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  • Justin Gaethje’s Mindset Going Into His Ilia Topuria Fight Is Built Around A Painful Memory From UFC 300

    Justin Gaethje says he is training for his UFC Freedom 250 fight against Ilia Topuria with the mindset of a man who just got knocked out, using his UFC 300 loss to Max Holloway as daily motivation.

    Speaking to Grind City Media ahead of the June 14 title unification bout at the White House, Gaethje described how he approaches fight camp.

    “Coming off of losses, I’m much more dangerous than I am coming off wins. That’s the human mind, and it’s just a tricky, tricky situation to be in when you’re being successful, to stay as committed to the process as you need to. But there’s always a UFC 300 quick reminder — nice knockout. So again, I’m training with the thought of I just got knocked out by Max Holloway. I have had two wins since then, and yeah, it’s been awesome. They tried to get rid of me. They don’t want to get rid of me — obviously I’m a great fighter for the company. But I have held off these young, up-and-coming fighters.”

    Gaethje was direct about his intentions for fight night.

    “These guys are all up-and-comers, and they’re all coming for me. Every time I’ve got the opportunity, I have held them off. I am here for a reason. I’m here because I’m one of the best in the world. I am fighting a guy that is absolutely incredible, but I have a great coach and we’re going to have a great plan. I’m going to change his face, just like I always do to all my opponents.”

  • Usman Nurmagomedov To Return AT PFL New York

    Usman Nurmagomedov To Return AT PFL New York

    Usman Nurmagomedov will defend his PFL Lightweight Championship against undefeated contender Archie Colgan in the July 31 main event at UBS Arena in Long Island, with Dakota Ditcheva also returning in the co-main event against Denise Kielholtz.

    PFL officials announced the bookings to the New York Post.

    Nurmagomedov, 21-0, defended his title by submitting Alfie Davis at PFL Dubai in February. Colgan, 13-0, defeated Jay Jay Wilson by unanimous decision on the same card. The two-time NCAA Championship qualifier in wrestling holds wins over Mansour Barnaoui and Emmanuel Sanchez among others.

    Ditcheva, 15-0, returns from a year-long absence due to a hand injury. The 2024 PFL flyweight tournament winner had previously been booked to face Kielholtz at PFL Dubai before withdrawing. Kielholtz enters on a three-fight winning streak.

  • The Number Paddy Pimblett Is Sitting At Seven Weeks Before His UFC 329 Fight Is Turning Heads Again

    The Number Paddy Pimblett Is Sitting At Seven Weeks Before His UFC 329 Fight Is Turning Heads Again

    Paddy Pimblett revealed he is sitting at 191 pounds seven weeks out from his UFC 329 fight against Benoit Saint Denis, meaning he is preparing for a 35-pound cut to make the 156-pound non-title lightweight limit.

    Pimblett shared the number on his vlog ahead of the July 11 card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    “It’s nice obviously having an opponent, date set, everything’s ready to go when we’re fighting, know how long I’ve got. It’s all about making weight and being ready for the fight.”

    Despite regularly ballooning between fights, Pimblett has never missed weight in eight UFC appearances. He came in under championship weight at 154 pounds for his interim lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January, a fight he lost by unanimous decision to break his undefeated UFC record.

  • UFC Boss Dana White Lands TIME Cover Ahead Of Historic White House Event

    Dana White has added another milestone to his long list of achievements, landing on the cover of TIME as the UFC prepares for one of its most ambitious events yet.

    The feature arrives just weeks before the promotion stages its historic card on the White House grounds on June 14, a moment that reflects how far the organization has come under White’s leadership.

    The magazine piece focuses on the UFC’s journey from a fringe spectacle to a mainstream powerhouse, while also highlighting White’s longstanding connection with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

    While much of the story revisits familiar ground for longtime fans, it underscores the significance of the upcoming event in Washington, D.C., which will mark the first time the UFC hosts a fight card at such a high-profile location.

    The card itself is expected to feature a lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje in the main event. In the co-main, Alex Pereira is set to move up in weight to face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.

    The TIME cover serves as another sign of the UFC’s growing cultural footprint, with the promotion now preparing to deliver one of the most unique events in combat sports history.

  • Drake Set To Enter Influencer Fight Business With Part Ownership Of Adin Ross’ Brand Risk Promotions

    Drake could be the next big name stepping into the influencer fight game.

    Following the buzz around Adin Ross’ latest Brand Risk event in Las Vegas, the popular streamer has revealed that Drake is in talks to become an owner of his rapidly growing fight promotion. The development came shortly after the chaotic Brand Risk 14 show at the UFC Apex, which drew massive online attention despite mixed reactions to the fights themselves.

    Speaking during a livestream after the event, \Ross claimed the deal is already in motion.

    “I can’t believe we did it, it’s really going to go down and be legendary. The clips are going everywhere, everyone’s happy with the event,” Ross said on his stream.

    “So I talked to Drake about it, bro. Drake is now an owner of Brand Risk. I’m finalizing that s— today. Like, the thing with this s— is that it’s going to keep getting better… we’re going to keep finding ways to reach new limits.”

    The potential partnership comes after Ross made a significant financial push to elevate his promotion, reportedly spending around $1.5 million to take Brand Risk from its usual Miami warehouse setup to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

    The event featured a mix of influencer bouts and amateur fights, along with appearances from UFC executives like Dana White and Hunter Campbell, who even joined the broadcast.

    While the fight card itself sparked plenty of debate online, it undeniably generated attention, with viral clips spreading across social media and viewership peaking in the hundreds of thousands.

    Drake’s interest in the event also ties back to his close relationship with Johnny Manziel, who headlined the card. But if Ross’ claims hold true, the rapper’s involvement could go far beyond casual support and into a serious business venture.

  • Wang Cong Rips UFC Champ Valentina Shevchenko For Skipping Q&A Appearance With Her

    Wang Cong has reignited her rivalry with Valentina Shevchenko — and this time, it’s happening outside the cage.

    The Chinese contender took to social media ahead of UFC Macau, claiming the reigning flyweight champion pulled out of a planned joint fan Q&A appearance to avoid sharing the stage with her. The two were expected to appear together during fight week festivities, but according to Cong, those plans changed at the last minute.

    “Valentina and I were originally scheduled to appear together at the UFC Macau fan Q&A,” Cong wrote on Instagram. “However, she submitted a request to UFC to opt out of the joint appearance, refusing to share the stage with me.”

    “The Joker” didn’t stop there, launching into a sharp critique of Shevchenko’s character and fighting style while referencing their past encounter.

    “As my defeated opponent, it’s clear she’s afraid I’ll expose the truth behind her lies,” Cong added. “She’s a sore loser with no class—nothing more than a compulsive liar who can’t handle defeat.”

    “Oh, and one more thing. I call her ‘Box Office Poison,’ because boring fights are exactly what she’s good at.”

    The tension between the two dates back to 2015, when Cong defeated “Bullet” by decision in a kickboxing bout — a result that still stands as one of the few losses on the champion’s striking résumé. While Shevchenko’s team has long disputed the outcome, Cong has continued to lean on that victory as leverage in her pursuit of a UFC showdown.

    Currently riding a three-fight win streak, “The Joker” is working her way back into contention after a setback in 2024. She’s now scheduled to face Tracy Cortez at UFC 329 in July, a fight that could bring her closer to a long-awaited clash with Shevchenko.

  • Sean Strickland Wants UFC Exit To Fight Jake Paul After Influencer Boxer Lands Spot On Forbes’ Highest-Paid Athletes List

    Sean Strickland isn’t shy about speaking his mind, and his latest comments make it clear he’s seriously tempted by the kind of money being made outside the UFC.

    The reigning middleweight champion reacted to Jake Paul landing on Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list after reportedly earning around $70 million, and the numbers clearly caught his attention.

    Speaking during a livestream with Nina Drama, the outspoken MMA star openly floated the idea of leaving the UFC altogether to chase a payday against “The Problem Child”.

    “I gotta leave the UFC and go beat up Jake Paul. That’s it. Cut my contract, UFC. It’s time for me to leave,” Strickland said on Nina Drama’s livestream.

    The comments weren’t just made in passing. Strickland doubled down on the financial disparity between MMA and boxing, suggesting that even a partial payday from a Jake Paul fight would eclipse his UFC earnings.

    “If I made even a fraction of that, I’d be making more than the UFC is paying me,” he said. “I’d f—ing beat the s— out of Jake Paul.”

    Strickland also took aim at “The Problem Child’s” in-ring credentials, pointing to his loss against Tommy Fury as evidence that the YouTuber-turned-boxer isn’t operating at a high level.

    “Jake Paul lost against pretty much a reality star named Tommy… He’s not a real boxer,” Strickland added.

    Despite the bravado, Strickland acknowledged that the financial upside is the real driving factor behind his interest. He even claimed a single fight with Paul could surpass what he’s earned throughout his entire UFC career.

    “I’ll make more money f—ing up Jake Paul than I would my entire UFC career. How f—ed up is that?” he said.

  • Did Ray J Expose Fixed Fight With Supa Hot Fire? Adin Ross Responds After Brand Risk 14 Controversy

    The fallout from Adin Ross’ Brand Risk 14 event continues to grow after a bizarre fight between Ray J and Supa Hot Fire left fans questioning what actually happened inside the ring.

    The bout, which took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas under the oversight of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. Not necessarily because of the action itself, but due to how unusual it looked from start to finish.

    In the opening round, Supa Hot Fire appeared reluctant to engage, circling and throwing little to no offense while Ray J pressed forward. The sudden shift in Round 2 raised even more eyebrows, as Supa Hot Fire abruptly turned aggressive and scored a knockout just moments later.

    It was Ray J’s reaction after the fight, however, that truly ignited controversy.

    “Yo, I thought we had a plan,” Ray J said during his post-fight interview. “I don’t wanna say too much because I don’t wanna get anybody in trouble, but damn… We took an L tonight. Do you know how much money we lost?”

    Those comments immediately led to speculation online about whether there had been some kind of pre-arranged understanding between the fighters. While there is no confirmed evidence to support those claims, the optics of the fight, combined with Ray J’s remarks, fueled widespread skepticism.

    Ross, who promoted the event, acknowledged the concerns and suggested the situation would be reviewed.

    “Ray J obviously what he said after the fight… Supahot not throwing a punch in the first round, we need to look into that,” Ross said during a livestream. “We need to investigate that.”

    The streamer also admitted the sequence of events didn’t look right.

    “Supa looked like himself in the second round… but it looked weird,” Ross added. “We’re taking that very seriously.”

  • UFC White House Event Takes Shape As First Construction Image Surfaces Online Ahead Of June 14

    Early signs of history in the making are now visible at the White House.

    MMA journalist Luke Thomas recently shared a birds-eye image on X showing heavy construction activity on the South Lawn, where preparations appear to be underway for the UFC’s unprecedented event.

    While massive cranes can be seen dominating the backdrop, with ongoing work tied to a new State Ballroom and a multi-level underground security complex, a section of the lawn shows clear signs of staging development.

    All of it points toward UFC Freedom 250, scheduled for June 14, which will mark the first time a professional fight card takes place on White House grounds.

    The UFC is reportedly preparing to move in around 350 truckloads of equipment, with each delivery potentially taking hours due to strict White House security protocols. With no existing arena infrastructure on the South Lawn, the promotion is expected to build everything from the ground up, including power supply, broadcast facilities, locker rooms, and operational areas.

    The terrain is also considered a major challenge. The South Lawn has a noticeable slope, and engineers are said to have used detailed measurements to design a raised platform system. This is expected to include large structural support, possibly even a wall on one side, to ensure a completely level surface for the Octagon.

    From a visual standpoint, the setup is expected to be unlike anything the UFC has done before. Plans suggest an open-air Octagon, positioned to keep the White House as a constant backdrop, with a large “claw” lighting rig, developed with assistance from live production specialists at Tait Towers, suspended above to handle lighting and broadcast needs.

    Seating is expected to be limited to around 4,000 invited guests, likely including military personnel and select VIPs, while a nearby fan zone at the Ellipse could accommodate tens of thousands of spectators for a live viewing experience.

    With Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje set for a lightweight title unification bout and Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane expected to clash for the interim heavyweight title, the historic card is no longer just a concept and is rapidly taking shape.

  • Conor McGregor’s Manager Says UFC 329 Is The Start Of A Season: ‘He’s Looking To Stay Active’

    Conor McGregor’s Manager Says UFC 329 Is The Start Of A Season: ‘He’s Looking To Stay Active’

    Conor McGregor’s manager, Audie Attar, says UFC 329 is not a one-fight comeback and that McGregor intends to stay active following his July 11 return against Max Holloway.

    Attar spoke to MMA Junkie ahead of the welterweight main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    “I could tell you he’s looking to stay active. I could tell you that we had planned for a season during the COVID period, and that never got going, unfortunately. But this is the new season, and he’s definitely looking to stay active. We’re definitely looking forward to not only this fight, Max Holloway, July 11, and then that next fight — and we’re not going to wait a year, that’s for sure. And then we’ll see. We’ll see kind of what happens from there. I don’t think we’re looking too far ahead of things. We’re just taking it one step at a time as we should because Max Holloway is a formidable opponent, and we’ve got to go and handle business come July 11.”

    Attar acknowledged the challenge the fight presents after a five-year layoff but expressed confidence in McGregor’s preparation.

    “I think it’s a tough matchup. I think when you’re out as long as Conor’s been out for, you’re taking on a formidable opponent, same age, same experience, but one guy has been very active. But I’m also confident in the preparation Conor’s putting in. I’m confident in where his head and his heart is, and I’m confident that come fight night, that the fans are going to be very happy with that fight.”

    McGregor’s original comeback was scheduled against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024 before he withdrew due to injury. A Nate Diaz trilogy was discussed before the Holloway rematch was finalized.

  • Dana White Has Direct Response To Anyone Who Thinks Conor McGregor Announcement Was Shot At MVP

    Dana White Has Direct Response To Anyone Who Thinks Conor McGregor Announcement Was Shot At MVP

    Dana White says the announcement of Conor McGregor’s return during the MVP MMA 1 broadcast had nothing to do with stealing attention from the Netflix event, insisting the deal was simply announced the moment it was finalized.

    White addressed the timing directly in an interview with Fred Talks Fighting.

    “Not a coincidence. I had a fcking fight here that night. Anybody who thinks that I gave a sht what was going on anywhere else is out of their fcking minds. We announced it as soon as we got it done, and we were in the middle of our event. I don’t give a fck what those guys are doing. You kidding me?”

    The announcement came as Francis Ngannou made his walkout to fight Philipe Lins on the Netflix card. Ngannou was asked about the timing after his knockout victory and echoed White’s indifference.

    “And what the f*ck do I have to do with that? So, I should stop my walkout and look at what’s going on? I don’t care, bro. Let’s move on. Life goes on. I’m doing my stuff here, I’m doing good. I have no problem. Everybody can do whatever he wants.”

    The announcement also coincided with the UFC Fight Night 276 broadcast in Las Vegas that same night.

  • UFC Macau: How To Watch, Full Card

    UFC returns to Macau for the first time in 18 months, headlined by a bantamweight clash between Yadong Song and Deiveson Figueiredo on Paramount+.

    Song, 28, enters looking to rebound from a decision loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 324 in January. Figueiredo, the two-time flyweight champion, is also coming off a loss — a Fight of the Night decision to Umar Nurmagomedov at the same event, his third setback in four fights.

    The co-main event features light heavyweights Alonzo Menifield and Mingyang Zhang, both in need of bounce-back wins. Menifield was knocked out by Volkan Oezdemir in November after two straight decision wins. Zhang, who opened his UFC tenure with three consecutive first-round knockout wins, suffered a shock loss to Johnny Walker on home soil in Shanghai last August.

    Main card (Paramount+, 7 a.m. ET): Yadong Song vs. Deiveson Figueiredo, Alonzo Menifield vs. Mingyang Zhang, Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tallison Teixeira, Kai Asakura vs. Cameron Smotherman, Carlston Harris vs. Jake Matthews, Alex Perez vs. Sumudaerji.

    Preliminary card (Paramount+, 4 a.m. ET): Luis Felipe Dias vs. Yi Sak Lee, Meng Ding vs. José Henrique, Aoriqileng vs. Cody Haddon, Luis Gurule vs. Rei Tsuruya, Angela Hill vs. Jingnan Xiong, Rodrigo Vera vs. Kangjie Zhu, Jaqueline Amorim vs. Loma Lookboonme.

  • Conor McGregor Wanted Michael Chandler For Comeback But UFC Didn’t Approve It

    Conor McGregor Wanted Michael Chandler For Comeback But UFC Didn’t Approve It

    Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return could have looked very different.

    While the former two-division champion is now set to face Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 on July 11, new details reveal that wasn’t the original plan from his side.

    According to his longtime manager Audie Attar, McGregor had his sights set on settling unfinished business with Michael Chandler.

    Speaking to MMA Junkie, Attar explained that McGregor pushed hard to make the Chandler fight happen, especially given their history as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31 and the previously canceled bout at UFC 303 in June 2024.

    “Conor really wanted to give that to Michael Chandler,” Attar said. “He just felt Michael deserved it, having gone through the show and experienced that camp, the unfortunate injury, and the cancellation of the bout. Conor really, really wanted that to happen, and we did everything to try to push it.”

    Despite those efforts, the matchup never materialized — not because of a lack of interest from McGregor’s team, but due to the promotion’s direction at the time.

    “At the time, it just didn’t make sense for the UFC,” Attar added. “But it doesn’t mean that it might not happen in the future… It can become a reality.”

    Instead, negotiations shifted toward a different high-profile option, ultimately leading to the Holloway rematch. The two first met back in 2013, with McGregor earning a decision win, and the sequel now offers both familiarity and intrigue.

    “Like I said, we pushed for Chandler. That was our main focus initially,” Attar continued. “Different names surfaced in the conversations, and in the negotiations… from a Max Holloway perspective, we know we got one on Max, and he wants to get that back.”

    The weight class also played a role in shaping the final decision.

    “With the time Conor has been out, it just made sense to do it at 170,” Attar said. “Max was game right away and willing to step up and take the matchup.”

    For Chandler, the wait for a showdown with “The Notorious” continues, though Attar made it clear the door isn’t closed. Meanwhile, both fighters move forward with separate fights scheduled this summer, leaving fans to wonder if the long-teased clash could still happen down the line.

  • Conor McGregor Hints At Massive New UFC Deal Ahead Of July 11 Comeback – ‘They Honored Me, Finally’

    Conor McGregor is finally set to make his long-awaited return, and it’s not just the fight that has him fired up — it’s the deal behind it.

    After nearly five years away from the Octagon, the former two-division champion is scheduled to headline UFC 329 against Max Holloway on July 11 in Las Vegas. But behind the scenes, McGregor’s comeback hinged on something much bigger than just an opponent.

    Earlier this year, “The Notorious” publicly stated that his previous contract had effectively become worthless following the UFC’s shift away from the traditional pay-per-view model in favor of a streaming deal with Paramount+. That change meant a renegotiation was inevitable for the promotion’s biggest draw.

    Now, with the fight officially booked, McGregor has made it clear he’s satisfied with how things played out.

    “The big fight is coming,” McGregor said in an interview with former Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill. “Let’s cheers to that. ‘The Mac’ is back, baby. Let’s go.”

    Beyond the excitement of competing again, McGregor emphasized that the UFC delivered what he was looking for financially.

    “I’ve got a great deal off the UFC. I’m very, very happy. They honored me, finally,” he added.

    The Irishman hasn’t fought since suffering a leg injury in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier in 2021, and he hasn’t recorded a victory since his quick finish of Donald Cerrone in early 2020. Despite the long layoff, McGregor insists he’s returning in peak condition.

    “I’m out so long, five years. My body’s fresh, my mind is sharp. I’m ready to come back,” he said. “Preparation has gone very well. We’re living, breathing, and sleeping in the gym.”

    As for the matchup itself, McGregor is confident heading into a rematch with a familiar opponent.

    “And the opponent is a man that I’ve beaten before in Max Holloway,” he said. “He is an established fighter, an accomplished fighter… This is a quality opponent. Our last bout was martial arts mastery by yours truly, so I plan on doing it again.”

  • ‘I Hate Myself’ – UFC Champ Sean Strickland Blasts Adin Ross’ Brand Risk 14 Event After ‘Shameful’ Experience

    Sean Strickland didn’t mince words after his brief appearance at the influencer-driven Brand Risk 14 event, making it clear he regretted showing up almost immediately after it ended.

    The reigning UFC middleweight champion was present at the show, even stepping in on commentary for one of the bouts. But what he witnessed inside the venue clearly didn’t sit well with him.

    Taking to Instagram shortly after leaving, Strickland delivered a brutally honest reaction.

    “I’ve never been a part of anything so shameful in my life, and I hate myself,” Strickland said on his Instagram Stories. “And I feel like less of a man after being here. Oh God, why did I agree to this?”

    The event, which featured a mix of influencer fights and unconventional matchups, left Strickland visibly disturbed. While he initially appeared to be going along with the spectacle during the broadcast, his tone shifted completely once he exited the arena.

    “I had to get the f— out of there,” he added. “I like Adin, but I’m sick to my stomach. That is the most f—ed up thing I’ve ever witnessed in my life.”

    According to Strickland, his appearance wasn’t about the event itself but rather supporting people he knows, including content creator Adin Ross. Still, the experience quickly turned into something he wanted no part of.

    “I was just trying to say hi to a friend, next thing you know, your dignity is gone,” he said. “I’m ready to go home and look myself in the mirror. I’ve never done anything so shameful in my life being a part of this.”

    Beyond just the event, Strickland also voiced concerns about the broader direction of entertainment culture, particularly the influence of streaming personalities.

    “You take these streamers and they have this massive following,” he said. “You just know they’re the next generation… It’s so bad. I just want it all to stop.”

  • Khamzat Chimaev Points Finger At ‘American Judges’ For UFC Title Loss To Sean Strickland

    Khamzat Chimaev Points Finger At ‘American Judges’ For UFC Title Loss To Sean Strickland

    Khamzat Chimaev is no longer staying quiet about his first loss inside the Octagon, and he’s pointing toward more than just the action inside the cage as the reason behind it.

    The former middleweight champion suffered a narrow split decision defeat to Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 in Newark, a result that saw Strickland reclaim the 185-pound title. While the fight was widely viewed as competitive, the scorecards immediately sparked debate among fans, media, and fighters alike.

    Now, weeks removed from the bout, Chimaev has voiced his own concerns — and they go beyond simple judging criteria.

    In a now-deleted post on X, later shared via Championship Rounds, Chimaev suggested that nationality may have played a role in how the fight was scored.

    “All judges are American, the organization is American, the opponent is American, and one is Chechen,” he wrote. “It’s a close fight. Who do you think will win?”

    Despite the implication, “Borz” was quick to shut down the idea that he was making excuses for the loss. In a follow-up message on X, he made his intentions clear.

    “No excuses I just wanna f— him up, this s— trying to run away,” he added.

    “Borz” has also continued to push for a rematch with Strickland, doubling down on his desire to run things back after what many viewed as a razor-close contest. Even among media members, scoring was split, with a notable portion favoring the 32-year-old Chechen’s performance on the night.

    The loss marked the first blemish on Chimaev’s previously perfect professional record and ended his reign as middleweight champion.

  • ‘What A Robbery, What A Fix’ – UFC Champ Tom Aspinall Explodes Over Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven Controversial Stoppage

    Tom Aspinall didn’t hold back after watching Rico Verhoeven fall short against Oleksandr Usyk in their WBC heavyweight title clash, labeling the ending as nothing short of outrageous.

    The UFC heavyweight champion was watching the fight live on his YouTube channel when the dramatic finish unfolded. With just one second remaining in Round 11, the referee stepped in to stop the bout following a late flurry from Usyk, a decision that immediately sparked widespread debate.

    Aspinall’s reaction was instant and emotional.

    “Oh, what? He stopped it? No f*cking way,” Aspinall said during the live stream on his YouTube channel. “For a world title fight, he stopped it with about five or six unanswered shots. What? Mate, what the f*cking hell is that? What a robbery. What a fix that is.”

    The British heavyweight, who has trained alongside Verhoeven in the past, made it clear he believed the stoppage wasn’t just premature but deeply questionable.

    “I think he’s fine there. Gum shield’s gone, but I think he’s alright… Last 10 seconds, Rico can survive this,” he said. “Oh what, he stopped it?! No f*cking way!”

    Aspinall went further by comparing the decision to other recent fights, arguing that far worse damage has been allowed to continue without intervention.

    “Two weeks ago, we were at Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois ringside,” he said. “Mate, that happened probably 10 times. Sent Fabio Wardley out there, big swollen eye, nose smashed, dropped multiple times… they let that go. Rico gets stumbled with 10 seconds left and they don’t even let him make it to the end of the round? It’s a f*cking robbery.”

    He also pointed to the timing of the stoppage, suggesting Verhoeven was denied a fair chance to recover between rounds.

    “The bell went. So he stopped it after the round, basically,” Aspinall said. “Why not give him a chance? It’s not like he was taking a beating for the full fight. He took a few punches late, with one round to go. I can’t believe that.”

    Beyond the stoppage itself, Aspinall hinted at a broader issue within the sport, questioning whether fighters from outside traditional boxing backgrounds are given a fair shake.

    “Boxing don’t want anyone else to win. Simple as that,” he said. “They want boxers with the amateur style, Olympic medals, unbeaten records. That’s what they want. They don’t like other combat sports. It’s bullsh*t.”

    Verhoeven had entered the fight as a heavy underdog with limited professional boxing experience, but his performance surprised many, with some believing he was competitive on the scorecards heading into the final rounds.

  • PFL MENA 9: Yahya vs. Saadi Live Updates & Highlights

    PFL MENA results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The main event will feature a featherweight bout between Mohammad Yahya and Mehdi Saadi. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Mohammad Yahya vs. Mehdi Saadi – Featherweight Main Event

    This marks the first PFL MENA event to be held outside Saudi Arabia. This card was originally planned to take place in Saudi Arabia on May 8; however, the event was relocated and rescheduled to today due to the ongoing tension and conflicts in the Middle East.

    This main event will serve as one of two featherweight quarterfinal bouts on this card.

    This is Yahya’s first fight in the PFL and first fight since parting ways with the UFC last year after an 0-3 stint. He was the lightweight champion in UAE Warriors and has also fought for Bellator and Desert Force.

    Saadi also makes his PFL debut today, competing for the first time since January 2024. The 6-2 fighter comes into this bout off a finish of Jalal Al Daaja in UAE Warriors.

    The co-main event will feature one of four lightweight tournament quarterfinal matchups tonight, as Salah Eddine Hamli takes on Ylies Djiroun.

    The undefeated Hamli is the defending PFL MENA lightweight champion. He claimed last year’s tournament title with submission victories over Abbas Khan, Souhil Tairi, and Mohammad Fahmi.

    Djiroun competed in the 2019 PFL season, as well as having fought for promotions like BRAVE CF and ARES FC. Djiroun has won six of his last seven bouts, most recently submitting Antonio Roberto in 45 seconds in January.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from PFL MENA 9!

    How to Watch PFL MENA 9

    • Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
    • Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    • Streaming: YouTube
    • Prelims: 9 AM ET / 6 AM PT
    • Main Card: 11:30 AM ET / 8:30 AM PT

    PFL MENA 9 Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (YouTube, 9 AM ET)

    Amateur Featherweight: Butti Alameri vs. Hamada Mohamed Osman

    Result:Butti Alameei def. Hamada Mohamed Osman via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Welterweight: Ahmed Albrahim vs. Khaled Mahmoud

    Result: Ahmed Albarahim def. Khaled Mahmoud via TKO (Rd. 3, 2:47)

    Flyweight: Hamad Marhoon vs. Saher Qasmieh

    Result: Saher Qasmieh def. Hamad Marhoon via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

    Lightweight Quarterfinal: Ahmed El Sisy vs. Harda Karim

    Result: Ahmed El Sisy def. Harda Karim via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

    Lightweight Quarterfinal: Abdullah Saleem vs. Basel Shalaan

    Result: Basel Shalaan def. Abdullah Saleem via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x3)

    Main Card (YouTube, 11:30 AM ET)

    Amateur Women’s Strawweight: Zamzam Al Hammadi vs. Abeer Mansour

    Result: Zamzam Al Hammadi def. Abeer Mansour via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Lightweight Quarterfinal: Mohammad Fahmi vs. Assem Ghanem

    Result: BOUT CANCELED DUE TO GHANEM INJURY PRIOR TO FIGHT; FAHMI ADVANCES IN THE TOURNAMENT BY DEFAULT

    Featherweight Quarterfinal: Hamza Kooheji vs. Taha Bendaoud

    Result: Hamza Kooheji def. Taha Bendaoud via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Lightweight Quarterfinal: Salah Eddine Hamli vs. Ylies Djiroun

    Result: Ylies Djiroun def. Salah Eddine Hamli via TKO (Rd. 1, 4:20)

    Featherweight Quarterfinal: Mohammad Yahya vs. Mehdi Saadi

    Result: Mehdi Saadi def. Mohammad Yahya via split decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)

  • Was Rico Verhoeven Robbed Against Oleksandr Usyk? Breaking Down The Controversial Stoppage At Glory In Giza

    Oleksandr Usyk walked away with his undefeated record intact, but his latest victory over Rico Verhoeven has sparked heavy debate following a controversial finish in Egypt.

    Fighting in front of the Pyramids of Giza for the WBC heavyweight title, “The Cat” secured a technical knockout at 2:59 of Round 11. However, the timing of the stoppage has quickly become the biggest talking point of the night.

    Verhoeven, competing in just his second professional boxing bout, delivered a surprisingly competitive performance against one of the sport’s most accomplished champions. With constant movement, size, and physical pressure, the Dutchman troubled Usyk for long stretches of the fight.

    In fact, heading into the championship rounds, many observers believed “King of Kickboxing” was either ahead or well within reach on the scorecards. Open scoring only added to the intrigue, as all three judges had the fight deadlocked at 76-76 after eight rounds.

    The challenger’s approach was clear. He targeted the body consistently, used his weight advantage in close exchanges, and disrupted Usyk’s rhythm with an awkward, mobile style. While Usyk had his moments, including a sharp uppercut in Round 4, Verhoeven repeatedly answered back and built momentum in the middle rounds.

    That momentum appeared to carry into the later stages until Round 11 changed everything.

    With less than 30 seconds remaining, Usyk landed a clean uppercut that sent Verhoeven to the canvas. The former kickboxing champion beat the count and got back to his feet, visibly shaken but still responsive. As the action resumed, Usyk pressed forward with a flurry of punches.

    Here’s where the controversy erupted.

    Despite “King of Kickboxing” remaining upright, with his guard partially intact and attempting to defend himself, the referee stepped in and waved off the fight with just one second left in the round. The abrupt stoppage immediately drew protests from Verhoeven and his corner, who believed he was denied the chance to survive the final moments and recover between rounds.

    Given how close the fight appeared to be, the decision left many questioning whether Verhoeven was unfairly robbed of a potential historic upset.

    “The Cat” improves to 25-0 with the victory, further cementing his legacy as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Verhoeven, now 1-1 in boxing, exits with his stock arguably rising despite the loss.

    In the aftermath, talk of a rematch has already surfaced, with interest building in giving Verhoeven another opportunity following a performance that exceeded nearly all expectations, even if it ended under a cloud of controversy.

  • Patrick Habirora Puts Away Benson Henderson In Just 20 Seconds

    For Patrick Habirora, it was the statement win over an MMA legend that gave a notable name on his resume. For Benson Henderson, it was a disastrous return to MMA after his retirement three years earlier.

    Habirora defeated Henderson by knockout in just 20 seconds in the main event of PFL Brussels.

    Habirora started to get things going, feeling things out with Henderson while landing a big body kick.

    But Habirora brought things to an end quickly when he connected with a left hand that slumped Henderson face-first in the center of the cage.

    Patrick Habirora KOs Benson Henderson In Mere Seconds At PFL Brussels

    Habirora is now 9-0 as a pro, including a 4-0 PFL record. He came into this bout off first-round knockouts of Danny Roberts and Kevin Jousset in 2025.

    This marked Henderson’s first MMA fight since 2023. While the former UFC and WEC champion has fought in boxing, Karate Combat, and RAF since, Henderson last fought MMA at Bellator 292, retiring after unsuccessfully challenging Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator lightweight title.

  • Taylor Lapilus Gets One-Sided Decision Over Jake Hadley

    Taylor Lapilus continues to rack up victories on the world’s biggest MMA stages, as he scores a decision win over Jake Hadley in the PFL Brussels co-main event.

    Hadley’s key to success in this fight would have been to use his wrestling and score takedowns. Lapilus, however, was ready, consistently stuffing his opponent’s attempts.

    Lapilus followed that up by landing a number of combinations over the 15-minute contest, knocking Hadley down more than once. Hadley showed little in the way of offense as Lapilus continuously shut him down.

    Taylor Lapilus Defeats Jake Hadley In Uncompetitive Co-Main Event

    Lapilus went on to sweep the scorecards.

    Lapilus has now won six straight and is 4-0 in the PFL since jumping over from the UFC. He entered this fight off a finish of Kasum Kasumov in February.

    Hadley has now lost three of his last four and five of his last seven.

  • Boris Mbarga Atangana Scores 65-Second Win In Brussels

    In front of a native crowd in Belgium, Boris Mbarga Atangana delivered a highlight, starching Jared Gooden in just over a minute at PFL Brussels.

    Atangana had the upper hand from the start, using pressure and striking to keep Gooden on the back foot. Atangana then quickly stumbled Gooden with a high kick.

    Pressing Gooden against the fence, Atangana fired off combinations that started with a strong right hand. A couple of solid hooks — one from the left and three from the right — cracked Gooden, seemingly knocking him out on his feet, bringing a quick end to the fight.

    Boris Mbraga Atangana Stops Jared Gooden Quickly At PFL Brussels

    Atangana is now 9-0 in MMA, including a 4-0 PFL record. He came into this bout off a second-round submission of Guilherme Soares at PFL Lyon in December.

    Gooden, who was making his PFL debut tonight, has now lost three straight and four of his last five.

  • Donegi Abena Wins MMA Debut with Bizarre Retirement

    One of the more interesting bouts on the PFL Brussels card was the debut of Donegi Abena, as he took on the returning Joe Schilling. And that fight ended up producing one of the most bizarre finishes in PFL history.

    Abena ended up getting the win after committing a foul, with his opponent refusing to continue.

    The fight quickly went to the ground with Abena on top. While there, Abena headbutt Schilling, resulting in referee Mike Beltran calling a timeout and deducting a point from Abena.

    Schilling was furious with his opponent, walking around the cage and refusing to stay in his corner.

    Donegi Abena Gets Win After Joe Schilling Refuses To Continue After Foul

    When Beltran checked in on Schilling, Schilling told him, “I’m done,” prompting the fight to be waved off.

    Abena found success in the world of kickboxing, competing for GLORY Kickboxing from 2019 to 2024. Abena is a one-time former GLORY light heavyweight champion and a former GLORY Light Heavyweight Grand Prix winner.

    Schilling, also a kickboxer, was fighting for the first time since 2019. He was knocked out by Tony Johnson in his last fight at Bellator 229.

  • Mizuki Hiruta Shuts Down Mai Soliman To Defend Titles At Glory In Giza

    Mizuki Hiruta successfully defended her WBO and Ring Magazine super flyweight titles with a composed and calculated performance against Mai Soliman at the “Glory in Giza” event.

    Fighting in front of a high-profile crowd in Egypt, Hiruta showcased her technical edge over the hard-hitting challenger, earning a unanimous decision victory with scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice. The win marked her seventh successful title defense and kept her undefeated record intact at 11-0.

    From the opening round, the contrast in styles was clear. Hiruta relied on speed, movement, and volume, while Soliman looked to make her presence felt with power shots. Although the Egyptian-born Australian landed some eye-catching right hands early, Hiruta’s activity and precision allowed her to dictate the pace.

    As the fight progressed, Hiruta’s control became more pronounced. Using sharp footwork, she consistently moved in and out of range, stringing together combinations that kept Soliman on the back foot. While Soliman continued to search for openings, her opportunities grew increasingly limited against the champion’s disciplined approach.

    The challenger had her most effective stretch in the later rounds, particularly in the eighth, where she connected with several clean punches that briefly put Hiruta on the defensive. She attempted to build on that momentum heading into the ninth, again finding success with straight right hands.

    However, Hiruta weathered the pressure and quickly re-established control, closing out the fight with smart boxing to secure the decision.

    For Soliman, who entered the bout riding a six-fight winning streak with multiple stoppage victories, it was a tough but valuable experience against one of the division’s most refined operators. Her record now stands at 10-2, while Hiruta continues to strengthen her position as one of the leading names in the super flyweight division.

  • Rico Verhoeven Explains Why He Snubbed UFC For Massive Fight Against Oleksandr Usyk

    Rico Verhoeven had no shortage of options when he decided to walk away from GLORY as its long-reigning heavyweight champion. After more than a decade of dominance and an unbeaten run that made him one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, the Dutch star found himself at a crossroads.

    With his contract nearing its end, “King of Kickboxing” began exploring new opportunities, and interest came quickly. The UFC was among the promotions that showed serious intent, especially given his training experience alongside Tom Aspinall.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Verhoeven explained how the decision ultimately played out.

    “It’s been one hell of a ride, I can tell you that,” Verhoeven said. “I really felt like my GLORY contract was coming to an end, and I was like, we did it all. Kickboxing, it was just played out. From there on, we just started looking around and seeing what other opportunities were there.”

    Both MMA and boxing were legitimate paths at the time.

    “We were looking at UFC, we were looking at a big crossover in boxing, and both options were on the table,” he continued. “The boxing opportunity looked more interesting, so that’s the road we took.”

    That choice now leads “King of Kickboxing” to one of the most unique settings in combat sports. Verhoeven is scheduled to face Oleksandr Usyk this Saturday in Egypt, with the fight taking place in front of the Pyramids of Giza. The bout will see him challenge for Usyk’s WBC heavyweight title.

    Usyk enters the contest with an unblemished 24-0 professional record and is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of his era.