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Tag: Dana White

  • Jon Jones ‘changed his mind’ about fighting Tom Aspinall, says Dana White

    UFC president Dana White has confirmed that Jon Jones changed his mind about fighting Tom Aspinall as fans come to terms with his retirement.

    As we know, Jon Jones has decided to retire from mixed martial arts. While he’s had an incredible career, his heavyweight run certainly left a lot to be desired. The majority of fight fans are of the belief that he should’ve squared off with Aspinall, especially given that the Englishman is the interim champion in the division.

    Either way, though, it doesn’t seem as if we’re going to see Jon Jones in action anytime soon, especially now that Aspinall has been promoted to undisputed champion status. There were plenty of rumors going around regarding how this came about and in a recent interview, Dana White opted to shed a bit of light on the subject.

    Dana White confirms Jon Jones changed his mind about Tom Aspinall fight

    “I saw (Jones’ legal news Sunday). When I saw it today, I thought, ‘Every one is going to think that’s why he retired,’” White told the Mac Life and other reporters Sunday at the Canelo vs. Crawford news conference in New York. “Maybe that is why he retired. Who the hell knows, man. I don’t know. These are all questions you have to ask him. We had the fight done. You saw me talking about it very confidently, that this fight was going to happen, and then he changed his mind.”

    “No, (he’s not ducking Tom Aspinall),” White said. “Jon Jones, I’ve said it a million times, and I’ll say it again: He’s never ducked anybody other than that one goofy time with the Chael Sonnen thing (at UFC 151). He’s never ducked anybody and I think the reality of it is, whatever changed his mind with this fight, you’d have to ask him that. He’s 38 years old, and I don’t know.”

    Quotes via MMA Junkie

  • BREAKING: Jon Jones Officially Retired, Tom Aspinall Named UFC Heavyweight Champion

    BREAKING: Jon Jones Officially Retired, Tom Aspinall Named UFC Heavyweight Champion

    All this time waiting, and the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall fight will not come to pass.

    At the UFC Baku Post-Fight Press Conference, UFC CEO and President Dana White officially declared the status of Jon Jones as “retired,” officially ending Jones’ two-year run as the UFC heavyweight champion.

    As a result, the UFC head honcho has announced, Tom Aspinall, who was the interim UFC heavyweight champion, will now be elevated to undisputed champion.

    “Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” White said. “Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”

    Tom Aspinall Named New Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion Following Jon Jones Retirement

    Since Aspinall’s interim title win, talks have circulated around a potential undisputed title fight between Jones and Aspinall — with those talks intensifying after Jones’ win over Miocic. Constant debates were had over if Jones would actually take up the fight.

    While there had been moments of hope — for instance, White claiming the fight was nearly signed — there had been plenty of moments that showed the fight might not happen. Instances included Aspinall’s “duck” callout earlier in the year at UFC London, as well as Aspinall’s father berating Jones and his team about dragging out negotiations.

    Just a couple of days ago, Jones appeared on the Full Send Podcast and stated that he is at a point where he doesn’t care about fighting.

    “I am retired,” Jones said. “Right now, I could really care less about fighting. I’ve been doing it all my life at a very high level. When the itch comes back, if it comes back, then I’ll do it with my whole heart, and I’ll do it to the best of my abilities.”

    Jones had been heavyweight champion since submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 — which marked his first fight in the UFC after vacating the UFC light heavyweight championship — a division that Jones dominated throughout the 2010s — three years prior.

    Jones only made one defense of the championship, defeating former champion Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309 this past November. The two had been scheduled to meet at UFC 295 the previous year, also at Madison Square Garden, before a torn pec put Jones on the shelf.

    It was at that UFC 295 card where Aspinall defeated Sergei Pavlovich to become interim heavyweight champion. He defended the interim title in a rare feat at UFC 304, scoring a first-round finish of Curtis Blaydes.

  • Dana White Gives Big (and Negative) Update: ‘If Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Can’t Happen, We’ll Move On Fast’

    Dana White Gives Big (and Negative) Update: ‘If Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Can’t Happen, We’ll Move On Fast’

    UFC president Dana White has provided a fresh update on the possible title unification fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.

    As we know, Dana White has been trying to get Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall booked for a long time now. It’s a fight that makes sense with both Jones and Aspinall holding gold in the heavyweight division, but for whatever reason, it just doesn’t seem like ‘Bones’ is particularly interested in throwing down with Aspinall – unless it’s for a whole lot of money.

    For Dana White, we can only imagine how much frustration this is causing him. He always wants to put on the biggest and best fights imaginable and after failing to get Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou over the line, it’d be a real shame if the same thing happens with a fight that’s arguably just as big.

    In a recent interview, Dana White spoke candidly about when fans can expect to hear an announcement regarding what’s happening.

    Dana White provides Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall update

    “Jon Jones has never turned down an opponent here before, or been afraid to fight anybody.”

    “I don’t know, we’ll see how this thing plays out over the next couple of weeks. Yeah, if we can’t get this fight done, we’ll move on quickly.”

    “We’ll have the answers in the next couple of weeks.”

    While White can hope and pray that this fight is going to happen, his tone has certainly changed in the last couple of weeks. Hopefully, we get a surprise announcement confirming the fight sooner rather than later.

  • ‘You Gave Up On Yourself’ – The TUF Stuff: The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 Episode 4 Recap

    ‘You Gave Up On Yourself’ – The TUF Stuff: The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 Episode 4 Recap

    Welcome, everyone, to the fourth edition of The TUF Stuff!

    Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

    This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

    Last week saw the second flyweight matchup of the season, as Team Cormier’s Imanol Rodriguez defeated Team Sonnen’s Arshiyan Memon in a highly entertaining encounter.

    Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 4

    Tonight, it’s back to the 170-pound weight division, as Team Cormier’s Jeff Creighton takes on Team Sonnen’s Andreeas Binder…or will it? (based on the preview shown)

    Let’s get into episode four of The Ultimate Fighter!

    Team Sonnen Training Session – Matt Serra Joins

    This week’s TUF alumnus guest is Matt Serra, who won the fourth season of the show (The Comeback) — and used that TUF win to get momentum and upset Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69 to capture the UFC welterweight championship.

    Serra says even today, he still considers the championship victory “surreal,” albeit something he’s very proud of.

    Serra tells the team to seize the opportunity — and to forget about home life for a while. Serra then leads the team through drills, namely with Serra’s grappling ability, while Sonnen praises Serra for his ability to communicate effectively as a coach.

    Matt Dixon adds his own praise, saying he makes the tips and techniques easy to retain.

    TUF House

    Jeff Creighton, while getting his hair cut, reflects on how he met his wife at a bonfire and how much he misses her — and her own sacrifices.

    Creighton adds he hopes to be able to take care of his parents one day for all that they did for him.

    Jeff Creighton Backstory

    We go to Valley Center, California, where Creighton lives with his wife in a trailer on her parents’ property. Creighton’s wife, Halley, says you would not expect Creighton to be a fighter based on his personality outside of the cage.

    Creighton trains at The Arena in San Diego under the tutelage of Vince Salvador.

    Creighton says he is aggressive in his fighting style, putting pressure on his opponents — regardless of striking or grappling.

    Andreeas Binder Fight Prep

    Sonnen tells Binder that there is nothing that breaks a wrestler more than when his opponent gets up from the bottom. Sonnen reflects on Creighton being the best wrestler — and that Binder is the least effective with his wrestling. Sonnen notes that Ireland, where Binder is from, “sucks” at wrestling and hasn’t made a real attempt at an Olympic medal in a while.

    Sonnen, however, says that Binder is a “dog” and a scrappy fighter. Binder, in a video package, promotes his judo ability — as well as his knockout power.

    Colby Covington helps lead Binder through wrestling training. Binder says he doesn’t focus on anything about Creighton; he’s focused on himself improving.

    Sonnen says Binder told him that he’s not putting his energy in the training, but in the weight cut. Sonnen says he trusts Binder will do things right and get things done…

    Jeff Creighton Fight Prep

    Cormier says that Binder has made a statement about winning the competition, but Cormier has been impressed with what he sees from Creighton.

    Creighton says he typically works on his boxing, and he wants to get his hands on Binder and make it a “dirty” fight.

    Creighton says his nickname is “Jazzy Jeff” because his coach saw pep in his step. Creighton says he’ll do what he has to do to win.

    Cormier adds he wants Creighton to pressure Binder and score takedowns where he gets the chances and grind out a win.

    Andreeas Binder Backstory

    We find out about Binder’s own relationship. Binder’s wife, who he proposed to in 2018, changed jobs to help accommodate Binder pursuing his fighting dreams, according to Binder.

    Binder describes himself as an overweight kid who was bullied a lot. At the encouragement of his coach,

    Binder trains at SBG Charlestown under NAME. Binder says he is doing this for himself and to make a living and provide for his family. “It’s time to show the world…no one works as hard as me.”

    Binder also shows off a WWE championship with his name on it, desiring gold of his own one day.

    Weight Cut — And The Issues

    Binder says that cutting weight is the hardest part of the sport, but “every fighter” has to do it.

    About 18 hours till weigh-in, Binder was at 184.5. We see Binder do some exercises, be in the sauna, and wrap himself in “the burrito” as he tries to sweat off the weight.

    With 14 hours till weigh-in, he is eight pounds away from making the limit. Binder says he’s looking forward to the fight.

    Two hours into cutting weight in the morning, however, and it appears Binder has stopped sweating.

    Binder is at 176 pounds with only a couple of hours to go until the weigh-in. Matt Dixon reflects that something seemed wrong, with Binder uneasy on the stairs. His teammates tell him to stop cutting weight, and that he needs to prioritize his health.

    Sonnen comes by the TUF House to check on the situation. Sonnen reflects on how Dana White doesn’t forgive fighters who miss weight on TUF.

    Sonnen offers $1,000 for every pound Binder is over ($5,000). Creighton asks for $2,500 per pound because of the opportunity that’s at stake and Binder’s irresponsibility.

    Sonnen accepts the request, with Creighton adding “I’m going to kick his a** anyway.” Sonnen says he’s willing to go to the bank and ensure Creighton receives the money. Binder feels upset and wants to pay Sonnen back.

    Cormier seems like he wished Creighton just took the forfeit.

    The Fight: Jeff Creighton vs. Andreeas Binder

    —–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

    Creighton weighs in at 171. Binder weighs in at 175.5. Fight is on despite the weight miss!

    Dana White says while he’s sent people home in the past for missing weight, Sonnen’s actions — a first in TUF history — permits him to let the fight go on. And it seems White has taken up a soft spot for Creighton based on his actions.

    Cormier receives the envelope for Sonnen. Cormier tells Creighton to “look into the eyes of a desperate man” during the staredown. Creighton tells Binder “You gave up on yourself. Now you’re going to give up tomorrow.”

    Creighton says he feels confident about the fight after the weight miss, feeling Binder doesn’t want it and will come out sluggish. Binder, however, says he wants it more than Creighton.

    Jeff Creighton vs. Andreeas Binder

    Round 1

    Creighton goes for a high kick early. Round kick to the body by Creighton. Creighton comes forward. Jab from Binder. Low kick by Binder. Combination from Creighton. Creighton rushes forward, but Binder gets away from the grappling attempt. Binder grabs a leg and lands a right hand. Creighton attacks the body again as Cormier yells “Attack that belly!” Binder blocks another low kick. Right hand from Creighton. Round kick by Creighton as Binder throws a left.

    Cracking one-two from Binder! Creighton recovers and ends up grabbing a leg. Binder escapes, and Cormier tells Creighton to get back on it. Binder blocks a kick and lands a hook. Binder dumps Creighton, and he looks to land from up top. Binder drops into Creighton’s guard. Creighton goes for a leg — and then an armbar attempt! But Binder escapes!

    Creighton throws upkicks at a standing Binder. Binder with a round kick to Creighton’s legs. Another upkick and another round kick to the legs before Creighton gets up. Binder immediately presses him into the fence. Creighton makes his way off with a minute left in the round. Creighton presses now, but Binder gets out of his grasp with some ease. Small combination from Creighton. Binder misses a big right hand but lands a low kick. Jab lands for Creighton as he presses Binder into the fence and lands a cross. Another body kick from Creighton. Binder pins Creighton against the fence before the horn.

    Cormier notes that Creighton busted Binder open badly around his elbow.

    Round 2

    One-two from Creighton. Left hand from each man. Creighton throws the left jab. Body kick from Creighton, followed by a knee. Low kick from Creighton. Left hand from Binder, who is bleeding above his right eyebrow. Creighton presses Binder into the fence. Binder gives up his back. Creighton lands a series of right hands before taking Binder down. Creighton flattens Binder out and goes into ground-and-pound mode. Creighton looks for a choke but settles for taking Binder’s back, locking in a body triangle.

    Creighton continues to do damage, bloodying up Binder (and the canvas) even more. Creighton continues to search for the choke with his ground pressure. Creighton lands a strong elbow. Creighton gets an arm around the neck for the choke. Binder tries to fight and works out of it. Creighton continues to hold the position as Binder continues to fight off the choke attempt. Creighton fires off some more ground strikes. Binder tries to land elbows to Creighton’s leg. The blood is POURING. It is SPEWING out of Binder. Creighton continues to land ground strikes. Creighton lands again and focuses on landing solid elbows to the head as the round ends.

    One of the bloodiest rounds in TUF history — maybe even one of the bloodiest fights in TUF history.

    To the surprise of the coaches, and Binder, the fight is called after two rounds — the judges have seen enough to render a decision after 10 minutes.

    Winner: Jeff Creighton via unanimous decision after two rounds

    Conclusion

    Sonnen felt that Binder won the first round, noting Creighton’s reaction at the end of the round and the fact Binder was standing and trading a lot of the time. But all was needed was Creighton to take Binder down in the second round, where Creighton dominated, bloodying up Binder BADLY. Sonnen said he was okay with Binder defending and conceding the round because he was confident Binder won the first. Sonnen speculates the judges awarded Creighton a 10-8 round two. Sonnen blames himself for that miscalculation.

    Creighton says he wanted a nasty, bloody fight, and he got that. Creighton says he is one of the best welterweights in the world and will continue to prove that.

    The coaches tell Binder he stayed in the fight and they do feel jipped. Binder says Creighton was who he expected and that the loss is just “part of the game.”

    Halfway through the first round now, Cormier announces that Team Cormier’s Alibi Idiris will take on Team Sonnen’s Furkatbek Yokubov in the next flyweight matchup — a fight Cormier says might be the most evenly-matched pairing in round one.

    Season 24 competitor and former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno will join Team Cormier next week. Ryan Clark, former NFL player and current ESPN personality, will also be present to hype up Idiris before his fight.

    What will happen next week? Join alongside us then!

    Thanks for joining me for another edition of The TUF Stuff!

  • ‘I Have To Give It My All…To Make Them Proud’ – The TUF Stuff: The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 Episode 3 Recap

    ‘I Have To Give It My All…To Make Them Proud’ – The TUF Stuff: The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 Episode 3 Recap

    Welcome, everyone, to the third edition of The TUF Stuff!

    Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

    This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

    Last week saw the first welterweight matchup of the season, as Team Cormier’s Danill Donchenko put on a dominant performance against Team Sonnen’s Richard Martins, not allowing Martins into the fight much. Team Cormier drew first blood at 170 after Team Sonnen took the first flyweight bout in the first episode.

    Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 3

    Tonight, it’s back to the 125-pound weight division, as Team Cormier’s Imanol Rodriguez takes on Team Sonnen’s Arshiyan Memon.

    Let’s get into episode three of The Ultimate Fighter!

    Team Sonnen Training Session

    Colby Covington talks with Diego Bianchini about fighting in Brazil, praising the Brazilian fans and fighters like Demian Maia. Of course, that fight brought a lot of controversy and notoriety for Covington. Covington says he’s using the opportunity to talk to fighters like Bianchini — a training partner of Maia’s — about the importance of marketing oneself as a fighter. Bianchini was very receptive to Covington’s advice.

    TUF House

    Danill Donchenko says that Bianchini is trying to live up to his name of “The Brazilian Bad Boy” in the house, but he’s not buying it. Bianchini, a member of the Fighting Nerds, says he’s not here to make friends. More bad blood brews between Bianchini and Brazilian rival Rodrigo Sezinado. Sezinado insinuates Bianchini is all hype. Mehman says Bianchini is trying to intimidate all of the Team Cormier fighters, but he’s not here for it.

    Team Cormier Training Session

    Cormier mixes in fight-based exercises with working the bike, trying to simulate the pace of a fight.

    “A fight is not 25 minutes of a burst,” Cormier explains. “Burst, peel back some. Burst, peel back some.

    Cormier’s fighters say this kind of training is difficult, but they are reaping the benefits. Team Cormier’s coaches yell right in front of the fighters on the bikes, and Cormier laughs, saying it looks like something out of a movie.

    Team Sonnen Training Session 2 – Carla Esparza joins

    Sonnen brings in former TUF winner and strawweight champion Carla Esparza as this week’s guest trainer. Esparza ran through the competition on season 20 of the show to become the inaugural UFC women’s strawweight champion — defeating Rose Namajunas in the final.

    Esparza tells the fighters they’re in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to put in all the hard work in both training and their fights.

    Esparza explains to the team how she fakes out fighters to put throw up a knee before changing her angles to utilize her expert-level wrestling.

    Esparza reflects on all of the highs and lows of her career and says at the end of the day, she wants to be able to look back on her time on TUF and in the UFC — and appreciate everything that they were.

    Imanol Rodriguez Backstory

    Rodriguez looks at a photo of him from when he was little and gets emotional, not wanting to waste the opportunity in front of him. Rodriguez says he wasn’t sure he’d get to this point when he was little — and says the younger version of him would be proud of him.

    Rodriguez reflects on growing up in Mexico, showing his family, which runs a taqueria. Rodriguez began in judo when he was younger and currently trains at the Blackxicans and the Brazilian Warriors, the latter of which is led by UFC fighter Diego Lopes.

    Arshiyan Memon Fight Prep

    Back at the TUF House, everyone seems to be very amused by Memon and his antics, from how he remembers fighters names, and calling one fighter Mr. Bean, to purposely talking loud to spoil plans.

    Memon mentions his kickboxing experience that gives him a striking edge — then adds that he’s improved his ground game through picking up wrestling moves to help with takedown defense.

    Sonnen tells Memon to not waste time on the ground if on the bottom and try to stand up right away. If on top, however, Sonnen tells Memon to do damage there, as Rodriguez is not a submission threat.

    Sonnen says his words and advice appeared to light more of a fire under him: “He strikes me as a guy as someone who hasn’t had anyone believe in him.”

    Sonnen highlights Memon’s striking speed and says that boxing speed and working his combinations will be the key to success against Rodriguez.

    “This guy is a powerhouse at 125,” Sonnen said. “He has the physical strength, I’ve seen him in bad positions…and I’ve seen him power out of the spots. I think it’s going to make a big difference.

    “This is going to be a long, drawn-out battle, but Arshion will win this.”

    Arshiyan Memon Backstory

    Memon, the first Indian fighter in TUF history, explains the financial struggles of most of the common people who lives in Mumbai. Memon explains the ups and downs of living in such a heavily populated area with his small family. Memon helps his dad with his small grocery shop.

    Memon always loved sports and took up kickboxing at the end of his schooling before his kickboxing coach pushed him to MMA. Memon now runs his own academy.

    “Because of me, MMA is growing in my hometown,” he said. “In India, everyone now wants to become a professional MMA fighter.”

    Memon discussed his strong sense of faith and how it keeps him humble. Memon promises to take his country proud in the competition.

    Imanol Rodriguez Fight Prep

    Cprmier tells Rodriguez to keep pressure and to keep his head moving. Cormier tells Rodriguez he’s the better fighter — making note of how Memon’s stance often leaves his head exposed.

    Cormier adds that Rodriguez’s training is “crazy” and like a “psychopath.”

    “He can wrestle, he’s got that great striking, and he can grapple. He can do it all.”

    Cormier adds that Rodriguez should focus on body strikes, noting that’s where Rodriguez can do heavy damage to Memon.

    We then get a bit of a montage of Rodriguez’s time on the regional circuit.

    Rodriguez re-affirms he will focus on head movement and look to make Memon crumble with body blows.

    The Fight: Imanol Rodriguez vs. Arshiyan Memon

    —–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

    Rodriguez weighs in at 125. Memon weighs in at 126. Fight is on!

    Jeff Creighton calls Rodriguez a “savage” and “one of the most explosive flyweights I’ve ever seen.” Andreeas Binder compares Memon to a bull, focusing on his strength, calling him the “Mumbai Monster.” UFC CEO Dana White says he’s been really looking forward to this fight between undefeated fighters on the biggest stage the pair has ever had.

    Rodriguez tells Memon he doesn’t understand how much of a dog he is. The two trade some words before being led off by their coaches.

    Memon says it’s a dream to get on a major world stage like this and will use this to gain confidence in future fights. He says he wants to fly the Indian flag high on this stage. Rodriguez, meanwhile, notes the importance of strategy in this first fight and that this is the first step toward becoming a UFC champion.

    Imanol Rodriguez vs. Arshiyan Memon

    Round 1

    Memon on the front foot to start. He throws a low kick. Another low kick. Rodriguez tries to come forward. Round kick gets blocked by Rodriguez and he connects on a few punches. Another round kick from Memon. Memon misses a couple of left hooks. A hard kick lands low on Rodriguez, hitting him right in the cup.

    The fight soon resumes. One-two from Rodriguez. A couple of more kicks from Memon. Rodriguez pressing the action. Rodriguez rushes in, and Memon goes for a clinch, but Rodriguez fets away. A low kick is caught by Roidriguez. Rodriguez lands on the body and Memon is hurt. Rodriguez brings them to the ground and starts to throw ground-and-pound. Memon warned multiple times for grabbing the cage. Rodriguez goes into side control. Memon gets away.

    Memon is soon forced back to the feet. Memon works a combination on Rodriguez now. A right hand by Memon. Memon clinches up. Rodriguez presses him into the fence before separating. Memon goes for a takedown but Rodriguez stuffs in. Rodriguez then gets to Memon’s back on the ground. Rodriguez searches for the neck. Rodriguez flattens him and lands a couple of punches. He goes back to searching for the choke. Memon turns over and is mounted right away. Cormier yells for ground-and-pound, but Rodriguez doesn’t deliver.

    Memon gets back to his feet and presses. Low kick from each man. Memon blocks a kick and comes forward with his attacks. Rodriguez stuns Memon with a combination. He’s flurrying him! Memon is against the fence and eating those shots! The ref steps in!

    Imanol Rodriguez gets the win in a fight that Dana White calls “one of the best fights I’ve seen in a minute.”

    Conclusion

    Sonnen says Rodriguez “fought like he was Nate Diaz.” He notes that Memon tried to fire back and left his chin open in the process — and Rodriguez took advantage of that.

    Cormier says Rodriguez initially struggled with range, but once he found it, he poured on the shots.

    White gives credit to Memon for his chin and his inability to quit. White says Rodriguez “is the kind of fighter we want in the flyweight division.”

    Rodriguez takes in White’s words and is humbled by them but isn’t done.

    White gives credit to an emotional Memon and assures him he’ll be fight. Memon said he appreciated White’s motivation but feels disappointed. Cormier comforts Memon backstage as well, complimenting him and telling him to keep his head up. Memon promises to improve from the loss.

    With Team Cormier’s victory, he names the next welterweight fight: Team Cormier’s Jeff Creighton vs. Team Sonnen’s Andreeas Binder. The two seem to promise each other the fight of the season.

    Matt Serra will be next week’s guest, sharing his experience and strategies with Team Sonnen.

    But, uh oh! Looks like Binder has had weight cutting issues in the past — and they’re going to come back to haunt him?!?

    What will happen next week? Join alongside us then!

    Thanks for joining me for another edition of The TUF Stuff!

  • Dana White Says Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Is ‘Done’ – But Should We Believe It This Time?

    Dana White Says Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Is ‘Done’ – But Should We Believe It This Time?

    Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is basically a done deal according to UFC leader Dana White. After months of swirling rumors, social media sniping, and enough speculation to fill a heavyweight octagon, UFC CEO Dana White has finally tried to put the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall saga to bed.

    Dana White Drops the Mic on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Rumors

    Speaking at the UFC 316 post-fight press conference, White delivered a line that should, in theory, end the guessing game: “Jon Jones agreed to fight Tom. He was offered the deal and accepted the deal. Unless you hear it come from here or we put out a press release, don’t believe any of the rumors.”

    It’s the kind of statement that sounds definitive, but if you’ve followed this heavyweight drama, you know nothing is ever that simple. For over a year, Aspinall has been stuck in interim champion limbo, defending his belt and fielding questions about Jones’ whereabouts. Meanwhile, Jon Jones has been busy on social media, sometimes teasing retirement, sometimes hinting at a “legacy” fight with Francis Ngannou, and occasionally lobbing a jab or two at Aspinall for good measure.

    Dana White’s latest declaration is meant to cut through the noise, but the UFC boss himself admits that until the contracts are signed and the walkouts are scheduled, anything can happen. “Unless you hear it come from here…” is classic Dana White – reminding everyone that, in the UFC, the only thing more unpredictable than a heavyweight punch is the matchmaking process itself.

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

    Tom Aspinall, for his part, has already started looking ahead, making it clear he’s not waiting around for Jones to make up his mind. He’s ready to fight twice this year, with or without the so-called “GOAT” in the opposite corner. Fans, meanwhile, have taken matters into their own hands, launching petitions to strip Jones of his title and demanding the division move forward.

    So is it a done deal? If you believe Dana White, yes – at least until the next plot twist. Stay tuned, just don’t believe the rumors unless they come with an official UFC stamp.

    Dana White Introduces Pit-Style ‘Bowl’ Ahead of UFC BJJ Debut
    Image: UFC.com

  • ‘BIG DECK ENERGY’ — Fans React As Dana White Introduces Pit-Style ‘Bowl’ Ahead of UFC BJJ Debut on June 25

    ‘BIG DECK ENERGY’ — Fans React As Dana White Introduces Pit-Style ‘Bowl’ Ahead of UFC BJJ Debut on June 25

    The UFC is rolling out its latest battleground in the combat sports arena.

    On Friday, the world’s leading MMA promotion officially launched its latest endeavor — UFC BJJ, a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition platform. The inaugural event, UFC BJJ 1, is set for June 25 during UFC International Fight Week and will feature three championship bouts to crown the first-ever bantamweight, lightweight, and welterweight titleholders.

    While the full lineup of participants remains under wraps for now, one high-profile matchup has been confirmed: multiple-time world champion Mikey Musumeci will face rising talent Rerisson Gabriel for the inaugural 135-pound title.

    Additionally, the newly launched grappling promotion will debut UFC BJJ: Road to the Title, a reality series inspired by The Ultimate Fighter. The eight-episode season, set to premiere on June 16, will feature Musumeci and Gabriel as rival coaches.

    UFC BJJ: Road to the Title
    Image: @ufcbjj/Instagram

    Ahead of its debut, UFC CEO Dana White unveiled the distinctive arena for UFC BJJ—an innovative enclosure dubbed “The Bowl.” Designed with sunken pit-like walls, the structure ensures continuous action by preventing athletes from spilling out of bounds during grappling contests.

    However, the exact dimensions and technical specifications have yet to be revealed.

    Fans Share Diverse Views On UFC BJJ Bowl Enclosure

    The UFC BJJ’s Bowl structure has drawn mixed reactions from combat sports fans. While many praised the innovative design and unique layout of the structure, others criticized it for resembling the setup used in Australian grappling star Craig Jones’ own promotion.

    https:/x.com/alimerry_/status/1931615184658837

    https://twitter.com/BigDeckSports/status/1931586984599814542

    The pit-like design isn’t a fresh concept in combat sports. Karate Combat has long utilized angled pit walls for their striking bouts, and they’ve recently expanded into grappling with their Pit Submission Series.

    Image: UFC.com
  • ‘I Want To Feel His Blood’ – The TUF Stuff: The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 Episode 2 Recap

    ‘I Want To Feel His Blood’ – The TUF Stuff: The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 Episode 2 Recap

    Welcome, everyone, to the second edition of The TUF Stuff!

    Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

    This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

    Last week saw the usual premiere fun, as coaches Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen picked their teams, fighters got to move into The TUF House, and we got the first fight of the season.

    There wasn’t any short of drama already though! Team Cormier welterweight Rodrigo Sezinado showed that he seemed to be the most energetic one of this bunch; however, that put him at odds with Team Sonnen welterweight Diego Bianchini.

    It was a battle of No. 1 overall picks as Team Cormier’s Eduardo Henrique took on Team Sonnen’s Joseph Morales. Though Morales needed the box to weigh in successfully, his grappling advantage worked to his plan, as the UFC alumnus submitted the former LFA champion in less than three minutes — eliminating the No. 1 overall pick of the competition in the very first fight of the season!

    Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 2

    Tonight, it’s the first 170-pound fight, as Team Cormier’s Daniil Donchenko will take on Team Sonnen’s Richard Martins. After striking first blood at flyweight, can Team Sonnen do the same at welterweight?

    Let’s get into episode two of The Ultimate Fighter!

    Team Sonnen Training Session

    Good to see Morales giving Henrique some love after the fight. Morales says “there wasn’t as much blood as I wanted” and that he wanted to set the tone by taking out the No. 1 pick. He said the job isn’t done until he wins the TUF title.

    Chael Sonnen introduces this week’s special TUF alum guest — former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw. UFC President White goes into Dillashaw’s run on TUF as a contestant (finishing runner-up) and a coach against rival Cody Garbrandt.

    Dillashaw told the contestants that TUF provided an opportunity for escape from the real world, and he said that his TUF coach, Michael Bisping, was able to give him sound advice that’d help lead to his successful career.

    Dillashaw leads the training session, and all of the team seems to be very receptive to him. Dillashaw, by the way, adds that while he couldn’t wait to retire as a fighter, he now misses the adrenaline that fighting provides.

    Danill Donchenko Backstory

    Danill Donchenko talks about home life in Ukraine and mentions that three of his friends from school died in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. A video package then airs about Donchenko’s life with loved ones in Ukraine. Donchenko calls it an honor to represent his country on TUF.

    Donchenko talks about joining the world of MMA as a young boy, learning how to defend himself, and moving to Thailand with $800 in his pocket to train and make a new life for himself. Video footage shows of Donchenko training at Tiger Muay Thai, alongside training partner Robert Valentin — who was a runner-up on last year’s season of TUF.

    Donchenko says that “No one will beat me. I can smash everyone, and I can prove it.”

    Martins Fight Prep

    Martins admits to Sonnen that he wants to strike with Martins because he’s more comfortable — and he thinks he’s a better striker than Martins. Sonnen seems to would rather Donchenko make use of his jiu-jitsu brown belt — but Martins says that’s his “Plan B.” Martins says that Donchenko uses his kicks more, and he plans to neutralize that and make him feel his punches.

    We then see footage of some of Martins’ fights on the regional circuit, showing off his Muay Thai style. Martins admits he prefers to end fights via KO.

    Martins notes how Donchenko focuses on low kicks and that he wants to be aggressive. Sonnen feels Martins’ size disadvantage might actually give him the edge when it comes to speed — and make him difficult to hit.

    TUF House

    Manyamala reflects on being in the TUF House, saying it’s a surreal experience that he couldn’t have imagined. He and other fights look back on the famous picture of season 1’s TUF cast. With no phone or TV access, the pictures serve as entertainment — and as a goal for fighters to have their picture up in the house one day.

    Richard Martins Backstory

    Martins reflects on how the TUF experience has left him away from his wife — and how much he misses her. Martins discusses life in Brazil with his wife and the support she has for his dream.

    Martins then guides us on a tour of his house, showing off his birds.

    Martins’ team uses an Aikido Gym, sharing the space. Martins has been able to train full time for four years now and says he feels he’s at his best now.

    Donchenko Fight Prep

    Cormier says Martins has power and pressure, and that Donchenko needs to lead the dance and mix up his strikes. Cormier praises Donchenko’s creativity in his striking, and he tells Donchenko he needs to put that on display in the fight.

    Donchenko says he loves Martins’ style, but Donchenko says Martins will not have the time to realize what will happen — promising a fast finish.

    We then get footage of Donchenko competing on the regional circuit. Donchenko describes his fighting style as “putting a lot of damage on my opponent.”

    Donchenko promises he will kick and throw a lot of punches; he promises to do anything for the win.

    The Fight: Danill Donchenko vs. Richard Martins

    —–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

    Donchenko weighs in at 171. Martins weighs in at 169.5. Fight is on!

    Jeff Creighton says Martins is a great opponent for Donchenko because of his experiencing and striking power. Matt Dixon, meanwhile, says Martins being so well-rounded will make the difference, calling Martins “the cream of the crop.”

    Donchenko promises that the fight will show how he will fight and says he promises to fight like it’s the last one of his life. Martins, meanwhile, says he is quite a distance away from home, and that he knows he is ready.

    Danill Donchenko vs. Richard Martins

    Round 1

    Donchenko opens with leg kicks, while Martins tries to close the distance right away. Strong front kick thrown by Donchenko. Strong right hand ROCKS Martins! Donchenko swarms Martins against the fence. Donchenko continues to lay it in! Herb Dean warns Martins to fight back – and Martins clinches Donchenko up JUST before Dean was going to step in! Wow!

    Clinch battle against the fence, with Donchenko’s back to it. Sonnen telling Martins to keep the underhook, while Donchenko lands a knee. Cormier telling Donchenko to turn out of the clinch. Elbow and a turn — and Donchenko escapes. A couple of right hands from Donchenko. Martins catches a kick. Right hand from Donchenko. One-two from Martins. Low kick from Donchenko, followed by a right. Cormier yelling at Donchenko to stop loading up on his punches.

    Left hand from Donchenko. Low kick from Donchenko. Donchenko misses a high kick, and Cormier tells him to slow down. Donchenko throws a left. Sonnen tells Martin to just touch him. Cormier telling Donchenko he’s “way ahead” and telling him not to rush things again. Donchenko pressures Martins back. Low kick from Donchenko. Combinations from both men now. Leg kick from Donchenko. Sharp round kick from Martins. Front kick from Donchenko. Low kick from Donchenko. Another combination from Donchenko before the horn — capping off a strong round from the Ukranian.

    Round 2

    Martins coming out on the front foot, trying to gain some momentum here. Left jab from Martins, and Donchenko answers with a low kick and a jab. Donchenko trying to come forward here. Quick left from both men. Right hand and a low kick from Donchenko. Martins presses, but Donchenko presses right back. Left hand from Donchenko. Cormier telling Donchenko to keep ahead.

    Donchenko grabs a leg and presses Martins against the fence. Strong one-two from Donchenko on the separation. Right hand, followed by a one-two from Donchenko. Right hand from Martins. Right hand now from Donchenko. Low kick from Donchenko. Sonnen begging for activity from Martins. Right hand from Donchenko. More combinations from Donchenko as the halfway point lands.

    Left hands from Donchenko. Sonnen trying to bring a sense of urgency into Martins. “Touch him now!” Right jab from Martins. Donchenko flashes the left. Front kick from Donchenko to the body. One-two thrown by Donchenko. Low kick from Donchenko. Combination from Donchenko. A couple of more kicks from Donchenko.

    A couple of left hands from Martins, but Donchenko answers back. One minute left. Cormier telling Donchenko to keep pushing. Dana White is shown on screen mentioning how Donchenko has done everything in this fight to Martins, and yet Martins still stands. Donchenko lands one takedown briefly on Martins. Donchenko continues to press. One-two from Donchenko. Knee by Martins, but Donchenko with a one-two again. Quick left hand from Martins. The horn sounds.

    Donchenko’s eye is busted up — but that’s the fight. A decision is in after two rounds.

    Dominant performance from Donchenko.

    Winner: Danill Donchenko via unanimous decision after two rounds

    Conclusion

    White gives his commentary, noting that Donchenko went into the fight to make a statement. The coaches were impressed by Donchenko but noting that Martins did little to answer back — or couldn’t answer back because of Donchenko’s assertive pressure, taking charge of this fight from the very beginning and, in Sonnen’s words “leading the dance” the whole way. White noted that Martins had good exchanges, but Donchenko was too much for him.

    Team Cormier draws first blood at 170.

    Martins reflects and says he wishes he could have done more, but he feels it was a learning experience. He says while he feels sad now, this will allow him to improve things and “everything will work out.”

    Donchenko says he promised violence — and he proved it. He promises his gloves will read “UFC” soon.

    With Team Cormier’s first victory, he names the next flyweight fight: Team Cormier’s Imanol Rodriguez vs. Team Sonnen’s Arshiyan Memon. The two have an intense staredown with some expletives — though it’s more entertaining than tense.

    Carla Esparza will be the guest fighter next week, joining Team Sonnen. But it looks like Sezinado and Bianchini’s drama will continue to boil next week at the TUF House!

    What will happen next week? Join alongside us then!

    Thanks for joining me in the second-ever edition of The TUF Stuff!

  • “Dana White Has a Deadline” UFC Insider Says Jon Jones Could Be Stripped if Tom Aspinall Fight Falls Through

    “Dana White Has a Deadline” UFC Insider Says Jon Jones Could Be Stripped if Tom Aspinall Fight Falls Through

    Jon Jones could be running out of time. The UFC heavyweight division finds itself at a crossroads, and the man holding the map is none other than Dana White. According to UFC insider and perennial provocateur Chael Sonnen, the clock is ticking for Jon Jones, the reigning but rarely seen heavyweight champion, to finally square off with interim champ Tom Aspinall.

    Deadline Dana: Jon Jones Faces the Chop if Aspinall Fight Falls Flat

    If that fight doesn’t materialize, Sonnen warns, Jones could find himself stripped of his title, something the UFC has never done while an undisputed champion is still technically in the picture.“Will the UFC put a deadline on the heavyweight division? Yes, privately, Dana White has a date and location,” Sonnen revealed, adding that, “If Dana doesn’t succeed at getting that fight closer, he’s going to start to get angry—and that’s not a guy you want to say no to. The UFC has never allowed an interim champion to exist in the presence of our undisputed champion. If Jon Jones doesn’t fight Aspinall, I do believe we would have to strip Jones.”

    For months, the saga has played out like a heavyweight soap opera. Jon Jones, the former light heavyweight kingpin, made his long-awaited move to heavyweight. Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall has bulldozed his way through the division, grabbing the interim belt, even defending this title, and calling for a shot at the top. Negotiations have been as slippery, with both fighters and the UFC brass keeping details close to the vest.

    Jon Jones' coach speaks out on fighting Stipe Miocic
    Image: UFC.com

    After Jon Jones captured the vacant heavyweight title in March 2023, a defense against Stipe Miocic was set but fell apart due to Jones’s injury. Enter Tom Aspinall, who seized the interim belt by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich and then defended it in July 2024, all while calling out Jones for a unification bout. But instead of the clash fans craved, negotiations devolved into a slow-motion standoff.

    Aspinall has been ready and waiting, repeatedly stating he’d fight Jones “whenever and wherever.” But Jones, ever the master of mind games, has kept everyone guessing—publicly musing about retirement, focusing on “love and happiness,” and even shifting blame for delays onto the UFC itself. When asked about the holdup, Jones claimed, “Y’all barking up the wrong tree, I told the UFC my plans a long time ago. I have no clue why they haven’t shared them with you guys yet”. Meanwhile, he’s been busy with seminars in Thailand and reality TV, while Aspinall sits idle and frustrated.

    Public pressure has mounted. A fan petition to strip Jones of the title has soared past 150,000 signatures, with accusations that he’s “holding the title hostage”. Even Dana White, usually tight-lipped, has hinted at a deadline, with November at Madison Square Garden rumored as the final window for this fight to materialize. Chael Sonnen, never one to miss a headline, claims the fight is finally booked, but official confirmation remains elusive.

    Over 76,000 Fans Sign Petition For UFC To Strip Jon Jones of Heavyweight Title
    Image: @UFCEspanol/X

    Sonnen, never shy with an analogy, painted a picture of Dana White’s shifting moods: “Whatever Tom and Dana said on a phone call stays right there, whatever Jon and Dana said stays right there. That’s called ‘nice Dana’—and nice Dana gets a lot of fights done. Mad Dana gets every fight done. You’ll know when mad Dana arrives—when you start getting revealed what was said on these calls, that’s the clue that the date is sneaking up on us. But right now, it’s optimistic Dana, calm Dana.”

    The rumored deadline? Sonnen hints at November, with Madison Square Garden as the likely battleground. “I believe I even know when—November. I think I even know where—Madison Square Garden. That’s not inside scoop, I’m just sharing for you. As that date gets closer, if those bout agreements don’t start coming together, you’re going to see mean Dana. But either way, you’re going to see Jon and Tom fight.”

    The message is clear: the UFC’s patience isn’t infinite, and neither is Jon Jones’ reign if he doesn’t defend his throne.

    Tom Aspinall: Jon Jones' Drug Tests Disqualify Him As Greatest Fighter
    Images: @tomaspinallofficial/@jonnybones/Instagram
  • ‘Embrace The Grind’ – The TUF Stuff: The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 Episode 1 Recap

    ‘Embrace The Grind’ – The TUF Stuff: The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 Episode 1 Recap

    Welcome, everyone, to the first edition of a weekly series here on MMANews called The TUF Stuff.

    Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

    This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

    This season’s coaches have both coached previous TUF seasons but will not be two current active fighters who will go on to face each other at the end of the season. Instead, we get two names who MMA fans are more than familiar with — two guys who butt heads every week on their own ESPN TV program — Good Guy, Bad Guy. Those two names, of course, are Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen.

    This season of TUF will focus on flyweights and welterweights, and it will feature 16 fighters from 10 different nations.

    This season’s participants include:

    • Flyweights:
    • Arshiyan Memon: A 7-0 fighter from India — the first Indian participant in TUF history.
    • Eduardo Henrique: A 13-2 fighter from Brazil who has fought for promotions including LFA and Jungle Fight — and is the former LFA flyweight champion.
    • Furkatbek Yokubov: A 14-4 fighter from Uzbekistan who is a kickboxing and wrestling specialist. He has competed in UAE Warriors, the LFA, and Belarusian Fighting Championship. He is a former BFC flyweight champion.
    • Idiris Alibi: A 10-0 fighter from Kazakhstan who, up until now, has fought exclusively in Naiza FC — and is their former flyweight champion.
    • Imanol Rodriguez: A 5-0 fighter from Mexico, who has competed for Combate Global, Budo Sento Championship, and Fury FC. All five of his wins have come via a finish, and not one of his fights has reached the third round.
    • Joseph Morales: A 12-2 fighter from the United States who has fought three times for the UFC between 2017 and 2018, defeating Roberto Sanchez but losing to Devieson Figueiredo and Eric Shelton. He’s 3-0 since his UFC release, including capturing the flyweight title in Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat promotion.
    • Roybert Echeverria: A 10-2 fighter from Venezuela who has fought for Titan FC, Xtreme Fighting Nation, and Anthony Pettis FC, having captured flyweight gold in APFC back in November. He fought on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022, losing to Jafel Filho.
    • Tumelo Manyamala: A 6-1 fighter from South Africa who has scored finishes in all of his victories so far. All of his wins have come in the EFC Africa promotion, with his sole loss being a split decision in his lone bout for UAE Warriors.
    • Welterweights:
    • Alex Sanchez: A 15-3 fighter from Mexico who has fought for promotions including Lux Fight League, UWC, Combate Global, and Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat. He is a former tournament champion in Combate and a former lightweight champion in A1 Combat.
    • Andreeas Binder: A 10-2 fighter from Ireland known for his expertise in judo. Binder was recently the welterweight champion of Levels Fight League and has also fought for Cage Conflict and Clan Wars. He had been scheduled for a pair of bouts with the PFL in 2023 and 2024, but both fights fell out.
    • Daniil Donchenko: An 11-2 fighter from Ukraine who has primarily fought for Naiza FC, where he was recently a lightweight champion.
    • Diego Bianchini: A 9-1 fighter who is a product of the Fighting Nerds. Known as “The Brazilian Bad Boy,” six of his wins have come via submission, including a sub-two-minute submission of Bakhromjon Mashrapov at LFA 178 last year.
    • Jeff Creighton: “Jazzy” Jeff is an 11-2-1 fighter from the United States. Creighton is a noteworthy U.S. welterweight prospect who has fought for a number of noteworthy regional promotions, including Bellator, Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat, Fury FC, King of the Cage, and Cage Warriors. He has won welterweight gold in A1 Combat and in Melee Combat Championship.
    • Matt Dixon: An 11-1 fighter from the United States who has primarily fought in the Xtreme Fight Night promotion, having been a former welterweight champion there. Dixon fought on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020, where he lost to Orion Cosce.
    • Richard Martins: A 9-1 fighter from Brazil who hasn’t lost since dropping his second professional fight. All but one of his wins have come via a finish (including seven wins via KO/TKO), and his last four fights have all come in the LFA.
    • Rodrigo Sezinando: An 8-1 fighter from Brazil who has scored finishes in all but one of his victories. He is a former Battlefield Fight League super lightweight champion and the former Samourai MMA welterweight champion.

    Now, let’s dive into this week’s season premiere episode!

    Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 1

    In typical Dana White fashion, he promises the best season ever.

    After the TV/streaming audiences are given introductions to the two UFC Hall of Fame coaches, White notes that there will be previous TUF contestants who will be giving insights into this season’s contestants. This week’s guest is season one winner and former UFC light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin.

    White tells the contestants to not be scared and to keep their heads on straight with the opportunity ahead of them.

    We now go into evaluations, with Sonnen working with fighters in the boxing ring and Cormier working with fighters on the wrestling mats.

    Sonnen and Cormier both note how they are looking for fighters’ attitudes and motivations, in addition to their speed, technique, power, and athleticism.

    Cormier emphasizes that he’s looking for good wrestling — with him even being brutally honest in saying he was disappointed by the flyweights’ lack of urgency in their wrestling. Eduardo Henrique, however, impresses Cormier with his striking in the boxing ring.

    Team Selection

    Griffin leads the Team Selection process. Cormier wins the coin toss and decides he wants to pick the first fighters. Flyweights will be picked first, followed by welterweights, then back to flyweights, and so on.

    The teams end up as follows:

    • Cormier Flyweights:
    • Eduardo Henrique
    • Idiris Alibi
    • Imanol Rodriguez
    • Tumelo Manyamala
    • Cormier Welterweights:
    • Rodrigo Sezinando
    • Daniil Donchenko
    • Jeff Creighton
    • Alex Sanchez
    • Sonnen Flyweights:
    • Joseph Morales
    • Furkatbek Yokubov
    • Roybert Echeverria
    • Arshiyan Memon
    • Sonnen Welterweights:
    • Diego Bianchini
    • Matt Dixon
    • Richard Martins
    • Andreeas Binder

    Joseph Morales was surprised by Henrique getting picked No. 1 overall over him, feeling that he is not only the better striker, but the better all-around product. Sonnen appeared to agree.

    In a humorous moment, as Cormier is trying to give a motivational speech to Sanchez and Binder, the final picks, noting that Brandon Moreno was a final pick on TUF and ended up a world champion, Sonnen “dozed off” to try and get Cormier to move things along.

    Griffin tells the fighters they are now part of the 20-year legacy of TUF and that they need to make their moments count.

    TUF House

    Of course, no TUF season is complete without the fighters running into the TUF House — their home for the duration of the competition.

    Memon, who is seen immediately washing his foot in a bathroom sink, discussed his pride in being the first TUF contestant from India. Binder, meanwhile, notes the cultural diversity that is present in the house.

    Sezinado proposes a friendly barbeque before the fighters all “smash each other.” Dixon and Morales note how Sezinado is perhaps the most energetic and “crazy” of all the TUF contestants so far. Bianchini, meanwhile, notes how he’s not here to make friends, especially in his weight class — just to whoop the competition.

    Team Cormier Training Session

    Cormier discusses with his team the importance of hard work and “embracing the grind” (ETG, as Cormier puts it), even when things get tough.

    “Make it the best part of your day,” Cormier said.

    Michael Chiesa, who is a part of Cormier’s coaching staff, remembers the opportunities TUF provided him and how it feels full circle to be back as a coach.

    Team Sonnen Training Session

    Sonnen notes that most TUF coaches miss the fact that coaches are vulnerable to overplanning (or underplanning) and overtraining and hurting their fighters in such a short time.

    “A coach is not going to be able to help an athlete very much, in the short period of time that we’re here,” Sonnen said. “But he can damn sure hurt him.”

    Sonnen also took pride in that his team has no weak links — noting that the competition is so fierce this year that it’s more than likely a No. 1 pick could fall.

    Fight Announcement

    Team Sonnen picks the first fight: flyweights Joseph Morales will battle Eduardo Henrique in a battle of No. 1 flyweight picks! Sonnen notes that Morales told Sonnen this is what he wanted, with Morales attributing the decision to his hard-headedness. Henrique appeared to not be surprised to be a target, given his status as a recent LFA flyweight champion.

    Henrique Fight Prep

    Cormier notes that Henrique isn’t much of a wrestler, but he’s a great striker. The focus of their training camp is going to be working on his wrestling.

    DC states that the key to victory will be for Henrique to keep distance and force Morales to exchange strikes with him.

    We then get a video package of Henrique’s highlights in the LFA.

    We get a bit of a look into Henrique’s life, too, noting how his mom went down a wrong path and trafficked drugs while working in a bar when Henrique was a baby. As a result, Henrique was raised by his grandparents.

    Morales Fight Prep

    Morales showed photos of his wife and two sons, who he misses while in the TUF House. Morales noted that if it wasn’t for the support of his wife, he probably wouldn’t be chasing the MMA dreams he has.

    Morales also noted his previous tenure with the UFC, noting he felt invulnerable until running into Deiveson Figueiredo and getting finished by him.

    “I’ve felt like I’ve improved a lot. I’m ready to get back into the UFC and fight the best guys,” Morales said.

    Morales told Sonnen he wanted to get into Henrique’s face and pressure him, trying to get Henrique to over-commit before taking him down. Sonnen emphasized Morales cannot settle for being on the bottom in grappling exchanges.

    Morales also noted it’s been about two years since his last fight and he feels an extra sense of motivation. Morales noted how Henrique’s weakness is his ground game, and he looks to catch and submit him or open him up with elbows.

    Colby Covington is seen working with Morales on his wrestling work, with Sonnen noting how fighters look to him when trying to improve the aspects of their game — especially with wrestling.

    The Fight: Eduardo Henrique vs. Joseph Morales

    —–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

    Henrique weighs in at 125.5, but Morales weighs in at 126.5 — a half-pound overweight. Morales weighs in successfully at 126 with the box.

    Of particular note, Sezinado and Bianchini trade barbs during the weigh-ins, with Sezinado even flipping the Team Sonnen member off.

    Sonnen added that he didn’t appreciate Team Cormier chanting “You’re going to die” toward Morales in Brazilian, with Henrique also bringing a prop with him to the weigh-in and face-off. The two got into each other’s faces and had to be separated by the commission and Sonnen.

    Finally, it’s fight day and we’re ready to see the two throw down!

    Eduardo Henrique vs. Joseph Morales

    Round 1

    The two exchange right away. Morales appears to be trying to pressure as promised. Left hand from Morales. Henrique flashes a knee and a jab. Low kick from Henrique. Right hand from Morales. Henrique misses a jumping knee. Jab to the body by Henrique. One-two by Henrique. Combination from Henrique. Jab to the body by Morales. Both men land. Body shot and a kick from Henrique. Low kick from Henrique. Left hand catches Henrique. Henrique answers.

    Morales shoots in and scores a takedown. Morales gets to Henrique’s back quickly. Morales’s coaches tell him to hand fight. More calls for hand fighting from both corners now. Morales wraps an arm around Henrique’s neck, and he scores THE TAPOUT!

    2:25 into the first round, and the No. 1 overall pick of this TUF season goes down via submission! Joseph Morales is one step closer to coming back to the UFC!

    White attributed the victory to Morales’ previous UFC experience and called it “an impressive finish.”

    Winner: Joseph Morales (Team Sonnen) via first-round submission (rear-naked choke, 2:25)

    Conclusion

    Morales is emotional backstage following the win, noting how good it felt to shut Team Cormier up.

    “I feel that I proved I’m one of the top flyweights here,” Morales said. “The pressure is on me to win the show, but I thrive under the pressure.”

    Henrique noted he made mistakes in the fight, but “every champion makes mistakes.” His coach tells him to take the loss on the chin and learn from it — and to bounce back.

    For next week’s fight, the first at welterweight (which is also picked by Sonnen due to the coin toss and Cormier’s choice of picking the first fighters) Team Cormier’s Daniil Donchenko will take on Team Sonnen’s Richard Martins.

    Will Team Sonnen draw first blood in both weight classes to start the season? Or will Team Cormier bounce back in the first 170-pound matchup of the season?

    Find out next week!

    We get a brief montage previewing some of the drama and action that awaits in the rest of the season, as well as some future TUF guests.

    Thanks for joining me in the inaugural edition of The TUF Stuff!

  • ‘Disheartened’ Alex Pereira Sparks Retirement Rumors Amid UFC Rift, Later Clarifies X Was Hacked

    ‘Disheartened’ Alex Pereira Sparks Retirement Rumors Amid UFC Rift, Later Clarifies X Was Hacked

    What initially appeared to be a sign of tension between Alex Pereira and the UFC may have been a misunderstanding.

    In just a few years, Pereira has ascended to become one of the UFC’s most celebrated and consistent stars, etching his name among the sport’s elite. In only seven fights across two years, the Brazilian powerhouse exceeded expectations and claimed championship titles in two weight classes.

    In 2024, “Poatan” became the UFC’s ultimate backup plan, stepping in on short notice to save two of the promotion’s most high-profile events. First, he rose to the challenge at UFC 300 in April, facing Jamahal Hill, and then again at UFC 303 during International Fight Week against Jiří Procházka. On both occasions, the former two division champion not only delivered but triumphed.

    On Wednesday, a confusing post from Pereira’s official X account surfaced, hinting at a potential fallout with the UFC and suggesting he might be considering retirement. The post stirred widespread speculation among fans and media alike.

    “I always answered the UFC’s calls, but if they want to play with me, we can do that. I’ve never spoken poorly of the UFC but with what I’ve just heard I’m disheartened. I’ve already had thoughts of not fighting anymore, and after what was just relayed to me this may be the start.”

    https://twitter.com/AlexPereiraUFC/status/1920175533708456134

    The post sparked widespread speculation within the MMA community about what might have specifically triggered Pereira’s frustration with the UFC — whether it was opponent selection, fight timing, contract negotiations, or another underlying issue.

    However, “Poatan” recently took to Instagram to deny making the statement, claiming that his account had been compromised.

    “I’ve received a ton of messages, getting messages from everyone, who saw a post from my Twitter,” Alex Pereira said in Portuguese. I didn’t even know about it, I was hacked. It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, you guys see. But I was hacked and I’ll resolve it. I don’t even know what’s going on. I have a great relationship with UFC. People like to do bad things. That’s that. Chama.”

    Pereira’s most recent appearance came at UFC 313 in March, where he was unable to defend his light heavyweight title, losing a closely contested unanimous decision to Magomed Ankalaev. With that setback, his UFC record now stands at 9-2, including seven knockout wins.

  • Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford Named First TKO Boxing Event, Dana White To Promote

    Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford Named First TKO Boxing Event, Dana White To Promote

    The announcements about Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford continue to pour out, and another one has been made by Turki Alalshikh hours after the fight was officially confirmed.

    The Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia has announced that Canelo vs. Crawford — which will take place on September 12 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas — will be the first TKO boxing event.

    In the announcement on social media, Alalshikh adds that the fight will be promoted by none other than UFC CEO Dana White.

    Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford To Be Held Under TKO Banner, Promoted By Dana White

    This follows the official formation of the yet-to-be-officially-named boxing league in March. The boxing promotion will be headed up by Alalshikh and White, as well as Nick Khan — CEO of the WWE. The UFC and WWE both fall under the TKO conglomerate after a merger featuring the two brands in 2023.

    While White had briefly teased a leap into boxing with the Zuffa Boxing brand during the 2010s — namely around the time of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor event — that idea came and went. But White had teased testing the boxing waters once again in recent years.

    The date of the Canelo vs. Crawford fight is one day prior to the Noche UFC 3 card — also known as UFC 320 — which is currently scheduled for September 13 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

    The TKO boxing league, in its initial announcement, teased details that included boxers having access to the UFC’s Performance Institute locations and TKO’s production team handling broadcast and promotion matters for both in-arena experiences and globally. TKO also promoted a structured system of talent development.

  • Dana White Only Has ‘Great Things’ To Say About UFC’s Time At ESPN Despite ‘Rocky’ Moments

    Dana White Only Has ‘Great Things’ To Say About UFC’s Time At ESPN Despite ‘Rocky’ Moments

    Dana White recently addressed the impending conclusion of the UFC’s broadcast rights deal with ESPN.

    The exclusive negotiating window between the UFC and ESPN is set to close on Tuesday, allowing the promotion to explore other agreements with other networks for 2026 onwards.

    The UFC inked a five-year, $1.5 billion deal with ESPN in 2018 for domestic broadcast rights, commencing in 2019. This agreement was extended by two years in early 2019, incorporating pay-per-view streaming rights.

    Speaking at the UFC 314 post-fight press conference, White commented on the situation.

    “When the window opens, we’ll obviously start talking to lots of different people and we’ll see what the options are out there. We’ve said this every time: There could be a time when we end up on several different networks like all other sports do. I like ESPN. I’ve said it many times: We had a bit of a rocky start, which is normal in any relationship, but we’re in a great place with ESPN. Whether we re-sign with them or do not, I have nothing but great things to say about my time at ESPN.”

    White was also asked about maintaining the current event format, which saw 42 events in 2024.

    “I don’t know. It depends on what ESPN or wherever else we go is looking for. Most of the times when you do these deals, you’re catering to what the network needs. Plus, they’ll have other programming, other sports that they’re already committed to at certain times and seasons and whatever it may be. It always changes. It doesn’t matter to me.”

    White also commented on a Bloomberg report suggesting the UFC is seeking over $1 billion annually for its new broadcast rights deal, stating, “Sounds good to me.”

    With the possibility of the UFC following WWE’s move to Netflix, the question of the pay-per-view model’s future arose.

    “We do what works for the network – what do they want to do? Do they want to just put it on their air? Do they want to do pay-per-view? Do they want to put it behind a paywall? I don’t know any of those things. Tuesday, the window opens and we start talking to other networks and we’ll get more into that.”

  • Dana White Reacts To Michael Chandler’s UFC 314 Loss: ‘He’s Always In The Fight’

    Dana White Reacts To Michael Chandler’s UFC 314 Loss: ‘He’s Always In The Fight’

    Win or lose, UFC CEO Dana White maintains that Michael Chandler is an always-entertaining and competitive fighter.

    Chandler’s woes on MMA’s biggest stage continued at this past weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view, which he co-headlined opposite the rising Paddy Pimblett.

    “Iron Mike” was badly beaten en route to a TKO stoppage in round three. The result has ensured he’s remained winless since 2022 and pushed the former Bellator champion’s UFC record to a disappointing 2-5.

    During his appearance at the post-fight press conference, White reacted to Chandler’s latest setback. The UFC chief insisted that regardless of the result, Chandler is in nothing but great fights.

    “(Chandler’s) always in the fight,” White said. “Tonight was a big night for Paddy Pimblett. people have been doubting Paddy Pimblett every single fight he fights in. He’s undefeated in the UFC.

    “Every time that guy (Chandler) goes in, you know you’re in for a good fight, you know it’s going to be a war, and you don’t know if he’s going to win or lose,” White added.

    Michael Chandler will no doubt hope that he can put on a good fight while also having his hand raised when he returns to the cage.

    A return date remains up in the air for the former title challenger, who appeared to sustain significant damage at the hands of Pimblett and swiftly returned to the backstage area before the result was read out at UFC 314.

  • UFC Announces Partnership With Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, Including Rankings Overhaul

    UFC Announces Partnership With Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, Including Rankings Overhaul

    The UFC and Meta are joining forces to deliver an innovative experience for fans.

    On Wednesday, UFC CEO Dana White announced a multiyear alliance with Mark Zuckerberg’s tech powerhouse, solidifying its role as the MMA promotion’s “official fan technology partner.” This collaboration aims to leverage cutting-edge innovations to enhance fan engagement.

    Through this partnership, the UFC will integrate Meta’s technology, including Meta AI, Meta Glasses, Meta Quest, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, to create a more immersive fan experience. Additionally, Meta will serve as the UFC’s official AI glasses partner, collaborating to showcase innovative uses of its smart glasses at fight events.

    White, who has repeatedly voiced his frustration with the current ranking system, has hinted at replacing it with AI-driven solutions. He teased on social media that the UFC’s official rankings are set for a major transformation, with Meta playing a key role in revolutionizing the process.

    “We’ve already started to work with Meta to create a new fighter rankings system that will debut later this year, thank God,” White said. “We’ll also be using Meta’s AI-powered glasses to capture UFC content and we’re going to do things with Meta that will blow UFC fans away. The next few years will be an absolute game-changer for fans of this sport.”

    The UFC’s current ranking system is determined by a panel of journalists and media representatives from various MMA publications. This system has remained unchanged since the UFC first introduced official rankings in February 2013.

    White and Zuckerberg have formed a close alliance over the years, with the billionaire tech mogul frequently attending UFC events. Their partnership took another step forward in January when White was appointed to Meta’s board of directors. However, the specifics of his role within the company remain unclear.

  • Team Usyk Open To Dana White ‘Partnership’ For Alex Pereira Fight

    Team Usyk Open To Dana White ‘Partnership’ For Alex Pereira Fight

    Dana White’s official foray into boxing could bridge the gap to making a potential blockbuster crossover fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Alex Pereira a reality.

    “The Cat” has hinted that he is nearing the final chapter of his boxing career, with just two fights left before calling it quits. His top priority is a rematch with Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title, as he sets his sights on reclaiming his status as the undisputed four-belt champion.

    Meanwhile, for his second bout, Usyk revealed last month that he’s open to facing former UFC light heavyweight champion Pereira — an idea that quickly caught “Poatan’s” interest as well. Sergey Lapin, a member of the undefeated Ukrainian champion’s team, suggests that booking the matchup may now be more feasible than it once was.

    During a recent discussion with OLBG, Lapin noted that the UFC CEO’s collaboration with Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority head Turki Alalshikh to launch a boxing league has significantly increased the likelihood of a crossover showdown between Usyk and Pereira.

    “We never say never about fighting the dangerous Alex Pereira, possibly partnered with Dana White,” Lapin said. “Dana’s move to boxing could open the door for more fights between boxers and current UFC stars.

    “Dana is a capable guy, and with Turki’s abilities, they would create a very interesting project. It will bring attention to our great sport, expand the fan base, attract new investment, and possibly increase the purses of the athletes.”

    Although White permitted former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor to face boxing icon Floyd Mayweather in August 2017, which became a historic event, he has traditionally opposed such crossover bouts. Whether the UFC top brass has had a change of heart remains to be seen.

    “The Cat” was last in action this past December, when he put on a masterful performance against Tyson Fury in their rematch. He successfully retained his WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision victory.

    Meanwhile, Alex Pereira’s reign as the 205-pound champion came to an end at UFC 313 earlier this month, as he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Magomed Ankalaev.

    “Poatan” has a deep-rooted history in boxing, boasting an extensive amateur background and even earning a professional victory in July 2017 with a TKO win over Marcelo de Souza Cruz.

  • Pay Structure For Dana White, Turki Alalshikh’s Boxing Promotion Reportedly Leaked

    Pay Structure For Dana White, Turki Alalshikh’s Boxing Promotion Reportedly Leaked

    Fresh details have emerged about Dana White’s venture into the boxing world through his collaboration with Turki Alalshikh.

    Earlier this month, UFC CEO White and Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority chief Alalshikh joined forces to launch a major new boxing league under the TKO banner. The venture will also see WWE president Nick Khan take on a key role in the promotion’s executive board.

    The newly established promotion is set to revolutionize the boxing landscape with a structured system that claims to develop rising boxers from around the world by design. These athletes will also gain exclusive access to world-class training at the UFC Performance Institutes. Meanwhile, TKO will oversee all aspects of event production, aiming to deliver a premium spectacle for both live audiences and global broadcasts.

    While many details about the boxing promotion remain under wraps, anticipation continues to build within the combat sports community, sparking widespread speculation about its operations. Now, a crucial piece of information has now come to light.

    According to a recent report from Boxing Scene, key details about the pay structure for White’s upcoming boxing league have surfaced through a leaked contract.

    The document outlines purse distributions based on a boxer’s status within the yet-to-be-named promotion. As per the report, athletes will be classified into five distinct tiers, with pay scales varying between rising prospects and mid-level competitors.

    Boxer PurseBoxer’s level
    $20,00010 rounds. Unranked boxer.
    $50,000No. 5 – No. 10 ranked boxer as determined by the promotion.
    $125,000No. 3 – No. 4 ranked boxer as determined by the promotion.
    $375,000For the promotion’s title challengers.
    $750,000For the promotion’s reigning champions.

    The figures mentioned are not part of official contracts but provide clear insight into the pay structure White and co. plan to implement. The model closely mirrors the UFC’s promotional guidelines compliance pay, which follows a tiered system based on the number of fights a competitor has had within the organization.

    The report also disclosed that boxers who sign with the organization will receive an immediate $5,000 payment within three days of their contract signing. Fighters are required to commit to a three-year term beginning with their debut match and must remain under contract for at least two years from the “effective date” outlined in the agreement.

    Alalshikh, who owns The Ring Magazine, has previously emphasized that the new league’s ranking system will be separate from the publication’s traditional weight-class rankings.

    As for weight divisions, the UFC supremo has hinted at a streamlined approach, likely maintaining a select number of traditional categories similar to those in MMA. The league is expected to feature classic divisions such as flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight.

  • Boxing’s New World Order: Why Dana White & Turki Alalshikh Will Dominate The Sport

    Boxing’s New World Order: Why Dana White & Turki Alalshikh Will Dominate The Sport

    Boxing is on the verge of a massive power shift, and longtime promoter Lou DiBella believes it’s inevitable.

    Speaking on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, DiBella laid out why the traditional boxing structure is crumbling and why Turki Alalshikh, Dana White, and TKO Group will take full control.

    “The major promoters have been middlemen for the last couple of years,” DiBella said.

    “And right now, make no mistake about it, the major promoters have been middlemen for the last couple of years. Because let me ask you a question—who’s been the most major promoter in boxing over the past couple years? It’s not Eddie Hearn. It’s not Bob Arum. It’s Turki. And he didn’t just take control overnight. This was the plan all along.”

    A Transformative Era in Boxing

    With Saudi Arabia’s vast financial backing and the UFC-WWE business model, DiBella sees the transition as inevitable. He pointed out that promoters like Eddie Hearn and Bob Arum have fought to keep boxing fragmented, but that structure is now collapsing.

    “The other promoters have never been willing to work with each other. They’ve been stuck in their old ways, just trying to squeeze money out of the system instead of making it better.

    “Meanwhile, Turki came in, paid them all, took control of their fighters, and now he’s moved on to working with Dana and TKO. They’re the biggest promoter in the business now—there’s no question.”

    DiBella also emphasized how the UFC model—where one promotion controls matchmaking, fighter contracts, and title belts—will change boxing forever.

    “People keep talking about a ‘league’ like it’s something different. It’s not a league—it’s a promotion. But it’s a promotion in the UFC-WWE sense, which can work. It’s not boxing as we know it, where every man is out for himself and nobody gives a shit about the sport’s future.”

    He made it clear that boxing’s old guard is on borrowed time.

    “If they want this to work, they don’t have to worry about putting people out of business—it’s going to happen naturally. They’re not going to shut down the WBC, WBA, IBF, or WBO overnight, but they don’t have to.

    “The sport is shifting in a way where those organizations won’t matter anymore. The promoters that took all of Turki’s money didn’t realize they were feeding the guy who was going to eat them.”

    With the newly formed TKO boxing entity backed by Saudi funding, it seems the sport is heading toward an era of centralized control—whether the old promoters like it or not.

  • Justin Gaethje Demands Title Shot From Dana White After UFC 313

    Justin Gaethje Demands Title Shot From Dana White After UFC 313

    Justin Gaethje is campaigning for what could be his final shot at the undisputed UFC lightweight title.

    After nearly a year away from the Octagon, Gaethje made his highly anticipated return last Saturday, accepting a short-notice rematch against Rafael Fiziev in the UFC 313 co-main event. He battled through adversity to earn a unanimous decision victory over “Ataman.”

    Back in the win column, “The Highlight” rebounded from his heartbreaking last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 300 in April. The former interim UFC 155-pound champion confidently maintained that defeating Fiziev could put him right back in the title conversation.

    On Tuesday, Gaethje took to social media to make his case for a third crack at the undisputed gold, urging UFC CEO Dana White to grant him the opportunity. He argued that his setback to “Blessed” shouldn’t stand in the way of his championship ambitions.

    “I won 3 out of my last 4, only losing in an exhibition fight. I have to fight for the belt. @danawhite I am ready,” Justin Gaethje wrote.

    The 36-year-old Arizona native has come up short in two previous title bids, falling to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in October 2020 and Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 in May 2022. Undeterred, Justin Gaethje has long set his sights on a showdown with reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

    Interestingly, at the UFC 313 post-fight press conference, White subtly signaled his approval of “The Highlight” jumping ahead of Arman Tsarukyan and Oliveira in the race for a potential clash with Makhachev.

  • Dana White Responds To Kash Patel’s Push For UFC-FBI Partnership

    Dana White Responds To Kash Patel’s Push For UFC-FBI Partnership

    Dana White has reacted after newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel discussed how he is considering making MMA training a mandatory requirement for agents, an initiative that has received support from at least one former agent.

    This idea is part of Patel’s broader agenda, which includes aligning the bureau with the Trump administration’s priorities and enhancing the physical fitness of FBI personnel.

    In addition to the MMA training regimen, Patel is reportedly focused on removing agents who do not align with the administration’s goals. The focus on physical fitness, particularly through MMA, is seen as a way to ensure agents are prepared for the physical demands of their roles.

    Jody Weis, a former FBI special agent in charge and former superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, has publicly backed the idea. He believes it would be a beneficial addition to agent training.

    Patel was in attendance at UFC 313 on Saturday, where he spoke with UFC CEO Dana White about a possible collaboration. White later addressed the conversation, indicating that Patel is serious about the initiative.

    “Well, after he (Patel) said that, my phone blew up,” Dana White said. “You know, everybody wants to be the trainers to the FBI now. … But he’s dead serious about that. I talked to him about it tonight. Yeah, he’s dead serious. So, we’ll see. We’ll see how that starts to come together.”

  • Belal Muhammad Gets Palestine Flag Added To UFC Profile After Dana White Steps In

    Belal Muhammad Gets Palestine Flag Added To UFC Profile After Dana White Steps In

    Belal Muhammad’s grievance reached Dana White, who wasted no time setting things right.

    Muhammad will make his first welterweight title defense at UFC 315 on May 10, headlining against Jack Della Maddalena at the Bell Centre, in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC fighters usually have their national flags displayed on their profiles on the promotion’s official website, but “Remember the Name”, who represents Palestine, was the only one among the 22 fighters on the UFC 315 lineup without one.

    The Chicago-born reigning UFC 170-pound champion has never wavered in his pride for his Palestinian heritage. Throughout his UFC career, he has made it a point to represent his roots, always carrying the Palestinian flag as a symbol of his identity.

    After noticing his flag was missing, Muhammad took to social media on Thursday, urging the UFC CEO to take action on the matter. Now, it appears his message has been acknowledged.

    “Remember the Name” recently turned to X to announce that his profile now features the Palestinian flag. He expressed gratitude to White for taking prompt repsonse and commended the UFC for allowing fighters to express themselves freely.

    “I just want to give a quick shoutout to Dana,” Belal Muhammad said. I talked to him, he said the flag’s back up tonight. [He] apologized, and that’s why I love the UFC. I love this company, and that’s why Dana’s the man. The only organization that lets you be yourself. And true to his word, and doesn’t let other people sway his attitude or what he’s going to do. So, shout out to Dana. Shout out to the UFC. Flag is back, baby.”

    As of now, the once-absent Palestinian flag has been restored to Muhammad’s profile on the UFC’s official website.

    Belal Muhammad is set to return to action after a 10-month hiatus. He last fought at UFC 304 in July, where he earned a dominant unanimous decision victory over Leon Edwards to clinch the welterweight title.

    The 36-year-old American was originally set to defend his championship against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December. However, a leg infection forced Muhammad to withdraw, leading to the bout’s cancellation.

     

  • Belal Muhammad Reminds Dana White Of ‘Free Speech’ Claim Amid Flag Controversy

    Belal Muhammad Reminds Dana White Of ‘Free Speech’ Claim Amid Flag Controversy

    Belal Muhammad is calling on Dana White to step in and fix an issue with his profile on the official UFC website.

    Although hailing from Chicago, Muhammad has never shied away from his Palestinian roots. He has proudly showcased his identity throughout his UFC career, whether by proudly displaying the Palestinian flag in victory or using his platform to be a vocal advocate for the Palestinian people on social media.

    On the UFC’s official website, fighters customarily have their national flags displayed beside their names. However, recently, “Remember the Name” was notably left without one. This omission did not go unnoticed, drawing criticism from fans online and fueling speculation about the reason behind the blank space.

    On Thursday, the reigning UFC welterweight champion took to X, urging White to uphold the very free speech he often advocates. Muhammad also pressed the UFC CEO to acknowledge and resolve the issue regarding his missing flag.

    “People keep asking me, ‘Where’s your flag?’ I kept getting multiple messages from it, and I was assuming it was a mistake, but it’s still not addressed,” Muhammad said. “So I’ll address it and hope that Dana addresses it as well and fixes it, because Dana said he’s all about free speech. He’s all about people supporting who they want to support and not muting or silencing anybody. I’m hoping that the UFC fixes this issue and puts my flag next to my name so the people that I represent, the people that I fight for, and the people that I train for, will see their flag.”

    Belal Muhammad is set to put his 170-pound title on the line for the first time when he squares off against Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 315, scheduled for May 10 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

    The 36-year-old American last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 304 in July, where he dethroned Leon Edwards to claim the welterweight title via unanimous decision.

  • Canelo Optimistic Turki Alalshikh & Dana White’s Promotion Will Be Good For Boxing

    Canelo Optimistic Turki Alalshikh & Dana White’s Promotion Will Be Good For Boxing

    Canelo Alvarez, boxing’s global star, has recently made a series of high-profile moves that are reshaping his career. After signing a last-minute, multi-fight deal with influential advisor Turki Alalshikh, he parted ways with Premier Boxing Champions and potential clash with YouTube star Jake Paul. 

    This shift has positioned him for a reported blockbuster fight on Netflix. The unified super middleweight champion is set to make his Saudi Arabia debut on May 3, facing undefeated IBF titleholder William Scull in an undisputed 168-pound clash as part of Riyadh Season.

    However, the buzz surrounding Alvarez extends beyond his upcoming fight following the recent announcement of UFC’s Dana White and WWE’s Nick Khan leading TKO’s new boxing promotion, backed by Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia. 

    It has fueled speculation about Alvarez’s future. With the promotion’s anticipated debut in September, rumors are swirling that Canelo could headline against pound-for-pound boxing luminary Terence Crawford.

    This potential super-fight underscores the significant impact of the new promotion and the high-caliber matchups it aims to deliver.

    “There’s always an opportunity for me to fight in September in Las Vegas, those are my dates [along with Cinco de Mayo weekend in May] and everyone knows that,” Alvarez told CBS Sports HQ on Thursday. “We need to take care of the May fight first but there is an opportunity to fight in Vegas in September and be the first event for [TKO] as a promoter.”

    When questioned about the potential impact of Dana White and TKO’s foray into boxing, Canelo expressed optimism.

    “I think if it’s the best for the fighters out there, I’m fine with that,” Alvarez said. “I think [TKO] is going to do the best for the fighters, I’m pretty sure about that. I’m glad someone takes good care of the fighters because there are a lot of promoters that don’t take seriously the fighters. I think this is good for boxing and for the fighters, especially.”

  • Dana White Makes One Thing Crystal Clear About New Boxing Promotion

    Dana White Makes One Thing Crystal Clear About New Boxing Promotion

    Dana White is adamant about one thing he absolutely doesn’t want to include in his newly launched boxing promotion.

    On Tuesday, the UFC CEO, alongside Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority chief Turki Alalshikh, announced a historic collaboration to establish a new boxing league under the TKO banner. WWE president Nick Khan is also set to play a pivotal role on the promotion’s executive board.

    According to a press release, the new promotion will introduce a systematic framework aimed at nurturing rising talent from around the world. Additionally, boxers will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art UFC Performance Institutes, while TKO will take charge of all event production, ensuring top-tier experiences for both live audiences and broadcasts.

    Further insights into the new venture are expected to be revealed in the coming months. However, following the initial announcement, speculation has already begun to swirl, with various rumors circulating about the direction of the league.

    During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, White was asked if the new TKO boxing promotion could ever feature UFC fighters stepping into the boxing ring to face boxers in a future crossover event.

    In response, the UFC head honcho, known for his skepticism toward crossover events, swiftly shut down the notion. However, he did acknowledge that there are several MMA fighters within the organization who are eager to test their skills in the boxing ring.

    “No, never,” White said. “I’m sure there are guys that want to box, but I literally don’t want to see any of that. We’ll keep the boxers in the boxing and the MMA guys in the MMA.”

    White has also rejected the idea of any potential crossover between the UFC and WWE, even after the two combat sports organizations unified financials to create TKO in September 2023.

    Historically, White has been vocal in criticizing boxing promotions for focusing too much on star-studded main events while neglecting to build compelling undercards — something he’s always considered a hallmark of the UFC’s success. He has also voiced frustration with the fragmented and disjointed nature of boxing’s title systems .

  • Turki Alalshikh, Dana White Hint At Date For New Boxing Promotion’s Debut

    Turki Alalshikh, Dana White Hint At Date For New Boxing Promotion’s Debut

    Dana White and Turki Alalshikh may already have a target date in mind for the highly anticipated debut of their newly launched joint venture.

    On Tuesday, UFC CEO White and Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority chief Alalshikh officially unveiled a groundbreaking multi-year partnership to launch a new boxing league under the TKO banner.

    According to a press release, WWE president Nick Khan will serve as a key figure on the promotion’s executive board. Saudi entertainment giant Sela has joined the venture as a major partner. The company has been instrumental in organizing high-profile boxing events featuring superstars like Anthony Joshua and Terence Crawford.

    During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Turki Alalshikh and Dana White delved into their partnership. Amid their conversation, the Riyadh Season chief subtly hinted that the debut event for their new boxing promotion could be set for September, with Sept. 12 likely being the target date.

    However, White remained tight-lipped about a specific date for the promotion’s first event. The 55-year-old UFC boss teased that they have a blockbuster fight in the works.

    “When it’s time to announce, we have a massive fight – and this is literally exactly what I’m talking about – a massive fight that only this guy [Alalshikh] could make happen,” White said. “Only this guy could make a fight like this happen. We will announce it when we’re ready to. This is the guy who’s literally brought boxing back.”

    Sept. 12 could very well mark the debut of the newly launched boxing promotion, as it falls within Mexican Independence Week — a time traditionally reserved for major boxing events. Around this time almost each year, boxing icon Canelo Álvarez typically steps into the ring, and this year he’s expected to clash with Crawford in a superfight on Sept. 13.

    The new promotion will implement a comprehensive system designed to cultivate emerging talent from across the globe, featuring athlete combines and dedicated academies.

    Boxers will have access to the world-class UFC Performance Institutes, while TKO will oversee all aspects of event production, both for broadcast and live arena experiences.