MMA News

Category: News

Stay up-to-date with the latest MMA news from around the globe. Our comprehensive feed covers all major promotions.

  • Ronda Rousey And Gina Carano Both Make Weight Ahead Of MVP MMA 1 On Netflix

    Ronda Rousey And Gina Carano Both Make Weight Ahead Of MVP MMA 1 On Netflix

    Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano both made weight Friday morning ahead of Saturday’s MVP MMA 1 event at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    Rousey came in at 142 pounds and Carano at 141.4, both under the 146-pound featherweight limit. It marked Rousey’s first weigh-in for an MMA fight in nearly 10 years, and Carano’s first in almost 17 years.

    Nate Diaz and Mike Perry also hit the scale for their welterweight co-headliner, as did Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins for their heavyweight main card bout. Official weigh-ins took place at the host hotel ahead of ceremonial weigh-ins set for 9 p.m. ET outside the Intuit Dome.

    Full MVP MMA 1 weigh-in results:

    Main Card

    • Ronda Rousey (142) vs. Gina Carano (141.4)
    • Nate Diaz (168.6) vs. Mike Perry (169.6)
    • Philipe Lins (220.6) vs. Francis Ngannou (257)
    • Kenneth Cross (155.4) vs. Salahdine Parnasse (154.8)
    • Robelis Despaigne (258.8) vs. Junior Dos Santos (245.4)

    Preliminary Card

    • Jake Babian (171) vs. Namo Fazil (170.8)
    • Adriano Moraes (129) vs. Phumi Nkuta (130)
    • Jeff Creighton (168.2) vs. Jason Jackson (170.8)
    • David Mgoyan (145.2) vs. Albert Morales (143.8)
    • Jade Masson-Wong (129.2) vs. Aline Pereira (128)
    • Chris Avila (164) vs. Brandon Jenkins (164.2)
  • UFC Vegas 117 Weigh-In Results: Arnold Allen vs. Melquizael Costa Official

    UFC Vegas 117 Weigh-In Results: Arnold Allen vs. Melquizael Costa Official

    Arnold Allen and Melquizael Costa headlined Friday’s UFC Vegas 117 weigh-ins ahead of Saturday’s event at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, streaming on Paramount+.

    Allen came in at 145 pounds with Costa at 145.5 for their featherweight main event. Dooho Choi and Daniel Santos also made weight for the featherweight co-feature.

    Full UFC Fight Night 276 weigh-in results:

    Main Card (Paramount+, 8 p.m. ET)

    • Arnold Allen (145) vs. Melquizael Costa (145.5)
    • Dooho Choi (146) vs. Daniel Santos (145)
    • Juan Diaz (135.5) vs. Malcolm Wellmaker (135.5)
    • Modestas Bukauskas (213.5) vs. Christian Edwards (214.5) — 215-pound contract weight
    • Timmy Cuamba (—) vs. Bernardo Sopaj (136)

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5 p.m. ET)

    • Nikolay Veretennikov (170.5) vs. Khaos Williams (170.5)
    • Ivan Erslan (205.5) vs. Tuco Tokkos (205.5)
    • Thomas Gantt (156) vs. Trey Ogden (155)
    • Jacqueline Cavalcanti (135.5) vs. Ketlen Vieira (136)
    • Cody Brundage (—) vs. Andre Petroski (185.5)
    • Alice Ardelean (116) vs. Polyana Viana (115.5)
    • Daniel Barez (125.5) vs. Luis Gurule (125.5)
    • Shauna Bannon (115.5) vs. Nicolle Caliari (115.5)
  • Who Is Salahdine Parnasse? Ex-KSW Double Champ Now Fighting On Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Card

    Who Is Salahdine Parnasse? Ex-KSW Double Champ Now Fighting On Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Card

    Salahdine Parnasse has quietly built one of the most impressive résumés in modern MMA, even if his name hasn’t fully crossed into mainstream conversation yet.

    That could change this weekend. The 28-year-old will take on Kenny Cross at the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, marking his first appearance on a major U.S. platform. He enters the bout with a 22-2 professional record and growing recognition as one of the top lightweights competing outside the UFC.

    A Champion Built In Europe

    “Super Prodige” became a headline act under the KSW banner, a promotion widely viewed as Europe’s MMA powerhouse. During his time there, he didn’t just win titles; he held two at once, becoming a simultaneous champion at featherweight and lightweight.

    His resume includes victories over seasoned opponents such as Marcin Held, Marian Ziółkowski, Wilson Varela, and Daniel Torres. Earlier this year, he reinforced his dominance by stopping Held in the second round to retain his lightweight belt at KSW 114.

    Why UFC Move Never Happened

    Despite his success, “Super Prodige” has yet to sign with the UFC, and that decision has been intentional. Financially, he was already in a strong position in KSW, reportedly earning six-figure purses.

    When offers came from the UFC, they reportedly fell well below what he was making in Europe. With that gap, there was little incentive to leave a situation where he was both well-paid and firmly established.

    Skill Set That Stands Out

    Parnasse brings a complete toolkit into the cage. Operating out of a southpaw stance, he blends sharp striking with controlled movement, while also posing a threat on the ground with his submission game.

    His numbers reflect that balance, with seven knockouts and seven submissions across 22 wins, underlining his ability to finish fights in multiple ways.

    Defining Moment In The U.S.

    Now, “Super Prodige” faces Kenny Cross in a bout that could change everything. Competing in front of a global audience on Netflix, Parnasse has the opportunity to showcase his talent to a much wider fan base.

    A standout performance would not only elevate his profile but could also reignite talks about a long-awaited move to the UFC, this time on his own terms.

  • Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven Sparks Massive Title Controversy Before May 23 Showdown

    Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven Sparks Massive Title Controversy Before May 23 Showdown

    Oleksandr Usyk is set to defend his heavyweight titles against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, but the championship picture surrounding the fight is anything but straightforward.

    The undefeated Ukrainian enters the bout holding the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles after previously relinquishing the WBO belt. However, due to the unique nature of this crossover clash, each sanctioning body has taken a different stance on what is actually at stake.

    Confusion Surrounds Usyk’s Titles Ahead Of Verhoeven Fight

    Out of Usyk’s three remaining belts, only the WBC title will officially be on the line for Verhoeven. The governing body approved the fight as a voluntary defense, allowing the champion to face a non-traditional opponent instead of his mandatory challenger.

    That decision has sparked backlash, especially considering Verhoeven’s limited boxing experience. Still, the WBC justified its stance by pointing to Usyk’s activity level and the history of fighters transitioning from other combat sports into boxing.

    The WBA, meanwhile, has taken a more unusual position. While “The Cat” will enter the fight recognized as champion, Verhoeven will not be eligible to win the belt even if he pulls off a massive upset. Instead, a victory would only earn him a place in the rankings, with the organization set to review the title situation if Usyk loses.

    The IBF has also imposed strict conditions. If Usyk is defeated, the belt will be declared vacant immediately. If he wins, the sanctioning body will move forward with its mandatory title defense rotation.

    Mandatory Obligations And Growing Controversy

    The situation has drawn criticism across the boxing world, particularly because it delays a mandatory title defense against top contender Agit Kabayel. Promoter Frank Warren has already warned of potential legal action if the WBC fails to enforce that obligation after the fight.

    Despite the controversy, “The Cat” has remained firm in his decision, making it clear he wanted the freedom to choose this matchup. Now, with multiple titles governed under different rules for the same fight, the May 23 showdown has become one of the most unusual championship scenarios in recent boxing history.

  • Jake Paul Claims Ronda Rousey Is Being Paid More For Netflix Fight Than Ilia Topuria Earns In UFC

    Jake Paul Claims Ronda Rousey Is Being Paid More For Netflix Fight Than Ilia Topuria Earns In UFC

    Jake Paul claims Ronda Rousey is being paid more for her Netflix comeback fight than UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria earns for title defenses.

    Speaking on the Death Row MMA show with Jorge Masvidal, Paul made the claim while discussing pay for Saturday’s MVP MMA 1 event on Netflix, headlined by Rousey vs. Gina Carano at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    “Here’s what I can say: I know how much Ronda Rousey is making for this event and it’s a lot more than what Ilia Topuria makes for fighting.”

    Topuria next defends his title against Justin Gaethje at UFC White House on June 14. Paul also claimed undercard fighters on Saturday’s card will earn significantly more than their UFC counterparts, stating pay is “definitely more than the UFC by a lot.” No fighter on the Rousey vs. Carano undercard will earn less than $40,000, with Rousey, Nate Diaz, and Francis Ngannou all expected to receive pay exceeding what they would have earned for comparable UFC appearances.

    Masvidal, who retired in 2023 following a loss to Gilbert Burns, pushed back on the idea that entry-level UFC pay needs fixing, while agreeing that mid-tier and ranked fighters deserve more.

    “I like the way you see it, but to be honest with you, in fighting, that 12 and 12 or when I was fighting it was, like, 4 and 4, that’s still like [six times] of what you make on the regional side. It’s good money if you do get there, but where we do need a dramatic change is more like when you’re in the top 10, top 15 already.”

    Paul countered that better base pay would improve the overall talent pool by allowing fighters to train full-time rather than working second jobs.

    “I think the difference is it would create better talent and better fighters because they wouldn’t have to be working other jobs in between training sessions. It would actually grow the sport in the long run if these people making the minimum pay didn’t have to go be a teacher or a janitor or work for UPS.”

  • Ronda Rousey Has Set Specific Number She Needs To Hit On Netflix To Call Saturday A Success

    Ronda Rousey Has Set Specific Number She Needs To Hit On Netflix To Call Saturday A Success

    Ronda Rousey wants her Netflix comeback fight against Gina Carano to break the all-time MMA viewership record.

    Speaking at Wednesday’s open workout ahead of Saturday’s MVP MMA 1 event at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, Rousey set a clear target for the event.

    “In numbers, I just want to be able to beat the numbers for the most viewed MMA fight of all time — about 9 million. So beating 9 million will be a success for me. Blowing it out of the park will make me very happy, but that’s all I really want to get out of this. I just want to be able to convince MVP and Netflix that there’s something here, and it’s worth the investment, and this is going to be huge and that they should stay in the MMA game and not just dabble in it this one time.”

    The record she is targeting is the 8.8 million viewers who watched the first UFC heavyweight title bout between Junior dos Santos and Cain Velasquez on FOX in 2011.

    Rousey framed Saturday as an audition for a larger role in building the sport on the platform.

    “I have experience in this field. I feel like I’m the best person for the job and this, I guess, is my audition to be like, ‘Hey, you should have me around to do this a whole lot more often.’ So hopefully this is a huge success and this isn’t the last time I’ll be able to try and push the envelope.”

    Rousey has not competed since 2016. Carano’s last fight was in 2009.

  • Jon Jones Is Doing Something He Has Never Done Before And Francis Ngannou Has Noticed

    Jon Jones Is Doing Something He Has Never Done Before And Francis Ngannou Has Noticed

    Francis Ngannou says he finds it “very interesting” that Jon Jones will be part of the broadcast team for Saturday’s MVP MMA 1 event.

    Ngannou competes on the main card of the Netflix event at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, facing Philipe Lins. Jones was announced as an analyst for the broadcast, marking his first time working behind the desk.

    Speaking to reporters following Wednesday’s open workout, Ngannou reflected on Jones’ presence.

    “Well, it’s going to be very interesting to have Jon Jones in the same arena at night watching. It’s very interesting to see how it’s going to be, but we will see. It will be great. It adds to be what I’m saying, this event is just like one-standing event. Jon Jones never broadcast, did he?”

    Ngannou and Jones had previously been discussed as a potential matchup when both were under the UFC banner, but the fight never materialized. Jones is currently at odds with the UFC and has even requested his release. His work with MVP MMA this weekend has prompted speculation about what his involvement could mean going forward.

    Ngannou’s last MMA fight was a finish of Renan Ferreira in October 2024 to capture the PFL Super Fights heavyweight championship.

  • Nate Diaz Just Went Viral For What He Said About Ilia Topuria And It Did Not Hold Back

    Nate Diaz Just Went Viral For What He Said About Ilia Topuria And It Did Not Hold Back

    Nate Diaz unloaded on Ilia Topuria during an interview with Ariel Helwani, calling the UFC lightweight champion a “dumbass” and mocking his height in a viral clip.

    Diaz, who returns to MMA on Saturday’s MVP MMA 1 undercard against Mike Perry, made clear he has no respect for the undefeated champion.

    “He’s a little B——, too. I’m years ahead of them fools. I’ve got better fights, and they’re like, ‘He sucks!’ He just said I suck. Bro, you suck!”

    Diaz cited Topuria’s comments about Jake Paul as the origin of his frustration before escalating.

    “He was saying some dumb s— about how he’d beat up Jake Paul in boxing. All cool about how he sucked and s—, and I was taking offense. You won’t do s—. I’ll beat the — out of Ilia Topuria. This fool’s a dumbass just because of how he was talking all cocky and s—. You don’t know what you’re talking about, you’re —ing four feet tall.”

    “Bro, I’ll slap the s— out of you. What the f— are you talking about? It’s a new day and age where there’s a bunch of little b—-es running around that need to be slapped. Yeah, I don’t like him.”

    Diaz last competed in MMA in September 2022, submitting Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. Following Saturday’s fight with Perry, he becomes a free agent and has been linked to potential returns against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Topuria himself.

  • Eddie Alvarez Warns Justin Gaethje On The One Thing He Cannot Do Against Ilia Topuria

    Eddie Alvarez Warns Justin Gaethje On The One Thing He Cannot Do Against Ilia Topuria

    Eddie Alvarez says Justin Gaethje is being underestimated heading into his lightweight unification bout with Ilia Topuria at UFC White House on June 14.

    Gaethje holds the interim UFC Lightweight Championship after defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision in January. Topuria is a heavy betting favorite for the unification fight, but Alvarez, who faced Gaethje in a memorable clash in 2017, told MMA Junkie the outcome is far from certain.

    “Everyone’s writing him off, but I don’t know, man — this could go either way. I saw a clip recently of Ilia’s brother explaining to Ilia how to beat Justin, his tactics of what he would do against a guy like Justin, and it was scary of how spot-on he was. I was like, sh*t man. During my camp, I was trying to formulate a camp for a guy like Justin and how he steps in the pocket and forces you to fight. How do we beat a guy like this?”

    Alvarez identified one specific area where Gaethje needs to be disciplined.

    “Justin loses his eyes a little bit, and I don’t like that. In the exchanges you’ll see him look and throw this way. He can’t lose his eyes during this match, because what Ilia does, is Ilia keeps such a beautiful posture that his posture is so beautiful that he’s always ready to strike, and he doesn’t lose his eyes ever.”

    Alvarez knocked out Gaethje in the third round of their 2017 fight. Gaethje has gone 8-4 since that loss.

  • MVP MMA Odds, Picks & Best Bets: Predictions for Every Fight on the Card

    MVP MMA Odds, Picks & Best Bets: Predictions for Every Fight on the Card

    The first MVP MMA card comes this weekend, and the inaugural MMA outing from Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions brings the returns of two women’s MMA legends.

    In the main event of MVP MMA, Ronda Rousey takes on Gina Carano in a women’s featherweight matchup.

    After winning a judo bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics, Rousey made her pro MMA debut in 2011, quickly going on to win the Strikeforce women’s bantamweight championship. She became the UFC’s inaugural champion in the weight class and competed in the UFC’s first women’s MMA bout, going on to have a legendary title reign until Holly Holm ended it at UFC 193.

    Rousey hasn’t fought since her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. She has since had two stints with the WWE, going on to become a multiple-time women’s world champion in professional wrestling.

    Carano made her professional MMA debut in 2006, winning seven straight fights while competing for promotions like Strikeforce and EliteXC. Carano has not fought since her sole pro loss, losing the inaugural Strikeforce women’s featherweight title fight in 2009 against Cris Cyborg. Carano has since gone on to have a career in film and television.

    The co-main event will feature another legendary MMA name, Nate Diaz, taking on Mike Perry.

    This will be Diaz’s first professional MMA fight since defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. Diaz has since fought twice in boxing, losing to Jake Paul and defeating former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal.

    This will be Perry’s first MMA fight in five years, having not competed in the discipline since his April 2021 loss to Daniel Rodriguez. He’s since made a name for himself with BKFC, becoming their King of Violence and scoring wins over the likes of Michael “Venom” Page, Eddie Alvarez, and Jeremy Stephens.

    Also featured will be the return of Francis Ngannou, as he takes on Phillipe Lins. After departing the UFC as heavyweight champion, Ngannou fought just once with the PFL, defeating Renan Ferreira in October 2024. Lins, who won the inaugural PFL heavyweight season in 2018, hasn’t fought since defeating Ion Cutelaba at UFC 299. He departed the UFC on a four-fight win streak, going 4-2 in the promotion.

    The main card will also feature Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenneth Cross and Junior dos Santos vs. Robelis Despaigne.

    MVP MMA Betting Odds

    Here are the latest betting odds for MVP MMA, as of 1 am ET on May 14, courtesy of DraftKings:

    NOTE: As of the time of writing, many prop bets for prelim bouts are not available

    Preliminary Card (YouTube, 6 pm ET)

    Catchweight (165 lbs): Chris Avila (+250) vs. Brandon Jenkins (-310)

    Catchweight (130 lbs): Aline Pereira (-425) vs. Jade Masson-Wong (+330)

    Featherweight: David Mgoyan (-535) vs. Albert Morales (+400)

    Welterweight: Jason Jackson (N/A) vs. Jefferson Creighton (N/A)

    Catchweight (130 lbs): Adriano Moraes (N/A) vs. Phumi Nkuta (N/A)

    Welterweight: Namo Fazil (-345) vs. Jake Bobian (+275)

    Main Card (Netflix, 9 PM ET)

    Heavyweight: Junior dos Santos (+300) vs. Robelis Despaigne (-380)

    Lightweight: Salahdine Parnasse (-1100) vs. Kenneth Cross (+700)

    Heavyweight: Francis Ngannou (-1450) vs. Philipe Lins (+850)

    Welterweight: Nate Diaz (+180) vs. Mike Perry (-218)

    Women’s Featherweight: Ronda Rousey (-535) vs. Gina Carano (+400)

    MVP MMA Predictions & Best Bets

    Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano: It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen either woman in action, and somehow, still one woman has been way out of the cage longer than the other. This one is ultimately going to come down to who has more rust on them and how seriously the two take this fight. Some feel that Carano will have a size factor in this fight and overwhelm Rousey with her striking; however, it’s hard to pick Carano when it’s been 17 years since her last fight. At least the time in WWE has kept Rousey in some form of combative, athletic action. (Prediction: Rousey) (Best Bet: Rousey to win via submission in Round 1 [+100])

    Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry: This one is WILD and can fall any way. Both men have been away from professional MMA for a few years, with Diaz having a couple of boxing matchups and Perry becoming the star of BKFC. Diaz could look to use his grappling to his advantage, but how much of that will he do compared to trying to get into a wild scrap with “Platinum” Perry? Let’s lean toward Diaz being smart in this one and catching a wild Perry for a victory. The fight’s going one of two ways, and both don’t see this fight going to the final horn. (Prediction: Diaz) (Best Bet: Fight does NOT go the distance [-130])

    Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins: Philipe Lins might have exited the UFC on a four-fight win streak, but he and Ngannou have been out of action for a similar amount of time. And when it comes to strength, Lins doesn’t compare to what “The Predator” can offer. He is going to need to find a way to touch up Ngannou while avoiding his power. Doing that for 15 full minutes is a lot easier said than done, though. (Prediction: Ngannou) (Best Bet: Ngannou to win via KO/TKO/DQ in Round 1 [-135])

    Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenneth Cross: For this event to be more than just a one-and-done, it needs to have some strong undercard and rising names to balance out with the big stars. Those who really love this sport and have not seen Salahdine Parnasse fight yet will be in for a treat. He’s won two titles in the KSW, and his boxing base has provided him with strong knockout power and a great finishing ability (with great ground game to balance it out). Meanwhile, Kenneth Cross is a solid veteran with a strong wrestling background who looks to end things on the ground. This should be a fun outing, but Parnasse has more to him in terms of skillset and upside, and that should give him the edge here. (Prediction: Parnasse) (Prediction: Parnasse to win in Round 2 [+330])

    Junior dos Santos vs. Robelis Despaigne: Junior dos Santos is a legendary name in the UFC, but his tenure there ended with a four-fight losing skid between 2019 and 2020. He’s fought just three times since — two times competing in bare-knuckle MMA. Robelis Despaigne had a strong UFC start at UFC 299, but his two losses afterward left a lot to be desired. Still, he’s found a home for himself in Karate Combat, where he knocked out Sam Alvey to become their heavyweight champion. JDS’ age and time away from competition are not going to fare well for him here, especially against someone like Despaigne who can use his size and Taekwondo and karate-based striking to put the former UFC heavyweight champion in trouble. (Prediction: Despaigne) (Best Bet: Despaigne to Win by KO/TKO/DQ in Round 1 [-125])

    Namo Fazil vs. Jake Babian: These two are up-and-coming welterweights looking to make a statement on a big stage. Both are strong strikers, with Fazil combining Muay Thai and taekwondo, while Babian mixes up his boxing with work in jiu-jitsu. This might be closer than what the odds suggest as of now, but Fazil’s striking seems just that more developed, and it probably leads him to a win. (Prediction: Fazil)

    Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta: It’s a shame that we’re not getting Adriano Moraes vs. Muhammad Mokaev, but Phumi Nkuta is one to watch. Nkuta, who trains under Ray Longo, is 11-0, a champion of Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat and Warrior Cage Grappling, ranked one of the top regional flyweights in the U.S., let alone the Northeast U.S. Moraes found plenty of success in ONE as their flyweight champion, but he’s lost three of his last four. This is going to be a battle between two grappling-heavy talents, and while Moraes has the experience, don’t be surprised if the younger Nkuta, fired up to make a statement, pulls off the victory. (Prediction: Nkuta)

    Jason Jackson vs. Jeff Creighton: After spending the last couple of years with the PFL, following its acquisition of Bellator, Jason Jackson gets the chance to show why he’s been a solid talent outside of the UFC. The former Bellator champ takes on Jeff Creighton, replacing Lorenz Larkin, who came onto the MMA scene after his time with The Ultimate Fighter last year. When you take into account the experience and championship factors of Jackson, combined with opponent history, it’s a solid chance for Creighton to impress, but it’s going to be hard for him to win against Jackson. (Prediction: Jackson)

    David Mgoyan vs. Albert Morales: Spotlight opportunity time for David Mgoyan. At just 21, Mgoyan is already 8-1, looking to continue to build himself following his loss to Tommy McMillen on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. Albert Morales has experience in the UFC and Bellator, but he’s fought a lot more on the regional circuit. And while he’s clearly the more experienced fighter, Mgoyan’s wrestling (benefited by being the training partner of Arman Tsarukyan) will elevate the young man to a win in this one. (Prediction: Mgoyan)

    Aline Pereira vs. Jade Masson-Wong: MVP hopes that they have an answer to “Poatan” — his younger sister. Though just 2-2 in professional MMA, Aline Pereira has shown herself to be an excellent striker through her experience in kickboxing and karate. Pereira, in fact, is a Karate Combat champion. Don’t count out Jade Masson-Wong, however, an accomplished striker herself with plenty of experience in BKFC. Let’s hope for a fun war in this one. (Prediction: Pereira)

    Chris Avila vs. Brandon Jenkins: Chris Avila has had fights with UFC and Bellator, but he’s more known for his boxing of late, battling the likes of Benson Henderson, Anthony Pettis, and Jeremy Stephens. Jenkins has also fought for the UFC, as well as the PFL and LFA in the past, with a lot of his recent work coming in karate and bare-knuckle MMA. While Jenkins doesn’t have the recent winning momentum, Avila hasn’t fought in MMA since 2021, and Jenkins has a better record under his belt. (Prediction: Jenkins)

  • Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Card Gets Elite Referee Crew For Top 3 Fights

    Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Card Gets Elite Referee Crew For Top 3 Fights

    Referee assignments have been finalized for the biggest fights on this weekend’s Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card, with several veteran officials set to oversee the action.

    The event takes place on Saturday, May 16, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and streams live on Netflix. Headlining the card, Ronda Rousey faces Gina Carano in a historic featherweight bout marking both fighters’ long-awaited return to MMA.

    For the main event, legendary referee John McCarthy has been assigned to officiate the clash. Widely regarded as one of the most experienced officials in the sport, his involvement adds further weight to the high-profile matchup.

    In the co-main event, Nate Diaz squares off against Mike Perry, with Mike Beltran set to handle officiating duties. The bout brings together two of the sport’s most unpredictable personalities, both known for their durability and fan-friendly styles, making it one of the most anticipated fights on the card.

    Meanwhile, Francis Ngannou returns to MMA against Philipe Lins, with Herb Dean assigned to referee the contest. It marks Ngannou’s continued comeback following a difficult stretch that included a move into boxing and personal adversity outside the cage.

  • Sean O’Malley Blasts UFC Freedom 250 Fight Kits Ahead Of White House Clash – ‘Did They Go On Fiverr?’

    Sean O’Malley Blasts UFC Freedom 250 Fight Kits Ahead Of White House Clash – ‘Did They Go On Fiverr?’

    Sean O’Malley is never one to shy away from speaking his mind, and this time his target is the UFC’s newly unveiled fight kits for the upcoming White House card.

    Set to compete at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 in Washington, D.C., O’Malley will face Aiemann Zahabi in a high-profile bantamweight clash. But ahead of the historic event, the former champion has taken issue with the gear he’s expected to wear.

    The promotion recently revealed special red, white, and blue themed kits designed for the event, complete with White House branding. While the concept leans heavily into the patriotic theme, “Suga” made it clear he’s not impressed with the execution.

    “I don’t know if I’m even supposed to say this, but they’re ugly,” O’Malley said on his YouTube channel. “Mine were ugly. I don’t like them.”

    Known for his colorful style and preference for standout looks, O’Malley also pointed out that the design doesn’t reflect his personality.

    “They’re not pink, which is fine… I’ll make my f*cking hair pink, whatever,” he said. “But I’m just like… did they go on Fiverr and say, ‘Hey, you know, we got these guys getting into a fight on the White House lawn? Can you just come up with something?’”

    Despite his criticism, O’Malley isn’t letting the wardrobe choice distract him from the fight itself. In fact, he believes the white shorts could add a different kind of visual impact once the action begins.

    “I do truly believe I’m gonna crack Aiemann,” O’Malley said. “I think I’m gonna beat the f*ck out of him… I’m excited for my white shorts to be red. Like, I want to see how red I can get my white shorts from his blood.”

    “Suga” enters the bout following a win over Song Yadong at UFC 324 in January, looking to build momentum after setbacks in his title pursuits.

  • UFC 328 Aftermath Sees Several Fighters Hit With Lengthy Medical Suspensions

    UFC 328 Aftermath Sees Several Fighters Hit With Lengthy Medical Suspensions

    UFC 328 delivered an action-packed night in Newark, but the aftermath shows just how much damage the fighters endured inside the cage.

    Following the May 9 event at Prudential Center, the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board issued a lengthy list of medical suspensions, with 11 fighters receiving indefinite suspensions pending medical clearance. The card was headlined by Sean Strickland reclaiming the title in a grueling split decision over Khamzat Chimaev, and both men were among those sidelined.

    Strickland was handed an indefinite suspension until his left hand is cleared by an orthopedist, along with a mandatory 45-day suspension and 30 days of no contact. “Borz” received a 45-day suspension with 30 days no contact.

    The co-main event fighters also did not escape unscathed. Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira were both issued indefinite suspensions. “The Fearless” must receive clearance on his left hand, while Taira requires a CT scan after suffering a late stoppage loss. “The Best” also faces a 90-day suspension with 60 days no contact.

    Several other fighters across the card were also handed medical suspensions, highlighting the physical toll of the event.

    Full UFC 328 medical suspensions:

    • Sean Strickland: Indefinite (left hand), 45 days, 30 no contact
    • Khamzat Chimaev: 45 days, 30 no contact
    • Joshua Van: Indefinite (left hand), 30 days, 21 no contact
    • Tatsuro Taira: Indefinite (CT scan), 90 days, 60 no contact
    • Alexander Volkov: No suspension
    • Waldo Cortes-Acosta: 30 days, 15 no contact
    • Sean Brady: No suspension
    • Joaquin Buckley: 30 days, 21 no contact
    • King Green: No suspension
    • Jeremy Stephens: Indefinite (groin)
    • Ateba Gautier: No suspension
    • Ozzy Diaz: Indefinite (right eye), 60 days, 30 no contact
    • Yaroslav Amosov: No suspension
    • Joel Alvarez: No suspension
    • Grant Dawson: Indefinite (tibia), 30 days, 21 no contact
    • Mateusz Rebecki: Indefinite (orbit), 30 days, 15 no contact
    • Jim Miller: Indefinite (left hand), 30 days, 15 no contact
    • Jared Gordon: 30 days, 15 no contact
    • Roman Kopylov: 45 days, 30 no contact
    • Marco Tulio: Indefinite (foot/ankle), 45 days, 30 no contact
    • Pat Sabatini: No suspension
    • William Gomis: No suspension
    • Baysangur Susurkaev: Indefinite (hand/foot), 45 days, 30 no contact
    • Djorden Santos: 45 days, 30 no contact
    • Jose Ochoa: 30 days, 21 no contact
    • Clayton Carpenter: Indefinite (lower leg), 45 days, 30 no contact

    Notably, clearance from a medical professional can shorten these suspensions.

  • Francis Ngannou Admits He Wanted To Quit Fighting After 15-Month-Old Son’s Death

    Francis Ngannou Admits He Wanted To Quit Fighting After 15-Month-Old Son’s Death

    Francis Ngannou is set to return to action this weekend, but this fight carries a far deeper meaning than anything inside the cage.

    “The Predator” faces Philipe Lins on the undercard of Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, streaming live on Netflix. It marks just his second outing since the devastating loss of his 15-month-old son, Kobe, in 2024.

    Speaking during an emotional interview with Daniel Cormier, the 39-year-old Cameroonian admitted the tragedy had completely altered his outlook on life.

    “You know, it is something you’d never forget, but it definitely brings you to see life in a different way,” Ngannou said. “It was a trigger to find out that I’m still sensitive and I’m still human.”

    The loss left him questioning everything, including his fighting career.

    “I did not want to keep fighting; there was no reason,” he said. “What’s the point of fighting if I cannot fight for my son?”

    “The Predator” also revealed how deeply the trauma continues to affect him, recalling a frightening moment involving his daughter.

    “I remember a few months after my son passed away, I was with my daughter and she had a cold,” Ngannou said. “At some point she stopped reacting and was getting fatigued, and it was the biggest fear of my life. It was a normal reaction for my kid, but for me, I was traumatized.”

    The former UFC heavyweight champion added that his final memory of his son still weighs heavily on him.

    “I think about the last time I saw him… he was crying because he did not want me to leave,” Ngannou said. “Those moments you take for granted.”

  • UFC Legends And Top Analysts Join Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Broadcast Team

    UFC Legends And Top Analysts Join Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Broadcast Team

    Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano is already one of the most talked-about combat sports events of the year, and now the promotion has added even more star power with the official reveal of its broadcast team.

    Set to take place this Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the event will stream exclusively on Netflix under the Most Valuable Promotions banner. The card is headlined by the long-awaited return of Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano in a five-round featherweight showdown.

    For the live broadcast, veteran commentator Mauro Ranallo will handle play-by-play duties, joined cageside by former UFC fighter Kenny Florian as the color analyst. Sibley Scoles will serve as the roving reporter throughout the night, while Sean Wheelock takes on rules and scoring analysis. The in-cage announcing responsibilities will be handled by Kody Mommaerts.

    The desk coverage will be anchored by Elle Duncan, alongside former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley and veteran journalist Ariel Helwani. The panel is expected to feature several high-profile guest appearances during the broadcast, including former UFC champions Jon Jones and Cain Velasquez, as well as Cat Zingano.

    The event marks a significant moment for Netflix as it continues expanding into live combat sports, with this being one of its most high-profile MMA broadcasts to date.

    Fight week coverage will also include multiple live elements. Open workouts are scheduled for Wednesday, followed by the official press conference on Thursday hosted by Helwani. Ceremonial weigh-ins will take place on Friday, with analysis from Woodley and Florian alongside additional commentary from Velasquez.

    Fans will be able to tune in early, with the preliminary card beginning at 6 p.m. ET on MVP’s YouTube channel, while the main card kicks off at 9 p.m. ET exclusively on Netflix.

  • When Was Gina Carano’s Last MMA Fight? Taking A Closer Look At “Conviction’s” Record Ahead Of May 16 Return Against Ronda Rousey

    When Was Gina Carano’s Last MMA Fight? Taking A Closer Look At “Conviction’s” Record Ahead Of May 16 Return Against Ronda Rousey

    Gina Carano was one of the original crossover stars in women’s mixed martial arts, long before the UFC even introduced female divisions. With her charisma, striking style, and mainstream popularity, Carano helped push women’s MMA into the spotlight during the late 2000s and became one of the sport’s first recognizable female stars.

    Now, nearly 17 years after stepping away from professional competition, Carano is slated to return to the cage against Ronda Rousey on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The bout headlines a Most Valuable Promotions card streaming live on Netflix and marks one of the most unexpected comeback fights in recent MMA history.

    With “Conviction” finally making her long-awaited return, many fans have started revisiting her MMA career and asking one major question: when exactly did she last compete, and what happened in that fight? Let’s take a closer look.

    Image: @MostVpromotions/X

    Gina Carano’s Last MMA Fight

    Carano’s final MMA appearance took place at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg on August 15, 2009, in San Jose, California. She faced Cris Cyborg for the inaugural Strikeforce women’s featherweight championship in what became the first women’s bout to headline a major MMA event.

    The fight ended late in the opening round after Cyborg overwhelmed “Conviction” with strikes, earning a TKO stoppage at 4:59 of Round 1. That defeat marked the lone loss of Carano’s professional MMA career.

    Following the fight, the 44-year-old Texan stepped away from MMA and transitioned into acting, eventually appearing in major Hollywood projects such as Haywire, Fast & Furious 6, Deadpool, and The Mandalorian. Over the years, speculation about a comeback surfaced several times, but no fight materialized until the announcement of her clash with Rousey earlier this year.

    Carano initially retired with a professional MMA record of 7-1, including notable victories over Julie Kedzie, Kelly Kobold, and Kaitlin Young. Now, after almost two decades away from competition, she finally gets the chance to step back into the cage once again.

  • Did Ronda Rousey Win Her Last Fight? Revisiting “Rowdy’s” MMA Record Before May 16 Comeback Against Gina Carano

    Did Ronda Rousey Win Her Last Fight? Revisiting “Rowdy’s” MMA Record Before May 16 Comeback Against Gina Carano

    Ronda Rousey once stood as the defining face of women’s MMA, turning a niche division into a global attraction. An Olympic bronze medalist in judo, she translated her elite grappling into a dominant run that helped bring female fighters into the UFC spotlight.

    Nearly a decade after stepping away from competition, the former UFC bantamweight champion is now preparing to step back into the cage.

    “Rowdy” is set to headline a historic return bout against Gina Carano on May 16. The fight will take place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles under the Most Valuable Promotions banner. Contested at 145 pounds over five rounds, the matchup brings together two pioneers of the sport who have been away from MMA for a combined 25 years.

    With her comeback approaching, many fans are revisiting her career and asking a key question. Did Rousey end her MMA run with a victory or a loss? To understand that, it is worth taking a closer look at how her final fights played out.

    Image: @MostVpromotions/X

    Ronda Rousey’s Last MMA Fight

    Ronda Rousey’s final MMA appearance came at UFC 207 in December 2016, where she faced Amanda Nunes for the bantamweight title in Las Vegas.

    The fight was brief and one-sided, as Nunes overwhelmed Rousey with striking and secured a first-round TKO stoppage. It marked a difficult end to Rousey’s fighting career and confirmed a second straight defeat.

    The 39-year-old Californian’s previous outing had already shaken her dominance. At UFC 193 in November 2015, Rousey lost her title to Holly Holm via a stunning head kick knockout. That result snapped her unbeaten streak and remains one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.

    Those two defeats remain the only setbacks on her record, which stands at 12-2, with every victory coming by finish. She secured notable wins over fighters such as Miesha Tate, Cat Zingano, and Liz Carmouche during her title reign.

    As “Rowdy” prepares for her return on May 16, the question now is whether she can bounce back and get her hand raised once again.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Explains Why he Squashed Beef With Sean Strickland

    Khamzat Chimaev Explains Why he Squashed Beef With Sean Strickland

    Khamzat Chimaev has explained the moment that confused fans at UFC 328 and made clear that while he has moved past the animosity with Sean Strickland, he has not moved past the result.

    In a video posted to his Instagram Stories, Chimaev addressed the widespread questioning of whether his feud with Strickland was genuine, pointing to a post-fight apology from Strickland as the reason he was willing to shake hands and place the belt around his opponent’s waist.

    “A lot of people were concerned. We will not give up. We will keep winning again, if it is Allah’s will, and we will keep training. The motivation is still there. We still want to take the belt. And regarding that guy: he said a lot of unnecessary things. People were asking why I shook his hand and why I put the belt on him afterward. We don’t have the habit of talking or fighting after a loss. If we fight, we fight inside the cage, and we fought as best as we could. What Allah has decided is no longer in our control. That guy lowered his head and asked for forgiveness. If a person asks for forgiveness, I can forgive him.”

    The forgiveness has not translated into acceptance of the loss. Per ESPN, Chimaev’s team has confirmed that a rematch with Strickland is the only fight he will consider right now.

    “The rematch with Sean Strickland is the only fight that Khamzat wants, he is obsessed with it. That’s the only fight he will accept right now.”

    Whether the UFC grants an immediate rematch is unclear given that Strickland already has a heated feud with Nassourdine Imavov ready to be made, as well as the possibility of a trilogy with Dricus du Plessis, who holds two wins over the new champion.

  • Nate Diaz Calls Out Charles Oliveira for Turning Down His Fight Request While Chasing McGregor Instead

    Nate Diaz has a specific grievance with Charles Oliveira heading into his MVP MMA 1 fight with Mike Perry on Saturday, and it centers on a fight request that was shut down before being replaced by a callout that Diaz cannot understand.

    Speaking with MMA Fighting, Diaz explained that he had made a respectful approach about fighting Oliveira after the Brazilian won the BMF title by defeating Max Holloway, only to be turned down before watching Oliveira pivot to calling out Conor McGregor.

    “Oliveira got the belt and I was waiting for shit to happen. Oliveira’s the man. I’ve been around longer than Oliveira. Everybody thinks that he’ll kill me but I’m like yeah right. I always wondered why me and Oliveira never fought. So when he finally got the belt and was around, I was like oh sht, I’ll fight f**ing Oliveira. So I said what’s up with Oliveira? Respectfully, I’d like to fight Oliveira. He’s been around and he said ‘no, thanks homie.’ ‘I’m trying to fight for titles and do all this big sh*t’ and I’m like OK, you got me on that.”

    The McGregor callout changed Diaz’s assessment entirely.

    “And then he won fing one fight and then he called out Conor. That’s exactly what I thought when he called out Conor. Why are you trying to fight the guy who’s coming off a leg break, just got knocked out and he’s all fed up and on a downward spiral and you’re over here like ‘no thanks, homie, I’m trying to do bigger things.’”

    Diaz made clear that Oliveira’s logic does not hold up under scrutiny.

    “I was like picking on a guy that just got his ass whooped the whole time, motherfer? You’re full of sht. You think you’re fing tight and that’s why I had something to say about Oliveira. I don’t have nothing against him except for that. No thanks, homie, I’m onto bigger, better things. Like what? Picking on a guy who just got his ass whooped the whole time? That’s whack. Those are the motherf**ers that I’m trying to fight. I’m fighting the bullies.”

  • Aiemann Zahabi Shuts Down Sean O’Malley’s UFC White House Bet

    Aiemann Zahabi Shuts Down Sean O’Malley’s UFC White House Bet

    Sean O’Malley tried to add a personal stake to his UFC White House bantamweight matchup against Aiemann Zahabi and got shut down in a single word, before also using his YouTube channel to air his feelings about the new fight kit he has been handed for the June 14 event.

    O’Malley had posted on X, proposing that the loser of their White House matchup have the winner’s country’s flag tattooed on them. Zahabi’s response was immediate and definitive, citing the Islamic prohibition on tattoos as altering what Allah created.

    “Haram brother.”

    The tattoo bet is dead. O’Malley’s design complaints are alive. Speaking on his YouTube channel about the new fight kits unveiled for UFC Freedom 250, O’Malley was pointed about what he thinks of them.

    “I don’t even know if I’m supposed to say but since you brought it up I feel like I can, they’re ugly. Mine were ugly. I don’t like them. I don’t like them. They’re not pink, which is fine. I’ve worn other colors, I’m not gonna not show up because my shorts aren’t pink. I’ll make my hair pink, whatever. But I’m just like, did they go on Fiverr?”

    O’Malley also noted he has been told the White House card is not a title eliminator despite Dana White’s public dismissal of that framing, though a strong performance against Zahabi would push him back into the bantamweight championship conversation. Zahabi is on a seven-fight winning streak heading into the matchup.

    UFC Freedom 250 takes place June 14 at the White House South Lawn in Washington D.C.

  • Nate Diaz Blasts Dustin Poirier Over Future Fight Talk

    Nate Diaz Blasts Dustin Poirier Over Future Fight Talk

    Nate Diaz has responded to Dustin Poirier’s suggestion that he would come out of retirement to fight him, and his answer was not an invitation.

    Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Diaz addressed Poirier’s stated willingness to return for a matchup and delivered a blunt assessment of the retired fighter’s credibility as a potential opponent.

    “I am interested if he f***ing gets in there and starts fighting people. I don’t fight retired fighters. He jumped ship a little early, so it’s not someone that I’m that interested in. Get back in the game and start squabbling with people. Where the hell did you go? ‘I’ll come back for you now.’ No, don’t come back on account of me. Get some sleep. Get you some sleep.”

    Diaz then described the manner of Poirier’s retirement as the core of his problem with the situation.

    “He got emotional when he fought somebody, and he’s like, ‘I’m retired. Oh, this was so great.’ A whole fing little lady moment where he needed to talk about his feelings and how he was all done with all this. And then he went, ‘Oh, what the fk did I do?’ Yeah, you were being a btch in your post-fight interview, and you set your gloves down and you shed a tear, and then two weeks later he’s like, ‘I want to fight Nate, I’ll come back for Nate.’ Like, you didn’t even leave, stupid. You f**ing pssed out. Don’t involve me in that sht. Get back in the game and start squabbling.”

    Poirier retired following his loss to Max Holloway in Louisiana last year and had previously said on the Deep Waters podcast that a Diaz fight was one he would genuinely come back for given the unfinished business between them. Diaz and Poirier were booked to fight at UFC 230 in November 2018 before Poirier’s hip injury forced the cancellation.

    Diaz faces Mike Perry in the co-main event of MVP MMA 1 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Saturday, streaming live on Netflix.

  • Former UFC Star Zabit Magomedsharipov Reveals Why he Retired

    Former UFC Star Zabit Magomedsharipov Reveals Why he Retired

    Zabit Magomedsharipov has finally explained the circumstances behind his 2022 retirement from MMA, and the frustration that drove him away from the sport centers on a specific sequence of canceled fights and what he believes was a deliberate decision by the UFC to deny him a title shot.

    Magomedsharipov, who went 6-0 inside the UFC before his final appearance at UFC 242 in November 2019, spoke on a video posted by ACB JJ ahead of a grappling appearance expected later in 2026. The talk of a UFC return has been replaced by the story of why he left in the first place.

    “There were a lot of reasons I retired, so many reasons. Just couldn’t make the fight happen. I wanted to fight but they’d postpone fights and we couldn’t make a deal. But all these times I was making weight, going through camps, flying out to America. And by the time you get there, you’ve already been through so much: weight cut, training, camp and everything. And then you arrive and two or three weeks before the fight they tell you, ‘That’s it, he’s injured,’ and they postpone again. I’d go back home again, and start getting ready all over again. Imagine that about five times. I got tired of it. Like, how much can you take?”

    He also revealed that an agreement existed with the UFC regarding a title shot in the event of another cancellation, one he says was never honored.

    “We had some agreements with them: if he pulls out of the fight a third time, they’d automatically give me the title fight. That’s what we’ve talked about. And the third time he found excuses, he came up with a lot of reasons. Then they started offering me someone else. First Korean Zombie, then some other guy, but really, at that time, it was me and Rodriguez. The two of us were contenders.”

    Magomedsharipov also claimed the UFC’s reluctance to promote him to a title shot was influenced by the number of Russian champions already on the roster at the time.

    “And they just didn’t want to make me a champion. I know why, too. Because at that time we already had a lot of champions from Russia. Khabib was the champion then, and Yan. And because of that it wasn’t beneficial for them that a third champion would be from Russia. At first, before they were around, they promoted me really well.”

    Magomedsharipov, who turned 35 in March, last fought in November 2019 when he defeated Calvin Kattar by decision to improve to 18-1 overall and 6-0 in the UFC.

  • Ngannou’s Coach Claims Francis Is ‘Best Heavyweight In World’

    Ngannou’s Coach Claims Francis Is ‘Best Heavyweight In World’

    Francis Ngannou’s striking coach Dewey Cooper has delivered a confident assessment of where the former UFC heavyweight champion stands heading into his MVP MMA debut against Philipe Lins on Saturday’s Netflix card, making a sweeping claim about Ngannou’s place in the current heavyweight landscape.

    Speaking on MVP UNCUT, Cooper pointed to Ngannou’s championship record across two organizations as the foundation for his argument.

    “He’s a two-company world champion. He’s never been dethroned. He’s never lost his championship belt in two major organizations. Francis is undoubtedly the best heavyweight mixed martial artist in the world. He’s never lost the championship in either company. So, he has a standard that he puts himself on.”

    Cooper was enthusiastic about Ngannou’s preparation for the return, which marks his first MMA competition since October 2024.

    “Everything is terrific, man. May 16th. We’re super excited. I really feel it’s a great incentive, it being the first mixed martial arts fight on Netflix. I think that puts the cherry on top for him psychologically because he’s been training extremely well and we can’t wait until fight night. He looks phenomenal. We’re excited about what he’s going to show fight night. It’s going to be something fantastic. He’s on another level, guys.”

    Ngannou departed the PFL earlier this year and signed with Most Valuable Promotions, with Saturday’s card at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood marking his promotional debut. Lins is a former PFL heavyweight tournament winner and a credible name for Ngannou’s return without representing a top-five divisional threat. The five-round scheduling of the bout suggests MVP wants Ngannou active and visible on the historic card.

    Rousey vs. Carano headlines the Netflix event with Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry in the co-main event.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Books Surprise June 13 Return Against Polarizing MMA Star After UFC 328 Defeat

    Khamzat Chimaev Books Surprise June 13 Return Against Polarizing MMA Star After UFC 328 Defeat

    Khamzat Chimaev isn’t wasting any time getting back into competition after suffering the first loss of his professional MMA career at UFC 328.

    Just days after dropping the middleweight title to Sean Strickland in a grueling five-round battle, Chimaev already has his next matchup booked, though it won’t take place inside the Octagon.

    Instead, “Borz” will return to the wrestling mats next month as part of Real American Freestyle’s upcoming RAF 10 event in St. Louis.

    The matchup marks Chimaev’s promotional debut for RAF and his first official wrestling appearance in several years.

    His opponent will be none other than Dillon Danis, the controversial grappling specialist and longtime combat sports agitator who recently competed under the RAF banner against former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington.

    Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dillon Danis Booked For RAF 10

    RAF officially announced the matchup on Tuesday, confirming the bout will headline RAF 10 on June 13 at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri.

    The event comes less than a week after “Borz” lost a split decision to Strickland at UFC 328, ending both his undefeated MMA streak and his short-lived middleweight title reign.

    While the Chechen star remains focused on eventually reclaiming UFC gold, the RAF appearance gives him an opportunity to stay active without immediately jumping back into another brutal MMA training camp.

    It also potentially signals the beginning of his long-rumored move to light heavyweight. Chimaev has openly discussed being finished with difficult middleweight weight cuts, and competing in a heavier wrestling matchup could serve as a transition toward a future UFC run at 205 pounds.

    Danis, meanwhile, enters the matchup looking to rebound after losing to Covington via technical fall during his RAF debut earlier this year. Once viewed as one of the elite grapplers in the sport, Danis initially rose to prominence as a training partner of Conor McGregor before building his own polarizing reputation through MMA, boxing, and social media controversies.

    RAF 10 will also feature additional high-profile names, including Tony Ferguson vs. Arman Tsarukyan and Aaron Pico vs. Lance Palmer.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Formally Requests Sean Strickland Rematch

    Khamzat Chimaev Formally Requests Sean Strickland Rematch

    Khamzat Chimaev has reversed his position from immediately after UFC 328 and is now formally pursuing a rematch against Sean Strickland, with his brother confirming that the request has been made and that an October event in Abu Dhabi is the target.

    Just hours after the split-decision loss to Strickland on Saturday, Chimaev told Dana White he wants to move up to light heavyweight and is done at middleweight. Within days, he had posted cryptic messages on social media directed at Strickland, and now his brother Artur has confirmed to sports.ru that the camp’s position is clear.

    “We’ve requested a rematch with Strickland. There’s an event in Abu Dhabi in October and we want to do it there. Khamzat isn’t the type of person to move to another weight class and leave unanswered questions behind. We want the second fight. Right now we have no other goals.”

    ESPN has separately reported that Chimaev is obsessed with getting the rematch and will not accept other bookings in the meantime, a posture that puts the UFC in a complicated position, given that Strickland has already identified Nassourdine Imavov as a likely next opponent, and a queue of genuine contenders exists at 185 pounds.

    Artur confirmed that Chimaev cut from 231 pounds down to 185 pounds after being asked to defend the middleweight title instead of competing in a planned 205-pound fight against Jiri Prochazka, for which a contract had already been prepared. Two weeks before the fight, Chimaev weighed 214 pounds. His body shut down during the final stages of the cut, and he required an hour-long pause before continuing.