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  • Ronda Rousey To Make UFC Return – Rivalry with Kayla Harrison on the Horizon

    Ronda Rousey To Make UFC Return – Rivalry with Kayla Harrison on the Horizon

    One of the most prominent figures in MMA history Ronda Rousey may be preparing for a return to the UFC. Rumors have surfaced suggesting she is considering a comeback, potentially to face a specific opponent in a high-profile fight; Kayla Harrison. This possibility has attracted significant attention within the MMA community and among fight fans worldwide.

    Ronda Rousey’s Origin

    Rousey’s career began in judo, where she made a name for herself by winning an Olympic bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games. Her achievements in judo laid the foundation for her transition into MMA, a sport where she would reach global stardom. She first gained prominence fighting in Strikeforce, where her dominant performances caught the attention of the UFC.

    When Rousey joined the UFC in 2013, she quickly became a central figure in the promotion’s growth, particularly for women’s divisions. Rousey was the inaugural UFC women’s bantamweight champion and defended the title multiple times, often winning her bouts in the first round. Her success was pivotal in cementing women’s MMA as a viable category in the UFC, inspiring countless female fighters and elevating the sport’s visibility.

    Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Rousey’s impact on women’s sports holds social importance. She became a role model for female athletes and challenged traditional gender norms within combat sports. Rousey’s career coincided with a broader movement, helping to normalize women competing at the highest levels in MMA.

    Rousey’s departure from the UFC came after consecutive losses in 2015 and 2016. These defeats, notably her knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, raised questions about her future competitiveness in the sport. Following these setbacks, she shifted her focus to appearances in entertainment and other ventures outside fighting. Her departure was seen as a result of the physical toll of competition, coupled with evolving interests beyond MMA. She then switched to WWE.

    Ronda Rousey Making a Comeback

    The recent rumors about Rousey’s return to the UFC focus on an apparent interest in a comeback fight against Kayla Harrison, the undefeated two-division PFL champion and Olympic judo gold medalist, plus current UFC champ. Chael Sonnen, a former UFC fighter and commentator, shared that Rousey expressed a willingness to return only if the potential opponent is Harrison. Sonnen stated, “Ronda Rousey gonna come back and going to fight the winner of Amanda-Kayla, as long as the winner is Kayla. Okay, now this is the story. This is the story and let me tell you what part of this I can confirm. I can confirm the story came from Ronda.”

    Sonnen elaborated on the nature of Rousey’s potential comeback, emphasizing that she would not want to return simply to fight Amanda Nunes but has her sights set on Harrison. Sonnen also discussed what defines a true comeback in MMA, suggesting that true returns are driven by an overwhelming desire rather than conditions set by the returning athlete regarding opponents.

    The possibility of a Rousey-Harrison fight carries historical significance, as it would pit two Olympic judo medalists against each other in a major MMA bout. Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison faced each other once in a judo match at the 2005 U.S. Judo Championships. At that time, Rousey was 18 years old and just a few weeks past her 18th birthday, while Harrison was a 15-year-old rising talent. The match was a closely contested battle between two future Olympic medalists and MMA stars. Ultimately, Rousey emerged victorious in this encounter.

    Ronda Rousey at Home

    Observers note that Rousey left the UFC with a mixed legacy. While she was once the dominant champion and a marketable star, her losses raised doubts about her standing as a top contender. Sonnen pointed out that “Ronda never needed to leave. Ronda was about the eighth best girl in the world,” but the competitive landscape shifted as new fighters emerged. Whether Rousey can regain her top form remains a key question.

    Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison are poised for one of the biggest fights in women’s MMA history. Harrison, the reigning UFC women’s bantamweight champion and two-time Olympic judo gold medalist, earned the title by defeating Julianna Pena at UFC 316. Nunes, a former two-division UFC champion considered by many as the greatest female fighter of all time, has come out of retirement to challenge Harrison and reclaim the bantamweight title. The fight is highly anticipated and may headline a major UFC event before the end of 2025, subject to Nunes completing the required drug testing protocols for her comeback.

  • Conor McGregor Faces $7.5 Million Lawsuit from Ex-Training Partner

    Conor McGregor Faces $7.5 Million Lawsuit from Ex-Training Partner

    Mixed martial arts figures Artem Lobov and Conor McGregor, once close training partners and public allies, are now entrenched in a high-stakes legal dispute over the lucrative Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey brand. Lobov has filed a lawsuit against McGregor in Ireland’s High Court, claiming he played a foundational role in conceiving and launching the whiskey, and that he is owed a 5% share of proceeds from the company’s eventual multi-million dollar sale.

    Conor McGregor Being Sued By Artem Lobov

    Lobov alleges that in 2016 or 2017, he and McGregor reached a handshake agreement in which Conor McGregor promised him a 5% stake in the business, equivalent to a multi-million dollar payout based on subsequent company valuations. Lobov contends he originated the idea to pivot McGregor’s planned spirits venture from an Icelandic vodka to an Irish whiskey, leveraging his own market research and knowledge of the sector. According to Lobov, his negotiations secured a favorable deal with the distillery and ensured McGregor would have full ownership of the business from the outset, without financial investment.

    In his statements, Lobov has produced what he claims are WhatsApp message records and other evidence to support his contention that he was instrumental at every stage, from conceptualization to brand development. Lobov further asserts he declined remuneration for years of training with McGregor, emphasizing loyalty and prior unpaid contributions.

    Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey

    The financial context for the lawsuit is significant. Proper No. Twelve, founded in 2018, quickly rose to become one of the fastest-growing Irish whiskey brands in the United States, with annual sales reportedly in excess of 330,000 cases domestically. Lobov has cited independent market data indicating the brand generates around $120 million in yearly U.S. sales and may be valued as high as $2 billion, ranking second in the nation’s Irish whiskey market behind Jameson. In 2021, McGregor and his business partners sold their controlling stake to Proximo Spirits for approximately $600 million. Lobov seeks $7.5 million – a figure he says reflects his purported five-percent ownership stake from the business’s high-water valuations.

    McGregor, through counsel and public statements, has denied that Lobov has any rightful financial claim or entitlement to a share of Proper No. Twelve. His legal team characterizes the creation and commercial development of the whiskey as solely McGregor’s work, with no official written partnership or binding obligation to Lobov. McGregor’s representatives have stated that any suggestion that Lobov is owed part of the proceeds is incorrect, and that McGregor’s role as the founder and public face of the brand is undisputed.

    Court proceedings remain ongoing. The High Court has ordered McGregor to disclose records of his financial gains from the whiskey sale as part of discovery. Lobov, in interviews, has indicated he provided evidence of his involvement to McGregor in attempts to resolve the dispute privately, but contends that McGregor rebuffed these efforts and offered him a one-time payment of $1 million – an offer Lobov declined, seeking recognition as a co-founder instead.

    As of August 2025, the case has not gone to full trial. Additional filings and cost orders have been reported, but the outcome remains pending.

    Artem Lobov and Conor McGregor shared a close personal and professional bond for years, both as training partners and friends. They first connected in the mixed martial arts community, training together under John Kavanagh at SBG Ireland, where Lobov often cornered and supported McGregor during major fights. Their relationship extended beyond the gym, with Lobov frequently appearing alongside McGregor at events and in media.

    Conor McGregor has been frequently involved in headline-grabbing controversies extending beyond the fighting arena. In November 2024, a civil jury in Dublin found McGregor liable for sexually assaulting a woman named Nikita Hand at a hotel in 2018, resulting in an order for him to pay over €248,000 in damage.

    Separately, McGregor publicly admitted in 2025 to infidelity in his long-term relationship with Dee Devlin, acknowledging “mistakes” and expressing regret for stepping out on his fiancée, particularly in the context of the civil rape case’s fallout. He has also faced new cheating allegations after photos surfaced showing him with another woman in Florida.

    Beyond legal and relationship controversies, McGregor’s behavior has sparked additional criticism. In June 2025, a video emerged of him repeatedly punching a partygoer in Ibiza’s Pacha nightclub. Witnesses described the altercation as unprovoked, and while the victim was reportedly unharmed, Spanish police did not pursue an investigation.

    Additionally, Conor McGregor has been named in harassment claims by public figures, such as rapper Azealia Banks, who accused him of sending unsolicited and explicit photos and threatening messages via social media.

    Conor McGregor Reportedly Appeals Civil Sexual Assault Verdict
    Image: @thenotoriousmma/Instagram
  • Jon Jones Drops Bombshell: UFC Champion Says He’s “Done” With Fighting

    Jon Jones Drops Bombshell: UFC Champion Says He’s “Done” With Fighting

    UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has once again cast uncertainty over his fighting future, suggesting he may be stepping away from competition. During a recent trip to Asia, Jones delivered a cryptic message in which he claimed he is “done” with fighting, raising questions about whether fans will see him in the Octagon again.

    Jon Jones: I’m Done

    ‘Bones’ Jones, who last fought at UFC 309 in November, has been the subject of ongoing speculation regarding a potential title unification bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall. Despite widespread anticipation for this matchup, Jones has remained noncommittal, fueling rumors with his latest remarks on social media.

    Jon Jones
    Image: MMA Crazy/YouTube

    On a video call, he was asked when he is fighting next. Jon Jones reponded by saying, “I’m done, I’m done.”

    In a recent video, Jones addressed accusations that he was avoiding a fight with Aspinall, saying, “I’ve got people in the chat calling me a duck. Meanwhile, I’m living my absolute best life. I don’t know if it’s considered ducking when you’re living good. I don’t think it works like that.”

    The Rochester native’s comments come after he successfully defended his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden, securing a third-round knockout. Since then, Jones has kept fans guessing about his next move, neither confirming nor denying plans for future bouts.

    Adding to the intrigue, Jones revealed this week that the UFC is already aware of his intentions and expressed surprise that the organization has not shared this information with the public. As speculation continues to swirl, the future of one of the sport’s most decorated fighters remains unclear, leaving fans and analysts alike eager for official word on whether Jon Jones will compete again.

    Jon Jones
    Image: @espnmma/X
  • Breaking: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev Set for UFC 319 Middleweight Title Showdown in Chicago

    Breaking: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev Set for UFC 319 Middleweight Title Showdown in Chicago

    UFC President Dana White announced live on Instagram that Dricus Du Plessis will defend his middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. The event is scheduled for August 16 at the United Center in Chicago.

    Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev

    South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis, the reigning champion, has maintained an undefeated record in the UFC and recently defended his title against top contenders, including Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland. Chimaev, also undefeated in his professional career, has quickly risen through the ranks with victories over former champions and is regarded as a formidable challenger.

    Du Plessis began training in judo at age five, wrestling at 12, and kickboxing at 14. He is known for his well-rounded skill set, holding a second-degree black belt in kickboxing and a background in judo and wrestling. Du Plessis has a professional MMA record of 24 wins and 2 losses, with 9 victories by knockout and 11 by submission. He made his UFC debut in 2020.

    Khamzat Chimaev is undefeated as a professional, with a 14-0 record, including 6 knockouts and 6 submissions. He began wrestling as a child, won Swedish national championships in freestyle wrestling, and transitioned to MMA in 2018. Chimaev quickly rose to prominence in the UFC with dominant performances, including a record-setting run of three wins in 66 days.

    UFC 319

    This middleweight title fight will headline UFC 319, marking one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. Both fighters bring significant win streaks and contrasting styles, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest in Chicago.