’t the only member of the ATT roster that “Chaos” got on the wrong side of during his time at the Coconut Creek, Florida-based facility.

    With that in mind, Dan Lambert, who founded the gym in 2001, is after a fast and emphatic victory for his man in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena this Saturday.

    Lambert: Quick KO For Masvidal Would Be “Satisfying” For ATT

    During a recent interview with ESPN MMA’s Marc Raimondi, Lambert discussed the upcoming grudge match between one of his gym’s current fighters and perhaps the most notable former athlete, who he even used to manage.

    Given Covington’s history with ATT, and feuds with the likes of Dustin Poirier and Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Lambert believes the best-case scenario for his gym would be a “satisfying” early finish, perhaps similar to the downfall of a certain “funky” former welterweight in 2019.

    “I’d be lying if I said this was just another fight. We’ve got fights every week. This is a monstrous fight…You throw the personal side into it and it’s a monstrous fight,” said Lambert. “And I can’t help but look at what a fight like this means to the individual at our gym. This is a big fight. Jorge wins this fight, his career goes a certain way. Jorge loses this fight, it’s gonna go another way.

    “Best outcome for us (ATT) would be Masvidal/Askren 2. That would be pretty satisfying for a lot of people at this gym,” Lambert continued. “It didn’t really seem realistic against somebody as good as Ben Askren. But I think Colby is a whole other level than that. Outside of Usman, Colby is gonna be favorited against everybody. So, yeah, it’s probably an unrealistic expectation to have a short fight like that. But I think it’s also an unrealistic expectation to think that Colby is gonna go in there and dominate Jorge.”

    The source of Masvidal’s current stardom perhaps largely derived from one flying knee. At UFC 239 in July 2019, the Miami native was matched up with Ben Askren, who, at the time, boasted an unblemished 19-0 record and had emerged victorious in his promotional debut against Robbie Lawler four months prior.

    In one of the most memorable moments in UFC history, Masvidal rendered Askren unconscious after just five seconds with a brutal flying knee, marking the fastest KO in the promotion’s history.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CahuQothlft/

    Now set to face another decorated wrestler, will “Gamebred” bring the acrobatic maneuver back out of his toolbox? Only time will tell.

    Do you think Jorge Masvidal can replicate his quick victory over Ben Askren against Colby Covington at UFC 272?

  • Michelle Waterson Suffers Potential “Career-Ending” Injury

    UFC strawweight contender Michelle Waterson has to withdraw from her upcoming fight against Amanda Ribas due to a serious injury.

    Waterson was supposed to face Ribas on the upcoming UFC 274 card before suffering an injury in her camp. The details of the injury aren’t, clear and it’s also uncertain if she’ll require surgery.

    Waterson took to her Instagram to announce the heartbreaking news to her fans.

    “I’m hoping, keeping my fingers crossed that it is a short break,” Waterson said. “It’s an injury that stopped me from training, and it’s heartbreaking. I was really excited to fight Amanda. I know she was very excited to fight, as well, so hopefully it’s a fight that we can still have. But if I don’t take care of this injury, it will turn into something that can be worse and career ending.” (h/t Yahoo Sports)

    After getting word of Waterson’s withdrawal, Ribas posted a comment on the Instagram video in support of her originally scheduled opponent.

    “Heyy Michelle!” Ribas said. “Good recovery for you. Hope we can reschedule soon.”

    Waterson has lost three of her last four fights and has had four different fights canceled since early 2020. She fell to Marina Rodriguez via unanimous decision in a flyweight headliner last May.

    What is your reaction to Michelle Waterson’s potentially career-ending injury?

  • Greg Hardy Isn’t Worried About People Wanting Him To Lose

    UFC heavyweight Greg Hardy knows he has plenty of critics and haters, but he tends to tune them out entering fight week.

    Hardy is set to face Sergey Spivak at UFC 272 and is looking to get back on track after back-to-back losses. He most recently fell to Tai Tuivasa at UFC 264 via first-round knockout.

    Hardy transitioned from professional football to MMA in 2017 after a tumultuous end to his career on the gridiron. After two wins on Dana White’s Contender Series, he would eventually make his UFC debut in 2019, falling to Allen Crowder.

    Despite the early setback, Hardy was able to get back on track with wins over the likes of Juan Adams and Yorgan De Castro.

    Hardy came under fire in 2014 after he was arrested on domestic violence charges for beating his then-girlfriend. He was then found guilty to assaulting a female and communicating threats and had a 60-day jail sentence suspended.

    Hardy’s out-of-competition setbacks have caused him to have quite the target on his back, especially in MMA.

    During his UFC 272 pre-fight press conference, Hardy spoke about how he handles harsh criticism on social media.

    “I tell myself that everyone loves me, and everyone loves me back,” Hardy said. “But the reality is, from what I’ve heard; internet, face-to-face: ‘F— Greg Hardy, he shouldn’t be in the league.’ My response is, I do what I want. I’m a super soldier, bro. I’m entertaining myself, I’m entertaining the fans, I love it. If you’re hating, that’s your right as an American citizen. Thank you for watching. Buy the ticket, though!”

    Hardy is looking for his first win in nearly two years at UFC 272. His last win came against Maurice Greene in an impressive second-round TKO finish in October 2020.

    What are your thoughts on Greg Hardy’s MMA career?

  • Bryce Mitchell Responds To Those Who Say ‘Shut Up & Fight’

    UFC featherweight contender Bryce Mitchell doesn’t care what you think of his recent rants about political issues.

    Mitchell is set to face Edson Barboza on the UFC 272 main card this weekend. He’s looking forward to a triumphant return to the Octagon after nearly two years away from MMA action.

    Mitchell has been in hot water in recent weeks following his viral interview with MMA journalist Ariel Helwani. Instead of it being a routine pre-fight interview, Mitchell used his time to criticize the U.S. Government and COVID-19 vaccines, among other issues.

    Athletes speaking out on political issues has become more common during the current social climate. Mitchell isn’t alone in making his views readily available to the public. For instance, NBA superstar LeBron James began speaking out on issues regarding race and social justice just a few years back.

    During his recent UFC 272 pre-fight press conference, Mitchell hit back at critics of his political views and him speaking out on civic issues.

    “For me to be able to talk about something greater than fighting is more purposeful than anything I can talk about related to fighting,” Mitchell said. “And so I’m grateful to be able to do that. And a lot of people say, ‘Shut up and fight.’ Well, you know what? If you don’t want to hear that shit, turn off the TV and watch the fight. You don’t have to watch my interviews. Turn them off then.

    “Instead of telling me to shut up, why don’t you just stop listening? Because there’s a lot of people that agree with what I’m saying about some of my political views, and I’m happy to talk about ’em and debate about ’em.”

    James, like Mitchell, has been a target of some who feel athletes shouldn’t share their political and societal views on current issues. This comes after Fox News commentator Laura Ingraham scolded James to “shut up and dribble” back in 2018.

    Mitchell has emerged as a polarizing figure in MMA and is allegedly not alone in his controversial views. Regardless, he’ll look to silence the critics and earn a big win over Barboza.

    What are your opinions on Bryce Mitchell as a person and a fighter?

  • Covington Responds To Masvidal’s Allegations Of Snitching

    Colby Covington tells a different story of what went down between him and Jorge Masvidal at UFC 241.

    Recently, Masvidal added some more heat to the rivalry by revealing details of the night Covington “snitched” on him to Dana White. According to “Gamebred,” when he confronted the former interim welterweight champion about some things he said online, Covington immediately spoke to Dana White about it.

    However, Covington remembers the scenario a little differently. Here is what he said in an interview with ESPN MMA:

    “Jorge was in the fifth row, he’s five row backs. I’m the champion at the time, so I’m first row, and I’m there to support my boy DC, the “Natty Goat”. You know, Daniel Cormier is the legend, the “Natty Goat.” I call him the “Natty Goat” for a reason. So, I’m there to support him in his fight versus Stipe Miocic, and I just hear rumbling behind me and people are shuffling, and I’m like what the [MUTED]. What’s going on back there? And then I see Jorge, and I’m like ‘Yo, what’s up man? What are you doing, dude?’ ‘Oh, I’m gonna [MUTED] you up for all the things you said. Let’s go outside. Let’s go, dude.’

    There are many differences in their stories. For starters, Masvidal claims he tapped Covington on the shoulder and asked him to talk outside. But what happened next is where the two stories diverge wildly.

    “And I’m like ‘Dude, you really want to go do this outside Jorge, I’m gonna dump you on your head. You’re not gonna have the UFC to pay your medical bills, so you really want to do this?’ And he’s just running his mouth from like the 4th of 5th row back. I’m in the front row, and I’m just like ‘Dude, act like a professional.’

    “And that’s the whole thing, we’re at a UFC event, man, when have I ever laid hands on someone when I can beat up anybody in the crowd, any of the fighters—none of them can touch me. I’m the best fighter in the entire world. But I don’t do it ’cause I’m a professional. I handle my business in the cage. That’s where I do my business, in the UFC Octagon,” Covington continued.

    Dana White Gets Involved In Covington/Masvidal Drama

    Dana White
    Dana White, Photo Credit: Getty Images

    Through Masvidal’s eyes, Covington ran and told Dana White after their interaction. However, Covington denies the entire thing.

    Yes, he spoke to Dana White, but it was not to “snitch.” He says it was because White approached him about the ordeal.

    “So Dana came over to me, he’s like ‘I don’t want any stuff messing up this event tonight. We need this fight to go through, and we don’t need anything to ruin it in the crowd.’ And he goes and tells Jorge the same exact thing. ‘Jorge, chill out, dude. You’re not gonna fight him, dude. You’re not gonna fight in the streets. You guys are professional cage fighters. You guys wanna fight, you can settle it in the Octagon.’”

    A constant in their story is that Dana White did squash any potential scuffle, making it very clear to not fight at the event.

    Obviously, nothing went down that night. But regardless of who is telling the truth, they will settle their conflict legally and in front of the entire world this Saturday, March 5.

    What are your thoughts on Colby Covington’s version of what happened between him and Jorge Masvidal at UFC 241?

  • Rousey Shares Message Of Support And Defense Of Cain Velasquez

    Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey is the latest UFC star to come to the defense of Cain Velasquez following his recent arrest for attempted murder.

    Velasquez was arrested and charged with attempted murder among other charges for allegedly shooting the stepfather of an accused molester near San Jose, CA. Velasquez pursued Harry Eugene Goularte and went on a high-speed chase in footage just released to the public.

    The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated for his wounds at a local hospital.

    Velasquez is currently being held at a Bay Area prison without bail. He has been charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a firearm, and willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle. He could face at least 20 years of jail time with a maximum life sentence also on the table.

    In a recent tweet, Rousey came to the defense of Velasquez following his legal issues this week.

    “I would have done the same thing if not worse #freeCainVelasquez,” Rousey tweeted.

    Many current and former UFC stars and personalities have come to the defense of Velasquez in recent days. This includes UFC president Dana White and former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

    Velasquez last competed in the UFC against Francis Ngannou in 2019, suffering a first-round knockout loss. The investigation into the alleged shooting incident is ongoing.

    What are your thoughts on the whole Cain Velasquez situation?

  • Kevin Holland: I’m Getting More Trolls Then Ever After Beating Them Up

    UFC welterweight Kevin Holland says he’s getting trolled harder than ever before after recent footage he published of himself beating up internet trolls.

    The #14 ranked middleweight has taken on two internet trolls in the past month who had messaged him on Instagram asking to spar the UFC middleweight. Both got what was coming to them, as Holland dismantled the trolls with little to no effort.

    The 29-year-old released the sparring footage onto his Instagram, showcasing him taking on the trolls in an attempt to ward off future haters who would be looking to potentially troll him. When Holland was asked at the UFC 272 media scrum whether he receives more or fewer trolls after the footage was released, he said.

    “More, so that was the wrong answer for me on my behalf to beat up trolls because they started trolling even more. So yes, I’ve got my work cut out for me,” said Holland.

    Kevin Holland, Derek Brunson
    Kevin Holland, Derek Brunson, Credit: UFC Twitter

    At UFC 272 Holland is making his welterweight debut, taking on Alex Oliveira in an attempt to rekindle the kind of form that saw him capture the attention of everyone in 2020. Speaking on taking on trolls in the training camp for his fight at UFC 272, Holland confirmed that waivers must be signed before the trolls are able to fight him with a special clause included…

    “Yes, you’ve got to sign a waiver before you come in the gym period,” said Holland. “And you know, there is a little special thing in the waiver to make sure I can put you on the Only Fans. Ye, I’ve got a Kevin waiver.”

    The ‘Trailblazer’ recently joined Only Fans where he exclusively revealed who his next opponent would be in Oliveira. Holland also made it free for fans to be able to subscribe to him on the platform in an interesting and unique move by the UFC fighter.

    What do you make of Kevin Holland taking on internet trolls? Should Holland make it a series?

  • Jorge Masvidal Recalls Inviting Covington To Brawl At A Sushi Restaurant

    A South Florida sushi restaurant nearly turned into a makeshift Octagon for UFC 272 headliners Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington.

    Masvidal and Covington are slated to face off in a welterweight grudge match at UFC 272. The two former friends and teammates have been on each other’s nerves for years following their fallout.

    Masvidal has proven to not be someone who will back down from a fight, even if it means confronting someone in a public setting. This element of his game goes back to his days fighting on the streets of Miami and also when he confronted Leon Edwards backstage in London.

    The tension between Masvidal and Covington hit a boiling point following Covington’s win over Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 225. Masvidal has claimed that Covington allegedly failed to pay one of his coaches, which caused tensions to escalate.

    Masvidal and Covington nearly brawled on numerous occasions during their time at American Top Team, according to both fighters. But things nearly took a sharp turn after Masvidal tried to lure Covington to a local sushi spot.

    During a recent interview with ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, Masvidal detailed his nearly successful plot to fight Covington at a local restaurant.

    “I come into a gym, random practice, and I see him there. And he kinda tries to ignore me,” Masvidal claimed. “And I was like, ‘Hey, bro, after practice, we’ll talk.’ He’s like, “Yeah, yeah, for sure, bro. Cool, cool. We’ll talk.’ And it’s pretty amicable. It’s not that bad.

    Jorge Masvidal
    © Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

    “He’s like, ‘What do you want to talk about?’ I’m like, ‘I want to talk about you being a bitch and bringing up my name in interviews and Dan [Lambert] said not to.’ I still haven’t gone public with him. I’m just trying to address him man to man. Like, ‘Let’s not go that route, bro. And if you are, let’s just put the gloves on and beat the shit out of each other and get it out the system, you know? It’s pretty cool. I tell him all this; it’s pretty cool. As soon as I turn my back and a couple people come with him, the show starts. I’ll [MUTED] kill you, bro! Don’t ever talk to me like that!’”

    After Covington allegedly switched into character, Masvidal details how things escalated in the middle of the gym.

    “I turn around, I come to confront him, it’s too late. The whole gym’s involved because he made such a show. So I tell him, ‘There’s this sushi place we always used to go to right here.’ And I tell him, ‘I’m gonna go to the sushi place, bro. Dinner’s on me. Let’s go. I’ll be waiting for you.

    “So I get in my car, go to the place, he’s not showing up. I get on Instagram, ‘Hey, bro, if you wanna collect your dinner, I’m over here,’ blah, blah, blah. Never showed up. So I’ve always known, deep down inside, he’s a coward. I just can’t wait for March 5 to expose it.”

    Covington has yet to formally reply to Masvidal’s claims.

    ATT owner Dan Lambert has recently claimed that the fractured relationship between Masvidal and Covington was unfixable. This led to Covington parting ways with the team and joining nearby MMA Masters to train going forward.

    What is your prediction for Jorge Masvidal vs. Colby Covington?

  • Watch: Video Reportedly Captures Footage Of Velasquez Car Chase

    UFC legend Cain Velasquez was arrested Monday for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting in Morgan Hill, California, and now more details behind the charge have been revealed.

    NBC Bay Area was the first to report the news of the shooting. The San Jose Police department sent out a tweet providing limited information about the incident. They revealed that the victim was an adult male who was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

    Velasquez is currently being held without bail.

    Tuesday night, more information became available pertaining to Velasquez’s arrest.

    Velasquez allegedly shot at a man, 43-year-old Harry Eugene Goularte, who is accused of molesting a close relative of Velasquez. The incident reportedly took place on the outskirts of San Jose, California, with Velasquez opening fire at a car carrying Goularte, his stepfather, and another passenger.

    Goularte was not harmed, but his stepfather was hit by at least one bullet. He is currently hospitalized but is expected to survive.

    The following video allegedly contains footage of Velasquez’s high-speed chase of Goularte.

    The molestation allegations against Goularte were first reported by Velasquez’s relative last week. The incident is said to have taken place at a daycare center owned by Goularte’s mother. Goularte was charged with a felony count of a lewd and lascivious act with a child under the age of 14.

    After being arraigned Friday, the judge granted him a supervised release. Days later, Velasquez allegedly made an attempt at Goularte’s life.

    Velasquez was charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a firearm, shooting at a motor vehicle, and willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle. If convicted, he faces 20 years to life.

    Velasquez is widely regarded as one of the best heavyweights in UFC history. He is a former UFC heavyweight champion who began his career with a 9-0 record, a run that included wins over Ben Rothwell, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Brock Lesnar, with each win coming by knockout.

    Velasquez was never able to remain consistently active through a prolonged stretch of time due to constant health issues. His most recent bout took place in 2019 in a TKO loss to Francis Ngannou. His last fight prior to that was a 2016 victory over Travis Browne.

    Velasquez has most recently been active in the world of professional wrestling. After a brief run in the WWE ended in 2020, he returned to AAA, a Mexican Lucha Libre promotion.

    MMA News will keep you updated on all the latest information on this developing story.

  • dos Anjos Reacts After White Confirms Makhachev Turned Down Fight

    Rafael dos Anjos was satisfied when UFC President Dana White revealed Islam Makhachev was the one that said no to stepping up to face him at UFC 272.

    After it was revealed Rafael Fiziev was forced out of the fight due to COVID-19, Makhachev said he would take the fight. dos Anjos quickly called his bluff and after that, it was announced Renato Moicano took the fight and will now fight the Brazilian.

    With Moicano stepping up, many people were surprised it wasn’t Makhachev. And on Wednesday, White confirmed that it was the Dagestani fighter who turned the fight down.

    Rafael dos Anjos
    Rafael dos Anjos (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

    “I thought we had it done,” White said in an interview with Barstool Sports. “When I went to bed one of the nights there, I thought it was done. Woke up the next morning and found out (Makhachev) turned it down.

    “It’s, ‘What’s the best fight that you can possibly make?’ The best fight that we could possibly make would’ve been him and Islam. RDA vs. Islam. Islam turns down the fight, ‘What’s the best fight you could make?’ Moicano… I love the Dariush fight. Since he turned down this fight we’re going to remake the Dariush fight. Dying to see that fight. And then (if) he gets through Dariush, it’s very interesting.”

    After hearing White says Makhachev did turn the fight down, dos Anjos went to Twitter to react to the news.

    “The truth always comes out!,” dos Anjos wrote on Twitter in response to White confirming Makhachev turned the fight down.

    Rafael dos Anjos vs. Islam Makhachev is a fight many fans want to see, and it has been booked three times but has fallen through. Perhaps if RDA wins, this fight will happen in the future, as the two have unfinished business.

    dos Anjos has not fought since he beat Paul Felder by decision in November of 2020 in his return to lightweight.

    What do you make of Rafael dos Anjos’ reaction to Islam Makhachev turning down the fight?

  • Colby Covington Alleges Pay Cut, Declined PPV Points For Grudge Match

    UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington was allegedly willing to take a pay cut and give up pay-per-view points to fight at UFC 272.

    Covington will face former friend and American Top Team teammate Jorge Masvidal in the UFC 272 headliner. The bad blood between them has been boiling for a couple of years, and they’ll finally get the chance to get their hands on each other in the Octagon.

    Love him or hate him, Covington has emerged as one of the top PPV stars in the UFC along with his rival Masvidal. The fight itself was expected to potentially garner earth-shattering numbers when it was first announced, but Covington has allegedly declined any extra pay raise.

    During his UFC 272 pre-fight media day availability, Covington detailed how personal this fight is for him to the point that money is an afterthought.

    “This is just a personal rivalry, this isn’t about the money,” Covington said. “I didn’t come here to fight for money. I took a pay cut, I didn’t care about the money for this fight. This is about settling a blood rivalry, this is a long time coming. This guy’s been holding it off as long as he could until he had no other opportunities. This is the biggest opportunity he can get to pay his alimony, to pay his child support. So of course he’s gotta come and get this losing paycheck.

    When further pressed for clarification, Covington doubled down on his financial stance regarding his fight with Masvidal.

    “Yeah, I foregoed the pay-per-view, I don’t care about the pay-per-view for this fight. I wanna come put on a show in the UFC and show that I’m deserving of being a lifetime UFC fighter.”

    Covington and Masvidal are both looking to get a third fight with UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman after losses in 2021. Masvidal was also supposed to face Leon Edwards at UFC 269 before pulling out with an injury and setting up the fight with Covington.

    UFC President Dana White hasn’t addressed Covington’s claims of a pay cut and forfeiting PPV points publically, but he may be questioned in the coming days.

    What is your prediction for Colby Covington vs. Jorge Masvidal?

  • Makhachev Makes A Promise After Dana White’s Title Shot Snub

    UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev has responded after seemingly being snubbed of a title shot by Dana White.

    Makhachev was in action last weekend at UFC Vegas 49. After the withdrawal of Beneil Dariush, the Dagestani was matched with short-notice opponent Bobby Green, whom he dispatched with ease inside the first round.

    Following his 10th straight triumph, it was clear what Makhachev and his team wanted—a title shot. But despite Khabib’s claims that White confirmed his man would get the next opportunity, it now appears Makhachev will need an 11th name added to his win streak before fighting for gold.

    After turning down a quick turnaround to face Rafael dos Anjos this weekend at UFC 272, a fight that would have come on just four days’ notice, it was confirmed by White that Makhachev will have his clash with Dariush re-arranged.

    While there’s no confirmation Makhachev’s decision to turn down the short-notice “RDA” fight played a part in his title shot snub, many in the MMA community have speculated as much.

    Nevertheless, Makhachev isn’t phased. Taking to Twitter to respond, the Dagestani displayed a ‘bring one, bring them all’ attitude.

    “I don’t care who you will put in front of me. I’ll smash this whole division”

    Makhachev: Dana, You Went To Bed Too Early

    Prior to White confirming that the title eliminator between Makhachev and Dariush will be arranged later in the year, it appeared the #3-ranked contender was preparing to jump in and face long-time rival dos Anjos.

    RDA was left without an opponent at this weekend’s pay-per-view after the withdrawal of Rafael Fiziev. While Makhachev called the Brazilian out on Twitter for a fight at 170 pounds and seemed more than willing to enter the cage for the second time in two weeks. It’s now come to light the 30-year-old turned the short-notice bout down.

    That came as a surprise to White, who told Barstool Sports’ Robbie Fox he’d gone to bed under the impression the deal was done. Responding to that, Makhachev reminded the UFC President that late nights are required if deals are to get across the line.

    “Dana, you went to bed to early, you gotta stay up late to get things done [Laughing emojis]”

    With Renato Moicano taking up the opportunity to face dos Anjos at UFC 272, it seems certain Makhachev will now return to training with a familiar foe in mind.

    Do you agree with the decision to have Islam Makhachev vs. Beneil Dariush re-booked for later this year?

  • Dana White & Khabib React To Cain Velasquez’s Attempted Murder Arrest

    UFC President Dana White and Khabib Nurmagomedov have reacted to the recent arrest of former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez.

    Velasquez, who hasn’t competed in the Octagon since a 2019 defeat to Francis Ngannou, was arrested on Monday following a shooting incident in California. The 39-year-old reportedly pursued and attempted to shoot 43-year-old Harry Eugene Goularte, who is accused of molesting an underage relative of Velasquez.

    After shooting and injuring a 63-year-old man, believed to be Goularte’s stepfather, Velasquez was incarcerated and held on numerous charges, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a firearm, shooting at a motor vehicle, and willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle.

    As the facts and context behind the incident have emerged in recent days, a number of fighters and influential individuals in the MMA and UFC community have sent messages of support for the former elite heavyweight.

    Now, the promotion’s top man Dana White has addressed the incident, describing his former champion’s response to Goularte’s alleged crime as something “we all say we’d do.”

    “I obviously feel sorry for him and his family,” White said in an interview with Barstool Sports. “It’s a horrible thing. I don’t know enough details to speak on it, but from what I’ve heard—we all say we’d do it if it ever happened to us. Cain did it.”

    Khabib Sends Support To Long-time AKA Teammate Velasquez

    Velasquez, who remains in custody awaiting arraignment after being denied bail, also received support from one of his long-time teammates and fellow former UFC titleholders.

    Having trained alongside the Californian at the famed American Kickboxing Academy, Khabib, widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, has spent a lot of time with Velasquez and experienced the veteran’s character.

    Taking to Instagram, “The Eagle” assured Velasquez that the entire AKA team will always be with him, signing off with the hashtag, “#weareAKA.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CanZVpsBZ6U/

    “You are the man Cain. We love you and we always stay with you. @officialcainvelasquez #weareAKA”

    As the incident continues to develop and the facts emerge, it’s clear how serious the situation is. If found guilty, Velasquez will be facing between 20 years and life in prison.

    Velasquez’s fate is set to become more clear in the coming days and following his court appearance.

    What was your reaction to Cain Velasquez’s arrest?

  • Conor McGregor Expresses Interest In Buying Chelsea FC

    UFC superstar Conor McGregor is interested in pitching an offer to buy Chelsea Football Club after the club’s owner put it up for sale this week.

    McGregor is expected to return to the Octagon later this year after suffering a nasty leg break at UFC 264. He’s been focusing on his recovery while enjoying his usual lavish lifestyle leading up to his eventual return to the cage.

    McGregor topped the Forbes’ Top 100 highest-earning athletes in 2021, over top athletes such as footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. His earnings skyrocketed following his rise to UFC supremacy along with his ‘money fight’ with Floyd Mayweather in the boxing ring.

    Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich announced this week that he intends to put Chelsea FC up for sale amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It appears that McGregor is one of the top names who has teased interest in pitching an offer to Abramovich.

    In a recent tweet, McGregor screenshotted a text conversation with an unknown colleague expressing his interest in buying Chelsea FC.

    “I wish to explore this,” McGregor tweeted.

    Just last year, McGregor teased a potential investment in other Football clubs such as Celtic and Manchester United. McGregor was also present for the 2018 FIFA World Cup when it was held in Russia.

    McGregor intends to keep building his financial portfolio and continue to separate himself amongst the highest-earning athletes in the world. We should know sooner rather than later whether or not McGregor will purchase a stake of Chelsea FC.

    For the latest on what’s next for the flamboyant Irishman, check out our latest feature looking at possible opponents for Conor McGregor’s next Fight.

    Do you think Conor McGregor will purchase Chelsea FC?

  • Álvarez Refuses To Rule Out Fighting Usman: “Maybe, Why Not?”

    Canelo Álvarez seems open to the possibility of one day fighting UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman.

    Both fighters are arguably the #1 pound-for-pound best in their respective sports and a potential crossover between the two could see them bring in colossal pay-per-view figures. Usman previously proposed the idea when discussing his boxing ability and wanting to showcase why he’s the best in the world.

    Now, it appears Canelo’s certainly interested in what the fight would look like one day, as he was asked on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani whether he would entertain the fight.

    “Payday,” joked Canelo. “That’s the payday I know. Maybe, why not, you never say no, right?”

    However, it appears for now at least that Canelo remains tunnel-visioned on cementing his legacy amongst the greatest to grace the sport of boxing ahead of his fight against Dmitry Bivol.

    “It’s not really on my mind. I want a really good legacy for my career then we can talk about other things right later.”

    The 31-year-old’s aiming to retire by 37, meaning there’s still plenty of time for a crossover to occur. It still remains possible that we may see him take on Usman before then should the proposal for the super fight come his way.

    With both fighters in the primes of their career, now would be the time to make it happen. Usman appears to be becoming less interested in defending his UFC welterweight title with every fight having previously spoken about his interest in fighting for the light heavyweight title.

    One roadblock in the way of making the super fight happen would be Dana White’s stance on his #1 pound-for-pound fighting Canelo. Back in November, Usman again spoke of his interest in the fight. In response, White said “He doesn’t want to fight Canelo,” with the UFC president indirectly hinting at the boxing ability of Canelo being superior.

    Would you be interested in seeing Usman taking on Canelo in a boxing match?

  • White Says Islam Makhachev Will Face Dariush After Turning Down RDA

    UFC President Dana White says lightweight contender Islam Makhachev will have to face Beneil Dariush before a title shot.

    Makhachev most recently defeated Bobby Green in the main event of UFC Vegas 49 last weekend. Shortly after the fight, it was revealed that Rafael Fiziev had to pull out of his UFC 272 matchup with Rafael dos Anjos after testing positive for COVID-19.

    The UFC scrambled to find a short-notice replacement to face Dos Anjos, with Makhachev raising his hand immediately on social media. However, he allegedly turned down the fight and the promotion ended up booking dos Anjos vs. Renato Moicano in the UFC 272 co-headliner.

    Makhachev was originally supposed to face Dariush in the UFC Vegas 49 main event before Dariush suffered an injury in camp. During a recent interview with Barstool Sports, White appeared to shut down Makhachev getting a title shot next.

    “Pretty close. I thought we had it done,” White said about Makhachev vs. Dos Anjos. “When I went to bed one of the nights, I thought it was done. Woke up the next morning and found out they turned it down. Islam [turned it down]. No clue [why].

    Islam Makhachev
    Islam Makhachev, Credit: USA TODAY Sports

    “He’s obviously doing very well. I love the Dariush fight. Since he turned down this fight, we’re going to remake the Dariush fight. We’ll get that fight going. Dying to see that fight. He gets through Dariush, very interesting.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

    After dos Anjos found out that Makhachev turned down a short-notice fight, he accused Makhachev of “folding” when offered a co-main event opportunity.

    White’s admission could potentially open the door to former UFC champion Conor McGregor skipping the line and getting a title shot upon his return later this year.

    White previously said in a separate interview with TMZ that Dariush remains a factor in the lightweight division. After Makhachev called for the next title shot, it appears that the UFC plans to go in a different direction for his next Octagon appearance.

    What is your reaction to Dana White’s plan for Islam Makhachev?