MMA News

Category: UFC

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

  • Belal Muhammad Reminds Dana White Of ‘Free Speech’ Claim Amid Flag Controversy

    Belal Muhammad Reminds Dana White Of ‘Free Speech’ Claim Amid Flag Controversy

    Belal Muhammad is calling on Dana White to step in and fix an issue with his profile on the official UFC website.

    Although hailing from Chicago, Muhammad has never shied away from his Palestinian roots. He has proudly showcased his identity throughout his UFC career, whether by proudly displaying the Palestinian flag in victory or using his platform to be a vocal advocate for the Palestinian people on social media.

    On the UFC’s official website, fighters customarily have their national flags displayed beside their names. However, recently, “Remember the Name” was notably left without one. This omission did not go unnoticed, drawing criticism from fans online and fueling speculation about the reason behind the blank space.

    On Thursday, the reigning UFC welterweight champion took to X, urging White to uphold the very free speech he often advocates. Muhammad also pressed the UFC CEO to acknowledge and resolve the issue regarding his missing flag.

    “People keep asking me, ‘Where’s your flag?’ I kept getting multiple messages from it, and I was assuming it was a mistake, but it’s still not addressed,” Muhammad said. “So I’ll address it and hope that Dana addresses it as well and fixes it, because Dana said he’s all about free speech. He’s all about people supporting who they want to support and not muting or silencing anybody. I’m hoping that the UFC fixes this issue and puts my flag next to my name so the people that I represent, the people that I fight for, and the people that I train for, will see their flag.”

    Belal Muhammad is set to put his 170-pound title on the line for the first time when he squares off against Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 315, scheduled for May 10 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

    The 36-year-old American last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 304 in July, where he dethroned Leon Edwards to claim the welterweight title via unanimous decision.

  • UFC 313 Fighter Hopes ‘Miracle’ Allows Him To Break Jon Jones Record

    UFC 313 Fighter Hopes ‘Miracle’ Allows Him To Break Jon Jones Record

    Jon Jones’ early UFC career is particularly notable for making history as the youngest champion in the promotion’s history. While unlikely, one rising fighter set to see action at UFC 313 still holds slim hopes of breaking that record.

    Jones claimed the light heavyweight title at UFC 128 on March 19, 2011, when he defeated MaurĂ­cio “Shogun” Rua at just 23 years of age. He’s since gone on to have one of the most decorated careers in UFC history, setting multiple records at 205 pounds before moving up to heavyweight, where he later won the championship.

    Now, UFC 313’s Joshua Van is hoping for a chance to surpass Jones’ record — but time is running out.

    Van, who made his professional MMA debut in 2021, has compiled a 12-2 record, including six fights in the UFC. The 22-year-old is riding a two-fight winning streak and remains optimistic about his chances, even if he acknowledges the challenge of making history.

    “Nah, I never thought about it (becoming the youngest UFC champion) until I made it to the UFC, and then I was like, ‘Oh, I’m pretty young… maybe I can make it happen,’” Van told MMA Knockout ahead of his return at UFC 313. “If, like, a miracle, some opportunity pulls up and I get to fight for the belt, then hey, so be it. Let’s hope.”

    For Van to achieve this feat, he would need an unexpected title shot within the next four months, as he turns 23 soon. Current flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is expected to defend his belt against Kai Kara-France in June, meaning Van would likely need an injury or unforeseen circumstances to open the door for him.

    Van was originally scheduled to fight Bruno Gustavo da Silva on March 8 at UFC 313. However, Silva withdrew due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Rei Tsuruya, the winner of Road to UFC Season 2 in the flyweight division.

  • UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Full Weigh-In Results

    UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Full Weigh-In Results

    UFC 313 takes place tomorrow night, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results!

    After staging fights in Los Angeles and Sydney to open its pay-per-view schedule for 2025, the mixed martial arts leader’s next port of call comes close to its home base in Las Vegas.

    One title will be on the line at the top of the card, with Alex Pereira defending his light heavyweight belt against top contender Magomed Ankalaev in the main event. Co-headlining, meanwhile, will be a crucial rematch at 155 pounds between former interim champion Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev.

    Also on the main card will be returns for lightweight contender Jalin Turner, former strawweight title challenger Amanda Lemos, and Fighting Nerds standout Mauricio Ruffy.

    UFC 313 Weigh-In Video, Results

    UFC 313 takes place Saturday, March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT.

    See above for a replay of the UFC 313 Weigh-In Show, and check out the full results below.

    Main Card:

    • Light Heavyweight Championship: Alex Pereira (205lbs) vs. Magomed Ankalaev (205lbs)
    • Lightweight: Justin Gaethje (156lbs) vs. Rafael Fiziev (156lbs)
    • Lightweight: Jalin Turner (154.5lbs) vs. Ignacio Bahamondes (156lbs)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Amanda Lemos (116lbs) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (115.5lbs)
    • Lightweight: King Green (155.5lbs) vs. Mauricio Ruffy (155.5lbs)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Heavyweight: Curtis Blaydes (262lbs) vs. Rizvan Kuniev (264.5lbs)
    • Flyweight: Joshua Van (125.5lbs) vs. Rei Tsuruya (125.5lbs)
    • Middleweight: Brunno Ferreira (186lbs) vs. Armen Petrosyan (186lbs)
    • Welterweight: Alex Morono (171lbs) vs. Carlos Leal (169lbs)

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Featherweight: Mairon Santos (145.5lbs) vs. Francis Marshall (146lbs)
    • Featherweight: Chris Gutierrez (144.5lbs) vs. John Castañeda (145lbs)
    • Middleweight: Djorden Santos (185.5lbs) vs. Ozzy Diaz (185.5lbs)
  • Ilia Topuria Teases Huge Announcement Fans ‘Won’t Believe’

    Ilia Topuria Teases Huge Announcement Fans ‘Won’t Believe’

    Ilia Topuria appears to have secured a high-profile showdown for his next Octagon outing.

    Last month, Topuria shocked the MMA world by vacating his UFC featherweight title, opting to test himself in the lightweight division in pursuit of becoming a two-division champion.

    As a result, former champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to face Diego Lopes for the vacant title in the UFC 314 main event on April 12 at Miami’s Kaseya Center.

    UFC CEO Dana White announced that “El Matador” opted to compete in a higher weight class, believing he had already dominated the featherweight division while also facing the relentless challenge of cutting down to 145 pounds.

    Despite Topuria’s persistent desire to challenge reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, his first opponent in the division has yet to be revealed. However, the undefeated Spaniard publicly addressed his fans on Thursday for the first time since vacating his championship and teased that he has an announcement in the works, one he believes will leave his fans utterly amazed.

    “When we announce it, you won’t believe it. Get ready,” Ilia Topuria wrote on X.

    “El Matador” was last seen in action at UFC 308 last October, where he made history as the first fighter to ever knock out Max Holloway, successfully defending his featherweight title in the process. Prior to that, he knocked out Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024 to capture the championship.

    Ilia Topuria currently sports an unblemished 8-0 record in the UFC and an overall perfect 16-0 mark, including six knockout victories and eight submission triumphs.

  • Watch UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Press Conference Live Stream

    Watch UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Press Conference Live Stream

    We’re deep into UFC 313 fight week, meaning it’s time for the fighters set to be in action on March 8 to take to the stage and answer some questions.

    The MMA leader’s third numbered event of the year takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the main attraction will see UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira put his belt on the line against top contender Magomed Ankalaev.

    Setting the stage for the UFC 313 headliners will be a key rematch at 155 pounds. Former interim champ Justin Gaethje will look to emerge victorious from his first fight since a brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway last April, as he runs it back with a man he’s previously gotten the better of in Azerbaijan’s Rafael Fiziev.

    Also on pay-per-view will be a clash of lightweight strikers in Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes, an important strawweight bout between Amanda Lemos and Iasmin Lucindo, and the latest test for Fighting Nerds standout Mauricio Ruffy opposite King Green.

    As is customary during major fight weeks, the athletes will take to the stage on Thursday for the UFC 313 pre-fight press conference. The latest edition will see the main and co-main events, as well as Turner and Bahamondes, with mic in hand.

    Check out a live stream of the presser below via the UFC’s official YouTube channel, commencing at 8 PM ET.

  • Israel Adesanya Warns Magomed Ankalaev Of ‘Painful’ Experience vs. Alex Pereira 

    Israel Adesanya Warns Magomed Ankalaev Of ‘Painful’ Experience vs. Alex Pereira 

    Israel Adesanya will be paying close attention to Alex Pereira’s light heavyweight title defense at UFC 313, which presents him with a formidable challenge against Magomed Ankalaev, a fighter riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak. 

    Given their extensive history across multiple combat sports, Adesanya possesses unparalleled insight into Pereira’s fighting style. Their relationship, now marked by cordiality, lends significant weight to the former middleweight king’s analysis of Pereira’s fights.

    Ankalaev’s diverse skillset is widely anticipated to test Pereira’s abilities to their limits. “Poatan,” however, heads into the fight with significant momentum, having successfully defended his title three times in 2024. A victory this weekend would solidify his place in history, making him the fastest light heavyweight champion to achieve four title defenses (within 329 days), surpassing Jon Jones’ record.

    Adesanya’s prediction for the UFC 313 main event is decisive: he doesn’t foresee the clash between Pereira and Ankalaev going the full five rounds. Instead, Adesanya anticipates a decisive finish.

    “Leg kicks. Let’s just address the f*cking elephant in the room,” Adesanya said. “That’s gonna be a factor in this fight. (Ankalaev) might have to become a wrestler in this fight. He might have to go into his bag for this one ’cause you can’t just (stand with Pereira).

    “Maybe I’m banking so much on the leg kicks. I have experience with it. I know how painful it is and how effective it is,” Adesanya continued. “Regardless, I’m gonna go Pereira ’cause momentum. He’s just on a tear right now. When you have that kind of frame and power, you just trust in your skillset so much.”

  • Dana White Makes One Thing Crystal Clear About New Boxing Promotion

    Dana White Makes One Thing Crystal Clear About New Boxing Promotion

    Dana White is adamant about one thing he absolutely doesn’t want to include in his newly launched boxing promotion.

    On Tuesday, the UFC CEO, alongside Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority chief Turki Alalshikh, announced a historic collaboration to establish a new boxing league under the TKO banner. WWE president Nick Khan is also set to play a pivotal role on the promotion’s executive board.

    According to a press release, the new promotion will introduce a systematic framework aimed at nurturing rising talent from around the world. Additionally, boxers will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art UFC Performance Institutes, while TKO will take charge of all event production, ensuring top-tier experiences for both live audiences and broadcasts.

    Further insights into the new venture are expected to be revealed in the coming months. However, following the initial announcement, speculation has already begun to swirl, with various rumors circulating about the direction of the league.

    During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, White was asked if the new TKO boxing promotion could ever feature UFC fighters stepping into the boxing ring to face boxers in a future crossover event.

    In response, the UFC head honcho, known for his skepticism toward crossover events, swiftly shut down the notion. However, he did acknowledge that there are several MMA fighters within the organization who are eager to test their skills in the boxing ring.

    “No, never,” White said. “I’m sure there are guys that want to box, but I literally don’t want to see any of that. We’ll keep the boxers in the boxing and the MMA guys in the MMA.”

    White has also rejected the idea of any potential crossover between the UFC and WWE, even after the two combat sports organizations unified financials to create TKO in September 2023.

    Historically, White has been vocal in criticizing boxing promotions for focusing too much on star-studded main events while neglecting to build compelling undercards — something he’s always considered a hallmark of the UFC’s success. He has also voiced frustration with the fragmented and disjointed nature of boxing’s title systems .

  • Justin Gaethje After First Rewatch Of UFC 300 Loss: ‘I Fought Really Well’

    Justin Gaethje After First Rewatch Of UFC 300 Loss: ‘I Fought Really Well’

    Though the night ended in the worst way possible for him, UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje saw plenty of positives to take from his most recent fight.

    Gaethje is slated to co-headline this weekend’s UFC 313 pay-per-view in a rematch against Rafael Fiziev, who’s stepped up on late notice to replace the injured Dan Hooker.

    For “The Highlight,” Saturday’s event will mark his first outing in 11 months, having not appeared since a crushing last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 last April.

    Much has been made about the impact of that setback leading up to Gaethje’s return, and the man himself revealed during media day that he sat down and watched the full fight back for the first time just days out from UFC 313.

    “I just watched the Max fight today for the first time,” he said during media day. “I actually think I fought really well. It was just he was so great that night. … I just figured it was about time (to rewatch it). … To be fair, I did stop it with 10 seconds left (laughs). I’ve seen that part plenty of times.”

    Gaethje went on to address his previous comments about returning to a more aggressive style in 2025. That, coupled with a “refined” skillset, will make for a dangerous combination in the eyes of the ex-interim champ.

  • Diego Lopes Gives Surprising Props To Bitter UFC Rival

    Diego Lopes Gives Surprising Props To Bitter UFC Rival

    Diego Lopes seems to be giving credit where it’s due, even if it involves praising one of his former fierce rivals.

    Following Ilia Topuria’s vacating of the UFC featherweight title, Lopes has been lined up to challenge former champion Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant 145-pound crown. The highly anticipated bout will headline UFC 314 on April 12 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

    Although Lopes’ fight is still over a month away — and against what could be one of his toughest opponents yet — the Brazilian fan favorite is already contemplating who he’ll defend his title against once he emerges victorious.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Lopes mentioned former opponent Movsar Evloev as a potential future title challenger. Surprisingly, Lopes offered high praise for Evloev, with whom he has engaged in multiple intense social media confrontations, commending the Russian’s undefeated record and his dominant presence in the division.

    “We have to be fair, and also we can’t hide what he’s done in the division,” Lopes said. “It’s nine wins [in a row]. Even though it’s all by decision, the guy is undefeated in the division. He’s No. 4 in the division. Like it or not, he also defeated me. And if I win the belt, I definitely think the UFC will put him next on the line.”

    Lopes faced Evloev in a short-notice bout at UFC 288 in May 2023, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss. Since then, the former Lux Fighting Championship champion has mounted a five-fight win streak, with his latest victory being a dominant win over former title challenger Brian Ortega at UFC 306 in September.

    Meanwhile, Evloev was last seen in action at UFC 310 in December, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. He also boasts dominant wins over top contenders such as Arnold Allen, Dan Ige, and Hakeem Dawodu, among others.

  • Jamahal Hill Expects ‘Hate’ For Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Prediction

    Jamahal Hill Expects ‘Hate’ For Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Prediction

    Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill has given his take on Saturday’s main event between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev — and he doesn’t foresee it being a popular one.

    This weekend’s UFC 313 pay-per-view will conclude with Pereira’s fourth defense of the light heavyweight gold, which he held through three challenges in 2024.

    Among the fallen contenders was Hill, who was knocked out by “Poatan” inside the first round at UFC 300 last April.

    But despite feeling the full force of Pereira’s patented left hook, “Sweet Dreams” doesn’t expect Magomed Ankalaev to suffer the same fate inside T-Mobile Arena on March 8.

    During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Hill broke down the latest title fight in his division. Of note was his belief that Ankalaev’s striking threat is being wrongly counted out.

    “Magomed’s striking is seriously being slept on here,” Hill said. “I don’t believe that Pereira sits back and wants to fight out of the pocket. He wants to put the pressure on him and land good, hard shots on the outside. The problem with that is, Magomed is a counter striker.

    “If you look at his last few fights, he counters. He waits for you to throw, to overexert yourself, and even off of feints, if you feint and it puts your feet in the wrong spot, he’s countering you. He counters with combinations. They’re fast, and he mixes up his punches. So, he has a variety of strikes available at his disposal.”

    That, coupled with the Dagestani’s well-known grappling ability, has left Hill leaning on the challenger’s side with his prediction.

    “I know I’m going to get hate for this,” Hill stated. “But I get hate anyway, f*ck y’all. I’m probably going to go with Magomed. I’ve just got a feeling. … I feel he has more tools to win. Alex has that one-hit wonder…but I believe Magomed also has that.

    “He’s been in this position for. He let the title slip away, slip out of his hands once before. I believe he’ll be a lot more focused, locked in for this,” Hill continued. “Ultimately, he just has more ways to win.”

    Hill will look to stake his claim for a showdown with the winner down the line when he returns to action at the UFC Fight Night in Kansas City next month.

    After a loss to Jiƙí ProchĂĄzka at UFC 311 this past January, “Sweet Dreams” is now tasked with dispatching of Khalil Rountree Jr. if he’s to avoid a three-fight losing skid.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Reveals Break From Ramadan Fasting For UFC 313

    Magomed Ankalaev Reveals Break From Ramadan Fasting For UFC 313

    Magomed Ankalaev is putting performance first by pausing his Ramadan fast to be in peak shape for his title fight.

    Ankalaev is set to headline UFC 313 this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where he’ll challenge reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira for the throne.

    The 32-year-old Dagestani fighter, a committed Muslim, received widespread praise when his fight was announced in January. The bout was set during Ramadan, a month of deep spiritual commitment in which Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours for 30 days.

    Ankalaev shared that he has strictly followed Ramadan fasting since its start on Feb. 28. In the UFC 313 Countdown episode, he even suggested that the challenge of abstaining from food has, in fact, made him feel even stronger.

    However, during a recent interview with Ag. Fight, Ankalaev admitted that with fight night fast approaching and a grueling weight cut ahead, he has eased up on his Ramadan fasting to maintain optimal performance.

    “I have been following the fast strictly except for this week, where I will have to break it a few times because I need to make sure I drink water to have a successful weight cut,” Ankalaev said. “But apart from that, I started with Ramadan. I have been fasting. And after the fight, I will obviously also follow the rules of religion as it has to be.”

    Interestingly, Ankalaev’s remarks came just a day after “Poatan” accused him of leveraging his Ramadan fast for attention — suggesting that his opponent might be laying the groundwork for an excuse if he comes up short this weekend.

    Ankalaev heads into UFC 313 riding the momentum of a dominant unanimous decision victory over Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 308 last October, pushing his unbeaten streak to 13 fights. This will be his second crack at UFC gold, having fought Jan Blachowicz to a draw in his first title bid at UFC 282 in December 2022.

  • Former FBI Agent Backs Kash Patel’s Plan For UFC Partnership

    Former FBI Agent Backs Kash Patel’s Plan For UFC Partnership

    The newly appointed FBI Director, Kash Patel, is considering implementing mixed martial arts (MMA) training as a mandatory requirement for agents, and one former agent supports the idea.

    This initiative is part of Patel’s broader agenda, which includes aligning the bureau with the Trump administration’s priorities and enhancing the physical fitness of its personnel.

    In addition to this proposed training regimen, Patel is reportedly focused on removing agents who do not align with the administration’s goals. The emphasis on physical fitness, particularly through MMA training, is seen as a way to ensure agents are prepared for the physical demands of their roles.

    Jody Weis, a former FBI special agent in charge and former superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, has publicly expressed support for the idea, indicating that he believes it would be a beneficial addition to agent training.

    “You know, I actually do like it,” Weis told The National News Desk’s Jan Jeffcoat. “I probably wouldn’t have made it my first call to the field offices, but I like the idea.”

    Weis believes that while FBI agents receive training in arrest procedures and defensive tactics, incorporating mixed martial arts (MMA) skills would provide a valuable enhancement. He specifically highlighted the potential benefits of agents learning MMA fighting techniques, with a particular emphasis on jiu-jitsu.

    “Most fights will end up on the ground, so it just makes sense to me to incorporate some MMA training — maybe Brazilian jiu jitsu to give the agents options besides strikes and weapons,” Weis told Jeffcoat. “For example, if properly applied, a naked choke or an arm bar could help gain compliance without having to use pepper spray or use a baton. And, I think, more importantly, this type of training can boost the confidence and safety for the agents.”

    Jody Weis acknowledged the controversial nature of chokeholds, noting their “bad press” and the fact that many police departments have prohibited their use. However, he went on to say it pales in comparison to current tactics.

    “As someone who’s been sprayed with pepper spray (and) who’s been choked out, if you give me the option of those two, I’ll take being choked out any time,” he said. “It’s far less painful. It’s got to be incorporated throughout their career. I think that applies in all sports.

    According to ABC News, citing anonymous sources, FBI Director Kash Patel is reportedly exploring the possibility of establishing a formal partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the UFC, led by UFC CEO Dana White.

    This potential collaboration is notable given White’s vocal support of President Donald Trump, who has frequently attended UFC events and been seen alongside White.

  • Dana White Gives Major Update On Jon Jones’ UFC Return

    Dana White Gives Major Update On Jon Jones’ UFC Return

    Jon Jones’s return to the Octagon is generating significant buzz, with UFC CEO Dana White providing an update. 

    The most pressing question remains: will Jones finally face interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall?

    Jones’ avoidance of Aspinall has fueled accusations of “ducking” from fans, especially considering his controversial title defense against a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 rather than facing the interim champ.

    Despite past avoidance, White has repeatedly stated that Aspinall is Jones’ next opponent. This potential clash is one of the most anticipated in MMA history, with Aspinall being widely regarded as the Rochester native’s toughest test at heavyweight.

    The fight’s realization, however, hinges on negotiations and getting the right figure agreed to.

    While appearing on ESPN’s First Take on Wednesday, White confirmed that the heavyweight champion will fight sometime “this summer.” This announcement could put to rest earlier retirement speculations that had swirled around Jon Jones.

    While a definitive date and opponent are yet to be finalized, UFC International Fight Week (IFW), culminating in UFC 317 on June 28, is a strong possibility. However, rumors of a potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria superfight headlining could leave room for Jones to compete later in the summer.

    The summer showdown, if it materializes, promises to be a landmark event in Jon Jones’ legendary career. It would also be one of the biggest fights that the UFC could do.

  • Turki Alalshikh Backs Dana White To Make ‘Boxing Great Again’

    Turki Alalshikh Backs Dana White To Make ‘Boxing Great Again’

    A groundbreaking partnership has been forged between Turki Alalshikh and TKO Group Holdings, heralding the launch of a new boxing promotion.

    This boxing venture will be jointly steered by two prominent names in combat sports and entertainment: UFC CEO Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan.

    White’s renewed interest in boxing has been a subject of speculation for some time, with reports earlier in 2025 indicating advanced discussions between him and Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. These reports have now been confirmed with the official announcement of the partnership on Wednesay. 

    The collaboration, revealed through a press release, unites Alalshikh, TKO Group Holdings (formed by Endeavor through the merger of WWE and Zuffa LLC, UFC’s parent company), and the entertainment conglomerate Sela.

    Their shared ambition is to establish a new, “premier” platform that will redefine the landscape of professional boxing.

    “I am very happy today,” Alalshikh said. “I am very happy today. I give the flag of boxing to the best man who can handle it. We have a tough job now, but I am sure he will be delivering to the people and the fans the magnificent league and get boxing great again.”

    The landscape of combat sports is undergoing a significant shift, with Alalshikh playing a pivotal role in funding the effort. His involvement in high-profile boxing events has solidified his presence in the boxing world.

    The recent announcement of Saudi Arabia’s funding for a new boxing promotion, spearheaded by TKO, was largely anticipated. TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro had previously hinted at ongoing negotiations, teasing the possibility of two major cards in 2025 and 2026.

    Alalshikh’s influence extends beyond traditional boxing. He recently demonstrated a willingness to blend elements of MMA into boxing events with “The Last Crescendo” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This card, held on Feb. 22, featured a stacked lineup of title fights, culminating in a captivating undisputed light heavyweight championship rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

  • Turki Alalshikh, TKO Partner For New Boxing Promotion Led By UFC’s Dana White

    Turki Alalshikh, TKO Partner For New Boxing Promotion Led By UFC’s Dana White

    Turki Alalshikh and TKO Group Holdings have announced a multi-year partnership that will see the creation of a brand new boxing promotion, the executive leadership of which will be jointly led by UFC CEO Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan.

    White has picked up talk of venturing back into the boxing realm in recent years, and the start of 2025 saw reports of the UFC chief being in advanced talks with Alalshikh — Saudi Arabia’s Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority — over a potential new league.

    That’s proved to be true, with the official partnership to establish a new promotion being announced Wednesday in a press release.

    The deal sees Alalshikh, TKO — founded by Endeavor as part of a merger between WWE and Zuffa LLC, the parent company of UFC — and entertainment conglomerate Sela come together in pursuit of providing the new “premier” platform in the sport of boxing.

    “This landmark partnership between industry powerhouses sets the stage for an unparalleled experience for boxers and fans,” Alalshikh said. “Together, we are developing the next generation of talent and delivering world-class events at a time when the sport is primed for further disruption.”

    The release outlined that TKO will serve as managing partner, providing day-to-day operational expertise, management, and oversight of the new boxing promotion.

    Meanwhile, Sela is credited for delivering international events such as Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles and Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois in London, as well as being the lead sponsor for Newcastle United Football Club.

    Though further details will emerge in the coming weeks and months, the recent announcement did reveal some of the major components of the deal.

    • A highly structured system to develop new talent from around the world, including athlete combines and academies.
    • Access for all boxers to the UFC Performance Institute, the world’s leading combat sports performance training, research, rehabilitation, and nutrition center.
    • TKO’s production, media, and promotional expertise, to deliver both in-arena experiences and top-tier, state-of-the-art broadcasts to fans around the world.
  • Curtis Blaydes ‘Had To Google’ Debuting UFC 313 Opponent

    Curtis Blaydes ‘Had To Google’ Debuting UFC 313 Opponent

    UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes was left having to do some additional research when the latest assignment was slid across his desk.

    Blaydes is set to return to action at this weekend’s UFC 313 pay-per-view, almost eight months on from his failed first title bid on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage last July in England.

    Off the back of a crushing first-round knockout loss to Tom Aspinall, “Razor” will look to bounce back in his first appearance of 2025. And to do so, he’s tasked with defending his #5 spot on the heavyweight ladder against a newcomer to the Octagon.

    Blaydes will top Saturday’s preliminary card opposite Rizvan Kuniev, a Dagestani heavyweight who followed a brief stint in the PFL with victory on Dana White’s Contender Series last August.

    The booking came as a surprise to many. And it wasn’t just some in the fanbase who had to look up the man placed opposite Blaydes…

    “I did (a double take), but like I always say, the money’s the same regardless if it’s Jon Jones or if it’s a debut guy,” Blaydes said during an interview with MMA Fighting. “The money’s the same so I’ll always be down.

    “I had to Google him. I watched his fight on The (Dana White’s) Contender (Series), that’s really the only fight of his I watched. He looks like your traditional heavyweight — swings heavy and hopes to knock you out early.”

    While his opponent may not be an established name in the UFC heavyweight division, Blaydes will no doubt still be motivated to ensure he doesn’t fall to the first losing skid of his career inside T-Mobile Arena on March 8.

  • VIDEO: Colby Covington Sees Former Teammate At UFC PI, Runs Away

    VIDEO: Colby Covington Sees Former Teammate At UFC PI, Runs Away

    UFC welterweight Colby Covington almost had a run-in with an ex-training partner at the UFC Performance Institute this week.

    Covington, a polarizing figure in mixed martial arts, isn’t short on enemies amassed throughout his career. From American Top Team fighters like Dustin Poirier and Jorge Masvidal to former opponents in Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards, “Chaos” has his fair share of detractors in the sport.

    With that in mind, being in places swarming with fighters like the UFC PI no doubt always runs the risk of the 37-year-old bumping into a hostile face. And that’s exactly what happened during a recent Twitch stream on Covington’s channel.

    Footage was spread on social media showing “Chaos” turning a corner into a training area before glancing back at his cameraman. After a concerned look, the former interim titleholder quickly bolted and headed elsewhere.

    His swift exit was due to the presence of Themba Gorimbo, a former training partner of his at MMA Masters.

    Gorimbo, who also competes in the UFC welterweight division, previously sung the praises of Covington. While teammates in Florida, “The Answer” lauded his peer for helping him during a time of need during his early days in the promotion.

    Coincidentally, Gorimbo puts their falling out down to an incident at the UFC PI. He accused Covington of ‘kicking’ him out while he was using a treadmill so that he could cut weight without company for his UFC 296 title fight.

    The Zimbabwean subsequently left MMA Masters and switched to Xtreme Couture.

  • Dan Hardy Names The Only ‘Legit’ Fight For Tom Aspinall Aside From Jon Jones — And It’s Not Alex Pereira

    Dan Hardy Names The Only ‘Legit’ Fight For Tom Aspinall Aside From Jon Jones — And It’s Not Alex Pereira

    In Dan Hardy’s eyes, the only intriguing opponent for Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall sits outside of the promotion.

    Aspinall continues to await news of his next assignment. Despite the division boasting two titleholders for the past 16 months, it remains unclear whether the British powerhouse and Jon Jones will meet in a unification fight.

    Following Jones’ successful defense against Stipe Miocic last November, Dana White gave his backing for “Bones” to face Aspinall next. Negotiations for that coming to fruition are seemingly underway.

    And according to Hardy, the UFC higher-ups better make Jones an offer he can’t refuse lest they be left with zero “legit” matchups for Aspinall.

    Though many might disagree and point to a heavyweight clash with current 205-pound kingpin Alex Pereira, “The Outlaw” believes only PFL star Francis Ngannou would be adequate opposition for the Manchester native.

    “Of course, Pereira could touch anybody on the chin on the planet and knock them out. But if you’re looking for a real, legit heavyweight contender for Tom, maybe I’m a broken record, but it has to be Ngannou,” Hardy said during a recent appearance on Submission Radio. “There isn’t anybody else, really. I don’t see any other fight that truly excites me. I can point at that and say, ‘That’s the heavyweight king.’ And I don’t even think I could say that if it was Jones versus Aspinall at this point, because I don’t feel like Jones is — I mean, he’s potentially number three in the heavyweight division right now, behind Ngannou and Aspinall.

    “You have to admit, though, someone else in Tom Aspinall’s position might just say, ‘Hey, give me Pereira. Let’s just fight now,’ because that would bring so much money,” Hardy continued. “But he wants the tougher fight in Jon Jones, and if Francis Ngannou were around, he’d want the tougher fight in Francis Ngannou. So it’s one of those things where we should reward the guys that deserve to be rewarded.”

    The topic of Pereira moving up another division has long been a prominent topic. And it’ll no doubt return to the surface should he dispatch of Magomed Ankalaev for a fourth successful light heavyweight title defense this weekend at UFC 313.

    Ngannou, meanwhile, emerged victorious from his PFL debut last October. He’s expected to next return to the boxing ring.

  • Julianna Peña On Lopsided Odds For Kayla Harrison Fight: ‘People Are Always Counting Me Out’

    Julianna Peña On Lopsided Odds For Kayla Harrison Fight: ‘People Are Always Counting Me Out’

    UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña isn’t fazed by her underdog status for the expected clash against Kayla Harrison this year.

    Peña and Harrison, who’ve long gone back and forth regarding a potential fight, appeared to set up their inevitable future showdown by emerging victorious at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City last month.

    While “The Venezeulan Vixen” secured a widely debated decision over Raquel Pennington to return to the 135-pound throne, the two-time PFL titleholder and Olympic gold medalist outpointed Ketlen Vieira earlier in the night to move to 2-0 in her UFC debut year.

    Though the champ has pushed for Amanda Nunes to return from retirement for their trilogy, it seems she’ll be tasked with stalling Harrison’s surge toward the top sometime this summer.

    The oddsmakers, for one, don’t seem to believe that is likely. The opening lines placed Peña as a huge +700 underdog.

    During an appearance on the OverDogs Podcast, the bantamweight queen reacted to those odds, outlining the edge she has over heavy favorite Harrison.

    “I think that one of the reasons why I’m a 7-1 underdog, or why I always get overlooked, or why people are always counting me out, is maybe I’m not the most technically sound,” Peña said. “(Maybe I don’t) make everything perfect, where I’m so technical. But I’ve always had this one thing that has set me apart from everybody else, and that is my mindset. And I’ve never put a ceiling on myself as far as what I’m capable of doing. I’ve always believed that I can.

    “When you have that mental toughness of, ‘I don’t care what you do, I’m still going to get up and still keep coming at you a million miles an hour,’ you’re going to have to literally cut my head off to get me to stop, because I’m not going to stop.”

    A date remains unconfirmed for Peña’s first title defense since regaining the gold at Pennington’s expense in 2024.

  • Alex Pereira At Heavyweight? Sonnen Says It’s The UFC’s Best Move

    Alex Pereira At Heavyweight? Sonnen Says It’s The UFC’s Best Move

    Chael Sonnen believes the UFC’s long-term strategy for Alex Pereira might not be at light heavyweight—but in the heavyweight division. On his latest episode of Beyond the Fight, Sonnen speculated that Pereira’s real move could be a jump up to face interim champ Tom Aspinall.

    “We’ve seen Pereira do it before,” Sonnen said, referencing Pereira’s rapid rise at middleweight. “He landed one strike on Sean Strickland, cut one promo, and walked out with a title shot. Pereira has that skill.”

    Sonnen suggested that if Pereira loses to Magomed Ankalaev in his upcoming fight, the UFC might see a move to heavyweight as a compelling next step.

    “The best way to get Pereira to heavyweight is not by having him beat Ankalaev and ‘clean out’ a division—because there’s no such thing as long as a guy is still standing,” Sonnen explained. “The best way to move him up is to have him lose.”

    This shift could be part of the UFC’s broader strategy, especially as uncertainty lingers over Jon Jones’ future and the next heavyweight title fight. With Aspinall lacking a clear next opponent, a blockbuster showdown with Pereira could be a unique and marketable option.

    “If they ever did that fight, it wouldn’t be for the interim belt,” Sonnen said. “It would be for the undisputed heavyweight title.”

    While Pereira’s heavyweight move remains speculation, Sonnen suggests it’s a storyline the UFC could soon start telling—especially if Pereira picks up a microphone and plays his cards right.

    Alex Pereira Says HW Move Would Require ‘Very Little’ Change After Peaking At 235 Pounds In UFC 313 Camp

  • Tony Ferguson Explains How UFC Exit Came To Be: ‘Talking To Dana, Hunter, We All Agreed…’

    Tony Ferguson Explains How UFC Exit Came To Be: ‘Talking To Dana, Hunter, We All Agreed…’

    Tony Ferguson’s departure from the UFC marked the end of a long and tumultuous chapter in his career, a period filled with both remarkable highs and devastating lows. After nearly 14 years in the Octagon, Ferguson’s release was undoubtedly emotional.

    His UFC journey began triumphantly, winning Season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2011 and eventually capturing the interim lightweight championship. However, his later years in the promotion were marred by a historic eight-fight losing streak, culminating in a submission loss to Michael Chiesa at UFC on ABC 7.  

    Despite the painful conclusion, Ferguson expressed a sense of acceptance and even relief. He framed his UFC experience as a valuable learning opportunity, emphasizing personal growth and future planning. 

    While he has found peace with his UFC exit, lingering bitterness remains, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding his interim title. He felt deeply wronged by the UFC’s decision to strip him of the belt after a freak knee injury forced him to withdraw from his scheduled title fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 223.  

    “When I left the UFC, everything was – I hate to say it because I wanted to fight another time – but obviously, even me, I had to be like, ‘I have to excuse myself guys, I don’t want to leave on bad terms,’” Tony Ferguson said on The Ariel Helwani Show. “So, talking to Dana [White], talking to Hunter [Campbell], and coming to terms with it, it was like we all agreed that it was in the best interest for me to move on, and honestly, it was awesome.

    “I have to tell you, I packed up all my UFC stuff, I put it into bags, and it was the hardest f*cking thing I had to do. It was a couple of days where it took time for me to be able to adjust. I put everything in big storage bags, and I was ready to move on. I went into The Ultimate Fighter with the purpose of winning a fat check so I can help my family out, my grandma and everything, and I ended up getting a contract. So, this whole entire process has never been a disappointment, but what it has been is a learning experience of how, one, about how I go about my business. Two, about how I treat my close circle. Three, about how I want to plan for the future.”

    Tony Ferguson has wasted no time in moving forward, signing with the Global Fight League and announcing a bout against Dillon Danis. 

  • Magomed Ankalaev: UFC Will ‘Appreciate Me’ After I Beat Alex Pereira

    Light heavyweight title challenger Magomed Ankalaev is aware that he’s not among the UFC’s favorite fighters. But at the very least, he expects to gain the “appreciation” of the higher-ups with his performance this weekend at UFC 313.

    Ankalaev is finally getting his second shot at the title, and first opportunity at handing champion Alex Pereira his opening defeat at 205 pounds.

    While Jamahal Hill, Jiƙí ProchĂĄzka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. all failed in that quest last year, Ankalaev has been widely branded the biggest threat to “Poatan’s” reign owing to his wrestling prowess.

    But the Russian’s style has previously been under fire for a perceived lack of entertainment, something that has seemingly put the top contender out of favor with the UFC brass.

    During a recent media scrum ahead of UFC 313, Ankalaev acknowledged as much but outlined his plan to rectify that with an emphatic display inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on March 8.

    “I don’t know if they (UFC) appreciate me yet,” he said. “But after this fight, they will make sure to appreciate me.” (h/t TheMacLifePlus)

    The Dagestani’s first chance at top spot in the division came back in December 2022, when he and former champ Jan Blachowicz fought to a split draw.

    He enters his next opportunity off the back of victories over Johnny Walker and Aleksandar Rakić.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Criticizes Alex Pereira’s Charity Bet Proposal: ‘You Know Betting Is Forbidden In Islam’

    Magomed Ankalaev Criticizes Alex Pereira’s Charity Bet Proposal: ‘You Know Betting Is Forbidden In Islam’

    Magomed Ankalaev appears dismissive of Alex Pereira’s charity wager ahead of their title showdown.

    Ankalaev is set to challenge reigning light heavyweight champion Pereira in the main event of UFC 313 this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    The 32-year-old Dagestani has long campaigned for his shot at gold, and the prolonged booking has only added fuel to the fire. Bad blood has been brewing, with both fighters engaging in heated social media exchanges, openly dismissing each other in the lead-up to their showdown.

    On Sunday, “Poatan” threw down a challenge to Ankalaev and his manager Ali Abdelaziz on social media, urging him to back up his words with action. He proposed a high-stakes wager, stating that the victor should contribute $200,000 to a charity selected by the opponent.

    “Since you are so confident you will win, $200,000 to the winners charity of choice. Win or lose this will help those in need. It’s in your hands,” Pereira wrote on X.

    Ankalaev, a devout Muslim, scoffed at Pereira’s challenge, emphasizing that betting is strictly forbidden in Islam. He further stated that if he were to make any charitable donations, he would do so privately rather than seeking publicity.

    “As a Muslim you know betting is forbidden in Islam, and also as a Muslim every year I have to give 2.5% of my wealth to charity this is one of the five pillars of Islam. Many kids around the world are in need and we can do things after the fight but we don’t have to publicize it,” Ankalaev responded.

    Ankalaev then advised Pereira to leave the matter in the hands of their managers.

    “Your manager and my manager have a good relationship and we can let them handle that, see you soon. Ramadan Mubarak.”

    Ankalaev enters the bout riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak. He last competed at UFC 308 in October, where he secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over Aleksandar Rakic. The former WFCA champion previously competed for the 205-pound title against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282 in December 2022, with the bout ending in a majority draw.

    Meanwhile, UFC 313 will mark “Poatan’s” fourth light heavyweight title defense. He last defended his crown in October at UFC 307, where he secured a dominant fourth-round knockout victory over Khalil Rountree Jr.

  • Surging UFC Heavyweight Stakes Claim For Tom Aspinall Fight If Jon Jones Turns It Down: ‘Forget Gane, He Ducked You!’

    Surging UFC Heavyweight Stakes Claim For Tom Aspinall Fight If Jon Jones Turns It Down: ‘Forget Gane, He Ducked You!’

    A rising heavyweight contender is ready to make his mark and test Tom Aspinall if uncertainty continues to cloud the top of the division.

    Aspinall has been waiting in the wings and remains hopeful that Jon Jones will eventually step up to unify the UFC heavyweight championship. Having held the interim belt for nearly 16 months, he even defended it last August at UFC 304 with a first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes.

    Meanwhile, “Bones” returned in November after a prolonged injury layoff, successfully defending his title against former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 — his first defense since claiming the heavyweight crown in March 2023.

    Aspinall’s patience appears to be wearing thin, as he recently shared a video on his YouTube channel discussing his vision for 2025. He revealed that he’s still waiting on the UFC’s efforts to bring Jones to the table for a title unification bout.

    However, the Englishman made it clear — he’s open to facing any top-10 heavyweight he hasn’t already fought, including Jones, Ciryl Gane, and Jailton Almeida, but only if the fight is for the undisputed gold.

    In his video, Aspinall showered Almeida with praise, recognizing him as a formidable contender and expressing interest in a potential clash down the line. The admiration didn’t go unnoticed, as the Brazilian quickly responded on X, throwing his name into the mix as the leading candidate for Aspinall’s next fight.

    “If the fight against Jones doesn’t work, LETS GO Champ! Forget Gane, he ducked you before, he is ducking me now, besides that, he already lost 2-times in title fights and his last win was a robbery, lets make ASPINALL VS ALMEIDA for undisputed title,” Almeida wrote.

    “Malhadinho” boasts an 8-1 UFC record, having earned his spot in the promotion through Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2021. He stormed through the competition with seven victories — most by finish — before suffering his first setback, a knockout loss to Blaydes at UFC 299 in March 2024.

    However, Almeida rebounded in spectacular fashion, securing a submission victory over Alexandr Romanov at UFC 302. He last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 311 in January, where he delivered a dominant first-round knockout against Serghei Spivac.

  • Paige VanZant: Husband Austin Vanderford’s UFC Debut ‘Almost Felt More Special Than Any Of My Wins’

    Paige VanZant: Husband Austin Vanderford’s UFC Debut ‘Almost Felt More Special Than Any Of My Wins’

    Paige VanZant was proud as she watched Austin Vanderford announce his UFC arrival in style last month.

    Former title challenger Vanderford, the husband of former UFC fighter and recent GFL signing VanZant, signed with the UFC after entering free agency in February 2024.

    He made his debut on just days’ notice at the UFC Fight Night in Seattle on Feb. 22. Despite the lack of preparation, “The Gentlemen” impressed inside the Octagon by dominating and stopping Nikolay Veretennikov.

    During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, VanZant reflected on her man’s successful first foray into the cage on MMA’s biggest stage, admitting the moment might have surpassed her own triumphs in the UFC.

    “It almost felt more special than any of my wins,” VanZant said. “Just seeing him in that moment. He’s my best friend. Seeing him finally make the walk was incredible.

    “Now that he’s in, he’s in the UFC, it’s just playing that game of who they want him to be matched up with and going from there,” VanZant added. “He’s been training with me for this entire week, and all the coaches are like, ‘Hey, you need to take a few days off?’ But he’s like, ‘No, if I get another short notice (fight), I gotta be ready at any second.’”

    Vanderford no doubt secured his continued stay in the promotion and will look to keep his ball rolling when he makes his sophomore appearance in the Octagon.

    VanZant, meanwhile, awaits confirmation of the opponent and date for her GFL debut and MMA return. In the meantime, she’s gearing up for a third Power Slap clash this Friday in Las Vegas.