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  • José Aldo Explains Recommitting To UFC Despite Having Boxing Request Rejected

    UFC legend José Aldo is set for more bouts inside the Octagon, and that’s despite the promotion rejecting the possibility of him being able to box simultaneously.

    Aldo returned from a short-lived retirement at UFC 301 this past May, fighting out his contract with another victory in front of his compatriots in Rio de Janeiro.

    After the Brazilian got the better of Jonathan Martinez, considerable uncertainty surrounded his future, with a possible re-signing with the UFC sitting alongside remaining ambitions inside the boxing ring.

    But the allure of adding further gold to his trophy cabinet on MMA’s biggest stage proved too much to resist for “Junior,” who will make the walk again this weekend to face Mario Bautista at UFC 307.

    Freedom To Box, Three Times More Pay Not Enough To Overtake Aldo’s UFC Ambitions

    During a recent fight week interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Aldo looked ahead to his return to action on Saturday night, which will kick off a new multi-fight deal for the Brazilian veteran.

    Aldo admitted that he had attempted to include the freedom to box in the contract, but had that request firmly shut down. Nevertheless, with another stint as UFC champ remaining his ultimate ambition, he still put pen to paper on a continued stay inside the Octagon.

    “After that fight (at UFC 301), that’s when we sat down and thought, ‘Okay, now let’s hear the proposals that you have.’ Afterwards, when we saw the proposals for the new contract, I chose the UFC,” Aldo said, before being asked whether the new deal allows him to box. “No, not at all. Listen, I’ve asked for it twice. There were a couple of events I tried to get in and twice I got a, ‘No!’ So now, with all these fights on the contract, I’m really not fighting boxing.

    “My dream has always been to be champion in the UFC. … That was my ultimate goal. Thinking about the contract now, looking forward with this opportunity, if anything else came about or any other proposals, I knew that was going to be locked in with the UFC,” Aldo continued. “This is my ultimate goal. I want to continue to do it and be a champion.”

    Aldo added further context behind those remarks by revealing he turned down up to three times more money offered by other promotions in order to stay put in the UFC in pursuit of continuing to enhance his already stellar legacy.

    If he’s to ensure that decision turns out to be fruitful and better his chances of a late-career title shot, Aldo must first get the better of another young up-and-comer in Bautista this weekend at UFC 307.

  • MMA Legend Receives 2-Year Prison Sentence For Importing Drug-Infused Chocolate

    Former UFC and PRIDE fighter Enson Inoue has received a 2-year prison sentence for importing drug-infused chocolate.

    The sentence is currently on a 4-year suspension meaning that if Inoue does not commit an offense in this time, he will not be imprisoned.

    Inoue was responsible for obtaining chocolate bars that contained psilocybin and was initially facing jail time as a result.

    He has previously spent time in jail 16 years ago where he was arrested for being in possession of marijuana in Tokyo, Japan.

    After spending just under a month in prison, he was given a suspended sentence of two years with four on probation, where he couldn’t leave Japan.

    Enson Inoue Learned A Lot From This Short Experience In Prison

    In a piece by John Morgan for MMA Junkie back in 2008, Inoue reflected on how this experience of spending 28 days in prison had changed his outlook on life.

    “It was a bad experience, but it turned very good,” Inoue said. “If I had to rewind this life, I think this is what I needed.

    “My life was like a leaf that falls into the river and flows down the river. That’s what my life was. I was flowing with the river. No guidance. I was headed for bad things. So it was good. It set me right. It got me thinking on a whole different perspective.”

    The MMA pioneer is one of the true originals of the sport, having faced off with fellow legends like Frank Shamrock, Mark Kerr and Igor Vovchanchyn.

    Not to mention arguably his most impressive win when he submitted Randy Couture at Vale Tudo Japan back in 1998.

    Providing that he is able to stay out of trouble in the next several years, there may not be any further updates on this story.

    Read also: PFL Founder Continues To Bash Kayla Harrison For UFC Signing: ‘She Ran’

  • Israel Adesanya Gives ‘Dumb Game Plan’ Advice For Khalil Rountree Ahead Of UFC 307: ‘It’s a Matter Of Time Because You’re Drowning’

    Israel Adesanya Gives ‘Dumb Game Plan’ Advice For Khalil Rountree Ahead Of UFC 307: ‘It’s a Matter Of Time Because You’re Drowning’

    Khalil Rountree has got a tough task ahead of him at UFC 307 where he will be walking into the biggest fight of his career.

    The #8-ranked light heavyweight contender will be challenging Alex Pereira for the title in Salt Lake City.

    Rountree’s striking has proven to be very dangerous, but implementing that against someone as technical as the former two-weight GLORY kickboxing world champion will not be easy.

    One man knows about facing Pereira better than anyone else and he had some thoughts to pass onto the challenger ahead of Saturday night.

    Israel Adesanya Lays Out Flawed Game Plan For Khalil Rountree

    During his UFC 307 predictions on his YouTube channel, Israel Adesanya spoke about how Rountree can win this fight.

    “The Last Stylebender” has faced off with “Poatan” twice in kickboxing and twice in MMA, winning their last encounter at UFC 287 via knockout.

    He said that Rountree’s best route to victory is getting it done early before Pereira can start to break him down and set traps.

    However, Adesanya then corrected his own point by stating that being overly aggressive against Pereira can also play into the Brazilian’s hands.

    If Rountree is to take one piece of advice from this, it’s to back his opponent up to avoid what the former two-time UFC middleweight champion describes as “drowning”.

    “Khalil has to just go at him, can’t be scared, just press him back. You can, it’s possible, press him back. Watch out for the low kicks cuz that’s what he’s gonna use to stop him… Khalil attack the body, attack the legs too cuz Pereira will take them but he doesn’t get affected by them till later, much later. If Khalil is gonna win, he’s gonna have to win or try and win early but that’s a dumb game plan so don’t listen to me. Don’t try and win early cuz that’s how you get caught as well with Pereira. He can catch him with anything. Catch him with hook coming in, knee, leg kicks and then eventually, when you feel like the third one, you’re like, ‘Oh s***,’ then I can’t press him back anymore. Then it’s like a matter of time as you’re drowning.”

    Adesanya would, however, go on to pick Alex Pereira to win the fight at UFC 307, in his official predictions.

    Read also: Alex Pereira On Chances Of Ex-Kickboxing Foe Finding UFC Success: ‘They Are Not Me, They Are Not Adesanya’

  • Israel Adesanya Believes Alex Pereira Will Finish Khalil Rountree At UFC 307

    Israel Adesanya Believes Alex Pereira Will Finish Khalil Rountree At UFC 307

    Israel Adesanya will pay close attention to the fight that will see Alex Pereira put his UFC light heavyweight title on the line in the headliner of this Saturday’s UFC 307 pay-per-view event against Khalil Rountree from Salt Lake City.

    Adesanya knows firsthand what it’s like to fight Pereira and how good he is. They’ve fought a combined four times – two kickboxing and two MMA bouts. Adesanya raised his hand after scoring a KO win at UFC 287. 

    While appearing on The Adam Carolla Show (H/T to MMAJunkie.com), Adesanya broke down the fight and noted that Rountree’s approach has not been successful. 

    “I’ll go Pereira because of momentum right now,” Adesanya said.” “Rountree doesn’t grapple. He likes to kickbox. He’s never gone for a takedown. If you’re going to do that with Pereira – I’m the only one who’s ever even rocked him or like stood with him in the UFC. Everyone else, he’s washed. Rountree, if he can make it dirty and catch him, he can catch him, but it’s so hard to do it to Pereira.”

    Adesanya’s Prediction For UFC 307 Main Event

    According to Adesanya, Rountree will face difficulty in closing the distance against Pereira and could absorb damage as a result.

    “Rountree, his reach may not be able to get to him. Pereira likes to use his long reach to frame. … This weekend I’m going to go Pereira, and I’m going to go TKO or KO. I don’t know what round, but I just feel like it’ll be hard for Rountree. Leg kicks, leg kicks, and he might catch him as Rountree comes in because Rountree is going to be attacking him.”

  • PFL Founder Continues To Bash Kayla Harrison For UFC Signing: ‘She Ran’

    PFL Founder Continues To Bash Kayla Harrison For UFC Signing: ‘She Ran’

    PFL founder Donn Davis isn’t letting up with his theories on why Kayla Harrison left his promotion to join the UFC.

    Harrison’s time competing in the SmartCage, wherein she collected two titles at 155 pounds, came to an end following a bounce-back win over Aspen Ladd at last year’s championship event.

    The two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo completed a long-discussed switch to the UFC, shocking many by committing to a bantamweight future.

    Debuting this past April, the American Top Team standout made the most of the major UFC 300 stage by dominantly submitting former champion Holly Holm to likely put her one victory away from a shot at the gold.

    But while Harrison has the chance to achieve that this weekend at UFC 307 when she shares the Octagon with Ketlen Vieira, her decision to join MMA’s leading promotion is still being scrutinized.

    Perhaps unsurprisingly, that’s by her ex-employer…

    Donn Davis: Kayla Harrison Left PFL For UFC Because Of Need For ‘Validation’

    During a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s MMA Today show with Din Thomas and Alan Jouban, Davis further addresses Harrison’s decision to continue her career away from the PFL.

    He once again offered a negative take on the reasons behind Harrison’s departure, claiming she “ran” from another fight with Larissa Pacheco and long-awaited showdown with Cris Cyborg.

    Davis also reiterated his belief that Harrison was seeking ‘validation’ that she shouldn’t need by competing under the UFC banner.

    “We brought Kayla in from the Olympics, developed her into an 18-1 star, two-time champion, and one of the greatest women — top five in the sport today,” Davis said. “Nothing but pride for that and nothing but respect for Kayla. As a competitor, to build the company, I want every great fighter here.

    “I’m disappointed that we couldn’t keep Kayla here for what I think are the two biggest fights of her legacy and her career: avenging Pacheco and winning the championship and beating Cyborg, who is the greatest ever,” Davis continued. “I don’t like that she ran from those. I don’t like that she ran to a brand to validate herself. I think so highly of Kayla Harrison, she doesn’t need a brand to validate her. … So that disappointed me.”

    Regardless, Harrison is now forging a path to greatness in new surroundings. And having already achieved title glory in the SmartCage twice, the Ohio native is now looking to repeat the feat inside the Octagon and establish herself as among the UFC’s all-time greats.

    The next step in that journey comes opposite Vieira this Saturday night in Salt Lake City, where a win is expected to book her spot opposite the bantamweight champion next time out.

  • Alex Pereira On Chances Of Ex-Kickboxing Foe Finding UFC Success: ‘They Are Not Me, They Are Not Adesanya’

    Alex Pereira On Chances Of Ex-Kickboxing Foe Finding UFC Success: ‘They Are Not Me, They Are Not Adesanya’

    UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira is seemingly not concerned about the arrival of a fighter who boasts a win over him in kickboxing to the Octagon.

    “Poatan” has already achieved immense success on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, capturing gold at both 185 and 205 pounds. Those achievements were, in part, made possible due to the ready-made storyline that many believe fast-tracked him to the top.

    The Brazilian arrived in the UFC with a reputation largely centering around his two wins over Israel Adesanya in the striking-only realm. After just three fights, he was placed opposite the Nigerian-New Zealander and unseated him from the middleweight throne.

    Now, Pereira is on the opposite side of such a story.

    In his final kickboxing bout before committing to MMA, the former two-weight Glory champion was outpointed by Artem Vakhitov months on from his own narrow decision victory over the Russian.

    Vakhitov has also since transitioned to the cage, and he recently began his pursuit of a combat sports trilogy with Pereira by taking aim at his skillset.

    The former Glory titleholder will have the chance to move closer to setting up a showdown with “Poatan” in the Octagon when he shoots for a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series next week.

    Pereira, however, isn’t optimistic about the chances of Vakhitov and other kickboxers being able to recreate his story with Adesanya…

    Pereira Gives Dismissive Response To Vakhitov’s MMA Arrival

    During his appearance at UFC 307 media day on Wednesday, Pereira was asked to comment on Vakhitov’s transition to MMA and pursuit of the kind of success he’s achieved in the sport.

    While the Russian has appeared confident about making a quick rise and exposing the current light heavyweight kingpin, Pereira believes Vakhitov to be “mistaken” when it comes to the difficulty that awaits him at the highest level of MMA.

    “I stopped following kickboxing, so I kind of don’t know how he’s (Vakhitov) doing,” Pereira said. “So I don’t know what his potential (is), but I think fighting me in the UFC at this point could be hard.

    “People get mistaken sometimes (and) think that it’s just easy to make a story like Israel Adesanya. Guys that beat me (in) a fight like, long ago, they think that they (can) just come here and make the same story,” Pereira continued. “Bro, they are not me, they are not Israel Adesanya.”

    While Vakhitov has plenty to do before reaching the same conversation as Pereira in the UFC, starting with earning an actual contract next week, “Poatan” showed how quick of a rise up the ladder is possible with a good storyline and some violent knockouts.

  • Julianna Peña Slams Champ Raquel Pennington’s Promotional Efforts: ‘She Said No To Embedded!’

    Julianna Peña Slams Champ Raquel Pennington’s Promotional Efforts: ‘She Said No To Embedded!’

    UFC women’s bantamweight contender Julianna Peña continues to be unimpressed by Raquel Pennington’s efforts as champion.

    Nine months on from winning the vacant belt at the expense of Mayra Bueno Silva in Canada, Pennington will return for her first title defense in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 307 pay-per-view.

    Opposite “Rocky” in Salt Lake City, Utah will be a familiar face in the form of Peña, whom she featured with on the cast of The Ultimate Fighter 18 in 2013.

    Animosity exists between the pair dating back to the show, and that’s led to plenty of back and forth in the lead-up to their collision inside the Octagon at the Delta Center this weekend.

    Peña: Pennington Not A ‘Good Representation’ Of The Division

    During her appearance at UFC 307 media day on Wednesday, Peña assessed how Pennington has fit into the role of champion following her crowning in Toronto this past January.

    The former bantamweight queen unsurprisingly had a critical take, taking aim at Pennington’s failure to promote herself and their fight adequately.

    “Raquel has not been a good representation of the women’s bantamweight division,” Peña said. “She has not promoted. She has said no to Embedded. She has constantly done everything that she can to avoid being the face of women’s MMA and not being that big face who wants to promote and be that big representation of women’s MMA.

    “That, to me, is you’re showing me nothing, but you’re telling me everything by not being that person that is letting everyone know that you’re fighting,” Peña continued. “I want to be that person. That’s my role, and I can do it better, and that’s why I believe I am going to be able to seal the deal on Saturday night and get that gold again.”

    While Peña is hoping and evidently expecting to invigorate the division with a second reign, one which she hopes draws Amanda Nunes back from retirement to complete their trilogy, Pennington no doubt has other plans.

    And should “Rocky” have her hand raised in the “Beehive State,” she’d have achieved a feat that “The Venezuelan Vixen” failed when she held the gold — recording a successful title defense.

  • Report: Carlos Prates’ Return In The Works For UFC 309 On Nov. 16

    Report: Carlos Prates’ Return In The Works For UFC 309 On Nov. 16

    Surging UFC welterweight prospect Carlos Prates looks set to have the chance to make a splash on yet another big stage next month.

    Prates (20-6) has put the 170-pound division on notice in three fights since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. The Fighting Nerds standout announced his arrival with knockouts of Trevin Giles and Charles Radtke.

    “The Nightmare” delivered most impressive performance to date last time out at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, where he put a beating on formerly ranked contender Li Jingliang en route to a brutal KO.

    It appears that Prates will have the opportunity to keep his ball rolling at an even bigger pay-per-view event in a few weeks’ time, with Ag. Fight reporting that he’s verbally agreed to share the cage with Randy Brown (19-5) at UFC 309 on November 16.

    The numbered event is set to take place inside the prestigious surroundings of Madison Square Garden in New York City. Headlining will be a long-planned heavyweight showdown between champion Jon Jones and legend Stipe Miocic.

    While Prates looks to make a statement on the undercard, his veteran opponent will have an upset in mind. “Rude Boy” has won three straight since being submitted by Jack Della Maddalena, most recently outpointing Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC 302 this past June.

    With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at the New York-held UFC 309 event on Nov. 16 are as follows:

    • Jon Jones (C) vs. Stipe Miocic (heavyweight championship main event)
    • Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler (lightweight co-main event)
    • Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig (middleweight)
    • Nikita Krylov vs. Azamat Murzakanov (light heavyweight)
    • Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders (middleweight)
    • Carlos Prates vs. Randy Brown (welterweight)
    • Viviane Araújo vs. Karine Silva (women’s flyweight)
    • Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee (bantamweight)
    • Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj (welterweight)
    • Karine Silva vs. Viviane Araújo (women’s flyweight)
    • Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura (women’s flyweight)
  • Fight Finish Rates For Men & Women Hit 10-Year Lows Heading Into UFC 307

    Fight Finish Rates For Men & Women Hit 10-Year Lows Heading Into UFC 307

    Recent data revealed that finish rates for both male and female fighters have plummeted to their lowest levels in the past decade, as UFC 307 approaches.

    One undeniable truth that the MMA community can unanimously agree on is their collective passion for fights that don’t go the distance. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping knockout or a bone-crushing, suffocating submission, fans crave a decisive finish.

    Nobody typically enjoys watching a bout drag on to a decision, especially when both fighters fail to deliver action throughout the contest. Finishes not only make the fight more exciting but also test the opponent’s resilience on a whole new level.

    However, according to recent findings by data scientist Nate Latshaw, the UFC has witnessed a sporadic decline in finish rates within the men’s division over the years. Meanwhile, female fighters have faced increasing difficulty in securing finishes, struggling to end bouts before they reach the judges’ scorecards.

    Decline In UFC Finish Rates As Light Heavyweight & Flyweight Show Extreme Variability

    As per Latshaw’s data, the overall finish rate for all UFC weight classes dropped to 44% in 2024, marking the lowest point in the past 10 years. Men’s divisions saw a decrease to 48%, while women’s divisions experienced a significant drop to 27%. These trends indicate a mix of gradual declines and inconsistencies in finish rates.

    In 2024, the men’s flyweight division had a finish rate of 42%, compared to its lowest rate of 22% in 2016. Meanwhile, the women’s 125-pound division had a finish rate of 18% in 2024, a stark contrast to its unprecedented 100% finish rate in 2016.

    Conversely, the women’s 125-pound category saw its lowest finish rate of 18% in 2024. The light heavyweight division reached a peak finish rate of 71% in 2022, highlighting some divisions’ resilience.

  • Two-Time UFC Champion Carla Esparza States Hall Of Fame Ambition Ahead Of Retirement Fight

    Two-Time UFC Champion Carla Esparza States Hall Of Fame Ambition Ahead Of Retirement Fight

    Carla Esparza recently shared her aspiration to secure a place in the UFC Hall of Fame as she approaches her retirement fight.

    Esparza is gearing up to step into the Octagon for the final time, as she is set to face Tecia Pennington on the preliminary card of UFC 307. This highly anticipated pay-per-view event will take place this Saturday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    The 36-year-old Californian has previously announced that UFC 307 will mark the end of her illustrious 15-year career as she prepares to hang up her gloves for good.

    “Cookie Monster” began her professional journey in February 2010, securing a first-round TKO victory against Cassie Trost under the regional promotion Respect in the Cage. She fought her way through various organizations before ultimately entering the UFC as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 20 in 2014.

    Esparza etched her name in the history books by submitting Rose Namajunas in the third round, becoming the first UFC strawweight champion at the TUF season finale. However, her reign was short-lived, as she later lost the title to Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 185 in March 2015.

    Esparza endured an arduous journey of 11 fights over seven years to reclaim the 115-pound championship, ultimately securing a split-decision victory against Namajunas at UFC 274 in May 2022.

    Esparza Wants To Join The Ranks Of Jedrzejczyk & Ronda Rousey To Cap Off Her MMA Career

    During a recent interview with Brian Campbell, “Cookie Monster” reflected on her journey in MMA, with a particular focus on her time in the UFC. When asked about her place in the history of the division, which has significantly evolved during her tenure, the former two-time strawweight champion expressed her desire to conclude her career with an induction into the UFC Hall of Fame.

    “I’d love to eventually be in the Hall of Fame. I mean, that would be so cool,” Esparza said. “I think winning the title the first time was like seeing where I was as a fighter then to where I am now; there’s been so much growth. I mean, you have to grow to still stay in this division with all these killers. Everyone is so good, and there’s young blood constantly coming through the UFC. You have to be at such a high level even just to compete with these people, so it’s cool to have been able to stay at this high level and compete with all these youngsters coming in.”

    Should Esparza be inducted into the Hall of Fame, she would become just the third woman in UFC history to receive this honor, standing alongside the legendary Jedrzejczyk and Ronda Rousey.

    “Cookie Monster” is set to make her return to the Octagon after nearly two years, following her defeat to Zhang Weili, who submitted her in the second round at UFC 281 in November 2022.

  • Former Opponent On Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic: ‘Not Bigger, Not Stronger, Striking Not Better!’

    Former Opponent On Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic: ‘Not Bigger, Not Stronger, Striking Not Better!’

    One of Jon Jones’ former opponents recently articulated his thoughts on the reigning UFC heavyweight champion’s upcoming matchup against Stipe Miocic.

    Jones is set to put his undisputed title on the line against former long-time champion Miocic in the main event of UFC 309, scheduled for November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    This matchup has ignited a whirlwind of debate, with UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall repeatedly calling for a title unification bout. Despite these appeals, ‘Bones’ has remained firmly committed to facing Miocic. Jones’ adamant stance has provoked discontent among many fans, who argue that he is stalling the division and deliberately avoiding a showdown with Aspinall.

    The former UFC light heavyweight champion has frequently expressed that facing Miocic is his dream fight and the primary reason for his move up to the heavyweight division. Jones has also alluded to the idea that defeating a legend like Miocic would be the final crowning achievement in his already stellar career, suggesting that after adding such a victory to his record, he may hang up his gloves.

    However, Vitor Belfort believes that a fight against Miocic brings a lot of risk.

    Belfort Thinks Miocic Has The Upper Hand Against Jones At UFC 309

    During a recent interview with Inside Fighting, ‘The Phenom,’ who lost to Jones at UFC 152 in September 2012, shared his insights on the headlining bout of UFC 309. Belfort asserted that this matchup poses more risks than rewards for “Bones”, arguing that Jones would be tested to his limit against the 42-year-old veteran.

    “If I can give any advice to Jon Jones, it’s to not fight him [Aspinall] because there is nothing to gain from that fight for Jon Jones,” Belfort said. “Jon Jones is going to have the greatest career. Let’s say he beats Miocic, which I think is going to be very hard. I love Jon Jones, and I think he has an amazing career, but you know, a lot of people think he’s bigger than Stipe Miocic. No, he’s not bigger, he’s not stronger, and his striking is not better than Stipe Miocic. Stipe Miocic is a great boxer; he can wrestle and he can grapple.”

    Belfort also suggested that Jones is doing the right thing in not fighting Aspinall, as he poses a significant threat to the champion.

    “Aspinall is a different beast. He’s so young; I mean, he’s the new generation—very dangerous, very explosive, very athletic. I don’t think unless Jon Jones is going to make millions of dollars. But I mean, if I’m Jon Jones, I would ask, ‘Why are you fighting him? If you win, cut it out, go retire, and be the best guy of all time.’ I’m thinking he would be the Tom Brady of MMA.”

  • Raquel Pennington Points Out Key ‘Mistake’ Julianna Peña Has Made Ahead Of UFC 307

    Raquel Pennington Points Out Key ‘Mistake’ Julianna Peña Has Made Ahead Of UFC 307

    UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Raquel Pennington believes upcoming challenger Julianna Peña may see the error of her ways soon enough.

    Pennington is set to make her first defense of the 135-pound title in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 307 pay-per-view, which comes nine months on from her capturing of the vacant belt in Canada to kick off 2024.

    Having achieved her championship ambitions, “Rocky” has the chance to solidify her status as divisional queen by stalling the two-time goals of ex-champ Peña.

    Their contest and many other notable bouts will go down at the high altitude of Salt Lake City, Utah this weekend. But when it comes to the effect that has, the two co-headliners see things very differently…

    Pennington Rejects Peña’s Altitude Claim Ahead Of Utah-Held UFC 307

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Pennington reacted to some recent remarks regarding the impact of altitude from her opponent on October 5.

    Peña opted against heading to Salt Lake City early to acclimate, branding such a move “unnecessary” when she’s in good shape. The champ sees that decision as a “mistake.”

    “Just being born and raised in altitude, yeah, I would say that’s a mistake,” Pennington said. “Altitude is not a joke. It really does affect people. You know how many people come here to visit and are like, ‘Oh my gosh, we don’t understand why we’re feeling this or we’re feeling that and we’re just standing here.’ It’s the altitude, and then when you’re pushing your body to the limit, it plays a part.

    “I notice a big difference when I go anywhere else. Sometimes I have to really slow down and control my breathing because I feel like I’m actually getting too much air, and I kind of hyperventilate a little bit, so I have to train my breathing a little different,” Pennington continued. “It’s something that I think every athlete should take into consideration, especially if you’re going to go push yourself to the limit.”

    “The Venezuelan Vixen” will look to prove that assessment wrong by making good on her prediction of recapturing the bantamweight championship after a fight-week arrival in the “Beehive State.”

  • Dana White’s Reaction To AI-Generated UFC Pound-For-Pound List After It Omits Jon Jones

    Dana White’s Reaction To AI-Generated UFC Pound-For-Pound List After It Omits Jon Jones

    Dana White was recently amused with an AI-generated list of UFC pound-for-pound (P4P) fighters, but he found the underlying concept quite intriguing.

    As the daily integration of AI technologies expands across nearly every field, leading to improved and more accurate results, their application in the sports world has become increasingly unavoidable.

    White has also previously conveyed his enthusiasm for integrating AI models, such as ChatGPT, into the UFC’s ranking system. He envisions a future where these advanced algorithms take precedence over the current rankings panel, which consists of media representatives from various outlets.

    During a recent interview with MMA journalist Kevin Iole, White’s vision gained momentum as he lambasted the rankings panel for failing to elevate Renato Moicano in the lightweight standings. This scrutiny came on the heels of “Money Moicano’s” commanding TKO victory via doctor’s stoppage against Benoît Saint Denis in the main event of UFC Fight Night Paris last weekend.

    “The rankings are definitely a problem,” White said. “Moicano, I agree with you 100 percent. But don’t worry my friend; AI will be here soon, and this will all be fixed. We get all these bums that know nothing about fighting out of this sh*t and get AI in here, and we can fix all these rankings.”

    White Shares Excitement About AI In UFC Rankings

    At the post-fight press conference for the latest episode of Dana White’s Contender Series on Tuesday night, the UFC head honcho was handed a ChatGPT-generated list ranking the top five pound-for-pound fighters in the organization by a reporter. The list featured Alexander Volkanovski leading the pack, followed closely by Islam Makhachev, Leon Edwards, Charles Oliveira, and Aljamain Sterling – completely omitting Jon Jones.

    “I don’t know what AI you’re using, MMA Junkie AI?” White joked. “When we get a real AI platform in place… I can’t wait.”

    White’s response to the AI-generated pound-for-pound rankings was not quite surprising, particularly given that the system omitted the reigning UFC undisputed heavyweight champion, Jon Jones. White has been quite outspoken in his belief that “Bones” holds the status of the greatest fighter of all time.

    • Read More: Jon Jones Reacts To Inclusion On Dana White’s MMA Mount Rushmore
  • Khalil Rountree Names What He Brings To The Table Different To Alex Pereira’s Former Opponents

    Khalil Rountree Names What He Brings To The Table Different To Alex Pereira’s Former Opponents

    Khalil Rountree comes into his first UFC title shot as a pretty sizable underdog at UFC 307, this weekend.

    In what will be his 15th time stepping inside the Octagon, he will challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title in Salt Lake City.

    A big reason why a lot of people believe that “Poatan” will retain his title on Saturday night is the style that his next challenger brings to the table.

    The #8-ranked contender finds himself in position for a title shot because he’s able to produce devastating knockouts with his striking skills which, ultimately, makes him an ideal match-up for Pereira because of his elite kickboxing background.

    Khalil Rountree Says That His Belief And Overall Ability As A Fighter Sets Him Apart

    Only Israel Adesanya has been able to defeat Pereira since the Brazilian entered the UFC and he did that whilst striking with “Poatan”.

    That being said, it’s hard for many to imagine Rountree out-striking the champion because though he’s very dangerous, he doesn’t have the same extensive kickboxing pedigree of either Adesanya or Pereira.

    In fact, the challenger believes that rather than his striking being better than the champion’s, it’s his overall ability as a fighter and current self-belief that makes him different to Pereira’s previous opponents.

    He is confident that this is the right time and place for him to capitalize on this opportunity, as he spoke about in a recent interview with ESPN MMA on fight-week.

    “It’s a little bit difficult for me to say this but I’m going to do this because I should. What makes me different is my overall ability compared to the guys that he’s fought. I feel like my strength and my athletic ability and my discipline, my skills, my experience, I think that like all of that kind of plays into me and my style and I don’t think that there’s been a fighter that is as like put together as I am and feel now.

    “I’ve been through a lot and I’ve spent my whole career in the UFC and this is the first time that like I can fully back myself. I don’t have to talk and yap and sometimes it’s uncomfortable for me to say, like I feel amazing. I am 100%, I have belief in myself and I don’t know who can present the same… the same stuff that I have right now. I don’t know, there’s just something that I feel in myself right now.”

    Read also: Kayla Harrison Brands Henry Cejudo ‘Asinine’ For Breakdown Of Ketlen Vieira Fight

  • ‘Out Of 8 Billion People He Picked A Former UFC Champion To Steal From’ – Fans React To Theft Of Michael Bisping’s Wife’s Bag

    ‘Out Of 8 Billion People He Picked A Former UFC Champion To Steal From’ – Fans React To Theft Of Michael Bisping’s Wife’s Bag

    During the UFC’s recent return to Paris, France this past weekend, commentator Michael Bisping looked to take in his surroundings during the work trip.

    However, as he revealed on social media, his leisure time was disrupted by a thief who attempted to run away with his wife’s bag.

    Little did the thief know that he was now going to have to outrun one of the UFC’s all-time great cardio machines.

    After tracking him down, the former UFC champion showed restraint, much to the benefit of the man that he had pursued.

    He told the story in a video posted on X, claiming that he left him with a swift kick “up the a**” before returning back with the bag.

    “Earlier today I had to stop a crime. Sitting there having breakfast with Rebecca in the streets of Montmartre, Paris and some little s*** snatches Rebecca’s bag, runs away. So I chase after him, get a hold of him, he had the bag already hidden in like a towel. Got the bag off him, he didn’t speak a word of English obviously. Didn’t do anything to him, got the bag back, he was s******* his pants, poor guy.”

    MMA Fans React To Michael Bisping Running After And Catching The Thief

    This situation could have ended very differently if Bisping wasn’t the type of person who was able to be calm in this moment.

    The thief likely has no idea what could have happened to him after he stole something from the wrong family, and could have been faced with “left hook Larry” as a result.

    MMA fans reacted on social media to Bisping’s retelling of events:

    “Bet the little thieving c*** was like this when Bisping stepped to him”

    “Out of 8 billion people he picked the a former ufc champion to steal from lmao. He wins the Darwin Award.”

    “Imagine being gripped up by a one-eyed, cauliflower eared mob boss looking UFC champion. He must’ve thought it would be his end.”

    “Glad you’re both ok and that you got her bag back. Those trail runs and good cardio came in handy.”

    “‘I didn’t…. *smirk* I didn’t do anything’”

    Read also: Kayla Harrison Brands Henry Cejudo ‘Asinine’ For Breakdown Of Ketlen Vieira Fight

  • Kayla Harrison Addresses Potential Amanda Nunes Return Stealing Title Shot Away From Her

    Kayla Harrison Addresses Potential Amanda Nunes Return Stealing Title Shot Away From Her

    Kayla Harrison is focused on earning her second win inside the Octagon when she returns this weekend at UFC 307.

    If the former PFL star is able to get past Ketlen Vieira in Salt Lake City, there will be no denying that she is the next contender in line.

    In fact, she had hoped to be fighting for the title in the fight that will happen later on in the night between the champion Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña.

    There is potentially one scenario that could prevent this from happening, though, if a certain former champion decides that she wants her belt back.

    Kayla Harrison Says She’s Happy For Amanda Nunes To Cut The Line Only After She Is Champion

    Harrison has expressed some concern that Peña could hold the title up if she becomes champion this weekend because she isn’t the most active fighter on the roster.

    The other factor to consider is that if Peña does win the belt back against Pennington, there’s a trilogy fight with Amanda Nunes that she has been very vocal about getting.

    Nunes announced her retirement in June last year and vacated the title in the process, meaning that she would seemingly be granted a title shot if “The Lioness” decided to step back in.

    Harrison has spoken about welcoming Nunes back but obviously, her title shot may have to wait if the former champion calls next.

    In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Harrison said that she hopes this doesn’t happen, at least until she already has the belt in her hands.

    “Yeah I mean, I hope not. I just don’t think she’ll ever fight me so I don’t think that her cutting the line, beating up Peña again and taking another big payday and then leaving, like that would really p*** me off. So I hope that I fight for the title and then if she wants to come cut the line, she’s more than welcome.”

    Read also: UFC Vet ‘Feels Bad’ For Those Sharing A Division With Kayla Harrison: ‘I Don’t Think Anybody Has A Chance’

  • Dana White Not Keen On Alex Pereira’s Boxing Talk: ‘I Want Everybody To Stay In Their Own Lane’ 

    Dana White Not Keen On Alex Pereira’s Boxing Talk: ‘I Want Everybody To Stay In Their Own Lane’ 

    Alex Pereira may have risen to star status in the UFC, but he’s still not at the level to convince Dana White that a crossover boxing match would be a good idea.

    Pereira is currently in Utah gearing up for his latest defense of the light heavyweight title, which headlines the UFC 307 pay-per-view at Salt Lake City’s Delta Center this Saturday night.

    But while his reign and dominance in the cage continues, the former middleweight kingpin has also had his eyes elsewhere in recent times.

    During an interview with Kevin Iole, “Poatan” commented on White’s recent revelation regarding a move into the boxing realm. The UFC CEO warned the sport that he’s coming in “guns blazing,” and it sounds like Pereira wants to be on the front lines.

    “Honestly, man, I feel very good about this (White’s boxing venture),” Pereira said. “I like boxing. I’ve wanted to fight boxing and I’ve been saying this for a while. In the next few days, I’m going to release video footage of me sparring the best heavyweight boxer in Brazil, it was a few years ago but I believe I am much better now.”

    He later reiterated that sentiment while speaking to The Schmo.

    “Absolutely I want to express my will to go boxing one day,” Pereira stated. “I think that this partnership of the UFC and boxing is a very good thing going for the sport.”

    Unfortunately for the Brazilian, it would appear that White is not convinced…

    White Once Again Shares ‘Hatred’ For Crossover Fights Amid Pereira’s Boxing Tease

    During a recent interview with Kevin Iole, White was asked for his take on Pereira’s ambitions in the ring and whether his planned entry into boxing promotion could lead to the Brazilian having his wish granted.

    “I don’t know. I mean, when you look at where he’s at right now in his career, he’s at the top of this game, he’s about to break (Ronda Rousey’s) record if he wins the fight on Saturday night, and God knows what other records he could break here,” White said. “He’s 38 years old, which is even more impressive when you add that on top of anything else.

    “I don’t know (about boxing). I’m not even thinking about that kind of stuff,” White continued. “I’m not thinking about crossover fights. I hate crossover fights. I respect the fact that he wants to do it. I know there’s tons of other fighters that probably want to do it. But I want everybody to stay in their own lane.”

    For now, Pereira has business to attend to inside the Octagon.

    And should he extend his reign beyond the threat of Rountree this weekend, a possible middleweight return to challenge Dricus du Plessis has been teased. Meanwhile, the likes of Magomed Ankalaev continue to push for a shot at his 205-pound gold, leaving “Poatan” with plenty of options in MMA.

  • Vitor Belfort: Jake Paul, Mike Tyson Didn’t Want To Risk Career Fighting Me

    Vitor Belfort: Jake Paul, Mike Tyson Didn’t Want To Risk Career Fighting Me

    November 15 sees Mike Tyson return to the ring to face Jake Paul in what will undoubtedly be one of the most talked about fights of the year.

    Given the stature that both men bring to the table, getting the opportunity to share the ring with either of them is a huge opportunity for other fighters.

    One man that wants a piece of that action is MMA legend Vitor Belfort.

    After retiring from competing in the UFC back in 2018, Belfort has made the move over to boxing where he has had several bouts since. But despite being 47 years old, he believes that big name opponents still aren’t willing to fight him.

    Vitor Belfort Says That He Wants Either Paul Or Tyson But It Probably Won’t Happen

    The Brazilian legend has won both of his boxing contests since hanging up the MMA gloves, beating Evander Holyfield in an exhibition and fellow former UFC fighter Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.

    In a recent interview with Inside Fighting, he claimed that though he would be open to the idea of stepping in against Paul or Tyson, it’s not likely to happen.

    It makes sense on his end but Belfort doesn’t believe that either man is willing to risk fighting him because of their own legacies.

    “I would love to do it but both guys didn’t want to fight me for sure but I would love to fight the winner. I just wish they can have a great fight but they don’t have the courage to bring that fight [to me]. I think that would be a great fight to put together but I think none of them wanted to risk their – how they can call – career or their legacy.

    “I’m in a stage of my life where for me to step up and fight someone, has to make sense for me, for the fans. I think the fans would love to see that but at the end of the day, Jake Paul fights who he wants to fight. He’s making the decision and I mean we’ll see what will be but I mean I can promise you, I think that fight is not going to happen.”

    Read also: Chael Sonnen: Khalil Rountree Won’t ‘Wilt’ To ‘Mike Tyson-esque Fear Factor’ Alex Pereira Has

  • Dan Hooker Makes Plans To Earn Conor McGregor Fight At BKFC Event In Spain

    Dan Hooker Makes Plans To Earn Conor McGregor Fight At BKFC Event In Spain

    After making his way back into the top rankings in the lightweight division, Dan Hooker is looking to pick the right fight this time around.

    “Hangman” admitted after this recent win over Mateusz Gamrot that the last time he was in this position, he made a mistake by agreeing to face Michael Chandler in less than ideal circumstances.

    Now he’s wanting to secure the fight that will put him into title contention, unless of course, something bigger comes around.

    Conor McGregor is without an opponent for his return now that Chandler will be facing Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, next month.

    Hooker, who would be more than happy to be the Irishman’s dance partner, just so happens to be in the same place as him next week.

    Dan Hooker Says He’s Hoping To See If Conor McGregor Wants The Fight When He’s In Spain

    McGregor is sure to be in attendance at the BKFC show in Marbella, Spain on October 12, after becoming a part owner of the promotion earlier this year.

    Hooker recently stated on an episode of Fox Sports’ mainevent that he will also be making the trip over.

    The City Kickboxing fighter had previously said that he would be cornering his friend Oscar Willis from The Mac Life in his bare-knuckle debut on that card.

    Considering that they’re likely to be in the same room, Hooker said that he may try to get a quick word in with the Irishman before heading back home.

    “I know that I’ve got a big fight coming up next but I am actually heading over to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships in Spain next week which Conor McGregor so happens to own. So yeah, by the end of next week, hopefully get a chance to either just have a word to him and see if he’s interested in the fight.”

    Read also: Israel Adesanya Opens Up On Viral Car Altercation: ‘Within An Hour I Found Out Where He Lived…’

  • Kayla Harrison Brands Henry Cejudo ‘Asinine’ For Breakdown Of Ketlen Vieira Fight

    Kayla Harrison Brands Henry Cejudo ‘Asinine’ For Breakdown Of Ketlen Vieira Fight

    UFC bantamweight contender Kayla Harrison returns this Saturday night at UFC 307 to take on Ketlen Vieira in a huge fight for the division.

    Harrison has been working hard on her overall MMA game in recent years to make sure that she is able to compete in all areas.

    Every fight starts on the feet and developing her striking skills was always going to be an important part of her journey in the sport.

    Describing it as a process of no longer “faking it till you make it”, the former PFL star is confident in her all-round MMA abilities in comparison with her opponent.

    And as a two-time Olympic gold medallist in judo, there aren’t many people on the planet who can compete with her in her area of specialty either.

    Kayla Harrison Fires Back At Henry Cejudo Over Fight Prediction

    During their preview of the card on a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, former UFC champions Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman predicted the fight between Harrison and Vieira.

    Cejudo made the case that with Vieira having some judo pedigree of her own, she might be able to keep the fight standing – where she could be a big problem for Harrison.

    This take wasn’t particularly well received by the #3-ranked contender, who gave her response in a recent interview with Submission Radio.

    Harrison believes that Cejudo’s point was meaningless due to the huge gap between a judo black belt and one of the all-time greats in the sport.

    “I don’t know why the hell they’re talking about a judo black belt making a difference like there are levels. That would be like me telling Henry, ‘Oh this kid wrestling in varsity in high school so you’re gonna struggle to take him down’. Benign. Asinine. That’s all right, I look forward to showing once again why Henry is a jealous little man.”

    Read also: UFC Vet ‘Feels Bad’ For Those Sharing A Division With Kayla Harrison: ‘I Don’t Think Anybody Has A Chance’

  • UFC Vet ‘Feels Bad’ For Those Sharing A Division With Kayla Harrison: ‘I Don’t Think Anybody Has A Chance’

    UFC Vet ‘Feels Bad’ For Those Sharing A Division With Kayla Harrison: ‘I Don’t Think Anybody Has A Chance’

    A longtime UFC fan favorite is high on Kayla Harrison, so much so that he doesn’t see anybody in the bantamweight division being able to beat her.

    Harrison, a two-time title winner under the PFL banner, will feature on the main card of this weekend’s UFC 307 pay-per-view in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she’s set to make her second outing inside the Octagon.

    After establishing herself as a dominant force outside MMA’s leading promotion, Harrison got her pursuit of gold in the UFC underway in strong fashion this past April with a submission win over former champ Holly Holm.

    To secure a likely title shot down the line, the 34-year-old former judoka is next tasked with getting the better of #2-ranked contender Ketlen Vieira in the “Beehive State.”

    And by the sounds of things, recently retired UFC veteran Matt Brown has little doubt about who will have their hand raised in that matchup…

    Brown On Harrison Joining BW Division: ‘If I’m The Champion, I’m Retiring’

    During the latest episode of MMA Fighting’s The Fighter vs. The Writer, Brown discussed Harrison’s successful arrival into the UFC women’s bantamweight division earlier this year.

    Having seen the manner with which the Ohio native dispatched Holm, “The Immortal” doesn’t see anybody on the roster at 135 pounds capable of halting Harrison’s charge.

    “I feel bad for the girls in that division. If I’m the champion, I’m retiring. If I’m Raquel Pennington or I’m Julianna Peña and I win the fight, I’m out. I’m pulling an Eddie Bravo here. Win the big one and I’m done,” Brown said. “I wasn’t quite as big of a believer until the way I watched her beat Holly Holm. Because I just didn’t know about the weight cut, and how she was going to perform (after) the weight cut, and sometimes people change when they come to the UFC. They’re just not what we thought they were when they were in a different organization.

    “I think she answered every question very clearly. She’s going to come in, and I don’t think anybody has a chance against her,” Brown continued. “We’re on the way to the Kayla Harrison era. I think she wrecks everybody in that division, including Amanda if she comes back. I don’t think anybody stands a chance against Kayla. I think she is a major problem for everybody in there. … She is an absolute terror for this division.”

    Harrison will look to prove Brown right come fight night in Salt Lake City this weekend, when she shares the card with another “terror” in UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira.

    The pair recently got familiar with one another on the mats, with Harrison teaching “Poatan” some judo moves. Her ability to take the Brazilian down is perhaps strong evidence for Brown’s prediction of dominance for the two-time Olympic gold medalist at 135 pounds.

  • VIDEO: PFL Releases Destructive Trailer For Francis Ngannou’s MMA Return

    VIDEO: PFL Releases Destructive Trailer For Francis Ngannou’s MMA Return

    The build-up toward Francis Ngannou’s MMA return and Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut has picked up with the official trailer for the upcoming pay-per-view event.

    For the first time since January 2022, Ngannou will make the walk for a mixed martial arts contest on October 19 in Saudi Arabia. There, the former UFC champion will collide with Renan Ferreira in the main event of the “Battle of the Giants” card.

    Since defending the UFC gold against Ciryl Gane over two years ago, Ngannou’s combat sports outings have come inside the ring, where he threw down with two heavyweight greats in Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

    While he took “The Gypsy King” to the limit, he was brutally knocked out by “AJ” earlier this year, and his sights are now back on the cage for the time being.

    PFL Releases ‘Official Trailer’ For Ngannou vs. Ferreira

    Ahead of Ngannou’s debut in the SmartCage, which comes 17 months on from his signing with the PFL, an “official trailer” has been released.

    The cinematic video has a Godzilla vs. Kong look to it, with Ngannou and Ferreira taking out a city amid their “Battle of the Giants.”

    While all eyes will be on “The Predator” as he returns to MMA action in the main event, a number of intriguing bouts are set for the undercard.

    That includes another major debut, with Bellator Women’s Featherweight Champion Cris Cyborg colliding with two-weight PFL title winner Larissa Pacheco in the co-headliner.

    Gold will also be on the line on the main card, as Bellator Middleweight Champion Johnny Eblen and Fabian Edwards run it back following the postponement of their scheduled rematch in London last month.

  • Chael Sonnen: Khalil Rountree Won’t ‘Wilt’ To ‘Mike Tyson-esque Fear Factor’ Alex Pereira Has

    Chael Sonnen: Khalil Rountree Won’t ‘Wilt’ To ‘Mike Tyson-esque Fear Factor’ Alex Pereira Has

    Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen doesn’t think Khalil Rountree will be buying into the reputation that precedes Alex Pereira whenever he enters the Octagon.

    Rountree is days away from the biggest fight of his career to date, as he gears up to headline a pay-per-view and compete with gold on the line for the very first time at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    If “The War Horse” is to continue his winning form all the way to the light heavyweight throne, he’ll have to unseat Pereira. That’s a task that former champions Jamahal Hill and Jiří Procházka have both failed to achieve in 2024.

    Destructive performances against “Sweet Dreams” and “BJP” have only enhanced Pereira’s status as one of the promotion’s most feared knockout artists.

    But when it comes to how opponents handle such a reputation, Sonnen doesn’t expect Rountree to be one who “wilts” come fight night…

    Sonnen: Rountree A ‘Real Problem’ For Pereira

    During the latest episode of his Good Guy / Bad Guy show alongside Daniel Cormier on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel, Sonnen reiterated his belief that an upset could be brewing in Salt Lake City.

    In part, that’s down to the mindset of Rountree. According to “The American Gangster,” the challenger won’t crumble to the “fear factor” Pereira has developed in the way that others in the division would.

    “I’m telling you, Daniel, every upset has a couple of commonalities. This fight, you’ve got to keep your eyes on it,” Sonnen said. “Number one battle Khalil’s got is to show up and fight. Pereira’s gonna get to a point where guys don’t do that.

    “Pereira is entering that Mike Tyson-esque fear factor, where guys are going to wilt in the back. I just don’t believe that’s Khalil,” Sonnen continued. “I think Khalil’s got one more good one in him. I think he can overcome this, and I think he is a real problem for Pereira.”

    Rountree’s history of violent knockouts may also have created a “fear factor” behind his own striking game. And that might especially be the case for kickboxing standouts given “The War Horse’s” habit of stalling their charges inside the cage.

    It remains to be seen whether history will repeat itself in that regard this Saturday.

  • Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 8 Highlights As 5 Prospects Secure Contracts

    Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 8 Highlights As 5 Prospects Secure Contracts

    The latest season of Dana White’s Contender Series continued with some memorable highlights on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

    DWCS, the inaugural season of which took place back in 2017, sees some of the top prospects in mixed martial arts enter the cage in front of White and the matchmakers, looking to put in a performance worthy of a place on the UFC roster.

    Last year’s edition saw 46 fighters bag a deal with the sport’s premier promotion across 10 events, up on the 43 from 2022. Through seven episodes of season eight, 29 prospects moved a step closer to their title dreams on MMA’s biggest stage.

    And the eighth added another five talents to the UFC roster. That included Kazakhstan’s Diyar Nurgozhay, who delivered the highlight of the night by knocking out Bartosz Szewczyk in the final fight.

    There were three other finishes on the card, all of which earned the victors contracts. Torrez Finney secured his at the third time of trying after stopping Abdellah Er-Ramy with strikes in round one. While Jacobe Smith delivered a similar TKO to open the card, the highly touted Alberto Montes locked in an anaconda choke to put Carlos Calderon away by way of submission.

    David Martinez’s win came in the only bout that required the scorecards, but that didn’t stop him from joining sister Melissa Martinez on the UFC roster.

    With that in mind, see below for the moments that landed five athletes contracts with the UFC.

    Jacobe Smith Def. Christien Savoie Via TKO (Strikes): R2, 2:55

    Torrez Finney Def. Abdellah Er-Ramy Via TKO (Punches): R1, 4:10

    David Martinez Def. Xavier Franklin Via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

    Alberto Montes Def. Carlos Calderon Via Submission (Anaconda Choke): R2, 2:38

    Diyar Nurgozhay Def. Bartosz Szewczyk Via KO (Head Kick): R2, 3:32

  • Jon Jones’ Coach On Not Fighting Tom Aspinall Next: ‘Stipe Miocic Deserves Better…’

    Jon Jones’ Coach On Not Fighting Tom Aspinall Next: ‘Stipe Miocic Deserves Better…’

    Jon Jones’ coach, Greg Jackson, recently explained why his star pupil is slated to face Stipe Miocic next rather than Tom Aspinall.

    “Bones” is preparing for what could be both the first and final defense of his undisputed heavyweight title as he faces former champion Miocic in the headlining bout of UFC 309. The highly anticipated showdown is set for November 16 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    This matchup has been a priority for Jones since his heavyweight debut in March 2023. He’s even considered retiring after potentially defeating Miocic, widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight champion.

    The Jones vs. Miocic matchup has faced considerable backlash from the MMA community, with many arguing that interim heavyweight champion Aspinall, who is also the backup fighter, is the rightful challenger.

    Some have even suggested that Jones should remain available after UFC 309 for a title unification bout. However, “Bones” has consistently dismissed the prospect, making it clear he has no interest in facing Aspinall.

    Jackson Defends Jones vs. Miocic Matchup: ‘It’s Really Two Legends Fighting Each Other’

    During a recent episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast, Jackson was prompted to shed light on Jones’ fervor to face Miocic next, rather than focusing on rising contenders like Aspinall or Curtis Blaydes.

    The Jackson’s MMA Acoma founder elaborated that this fight represents a legacy moment for “Bones.” He emphasized that while there will always be emerging challengers, the upcoming bout at UFC 309 is a legendary clash aimed at determining who truly stands out among the elite.

    “I think because Stipe is so legendary—I mean, the guy’s one of the best heavyweights,” Jackson said. “You could argue he’s one of the best heavyweights ever—so I think that’s the challenge that Jon needs because there’s always going to be young guys coming up, there’s always going to be a new phenom, and there’s always going to be another guy that’s like, ‘Oh, this guy’s super tough.’ So I think the attraction for Jon in that is it’s really two legends fighting each other.”

    Jackson further emphasized that Jones has accomplished so much in his career that he no longer feels the need to validate himself against any competitor; he can choose whoever he wants to fight.

    “At this point in Jon’s career, he doesn’t need to fight; he could stop today and be fine. But I think that gets him up for Stipe—the idea of Stipe and how great he is, and how tough he is, and to compete against that. I think he’s looking for a legacy thing, in my opinion… I do know that we had this fight locked up before any of that drama happened, so to me, it would be a terrible move to tell Stipe, ‘Oh, never mind, we’re not gonna fight you after all; we’re gonna go after this guy.’ I mean, Stipe deserves better than that. He’s not only a great fighter but also a great guy.”

    Jones was last active when he captured the heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. He was scheduled to fight Miocic at UFC 295 last November, but “Bones” was forced to withdraw just days before the bout due to a pectoral injury.