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  • Disney and Gina Carano Reach Shocking Settlement in Star Wars Lawsuit

    Disney and Gina Carano Reach Shocking Settlement in Star Wars Lawsuit

    Gina Carano has settled her lawsuit with the ‘House of Mouse.’

    The former MMA fighter was unceremoniously fired from her recurring role on the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian in 2021 after she made a controversial post on social media comparing the treatment of modern-day republicans to Jews during the Holocaust.

    “Jews were beaten in the streets, not by Nazi soldiers but by their neighbors…. even by children, because history is edited, most people today don’t realize that to get to the point where Nazi soldiers could easily round up thousands of Jews, the government first made their own neighbors hate them simply for being Jews,” the actress posted at the time. “How is that any different from hating someone for their political views?”

    Despite the utter ignorance of the post, Carano maintained that she was being discriminated against due to her conservative views, and, in turn, filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Disney with a little financial assistance from tech billionaire and Donald Trump’s on-again-off-again bestie, Elon Musk.

    On Thursday, Carano announced that she had settled the years-long suit with both Disney and it’s subsidary responsible for producing Star Wars content, Lucasfilm LTD.

    “I have come to an agreement with Disney/Lucasfilm @disney @Lucasfilm which I believe is the best outcome for all parties involved,” Carano said in a statement. “I hope this brings some healing to the force… I hope to make you proud. I am excited to flip the page and move onto the next chapter. My desires remain in the arts, which is where I hope you will join me.”

    Disney is seemingly open to working with Gina Carano again

    Before parting ways, Disney had reportedly floated the idea of producing a spin-off series based on Carano’s fan favorite character on the show, Cara Dune. Of course, those plans were quickly scrapped after her firing, but in a statement following the settlement, Disney seemingly left the door open to work with Carano in the future.

    “The Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Gina Carano to resolve the issues in her pending lawsuit against the companies. Ms. Carano was always well respected by her directors, co-stars, and staff, and she worked hard to perfect her craft while treating her colleagues with kindness and respect.

    “With this lawsuit concluded, we look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future,” Disney said in a statement. 

    After Disney showed her the door, Carano continued to act in and produce projects for conservative media outlet Daily Wire. One of her projects included Terror on the Prairie, a western co-starring herself and UFC Hall of Famer Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone.

  • “Beats Everyone At 185” – Fighters & Fans Impressed By Anthony Hernandez Putting On Master Class In Victory Over Roman Dolidze at UFC Vegas 109

    “Beats Everyone At 185” – Fighters & Fans Impressed By Anthony Hernandez Putting On Master Class In Victory Over Roman Dolidze at UFC Vegas 109

    Anthony Hernandez made a statement by tossing Roman Dolidze around like a ragdoll and overwhelming him with complete, all-around control en route to a fourth-round submission victory in the main event of UFC Vegas 109.

    After a failed takedown attempt early by Dolidze, the two exchange strikes, with Hernandez landing inside shots, but Dolidze having more power. Hernandez seemed to land a strong right hand on Dolidze, but Dolidze temporarily had him pinned against the fence. Hernandez scored a body lock later in the round and took Dolidze down. Dolize, however, swept and returned to his feet while nearly locking up a leg lock.

    Hernandez came forward with pressure almost right away in the second round, briefly getting Dolidze back down and avoiding another Dolidze leg lock attempt. Hernandez openly got into exchanges with Dolidze, making him throw more and getting the better of Dolidze. Despite no point deduction, a fence grab did nothing for Dolidze, as Hernandez pressured him back into the fence and got him down again. Hernandez ate a knee from Dolidze but scored another takedown. With less than a minute left in the round, a combination rocked Dolidze, forcing him to retreat before being taken down again. Hernandez was unsuccessful with a guillotine attempt but ended the round on top, landing strong ground-and-pound.

    Hernandez scored another takedown in the first minute of the third round. Hernandez continued to press him toward the fence and down, despite a pair of fence grabs from Doildze. Hernandez completely bullied Dolize in the round, controlling him at will in grappling and getting the better of him the times they did exchange strikes.

    A series of leg kicks and an elbow at the start of round for led to another takedown scored for “Fluffy.” Referee Herb Dean finally called a point deduction for a fence grab, but it wouldn’t be necessary following another choke (not locked in all the way) that scored “Fluffy” the submission win.

    Anthony Hernandez Dominates Roman Dolidze In UFC Vegas 109 Main Event

    Hernandez has now won eight fights in a row since dropping two of his first three UFC bouts.

    This loss snaps a three-fight win streak for Dolidze.

  • “Not The Most Inspiring Performance” – Fans & Fighters React To Steve Erceg Breaks Losing Skid With Win Over Ode Osbourne For At UFC Vegas 109

    “Not The Most Inspiring Performance” – Fans & Fighters React To Steve Erceg Breaks Losing Skid With Win Over Ode Osbourne For At UFC Vegas 109

    Steve Erceg’s first UFC bout at bantamweight ends up being a success, as he scored a decision victory over Ode’ Osbourne in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 109.

    Osbourne used down kicks to the legs throughout the opening of the fight before connecting on a right hand that seemed to do damage. Erceg attempted to pin Osbourne against the fence, but Osbourne avoided it. Another right hand by Osbourne wobbled Erceg near the fence. Erceg weathered a small flurry and pressed Osbourne against the fence. A takedown attempted by Erceg failed, however, and Osbourne threatened a choke. Erceg managed to escape, however, and he got to Osbourne’s back and threatened his own choke. Osbourne would get out of it and end the round on top in Erceg’s guard.

    Osbourne looked to continue his success in the second round by flashing his speedy strikes, but Erceg managed to pin him against the fence after about a minute. Erceg held him there for a little while before the fight returned to the center, where Erceg found some success with the right hand. Erceg would level change and pin Osbourne against the cage again. Osbourne reversed and escaped the grasp, but not without taking a body kick. After a clash of right hands, Erceg tried for another takedown attempt, but Osbourne avoided it.

    The third round started quiet for the first couple of minutes, with Erceg getting the better of Osbourne, before a takedown of Osbourne halfway through the round. Erceg pressured his way into mount, threatening an arm-triangle before Osbourne gave his back up. Erceg attempted a rear-naked choke with a body triangle, but Osbourne escaped — though Erceg locked a headlock and took Osbourne back to the mat. Erceg threatened a choke once more and ended the fight on top in mount.

    Steve Erceg Controls Ode Osbourne For Two Rounds To Score Decision At UFC Vegas 109

    https://twitter.com/cookinquack/status/1954357370248892836

    This fight broke a three-fight losing skid for Erceg, a skid that started with an unsuccessful title shot against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301.

    Osbourne has now lost four of his last five. He came into this fight off a finish of Luis Gurule at UFC Vegas 105 in April.

  • “Can We Not Have CLD In The Apex Anymore?” – Fighters & Fans React To Christian Leroy Duncan Putting Away Eryk Anders With Spinning Elbow Attack At UFC Vegas 109

    “Can We Not Have CLD In The Apex Anymore?” – Fighters & Fans React To Christian Leroy Duncan Putting Away Eryk Anders With Spinning Elbow Attack At UFC Vegas 109

    Add another highlight finish to the track record of Christian Leroy Duncan, as he scored a first-round knockout of Eryk Anders to open the UFC Vegas 109 main card.

    CLD found himself in some foul trouble early, landing an eye poke in the opening seconds, followed by an accidental groin shot not long after.

    Nonetheless, CLD seemed to get the better of Anders in the striking exchanges. He notably saw Anders dropping his hands on leg kick attacks.

    On one of these attacks, Leroy Duncan landed a spinning back elbow that rocked Anders. After some follow-up shots on the ground, the fight came to a quick close.

    Christian Leroy Duncan KOs Eryk Anders With Elbow, Punch Barrage At UFC Vegas 109

    CLD, the former Cage Warriors middleweight champion, is now 5-2 in the Octagon, having won four of his last five.

    Anders is 2-2 in his last four.

  • “Cut Elijah Smith A Check Right Now” – Dustin Poirier, Henry Cejudo, & Other Fighters And Fans React To Elijah Smith Powerbombing Toshiomi Kazama For KO Of The Year Contender At UFC Vegas 109

    “Cut Elijah Smith A Check Right Now” – Dustin Poirier, Henry Cejudo, & Other Fighters And Fans React To Elijah Smith Powerbombing Toshiomi Kazama For KO Of The Year Contender At UFC Vegas 109

    Elijah Smith has delivered one of the most memorable moments in recent UFC history, let alone 2025, by delivering a spectacular finish.

    Caught in a triangle choke by Toshiomi Kazama, Smith lifted Kazama and slammed him to the ground with a fierce impact, knocking Kazama out cold for a first-round KO.

    The fight got off to an explosive start, with Smith fending off an early takedown attempt and raining down heavy punches. Kazama made several submission attempts, including a leg lock and a pair of triangle choke attempts.

    The final traingle choke attempt looked tight on Smith, but Smith attempted a slam by lifting Kazama up and powerbombing him.

    The slam worked and provided one of the most brutal knockouts the UFC APEX has ever seen, drawing comparisons to the famous powerbomb KO by Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in PRIDE.

    Elijah Smith Scores Explosive Slam KO At UFC Vegas 109

    Smith is now 9-1 with a 2-0 UFC record. He made his UFC debut in February, scoring a decision over Vince Morales.

    Kazama has now lost three of his last four after arriving to the UFC off a Road to UFC appearance in 2022.

  • VIDEO: Joselyne Edwards Puts Priscila Cachoeira’s Lights Out With First-Round KO At UFC Vegas 109

    VIDEO: Joselyne Edwards Puts Priscila Cachoeira’s Lights Out With First-Round KO At UFC Vegas 109

    Priscila Cachoeira may have some power behind her, but it wasn’t a match for Joselyne Edwards, who brought a quick end to their fight on the UFC Vegas 109 preliminary card.

    Edwards executed several jabs during the opening minutes of the fight, though Cachoeira did land a notable uppercut to send her back. Cachoeira backed Edwards up with a low kick as well and stuffed a takedown attempt. The two then swung in the pocket, with both landing.

    The fight ended with Edwards landing a one-two during the exchange, dropping Cachoeira, before diving in with a right hand that put her to sleep.

    Joselyne Edwards Lays Out Priscila Cachoeira With Nasty KO At UFC Vegas 109

    Edwards now has won three straight, including another first-round finish earlier this year by besting Chelsea Chandler at UFC Kansas City in April.

    Cachoeira has now lost three of her last four.

  • VIDEO: Uros Medic Comes Back From Getting Dropped To Land Nasty One-Minute KO Of Gilbert Urbina At UFC Vegas 109

    VIDEO: Uros Medic Comes Back From Getting Dropped To Land Nasty One-Minute KO Of Gilbert Urbina At UFC Vegas 109

    Uros Medic was able to keep his 100-percent finish rate in tact in grand style during the UFC Vegas 109 prelims, nearly getting stopped by Gilbert Urbina before turning things around with his own finish.

    Urbina dropped Medic with a right hand in mere seconds, though Medic got up and circled along the outside. Medic seemed to get confident and followed Medic around, trying to stay in front of him.

    As Urbina went into attack, however, Medic landed a left hand and a strong knee to the head before dropping Urbina out cold with a nasty left hand.

    Uros Medic Scores Quick Comeback KO Of Gilbert Urbina At UFC Vegas 109

    Medic, who scored a contract following an appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series five years ago, has now won two of three and four of his last six.

    Urbina has now lost three of his last four since arriving to the UFC from his appearance on season 29 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2021.

  • Martin Buday Re-Signs With Oktagon MMA After Abrupt UFC Release From 7-1 Run

    Martin Buday Re-Signs With Oktagon MMA After Abrupt UFC Release From 7-1 Run

    Martin Buday has a new banner to fight under.

    Buday was released from his UFC contract after his unanimous decision win over Marcus Buchecha at UFC Abu Dhabi last month, as the promotion surprisingly chose not to renew his deal.

    “Badys” secured his UFC contract in October 2021 with a first-round knockout of Lorenzo Hood on Dana White’s Contender Series. He made his Octagon debut at UFC Vegas 51 in April 2022, earning a unanimous decision victory over Chris Barnett.

    Buday compiled a decent 7-1 record during his eight-fight UFC tenure, with his sole setback coming via second round TKO against Shamil Gaziev at UFC 296 in December 2023. The 33-year-old Slovakian departed the promotion ranked as the No. 12 heavyweight contender after closing out his run on a three-fight win streak, highlighted by victories over former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski and Uran Satybaldiev.

    However, Martin Buday has returned to the organization where he once ruled as its heavyweight champion.

    Image: @badysbjj/Instagram

    Martin Buday Returns To Oktagon MMA

    At Oktagon 74, held Saturday at the Central Tennis Court in Prague, Czech Republic, Martin Buday inked a fresh contract with OKTAGON MMA inside the cage just days after being released from the UFC.

    Following his return signing, “Badys” came face-to-face with reigning OKTAGON MMA heavyweight champion Will Fleury, hinting at a potential clash that could materialize in the days ahead.

    Buday competed under the OKTAGON MMA banner from 2018 to 2021, with his final bout for the promotion taking place in June 2021. On that night, he captured the heavyweight title by stopping Kamil Minda with a second-round knockout.

    Image: @oktagonmma/Instagram

  • UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Anthony Hernandez Submits Roman Dolidze

    UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Anthony Hernandez Submits Roman Dolidze

    UFC Fight Night took place tonight from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights! 

    In the main event, middleweights Roman Dolidze and Anthony Hernandez clashed. While in the co-main event, Steve Erceg faced off with Ode Osbourne in a bantamweight matchup. 

    UFC Fight Night Results: Main Card

    • Middleweight: Anthony Hernandez def. Roman Dolidze via submission: R4, 2.45
    • Bantamweight: Steve Erceg def. Ode Osbourne via unanimous decision (29-28×3) 
    • Women’s Strawweight: Iasmin Lucindo def. Angela Hill via unanimous decision (30-27×2, 29-28) 
    • Featherweight: Andre Fili def. Christian Rodriguez via split decision (29-28, 30-27, 28-29) 
    • Bantamweight: Jean Matsumoto def. Miles Johns via split decision (29-28×2, 28-29) 
    • Middleweight: Christian Leroy Duncan def. Eryk Anders via TKO: R1, 3.53

    Preliminary Card

    • Light Heavyweight: Julius Walker def. Raffael Cerqueira via unanimous decision (30-27×2, 30-26) 
    • Bantamweight: Elijah Smith def. Toshiomi Kazama via KO: R1, 0.50
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Joselyne Edwards def. Priscila Cachoeira via KO: R1, 2.36
    • Welterweight: Uroš Medić def. Gilbert Urbina via KO: R1, 1.03

    Light Heavyweight: Eric McConico def. Cody Brundage via split decision (29-28×2, 27-30)

    Women’s Flyweight: Gabriella Fernandes def. Julija Stoliarenko via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28×2)

    Preliminary Card Highlights

    Uroš Medić def. Gilbert Urbina

    Uroš Medić took just over a minute to KO Gilbert Urbina.

    Joselyne Edwards def. Priscila Cachoeira

    Joselyne Edwards earned a first-round KO.

    Elijah Smith def. Toshiomi Kazama

    Elijah Smith took less than a minute to get the KO.

    Main Card Highlights

    Christian Leroy Duncan def. Eryk Anders

    Christian Leroy Duncan earned a first-round TKO.

    Jean Matsumoto def. Miles Johns

    Jean Matsumoto got it done via split decision.

    Andre Fili def. Christian Rodriguez

    Andre Fili earned a split decision win.

    Iasmin Lucindo def. Angela Hill 

    Iasmin Lucindo earned a unanimous decision against Angela Hill.

    Steve Erceg def. Ode Osbourne

    In the co-main event, Steve Erceg got it done with a unanimous decision.

    Anthony Hernandez def. Roman Dolidze

    In the main event, Anthony Hernandez submitted Roman Dolidze in the fourth round.

  • PFL Africa 2 Results & Highlights

    PFL Africa 2 Results & Highlights

    The PFL has arrived to Johannesburg as it presents PFL Africa 2 — and MMA News has you covered with all the action.

    The PFL’s expansion efforts began a couple of years ago with the launch of PFL Europe, followed by the establishment of PFL MENA last year. Now, as was once promised when the PFL signed Francis Ngannou in 2023, the PFL has officially launched PFL Africa this year.

    It was just three weeks ago when the PFL held the first global MMA event on African soil with PFL Cape Town — a night that featured both the first-ever PFL Africa card, as well as the second PFL Champions Series event, the latter playing host to Costello Van Steenis’ historical comeback to win the PFL middleweight title.

    Just like the first PFL Africa event, PFL Africa 2 will see the African-focused promotion’s tournaments kick off with first-round action, this time focusing on featherweights and welterweights.

    The featherweights will be in the main event tonight, as Patrick Ocheme takes on Mohamed Camara. Ocheme enters this fight 6-1 and on a four-fight win streak, most recently scoring a first-round finish of Kaleka Kabanda in the EFC this past November. Camara, meanwhile, comes into tonight 5-2-1, most recently battling Ali Yazbeck to a split draw back in May 2024 at a UAE Warriors event.

    Welterweight action will be featured in the co-main event with Shido Boris Esperanca facing PFL Europe and Bellator veteran Ibrahima Mane.

    PFL Africa 2 actions begins at 12pm ET/9am PT on the PFL App. If you can’t watch the action, MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights below.

    PFL Africa 2 Results & Highlights

    • Featherweight: Patrick Ocheme def. Mohamed Camara via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
    • Welterweight: Shido Boris Esperanca def. Ibrahima Mane via submission (rear-naked choke (R1, 0:34)
    • Welterweight: Octave Ayinda def. British Boloyouang via submission (verbal) (R1, 1:55)
    • Welterweight: Yabna N’tchala def. Sanon Sadeck via unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)
    • Welterweight: Emilios Dassi def. Osvaldo Benedito via KO (R1, 2:12)
    • Featherweight: Wasi Adeshina def. Jean Jacques Lubaya via submission (rear-naked choke) (R2, 3:14)
    • Featherweight: Dwight Joseph def. Wilker Nsamo via KO (R2, 4:57)
    • Catchweight (148 lbs) Showcase: Abderrahman Errachidy def. Elbert Steyn via TKO (R2, 0:14)
    • Featherweight: Abdoul Razac Sankara def. Shadrack Yemba via KO (R1, 2:01)
    • Welterweight Alternate Bout: Kunle Lawal def. Desmond Tamungang via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Desmond Tamungang vs. Kunle Lawal

    Abdoul Razac Sankara vs. Shadrack Yemba

    Elbert Steyn vs. Abderrahman Errachidy

    Wilker Nsamo vs. Dwight Joseph

    Wasi Adeshina vs. Jean Jacques Lubaya

    Osvaldo Benedito vs. Emilios Dassi

    Sanon Sadeck vs. Yabna N’tchala

    British Boloyouang vs. Octave Ayinda

    https://twitter.com/PFLAfrica/status/1954262180997591300

    Shido Boris Esperanca vs. Ibrahima Mane

    Patrick Ocheme vs. Mohamed Camara

  • Exclusive | ‘Losing in the Cage Is Better Than Losing From Doing Nothing’: Elbert Lukas Steyn’s Mental Shift Before Turning Pro

    Exclusive | ‘Losing in the Cage Is Better Than Losing From Doing Nothing’: Elbert Lukas Steyn’s Mental Shift Before Turning Pro

    South African mixed martial artist Elbert Lukas Steyn is preparing for one of the biggest moments of his career at PFL Africa 2 in Johannesburg. The undefeated fighter, nicknamed “Pikachu,” has built a reputation for his grappling ability and submission finishes, but his journey to this stage has been far from straightforward.

    Elbert Lukas Steyn

    Steyn’s entry into combat sports began through wrestling, a path he describes as the toughest discipline he has ever undertaken. “With wrestling, you get your cauliflower ears, your experience, and the most important thing is the discipline that you learn over the years,” Steyn said during an interview with MMA News leading up to the event. His achievements included qualifying for the Youth Olympic Games at 17, but making weight was a major challenge. “I used to cut down to 63kg… that was killer for me at that time.”

    His introduction to MMA came almost by accident. Growing up without internet access at home, Steyn happened upon a downloaded George St-Pierre highlight reel on a friend’s hard drive. “When I saw what this guy was doing to people, I just fell in love with it,” he said. The energy of the sport’s crowds, particularly in GSP’s hometown of Montreal, also left a mark. By the age of 15, he was training with an MMA career in mind.

    In his amateur years, Steyn struggled with nerves and the pressure of competition. “I hated MMA as an amateur. I feared the cage, I feared the feeling, I feared the pressure,” he said. That led to a six-year break from competition after defending a local amateur belt. He returned to training through wrestling, was offered a fight within two months, and made his professional MMA debut. The shift in mindset was immediate. “The moment I walked out as a pro, I knew this is what I was going to do, before I knew the outcome of the fight.”

    A key factor in overcoming those pre-fight anxieties was a change in perspective. “The anxiety I felt doing nothing for those six years was much worse than losing in front of millions of people… or rather be the loser on the screen than the loser watching the screen,” Steyn explained. He learned to manage the adrenaline dump that can sap fighters in competition, describing the challenge as “more mental fatigue than fitness.”

    PFL Africa 2 represents both a personal and professional milestone for Steyn. The event is part of the Professional Fighters League’s expansion on the continent, with the Johannesburg card showcasing some of Africa’s top talent in tournament action. Steyn, facing Moroccan opponent Abderrahman Errachidy in a catchweight bout, is eager to make the most of the opportunity.

    “From my point of view as a South African fighter, we didn’t really have many mentors from our country to look up to,” he said. “To be part of a platform this big… I’d match PFL with the UFC. The level is there, if not surpassing it.” He sees fighting at home as a chance to inspire the next generation and to perform in front of a local crowd without the prohibitive travel costs that South African fighters often face.

    PFL Africa 2 Goes down on August 9.

  • Exclusive | Mark Hulme Eyes Future Gold at Oktagon 74: “I’m Getting in There to Do Damage”

    Exclusive | Mark Hulme Eyes Future Gold at Oktagon 74: “I’m Getting in There to Do Damage”

    Mark Hulme enters the quarterfinals of the Tipsport Gamechanger Middleweight Tournament this weekend at Oktagon 74 with the intensity and humor that have defined his fighting career. As Hulme faces Czech athlete Dominik Humburger in Prague on August 9, he approaches the contest as the next high-stakes chapter in a journey marked by an unapologetic fighting ethos.

    Mark Hulme

    The South African welterweight is candid about what draws him to the brutality of MMA and the moments that follow. “A fight is like, obviously there’s consequences,” Mark Hulme says. “Everything I do builds up to that fight. I get to a point where I can’t even listen to people talking sh* because they’re interrupting my time to think about the fight.”

    With a string of finishes and several notable submissions, he earned his spot in the quarterfinals after dispatching former Oktagon finalist Andreas Michailidis in under two minutes earlier this year. When asked whether he’s chasing a knockout or a submission against Humburger, Hulme is pragmatic. “I didn’t shoot for no takedown on Andreas. I just did what any sane fighter would do. When he was on his back, I jumped on him and I tried to knock his fucking head off, bro. Pretty much the same for Dominic Humburger.”

    The South African’s fighting attitude is a trait that was on full display as he reflected on his celebration rituals in the cage. “Sometimes I just get too affectionate,” he jokes, recalling the post-fight camaraderie. “I’m so overwhelmed with joy that the fight is over that, you know, sometimes I f*ing kiss my opponent. Like, thank you for dancing with me. I understand what your intentions were. My intentions were bad as well, but we’re good now, bro.”

    Hulme, who trains alongside UFC star Dricus Du Plessis, routine outside the cage is driven. After landing in Prague, he and his team immediately tracked down a gym and put in a session before settling into their temporary accommodation. “We landed at 8:30, dropped our luggage off at 9, walked 3K to the gym, put in a solid hour, 20, hour 30. Recouped, juices just flowing. Walked back, found a spot to eat, then chilled at the Airbnb. Living a good life, man.”

    For Hulme, fighting is stripped of artifice. “People write the sport for the simplicity of it. I’m getting in there to do damage. I almost like it more when there’s no trash talk… I’m honored to fight Dominik Humburger. Anything I’ve said about him is absolutely true, but I’m not gonna – no, I love my opponent.”

    As for the lucrative prize money at stake in the Gamechanger tournament? Mark Hulme laughs, “Honestly, I think I might just listen to my girlfriend and the way she advises me. Some of my fantasies include a farm, guns, cattle. Crypto. That’s a lot of power, man.”

    Hulme understands the consequences and possibilities that come with every step into the cage. But when asked what fans can expect, he returns to his core: “9th of August. Come watch me. Leave it all in the cage. Above all, f* them, love yourself. Do something you love and make better choices.”

  • Roman Dolidze Will Be Hunting for Limbs against ‘Fluffy’ Anthony Hernandez – Legs or Arms “Anything I want to take from him”

    Roman Dolidze Will Be Hunting for Limbs against ‘Fluffy’ Anthony Hernandez – Legs or Arms “Anything I want to take from him”

    Roman Dolidze will be looking to collect any appendage that is available to him when he enters the cage this weekend in a battle of ranked middleweight contenders. During an interview with Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, Dolidze covered multiple topics leading into his clash with Anthony ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez at UFC on ESPN 72 in the headlining bout for this Saturday’s card.

    Dolidze versus Hernandez will see a battle between the number nine ranked and number ten ranked middleweight contenders, respectively, in a clash that will meaningfully inform the divisional hierarchy for the coming months.

    With this being Dolidze’s third main event outing in the promotion, it seems like he is becoming more and more accustomed to five round fights as he continues to build himself up toward receiving a middleweight title shot someday. When touching upon his opponent Hernandez’s second last outing against Michel Pereira last October that saw him notch some massive ground and pound numbers and after being asked if that effort impressed the Georgia native, Dolidze said,

    “If you compare Michel’s grappling and my grappling, it’s different. I will not give him easy work on the ground and I will not just lay down there. I will attack submissions, I will attack legs—anything I want to take from him.”

    Roman Dolidze is set to be cornered by a dominant UFC champion here

    Roman Dolidze will have an elite level presence in his corner for UFC Vegas 109 with this individual carving out a path that has seen many refer to that fighter in question as the GOAT in his given weight category. That combatant being referenced is UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili who has maintained a long held friendship with his fellow Georgian mixed martial artist.

    The 37-year-old revealed this information during an interview with Fighters Only and put it out there to the MMA world that Dvalishvili will be making the walk with him at the UFC Apex this weekend. ‘The Caucasian’ has also touted fellow Georgian MMA standout Ilia Topuria as a friend and perhaps the UFC lightweight champion could also end up cornering Dolidze for a future fight.

    Dolidze has been seen numerous times on Dvalishvili’s YouTube channel and the two compatriots have been close to one another for years after both moved to the United States to level up their fighting careers.

  • “I apologize” Keyshawn Davis Comes Cleans After Fight Controversy “I have to do better”

    “I apologize” Keyshawn Davis Comes Cleans After Fight Controversy “I have to do better”

    Keyshawn Davis is looking to address his issues and is embarking on a path towards rectifying those difficulties. This was expressed during a recent interview that Davis did on The Ariel Helwani Show and comes on the heels of some fairly tumultuous behaviour. Davis expects to take a one year break from the sweet science after a recent episode that saw him not only miss weight but engage in a backstage brawl to boot.

    Also the talented fighter has been stripped of his WBO lightweight title and it seems like Davis needs to allocate his focuses elsewhere. The 26-year-old has had a myopic focus on boxing since 2021 and David admits he wants to be transparent about his wrong doings to do better for himself as well as his son. Further getting into this when speaking with the aforementioned Helwani recently, Davis said,

    “Something in me was just like, ‘Keyshawn, you gotta change, bro. You gotta be better.’ Something in me was just like boom—like everything hit me, all my wrongs, everything that I thought was right that I could have just did better, start hitting me.”

    “I apologize to you, sir, for real. I honestly feel like it was that moment that made his promoter be like, ‘Nah, forget this kid.’”

    “I have to do better, man. I gotta get right. When I get back to boxing, just know that I am going to be a better Keyshawn. Just know that.”

    Keyshawn Davis and the details of his tumultuous time in June

    Keyshawn Davis was supposed to have a massive career moment with what was to be his first official defense of the WBO lightweight strap on June 7th. Davis was set to clash with Edwin De Los Santos in what was a hometown boxing showdown in Norfolk for the former but a weight miss of over four pounds left a throng of passionate partisan fans disappointed.

    Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis also had an upset loss to Nahir Albright on that June card with Albright claiming that the two Davis brothers both jumped him and head butted him in his locker room. While Keyshawn adamantly denied this instance, video footage came out of a separate instance that saw punches and objects being thrown.

    The kerfuffle with Albright saw Keyshawn Davis escorted out of the building by police officers and the now former WBO champion has confirmed he is under investigation for these incidents from the state of Virginia.

  • UFC Vegas 109 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez Card

    UFC Vegas 109 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez Card

    UFC Vegas 109 is almost here, and we here at MMA News are here to provide you the latest on betting odds for the card.

    The card takes place from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, August 9. The main card portion of the event will start at 7PM ET/4PM PT, with preliminary action starting at 4PM ET/1PM PT.

    The headline attraction for the event will feature Roman Dolidze facing Anthony Hernandez in a battle of middleweight contenders.

    In the co-main event, former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg moves up to bantamweight to face Ode’ Osbourne.

    The main card will also feature Iasmin Lucindo vs. Angela Hill, Andre Fili vs. Christian Rodriguez, Miles Johns vs. Jean Matsumoto, and Eryk Anders vs. Christian Leroy Duncan.

    UFC Vegas 109: Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez Betting Odds

    Listed below are the latest betting odds for UFC Vegas 109 as of August 8 at 8:30pm ET, courtesy of DraftKings.

    Main Card:

    • Middleweight: Roman Dolidze (+275) vs. Anthony Hernandez (-345)
    • Bantamweight: Steve Erceg (-525) vs. Ode’ Osbourne (+425)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Iasmin Lucindo (-205) vs. Angela Hill (+170)
    • Featherweight: Andre Fili (+200) vs. Christian Rodriguez (-245)
    • Bantamweight: Miles Johns (+205) vs. Jean Matsumoto (-250)
    • Middleweight: Eryk Anders (+390) vs. Christian Leroy Duncan (-520)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Light Heavyweight: Julius Walker (-700) vs. Raffael Cerqueira (+500)
    • Bantamweight: Elijah Smith (-800) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (+550)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Joselyne Edwards (-395) vs. Priscila Cachoeira (+310)
    • Welterweight: Uros Medic (-340) vs. Gilbert Urbina (+270)
    • Women’s Flyweight: Gabriella Fernandes (-440) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (+340)
    • Light Heavyweight: Cody Brundage (-170) vs. Eric McConico (+142)
  • Jon Jones Officially Re-Enters UFC Testing Pool

    Jon Jones Officially Re-Enters UFC Testing Pool

    Turns out, the retirement of Jon Jones was a two-week one after all.

    A new update to the UFC’s Anti-Doping website shows that Jones’ name has been returned. This means Jones has recently been tested, which would mark his third testing session for 2025.

    This brings another degree of truth to marks Jones has previously made about coming back to the promotion, with an aim to compete on the UFC’s planned card for the White House on July 4, 2026.

    Jon Jones Returns To UFC Anti-Doping Website With New Testing Sample

    Jones has been in a year-plus-long saga with the UFC and current heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

    Jones, the former champion, has not fought since UFC 309, which saw him retain against Stipe Miocic. That fight had been scheduled for UFC 295 until Jones tore his pec.

    The UFC elected to not strip Jones and instead make an interim heavyweight title while being persistent in holding Jones vs. Miocic. Aspinall won the interim title at UFC 295 and then retained it at UFC 304.

    A drawn-out negotiations process saw UFC CEO and President Dana White believing a Jones-Aspinall showdown was close to official. Jones; however, elected to retire in mid-June, feeling he had accomplished everything he could in MMA. Conveniently, this came around the same time new charges against Jones were filed for an incident involving a car accident that took place in New Mexico this past February.

    Aspinall was named champion at the UFC Baku post-fight press conference. He is scheduled to make his first undisputed title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.

    Since the confirmation of plans for the UFC to hold a pay-per-view on the White House lawn as part of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, a number of fighters have volunteered to participate.

    In addition to Jones, Conor McGregor has expressed interest in ending his active hiatus to compete on the card. Like Jones, McGregor returned to the testing pool last week.

    White, however, was noncommittal to the idea of bringing Jones out to compete on the White House card.

  • Who is the Biggest Gangster in UFC History?

    Who is the Biggest Gangster in UFC History?

    UFC has produced plenty of bad boys who threw hands outside the octagon, but only one fighter masterminded the largest cash heist in British history while still believing he could return for the championship belt. Meet Lee Murray, the most dangerous man Dana White ever signed.

    Lightning Lee Murray – The Biggest Gangster in UFC History

    “Lightning” Lee Murray makes every other UFC criminal look like shoplifters. The British-Moroccan middleweight didn’t just have anger management issues – he orchestrated a £53 million robbery that reads like a Hollywood script. Born in South London’s Plumstead to a British hairdresser and Moroccan kitchen hand, Murray grew up in the criminal breeding ground of Bermondsey. Murray’s criminal career started before his fighting fame. Expelled from school, he joined the “Buttmarsh boys” gang and racked up convictions for drug possession, assault, and theft.

    But these were warmup acts. His UFC debut against Jorge Rivera showcased a triangle choke that took less than two minutes, and he fought three rounds against Anderson Silva.

    The Securitas depot robbery proved Murray’s criminal mastermind status. His crew spent months surveilling the facility, using spy cameras, prosthetic disguises, and inside information. They kidnapped the depot manager’s family, forced entry with AK-47s and shotguns, and walked away with £53 million in cash. The operation required military-level planning, complete with a “Stopwatch” member timing the heist like Ocean’s Eleven.

    When police raided storage units afterward, they found millions stashed in shipping containers and garage lock-ups. Murray fled to Morocco, where his dual citizenship protected him from UK extradition, though he still received a 25-year sentence. Even from his Moroccan prison cell, he maintains he’ll return to win the UFC championship.

    Not Quite, but Close to being a Gangster

    Conor McGregor

    Conor McGregor talks a big game about gangster connections, but his ties to the Kinahan cartel are probably just family drama (maybe). His sister Aoife’s relationship with convicted drug dealer Graham “The Wig” Whelan provides the connection to Daniel Kinahan’s organization. Court documents reveal Kinahan allegedly “leaned on” McGregor to walk a boxer to the ring, but this hardly qualifies as criminal activity. McGregor benefits from cartel protection and attends gangland funerals.

    The Kinahan cartel itself is legitimately dangerous, responsible for at least 18 murders and controlling international drug trafficking worth €1 billion. But McGregor remains on the periphery, using connections for business opportunities rather than participating in actual crimes. He’s gangster-adjacent at best.

    Enson Inoue

    Enson Inoue represents the closest thing to legitimate organized crime ties without crossing into criminality. The Hawaiian-Japanese fighter openly admits “doing business” with Yakuza members while maintaining he was never a member. Joe Rogan describes Inoue as having “run-ins” with the syndicate and offering to help Dana White with “underworld problems.”

    Inoue’s Yakuza dealings were business arrangements rather than criminal enterprises. When the crime syndicate asked him to open a Purebred gym in Tokyo, he agreed in exchange for them sponsoring two of his fighters. But when a Yakuza member started neglecting his duties, Inoue took him to a parking lot and beat him for 20 minutes, hospitalizing the gangster. This incident showcased Inoue’s fearlessness but also demonstrated he was never truly part of their organization – he was an outsider they respected.

    Amar Suloev

    Amar Suloev transformed from legitimate fighter into alleged contract killer, making him potentially more dangerous than the others. After retiring from MMA in 2008, the Armenian joined a private security company where he met Sergei Zirinov, a Russian legislative assemblyman running a criminal organization. The gang allegedly murdered several businessmen and political figures, with Suloev serving as an enforcer and driver.

    Prosecutors charged Suloev with attempted assassination of political rivals, claiming he drove during a botched murder attempt. While awaiting trial, he developed stage four stomach cancer and died in 2016 before his case concluded. Unlike Murray’s calculated heists or McGregor’s family connections, Suloev’s alleged crimes involved political assassinations and contract killing – darker territory than robbery or business deals.

    Lee Murray stands alone as the biggest gangster in UFC History because he combined criminal mastermind planning with elite fighting skills. While Suloev allegedly became a hitman after retirement and Inoue maintained business relationships with organized crime, only Murray orchestrated one of history’s greatest heists while actively competing at the highest levels of MMA.

    Murray’s criminal resume includes the largest cash robbery in British peacetime history, multiple assault convictions, drug dealing, and enough street credibility to knock out Tito Ortiz in a London parking lot. Dana White called him “a scary son of a bitch” and admitted the UFC president was genuinely afraid of him. Even imprisoned in Morocco, Murray continues planning his UFC championship comeback, maintaining the delusion that criminal mastermind skills translate to octagon dominance.

  • UFC Fight Night: Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez Weigh-In Results: All Make Weight, Three On Second Chance

    UFC Fight Night: Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez Weigh-In Results: All Make Weight, Three On Second Chance

    UFC Fight Night: Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results.

    After returning to the UFC APEX for the first time in about two months last week, the UFC is at its Las Vegas headquarters for a second straight week of Fight Night action. Though there isn’t another UFC APEX Fight Night scheduled for a while, UFC Vegas 109 also marks the last bit of action before the new Dana White’s Contender Series season.

    The main event of the evening will be a middleweight matchup featuring Roman Dolidze against Anthony Hernandez. Dolidze enters with a three-fight win streak that includes a decision over Anthony Smith, a finish of Kevin Holland, and a decision over Marvin Vettori. “Fluffy” has won seven straight and eight of his last nine, including a decision win over Brendan Allen in February.

    Former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg will be competing in the co-main event, moving up a weight class and looking to snap a three-fight losing skid against Ode’ Osbourne. While Erceg has failed to get a win since his UFC 301 title shot against Alexandre Pantoja, Osbourne snapped his own skid in April with a finish of Luis Gurule.

    The rest of the card will also feature the likes of Angela Hill, Andre Fili, Miles Johns, and Eryk Anders.

    UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Hernandez Weigh-In Results

    UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Hernandez takes place on Saturday, August 9, at the Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with the preliminary card starting at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

    Watch the official weigh-ins above via MMA Junkie, and check out the results below.

    Main Card:

    • Middleweight: Roman Dolidze (185.5) vs. Anthony Hernandez (186)*
    • Bantamweight: Steve Erceg (135.5) vs. Ode’ Osbourne (135.5)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Iasmin Lucindo (115) vs. Angela Hill (116)
    • Featherweight: Andre Fili (146) vs. Christian Rodriguez (146)
    • Bantamweight: Miles Johns (136) vs. Jean Matsumoto (136)
    • Middleweight: Eryk Anders (186) vs. Christian Leroy Duncan (185)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Light Heavyweight: Julius Walker (206) vs. Raffael Cerqueira (203)
    • Bantamweight: Elijah Smith (136) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (136)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Joselyne Edwards (136)** vs. Priscila Cachoeira (134)
    • Welterweight: Uros Medic (171) vs. Gilbert Urbina (171)
    • Women’s Flyweight: Gabriella Fernandes (125.5) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (126)***
    • Light Heavyweight: Cody Brundage (202.5) vs. Eric McConico (204.5)
    • *Hernandez missed weight by .5 pounds on his first attempt
    • **Edwards missed weight by .25 pounds on her first attempt
    • **Stoliarenko missed weight .25 pounds on her first attempt
  • Drew Stuve On Fighting Former Kevin Holland Foe at BKFC Edmonton: “I’m Going to Get The Job Done”

    Drew Stuve On Fighting Former Kevin Holland Foe at BKFC Edmonton: “I’m Going to Get The Job Done”

    Drew Stuve is teetering on the precipice of his biggest career moment as a professional fighter and is as confident as ever that he’ll secure his ideal outcome. Appearing on Bare Knuckle Bowker, Stuve covered multiple topics before his BKFC Edmonton return as he battles Will Santiago on August 9th in the main event showdown.

    The Wolfhouse fighter is returning to the BKFC squared circle after spending around a year away from bare knuckle fighting action with a brief gloved boxing detour late-last year. Michael Manno was slated to be his initial opponent for this card but a withdrawal from double M created this vacancy for Santiago to fill in the Stuve headlining bout.

    When describing his thoughts on the shift in opposition for this weekend, Stuve said,

    “I think it’s a better fight for me, man. He’s definitely a better fighter, he’s more accomplished, and it’s just gonna be a better win for me to have on my record after.”

    Drew Stuve is a small town kid ready to prove himself on a huge stage

    During the interview on BKB, Stuve offered up his thoughts on Santiago’s resume and skillset within bare knuckle which boasts multiple first round finishes with Santiago’s lone loss being to long time ranked BKFC middleweight Dakota Cochrane. Referencing that Santiago has previously fought Kevin Holland on Contender Series as well as Chris Curtis under mixed martial arts rules, Drew Stuve stated,

    “I’ve got a lot of respect to him for taking this fight on short notice. Look, I know I’m not an easy opponent. He’s obviously seen my last fights and watched them and he knows it’s not going to be an easy night. So I respect him for taking the fight and it’s pretty cool. He fought Kevin Holland on the Dana White Contender Series, you know [laughs], it’s pretty crazy to me.”

    “Like I’m a small town kid from Edson, Alberta about to fight a guy who basically fought in the UFC. So it’s pretty huge for me and I’m super confident that I’m going to get the job done… I’m super excited. He’s definitely the most experienced and the biggest name I’ve ever fought to date. I’m just going to continue to prove that I’m right exactly where I belong.”

  • Filipino BKFC Fighter on Salt Papi Beef, Knows “He’ll Beat Tony Ferguson” in Big MFB 22 Bout

    Filipino BKFC Fighter on Salt Papi Beef, Knows “He’ll Beat Tony Ferguson” in Big MFB 22 Bout

    A surging Filipino-Canadian BKFC fighter has engaged in a bit of a back and forth with Salt Papi and also offered his thoughts on the influencer boxer’s next fight against a former interim UFC champion. Chad Lucanas discussed this on Bare Knuckle Bowker ahead of his clash with Tim Tamaki at BKFC Edmonton on August 9th. Later this month, Salt Papi will throw down with Tony Ferguson under Queensberry Rules for the MFB interim middleweight title on August 30th in Manchester.

    Lucanas had previously called out Salt Papi with the influencer boxer eventually blocking the BKFC combatant on Instagram amid their back and forth. When describing his history with the Filipino influencer boxer and also giving his thoughts on the upcoming sweet science showdown with Ferguson, Lucanas said,

    “I thought it was kind of funny, but yeah, I know he’ll beat Tony Ferguson. Like I believe he will because to me like out of all them, out of all those little influencer YouTube f***ers, I think Salt Papi is one of the best like I’ve seen in that league per se. Like to me, he’s entertaining. He’s Filipino. He’s got some skills and I look at it as just like a, you know what, if me and him were to fight, it would be so cool for the culture. Like I feel like it would be such a cool clash because like he’s a Filipino kid that grew up in the UK.”

    “I’m a Filipino kid that grew up in Canada. Also, we’re both southpaws, have nice left hands. He’s not bad. I think the dude is really not bad and outside of boxing, he’s f***in hilarious. But just for me it’s like, I think me and this guy would make such a show if we fought. Like it would be so crazy. It would be so cool for like the whole Filipino culture all around the world. It’d be such a cool clash. But he blocked my ass.”

    Salt Papi did block Chad Lucanas, but the latter quipped “I totally get it”

    When further addressing what he sees as an almost inevitable clash with Salt Papi someday, Lucanas continued,

    “So, I’ll get there though. I’mma get it. No, I’mma get it. Like for me it’s like okay, you block me that, means you know who I am. With a lot of people calling you out on comments, tagging me, tagging you, telling you to fight me, I get it. You looked at my page and was like, I don’t know if I want to f**k with this guy [laughs]. So, I totally get it. But wait till I find you one day in person. I’m calling you out right then and there.”

  • Krzysztof Jotko Re-ignites Fire Post-Divorce, Eyes Illusive Gold Heading Into Oktagon 74

    Krzysztof Jotko will collide with Marek Mazuch at Oktagon 74: Bolander vs. Szabová on August 9th but that was not the initial dance partner the the former was supposed to clash with this weekend.

    Jotko appeared on Bowks Talking Bouts and touched upon this shift with his next in-cage assignment this Saturday. When asked how much, if at all, he had to alter his approach as he shifts his focuses from Vlasto Čepo, who fell out due to an injury, to now fighting Marek Mazuch here, Krzysztof Jotko said,

    “No, really. No, really. Mazuch and Čepo is like, you can say, similar opponents. They’re just brawlers with a good boxing, strong with a good boxing. The same is with the Mazuch. Only one difference is Mazuch, he’s different position, he is a southpaw. So this actually is very, very good because my friend Josh Silveira, he was preparating for the fight with Fabian Edwards.”

    “So I was training with him for eight weeks, before I even start my training camp. So I trained with southpaw for a long, long time and this was even even better for me, you know. Because I know the southpaw game a little better right now.”

    When asked if this change in Oktagon MMA opposition almost worked out in his favor in a certain regard, Jotko quipped,

    “Yeah. Yeah. I think it’s even better, you know, better opponents. I think Čepo was more experienced. He have more fights and I think that his opponents was a little better like Mazuch. Because if you check the fifth, six fight of Mazuch, he fight tomato cans and some bulls**t guys. So, this what it is. I fight little different people in my career and in the UFC and everywhere. So, we’re going to see. We’re going to see. We’re going to find out on August ninth.”

    Krzysztof Jotko is in a better place post-divorce, eyes Oktagon MMA title someday

    Krzysztof Jotko has overcome some massive turmoil in his personal life and finally finds himself in an optimal spot to achieve huge things professionally going forward. When it was mentioned that he seems like he’s in a good headspace right now with where he’s at in his career as he advances in this Tip Sport Game Changer tournament, Jotko stated,

    “I tell you this, I’ll be honest with you, I’m actually after divorce. I have a divorce this year with my ex-wife. So now I’m [in a] super good place. I’m very happy to do this sport again. I’m very happy to come yesterday for training and I can’t even wait to fight this guy. You know, it’s; my mood has changed.”

    “Everything changed like I’m very happy now and I’m very, very ready for this. I need this win. I need to win this tournament. You know, I was in the UFC for a long time and I don’t get the title. So before I finish my career, I’m going to get this title. You know, this is going to be probably Oktagon title.”

  • Karate Combat Victor on Viral Proposal, KC 56 Performance Breakdown

    Karate Combat Victor on Viral Proposal, KC 56 Performance Breakdown

    Alexander Krutskykh earned a decision win over Shokrukh Kholmuradov at Karate Combat 56 on July 19th but garnered a much bigger victory overall in the grand scheme of things after that W was recorded. Krutskykh appeared on Bowks Talking Bouts to cover multiple topics after the victory and when offering up his thoughts on how he is doing a few weeks after improving to 2-0 in the Karate Combat pit, Krutskykh said,

    “Yeah, that was definitely [a] great fight, great experience, like good challenge for me. Yeah, there was something that’s brought me to that challenging rounds and where you have to switch into the more, you know; your mental strength in those last rounds. So that was good.”

    His first fight in Karate Combat transpired in January and when discussing how much he has demonstrably grown with this second KC contest in the context of if this sophomore contest under this promotional banner forced him to dig deeper than his debut effort, Krutskykh stated,

    “Yeah, definitely. Both fights was hard and and challenging, but this one was something that I have to, you know, turn on the different gear. Where I have to like really dig deep and it shows who is more mentally prepared for those last; even though we both was tired, but you know, I guess I wanted more in this night.”

    The Karate Combat Proposal and the Krutskykh’s “lifetime memory”

    When addressing the viral proposal from his Karate Combat 56 fight and how surreal it was to become engaged after securing a victory like that, Alexander Krutskykh quipped,

    “Yeah, there was something surreal, man. I still doesn’t feel this actually happen[ed]. Everything lines up perfectly as I imagine it in my head, as I visualize it. Everything went exactly. I was, even before the fight, I was already knowing that we will go to the fourth round and I know that I have to leave everything in there. When I’m seated after the third round and I heard the people started screaming like four round, four round, I was like oh s**t. But I know I that’s like it’s either now or or never.”

    “It popped in my head that say I still you know have the big, big plan to do after the fight. So I was like, I gotta go and leave it all in there. Yeah everything like after the fight I win. I was like, “Okay, now is the time.” I don’t think there’s a better moment to get the proposal. Yeah, that’s something for my fiance and myself, that will be something like lifetime memory. This is something we’ll both remember for a long time.”

  • Championships Don’t Matter to Khamzat Chimaev — Only Money: “Couple of Millions Coming”

    Championships Don’t Matter to Khamzat Chimaev — Only Money: “Couple of Millions Coming”

    Khamzat Chimaev doesn’t care about belts.

    After ragdolling opponents en route to an unblemished 14-0 record, ‘Borz’ will look to climb to the top of the middleweight mountain when he challenges the division’s reigning champion, Dricus du Plessis, at UFC 319 on Saturday, August 16.

    It will be Chimaev’s inaugural shot at UFC gold, but if things go according to plan, it won’t be his last. But even with his lofty goals of becoming the promotion’s first-ever three-division champion, ‘Borz’ made it clear that he’s not fighting for titles and accolades. It’s all about the benjamins.

    “I don’t think so much about the belt,” Chimaev told MMA Junkie. “Has a couple of millions coming after the fight in my bank account. That’s the important thing. I want to fight, beat that guy, you know. That’s important to me.”

    Khamzat Chimaev aims for a quick turnaround after UFC 319

    If Chimaev comes out both unscathed and with the middleweight title in his position, he plans on making quick turnaround, potentially defending his title or competing for another one at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi in October.

    “I need money bro. This is not enough, just to go for the one title,” Chimaev told ESPN MMA. “Hopefully if I don’t get injured or some stuff, gonna defend the belt or fight for other belt in Abu Dhabi, as well.”

    Considering ‘Borz’ has struggled to fight more than once a year since 2022, we wouldn’t count on him making such a quick turnaround, but as they say in MMA, anything is possible.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Aiming to Become a Triple Champion in the UFC – Middleweight, Welterweight, and Light Heavyweight

    Khamzat Chimaev Aiming to Become a Triple Champion in the UFC – Middleweight, Welterweight, and Light Heavyweight

    Khamzat Chimaev is coming for all the gold.

    On August 16, ‘Borz’ will look to cash in on his first title opportunity when he challenges reigning and defending middleweight world champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 316 in Chicago.

    Chimaev’s impending title shot against ‘DDP’ has been a long time coming, but according to the undefeated Chechen monster, taking home the 185-pound crown is just the beginning of a journey that will see him make UFC and MMA history.

     “Jack Della Maddalena would be a good fight for me,” Chimaev said, referencing the UFC’s reigning welterweight titleholder during an interview with ESPN. “Go down… take the belt there. If I go up, there is Ankalaev and Alex Pereira… can fight for that belt as well.”

    Khamzat Chimaev has already talked to his coach about moving back down to 170

    Chimaev kickstarted his UFC career competing at welterweight, but a massive weight-miss in September 2022 prompted the promotion to push him up to 185. Since then, ‘Borz’ has teased the possibility of moving back down.

    “I work with a new coach and talk to him about going down again to 170,” Chimaev added. “He said gimme a couple months and I’m gonna make it. I don’t know who is the champ there, this Australian guy.”

    Now, it sounds like he has his sights set on taking the light heavyweight belt before calling it a career.

    Thus far, only one mixed martial artist has ever won three belts in the same company, that being ONE Championship superstar Anatoly Malykhin. ‘Sladkiy’ held the ONE middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight world titles simultaneously before surrendering his heavyweight crown to Senegal’s Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane in November.

  • Why Dricus Du Plessis Demanded a Fight with Khamzat Chimaev: “I have fought everybody”

    Why Dricus Du Plessis Demanded a Fight with Khamzat Chimaev: “I have fought everybody”

    After cleaning out much of the middleweight top five, Dricus du Plessis is ready for a new challenge.

    ‘DDP’ will get exactly that when he puts his undisputed 185-pound world title on the line against undefeated Chechen monster Khamzat Chimaev. The two will headline UFC 316 when the promotion heads back to the United Center in Chicago on Saturday, August 16.

    After repeatedly defying the odds and scoring big wins over ex-champions like Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya, and Sean Strickland twice, du Plessis knew there was just one man left to defend his gold against.

    “I have fought everybody in the top five except one,” du Plessis told Ariel Helwani. “That’s the resume I want. I want to fight the best guys. That’s why I wanted this Khamzat fight so badly.”

    Ask and you shall receive.

    Du Plessis vs. Chimaev is a classic battle of irresistable force vs. immovable object

    While Chimaev has looked practically unbeatable inside the Octagon, du Plessis has continuously found a way to win, even when it looked as though his defeat was imminent. Of course, ‘DDP’ has never fought someone known for ragdolling opponents the way Chimaev does, and oddmakers certainly seem to believe ‘Borz’ will handle du Plessis the way he handled ‘The Reaper’ in Abu Dhabi.

    Chimaev goes into the bout as a 2-to-1 favorite to leave ‘The Windy City’ with the middleweight crown. However, being the underdog is a position du Plessis has become plenty familiar with. In his nine career UFC fights, he opened as the underdog seven times. He’s currently 9-0 inside the Octagon.

    Clearly, something’s got to give when the irresistable force meets an immovable object in Chi-Town.