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  • Charles Oliveira Has a Message for Fans Worried About Ilia Topuria’s KO Power “I believe in the fire of these hands.”

    Charles Oliveira Has a Message for Fans Worried About Ilia Topuria’s KO Power “I believe in the fire of these hands.”

    Charles Oliveira is seen as a sizable underdog heading into his looming fight with Ilia Topuria but the former lightweight champion is not daunted as he prepares to soon be locked into the cage opposite Topuria. The clash will take place at UFC 317 with Oliveira and Topuria doing battle for the vacant lightweight championship in the pay-per-view headliner.

    During an interview with Full Violence, ‘Do Bronx’ covered several subjects ahead of his fight with the former UFC featherweight champion on June 28th. When addressing the notion that he is seen as the underdog in this bout while outlining some of the struggles one could face as a former 145 pound fighter moving up to lightweight, Oliveira said,

    “I dont care much about what people say there. I know he’s a guy who hits hard. But we’re talking about the lightweight category. The harder category. I fought Justin Gaethje and everyone said he was the guy who hit harder. But when I did, he went down. I believe in the fire and power of these hands.”

    Charles Oliveira
    Image: @charlesdobronxs on X

    Charles Oliveira names the best boxer that he has fought pre-UFC 317

    Charles Oliveira mentioned the name of former UFC inteirm lightweight champion Justin Gaethje just a bit earlier with the former facing a deep roster of heavy hitters through his career. With a resume that features names on it like Max Holloway, Jeremy Stephens, and Dustin Poirier, one does wonder who Oliveira sees as the best boxer that he has ever stepped into the cage with.

    In terms of who has the sharpest ability in the isolated realm of the sweet science, it was someone that Charles Oliveira did battle with for the UFC lightweight title. In the same interview with FV, Oliveira touched on this when he credited Dustin Poirier as being the person he fought who had the sharpest boxing ability. While Oliveira would end up submitting ‘The Diamond’ in that championship clash, the Brazilian submission specialist spoke highly of of Poirier being someone who fights very conciously, has very heavy hands, and knows how to play the game.

  • Pressure Mounts As Over 80,000 Fans Demand UFC Strip Jon Jones Of Heavyweight Title, “Bones” Remains Unfazed

    Pressure Mounts As Over 80,000 Fans Demand UFC Strip Jon Jones Of Heavyweight Title, “Bones” Remains Unfazed

    Jon Jones appears entirely indifferent by the growing calls from the MMA community for him to be stripped of his UFC heavyweight title.

    Jones clinched the UFC heavyweight title with a first-round submission win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. However, more than two years have passed since that moment, and he has defended his title only once during that span.

    “Bones” has spent the bulk of his heavyweight reign on the sidelines after suffering a serious torn pectoral injury ahead of his first title defense against former champ Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November 2023. Following his injury-induced exit, Tom Aspinall captured the interim heavyweight title and emerged as the division’s new force.

    However, rather than facing Aspinall in a highly anticipated title unification clash, Jon Jones chose a different path upon his return to the Octagon — opting instead to defend his heavyweight belt against Miocic at UFC 309 this past November.

    Although the British standout has relentlessly campaigned for a potential showdown with Jones, “Bones” has expressed minimal interest in the matchup. He has repeatedly suggested that only a massive payday could entice him into the Octagon with Aspinall — otherwise, he seems more inclined to retire. Jones’ stance has remained largely noncommittal, casting serious doubt over whether the fight will ever materialize.

    Jon Jones Responds To Fan-Led Petition To Strip His UFC Heavyweight Belt

    Frustrated by Jon Jones’ seemingly nonchalant attitude toward a potential heavyweight title unification bout with Tom Aspinall, fans launched a petition on Change.org two weeks ago, urging UFC CEO Dana White to take action and strip “Bones” of his title over his ongoing unwillingness to face the interim champion.

    The petition has surprisingly gained momentum, amassing over 82,000 verified signatures at the time of writing.

    The surge of fan backlash has not gone unnoticed by Jones, who addressed the petition on social media by taking a pointed jab at his naysayers.

    “The equivalent to pico grams,” Jon Jones wrote on Instagram.

    Jones’ jab carried a not-so-subtle reference to one of the most controversial moments of his UFC career. The joke traced back to UFC 232 in December 2018, when “Bones” made his return from a 15-month suspension after testing positive for an anabolic steroid, stepping in to rematch Alexander Gustafsson.

    However, just a week before the fight, Jones once again tested positive, this time for trace amounts measured in picograms of the same steroid that had previously led to his suspension. Years later, USADA revised its regulations, clarifying that levels below 100 picograms no longer constitute a violation.

    Image: @jonnybones/Instagram

  • “Showed the Same Leg Twice to Get Cleared, Commission Never Knew” Merab Dvalishvili’s Coach on Fighting Hurt

    “Showed the Same Leg Twice to Get Cleared, Commission Never Knew” Merab Dvalishvili’s Coach on Fighting Hurt

    If there’s a handbook for how to survive as a UFC champion, Merab Dvalishvili probably hasn’t read it – or if he has, he’s using it as a doorstop while he limps into another training session. Known for his tireless motor and a stubborn disregard for medical advice, Dvalishvili has turned fighting hurt into something of an art form. With his coach John Wood ready to call it like he sees it and the champ himself unfazed by the latest collection of bruises, breaks, and commission-dodging pant tricks, Dvalishvili heads into UFC 316 looking to prove, once again, that you can’t keep a good Machine down, even if you have to check both legs to be sure.

    Merab Dvalishvili’s coach, John Wood, isn’t one for sugarcoating. When asked about his fighter’s latest training camp, Wood didn’t mince words speaking in an interview with Submission Radio: “The last camp was god-awful. It was terrible as far as injury goes, terrible. I’d be lying if I didn’t think about trying to pull him out.” The reigning UFC champion, known for his relentless style and iron will, apparently spent much of his camp hobbling around on a leg that, by Wood’s account, should have kept him out of the cage altogether.

    Merab Dvalishvili Is Always Injured

    But Dvalishvili is nothing if not resourceful. When it came time for the athletic commission’s inspection, he simply “pulled the old pant trick—the one-legged show, showed them the same leg twice, and they bought it.” Wood admits, “If the guy wasn’t dumb and you guys weren’t able to pull this off, maybe there wouldn’t have been a fight.” It’s the kind of move that would make a magician proud, and it kept Merab Dvalishvili’s title defense on track.

    This isn’t a one-off for the champ. Dvalishvili has made a habit of fighting through injuries, rarely letting the world in on just how banged up he is. “He loves to rattle everybody up,” Wood says. “As much as people think, ‘Oh, that’s stupid,’ or, ‘this or that,’ he would never post something that was going to take him out of a fight. If he’s posting something, it’s really not that bad.” In reference to his recent post showing a broken toe. The coach insists that every fighter heads into battle with a few dents and dings, but Merab Dvalishvili seems to take it to another level, brushing off broken toes and battered limbs as just part of the job.

    Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley
    Image: Jeff Bottari/UFC/Zuffa LLC

    UFC 316

    With a title reign built on grit and a reputation for being unbreakable, Dvalishvili is now gearing up for another big test at UFC 316. Despite the injuries, the weight cuts, and the occasional need for a little sleight of hand, Wood says there’s no keeping his fighter out of the Octagon. “You’ll really have to kill him to keep him out of the cage. It would have to be something that’s physically not working. His leg could have been hanging on by the tendons, it wouldn’t have mattered. He’s ready to go.”

    Merab Dvalishvili
    Image: UFC/Zuffa LLC

    The bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is set to headline UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey, on June 7, defending his bantamweight title in a high-stakes rematch against Sean O’Malley. The last time these two met, Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling and pressure left O’Malley on the wrong end of a unanimous decision, derailing the “Sugar” show and crowning Dvalishvili as champion. Now, O’Malley is back, surgically repaired and promising a sharper performance, while Dvalishvili rolls into fight week with a fractured toe and a grin, joking on social media that he might just “cut it off” rather than let it slow him down.

    As UFC 316 approaches, fans can expect to see the same Merab Dvalishvili: battered, yes, but never beaten.

    Sean O'Malley & Merab Dvalishvili
    Image: @ufc/X
  • Merab Dvalishvili Aims to Be UFC’s Most Active Champ: “Two more this year” After UFC 316

    Merab Dvalishvili Aims to Be UFC’s Most Active Champ: “Two more this year” After UFC 316

    Merab Dvalishvili isn’t just gunning to be another UFC titleholder, he’s aiming to rewrite the champ’s job description. The Georgian dynamo, famous for his relentless cardio and motor that never seems to stall, is setting his sights on becoming the most active champion the organization has ever seen.

    Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316

    The main event at UFC 316 features a high-stakes bantamweight title rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley, set for June 7, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Dvalishvili, who took the belt from O’Malley by unanimous decision at UFC 306, will look to defend his title for the first time against the former champion.

    With UFC 316 on the horizon, Merab Dvalishvili is already plotting a schedule that would make most fighters need a nap. Speaking in an interview with the UFC, he explained:

    “God willing, this will happen. I’m working hard for the win and to defend my belt again. Like I said, I don’t look at this one as an easy fight; it’s going to be a challenge. But after that, I want to be busy. I’m just going to take only one month off, and I will be back to training camp. I heard they will have a fight in Mexico, I would like to fight there, and I would like to fight in New York or December in Vegas. Let’s see if we get this one and two more this year!”

    His next assignment at UFC 316 is no walk in the park. The opponent is tough, the stakes are high, and Dvalishvili knows it. But if he gets his hand raised in a rematch against Sean O’Malley, he’s not planning to bask in the glory for long. Instead, he’s eyeing a quick turnaround, just a month off before diving back into another training camp. That’s par for the course for a fighter whose gas tank has become legendary, often outworking rivals who look like they’re running on fumes while he’s still bouncing around the cage.

    Merab Dvalishvili
    Image: UFC/Zuffa LLC

    Merab Dvalishvili trains in the United States, where he’s part of the Serra-Longo Fight Team under renowned coaches Ray Longo and Matt Serra. Based out of New York, Dvalishvili sharpened his skills alongside notable teammates like Aljamain Sterling and Chris Weidman at Serra BJJ, building his reputation for relentless cardio and a grinding wrestling style. For recent camps, he has also spent time at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas.

    Merab "The Machine" Dvalishvili
    Image: @UFCEurope/X

    After UFC 316, Merab Dvalishvili has his eyes on two more fights before the year’s out. He’s got potential opponents in mind, too. Cory Sandhagen’s name has been floated, and a rematch with Petr Yan could be on the cards. There’s also talk of fighting in Mexico, New York, or Las Vegas, Dvalishvili clearly isn’t picky about the location, as long as there’s a fight to be had. If he pulls it off, Dvalishvili won’t just be the bantamweight champ he’ll be the busiest champ in the UFC.

    Merab Dvalishvili & Sean O'Malley
    Image: @ufc/X
  • ’It’s Stupid’: Merab’s Trainer Claps Back at Sean O’Malley’s Coach’s Strategy

    ’It’s Stupid’: Merab’s Trainer Claps Back at Sean O’Malley’s Coach’s Strategy

    Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley are preparing for their bantamweight championship rematch but the combativeness between the two also seems to extend to their respective coaches. Dvalishvili looks to make his sophomore championship defense against the man he claimed it from in O’Malley as the two are set to headline UFC 316 on June 7. In the lead up to this matchup in Newark, Merab’s Trainer has offered up his thoughts on Sean O’Malley’s coach having a history of uttering cage-side calls pretending to be the coach of O’Malley’s opponents so as to lure them into bad positions to benefit his charge.

    Merab Dvalishvili’s head coach John Wood recently spoke with MMA Fighting to discuss the upcoming sequel clash against Sean O’Malley and thoughts on if O’Malley’s coach Tim Welch utilizes some of his polarizing coaching practices again, Wood said,

    “Of course we’ll have that talk. Of course, that, you know, it will be brought up and I think Tim [Welch] will do it again. But I mean, feel free to talk to Merab all you want. Like, it just gave him more motivation, you know? So, I’m good. Tell Merab what you want him to do and he’ll, you know, he’ll go ahead and do it. It didn’t work. It’s not going to work again.”

    “I think Tim’s a good coach. I like Tim personally. I don’t take any offense to it. Do I think it’s stupid? Absolutely… But, you know, if I guess that maybe they think that it worked for the Aljo fight, so it’s something we’re going to, you know, keep on doing, then go ahead. But we’ll talk to the referees about it, but I don’t think it’s going to be a problem in any way, shape, or form.”

    Wood continued, “There’s a lot of people that have had successful careers and cheated a lot. I’m not saying that Tim’s cheating, you know, it’s maybe bending the rules… But, you know, the referees always tell you in the back, ‘This is your first hard warning. If you do it once, I’m taking a point.’ No one ever takes a point. You gotta basically rip somebody’s eyeball out or kick their nuts off to even get a point.”

    Merab Dvalishvili proposes a rematch with Sean O'Malley
    Image: @ufc/X

    Sean O’Malley works with multiple former UFC champions ahead of UFC 316

    Sean O’Malley has been getting in work with some elite mixed martial artists ahead of this opportunity to become a two-time champion. Former multi-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya generated some headlines when footage of him working with ‘Suga’ popped up online. Also, O’Malley was seen training with the man who holds the UFC record for most consecutive title defenses, Demetrious Johnson. The former UFC flyweight champion imparted to O’Malley in that training interaction that Johnson could still compete at the highest levels of the sport today if he chose to.

    This work will be key as Sean O’Malley looks to ascend to the mountain top once again as he battles Merab Dvalishvili in less than two weeks’ time in New Jersey.

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coach Says Conor McGregor “Hasn’t Been the Same” Since 2018 Loss “He Crossed the Line, And Never Recovered”

    Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coach Says Conor McGregor “Hasn’t Been the Same” Since 2018 Loss “He Crossed the Line, And Never Recovered”

    When it comes to legendary MMA rivalries, few can match the heat between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. The two men, both icons in their own right, clashed at UFC 229 in October 2018, a night that delivered fireworks inside and outside the cage.

    Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coach Talks Conor McGregor

    Khabib Nurmagomedov, a Russian-Dagestani fighter who retired undefeated at 29-0 and held the UFC Lightweight Championship, was known for his grappling and calm demeanor. McGregor, the Irish-born superstar, made history as the first UFC fighter to hold two belts simultaneously and drew crowds with his sharp tongue and knockout power.

    The build-up to their fight was anything but polite. Conor McGregor, never shy with words, took his trash talk to new levels, targeting not just Khabib Nurmagomedov but also his family, religion, and country. This didn’t sit well with Khabib’s coach, Javier Mendez, who recently didn’t mince words about McGregor’s approach.

    Khabib Nurmagomedov with his coach Javier Mendez
    Image: @akajav/Instagram

    “You want to talk about a fighter, go ahead, free game. But you talked about religion, you talked about family, you talked about country. I don’t respect fighters who do that,” Mendez said, in an interview with Mike Perry, making it clear that some lines shouldn’t be crossed.

    Khabib won the match, eventually forcing McGregor to tap out in the fourth round with a face crank, a move that left no doubt about who was the better man that night. The aftermath was chaotic, with Khabib leaping over the cage to confront McGregor’s team, sparking a brawl that made as many headlines as the fight itself.

    Khabib Nurmagomedov
    Image: UFC.com

    According to Mendez, that night changed McGregor. “He hasn’t been the same after that loss with Khabib. He went down,” Mendez said, echoing what many in the MMA world have observed. Before facing Khabib, McGregor was on top of the world, having knocked out legends and collected belts. After the loss, his career has been rocky: a quick win over Donald Cerrone, but then back-to-back losses and a serious leg injury against Dustin Poirier that’s kept him out of the cage for years.

    Meanwhile, Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated and has since become a coach and promoter. So, while McGregor remains a massive draw and still talks a big game, his old spark has dimmed since that night in Las Vegas. As for Mendez and Team Khabib, they’re not exactly sending McGregor any holiday cards.

  • Merab Dvalishvili Suffers Suspected Broken Toe Weeks Before UFC 316 Title Rematch With Sean O’Malley

    Merab Dvalishvili Suffers Suspected Broken Toe Weeks Before UFC 316 Title Rematch With Sean O’Malley

    UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has revealed he suffered a toe injury, suspected to be a fracture, less than two weeks before his scheduled title defense against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316. This is bringing conroversy to the upcoming main event, fans are wondering if the champion will be able to make the match.

    Merab Dvalishvili Potential Injury Ahead of UFC 316

    Merab Dvalishvili addressed the setback with characteristic humor, stating, “It’s okay, I’m gonna cut it off,” in a video posted to social media, despite the visible severity of the injury. The incident occurred during a sparring session with prospect Cameron Sandoval, when Dvalishvili’s pinky toe was injured while throwing a head kick.

    The full extent of the damage remains to be confirmed by medical imaging, but Dvalishvili’s lighthearted response has done little to quell concerns about his readiness for the June 7 main event in Newark, New Jersey.

    The upcoming bout is a highly anticipated rematch. Merab Dvalishvili captured the bantamweight crown from O’Malley at UFC 306 in September 2024, delivering a dominant five-round performance that relied on relentless grappling and pressure to neutralize O’Malley’s striking. O’Malley, who had previously defended his title in a successful outing against Chito Vera, struggled to find his rhythm in the inaugural fight at the Sphere in Las Vegas, ultimately losing by unanimous decision. Since then, Dvalishvili has extended his win streak to 12, including a title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov, while O’Malley has not fought since losing the belt.

    Both fighters bring notable histories to this rematch. Dvalishvili has built a reputation for durability and perseverance, often competing through significant injuries. Ahead of his first title defense against Nurmagomedov, Dvalishvili fought through a pinched nerve in his back and a severe staph infection in his leg, an ailment described by those close to him as so serious that “regular people would have probably had their leg amputated”. Despite these obstacles, he refused to withdraw, maintaining his stance that “I never pull out” and ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory.

    Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley
    Image: Jeff Bottari/UFC/Zuffa LLC

    Sean O’Malley, meanwhile, has cited his own injury struggles, including a torn labrum during his first meeting with Dvalishvili, and has expressed eagerness for redemption in the rematch. The former champion’s knockout power remains a significant threat, and the narrative entering UFC 316 centers on whether he can adjust to Dvalishvili’s wrestling-heavy style and reclaim the title.

    Merab Dvalishvili
    (Merab Dvalishvili on Instagram)

    With Dvalishvili’s latest injury casting uncertainty over the main event, the champion’s history of overcoming physical setbacks suggests he is unlikely to withdraw. As the fight approaches, attention will focus on whether Dvalishvili’s resilience can once again carry him through adversity, or if O’Malley can capitalize on the champion’s compromised condition to regain the bantamweight crown.

    Merab Dvalishvili & Sean O'Malley
    Image: @UFCEurope/X

  • UFC Champion Valentina Shevchenko Isn’t Calling Out Anyone, She Doesn’t Care Who She Fights Next

    Valentina Shevchenko is admittedly indifferent about who she will next step into the octagon with. The reigning UFC flyweight champion is coming off of a successful defense of her 125 pound crown when Shevchenko bested Manon Fiorot by way of a unanimos decision. That happened in the co-main event of UFC 315 and one wonders what could await ‘Bullet’ following her victory in Montreal earlier this month. Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, Shevchenko touched on several subjects on the heels of notching the first title defense of her second regn with the flyweight strap. In terms of who she has designs to compete against next, Shevchenko said,

    “I’m here to fight anyone. This is what I was made for. Through all my career, I never picked my opponent or negotiated with the UFC. They offer me a fight, I accept it. Even if I have to fight in my opponent’s home, against their fans, I would do that. I am a martial artist all the way-that’s the way I was built as a fighter.”

    Alexa Grasso & Valentina Shevchenko
    Image: @ufc/X

    Valentina Shevchenko and some potential adversaries for her next fight

    Valentina Shevchenko is a bit ambivalent about she competes with next but it does seem like she has some options. Another significant flyweight fight took place at UFC 315 as Natalia Silva bested former flyweight champion Alexa Grasso by way of a unanimous decision on May 10. Natalia Silva, who is now the number one contender in the women’s flyweight class, leaped over Grasso who is now the number three ranked contender with any dialogue about a tiebreaking fourth fight with Shevchenko being put on the backburner for now.

    Also, there is another consequential contest at 125 pounds that is set to go down at month’s end that can meaningfully inform the divisional hierarchy here. That clash pits number four ranked contender Erin Blanchfield against the number five ranked Maycee Barber in their UFC Fight Night headliner set for the UFC Apex on May 31.

    Zhang Weili is the opponent that seems to be of the fan favorite variety with many yearning to see a super fight between Valentina Shevchenko and the dominant UFC strawweight champion.

    Photo by Tim Wheaton
  • Beneil Dariush Warns Against Writing Off Charles Oliveira: ‘He’s Built to Give Boxers Trouble’

    Beneil Dariush Warns Against Writing Off Charles Oliveira: ‘He’s Built to Give Boxers Trouble’

    Beneil Dariush thinks it would be ill advised to write off Charles Oliveira at this point in his career. These two actually previously fought at UFC 289 with Oliveira finishing Dariush with strikes in the first round of their June 2023 contest. During a recent interview with Submission Radio, the number nine ranked lightweight offered up his thoughts on Oliveira’s next fight with Ilia Topuria as Dariush said,

    “I think it’s a lot closer than people think. I think Charles is really tough. He’s got a good chin, he’s got good jiu-jitsu, he’s got great striking. And what’s going to be difficult for Ilia is Charles’s striking is, I think, really dangerous against boxers—the way he throws his knees, the way he clinches, those are things you can do to slow down Ilia. Because, for example, a good boxer will dip low to fake or feint to get in on the inside, and that’s times where Charles will just raise his knee and mess with your timing or throw a kick, things like that. So, I think the fight’s a lot closer.”

    “I understand why people are favoring Ilia, and I think if you had to ask me, I probably would favor him as well, but I don’t think it’s going to be like, ‘Oh, he’s going to walk through Charles like everybody thinks.’ Charles is always dangerous. Here’s what I would say: I know Ilia’s jiu-jitsu is very good because when he fought Ryan Hall, he did really well. Even if the fight was on the ground or he was throwing ground and pound, he did fine.”

    Beneil Dariush continued, “The fact that he was able to stop Bryce [Mitchell]’s takedowns and eventually turn it around, and when he was on top, he was able to just get into positions really quickly—Bryce has good jiu-jitsu. Like, you cannot be a fan of his, but you can’t say he’s not a good grappler. So, I think Ilia’s grappling is very, very good, and if anything, it could be considered underrated.”

    Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira’s assignments for UFC 317

    Beneil Dariush has his next in-cage assignment locked in as he will do battle with Renato Moicano on the UFC 317 main card. Moicano enters the cage as the number ten ranked lightweight contender on a card that will feature a lot of major movement in the top ten of the 155 pound rankings. As mentioned earlier, Charles Oliveira will be fighting Ilia Topuria for the vacant lightweight title in what will serve as the main event attraction for this pay-per-view.

  • Road to UFC: Fast Finishes and Hard-Fought Decisions in Shanghai – Results of Season 4 Episodes 3 and 4

    Road to UFC: Fast Finishes and Hard-Fought Decisions in Shanghai – Results of Season 4 Episodes 3 and 4

    The opening rounds of Road to UFC Season 4 continued on May 23, 2025, at the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai, China. The event featured tournament bouts in the bantamweight and lightweight divisions, as well as non-tournament matchups. Road to UFC is designed to provide top mixed martial arts prospects from Asia Pacific with a direct path to a contract. These are the results of Road to UFC Season 4 Episodes 3 and 4.

    Road to UFC

    Zhu Kangjie defeated Xie Bin by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28). The bout was a cautious contest, with Zhu landing more effective strikes, particularly with his kicks, while Xie focused on grappling. Zhu’s win secured him a UFC contract and a place in the featherweight division.

    Lightweight

    Dom Mar Fan defeated Yuji Ephoevi-ga by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27). Mar Fan used grappling to control the fight and caused significant damage with elbows from top position. He advances to face JaeHyun Park in the next round.

    SangWook Kim defeated Daichi Kamiya by TKO (elbows) at 3:53 of Round 2. Kim overcame early grappling attempts and finished the fight after gaining a dominant position.

    JaeHyun Park defeated Jack Becker by TKO (strikes) at 3:56 of Round 2. Park used wrestling and ground control to secure the stoppage.

    Ren Yawei defeated Deni Daffa by technical submission (mounted ninja choke) at 2:01 of Round 1. Ren quickly locked in a choke following a striking exchange.

    Bantamweight

    Lawrence Lui defeated Zhang Qinghe by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27). Lui recovered from early trouble, opened a cut on Zhang, and used grappling to secure the win.

    Sim Kai Xiong defeated Kuya Ito by decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). Sim had an edge in grappling exchanges and maintained a slight advantage throughout the fight.

    Nghiem Van Y defeated Rui Imura by KO (elbows) at 4:04 of Round 2. Nghiem rallied after a difficult first round, dropping Imura and finishing with elbows.

    Sulangrangbo defeated Peter Danesoe by KO (strikes) at 3:48 of Round 1. Sulangrangbo’s speed and striking led to a first-round finish.

    Non-Tournament Bouts

    Kitt Campbell defeated Shogo Sato by TKO (strikes) at 0:56 of Round 1. Campbell scored an early knockdown and finished with ground strikes

    Tournament Format and Significance

    Road to UFC Season 4 features 32 athletes in each of four weight classes: flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, and lightweight. The tournament uses a single-elimination format, with winners advancing toward a UFC contract. Non-tournament bouts are included to provide additional opportunities for regional prospects.

    The event brings together fighters from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand. Since its inception, Road to UFC has produced several UFC signees who have gone on to compete and earn performance bonuses on the main roster.

    Photo by Tim Wheaton

    The event took place at the UFC Performance Institute Shanghai, a facility dedicated to the development of MMA athletes in the Asia-Pacific region. The opening rounds aired live in Asia-Pacific prime time, with all fights scheduled for three rounds.

    Road to UFC
  • Should Jon Jones Be Stripped? UFC World Divided as Champ Dodges Tom Aspinall Showdown – Former Champion Weighs In

    Should Jon Jones Be Stripped? UFC World Divided as Champ Dodges Tom Aspinall Showdown – Former Champion Weighs In

    The UFC heavyweight division has found itself in a holding pattern, and the man at the center of the storm is none other than Jon Jones. Despite holding the undisputed heavyweight title for over a year, Jones has yet to unify the belts with interim champion Tom Aspinall, leaving fans, fighters, and even fellow champions scratching their heads and pounding their keyboards.

    Should Jon Jones be Stripped?

    Former UFC champion Michael Bisping, never shy with an opinion, has become the latest voice to ask the question everyone’s thinking: “Should Jon Jones be stripped? That’s the question on everyone’s lips right now. Tom Aspinall, the interim champ, is waiting in the wings, and the UFC heavyweight division is in limbo.”

    Let’s rewind. Jon Jones claimed the heavyweight crown in March 2023 and has defended it just once, against a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic. Since then, he’s been spotted everywhere except the Octagon, Thailand, reality TV in Russia, even the odd cryptic tweet, but not across from Aspinall. Meanwhile, Aspinall has defended his interim belt and, in the process, set the record for the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history, a record, as Michael Bisping points out, that nobody really wants.

    The frustration is palpable. Tom Aspinall, by all accounts, is ready and waiting. “Tom Aspinall’s been sitting there as the interim champion for a long time now. He’s the longest-reigning interim champ in UFC history. That’s not a record you want. He deserves his shot,” Bisping said. The fans agree: a petition to strip Jones of the title has racked up nearly 20,000 signatures in a week, with supporters accusing Jones of “holding the UFC heavyweight title hostage.”

    Surging UFC Heavyweight Stakes Claim For Tom Aspinall Fight If Jon Jones Turns It Down
    Image: @tomaspinallofficial/Instagram

    ‘Bones’ Jones, for his part, seems unbothered by the noise. He’s mused about retirement, entertained the idea of fighting other challengers like Alex Pereira, and generally acted like a man with better things to do than unify belts. When pressed, he’s suggested that beating Aspinall would do little for his legacy, a stance that has only further inflamed critics.

    Jon Jones
    Image: Jon Jones on Instagram

    The UK-born Bisping, who once defended Jon Jones, has now joined the chorus calling for action: “At some point, you have to defend the belt or step aside. That’s the job of the champion.” He points out the irony that Jones, once the youngest champion in UFC history, was given his shot by an established titleholder. “What about when you were fighting for the belt and you were the youngest person to ever do it? You got that opportunity, and when you become the champion, there’s an obligation to do that. So defend or vacate.”

    Jon Jones
    Image: MMA Crazy/YouTube

    UFC president Dana White, ever the optimist, insists the fight will happen in 2025, but patience is wearing thin. Tom Aspinall is left in limbo, and the heavyweight division remains stalled while its champion enjoys life outside the cage. As Bisping bluntly put it: “All these cryptic tweets and going out to Thailand and living his best life and s*, great. If that’s what you wanna do, congratulations, go off and enjoy your life. But, do the decent thing.”

    For now, the UFC’s big men wait. The fans wait. And Tom Aspinall, record interim champ, waits. The ball, as ever, is in Jon Jones’ court.

  • Robert Whittaker on Reinier de Ridder: “He’s Awkward, Walks You Down, Weaponizes Everything”

    Robert Whittaker on Reinier de Ridder: “He’s Awkward, Walks You Down, Weaponizes Everything”

    Robert Whittaker foresees his upcoming fight with Reinier de Ridder as one that can re-align his path to becoming UFC middleweight champion once again. Whittaker does battle with RDR at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26 in the headline attraction of that card. The contest between Whittaker and de Ridder pits the number five ranked contender against the number thirteen ranked contender at 185 pounds, respectively. While speaking on Submission Radio ahead of this fight, Robert Whittaker discussed the machinations of this match up with the former two division ONE Championship titleholder when Whittaker said.

    “He’s an awkward guy. He’s of the same mentality, the same school of thought where you just walk forward and punch people, right? I understand the headspace I’ve got to be in for this fight, and I think it is a great precursor to what I want to do moving forward. His grappling style is pretty cool as well. He’s kind of one of these guys who actually weaponizes a lot of the stuff that he does-comes forward and just brings it forward.”

    “I want to set a statement in this next fight. I want to really, you know, I want to really send a message and work my way up to the title, so like, that’s kind of my focus right now.”

    Robert Whittaker and his proximity to the middleweight belt

    Robert Whittaker is a former middleweight champion as mentioned earlier and while he is coming off of a loss technically, he is still not that far outside of the title challenger sphere. Whittaker’s last fight was a loss to Khamzat Chimaev in Oct. of last year with that UFC 308 win securing Chimaev a title shot against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319. The current number one ranked contender at middleweight is Nassourdine Imavov who is electing to serve as the back up fighter for that Aug. championship bout with DDP and Chimaev.

    Observing the remainder of the UFC’s middleweight top five, only number two ranked Sean Strickland and number four ranked contender Israel Adesanya don’t have their formally booked next assignments. There have been some rumblings that perhaps Strickland and Adesanya may run it back for a rematch but nothing has been formally booked as of this writing.

  • ‘The Devil in ONE’ Ali Abdelaziz Blasts Matt Hume for Nearly ‘Ruining’ Reinier de Ridder’s Career

    ‘The Devil in ONE’ Ali Abdelaziz Blasts Matt Hume for Nearly ‘Ruining’ Reinier de Ridder’s Career

    Ali Abdelaziz is not exactly known as someone who minces words with the polarizing MMA manager putting a powerful higher up in the ONE Championship hierarchy on blast. The Dominance MMA figurehead put Matt Hume in his proverbial crosshairs recently and it all stemmed from sentiments tied to Reinier de Ridder.

    Speaking with Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, Ali Abdelaziz echoed some feelings that have been put out there by RDR himself who felt like his last couple of years as a contracted ONE combatant were far from ideal. The former two division ONE Championship titleholder even went as far as to caution prospective ONE combatants frm signing a contract with the promotion. Hume is a legendary former competitor within mixed martial arts and has served as the ONE Senior VP of Competition for years now. The reverance to Hume does not resonate with Ali Abdelaziz who got biblical with his characterization of the ONE VP when Abdelaziz said,

    “Matt Hume-biggest scumbag in the history of MMA. I can tell you this, 100%. And I’ll keep it at that. I have all the proof. He’s a very bad guy, and he almost ruined this guy’s life. But also, when you-when nobody has a plan, God always has a plan. And Matt Hume was the devil, you know? That’s all I’m going to tell you. I don’t know how this guy ever did martial arts. He’s one of the biggest scumbags I’ve ever seen on the planet.I think ONE FC will be a much better place without this guy. He ruined so many people’s careers. He blackballed people. He cheats. He does everything wrong. And, you know, he just-he almost ruined this guy’s career.”

    Ali Abdelaziz continues on the Matt Hume and Reinier de Ridder situation

    Ali Abdelaziz mentioned that one day he would be able to talk about Reinier de Ridder‘s struggles in ONE and that RDR’s career mishandling is a microscom in Abdelaziz’s eyes as to how the former MMA pioneer has handled the careers of many ONE Championship fighters over the years. While de Ridder is riding an impressive three fight win streak in the UFC with a statement win over the previously unbeaten Bo Nickal, it is clear that there is still no love lsot between Abdelaziz, Matt Hume, and ONE Championship by proxy.

  • Julianna Peña Respects Kayla Harrison’s Pedigree: ‘She’s No Joke – She’s Earned Every Bit of That Resume’

    Julianna Peña Respects Kayla Harrison’s Pedigree: ‘She’s No Joke – She’s Earned Every Bit of That Resume’

    Julianna Peña has not shied away from talking trash to Kayla Harrison in the lead-up to their championship clash, but that doesn’t mean she is oblivious to the deep résumé that her challenger possesses. Peña is set to defend her bantamweight title against Harrison in the co-main event of UFC 316, which is scheduled for June 7. The reigning titleholder at 135 pounds recently sat down with ESPN MMA to discuss several subjects ahead of this consequential contest on pay-per-view set to transpire in the coming weeks.

    While Peña has engaged in verbal volleys with Harrison at press conferences leading up to this fight—with barbs about the latter’s difficult weight cut to 135 pounds and accusations that Harrison left PFL to duck Cyborg—the bluster continues to build toward this bout. Beyond the trash talk, though, the two-time bantamweight champion knows exactly the caliber of competitor she’ll be locked in the cage with in Newark. As she expounded upon this, Peña said:

    “Of course, she’s won two gold medals in the Olympics. She is, you know, in the Judo Hall of Fame. She’s 18 and one as a professional. She’s a two-time champion in the PFL. So those are just, you know, the tip of the iceberg for some of the things that she’s accomplished.

    “She absolutely has technique—I mean, you don’t get to win two gold medals without having, you know, technique. She’s got technique, absolutely. And she’s very big, you know, she’s very powerful in her judo techniques. So that’s what I see.”

    Julianna Peña and the looming presence of Amanda Nunes

    Julianna Peña is squarely focused on Kayla Harrison at this juncture, but it is impossible not to have at least peripheral awareness of Amanda Nunes. The former UFC featherweight and multi-time UFC bantamweight champion has been teasing a return to competition, with Nunes indicating that she wants to come out of retirement to fight the victor of Peña vs. Harrison.

    ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ definitely desires this fight, as it would be a rubber match with Nunes and Peña each having a victory over the other. The 35-year-old was adamantly against Nunes initially retiring, as Peña intimated that Nunes was ducking out on a trilogy fight between the two. With a win here over Harrison, Julianna Peña might finally be able to secure this coveted third fight with the women’s MMA GOAT.

  • Why is Holly Holm Moving to Boxing? Former UFC Champ Explains

    Holly Holm prepares to make her highly anticipated return to the boxing ring but she’s not fully closing that proverbial cage door forever either. The former UFC bantamweight champion covered several subjects during her recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show with a focus on her signing with Jake Paul’s promotion, MVP. While she is a big name acquisition for Most Valuable Promotions and is excited to return to the sweet science, there is still the possibility of more MMA action someday for ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ as Holly Holm said,

    “I wanted to do both regardless. I did. I wanted to do both if I could… There was already some days I was just boxing anyway when it was kind of questionable on the fence. So I’ve actually just kind of been training boxing, focusing on boxing for, I guess, the last couple months.”

    “I’m excited for it. I’m excited—it’s, you know, when I first came to MMA, I was so excited about it that I didn’t really miss boxing. But then over time it started to kind of just—you know, if I had teammates that might have… even if we were just sparring boxing in practice… when I do it, I’m like, man, I kind of miss it. So I’m excited to be able to get back in there and just get back to just dialing in on just the boxing.”

    Holly Holm, GFL, and MVP

    Holm continued, “I still love MMA as well. I don’t know if I’ll—I mean, I would love to fight again in MMA, but that’s just—I like to let life kind of unfold. I have goals and things that I like and things I know I’m passionate about, but I also like to take a day at a time, a fight at a time, you know, and just ride the wave.”

    The continuation of Holm’s MMA career was initially slated to take place in a few days on the since-cancelled Global Fight League cards. Holm was booked to fight former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Julia Budd before the news of GFL 1 being scrapped came out. Holly Holm is now set to box unbeaten pro Yolanda Guadalupe Vega Ochoa on the June 28 undercard for Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

  • “I Got Goosebumps”: UFC Champ Says The Rock Nailed the Look and Voice of Mark Kerr for The Smashing Machine

    “I Got Goosebumps”: UFC Champ Says The Rock Nailed the Look and Voice of Mark Kerr for The Smashing Machine

    The Rock has impressed many in his portrayal of Mark Kerr for the Benny Safdie written and directed film The Smashing Machine including someone who was quite close with Kerr. Bas Rutten was the individual in question who discussed Dwayne Johnson’s depiction of the titular figure of this film and the former UFC heavyweight champion touched upon this during an interview with Submission Radio. The former king of Pancrase was prominently featured in the original Smashing Machine documentary which served as the source material for this biopic.

    Bas Rutten was involved in the training that was captured in the documentary as he aimed to guide the former UFC tournament champion as Kerr head into the 2000 Pride grand prix. When asked about what his thoughts were on The Rock’s depiction of Mark Kerr in this upcoming film, Bas Rutten said,

    “Very impressive. I don’t know how he does it—he’s very friendly to everybody, gives time to everybody, doesn’t matter if you’re an extra. He’s a workaholic. I think WWE really prepared him for that… When I saw him, he had cursed shoulders—not many people have cursed shoulders. He knew he had to work on it, he tried to be identical as possible. The work ethic is there, it’s so easy to work with him.”

    “When I saw him with the little tattoos, the pants, I was freaking out. I told her, ‘Look, I got goosebumps now, this is so real.’ There’s this scene we have in the gym where he’s talking to the press, and that was the very first time I heard him speak like Mark [Kerr] as well. I was very impressed—I was like, ‘Wow, this guy.’”

    The Rock and some of the featured actors in The Smashing Machine

    The Rock is obviously serving in the starring role here but the supporting cast for this looming film definitely speaks volumes to fans of both cinema and combat sports alike. Per the film’s official IMDb page, Emily Blunt will play the role of Dawn Staples who had a tumultuous romantic relationship with Kerr during the film of the referenced documentary. Bas Rutten will be playing himself in the film while the role of eventual 2000 Pride grand prix winner Mark Coleman will be handled by the former Bellator MMA heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, Ryan Bader.

    Unified heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk will play 2000 Pride grand prix finalist Igor Vovchanchyn while judo and MMA vet Satoshi Ishii will play Enson Inoue who fights Kerr in the referenced GP.

  • UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Barber: Preview, Fight Card, and How to Watch

    UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Barber: Preview, Fight Card, and How to Watch

    UFC returns to the APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 31, for UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Barber, a pivotal event in the women’s flyweight division. Headlined by a high-stakes bout between top contenders Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber, this card features a mix of rising prospects and established contenders across multiple weight classes.

    With title implications on the line and several intriguing matchups, fight fans can expect an action-packed night.

    How to Watch

    Start Times:

    • United States: Main Card at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
    • United Kingdom: Main Card at 2:00 AM BST (Sunday)
    • Prelims: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT

    Broadcast Details:

    • United States: ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes (Spanish)
    • United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, discovery+ Premium
    • Streaming: ESPN+ app (US), discovery+ Premium or TNT Sports app (UK)

    Main Card

    Weight ClassMatchup
    Women’s FlyweightErin Blanchfield (#4) vs. Maycee Barber (#5)
    LightweightMateusz Gamrot (#7) vs. Ľudovít Klein
    WelterweightBilly Ray Goff vs. Seokhyeon Ko
    Light HeavyweightDustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes
    MiddleweightZachary Reese vs. Duško Todorović

    Prelims

    Weight ClassMatchup
    FlyweightJafel Filho vs. Allan Nascimento
    WelterweightJeremiah Wells vs. Andreas Gustafsson
    Women’s BantamweightKetlen Vieira (#3) vs. Macy Chiasson (#5)
    WelterweightRamiz Brahimaj vs. Oban Elliott
    LightweightKurt Holobaugh vs. Jordan Leavitt
    LightweightMarQuel Mederos vs. Bolaji Oki
    Women’s StrawweightRayanne dos Santos vs. Alice Ardelean

    Main Event Preview

    Erin Blanchfield (13-2)

    Blanchfield enters the main event as one of the division’s fastest-rising stars. At just 25, she has already defeated former champions Rose Namajunas and Jéssica Andrade, compiling a 7-1 UFC record. With a well-rounded skill set and relentless pace, Blanchfield is looking to secure a title shot with a statement win. She suffered a setback in March 2024 when she lost a decision to Manon Fiorot but rebounded with a win over Namajunas last November.

    Maycee Barber (14-2)

    Barber, now 27, is riding a six-fight win streak, having notched victories over top contenders like Katlyn Cerminara, Amanda Ribas, and Andrea Lee. A Dana White’s Contender Series alum, Barber has developed into a powerful striker and aggressive finisher. She aims to cement her status as the clear No. 1 contender with a win over Blanchfield.

    Flyweight Division Context

    This fight has major title implications following champion Valentina Shevchenko’s recent successful title defense against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025. Shevchenko won by unanimous decision (48-47 on all scorecards), reaffirming her dominance in the division at age 37. The winner of Blanchfield vs. Barber could potentially be next in line for a title shot against the champion.

    Other Notable Fights

    • Mateusz Gamrot vs. Ľudovít Klein: A clash between ranked lightweights with Gamrot looking to solidify his top-10 status.
    • Ketlen Vieira vs. Macy Chiasson: A key women’s bantamweight bout between top-five contenders, both seeking a future title shot.
    • Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes: A light heavyweight battle with Jacoby’s striking against Lopes’ finishing ability.
    • Rayanne dos Santos vs. Alice Ardelean: Former Invicta champion dos Santos returns from injury to face the surging Ardelean in a strawweight bout.

    Venue and Tickets

    • Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Tickets: Available via resale markets, with premium VIP packages through UFC’s official provider.

    What’s at Stake

    With both Blanchfield and Barber ranked in the top five, the main event could determine the next title challenger in the women’s flyweight division. Several other bouts feature fighters on the cusp of contention, making this a card worth your time for fans following the next wave of UFC contenders.

  • ‘I’m Going To Be Beating Up Everyone’: Ian Garry Weighs In On New Era In UFC Welterweight Division

    ‘I’m Going To Be Beating Up Everyone’: Ian Garry Weighs In On New Era In UFC Welterweight Division

    Ian Garry is embracing the rise of a new generation of fighters making waves in the UFC’s welterweight division.

    The UFC’s 170-pound division has long stood as one of the most talent-rich and historically significant weight classes in the sport. Renowned for its legacy, it has consistently featured elite competition, boasting five UFC Hall of Famers, including legends like Georges St-Pierre and Robbie Lawler.

    With many of the welterweight division’s iconic names now retired or well past their prime, a new generation of fighters bringing fresh styles and evolved skill sets has risen to prominence at 170 pounds. In today’s landscape, the division is wide open, with nearly every contender in the top eight posing a legitimate threat to newly crowned champion Jack Della Maddalena.

    Ian Garry Says The UFC Welterweight Division Has Never Been More Exciting

    During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Ian Garry shared his thoughts on the evolving welterweight division. “The Future” spoke with enthusiasm about the influx of rising talent in the weight class, while boldly asserting that he’s not just part of this new wave—he plans to lead it.

    “When you look at the welterweight division right now and the way it’s evolved, I’d argue it’s the most exciting it’s ever been,” Garry said. “You look at the names—people under 30 in that division that are just on a tear. You’ve got Shavkat, you’ve got Jack, you’ve got me, you’ve got [Michael] Morales, you’ve got loads of us that are just young and hungry and have stuff to prove.”

    “That’s exciting. When you’ve got that energy mixed with sheer talent—that’s impressive. The answer is always going to be yes. And I’m going to fight them at some point in time, because when I’m the champion, I’m going to be beating up everyone—that’s the next contender, the next best guy.”

    Garry last stepped into the Octagon at UFC Kansas City in April, where he delivered a dominant performance to secure a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Prates. The win marked a strong comeback for the Irish standout, who rebounded impressively from the first defeat of his professional career—a loss to the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December.

    Ian Garry currently boasts a UFC record of 9-1, featuring notable victories over elite competitors such as Michael Page, Geoff Neal, and Neil Magny.

  • Sean Strickland Wants Belal Muhammad Next – ‘After All The Trash Talk, Let’s Go.’

    Sean Strickland Wants Belal Muhammad Next – ‘After All The Trash Talk, Let’s Go.’

    Sean Strickland is a former UFC champion who has another former titleholder, albeit in a different weight division now in his crosshairs. Belal Muhammad and Strickland have exchanged words with one another over the years as the politically divergent pugilists seemingly had no path toward fighting each other being that they’re in different weight divisions. The former kingpin of 185 pounds put ‘Remember The Name’ on blast recently as Sean Strickland said.

    Eric Nicksick & Sean Strickland
    Image: UFC.com

    Sean Strickland said:

    “Belal, you [expletive] sunny, sack up, dog. This is it. You can finally sack the [expletive] up, dude. All that [expletive] you talk, man, we can finally make it happen. Lost your belt. You know, you kind of got [expletive] up, I got [expletive] up. We should make that fight happen. That’d be a good one. I would love to fight Belal Muhammad. I mean, he said he wanted it. All that [expletive] he talks. I think if that’s what he still wants, and that’s what you want, I’m in. There’s nobody there for me.”

    Sean Strickland got arrested during his time in South Africa
    Image: @stricklandmma/Instagram

    Sean Strickland and Belal Muhammad’s recent runs in the octagon

    With Strickland falling short in his bid to regain his middleweight belt at UFC 312 and Muhammad dropping his welterweight belt at UFC 315, it would seem like some possibilities have opened up for both to faciliate making this fight now. While Strickland is 2-2 across his last four, he has been collidding with the elites of his weight division. After claiming the belt against Israel Adesanya, Strickland dropped the strap to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297. After besting former title challenger Paulo Costa last June before losing for a second time against DDP in Feb. as he attempted to become a two time middleweight champion.

    Conversely, Muhammad had an eleven fight unbeaten streak snapped by Jack Della Maddalena earlier this month in Montreal. Muhammad lost the gold in his attempted first defense ala Strickland and lost to JDM on points in what played out as a barnburner bout.

  • Topuria Brothers Split from Longtime Coaches Jorge and Agustín Climent

    Topuria Brothers Split from Longtime Coaches Jorge and Agustín Climent

    Ilia and Aleksandre Topuria have officially ended their professional relationship with Jorge and Agustín Climent, marking the conclusion of a long-standing training partnership in MMA.

    As confirmed by MARCA, the decision comes as both parties now live in different cities and face growing professional obligations that prevent them from maintaining the same level of collaboration. The Topuria brothers extended their gratitude for the years of shared growth and learning, wishing the Climents well in their future endeavors.

    Ilia Topuria, who moved from Alicante to Madrid several months ago to be closer to his athletic and commercial commitments, has already begun shaping a new team ahead of UFC 317 and his upcoming bout against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in Las Vegas on June 28.

    The updated training camp includes familiar faces within Topuria’s circle: his brother Aleksandre, Javi Climent (unrelated to the Climent brothers), Jesús Gallo, Doctor Aldo, Fran Ortega, Raúl Valdesuso, Doctor David Beneito, Mathias Ribeiro, and Mani Tavanaei.

    According to reports, the Climent brothers also confirmed the split, expressing mutual respect and appreciation toward Ilia and Aleksandre after their 13-year working relationship.

  • Joaquin Buckley: “I’ll Prove I Deserve the Next Title Shot at UFC Atlanta” Against Kamaru Usman

    Joaquin Buckley: “I’ll Prove I Deserve the Next Title Shot at UFC Atlanta” Against Kamaru Usman

    Joaquin Buckley foresees his road to UFC gold becoming clear with a win over a former champion in his next outing. In a recent interview that was posted to the Parry Punch YouTube channel, Buckley gave his own overview of the current state of the welterweight division ahead of his looming fight with Kamaru Usman. Buckley vs. Usman transpires at UFC Atlanta on June 14.

    While a victory over one of the most accomplished titleholders in the rich history of the UFC welterweight title would pay dividends in getting his own title shot, ‘New Mansa’ does acknowledge there are some big players at 170 pounds nowadays. While getting into the specific of that landscape, Buckley said,

    “Right now, we’re all in a race, right? Sean Brady already competed and put on a great performance against Leon, got the finish, got the choke. Ian Garry did his thing too, fighting Carlos Prates, even though the man was on all fours, crawling away, which is wild! But now, it’s my turn. It’s me, Sean Brady, and Ian Garry, we’re all racing to that welterweight title. The only thing that’s going to convince the UFC who gets the next title shot is the performance you put on. That’s it!”

    Joaquin Buckley as well as the cases for Sean Brady and Ian Garry

    Joaquin Buckley is riding a six fight win streak heading into this Summer time clash with Usman in a matchup that pits the number seven contender against the number five welterweight contender, respectively. Joaquin Buckley has statement wins through that stretch agaisnt names like divisional stalwart Vicente Luque, former welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson, and former interim UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington in his most recent outing.

    Joaquin Buckley
    Image: @UFCEurope/X

    Observing other standout names that Buckley mentioned, Sean Brady and Ian Garry stand out as the number two contender and the number six contende at 170 pounds, respectively. Brady is coming off of a finish of former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards while Garry is on the heels of derailing the momentum of a hot, surging contender in Carlos Prates.

  • “Boxing Gave Me a Voice”: Claressa Shields on Fighting, Discipline, and Changing the Game

    “Boxing Gave Me a Voice”: Claressa Shields on Fighting, Discipline, and Changing the Game

    Claressa Shields, one of the all-time greats in women’s boxing, recently spoke about the impact the sport has had on her life and career. Shields, a multiple-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, credits boxing with giving her a sense of purpose and discipline.

    Claressa Shields

    “Boxing gave me a voice. It gave me physical strength and it helped develop me mentally,” Shields said, in an interview with Sway. She explained that even if she had stopped boxing, the lessons she learned from the sport would have stayed with her. “In order to have anything in life, you have to work hard and you have to be dedicated and have discipline. And that’s what everybody needs in life to do whatever that they’re doing.”

    Claressa Shields also reflected on her influence in women’s boxing and how she has contributed to changing the landscape of the sport. She compared her approach to that of earlier champions, noting, “I think that with women’s boxing, I brought a whole new game. I think that Laila [Ali] came in, you know, she came with the class and everything, but it wasn’t no trash talk back then.” Shields said she brought a different energy to the ring, combining her Olympic success with a confident attitude. “I kind of came out the gate with the trash talk, the Olympic gold medals. I made sure, I’m a beast, but I’m also a beauty.”

    Claressa Shields has held world titles in multiple weight classes and has become an outspoken advocate for women’s boxing. Shields often addresses the need for greater visibility and respect for female fighters, using her platform to push for equal opportunities in the sport. Her willingness to speak out, both inside and outside the ring, has made her a leading voice for change.

    Claressa Shields’ most recently faced Danielle Perkins she defended her undisputed title. Priot to that she knocked out Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in Detroit, USA, to capture the heavyweight crown. As of May 2025, Shields has not officially announced her next bout, but she has expressed interest in both high-profile boxing matches.

    Claressa Shields

    For Claressa Shields, boxing is a passion that has shaped her identity. “Just let them know it’s okay to be passionate about what you do. I’m passionate about boxing. I love fighting. There’s nothing I can do about it.”

  • Jon Jones Drops Bombshell: UFC Champion Says He’s “Done” With Fighting

    Jon Jones Drops Bombshell: UFC Champion Says He’s “Done” With Fighting

    UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has once again cast uncertainty over his fighting future, suggesting he may be stepping away from competition. During a recent trip to Asia, Jones delivered a cryptic message in which he claimed he is “done” with fighting, raising questions about whether fans will see him in the Octagon again.

    Jon Jones: I’m Done

    ‘Bones’ Jones, who last fought at UFC 309 in November, has been the subject of ongoing speculation regarding a potential title unification bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall. Despite widespread anticipation for this matchup, Jones has remained noncommittal, fueling rumors with his latest remarks on social media.

    Jon Jones
    Image: MMA Crazy/YouTube

    On a video call, he was asked when he is fighting next. Jon Jones reponded by saying, “I’m done, I’m done.”

    In a recent video, Jones addressed accusations that he was avoiding a fight with Aspinall, saying, “I’ve got people in the chat calling me a duck. Meanwhile, I’m living my absolute best life. I don’t know if it’s considered ducking when you’re living good. I don’t think it works like that.”

    The Rochester native’s comments come after he successfully defended his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden, securing a third-round knockout. Since then, Jones has kept fans guessing about his next move, neither confirming nor denying plans for future bouts.

    Adding to the intrigue, Jones revealed this week that the UFC is already aware of his intentions and expressed surprise that the organization has not shared this information with the public. As speculation continues to swirl, the future of one of the sport’s most decorated fighters remains unclear, leaving fans and analysts alike eager for official word on whether Jon Jones will compete again.

    Jon Jones
    Image: @espnmma/X

  • ‘Let Me Enjoy Cake, Lad’: Paddy Pimblett Responds To Critics Of His Off-Season Look

    Paddy Pimblett wants his naysayers to stop obsessing over his out-of-competition physique.

    Pimblett has made a name for himself with his action-packed performances inside the Octagon, but outside of it, he’s just as well known for abruptly ballooning in weight after his fights.

    It’s no secret that “The Baddy” is a passionate foodie, often indulging in post-fight feasts that lead to dramatic weight gains — something fans have become all too familiar with, thanks to the puffed-up photos and videos he regularly shares on social media.

    However, Pimblett consistently steps into the cage in peak condition with a shredded physique, prompting many to question how he’s able to undergo such drastic weight fluctuations between fights — and even sparking debate among critics about his approach to managing his body.

    Images: @theufcbaddy/Instagram

    Paddy Pimblett Defends Weight Fluctuations

    During a recent interview with TNT Sports, Paddy Pimblett weighed in on the ongoing criticism surrounding his weight fluctuations, brushing off the exaggerated public perception. He explained that he naturally carries more weight outside of fight week, and that appearances can be misleading when it comes to judging his physique.

    “It’s funny, innit? People think I put like 30 pounds on, or like 40 pounds on, like my face goes a bit chubby,” Paddy said. “But I weigh in at 156, and yet people are like, ‘Oh, he’s put 40 pounds on.’ I haven’t, because I walk in the cage the next day like 185. So I put like 10, 15 pounds on from what I actually walk in the cage. Like, it’s mad.”

    “The Baddy” made his most recent Octagon appearance at UFC 314 last month, where he secured a statement third-round knockout victory over former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler. The win elevated Pimblett’s flawless UFC record to 7-0, with five of those victories coming by way of stoppage.

    Image: @theufcbaddy/Instagram

  • Michael Morales Breaks His Silence After Statement Win: ‘I’m Here, And I’m Coming For That Belt’

    Michael Morales is radiating confidence in the wake of his latest Octagon outing.

    Morales secured the biggest win of his career to date last Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where he delivered a thunderous first-round knockout of former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns in the UFC Vegas 106 main event.

    The undefeated Ecuadorian wasted no time asserting his dominance, dismantling “Durinho” with calculated aggression from the very first exchange. Morales kept the pressure relentless, landing heavy shots that visibly shook Burns early on.

    Burns made a last-ditch effort to shift the momentum, reaching for a leg in an attempt to initiate a grappling exchange — but Morales swiftly broke free and continued to press forward with punishing strikes. After the Brazilian went down for the second time, referee Herb Dean stepped in to call a halt to the contest at 3:39 into the bout.

    Image: @ufc/X

    Michael Morales Sets Sights On Title Contention Following Knockout Win Over Gilbert Burns

    With his victory over Gilbert Burns, Michael Morales has taken a significant step forward in his career, positioning himself as a serious presence in the UFC’s talent-rich welterweight division.

    During a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Morales reflected on his rising stature in the weight class and asserted that his latest performance has sent a clear message to every contender vying for the title.

    “I said I was moving up in the rankings quietly and calmly, but I think now everyone has realized that I’m here, lurking for the belt, Michael Morales said. “That’s what I’m going to keep doing-everyone’s on notice now after this performance.”

    Morales punched his ticket to the UFC with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Nikolay Veretennikov on Dana White’s Contender Series back in September 2021. Since then, he’s remained undefeated inside the Octagon, amassing a perfect 6-0 record, with four of those wins coming by way of knockout.

    In his post-fight press conference, Morales expressed interest in a potential clash with Ian Garry, calling for the bout to take place at the upcoming Noche UFC event in Guadalajara, Mexico, scheduled for Sept. 13.

    Image: @ufc/X.